"Mahlen" by: Justin R. Durban

[Edgen]

Now Showing:
"Mahlen"
5935596




- Viewing is Now Open... You can download "Mahlen" here (http://www.dvxfest.com/questfest) or get it directly here: (http://www.dvxfest.com/questfest/index.php?id=3300561)
- You can view Mahlen in HD @ Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/5935596
- "Mahlen Music .MP3 Score" (http://www.edgenmusic.com/edgen_mahlen.mp3)

- "Mahlen" - Top 8 Finalist - DVXuser.com's QuestFest competition.
- "Mahlen" - 6th Place - DVXuser.com's QuestFest competition.
http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_wallpaper_dvx.jpg

"Mahlen"
(maul - lin)

A Prequel to the short film, "Cristo (http://www.vimeo.com/377000)"

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_cast_dvx.jpg


____

There's no going back now. I'm in.

- Greenlit.
- v.6 of the script.
- storyboards are ready.
- most of the Cast is set.
- most of the Crew is set and ready to roll.
- HV20 + Twoneil 35mm 35/50/85 mm nikon lenses
- 3d crew is set.
- Post Production crew is shaking in his boots.

//


"Mahlen" a short by: Justin R. Durban

Tagline:
"Our technology should be shared with the world, Elizabeth. Not One."

Short Synopsis:
Time is Running out for Robert Cristo’s wife, Elizabeth. Together, they have been secluded from society while Robert has desparately continued his nanotechnology research fused with advanced robotics that will aid in her cure.

Long Synopsis/Setup:
Elizabeth Cristo has been suffering from migraine headaches for the past few years with a diagnosis of an extremely rare bone disease. Scientists and doctors around the world have been unsuccessful in treating her rare and dangerous illness. One thing that is certain... She is dying.

Years ago Elizabeth's husband, Robert Cristo, partnered with the renown scientist and humanitarian, Dr. William Mahlen in hopes to aid and finance his research and development of biometrics to ultimately find a cure for Elizabeth's terminal illness. When Robert discovers that Dr. Mahlen's intentions are vastly different than his own, Robert leaves the foundation to seek the necessary means to continue his research and to find a cure. Robert and Elizabeth have been hiding from Dr. Mahlen for months, each time narrowly evading capture.

An few hours ago, Dr. Mahlen's team found a security breach in their computer mainframe which has lead them to Robert and Elizabeth's current location. A strike force has been dispatched to intercept and regain his intellectual property.


//

******
6.30.09
Got the film finished. Locked. And uploaded.
I had a few issues with the visual FX, but I think they will do for now. I'd like to have a festival cut of the film and I'll most likely change some stuff then. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with the output and I want to thank everyone who put their time and energies into this project. Especially you folks from the Austin, TX area that were willing to take the drive out to my house for the two shooting days. I hope you learned as much as I have and I look forward to working with all you again soon. In return... Got a film? I'll score it!

Till then, I'll just have to relax and wait for approval while my family goes through the suckass chode squat of moving. (again)

I've got a TON of bts and some stills, but i think i'll post them later. Hammering a film out in two weeks where I have spent hours and hours and hours editing, special fx, sound fx, music, and tweaking upon tweaking... it's taxing on a fella. Specially a fella with a wife and baby boy who need your attention too. Hopefully the next film will be a feature and I'll have more time and $$ to carry it along probably. One of which I will have the breathing room to get it done right shot by shot and not missing a beat.

Till then. I hope you'll enjoy the show. Any and all feedback is grateful and appreciated.

Cheers!
/j



******
07.03.09
"Mahlen" is approved. Now on with the show.
& here's my "Mahlen Music .MP3 Score" (http://www.edgenmusic.com/edgen_mahlen.mp3)
/j



******
07.04.09
Viewing is Now Open... You can download "Mahlen" here (http://www.dvxfest.com/questfest) or get it directly here: (http://www.dvxfest.com/questfest/index.php?id=3300561)
"Mahlen is actually a prequel to my SpyFest film, "Cristo". You can view Cristo Here (http://www.vimeo.com/377000)
Download The "Mahlen Music .MP3 Score" (http://www.edgenmusic.com/edgen_mahlen.mp3)



******
07.23.09
"Mahlen" has made the top 8 final films of the QuestFest 09 and will be screening in Los Angeles this weekend. I'm honored that my film will be shown on the 'big screen'. It's just unfortunate that my wife and our baby boy are going on our "Baby Tour" during that time and a trip to the land of milk and honey is not possible at the moment. I hope everyone who attends the event will have a good time and I'll definitely be there in spirit.

