Ossian - a Nelson Entertainment Production

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Watch Ossian Now! (http://www.dvxfest.com/lossfest/index.php?id=2900473)
http://www.brainspasm.com/red/Ossian/ossian_poster.jpg


A film unlike anything I've done. Shot on my Red using an antique (but sharp) Angenieux zoom lens, 25-250mm T3.9

Starring:

Mary Nelson www.actressmary.com
My sister and a great actress. She's been taking private lessons from Sandra Peabody for years. Sandra is the one who taught Katee Sackhoff ('Starbuck' from Battlestar Galactica) and also Teresa and Victoria from my previous entries. Mary was the lead role in a feature film called 'A/S/L' (www.aslthemovie.com) and recently was in an official Wii commercial that has over three million hits on YouTube.

Elijah Nelson www.nelsonactors.com
My brother and a SAG-eligible actor. He recently finished a significant speaking role in the multi-million dollar William Hurt movie 'The River Why'. He has been in commercials and films since he was five. He is also taught and rep'd by Sandra Peabody who compares him to a young Haley Joel Osment. He recently auditioned for a Harrison Ford movie.

An epic and yet intimate score by Herman Witkam. Herman's score takes an even more central stage because this project has no dialogue.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Reserved

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Production Blog

1-31-09
Going public! This is a story I've been stewing over for almost a year now, ready to make this happen. It will be interesting, it's one scene, no dialogue.

2-12-09
Trying to buy a home whilst in a DVXUser fest is challenging. I'll be closing a home in a few weeks. Meanwhile, rehearsal and costume prep this Sunday and hopefully shooting the following weekend.

I've been trying to modify my angenieux zoom lens to have focus gears. I ordered the .8 gears from zacuto. Hopefully that does the trick.

I'm going to take a different approach with this short as for the shooting, I'm going to try and minimize my shooting ratio whilst still getting the quality I demand.

2-14-09
Blocked through with the actors. Mary had a great idea for adding an extra beat. A big variable is weather on day of shooting, but I'm ready to roll with anything.

2-19-09
Designed out the last costume with Sarah. I went and walked a fabric store and inspected probably a hundred fabrics and finally found one I liked. She'll make the outfit tomorrow for our shoot on Saturday. Yesterday's attempt to affix a lens gear to my Angenieux using rubber cement was a failure. Tonight I used super glue and that seems much better.

2-21-09
Shot today. What an adventure!

2-22-09
Uploaded clips

3-6-09
Music back from Herman!

3-7-09
Poster up! Debating doing ADR of non-dialogue

[Rodney V. Smith]

And Shawn returns. Welcome back dude.

[mattspat]

Holy! How many people do you have in your family?! I just checked out the site! Haha.

[alex whitmer]

I was just checking the roster to see who was missing.

Welcome, friend. Always like your work.

a


www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com


.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Thanks Puck! Alex! I hope everyone likes it.

I hope to give everyone a real treat here.

[stinkpot]

Excellent. I can't wait to see that Red in action again.

:beer:

[SparkyZa]

Just spent the better half of the day reading your Timefest thread...great stuff...this is sure to be one of the stand-out films of the fest. Looking forward to it.


...word to the wise... be sure to trim your brother's & sister's eyelashes before you shoot! :):)


:beer:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Just spent the better half of the day reading your Timefest thread...great stuff...this is sure to be one of the stand-out films of the fest. Looking forward to it.


...word to the wise... be sure to trim your brother's & sister's eyelashes before you shoot! :):)


:beer:

Wow! That's awesome, I hope it was worth something to you. Aetas was an incredible experience for me.

[Rodney V. Smith]

how's it coming along shawn?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

how's it coming along shawn?

Had conversations with my wardrobe lady today. I've got a distinct idea on colors and choices. We may need to get into some wool dying for the right look and feel.

The 'wardrobe' is my sister Sarah. :-). She kicks serious ass. She did the female costuming for Aetas.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Update on page 1 'production blog'.

[Mark Harris]

Whoa, wha????? How did I miss this???? It's ON. Dueling RED ONE'S at twenty paces!

Good to see you in, man.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Thanks Mark!

Added a new log to the production log.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I've been thinking through my framing. I posed some questions to David Mullen ASC and he gave me some good food for thought.

[Mark Harris]

Interesting, certainly a topic worth expanding on. Care to share your thoughts and what he added?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Assuming you read my question and his reply...

First off, I agree and enjoyed his answer.

Adding on my thoughts, I might play around with character motivations at time of framing, pointing towards the earth being more dejected and/or more grounded, while up at the sky signifying more towards enlightenment, clarity, or even more disoriented (that is, not grounded).

Originally I was going to make this movie shot completely locked off and do it more classic cinematography style. I think I'll do it 90% that with some super subtle track dolly shots. I'll be shooting on a field of dirt but I've got hardwall track and a doorway dolly with track wheels, so hopefully that'd be steady enough to give me the slow creeping feeling on just a few shots.

[jasonthewho]

Assuming you read my question and his reply...

Can't find this, am I crazy?

