LOOK AT ME - Sprocketboy

[Sprocketboy]

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20Poster%20dvx.jpg

[Sprocketboy]

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20Cast%20dvx.jpg

CREW

SCREENPLAY by
Blaine Langberg and Todd Walkow

PRODUCED by
Alex Lugones, Blaine Langberg and Todd Walkow

DIRECTED by
Alex Lugones

DIRECTOR of PHOTOGRAPHY
Rachael Levine

GAFFER / ELECTRICIAN
Robert Ansbro

SOUND MIXER and BOOM OPERATOR
Michael Larini

SOUND DESIGN / MUSIC SCORE by
Kevin McSweeney

EDITING by
Alex Lugones

KEY GRIP
Seth Crosby

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / MAKEUP
Joseph Laudati

ASSISTANT CAMERA
Kay Hung


PRODUCTION DIARY

March 7, 2009 - Upload finalized version to DVXUser
March 4, 2009 - Upload to DVXUser for approval
Feb 26, 2009 - Completed Soundtrack
Feb 24, 2009 - Locked Picture and Track
Feb 22, 2009 - First Rough Cut with running time of approx. 8 mins.
Feb 21, 2009 - Signed on Music Composer to do score and sound design
Feb 18, 2009 - Logged footage
Feb 15, 2009 - 2nd Day of Production on-location at Orthodontist Office
Feb 14, 2009 - 1st Day of Production on-location at Missy's House
Feb 11, 2009 - Rochelle Smith (Missy) has braces made for film
Feb 10, 2009 - Rehearsals in NYC, Began DVXUser Thread for "Look at Me"
Feb 6, 2009 - Signed on Sound Mixer and Boom Operator
Feb 5, 2009 - Cast selected from auditions
Feb 3, 2009 - Auditions for "Look at Me" in NYC
Jan 30, 2009 - Revisited Missy's House with Director of Photography
Jan 29, 2009 - Sonny Hong completes Poster Design for "Look at Me"
Jan 22, 2009 - Made selections for casting & scheduled appointments for auditions
Jan 21, 2009 - Scouted 2nd house and secured it for filming / Signed on Gaffer and Key Grip
Jan 15, 2009 - Posted a casting call for "Look at Me"
Jan 9, 2009 - Scouted 1st house to use in film
Jan 4, 2009 - Signed on Director of Photography and 1st Assistant Camera
Dec 23, 2008 - Meeting with Dir. of Film Comission to suggest possible locations.
Dec 21, 2008 - Todd Walkow suggests changing titled to "Look at Me"
Dec 18, 2008 - Received final script revisions after giving Director notes to writers
Dec 4, 2008 - Read a 9 page screenplay entitled, "The Retainer"

[Sprocketboy]

Production Stills from LOOK AT ME

[Rodney V. Smith]

welcome! glad to see someone else is shooting on VD Day

[Sprocketboy]

I'm also planning on shooting another short on Gonorrhea Day during the Summer.

[Rodney V. Smith]

don't forget STD day in May. you get a free stripper in your movie.

[Sprocketboy]

I'm having a rehearsal in NEW YORK CITY on Tuesday Feb 10th for 2 hours. Its a good time to make line changes to suit the actors. Another benefit is getting the blocking down. Other than that I don't like to over rehearse actors. Keep it fresh. That's why we are having just one rehearsal. Afterward, I'm going to the corner diner to get a bite to eat.

[Richard J. Johnson]

That is a nice house. Great location.

[Erez Henya]

AN ORTHODONTIC RETAINER?

haha! wonderful! bon chance!

edit: cast and set look fantastic!

[jasonthewho]

Nice cast and locations!

[ZazaCast]

Beautiful cast...and I want to live at that location! I'm looking forward to the film, best of luck.

[Sprocketboy]

Beautiful cast...and I want to live at that location!

So would I. Its only reserved for the privileged. There are some shots of the Orthodontic Office updated on the first page of this thread.

[Sprocketboy]

AN ORTHODONTIC RETAINER?

haha! wonderful! bon chance!

edit: cast and set look fantastic!

I never wore a retainer in my life, but I was made aware that many people lose them like a pair glasses. Its high on the list of things most likely to lose.

[Mark Harris]

Cool, locations look great as does the cast. Can't wait to see what comes out. Where in the city are you rehearsing?

[Sprocketboy]

Its off Broadway, around the corner from the Letterman Show. I rent a 11' x 15' room for $22 an hour. These damn films have to cost something.

[stinkpot]

Enticing stills! I'm looking forward to see what you do with this.

:beer:

[Erez Henya]

I never wore a retainer in my life, but I was made aware that many people lose them like a pair glasses. Its high on the list of things most likely to lose.

...only whereas some people sometimes have an extra pair of glasses (e.g. in the car), a lost retainer is... a lost retainer. I have no idea how one can lose it though (it... fell off when you didn't notice? you "let it breathe some air" at the movies?), but that's possibly off-topic.

I certainly didn't expect that when suggesting LossFest to the admins, and I like your surprise!

:)

[Sprocketboy]

Enticing stills! I'm looking forward to see what you do with this.

:beer:

Unfortunately, I will not be blogging or pod casting like some of the members here. Its hard for me to find the time between my responsibilities at home and work. In any case, I will be using this forum to exclusively post photos of the production and post-production process on this film.

It will be interesting to see the before and after shots of the locations. In the current shots you are obviously seeing natural lighting. After my DP lights it and the color grading in post, it will look quite different.

I'm glad that my stills are enticing.:Drogar-Love(DBG):

[ZazaCast]

So would I. Its only reserved for the privileged.

...so how'd you get in? :)

[Sprocketboy]

Networking. The writer-producer on this short hooked up with the director of the film commission at a party. He mentioned our little film and set up an appointment to meet formally. We both met with her, and told her about the location we required to tell our story. She gave us two suggestions. We followed up with phone calls and made appointments to view the houses.

We picked this Italian inspired ultra-modern house. It fits the persona of the main character, Missy. You can find a variety of homes like this in Malibu or Miami.

How much are we paying to shoot in this house? Zero. I made that clear from the beginning. This owner appreciates the arts and wants to help out in any way possible. I enjoy making films with a big production value look for zero dollars.

Networking is the key.

[Rodney V. Smith]

sigh. i need to meet more people.

[Sprocketboy]

sigh. i need to meet more people.

Listen, man. You are doing just fine. I'm very impressed with your ambitious nature. Keep it going...

[Rodney V. Smith]

Listen, man. You are doing just fine. I'm very impressed with your ambitious nature. Keep it going...

It's the whole networking thing. i really gotta get out of the basement and practice more. Film isn't all shooting and editing and then spending a week or two doing the soundmix... there's also the "real people" element to it. Hmm, wonder if there are any mixers going on in Toronto...

[Sprocketboy]

No. This is not a ripoff scene from Marathon Man. "Is it Safe!" Rochelle Smith (sitting in the chair), who plays Missy, had a pair of braces made today. Dr. Blaine Langberg (co-writer and producer) created the removable braces as seen in the photos below. Its not a simple process.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20Dental.jpg

[Sprocketboy]

Nice cast and locations!

Thanks. The shots from your short are not looking too shabby. There are a lot of talented people in Texas. I would love to do a film down there one day.

[Richard J. Johnson]

That is just crazy........................ a dentist that produces movies.:beer:
this film is looking very interesting.


No. This is not a ripoff scene from Marathon Man. "Is it Safe!" Rochelle Smith (sitting in the chair), who plays Missy, had a pair of braces made today. Dr. Blaine Langberg (co-writer and producer) created the removable braces as seen in the photos below. Its not a simple process.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20Dental.jpg

[warau]

Wow, this looks like an interesting film with great locations! Looking forward to seeing it. I thought dentist were just supposed to invest in films, not write them!?:)

[Sprocketboy]

That is just crazy........................ a dentist that produces movies.:beer:
this film is looking very interesting.