I'm hoping to make it to a CPU with internet access as I'll be visiting in-laws the night of the screening. I'm packing my lil' HV20 with me and perhaps i'll find some time to shoot another short while i'm back in ARK and KY visiting family.

Good luck to all the filmmakers and I'm honored to be considered a part of this diverse group. I think Zak summed it up in another post:
"It's also a great opportunity to see works produced on the Red One, HVX200, EX-1, HV20, D90, GH1 back to back to back."

Have fun and have a few rounds on me!
/j


******
8.04.09
"Mahlen" made it to sixth place for the DVXuser.com QuestFest competition. I've submitted it to a few other festivals so lets see where it takes me and I'll decide what to do from there. If it does well in the festival circa, i'll submit it to a few more. But, with every film, i've learned what to do and what not to do. I'm hoping my next film will be just as fun as this one.

I posted the HD festival version of the film on vimeo...
http://www.vimeo.com/5935596

'till the next round.
/j

[Edgen]

bts

"Mahlen Music .MP3 Score" (http://www.edgenmusic.com/edgen_mahlen.mp3)

Photos by: Dale Kennemer - www.austinallarts.com (http://www.austinallarts.com)

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_bts_day1_dvx.jpg


http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_bts_day2_dvx.jpg


http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_bts_setsandprops_dvx.jpg


http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_bts_greenscreen_dvx.jpg




Some Storyboards from the Start
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_00.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_01.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_02.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_03.jpg




Some Storyboards from the Mid Section:
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_09.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_10.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_11.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_12.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_13.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_14.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_15.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_16.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_17.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_18.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_19.jpg


Some Storyboards from the End:
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_21.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_22.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_23.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_24.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_25.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_26.jpg

[Edgen]

bts2



http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchenwindow.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchenlook.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchenelizabeth.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchensoldiers.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchentelcom.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_skywalkelizabeth.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_skywalksoldiers.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_officemonitors.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_officemonitorscu.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_plasmacutters.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_plasmacutterscu.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_officekeypad.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_officehatchopen.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_bunkerphoto.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_bunker.jpg


And some random stuff...

http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_Suit01.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_ElevatorWallHatch.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_ElevatorLightingRig.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

So excited Justin!!

[Mattykins]

Ooh. Another entry with a 3D component. Feeling the pressure now...

Looking forward to it. Killer poster.

[ramsaur]

Awesome Poster! Can't wait to see what you do, good luck!

[AmyO]

Yessssss! Awesome. Nice to see you in this one, Justin. Looking forward to it. :)

[Drew Ott]

Are you in need of any more crew? I'd love to help out.

[Herman Witkam]

By the look of the poster, this is going to be nothing short of awesome. Looking forward to it man!

[ZazaCast]

Excellent! Really looking forward to it.

[Simon Höfer]

Kick ass poster! Looking forward to your entry!

[kyrre]

This looks great! Can't wait!

[Bro. Stephen]

awesome poster. looks good.

[Bro. Stephen]

good luck. can't wait to see it.

[stinkpot]

Bad a$$ poster man! I'm intrigued and can't wait to check out your film.

Welcome to the fest.

:beer:

[Edgen]

thanks guys! looking forward to actually pulling it off myself.

Drew, ya man, i'm down for you coming down to help out. I'll shoot you an email when i get closer to the shoot date.

yup!
/j

[Noel Evans]

Good luck. Looks like a lot of time going into this. Look forward to the finished product.

[lyonfilms]

Striking art design with teaser poster. Nice work.

[kurtmo]

Cool! Glad to see you're in this one.

[Robert Eldon]

Justin,

I was wondering if you were going to show up!

Dang, that poster is wicked cool! Are you going to give us any idea what the story may be about... or will we just have to wait and see?

Do you need any help? :)

Good luck on this and I can't wait to see it... really!

[Drew Ott]

Drew, ya man, i'm down for you coming down to help out. I'll shoot you an email when i get closer to the shoot date.


Sounds good. :dankk2:

[Beat Takeshi]

Hey Justin,
glad to see you are in this again. Love your work.

[Edgen]

Thanks again everybody!

I'm hoping i can pull this off too... We are shooting here in Austin, TX so if any of you guys are in the area, would love to have the help.