[Mark Harris]

Assuming you read my question and his reply...



Where is it? But it sounds along the lines of what I was posting about how I wanted to work with color in mine, using it to convey meaning.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Would love to read about it as well.

Looking forward to the movie!
Good luck.

MAH

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2748&page=161

[jasonthewho]

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2748&page=161

Cool, thanks! He seems like the guy to ask, his example pics were gorgeous.

[teresadecher]

Mary told me about your film! Sounds like it's going to be awesome. I can't wait to see it!

Teresa

[Herman Witkam]

Looking forward to it as well :-)

[Robbie Comeau]

Can you not man...

Good luck!

My film may be under 4 minutes as well!

Robbie

[AJ Brooks]

Excited to see it!

[Herman Witkam]

Aetas is on IMDb :)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1378176/

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Thanks everyone!

updated main page prod blog

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Shooting today!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

So no BTS due to limited crew, but I did snap a shot of my Red rigged up. It was a new configuration and it was sure fun!

[Rodney V. Smith]

damn. I like your BTS shots. Oh well, there's always next time. How did everything go anyway?

I tried out a few "Aetus" inspired shots on "Keeper" by the way, but I got impatient (and cold) so they're not as "Aetus" as I would have liked.

[AJ Brooks]

That setup looks pretty sweet.

Yeah, how did shooting go?

[Brandon Rice]

How'd the shoot go Shawn?

[Geoff_R]

What lens is that?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

What lens is that?

Angenieux 25-250mm T3.9 PL mount. I freakin love the look it gives :-). The lack of close focus is annoying for sure, but at any distance it was a joy.

The shoot went well. I had to shoot fast, but I'm fairly certain I got my coverage.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

pick locked and sent to Herman! I also did first pass on CC/Grade in Color. The new Red Room in Color is a dream!!

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Looking forward to some pretty RED footage. :thumbsup:

[Geoff_R]

What's Red Room? I'm behind... I won't have my intel mac for at least another two or three weeks. Color and Red integration?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

What's Red Room? I'm behind... I won't have my intel mac for at least another two or three weeks. Color and Red integration?

Yes :-), 12 bit R3D color grading!! You ingest the R3Ds via L&T in FCP and then send to Color. This gives you a new plugin (provided you downloaded it) to tweak Red R3D settings right there in the Primary In room!! You can adjust the camera ISO, color temp, etc :-)

[Mark Harris]

Yes :-), 12 bit R3D color grading!! You ingest the R3Ds via L&T in FCP and then send to Color. This gives you a new plugin (provided you downloaded it) to tweak Red R3D settings right there in the Primary In room!! You can adjust the camera ISO, color temp, etc :-)

Yeah, I've been using it too. Pretty sweet.

[Zak Forsman]

Sandra is the one who taught Katee Sackhoff ('Starbuck' from Battlestar Galactica)

Well, well... we have a lossfest connection of sorts! haha! John T. Woods ("Will" in my entry) once shared a hottub with a topless Katee Sackhoff.

[Mark Harris]

Well, well... we have a lossfest connection of sorts! haha! John T. Woods ("Will" in my entry) once shared a hottub with a topless Katee Sackhoff.

Meh, who hasn't?









































Been naked in a hot-tub with Woods, that is.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Another one I'm looking forward to. This should look amazing.

Good luck!

MAH

[Zak Forsman]

I imagine that has something to do with how he got the name "Jaunty" Woods.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Just got the score from Herman.

WOW!!!

:-D

[Mark Harris]

WOW!!!

:-D

Yeah, that's usually what happens when you get a score from Herman...

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Just got the score from Herman.

WOW!!!

:-D
Herman's fantastic! Can't wait to hear what he has come up with.

Looks like he's making the rounds again this fest. :beer:

[Tim Joy]

Can't wait to hear it... and see it. Big fan of your work.

[Matty_g]

let see some grabs!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

poster up!

[Rodney V. Smith]

love the poster. nice. simple. effective.

[Geoff_R]

Shawn,

How was your experience working with the 12-250? I just shot a bunch of test footage with one yesterday... It's such a beefy lens but I liked the look and feel. I would love to shoot something narrative with it, test footage is always a bummer...nothing dramatic to photograph :)

At T 3.9, it's difficult for interiors, especially low-budget, small lighting kits...but for exterior work, it's marvelous. Was your whole piece shot with it?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Shawn,

How was your experience working with the 12-250? I just shot a bunch of test footage with one yesterday... It's such a beefy lens but I liked the look and feel. I would love to shoot something narrative with it, test footage is always a bummer...nothing dramatic to photograph :)

At T 3.9, it's difficult for interiors, especially low-budget, small lighting kits...but for exterior work, it's marvelous. Was your whole piece shot with it?

I assume you mean the 25-250mm T3.9. 12mm would be awesome in a lens :-)

Yes, I shot the whole thing with it, I love this lens! It gives a vignette I found (when you watch my short, know that I applied no vignettes to the image as a whole).

The minimum focus of 1.7 meters was a bummer for me as I'm used to being able to get close, but that's probably because I'm not used to big zooms.