I thought the same thing until I sat down with him and he made his pitch. His career as an orthodontist hasn't stopped him from watching movies and television. He is truly a film fanatic and has written other non-fiction material before this short film.

The first thing I thought maybe I can get this guy to finance one of my feature film scripts. It's, as you know, well known that anyone with a doctorate in teeth will finance a film.

At least, I have the best technical adviser I could get to oversee the film.

[Sprocketboy]

Wow, this looks like an interesting film with great locations! Looking forward to seeing it. I thought dentist were just supposed to invest in films, not write them!?:)

In most cases, you are right.

And here's the double twist ending, the two writers on this film are orthodontists. Not one, but two. One from here, in Ridgefield, CT and the other from Newport Beach, CA. Now put that in your pipe and smoke on it. :Drogar-Smoke(DBG):

Todd Walkow, one of the writers, has several family members in show business as entertainers, including his brother. He says, that he was the one that seemed odd for going the orthodontist route.

I don't think I would ever come up with an idea about a loss retainer for LossFest. I don't think anyone would. I had an influence on the script's tonality and ending. It hits a note I like and understand. In the end, they still built the ship. I'm just the captain.

There must be some odd connection between teeth and filmmaking. When someone figure it out, let me know what it is.

[kevinkshah]

In most cases, you are right.


There must be some odd connection between teeth and filmmaking. When someone figure it out, let me know what it is.


I bite my nails a lot while scripting... could that be it?

can't wait to see this one

[Sprocketboy]

I bite my nails a lot while scripting... could that be it?

can't wait to see this one

I just finished shooting for 16 hours and I'm beat. But, I think you are onto something with the nail biting.

[armisiano]

No. This is not a ripoff scene from Marathon Man. "Is it Safe!" Rochelle Smith (sitting in the chair), who plays Missy, had a pair of braces made today. Dr. Blaine Langberg (co-writer and producer) created the removable braces as seen in the photos below. Its not a simple process.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20Dental.jpg


HA! Awesome. As some are starting to notice, I'm sort of a recovering propaholic. These are freakin fantastic. Nice work. :D

[Sprocketboy]

HA! Awesome. As some are starting to notice, I'm sort of a recovering propaholic. These are freakin fantastic. Nice work. :D

So, I assume you are slowly, but surely selling all your props.

Thanks, for the compliment. I love details and the fact that we can have fake braces that are meticulously created by an orthodontist involved with this project is a plus. We just wrapped on this production 4 hours ago after a 9 hour shoot day, so the best thing I can dig up on the braces for now, is this photo.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20bts%20braces.jpg

[Tomas Riuka]

isn't this house the same place where fat monsters shot their love fest entry?

production seems very serious! gotta watch this :)

[Sprocketboy]

isn't this house the same place where fat monsters shot their love fest entry?

production seems very serious! gotta watch this :)

I know which one you are talking about. The scene outside near the pool. That short was incredible. But you guessed wrong, its not the same house. Our house does not have a sweet looking pool like that with a view to die for. But, then again, its an awesome house in whole different way.

[Sprocketboy]

Here are a couple of Behind-the-Scenes photos from LOOK AT ME. It goes to show you that you can't have enough equipment. In some of the shots you will see the HVX-200 without a 35mm lens adapter. Instead, I opted for more light (1/2 to 1 stop loss with adapter) and did the old long-lens, zoom-in trick to create a more shallow depth of field. Yes! Those are Kinoflos with daylight and tungsten lamps, but you can still do a great job with a couple of china balls.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20bts%2003.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20bts%2004.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20bts%2005.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20bts%2008.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20bts%2009.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/LOOK%20bts%2010.jpg

That is one cool looking makeup kit.

[Rodney V. Smith]

how many more days to go?

[Eric Meisner]

Great Locations Can't wait to see this one.

[Mark Harris]

Love the BTS. Apple boxes. Wow, you are pro! I think we use a stack of books...

[Matty_g]

i had to set lights up in chairs.

[Sprocketboy]

how many more days to go?

I'm done with production work. We shot 14.5 hours the first day and 8 hours the second day. I'm getting ready to start the rough cut either tomorrow or Friday. The deadline is coming up fast and I still have to find someone to do the music score.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, I'm looking at a marathon edit this weekend to get picture lock for the composer by monday...eeeks.

[Sprocketboy]

Love the BTS. Apple boxes. Wow, you are pro! I think we use a stack of books...

I must admit I was lucky this time to have the luxury of a full grip van. The van belongs to a good college friend of mine. He is compulsively neat and stocks a van that packs a punch. Besides, the underrated apple boxes, it included a doorway dolly.

...and don't tell me you used a stack of books with the Red Camera. :)

[Sprocketboy]

I've been busy logging and editing together a rough cut the last few days. I thought it was about time I put up some screen grabs. These are straight from the editing timeline.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/04-OrthoClinic3.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/06-Bathroom.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/12-Bdrm.jpg

[Mark Harris]

Good stuff. I esp like the composition in the middle one. Mirrors are good for achieving more than one thing in a single shot.

Which camera are you using?

[Sprocketboy]

Which camera are you using?

I'm using a vanilla HVX-200A. No 35mm adapter. I'm beginning to regret it as I review the footage. I could see where a shallower DOF would have helped.

I only had two shooting days, so I was afraid the adapter would slow me down. Next time I have to plan for more shooting days and get an adapter... or RED.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, it's one thing I have fallen in love with real fast on the RED, is the very natural DOF. It's no longer something to strive for, just shoot and it will do what it does.

[kevinkshah]

These are killer days. I don't know how you do it!


I just finished shooting for 16 hours and I'm beat. But, I think you are onto something with the nail biting.

The poster is great

[Sprocketboy]

The 16 hour day is an approximation. It was 16 hours the moment I headed for the location and returned to my house. We really shot for 14.5 hours, and strangely enough we followed Union procedures for eating even though we are not union, of course. The 6 hours at a time rule works rather well. It keeps everyone's stomach happy.

[Sprocketboy]

The rough cut was rough and the fine cut was even rougher. The length had gone from 8 mins. to 7 mins. & 36 secs. to 6 mins. & 48 secs. to 6 mins. & 15 secs... I found myself stuck at the magic length of 6 minutes and 15 seconds for a long time, until I had to make other sacrifices. The current length is now at 5 minutes and 58 seconds. I'm an official entry.

I have a little tweaking to do, but its going out the door for a music score.

[Will Clegg]

It hurts cutting those last 15 seconds, huh? For me it was stuck at 6:22, and then I had to take a long, hard look at the whole thing. Now I am down around 5:57.

Looking forward to seeing this - you have a good-looking cast. I gotta tell you, I just shot with the HVX200a and an adapter, and I kind of wish that I had just used the bare camera for most of my scenes. Would have been so much less stress - and more time spent on getting all the right shots.

[Sprocketboy]

I just shot with the HVX200a and an adapter, and I kind of wish that I had just used the bare camera for most of my scenes. Would have been so much less stress - and more time spent on getting all the right shots.

Wow. I wish I used an adapter. Regardless, we pulled focus on every shot which means we pretty much would have used up the same amount of time to shoot. I opted to shoot without the 35mm adapter to get most of the shots on my shot list. My DP did not shoot any faster. She wanted to make sure every shot had perfect focus. Live and learn.

[Sprocketboy]

I finished up the bulk of my color correcting and grading. Most of the shots have subtle differences from the original. The DP and Gaffer lit and composed the scenes as discussed before shooting. Here is the first set I will post. More to come...