/j

[sschedra]

Justin,
Best of luck! Love your music, man, you are my idol. Didn't know you did the whole shebang. I can understand the draw though, every time I watch any production lately, I find myself looking at high end cameras online and thinking "... if only". The poster is totally intriguing by the way.

My best,
Stephen

[deedive]

lookin forward to seein it!!!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Durban has got wheels now kids, so expect some insane dolly moves from him on this one!
Welcome back Justin: you'd better put those wheels to good use and kick some ass!

Edit: WICKED poster dude.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Cool Poster!

So I'm guessing that's a girl/woman in the poster? Either that or a boy.
Very small shoulders.

Love the design. Good luck with this one.

MAH

[Edgen]

Just had our final auditions.. It's going to be a tough call...

Got a lot of the props made. special note: if you are spray painting your gear, be sure to wear gloves and lots of newspaper. Otherwise you have speckles on your body for days and your yard looks like its been bombarded with mortal blasts. I still have to hook up the electrical components to the suit, so we'll just have to see how much time I've got.

Other than that, I've been scrambling to make all the schedules work with everyone. That's the suck part of indy filmmaking. Everyone involved has day jobs. But alas, I'll find a way to make it work.

On a professional side note, I just signed a big Orchestral project involving recording 45 minutes with a Live Orchestra. It's epic war music, so it should be right up my alley. now to juggle this with another feature film score, two websites currently in production and the "Mahlen" film. OOOh, not to mention spending time with the family. I guess no TV, movies, or vacations for me this month.

yup.
/j

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_poster_dvx.jpg



It's hot baby!

[Rodney V. Smith]

One of my top 3 posters so far (for quest fest).

[StormFactory]

Awesome dude! You shooting in Texas?

[StormFactory]

Just had our final auditions.. It's going to be a tough call...

Got a lot of the props made. special note: if you are spray painting your gear, be sure to wear gloves and lots of newspaper. Otherwise you have speckles on your body for days and your yard looks like its been bombarded with mortal blasts. I still have to hook up the electrical components to the suit, so we'll just have to see how much time I've got.

Other than that, I've been scrambling to make all the schedules work with everyone. That's the suck part of indy filmmaking. Everyone involved has day jobs. But alas, I'll find a way to make it work.

On a professional side note, I just signed a big Orchestral project involving recording 45 minutes with a Live Orchestra. It's epic war music, so it should be right up my alley. now to juggle this with another feature film score, two websites currently in production and the "Mahlen" film. OOOh, not to mention spending time with the family. I guess no TV, movies, or vacations for me this month.

yup.
/jGreat poster. I just read through the thread now. Congrats on all the work. If you were shooting here you know I'd be down like last time. Did you get my e-mail?

[Edgen]

Greg,

Yup! We are shooting here in Austin on the 14th/15th of aug.
If I were still in LA, you'd definitely be the first person I got in touch with. Yup! I got your email and check your inbox. :)

got the final draft of the script and still building props, sets, and digitally painting all the matte stuff for the vfx.

If anyone is here in Austin, TX and wants to join the shoot, pm me.

/j

[Brandon Rice]

August?

[Edgen]

ha!! opps. loosin' mae' brain.

June 14th/15th is the shoot dates.

/j

[Brandon Rice]

heheh ok! :) makes more sense!

[Robert Eldon]

Justin,

How's it going? Are you going to make the deadline? Really looking forward to this!

[Edgen]

Yup! I think i'll make the deadline. It'll be a stressful next few weeks, but I believe I can pull it off with kickass crew that I've assembled.

Shooting this next Sunday and Monday. it's gonna feel kinda odd not having you guys over to help with the shoot again.

/j

[lawriejaffa]

Edgen I think you should win for the poster alone - thats brilliant! Now as a visual concept if your film is following that through, then indeed i think we have something quite special here!

I'm imagining a kind of post apocalyptic quest thriller? Maybe a bit of Cyberpunk!? Well good luck mon amie - one to look forward to i reckons!

[Robert Eldon]

Shooting this next Sunday and Monday. it's gonna feel kinda odd not having you guys over to help with the shoot again.

/j

I agree! Gonna miss working with you on this one. I'm working on my own short film for this fest. This may be the first time that we've both had a film in the same fest and didn't collaborate?

It sounds like you've got a good crew that you're able to work with in Austin. Can't wait to see this!