I would love to shoot something bigger with it. It has such a fun look to it.

Not to mention that you can achieve some AWESOME depth of field when you do 150mm-250mm range :-)

[Geoff_R]

I assume you mean the 25-250mm T3.9. 12mm would be awesome in a lens :-)

Yes, I shot the whole thing with it, I love this lens! It gives a vignette I found (when you watch my short, know that I applied no vignettes to the image as a whole).

The minimum focus of 1.7 meters was a bummer for me as I'm used to being able to get close, but that's probably because I'm not used to big zooms.

I would love to shoot something bigger with it. It has such a fun look to it.

Not to mention that you can achieve some AWESOME depth of field when you do 150mm-250mm range :-)
Yep, meant the 25-250 :)

Yea, the minimum focus was the only big throwback for me as well... even at 25mm I found I had to really keep stepping back to get solid focus... I could imagine that would be a real bummer for hard core narrative work. I think it's fine for 85 and up, but anything under, there's plenty of instances where you'll need better minimum focus.

Is it your lens? Or did you rent? My buddy just bought one but got a really good deal on it and he already has a standard speed set so I think he made a wise choice. His regular set went up to 85 and so now he's covered up to 250, I think he's fully set now.

It's also wicked heavy... I couldn't imagine doing anything but stick work with it even though our test consisted of nothing but handheld since we ironically didn't have sticks on the day of :)

I'll look for the natural vignetting and I'm excited to see how your film turns out!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

damn. I like your BTS shots. Oh well, there's always next time. How did everything go anyway?

I tried out a few "Aetus" inspired shots on "Keeper" by the way, but I got impatient (and cold) so they're not as "Aetus" as I would have liked.

Thanks Rodney! I'm looking forward to seeing how yours goes.

The shoot went well. I shot it all in magic hour, which is a tricky thing to do!

I showed my Aetas co-producer Ken my finished cut and he's saying that "DVXusers are going to rake you over the coals for this one" lol :-D

My thoughts are for those that understand left-brain/right-brain difference...this is a right-brain movie. I'm extremely proud of it and think I'll get either very high scores or very low scores

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Yep, meant the 25-250 :)

Yea, the minimum focus was the only big throwback for me as well... even at 25mm I found I had to really keep stepping back to get solid focus... I could imagine that would be a real bummer for hard core narrative work. I think it's fine for 85 and up, but anything under, there's plenty of instances where you'll need better minimum focus.

Is it your lens? Or did you rent? My buddy just bought one but got a really good deal on it and he already has a standard speed set so I think he made a wise choice. His regular set went up to 85 and so now he's covered up to 250, I think he's fully set now.

It's also wicked heavy... I couldn't imagine doing anything but stick work with it even though our test consisted of nothing but handheld since we ironically didn't have sticks on the day of :)

I'll look for the natural vignetting and I'm excited to see how your film turns out!

The only rental house in Portland that has it wants to charge $300 a day for this lens!

So I bought it on eBay a year or more ago for $900 and change :-).

It is indeed quite heavy and demands lens support. I got the Cavision lens support for it and bolt that sucker on good. Thankfully the Redrock Micro mattebox gives excellent coverage and my 4x5.65 filters work great.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Aetas is on IMDb :)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1378176/

Herman, Janusz just got added today! He got his first IMDB credit thanks to us :-)

[Geoff_R]

The only rental house in Portland that has it wants to charge $300 a day for this lens!

So I bought it on eBay a year or more ago for $900 and change :-).

It is indeed quite heavy and demands lens support. I got the Cavision lens support for it and bolt that sucker on good. Thankfully the Redrock Micro mattebox gives excellent coverage and my 4x5.65 filters work great.
Wow...I'm not even going to tell him the deal you got. That's an excellent price!

[Herman Witkam]

Herman, Janusz just got added today! He got his first IMDB credit thanks to us :-)

I'll be sure to send him that :beer:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Rendering now!

Final runtime of everything is just under 5 min, not as short as I thought it would be, which is good.

[Will Clegg]

let see some grabs!

I second that!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Uploaded!!

We're this close...why do screen caps? :-)

[ZazaCast]

Looking forward to it Shawn!
(it will be nice to see ALL the Nelsons...)

[Will Clegg]

Uploaded!!

We're this close...why do screen caps? :-)

For us insomniacs on the east coast?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Oh alright... :-)

[pia12254]

Thanks for sharing the grab with us grabophiles!

I really appreciate someone who is not afraid to tackle detailed production value...! The setting/costumes/props look fantastic! Can't wait to see the Nelson family in action...

[ZazaCast]

That grab looks great!

[Will Clegg]

Yeah, Shawn, that looks great. I love the grade.

[Postmaster]

Congrats Shawn. Looking forward to see your entry.

Frank

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Thanks for sharing the grab with us grabophiles!

I really appreciate someone who is not afraid to tackle detailed production value...! The setting/costumes/props look fantastic! Can't wait to see the Nelson family in action...

Wow, thanks man!

I freakin love your screen caps, looks like you've done some big prod value yourself!