I just noticed that these shots are really very subtle. Not very dramatic. I removed some blue, decrease skin tone shadows, added diffusion and added warmth. My other shots had more extreme correction and grading.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/04%20OrthoClinic.jpg

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/04%20OrthoClinic%20CC.jpg

[Sprocketboy]

Here is another example of color correction and grading to an extreme. I added warmth, crushed the shadows, added a little diffusion and created a depth of field focus using one of the filters in Magic Bullet Looks. Its no COLOR, but it gets the job done quickly and effectively within Final Cut Pro.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/MBLooks.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/06%20Bathroom.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/06%20Bathroom%20CC.jpg

[Sprocketboy]

Just letting everyone know Matt Sconce's formula for BIG, BEAUTIFUL and under 50 Megabytes really works wonderfully. Here's the link, thanks to Rodney Smith, who made me aware of it:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=138020&highlight=compression

Matt shows it on a simple QuickTime interface on windows. I used compressor (included with Final Cut Pro). Its a front end for QuickTime. The only additional thing I would recommend adding is a Gamma Correction Filter and set it around .92. It will brighten up the footage a tad for better viewing on a Windows computer. My footage, with the DVXUser leader, comes to 6 mins. and 9 secs. Final size is 800 x 450 pixels. Using the compression formula by Matt made the overall size 49.1 MB.

http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/Compressor.jpg

Notice the "Estimated file size" is 44.19 MB. The actual size is 5 MB larger.

[Mark Harris]

Here is another example of color correction and grading to an extreme. I added warmth, crushed the shadows, added a little diffusion and created a depth of field focus using one of the filters in Magic Bullet Looks. Its no COLOR, but it gets the job done quickly and effectively within Final Cut Pro.


http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/06%20Bathroom.jpg
http://www.sprocketboy.com/lookatme/dvxuser/06%20Bathroom%20CC.jpg

It feels a hair pushed too hard here. I would avoid the fake DOF too. I think it doesn't read as that, and besides your compositions and lighting all seem good enough that no one is going to care about DOF.

[Sprocketboy]

It feels a hair pushed too hard here. I would avoid the fake DOF too. I think it doesn't read as that, and besides your compositions and lighting all seem good enough that no one is going to care about DOF.

You're right. The DOF is not accurate. The compact mirror frame would be out of focus as well, but the reflection in the compact would be almost in focus. Many other things in the shot would also have some gradual soft focus. The DP also doesn't care for it much and likes the deep focus. The color temp I'm still debating about... Good call. Thanks.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

i had to set lights up in chairs.

I had to attach a light to a boom pole. :( woe is me.

Really excellent production you all had set up for this one. It looks so professional, like a well oiled machine in the BTS photos.

Looking forward to it. :beer:

[Sprocketboy]

Its amazing what a light at the end of a boom pole could do. You can angle your light anywhere in a moments notice, or swing it over your head like a lasso creating a incredible strobe effect. I can't do that with a KinoFlo. Sometimes, I'm stuck with homemade equipment that forces my hand to be inventive with what I have. I was lucky this time around to be able to get this equipment.

[Sprocketboy]

My short has been uploaded and awaiting approval. And yet, I had to change a couple of more things in post. I guess I will be uploading the newest and final version soon.

[Sprocketboy]

One thing you never know for sure, until you make a couple of films, are the people you want to work with again and again. That core team that you build each time you make a film you sometimes discover that someone you choose helped make you become a better filmmaker. You have to do whatever it takes to stick with that person. Sometimes, I've used the wrong puzzle piece but keep hammering it in place in the hope that I'll make it fit. If it doesn't fit... it will never fit.

I'm pretty close to finding that ideal team. I've been putting together another film and I'm finding some great people on this round.

[Zak Forsman]

hey sprocketboy, just watched 'look at me'. your lead actress was great. really great. shots well executed. only thing for me was that i was along for the ride and then in the last 20 seconds it seemed to veer off into a different movie. thanks for sharing it though, i'm intrigued to see what you do next.

[Postmaster]

Phantastic job.

Love the cinematography and perfect lighting .

The editing was superb. The one transition where she does her last call in the kitchen to the scene where she eats knocked me of my socks.

Frank

[Sprocketboy]

hey sprocketboy, just watched 'look at me'. your lead actress was great. really great. shots well executed. only thing for me was that i was along for the ride and then in the last 20 seconds it seemed to veer off into a different movie. thanks for sharing it though, i'm intrigued to see what you do next.

Zak, thanks for your comments. Much appreciated, especially coming from you. The ending is deliberate, but tends to be too extreme in the 6 minute version. This was the film I envisioned if Douglas Sirk and Tobe Hooper collaborated on a film together. I had fun.

Unfortunately, I'm in and out of meeting all day with clients and won't be able to watch or review films until 7pm this evening (EST). I'm very anxious to see your film. I was totally engaged by "I F....king Hate You." I dig your style and approach.

[Sprocketboy]

Phantastic job.

Love the cinematography and perfect lighting .

The editing was superb. The one transition where she does her last call in the kitchen to the scene where she eats knocked me of my socks.

Frank

Thank you. Believe it or not, that shot was not on my shot list. I had to come up with a plan to mix 3 scenes into one because we were running out of time to shoot in the house. I think best when I'm under pressure. :)

I can't wait to see your film, but it must wait until after 7pm tonight.

[Chris Messineo]

The one transition where she does her last call in the kitchen to the scene where she eats knocked me of my socks.

I just finished watching your film and I was going to mention the exact same shot. It was perfect, visually interesting and yet still advancing the story.

I dug your story. It took me back to my old retainer days many years ago - I broke mine and then blamed it on the family dog.

Your actors were very good and I liked the dark ending.

Well done.

[vnguyen972]

Beautifully shot on a very exotic location... Missy was a very likable character and the actress performed really well... I did not believe how it ends, a very surprised ending that completely changes the genre :-) well done!

[seductivepuppy]

oh the troubles of vain people. haha.

i dug the tonal shift. good work!

[Richard J. Johnson]

The end of the movie took a turn for the worse. In a good way. I liked the dark ending. It was great film and nicely directed. I Have no complaints. vanity is a bitch, I tell ya.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

It was interesting to see where you took the subject matter. I liked that the intense situation at the beginning turned around toward the end and became something both comical and sad; sad in the way that she obsessed over her teeth so much to the point in which she krazy glued her mouth shut.

My one concern, and this might have been intended: the superficiality of the piece. If interpreted in a certain way, it seems to be a piece of comedy and satire.

The film was technically very proficient. Image and sound were consistent and strong.

Interesting viewing, nonetheless. :thumbsup:

[Mark Harris]

********MAYBE SPOILERS**********












Extremely well executed.

I think you could have gone a lot further with their vanity, if that's what it was. They seemed like they might have been shallow, vane people, but...well, I've known several adults who got braces, so...

I actually like where it went. But I am a dark guy. I can't wait for you to see my WHOLE film. Be interesting.

Couple of things:

1) Why didn't she just drive to the dentist when they didn't call her back? That REALLY stuck in my head. It's the old "why not just use your cel phone?" problem. I mean, looking back I guess it wouldn't have mattered given that it was the weekend, but if she was calling over and over, did she know that? Dunno, it kept popping into my mind.

2) I didn't fully get how she got to the...well, that part. I don't want to give spoilers, but the progression seemed a tad abrupt to me. Is there more in there you might experiment with before she gets to that point? Showing more of a progression?

3) You might have some fun experimenting with color tonal changes as things progress. You're already doing it with sound cues, I think there is some good to be had in the picture as well.

All in all, the deep DOF did not detract from this. Like I said before, the compositions and lighting were all so pro, I never cared.

Good job!

[ramsaur]

It was funny how she thought that her teeth were moving every second. But the ending was just like wow, geez.

She did a great job in acting!