-Robert

[Edgen]

We had a few hiccups with the gear so I Had to shoot the film with my HV20. All in all.. I'm happy with the results. Now to bust ass in post.

perhaps I'll get some stills soon.

[AmyO]

Congrats on wrapping filming. I really liked your other films you shot with the HV20. It isn't the camera, but the way you use it that makes a difference.

[ZazaCast]

Congrats! HV20 is a fine camera....looking forward to the film.

[Robert Eldon]

I'm impressed! You're in post already? I haven't shot any footage yet. Can't wait to see it!

Did you use the adapter?

[RodThompson]

My pee pee shrinks smaller...

[Edgen]

yup.. i used the Twoneil adapter with a 35/50/85 mm lenses.

/j

[Rodney V. Smith]

I can't wait to see this one. Hopefully the dolly came in really useful to add to the awesomeness... Got any BTS photos for us? Grabs?

[Edgen]

I wish I could have used your wheels... Just never got a chance to put them together. Next project.. For sure! I'm just now diving into all the footage now, so hopefully i can get a few stills.

/j

[Edgen]

Just finished a rough cut of the film. it's currently just under 6:00. I could probably shave some more, but I'll have to give the edit a break. My eyes and back hurts.

/j

[Rodney V. Smith]

i'm jealous of your under 6 minute cut. Is that with credits or without?

[Edgen]

That's with credits too. I may have to shorten the credits and make them go a wee faster but I think i can still shave off some stuff here and there.

I am missing a few plates so perhaps I'll have a better grasp of timing after those are put back in.

/j

[RodThompson]

I feels the pain. My act two was supposed to be longer than it is, but I had to trim it for Stizzyle!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Wow. Cut already. Looking forward to it. You are a machine.
Sorry I couldn't help out. Was actually disappointed to learn you didn't need my mics so I could have contributed something. :)

[Noel Evans]

I Had to shoot the film with my HV20.

A HV20? No way you can win! - this is the internet so I will add, yes Im being sarcastic.

Cant wait to see the finished piece.

[Edgen]

Wow. Cut already. Looking forward to it. You are a machine.
Sorry I couldn't help out. Was actually disappointed to learn you didn't need my mics so I could have contributed something. :)

Jack, ya... I wish you could have come out too. I know after the gear didn't show up we said "f it... Who wants a beer?" Eventually the stars lined back up and found another solution.

Picture is more or less locked, and I got 90% of the sound FX and clean dialog in place.

I still need the vfx, 3d, color correction and score.

so yup. Gettin' close.

/j

[lawriejaffa]

Ooooh this looks so interesting (in the wow interesting awsome sort of way!!!) not the ugh... 'interesting' :P

lol I love the design and vibe i get from this piece Edgen, and its def on my top must see list :) Kudos to you shooting on hv20, its the story that trumps imo, and heck i remember how cool some shots in Mr I was on that cam!

Anyway good luck - will there be any grabs posted or you going to make us wee our pants and wait :P

[Edgen]

Thank you! no screen grabs just yet... I do however; need to change up that poster. The final costume has definitely changed.

I hope you guys will enjoy it.

/j

[ramsaur]

i'm ready to see some grabs and BTS

[RodThompson]

^^ this

[Solomon Chase]

Your poster has teased me...

show me the grabs! :kali:

[RodThompson]

Your poster has teased me...

show me the grabs! :kali:


Indeed...(I just wrote this because I posted in the wrong thread, lol.)

[jpsheets]

I've seen the rough cut and it's looking great!

[ZazaCast]

I want to see some BTS stuff...??? Looking forward to this one.
Post some picts!

[conrad_johnson]

Okay, okay. Winner goes to you for most actual work done on dvxuser. Film after film and not to mention scoring 6 or 7 a pop. Round of applause please.

:0 :0 :)

[Edgen]

cool. film's locked, 95% sound FX, all visuals off to the 3d guys, and 40% cc.

AE... here i come.
After that time to score it and upload.

This fest I'm definitely taking a break from the scores. On top of finishing this film on time, i'm moving June 29-July2nd. So.... ya. welcome to the suck. I haven't even thought about packing yet.

/j

[Tom Marshall]

Justin! I just looked through your thread and gotta say, I'm looking forward to see your short.

Where are you moving to?