[Maximus]

Reminded me of Aetas... same tone, theme, music, style... same epic feel. :thumbsup:

Your lead has real screen presence. Great costume.

Production design overall well done... except for the credits! The credit treatment felt amateurish compared to the rest. A graphic artist with motion design abilities might be something to consider next time.

My two cents.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Reminded me of Aetas... same tone, theme, music, style... same epic feel. :thumbsup:

Your lead has real screen presence. Great costume.

Production design overall well done... except for the credits! The credit treatment felt amateurish compared to the rest. A graphic artist with motion design abilities might be something to consider next time.

My two cents.

THanks for the comments!

I'm a bit confused. Same "tone, theme, music, style" as Aetas? Aetas is about an epic journey over a lifetime and beyond of warrior, spread over many diverse locations, this is about a single 4 minute encounter in a young woman's life, shot in a single location and mostly in closeup and in a period that's separate from Aetas by nearly a thousand years. :-)

I agree the credits could be better. I have no graphic artists at my disposal :-)

[Brandon Rice]

Your best work yet Shawn.

Some of the edits were a little jarring for me, but the shots were nice, performances solid, and costume design was great.

Oh and the music really really helped tell the story. Loved it.

[Kegan]

I absolutely loved the feel and emotion portrayed through the film. May I ask why the name you chose to title your film Ossian? I assume it has relevance to the time period?

It was very well shot - your lead was fantastic, but I did have a question...which is also a SPOILER...

SPOILER

SPOILER

SPOILER


I realize that the boy is an older version of what her baby would have grown up to be, but what did he whisper in her ear to comfort her? Why did she not have to bury him? Was that a gift that he gave to her from the afterlife?

Very enjoyable short,

Kegan

[Maximus]

Hey Shawn,

I was afraid you might call me out on that one! lol

The similarities I was referring to were: style and tone is poetic and lyrical. Story is somewhat vague and open to interpretation. Theme seems to be about death, loss and resurrection. Music is definetely old world Celtic influence. Time period and costumes are historical and European influence. Epic in the sense the big vista shots really sell this as larger than life, ie. mythic.

See? There are similarities. :evil:

[Chris Messineo]

First, I absolutely adored the score. Herman is a genius and this reminded me the score from "Braveheart" (one of my favorites).

I thought your actors were great. You are very lucky to have them in the family.

I really dug the look and feel of this film. As someone said, it was lyrical, like poetry.

Overall, I thought it was beautiful.

[Richard J. Johnson]

Beautiful score. Beautiful location. Beautiful image. When she opened the chest I immediately got chills. There is nothing more sad on this planet than that. Great film! The shot of him walking up behind her was just amazing. Great effing job!

[Zak Forsman]

really lovely work here shawn. i connected with this one in a way i hadn't connect to Aetas. some outstanding compositions, the shot of the young boy at the end has been seared into my memory.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I think this is better than your previous entry. This one touched me and I wasn't distracted by anything. It was very good!

Love that you're not afraid to sit the camera down and let the actors do their thing.

The music was HAUNTING!

Very well done.

Great entry and good luck in the Fest.

MAH

[Blaine]

You did a much better job on the grading of this than on the original version of Aetas. The music was haunting and set the tone for the whole thing. I never really felt a connection with the woman, though. It felt to me as if I was on the outside looking in. I didn't feel I was given enough information to properly care about her or her situation.

That said, you did a great job shooting it.

It would have been nice to see some credits that complemented the pictures you shot.

[lawriejaffa]

Interesting - i mean this film is among my favourites for the entry - and definatley fits in with the British arthouse scene quite neatly (and of course I know your a Yank hehe) but it definately had a distinct vibe seperate to what most of the American films share.

Of course is that the pipes music, the period setting - perhaps.

The film features a beautiful score, and as a whole the story i think is quite simple (much like a condensed folk tale.) In that regards it works!

Some of the imagery might be a little contrived outside the states - the appearance and style is akin to the 'oh what poverty' - irish/scottish (in particular) melodramas for which films like Braveheart are probably the most well known in the States.

So it's good but perhaps not as 'sacred' outside the USA perspective. I personally enjoy the film more when percieving it as a 'dream like story' as something more metaphorical.

Where as a historical/spiritual piece i think it comes off a little too 'clean' (in the girls makeup and condition of her dress) to seem so 'accurate' - at least with the grim image it portrays with its grading and landscape.

In terms of composition, i found the landscapes slope to be a little jarring at times.

Overall an enjoyable piece, and a little different to the US entries I've been watching so far. I think Aetas and this film share some themes, but are actually quite strong in their distinct ways - so I wouldnt really compare them as some have.

[Norm Sanders]

Hey Shawn,

Just watched the film. I saw a comment last night about comparing this to Aetas, and I can see where they'd get that ... if nothing else because you're one of the only filmmakers on here to really successfully pull off an epic look such as that, and then this also has a period/ageless epic feel to it, the music, etc. That said, it's otherwise totally different, of course. :)

I dug that this entire film had no dialogue, and still made sense to a degree. I understood that the older boy WAS THE baby in the chest, though I have no idea how or why he was suddenly out of the chest & grown up? That said, I still liked what I saw, and the payoff that came with it.