[MrKilloran]

I dug it. Visually this was astounding ... the kitchen scene has well:



The editing was superb. The one transition where she does her last call in the kitchen to the scene where she eats knocked me of my socks.

That's what I was thinking. Great work

I got that she was so concerned with her vanity that she couldn't leave the house and was doing things to herself, pushing herself over the edge but still the ending comes as bit of a shock, its a huge change from the rest of the movie. I know it starts the same as the black and white beginning but maybe that could have been done away with and some more middle area, some plot detail, as to how we got from there to here. Sort of weird and out of nowhere but I was along for the ride. Kudos.

[Marlon Ladd]

Very entertaining film and unique story. I liked the cinematography, sound and editing. The story was cool, because it was different. Overall, a nice professionally done piece with some pretty good acting (and an attractive lead - I wonder if I was the only one zoomed in on her boxer shorts at the end).

[Sprocketboy]

I actually like where it went. But I am a dark guy. I can't wait for you to see my WHOLE film. Be interesting.

I can't wait either. I really like the rough cut a lot.

Also, thanks for taking the time to comment on the film. I really enjoy a solid, honest review with constructive criticism. The points you made are well taken. Thanks.

[Sprocketboy]

It was funny how she thought that her teeth were moving every second. But the ending was just like wow, geez.

That's the response I'm looking for, except I can't get everyone to see it that way. I've always wanted to do a quick drop like a rollercoaster ride for an ending.


...some more middle area, some plot detail, as to how we got from there to here.

I had to make some compromises to get it under 6 mins. That excuse is lame. :huh:


...and an attractive lead - I wonder if I was the only one zoomed in on her boxer shorts at the end.Get your mind out of the gutter. :Drogar-Love(DBG):

[Mark Harris]

- I wonder if I was the only one zoomed in on her boxer shorts at the end).

Yes, you absolutely were, you pervert! I swear it was only you! Not me. Never! And I for one and shocked! shocked! to find such behavior at DVXUser.com!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I thought this was pretty good. Loved the sets! Nice pad. :)

Acting was good, as was the cinematography and editing.

My only gripe is that I wanted the final scene to be a little more disturbing. That might just be me though. :evil:

Great job!

MAH

[hoz]

sick movie, man! the film was really pro, awesome sound and picture and strong acting by missy.

spoiler..


just seeing the crazy glue ... brutal! maybe play this up even more, show more of the tube of glue and her reaching for it, thinking about it, fighting with herself to not go there, but , her teeth, they;re moving dammit!

you got a sick imagination! good film!!!

[Sprocketboy]

My only gripe is that I wanted the final scene to be a little more disturbing. That might just be me though. :evil: Great job!

I almost went there, but I held back.

[Zim]

Well done. Missy did a great job and she is really cute. I really liked it and yes even the end. I felt sorry for her by the end of the movie.

[warau]

To echo everyone else, you did a great job with the cinematography, editing, some cool stuff in there. I know the 6 min limit is tight but I just didn't get to the point that I believed she was upset enough for the glue. More time would have allowed you to get her more amped before the end.
Nice job though, I liked it.

[Sprocketboy]

sick movie, man! the film was really pro, awesome sound and picture and strong acting by missy...you got a sick imagination! good film!!!

I guess I can take that as a compliment. Thanks.


Well done. Missy did a great job and she is really cute. I really liked it and yes even the end. I felt sorry for her by the end of the movie.

This is exactly what the screenplay writers wanted... your sympathy for Missy. Originally, I intended to have the audience hate her, but quickly realized that it is better to have you like her to make the ending have more impact. It makes the loss of the retainer trivial to what she losses in the end. Thanks.

[Noel Evans]

Cool. Despite the shallow nature of her going nuts over a missing retainer and the fear for her teeth sending her off, it was really quite deep. Really nice cinematography. Really nice sound.

Special thanks for the shot at 5:10.

[Spear670]

Very well put together. The aesthetics are great and the main character is a good one. She's rather annoying to the point that you almost don't feel bad for her by the end... but then you definitely still do. Great job!

[SMarston]

Well made and interesting choice of story but i never felt really connected to the characters or the theme. but! i do wish you the best of luck in the fest. :)

[jessicalsin]

Hehehe.....tragic! I think I knew a girl like that in high school...I wonder if being that she was so superficial she knew that nail polish remover would have dissolved the crazy glue?...Or is that only people like me who've accidentally glued their hand to their face...? Hmmm

Anyway...quite excellent! Your gal was just great!

[Sprocketboy]

To echo everyone else, you did a great job with the cinematography, editing, some cool stuff in there.

Thank you, sir. I appreciate your comment.


Cool. Despite the shallow nature of her going nuts over a missing retainer and the fear for her teeth sending her off, it was really quite deep. Really nice cinematography. Really nice sound.

You definitely get it. There is more to the ending than what is on the surface. ...and please... you are not the only fan of 5:10.



Very well put together. The aesthetics are great and the main character is a good one. She's rather annoying to the point that you almost don't feel bad for her by the end... but then you definitely still do. Great job!

You had a different take on her, than most of comments I received. But, your final reaction is the one I'm looking for. Thanks.


Well made and interesting choice of story but i never felt really connected to the characters or the theme. but! i do wish you the best of luck in the fest.

Sorry, I couldn't do better. I think my chances are better in the next fest. This is my first time entering and I have a good feeling on where to go without changing my sensibilities.



Hehehe.....tragic! I think I knew a girl like that in high school...I wonder if being that she was so superficial she knew that nail polish remover would have dissolved the crazy glue?...Or is that only people like me who've accidentally glued their hand to their face...? Hmmm

Anyway...quite excellent! Your gal was just great!

A big thank you for liking our modern day Shakespearean tragedy. I'm sure Rochelle would appreciate your approval of her performance. I certainly approve of your slam dunk performances in Rodney's films.

[ZazaCast]

Good flick. Technically, one of the best I've seen so far. The story, good concept but 'missed it by that much'. I never really believed Missy, and to be honest her losing both her boyfriend and retainers was exactly what she deserved!

Loved the look of the bathroom shot @ 4:08

....and I have to go alone with Noel...nice shot @ 5:10!

Congratulation to all involved & I look forward to more from you.

[Geoff_R]

Really interesting film here... well executed on many levels. Loved how you played up the superficiality across the entire piece. In the beginning it's as if she just worked out, yoga, etc and then even on that calendar you have a 'consult with plastic surgeon' on the 22nd... and when the bf leaves, it looks like he is going to the gym in an abercrombie shirt I believe. Then you actually feel good for the girl for that moment when she gets the braces off... you find her sweet in those moments... and then she slowly falls deeper and deeper into this strange obsession. Excellent work creating that character and kudos to your actress because she got under my skin with her mannerisms and tone as she grew worse and worse :)

[chriscurl]

I enjoyed this, when I first realized it was superglue in the tube you totally got me, I may have talked to the screen, but I admit nothing. I reviewed a couple pages in here and I am not sure I can add much to both the praise and criticisms already posted, I did completely dig that kitchen transition, good luck, look forward to seeing whats next!

[Brian Parker]

Wow...very nicely shot...beautiful crisp lighting and imagery, great house and sets and it speaks to modern vanities and superficialities. Good performances too.

You got some verbal responses out of me. Heh heh...when she had the Krazy Glue I was like please let that be some kind of teeth whitener. Also, when she tripped over the bottle I thought she was about to knock her teeth out on the step that the phone was sitting on. Yeesh. I really liked the jump cuts of her crawling across the floor before she got to the retainer case. Very good job on the film Sprocketboy!

[Sprocketboy]

Loved the look of the bathroom shot @ 4:08

....and I have to go alone with Noel...nice shot @ 5:10!

That bathroom shot was the most heavily color graded out of the entire film. Only, because I wanted it to be dream-like and ethereal as she applies the stuff to her teeth. She is not in her right mind. Thanks.