[Edgen]

I'm still right outside of Austin, but we are now moving from Lakeway to Bee Cave. (30min drive from downtown to 20min drive to downtown Austin). Moving sucks... which, because of that, i'm having to stay up the extra hours at night to make this thing happen in time.

I hope you'll enjoy it Tommy!

/j

[Edgen]

Finished the score and finished mixing it in. I'd love to do more... but time is ticking away. Plus, i may have to sit on it a day and come back to revisit.

Got most of the AE stuff done.. I managed to recruit the super badass AE rotoscoper and DVXuser's Nate Caauwe. He's going to tackle some more difficult shots and clean up some of my messy work.

The 3D guys are working on finishing their shots too. I'm hoping to submit this a few days early... cause on the 30th.. internet is OUT and we are officially moving into our new place. Man, what an awful time for a deadline.

/j

[DarkElastic]

Finished the score and finished mixing it in. I'd love to do more... but time is ticking away. Plus, i may have to sit on it a day and come back to revisit.

Got most of the AE stuff done.. I managed to recruit the super badass AE rotoscoper and DVXuser's Nate Caauwe. He's going to tackle some more difficult shots and clean up some of my messy work.

The 3D guys are working on finishing their shots too. I'm hoping to submit this a few days early... cause on the 30th.. internet is OUT and we are officially moving into our new place. Man, what an awful time for a deadline.

/j

Congrats with all the news... Yea, pretty bad timing for things, but at least you have got so close to the finishing line and just think a new house... I love moving.
I'm looking forward to what you create Edgen.

[Edgen]

"Mahlen" has been uploaded!! Yay!

now to shut everything down.. unplug all the cables... disassemble the office... pack up my house and begin the awful process of moving. If anyone is in the area and would like to lend a hand.. I most certainly will not turn you down.

Cheers!
/j

[Rodney V. Smith]

DUDE! You just moved. Where you moving to this time?

edit: never mind, its in the thread if you actually bother to READ,. Duh.

[Edgen]

yup.. moving 7 miles right down the road. At least it's not cross country again. that blows.

/j

[Robert Eldon]

"Mahlen" has been uploaded!! Yay!

now to shut everything down.. unplug all the cables... disassemble the office... pack up my house and begin the awful process of moving. If anyone is in the area and would like to lend a hand.. I most certainly will not turn you down.

Cheers!
/j

Congratulations on the upload! Among other things, you got it done and got it in! You must be satisfied getting it uploaded before the move? Takes the pressure off?

I look forward to seeing "Mahlen". Best wishes to you and your family! :)

[Edgen]

Thank you robert! Ya.. a MASSIVE Weight has been lifted off me.

...

I also modified the first page with some info on the film.

/j

[Ben Sliker]

justin,

first, congrats on the upload.

secondly, I always wondered, is it harder scoring your own films or someone else's? Maybe I'm just neurotic, but I always belabor over the parts I have control over as a director/editor until I think they are perfect or i run out of time.

[Edgen]

Ben, Thanks!

Scoring my own film is actually much easier. for this one, i just did one revision and thought it was good enough. The great thing is that if I wanted to make a change, it was on my own will to actually fire up the music and do another pass. My biggest time spender was on the special FX. Probably because I had so many of them. The biggest thing I couldn't do was the 3d parts. The rest I figured out on my own. Therefore, i kept learning new stuff with every render and kept going back and changing files after files. It was a fun process but man, it was time consuming. I would start at 9:00 a.m, and next thing I know i'm getting grilled for being in my office all day by the mrs and it's 6:00pm and i've only been working on a few shots. Props to all those professional mind trickers out there.

I think there were 30+ visual fx shots in this film? I'll have to check again.

/j


justin,

first, congrats on the upload.

secondly, I always wondered, is it harder scoring your own films or someone else's? Maybe I'm just neurotic, but I always belabor over the parts I have control over as a director/editor until I think they are perfect or i run out of time.

[Edgen]

"Mahlen" has been approved!

now on with the show :)

[Simon Höfer]

We want BTS and grabs and such :D!

[Brandon Rice]

Justin... this is a sequel to Cristo?

[Edgen]

I'm working on the BTS...

it's actually a prequel to Cristo.

Here's a teaser: www.edgenmusic.com/edgen_mahlen.mp3 :)

/j

[Robert Eldon]

I'm working on the BTS...

it's actually a prequel to Cristo.