Excellent music by Herman, of course, and SOLID camera work (LOVED some of the gorgeous framing in that ... SO theatrical!).

My biggest critique I guess would have been the titles as well, though it doesn't impact the story at all, you do want the viewer to stay with the professional taste in their mouth from beginning to end, so I'd suggest just choosing a different font, or at the VERY least don't have the words squeezing together like that. Simple static credits, fading/disolving to the next would suffice just fine. :)

[lawriejaffa]

Yes to add the titles - especially the end titles were quite the opposite of epic (they were even a bit tacky) which really runs counter to this very classy arty piece. Perhaps something elegant and traditional for the titles and credits?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I repent! The titles were such an after thought. They will be corrected immediately after the fest. Please don't dock me for my late-evening title shenanigans :-/

[lawriejaffa]

Oh im totally with you there Shawn, I've had some terrible titles thrown in at the last second! So anyway with all your recenty arty epics sure you're an American? ;)

You should take a holiday in Scotland - it would be great to see what you could make of the highlands and our lochs :)

[Norm Sanders]

Bah! I don't think anyone's going to dock you for the titles, lol (sure hope folks are more mature than THAT). Just a note to change it before sending off to anything else, which looks like you're going to do. :)

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Oh im totally with you there Shawn, I've had some terrible titles thrown in at the last second! So anyway with all your recenty arty epics sure you're an American? ;)

You should take a holiday in Scotland - it would be great to see what you could make of the highlands and our lochs :)

lol, thank you sir. I already have!
Here's a pic I took of the highlands. Not nearly as good as I'd like, it was taken from behind grungy glass onboard a train that was going between Edinburgh and Inverness.

My wife and I honeymooned in London, did day trips to Taunton and Windsor, then took the eastern train up to Edinburgh where we stayed for three days. From there we did a day trip through the highlands to Inverness.

I miss the UK terribly, though I only spent 12 days there. Too expensive at this juncture to go back (doing it "cheaply", no car rental, etc, cost me over $5,000usd before). I'd certainly love to shoot a movie there.

[lawriejaffa]

Awee well wonderful - well if your ever up to Bonnie Scotland again let me know and ill take you all out to dinner hehe (Scottish film producer hospitality!) I hope you enjoyed your visit too (okay ill stop rabitting on now!) ;) - Gorgeous pic too!

[Geoff_R]

Shawn,

This is a more artistic, personal piece compared to some of your other work I've seen. It's difficult to critique it in a traditional sense because more artsy films aren't meant to be interpreted literally. The performances, cinematography, music, editing are all good in my book. From a purely tech perspective, I found the arrival of the new, grown boy to be awkward... he lingered too long in the corners of the frame and didn't flow into the story well.

Storywise... I got the message and understand what is going on but I didn't know what to derive from it. A feeling of hope? of yearning for an impossible future? of confusion? I don't know if the girl is hallucinating or receiving a vision, or if literally the boy had transformed and was moving on to another life (either physically or spiritually). These questions drowned emotional connection to both the boy and the girl. I kept searching for an answer instead of feeling the moment. Again, not sure on the intentions of the piece so whose to say any of my thoughts have any relevance :)

To me, this is one of those films that reminds me of an abstract painting. I don't mean that in a negative way. With abstract art, it's usually not constructed from any particular viewpoint, it's a pure expression of a moment, an emotion, a mixture of creative passion that needs to get out. What each and every person interprets from it is theirs and theirs alone, including the artist.

[img]

Shawn,
Great job i liked the look and the feel.

[pia12254]

Shawn,

I didn't really grasp the story but I definitely related to it on a very visceral level. About three shots in you had me totally hooked!

You have a great visual sense. For me the costume, props, colors, etc all worked wonderfully! And the actress...wow! I would love to use her in a film some day. She has amazing gravity when she is on screen.

And the score by Herman was just stunning...

Good job!

[Chantellyssa]

This is by far, my favorite :)

-Chantelle

[Zak Forsman]

This is by far, my favorite :)

-Chantelle

you two have GOT to team up one of these days.

[Chantellyssa]

you two have GOT to team up one of these days.

Thank you! That's what I've been trying to tell him for a while!!! Shawn, I hope you're reading this :)

-Chantelle

[orchidsofwrath]

COOL!!! Those shots look really bad though... in the same way Michael Jordan is bad at basketball.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

COOL!!! Those shots look really bad though... in the same way Michael Jordan is bad at basketball.

lol, funny. small emotional roller-coaster, I read the first part of your sentence and I was like 'ouch, harsh' then 'oh, cool' :-)

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

To everyone asking/giving what the movie is about...great! Keep them coming! i love hearing everyone's perspective on what it means to them. I'll reveal what it is to me once the voting is closed. I'll say that I meant it to be simple and more emotionally felt then left-brain-intellectualized (which is saying a lot coming from me, I've a degree in Computer Science, i get paid to only use my left brain :-D

[Noel Evans]

I for one (sure there are many others) appreciate you giving us something original that stands out. Cheers and beers for you.