I guess dirt bags are prevalent from Australia to Upstate NY, 5:10 Fanboy. :)


Really interesting film here... well executed on many levels. Loved how you played up the superficiality across the entire piece. In the beginning it's as if she just worked out, yoga, etc and then even on that calendar you have a 'consult with plastic surgeon' on the 22nd... and when the bf leaves, it looks like he is going to the gym in an abercrombie shirt I believe. Then you actually feel good for the girl for that moment when she gets the braces off... you find her sweet in those moments... and then she slowly falls deeper and deeper into this strange obsession. Excellent work creating that character and kudos to your actress because she got under my skin with her mannerisms and tone as she grew worse and worse :)

I'm humbled by your positive commentary, and really appreciate the fact that you followed the character the way I intended. Thanks. Hopefully, I will be able to make a WWII film down the road. Many have been made, but the stories worth telling are countless. TTWC is top-notch and I plan on watching it again and giving a more thorough critique.


I enjoyed this, when I first realized it was superglue in the tube you totally got me, I may have talked to the screen, but I admit nothing. I reviewed a couple pages in here and I am not sure I can add much to both the praise and criticisms already posted, I did completely dig that kitchen transition, good luck, look forward to seeing whats next!

Thanks so much, Chris. I greatly appreciate your comment.


Wow...very nicely shot...beautiful crisp lighting and imagery, great house and sets and it speaks to modern vanities and superficialities. Good performances too.

You got some verbal responses out of me. Heh heh...when she had the Krazy Glue I was like please let that be some kind of teeth whitener. Also, when she tripped over the bottle I thought she was about to knock her teeth out on the step that the phone was sitting on. Yeesh. I really liked the jump cuts of her crawling across the floor before she got to the retainer case. Very good job on the film Sprocketboy!

One of the hardest things, in that scene to shoot, was kicking the bottle. Our poor actress almost lost her teeth a couple times during those takes. Thanks for the positive praise. Much appreciated.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I've been back here to comment about 6 times now. Which means that every time I come back, I have to watch your movie.

"Look at Me" exudes perfection out of every single pore. Your actors are perfect, nice skin, clean, well put together... the Barbie Doll Patrol I call them. Even the guys are perfect. Perfect apartment (and clean to the point of obsession), every surface clean and sparkling. Any imperfections are either hidden or obscured in the background. And all of the white SCREAMS of perfection, perfection, perfection. Match that with clean imagery from your camera, almost every thing in perfect focus and you have exactly the image you were going for.

Everything is perfect in her world... except for this one little flaw.

And once that flaw is gone, well with all of this perfection around what do we have left? Ah yes! the chance to ruin it all. We get a good glimpse to that impending ruination by the first look into her purse (and that is one hell of a messy purse), which is then unceremoniusly dumped onto the perfect countertop. This (in my mind) starts the breakdown of her perfect little world.

Doesn;t help that her friend is a complete bitch who wants to take her down a few pegs by telling her how awful she looks. I HATE girls like these by the way, so at this point you haven;t generated an ounce of pity from me. It's more about the delight of seeing that perfect little world come down, one brick at a time.

The following breakdown is a joy to watch, and the cake.. oh the cake and the wine! Such a bad girl. Now she can feel likt eh "fat ugly cow" she's no doubt constantly calling herself.

You shocked me with the supergle, after all, no one could be that stupid could they?

The gradual descent into chaos and madness was perfect. Think I'll go watch it again...

God what a BITCH!

THe move from steady shots to handheld was brilliant. Great visual communication of what was coming. Everything has broken down now, and we can FEEL it.

You've created the perfect character for us to hate. She's practically inhuman in her perfection and her expectations. She's a Barbie Doll.

Slick film, brilliantly executed. I don't think I have a single complaint about it, except for the fact that there was nothing to like about the girl. A little more human behaviour from her would have created a sympathetic character... but that's not what you were going for was it? No.. not at all.

Brilliant film. Down with the Barbie Dolls!

[alex whitmer]

Good 'ol vanity, One of the 7 deadly sins (is it still 7, or has it gone up?)

This is nicely filmed, and well structured.

I really like how you followed this birth and death of an obsession. What started out as seemingly a routine 'adjustment' becomes a full-blown psychosis.

Actress did a nice job, and I think your film style and the performance were well matched. Cool house too!!

Well done!

aw


www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com

[Sprocketboy]

I've been back here to comment about 6 times now. Which means that every time I come back, I have to watch your movie.

"Look at Me" exudes perfection out of every single pore. Your actors are perfect, nice skin, clean, well put together... the Barbie Doll Patrol I call them. Even the guys are perfect. Perfect apartment (and clean to the point of obsession), every surface clean and sparkling. Any imperfections are either hidden or obscured in the background. And all of the white SCREAMS of perfection, perfection, perfection. Match that with clean imagery from your camera, almost every thing in perfect focus and you have exactly the image you were going for.

Everything is perfect in her world... except for this one little flaw.

(EDITED)

THe move from steady shots to handheld was brilliant. Great visual communication of what was coming. Everything has broken down now, and we can FEEL it.

Slick film, brilliantly executed. I don't think I have a single complaint about it, except for the fact that there was nothing to like about the girl. A little more human behaviour from her would have created a sympathetic character... but that's not what you were going for was it? No.. not at all.

Brilliant film. Down with the Barbie Dolls!

Thank you for your detailed critique. And from what I gather... you liked the film. I mean you watched it 6 times. :) What's funny... is that your commentary matched the melodramatic tone I was looking for in this story, so I'm very happy it carried through.

You must have an agenda when it comes to health club, barbie dolls... well so do I, but I was hoping viewers would in some way feel bad for her. The scenes at the orthodontist's office and in the kitchen before looking in the bag, shows a gitty, happy person, perhaps shallow, but able to display emotions we feel from time to time when things go right. Also, her Reese Witherspoon-ish look helps. Then again, as I said in a previous post, my orginal intention was to make her unlikable to justify the end. My final approach in the directing was to make her somewhat likeable, so as to make the ending a more horrible experience for the viewer. I maybe a little cloudy there. I agree with your assessment and others who commented here.

Thanks again, for watching the film so many times, but I get this funny feeling you are enjoying the fact that she spirals down so hard in the end. :) Let's put Mattel out of business.

[Sprocketboy]

Good 'ol vanity, One of the 7 deadly sins (is it still 7, or has it gone up?)

This is nicely filmed, and well structured.

I really like how you followed this birth and death of an obsession. What started out as seemingly a routine 'adjustment' becomes a full-blown psychosis.

Actress did a nice job, and I think your film style and the performance were well matched. Cool house too!!

Well done!

Alex. Great name. That's my name too. :)

I'm am really happy you liked it. Its always good to get the perspective of a writer, especially one who has experience and success in long form writing and poetry. You encapsulated the story perfectly, "birth and death of an obsession." The retainer was simply a prop. The obsession is the story and vanity is the catalyst. Thanks for comment.

[Will Clegg]

Great film! It really looks and sounds great, and the story was spot on. The only thing I didn't like was the boyfriend's acting... He was a little too OTT for me. But it was a small part and didn't really distract too much. This is one of the best I have seen in the fest - congrats!

[Imaginate]

I enjoyed watching this character spiral downward. I loved the world that you created for her... so pristine and clean... it reminded me of the movie Gattica. Really cool tracking shot in the kitchen. The sound design was great. I didnt buy the scene of her putting crazy glue in her mouth... the first time i watched it I wasnt sure if she did it by accident or on purpose? To do it by accident seemed unresonable to do it on purpose seemed idiotic... If she had been tripping on some drug and totally out of it... then I could have gone along with it and watched in horror as she did it and then pass out.