Here's a teaser: www.edgenmusic.com/edgen_mahlen.mp3 :)

/j

I wonder how may people will watch "Cristo" after watching "Mahlen". Cool idea! Wasn't Cristo made 2 years ago?

[Girgej]

Wow .. Very Nice Poster, and interesting Story ... Good Luck

[Tom Marshall]

I wonder how may people will watch "Cristo" after watching "Mahlen". Cool idea! Wasn't Cristo made 2 years ago?

Wow, was it that long ago??

[Tim Joy]

Always impressed with your work, especially how much you're able to do in these fests.

This one looks interesting. Good luck!

[Mattykins]

Just got done. My most anticipated film this fest. It looked great. The VFX was impressive. Who did you have work on it for you if you don't mind my asking?

I throughly enjoyed it. Relly well done. It looks though like you had to clip a few of the edits to make it fit timewise. The most jarring was when the dropships were coming down. Minor detail, like I said, really well done.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Dude I really wanted to like this film, and after a fashion I did like it. You have STUNNING Visual effects, AWESOME sound, SPECTACULAR score and BRILLIANT camera work. Everything was going great except for the thing that really drew me out of it: The dialog.

Nobody in this film actually talked. Everything they said was a speech.

It was good dialog that drove the story forward and explained a lot, but it was unnatural (lacking rhythm) and stripped the character right from the actors. That was sad to see considering how top notch everything else in the film is. the actors aren't even bad actors. It's just the speeches.

I like the film and your work and you always give us more than we expected. Once again you've done that, but you needed to hire a dialog writer for this one.

PS: please don't hate me too much.

[Mattykins]

Puck, now that you bring that up - I do feel as if the dialogue was a little long winded. And was the armor that we saw in the poster ever in the film itself?

[Brian P. McQuilkin]

Granted, the dialogue was forced and clunky, but I can kind of understand it when there’s so much to explain in such a short period of time. The FX were great…but probably the best part was that they seemed to make sense and weren’t just thrown in to show how well someone know how to do FX…nothing felt gratutitous. The score was great, the audio clean, and the story itself was compelling enough that I’d like to see more – it seemed almost like a loke promotion clip for a feature that I’d go see.

[ramsaur]

Man, I had a blast working on this film with you! The crew was great! The overall film turned out great as well! But dang the effects were flat out amazing! You really know some people. The music as always was great as well as camera, acting, editing, and story. Let me know if you need help on a short like this again and I'd be happy to help out again.

[HCPROD]

Awesome visual effects. Camera work was also top notch. Nice job!

[jpsheets]

Excellent work Justin! SFX work was top notch, hats off to your 3D guys. It was a pleasure working with you on this one. Let's talk about the next one!

best
Jon

[Ryan E. Walters]

Nice work, you have come a long way in your craft. Very ambitious- and you did a nice job with the VFX. I especially like how you had the heat form the engines interact with the image- that really sells it IMO. Congrats on completing another film.

[Noel Evans]

EPIC! Very cool VFX work.

There was one component in the story I didnt fully understand. It seemed to me she got in the capsule and escaped, whilst he was left behind. And then we see her in the hands of the bad guys, and they are still looking for him. I watched it a few times and keep coming back to that.

Have to agree with Ryan above completely, there were a lot of FX details in this that sold them and made them fit beautifully.

[Horncastle]

Really excellent production quality - cinematography, sound, score, VFX: all were top notch. I do think you probably had rather a lot to fit into six minutes, with the result that you were using dialogue to explain the story and even then it was a little difficult to follow. A great effort on an ambitious project though - not long ago I thought of you as a composer who also made films, now I'm beginning to think of you as a film maker who also composes music (very successfully I might add).

[Tom Shortridge]

EPIC! Very cool VFX work.

There was one component in the story I didnt fully understand. It seemed to me she got in the capsule and escaped, whilst he was left behind. And then we see her in the hands of the bad guys, and they are still looking for him. I watched it a few times and keep coming back to that.

Have to agree with Ryan above completely, there were a lot of FX details in this that sold them and made them fit beautifully.

I think the little video note he left her, that she looks at at the end, said that she should go to the guy Mahlen, it'd be the only place she'd be safe - but he didn't know that Mahlen was actually the bad guy. I only watched it once, I'll have to double-check.

EDIT - Yeah, he does say that, but he kinda mumbles the name.