[ZazaCast]

Beautifully shot as always! That lens is WAY cool... and I loved the grading. I can't say I really understood or was drawn into the story, but a couple more views might get me there. Costumes, acting...and the score, top notch.

Really good job to all...and who doesn't love a baby zombie flick? I was waiting for the boy to bite into her neck when he bent to whisper into her ear! LOL!

Just kidding...kudos on ANOTHER great film! Love your work.

[Eric Meisner]

I enjoyed your film and absorbed it into my subconscious. I think it works on many levels. I like it when a film let's you form your own story of what it is about. The bleakness of the landscape, the other holes behind her and in front. The disturbing image of the baby in the chest and an older version of the child (my interpretation) coming to his mother to tell her he lives on in another place.

Very Bergman, I thought that Max von Sydow might come out and play chess with Death...

Great entry...

[timbook2]

watched it twice.....music only? no atmosphere? I like the "no dialogue" .
very well filmed, nice pictures! The story is easy to understand....well done!

[alex whitmer]

Wow, beautiful camera work. I didn't get the story 100%, but I'm a bit daft, so maybe another view and it will make sense.

Nice costume and mood. It's amazing what you can do with no dialogue, and this takes it up a notch.

Maybe one day DVX will do a silent fest. If we get even a few like this, it will be worth watching all the damn leaders.

Good job.

aw


www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com

[Kholi]

I actually just PM'd my comment to Shawn. Better said there--

[Postmaster]

I really like that one Shawn. It´s in the tradition of your Timefest entry - looks like you have great sense for epic dramas. But then lovley simplicity. 2 actors one prop and nothing else than a wide open plane and wonderfull music. No need for dialog.

Frank

[Lawsuit_Boy]

I also was a fan of the film's simplicity. I enjoyed the setting used, the lead was good, and the story was certainly intriguing.

This is of course very open to interpretation, and I feel as if I have a strong grasp on what actually happened. It's always odd breaking metaphysical and sensory boundaries in order to transmit abstract thoughts or surrealist notions. I really commend you for doing so. I always look for films that can be as laconic as possible, and this one certainly is.

There were a few things that did indeed bug me, though, and it's mostly aesthetic discrepancies, but there were a few film language quirks to me.

I feel as if a wider vantage point on some shots would have helped to isolate the woman even more. I liked the shot of the boy approaching her VERY much, but toward the end, it seemed as if he was walking away from her for good. He looks back on her to make sure she's pressing on, but the view was just too close in my opinion. Perhaps because it was on a hill, having him at the bottom looking up wouldn't have worked. But I felt like he should have been somewhere fairly distant. Because the shot was so intimate, I felt a connection among the two (which I'm willing to bet was intentional), but I also felt that it cheated the perspective. He appears to be a watcher; a protector of sorts. Perhaps even a guide now? And I feel as if he should have been portrayed with a little more breadth.

But, after blowing all of this smoke, I return to the old saying, "Hindsight is 20/20." So great job on a very strong film. I loved the atmosphere and the music, though a little melodramatic (as lawriejaffa mentioned earlier), was a very good fit.

Thanks for the viewing pleasure! :beer:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I enjoyed your film and absorbed it into my subconscious. I think it works on many levels. I like it when a film let's you form your own story of what it is about. The bleakness of the landscape, the other holes behind her and in front. The disturbing image of the baby in the chest and an older version of the child (my interpretation) coming to his mother to tell her he lives on in another place.

Very Bergman, I thought that Max von Sydow might come out and play chess with Death...

Great entry...

Dang Eric, thanks for that! Btw, I really like your work and have enjoyed seeing it this fest

[Spear670]

This was beautifully made. I'm a sucker for all thing Ireland, but this was really great.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I really like that one Shawn. It´s in the tradition of your Timefest entry - looks like you have great sense for epic dramas. But then lovley simplicity. 2 actors one prop and nothing else than a wide open plane and wonderfull music. No need for dialog.

Frank

Thanks Frank! I was indeed going for simplicity, I'm glad you enjoyed it

[jasonthewho]

Hey Shawn, I'm going to give you very specific notes, hope you don't mind.

The opening shot is great, until it stops, then starts moving again.

The dead baby looks very convincing. That shot where she opens the case is beautiful, although it is on the wrong side of the line.

At about 1 min 18 sec, it looks like you adjust the focus. That took me out of it for a second. It's during the sequence, where she's digging. I'd love to see a close up of her hands digging during that moment. Just to break it up and keep visual interest. Plus you could have covered up the focus issue.

Her performance is very good.

I love the shot where he's walking towards her, out of focus, but it takes forever.

In the side angle of the boy whispering to her, I'd love it if it had been framed where we could have seen his face, even if just a sliver.

There's one too many looks over her shoulder at the end.

I really like the last two shots.

Credits are weird, I think this had been mentioned before.

Overall good work. It took a second view for me to notice the other dug up areas of earth. I guess the first time I just thought it was the way the ground was. Very nice detail.