This was really fun to watch and also shows your filmmaking talent. Great job

Garnet

[Blaine]

This was a fun watch. Superficial California girl? Who would have thought. I loved the Krazy Glue. Nice touch.

It sounded and looked good. The guy reading Vanity Fair, a riot.

It's always nice to see a short that's a complete story. That along with some good acting and you've created something that people will want to watch.

Good job.

[Sprocketboy]

Great film! It really looks and sounds great, and the story was spot on. The only thing I didn't like was the boyfriend's acting... He was a little too OTT for me. But it was a small part and didn't really distract too much. This is one of the best I have seen in the fest - congrats!

I'm flattered to hear that my little film is one of the "best in the fest." Thanks!


I enjoyed watching this character spiral downward. I loved the world that you created for her... so pristine and clean... it reminded me of the movie Gattica. Really cool tracking shot in the kitchen. The sound design was great. I didnt buy the scene of her putting crazy glue in her mouth... the first time i watched it I wasnt sure if she did it by accident or on purpose? To do it by accident seemed unresonable to do it on purpose seemed idiotic... If she had been tripping on some drug and totally out of it... then I could have gone along with it and watched in horror as she did it and then pass out.

This was really fun to watch and also shows your filmmaking talent. Great job

Garnet

Truth be told, we had many more shots planned for the drinking and the drugs, but ran out of time. If you notice in the final scene, the empty pill bottles and liquor bottles on the bed side table, represent a night of inebriation. On top of it all, she IS the village idiot, happy all the time and not a care in the world. She doesn't even know what is happening in the world.

I'm glad you enjoyed it and many thanks for the compliments.


This was a fun watch. Superficial California girl? Who would have thought. I loved the Krazy Glue. Nice touch.

It sounded and looked good. The guy reading Vanity Fair, a riot.

It's always nice to see a short that's a complete story. That along with some good acting and you've created something that people will want to watch.

Good job.

You are the first person to catch the Vanity Fair mag. You have an eye for detail, Blaine.

I'm glad you appreciated me taking a more traditional approach to filmmaking. I'm firm believer of a story that goes full circle and I wouldn't have directed this film unless the writers had that structure in place.

Thank you so much for your comments and appreciation.

[rrraven]

Great film, loved the changes in pacing and tone as the story progressed.

When I first watched it I thought, wow, that must have been an expensive film to make! Very impressed not just with your filmmaking but with your abilty to get free or cheap all sorts of wonderful assets that made the film as polished as it is: the mind-blowingly fabulous house/set, the genuine braces on and off (nice having orthodontists as producers!), and access to some really sweet equipment.

Missy: terrific actor, fitting overall look for the character* and she plays it really well, both when she is so thrilled about her new teeth and when she is distraught at the end. Especially love her when the panic is really starting to set in - "Do you remember me? You took of my braces YESterday??"
Boyfriend: wow, what a big head! I bet that's not really allegorical, but the size contrast when they were together was a little jarring.

Details: Love the calendar with all the goofy entries and curly-girly writing. Fruit in kitchen stacked in fancy square minimalist glassware. (Your credits don't mention a separate art direction or set dresser type position so I guess that was all you too?)

I didn't quite get that it was superglue when she was applying it - I guess that was just too Krazy for me to leap to. Assumed it was some sort of whitener product or something. Not sure if it's better for that to be more obvious, or better for it to kind of percolate through till we see the effects at the end.

Loved the transition after her phone calls where she fades out and camera stays on phone, then shifts over to her with the cake. Beautiful.

Tre's breakup phone call didn't really work for me. The concept I could buy, that he'd be annoyed with her whiny complaints, but "you don't have to worry about me anymore, you certainly won't be seeing me again"... just seemed too blah. The lines are to blame there more than the acting, I think.

* My one minor quibble, and I don't think I've seen it mentioned in the thread, is that Missy's canines (when she gets the braces off) are noticeably crooked. Her teeth in front are perfect, and I wouldn't notice the ones further back ordinarily at all - it's just in the context of admiring the new perfect mouth that they were a bit out of place. The actress was awesome in every respect, though, so I don't think you could have possibly cast it any better!

Overall, I thought this was great film, definitely a keeper.

[TiJo]

Wow. This just looked amazing. the dark ending just worked for me. great film

[Sprocketboy]

Great film, loved the changes in pacing and tone as the story progressed.

When I first watched it I thought, wow, that must have been an expensive film to make! Very impressed not just with your filmmaking but with your abilty to get free or cheap all sorts of wonderful assets that made the film as polished as it is: the mind-blowingly fabulous house/set, the genuine braces on and off (nice having orthodontists as producers!), and access to some really sweet equipment.

Not expensive at all. A lot of people pitched in. Thanks for mentioning the braces. That was created professionally and perfectly. I'm sure the budget for braces on Ugly Betty would buy you a new Beamer. :)


Details: Love the calendar with all the goofy entries and curly-girly writing. Fruit in kitchen stacked in fancy square minimalist glassware. (Your credits don't mention a separate art direction or set dresser type position so I guess that was all you too?)

I'm sure most of the entries here involve people who wear multiple hats. Pretty much Blaine (Producer) and I did most of the set decorating in between camera setups. He is responsible for the calender and I arranged the rooms and counter spaces to be very minimal. Those glasses with fruit were a last minute change I made.


My one minor quibble, and I don't think I've seen it mentioned in the thread, is that Missy's canines (when she gets the braces off) are noticeably crooked. Her teeth in front are perfect, and I wouldn't notice the ones further back ordinarily at all - it's just in the context of admiring the new perfect mouth that they were a bit out of place. The actress was awesome in every respect, though, so I don't think you could have possibly cast it any better!

Overall, I thought this was great film, definitely a keeper.

Thank you so much for your detailed comments. I enjoy getting them and learn quite a bit about how people tick when they watch this kind of film. As for Missy's canines, we could have cast an actress with perfect teeth, but no one could out perform the actress we ended up getting. In reality, people with really good teeth in the first place don't need an ortho, and the ones that do, leave with better teeth, but not a 100% better. Here is a quick shot behind Missy before seeing her in the chair in the ortho clinic. Check out the before and after on the right side of the screen. We didn't skip on the details.

10225

[Sprocketboy]

Wow. This just looked amazing. the dark ending just worked for me. great film

Thank you.

[Nick_Lee]

That was sweet. Is that your house?? that place is amazing! I wanna live there haha.

Great photography and sound. Location was great. The ending was like whaaaaaat?? in a good way of course haha. nicely done sir.

[Sprocketboy]

That was sweet. Is that your house?? that place is amazing! I wanna live there haha.

Great photography and sound. Location was great. The ending was like whaaaaaat?? in a good way of course haha. nicely done sir.

My house? Are you kidding? Maybe in 3 life times I can save up for it. I always appreciate a compliment. :)

[videoshark]

pros:

super nice Set Design!
Cinematography, framing, lighting also were fantastic.

cons:

the super-glue felt unfitting... i know it's a movie but come on.

and, like Zak stated, the ending also felt like a different movie.
too short of a format for a sudden transition.

AND, did anyone catch the director call "action" at 3:41 ??

[Sprocketboy]

AND, did anyone catch the director call "action" at 3:41 ??

I'm glad you pointed that out. Thanks. You must have had the volume all the way up on 11.

[Richard J. Johnson]

I just bumped you up one. thanks for the look out.

[Sprocketboy]

Thanks, buddy.

[orchidsofwrath]

that was really really good. Glued to my seat for that one. Technical stuff was perfect (honestly I wasn't paying much attention to it because the movie was groovin' so well). everyone in that movie had... such... perfect... teeth! I love perfect teeth.