[Norm Sanders]

At about 1 min 18 sec, it looks like you adjust the focus. That took me out of it for a second. It's during the sequence, where she's digging.

I recall that as well. It wasn't a noticeable adjustment at the time due to the subject becoming more or less clear, but it was like the whole frame breathed or shifted from some sort of rack/focus.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Yes, I know. I did another take that was technically more perfect, but this take had the best emotion

[Mark Harris]

Shame on your for making your baby hold it's breath that long!

I'll admit, I didn't really understand what happened in this film. I thought one thing, but then my GF thought something else. And don't get me wrong, I dig me some films that make me wonder.

But I really liked the simplicity of it. It feels like you learned from Aetus. In that film, I think I said the people were more compelling than the landscapes. In this one, it seems like you learned to let the landscapes be a stage for the people to shine. Which is a HUGE thing to learn, I think.

Maybe I'm off, but it's nice to see growth and application in fellow filmmakers.

I now see why you were asking that advice on horizons from the DP on the RED board. :)

I think the only thing about it that didn't work for me, was that kid's walk. He walks for a LONG time. A LONG time. I think you get as much impact out of shortening that, or cutting away from it, I dunno what footy you have to work with. Right now, my GF and I were both sitting there going: "All right, kid, shake a leg! Get the lead out. STEP ON IT!"

[Will Clegg]

Hey Shawn,

This is one of the best looking shorts I have ever seen in one of these fests. Your actress was great (your sister?) and I loved the simplicity of it. I felt that it ran a little too long though - I might be alone in that notion based on reading comments by some others. I also though that the music was a tad on the melodramatic side, and that if it were toned down a bit, the rest of the film would not seem as melodramatic.

Nice work - looking forward to your next piece.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Shame on your for making your baby hold it's breath that long!

I'll admit, I didn't really understand what happened in this film. I thought one thing, but then my GF thought something else. And don't get me wrong, I dig me some films that make me wonder.

There is a meaning behind it, the clue is in the costuming, everything is intentional.



But I really liked the simplicity of it. It feels like you learned from Aetus. In that film, I think I said the people were more compelling than the landscapes. In this one, it seems like you learned to let the landscapes be a stage for the people to shine. Which is a HUGE thing to learn, I think.

Maybe I'm off, but it's nice to see growth and application in fellow filmmakers.

I now see why you were asking that advice on horizons from the DP on the RED board. :)

thanks man!



I think the only thing about it that didn't work for me, was that kid's walk. He walks for a LONG time. A LONG time. I think you get as much impact out of shortening that, or cutting away from it, I dunno what footy you have to work with. Right now, my GF and I were both sitting there going: "All right, kid, shake a leg! Get the lead out. STEP ON IT!"

Fair enough. I intentionally wanted it to last that long, to make it deliberate, as a way of building a certain amount of tension. If that didn't work for you, it's good for me to know that.

[SMarston]

red/white, simply shot and to the point. i liked

[SMarston]

everything about this was perfect other than my not understanding what was going on with the child. was he supposed to be the baby?

[Tim Joy]

It slams in with emotion, played very well. The music really sets the tone nicely. The images, of course, are beautiful, and shot on the perfect overcast day. (Do you get many of those there? :))

I was compelled to say the same thing in my head at one point as I did during Zak's movie. "DAmn you B@stards for the whispering-in-the-ear-and-not-letting-us-listen-thing!"

Luckily I was able to read his lips by taking it into AE and slowing down the lips while motion tracking them and then speeding it back up while assigning a tone to every nuanced motion and.... well that part is pretty boring, but if my transcription is correct he said:
" Hey lady, I think one of your petty coats has some toilet paper in it, and I could probably get it out but I'm not old enough yet and that would probably been seen as uncooth.. Ooops I stole your baby! Bye!"

Is it right?

Great film no matter what he said. :)

[Rodney V. Smith]

Shawn, as always, a visual feast. I like how you translate landscapes so well and I'm constantly inspired by your visual language. You took it up another notch this time by using absolutely no words, and it wasn't that it was a silent movie... it was a film that needed no words. Even if they were whispered in her ear and we're all straining to hear... damn you for that! Damn you!

I got the story, and the intent and I loved every moment of it. Thanks for reminding us of the beauty of the visual medium.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

wow puck, I'm floored!

ironically, i also get upset when we don't hear what's whispered (Lost in Translation really pissed me off).

BUT, I felt I visually showed the essence of what he said. that is, what he said didn't matter because of what happened after it.

In all, it's an experimental piece. I'm greatly pleased to hear that you, and the others who have commented likewise, got something from it.

[armisiano]

Very interesting. I mean that in a completely good way. Sorry I can't give you more, I really in a way don't know what else to say. But yes, very interesting.

[JCVR]

I like shorts like this. Simple, beautiful, kind of surreal. I thought it was executed really well. Honestly, and there's not much you can do about this considering the limitations of the fest... but i'm interested in what the rest of this world looks like.

super cool

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I like shorts like this. Simple, beautiful, kind of surreal. I thought it was executed really well. Honestly, and there's not much you can do about this considering the limitations of the fest... but i'm interested in what the rest of this world looks like.

super cool

Thanks. That's the things with shorts, such a tiny snapshot.

I now prefer to write features :-D

[MrKilloran]

The music is very haunting and lends a lot to the weight of this piece.

Costuming and acting all worked for me and it all gives off a definite feel of folklore but I'm not sure I grasped the story. The minute details that I'm sure hint at it may have passed me by.

In your story do people bury things at this hillside often? There seems to be a lot of piles of dirt/mud that looks dug up?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

The music is very haunting and lends a lot to the weight of this piece.

Costuming and acting all worked for me and it all gives off a definite feel of folklore but I'm not sure I grasped the story. The minute details that I'm sure hint at it may have passed me by.

In your story do people bury things at this hillside often? There seems to be a lot of piles of dirt/mud that looks dug up?

Thanks!

The other piles are mole hills (or groundhogs or whatever).

What she digs is the first "manmade" hole

[Zim]

I'll try downloading your film again but it said it was going to take 6 hours!!

[Zim]

I got it now. It was like I had dial up again!!! Must of been a internet problem

[Zim]

The film looks great. Just a good film to sit back and watch.

[chriscurl]

This was beautiful, really nice to watch. If any criticisms, there are a couple of jerky camera movements that took me out of it for a second but everything else were right on!

[galbach]

I have to say the bar raises every fest... I loved your short.. The baby shot really hit home with my wife and I due to the fact we just found out we are pregnant with our second child an few hours earlier today.... Your lead did an oustanding job as welll.. again Great Job!!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I have to say the bar raises every fest... I loved your short.. The baby shot really hit home with my wife and I due to the fact we just found out we are pregnant with our second child an few hours earlier today.... Your lead did an oustanding job as welll.. again Great Job!!

wow, thanks man! that shot bothered my wife tremendously (as she gave birth to our second just a few months ago). Congrats on your second! To me, the second one seemed to make it more of a 'family'.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

On a random note, I met and talked to Steven Soderbergh tonight. We had a short geek out over Red, it was fun.

[Sprocketboy]

Mesmerizing images and music. Certainly, eye candy of what a Red camera can do. Its a nice piece. There's not much to gang up on. Good job.

[abraham]

Very pretty pictures. Reminds me a lot of a Vermont Filmmaker I know named Michael Fisher.
He's posted his work on this site before -- i wonder if you'd like it.

Good work. Thanks.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

thanks Abraham! Do you have a link to anything by this Michael Fisher? I dont believe I've seen any of his work.

[abraham]

sure-- scroll down to "the regret"

cheers

[Robbie Comeau]

No idea what just happened, and I didn't like the first shot. Looked like it was a mistake and you didn't pan over, and then you were like, "Oh, I have to move over a bit more."

Maybe it was intentional, but I didn't really feel it.

Other than that, the filming and acting was incredible!

Like the look, and the score was goregous as well.

Maybe if I understand it better, I'll give it a higher rating. So you should PM me the story and I'll give it another view! Haha.

Robbie

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Does anyone else echo Robbie's 'call for explanation'? If so, I can give my explanation.

Though, I think it legitimately works with whatever interpretation people bring to the table

[Geoff_R]

Though, I think it legitimately works with whatever interpretation people bring to the table
That's how it should work. It is what you make of it. Explaining things ruins it. IMO.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

I tend to agree Geoff.

Though Robbie, I'll give you a hint. Look at what the boy is wearing...

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I tend to agree Geoff.

Though Robbie, I'll give you a hint. Look at what the boy is wearing...
No offense to Robbie but last Fest he didn't get the ending to my movie, Calls From The Führerbunker.

I had plenty or reviews and not one other person didn't get it. :)

I think your movie was pretty clear.

MAH

[orchidsofwrath]

I thought it was pretty clear as well.

[Brian Parker]

Wow Shawneous...you always make these films that are grand and sweeping and yet somehow intimate. Another nice work. Nothing to really complain about. Shots were great (love the one of the boy, where the sky creates a glow around him) and colors were perfect as well. Score was awesome. Herman did a great job on that. That's about all I have to say. Awesome film.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Thanks Champloo! I appreciate it. That glow around the boy was actually due entirely to my choice in lens, the Angenieux 25-250mm T3.9 PL.

[hoz]

wow, i think you had the best first minute of any film i have watched yet. i simply loved it, the music, the shots, the acting, the story. so strong! sort of wished the music didn't change when the woman began to dig in the dirt and sort of wished she was tearing up and more of a physical mess, tears with mud on her cheeks sort of thing, but i only offer this up because i was so into this!

still! i loved the story as it did unfold! really, congratulations!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Wow.

I'm really shocked here, these turn of events. I'll leave it at that.

Thanks to those who commented, it was a fun run.

[Jason Ramsey]

Wow.

I'm really shocked here, these turn of events. I'll leave it at that.

Thanks to those who commented, it was a fun run.


???

Later,
Jason