SPOILER:
man did you really have to end it like that? lol it was unnerving! Such a light flick and then you have to make it all yucky with the blood and eerie timpani strikes! She was so gorgeous... with such beautiful teeth and then you ruin her! hah just messin'. But seriously, I thought it was either gonna stay light or go psychotic horror at the very end when she was screaming kinda horror-esque with her mouth glued. Due to the blood and utter pain that it looked like she was feeling, it landed in some weird spot between the two that just really unnerved me. Dunno if that was your goal.

Anyhow still great. Rated very highly from me.

[Rodney V. Smith]

but didn't you ENJOY her pain... even for just a little while? You know you did.. I can't be the only twisted on this forum..

[orchidsofwrath]

but didn't you ENJOY her pain... even for just a little while? You know you did.. I can't be the only twisted on this forum..

Why? because she was so anal about her teeth?

[Rodney V. Smith]

cuz I like to see Barbie Dolls suffer. plus she was a bit of a bitch... a bitch with a pleasant side, but that was just a veneer...

[orchidsofwrath]

cuz I like to see Barbie Dolls suffer. plus she was a bit of a bitch... a bitch with a pleasant side, but that was just a veneer...

lol. or she was a nice girl with a bitchy side that is just a veneer...

[Sprocketboy]

that was really really good. Glued to my seat for that one. Technical stuff was perfect (honestly I wasn't paying much attention to it because the movie was groovin' so well). everyone in that movie had... such... perfect... teeth! I love perfect teeth.

SPOILER:
man did you really have to end it like that? (EDITED) ...it landed in some weird spot between the two that just really unnerved me. Dunno if that was your goal.

Anyhow still great. Rated very highly from me.

I'm sure Missy will appreciate the fact that you like perfect teeth. She might give you a call after she gets her teeth fixed for the 2nd time. This time the repair work might take a little longer. :Drogar-Love(DBG):

Unnerving you is my goal. I'm glad it worked. It did require a little suspension of belief and going for the ride. That ending is like taking a steep drop on a roller coaster. Everyone's reaction will be different and it seems to be working more often than not.

Thanks, Daniel. I appreciate your support. And stop bickering with this Puck guy, he's a Barbie Doll hater. What's not to like? :)

[MrKilloran]

but didn't you ENJOY her pain... even for just a little while? You know you did.. I can't be the only twisted on this forum..

Immensely ... but I'm weird. Because of you and your Barbie Doll nonsense I hope that song is stuck in your head.

[Rodney V. Smith]

It's funny: Saturday Night Live had "Barbie" on last night her 50th anniversary

[Sprocketboy]

Here you go Rodney, enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEzh10_xoqw

[Rodney V. Smith]

I can;t believe you just "Barbie-Rolled" me. Should have expected it though..

[MrKilloran]

Damn, that was my idea.

[Sprocketboy]

Damn, that was my idea.

I know. I just went one step further. I was expecting you to put a link to the song. It does, in an obtuse way, correlate with the short film and Rodney's assessment.

[Rodney V. Smith]

i now officially hate you guys. I will have my revenge... this is my solemn vow!

[Tim Joy]

The part that really got me was when she was trying to open her mouth. The ripping and tearing combined with the music and sound fx and camera work made my skin crawl. The heightened tension there was fantastic.

Although I find it hard to relate to someone that is such a bimbo as to throw all logic out the window and do something like that, it was still enjoyable.

The lighting overall was great. The dentist office looked quite "disney channel" to me. That's not a bad thing, just made me think of it as I watched it.

From your title and premise I was expecting something completely different and much more cliche. You surprised me with an original idea that was put together very well. Kudos!

[Sprocketboy]

The part that really got me was when she was trying to open her mouth. The ripping and tearing combined with the music and sound fx and camera work made my skin crawl. The heightened tension there was fantastic.

Although I find it hard to relate to someone that is such a bimbo as to throw all logic out the window and do something like that, it was still enjoyable.

The lighting overall was great. The dentist office looked quite "disney channel" to me. That's not a bad thing, just made me think of it as I watched it.

From your title and premise I was expecting something completely different and much more cliche. You surprised me with an original idea that was put together very well. Kudos!

That comment about the Disney channel look is interesting. I don't think it did, but the sappy piano music could have triggered that thought.

I don't like cliches, but usually all material is derivative of something else. I'm glad I manage to steer off the cliche path. It is great to have your input. Thanks.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Twisted and sick....

Krazy!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Disney Channel? What? Did Disney buy out Barbie?

Maybe it was the clean, perfect aesthetic that did it. Disney productions have no flaws, just a stylized and clean look, so maybe that was the thing.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I'll definitely have to watch it a few more times to try and make sense of it...

[Sprocketboy]

Maybe it was the clean, perfect aesthetic that did it. Disney productions have no flaws, just a stylized and clean look, so maybe that was the thing.

It could be. I did sanitize the locations Missy stepped through, and the DP followed the ideas I had concerning the lighting in that location. I wanted Missy to be the most well-lit person in the room.

[Rodney V. Smith]

You attention to detail is astounding dude. And with her being the best lit person in the room it emphasizes the title even more: Look at Me...

[pia12254]

Hey Alex,

So, here is my late review of your film! :) Obviously, this is just my personal opinion on everything so take it all with a grain of salt (...maybe two or three grains actually). :thumbsup:

First of all, I totally agree with Rodney...you have an exquisite attention to detail which I think is important as a Director! I really like the way you work. Having followed your thread since the beginning I like that you are willing to undertake big projects and have the motivation to follow through and get it done.

The locations were great. I think you did a good job of letting them supplement the characters rather than distract from them.

Production value was through the roof as well! False set of braces, a dentists office, massive homes...geez!

And I think you have the right idea as far as getting a strong crew to make the film. With something of this scope my guess is it would have been near impossible to make this film without the crew you had.

As a Director I think you have a very good sense of what you need and how you want to tell the story visually! That is a good thing...makes it much easier when you get to editing!

There are so many things you have done well it would take several pages to list them all! So, take great confidence in the fact that you guys have the talent and skills necessary to make a strong film.

Now the critiques... :embarasse (sorry, I hate offering critiques...especially for a film that is so well done)

I think the weakest element of this for me was the script. The style of the story never seemed to have a coherent focus...it started out thriller/horror, went towards comedy, dipped its toes in melodrama and then ended back in thriller/horror. I don't think it is always bad to combine elements of different genres but I think it makes it hard for the audience to get into it. If the audience feels "Ok, this is a comedy" then they can get on board. Likewise with other genres. But if it keeps changing I think they feel caught off guard and have trouble catching back up.

I don't know if you ever saw "Hancock" with Will Smith but I think that movie suffered from this. I actually enjoyed the film but I think everything (marketing, 1st half of film, etc.) geared everyone towards a comedy and then when it changed gears I think it threw people... :)

The other thing I wasn't crazy about was the music...I think you referenced this a bit in a previous post so I won't belabor the point...but I didn't feel like it fit for the most part. I did like it at the end but the piano piece mid-way through...didn't work for me. :undecided

Overall I thought the actors did a good job! I felt like the script might have given them some difficult lines to pull off but I think they made it work.

Technically, I think you are definitely on the right track! Looked good. Sounded clean! I'm personally a big fan of the lens adapters (or the RED which I can't afford) but I know those can be pricy.

I think you guys have a strong showing here! On your next film I think if you get a really strong story you have everything in place to make it happen.

Best of luck!!!

(I hope after reading all this I don't come off like the world's biggest choad...if so, I apologize in advance!) :dankk2:

- Daniel

[Sprocketboy]

(I hope after reading all this I don't come off like the world's biggest choad...if so, I apologize in advance!) :dankk2:

Three-quarters of the way down, I called a hitman to pay you a visit. Then when I reached this final line with the apology... I called him off, but I still have to pay him. :(

Seriously, I appreciate you taking the time to watch the film and review it at length with thought. Many of the criticisms you raised has nagged me, even during the editing phase. Some of the reviewers in this thread were to the point but not clear and others skirted around it. Your honest opinion helps.

The genre change was a personal decision. Its something I would not do on an expensive feature unless it worked of course, but it usually doesn't. I did see Hancock and I know what you mean. I thought in a film of this length it couldn't do much harm. Think again. :huh: You can't mix genres short or long.

The writers are reading this thread often, so I'm sure they are planning on pulling your teeth out one at a time. :Drogar-Evil(DBG): They are first time writers and I am guilty for coming up with the creepy ending. But, that's me.

I'm glad you mentioned the music in that section because every time I listen to it, I cringe, and then get use to it. We required more time to work on that. I did like how it played from Missy indulging herself in the kitchen to the very end.

Lens adapters? Nah. I want a camera with a clean DOF. Either RED, or a Varicam HD 2700 or 3000 with good glass. If I can't have those I will shoot it straight, without an adapter. Too much work for half-baked results.

Your other critiques are well taken. Choad or not, your good in my book. Thanks.:beer:

[jasonthewho]

I liked this. It has a similar feel for me as Cold Calls, which obviously did very well here.

Some great shots in here. Especially loved the pocketmirror reflection shots. Very cool.

Your actress was very good, and very pretty. I worry that the movie verges on showing off her body for no reason other than eye candy. Just be careful it doesn't come off as superfluous.

Also in that first scene, because of the angle it almost looks like the boyfriend is looking at the camera.

Love that you got braces made for her, and all the other great production design that went into this.

At 3:40, I can hear someone say "Action."

The scene where she's in bed starts off with the phone in focus. Why? It doesn't ring until after the alarm goes off.

Cool idea for a story. The character is well constructed and her descent is fun to watch.

I think you could have kept a lighter tone to her glueing her mouth shut, and kept the story the same without verging away from the tone you've set up.

[Sprocketboy]

Your actress was very good, and very pretty. I worry that the movie verges on showing off her body for no reason other than eye candy. Just be careful it doesn't come off as superfluous.

I never thought it did. I have a feeling you have a dirty little mind. :evil:


Also in that first scene, because of the angle it almost looks like the boyfriend is looking at the camera.

The DP and I are careful about things like this. The shot looks very good to me.


At 3:40, I can hear someone say "Action."

Someone else pointed that out earlier in the thread. In my haste to upload the 2nd version of the film before the fest started, I missed deleting a bad cross-fade at that point. As Herman Munster would say, "Darn it. Darn it. Darn it."


The scene where she's in bed starts off with the phone in focus. Why? It doesn't ring until after the alarm goes off.

It doesn't have to. Its an establishing shot that we will return to when it makes sense. A technique used in countless films. Foreboding. I know I sound defensive, but this is something I am sure about and wouldn't change.


I think you could have kept a lighter tone to her glueing her mouth shut, and kept the story the same without verging away from the tone you've set up.

I have a tenancy to go darker. You have a valid point here and a point well taken. Thanks a bunch for watching.

[Norm Sanders]

WOW! This was humorous in spots, but when you stop to think about it, really, REALLY dark as well. It can go to show just how far someone will go for vanity (even the calendar had an appt for consulting with a plastic surgeon), all they know or care about is how they look, etc. The lips tearing & bleeding at the end totally had me cringing & on the edge of my seat.

The talent did a fine job, with the lead doing better as the film progressed, and the boy friend seemed to play the rich, aristocratic spoiled brat pretty well (assuming they're both from families of intense money - how else could she afford a place like that, at such a young age?).

Technically, this was a well made film, and an overall solid outing in my opinion.

Also laughed out loud (nearly expected it, in a way), that once she got SO depressed about her perfect white teeth, that she'd make a move to stain the heck out of them with chocolate cake & red wine!

[Sprocketboy]

The talent did a fine job, with the lead doing better as the film progressed, and the boy friend seemed to play the rich, aristocratic spoiled brat pretty well (assuming they're both from families of intense money - how else could she afford a place like that, at such a young age?).

Thanks for the acting kudos. I've also known people, in their early twenties, living this life-style in Malibu and Topanga Canyon. I would crash at their place sometimes and they would leave me the keys. Its not far fetched.


Technically, this was a well made film, and an overall solid outing in my opinion.

Coming from you... this is a BIG compliment. Thank you, sir.


Also laughed out loud (nearly expected it, in a way), that once she got SO depressed about her perfect white teeth, that she'd make a move to stain the heck out of them with chocolate cake & red wine!

I had other planned shots that would have taken this to the extreme (heavy drinking, drugs, house gets messy), but the meter ran out and we had no more quarters. I think it would have helped some viewers into the following scenes.

I'm glad you enjoyed the show. :)

[Rodney V. Smith]

I'll bet your dentist writers are anxious to get another production going, given the quality of what you;ve pulled off here. How much would you estimate your final budget to be?

[Sprocketboy]

I'll bet your dentist writers are anxious to get another production going, given the quality of what you;ve pulled off here. How much would you estimate your final budget to be?

They are anxious and they learned a lot from all the reviews, critiques and comments. They are already scheming about writing another script. But, the next endeavor maybe a project penned by me, or another friend of mine.

As for the final budget, I don't have any final amount. We haven't counted up all the receipts yet and I don't have most of them. I'm willing to guess over $1000. Many of the participants came from out of town. We fed people for almost 2.5 days (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). We paid for some rental equipment and all transportation. Rochelle (Missy) wardrobe, hair, nails, etc are over $100. Locations and camera equipment all FREE. Many props for FREE. The cake costed $5.95. The rental of audition & rehearsal space in NYC came to about $88. These are just some figures.

The next one will probably cost a lot less. I wish I could do it for nothing.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Dude, that is still awesome. There are guys I know who've gone out and spent like $10K and their short didn't turn out half as good as this did and had problems all over the place. You did great for the budget and the production quality is awesome. You can easily claim you spent $10K on this and people would believe you.

[Sprocketboy]

Dude, that is still awesome. There are guys I know who've gone out and spent like $10K and their short didn't turn out half as good as this did and had problems all over the place. You did great for the budget and the production quality is awesome. You can easily claim you spent $10K on this and people would believe you.

Thanks, Rodney. We used every resource we had at our disposal. That's what Indy filmmaking is all about. I'm truly more amazed at what you did with limited resources and you made two films, not one. I am astonished by your ability and they are both very good. I'm sure your next one will be excellent. Just make one and do the best that you can.

[John LaBonney]

I think the locations lend a lot of class and believability to this movie, and I would expect this character to be moving around in such surrounds. I had appropriate amount difficulty trying to find any empathy for the character.

I think the film has a terrific and professional look to it, and the sound was dang fine.

Nice job.

[Sprocketboy]

I think the film has a terrific and professional look to it, and the sound was dang fine.

Nice job.

Thanks for stopping by and watching John.

[Rodney V. Smith]

damn you and your "dang fine sound". :grin:

[Sprocketboy]

damn you and your "dang fine sound". :grin:

Haha! See. It pays to have "dang fine sound." I like how that rolls off the tongue.

[Luis_]

I'm sorry I just didn't feel it.

[Sprocketboy]

I'm sorry I just didn't feel it.

I tracked some of your comments on other films in this festival. I just want you to know the rules do not stipulate the need for you, as a viewer, to cry or get weepy. Actually, some of the more successful entries do the polar opposite. They make you laugh. Read the rules again. The theme involves "a loss" of anything.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I tracked some of your comments on other films in this festival. I just want you to know the rules do not stipulate the need for you, as a viewer, to cry or get weepy. Actually, some of the more successful entries do the polar opposite. They make you laugh. Read the rules again. The theme involves "a loss" of anything.

Damn skippy.

[Chad_from_Chad]

that was different. good performances, good dialogue, weird ending.