[Solomon Chase]

Beautiful ending shot! Most of the VFX were pretty solid though the door cutting scene looked a little off. Great lighting, very dramatic. The dialog was a little rigid, and I felt a lack of connection on some parts. The score is (of course) awesome.

It was kind of blurry in some parts... may want to tweak compression or check your export settings? (maybe is was a low shutter speed though)

Glad to see another entry with cinemascope framing!
Besides the melodramatic bits, it kept my attention till the end. :)

[Edgen]

Thank you everyone for the kind words on the film and for watching...

If you guys have any specifics on the story, feel free to ask.

Keep them coming... :)

/j

[Robert Eldon]

Justin, all I can say is Wow, wow, wow. Very cool! It looks like you were able to execute this film to your vision!

I found the sfx very well done and motivated. Quite elaborate for this kind of fest! Great job!

The music... awesome! Costumes... awesome!

The story was a little difficult to follow, although I had the advantage of remembering the story from "Cristo". As a matter of fact, I pulled up the old SpyFest archive, and watched "Cristo" right after "Mahlen". It was pretty neat seeing one right after the other and how the stories connected.

The dialog was difficult to understand at times, but I thought the acting was very good.

Great job all around and this one is definitely on my list of top films (I've watched them all).

-Robert

[sschedra]

Justin,
Pretty darned amazing! If I have to pick, I think it would be around what others have already said about the speeches. The one other thing that I though would have made Dr Mahlen more menacng was his entry into the kitchen. He did not seem to command that scene the way a master villain should. I'm no video guy, but maybe a tighter shot on him entering at an upward angle?
The entire production here is pretty phenomenal. I can't imagine the amount of work or creativity this must have entailed. Very exciting and it makes me want to know what happens and how it all turns out.
Congratulations and thanks,
Stephen

[Brandon Rice]

Justin,

Hats off bro! you got this entry in... when others (like me) did not! So first off... props for that! Now to the nitty gritty :)

I have seen Mahlen a few times now... and the last time I watched Cristo afterward... the two shorts connect beautifully by the way! So that's a definite plus!

I thought the score for Mahlen was terrific! Honestly, one of your best yet! A memorable theme, but very "Durban" :) You continue to get better and better! The VFX were very good as well! The ships looked awesome!

The acting was a bit unbalanced in spots... and IMO it is due to poorly written dialog. I think you (as a director) capture some terrific moments, but I think you would do really well to team up with someone as a scriptwriter, specifically for some of the dialog. Again, your stories are also terrific and compelling, but the dialog just wasn't there for me.

Overall Justin a very strong film, it will be highly ranked for me!

[Edgen]

Thanks Robert and Stephen! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Brandon... Thank you! I'm glad you liked the score. That was actually the easiest part of this process. :) Overall, i felt the dialog worked and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. With every film, i learn new things... and the crits I've gotten so far will most definitely help me with my next film.

Keep em' rollin.

/j

[Brandon Rice]

Justin, it wasn't that the dialog was necessarily bad... but it was a bit melodramatic for my taste... and spot on in moments I felt needed more subtlety...

I am glad you're pleased however :) First and foremost YOU have to be happy with your work! So that's what counts :)

Thanks for the watch!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Hey, Justin. Just watched this one.
Pretty freaking amazing special effects!! Nice job on that.

I felt that there was just a bit missing during the doctor's entrance. Maybe a few more angles would have helped? Smashing a family picture, who knows. :)
He just needed to seem a bit more menacing.

The music was very cool, as usual. Excellent work.
Soldiers looked pretty wicked as well.

I think the dialogue was alright, might have just been overacted a tad. Hard to say. It was a little hit and miss.

Pretty cool entry. Very polished.

MAH

[Susanne G.]

What a production quality - wow! There was a really good attention in the film and very nice ideas, but I didn't really get the story. Your last film had the better story and this one the better special effects. Mix them both up and it will be perfect :)

Susanne

[Marlon Ladd]

Special effects were great in this piece! I need to definitely get with you, because that stuff is great. I liked the story and the movie. There were few problems I saw. The acting in the cpu room with the couple didn't seem to have the same urgency the match the situation at hand. The guy's acting initially wasn't strong (from his first words), but I did feel like it got better in the scene. There was another part with the Dr. (gas mask guy) was talking to the wife - the voice sounded bad or wrong or something. I think you could add that typical sort of gas mask talk and breathing that we always hear and that will fix that. I've never done that before, so I don't how to do it, but I just think it would add more to that scene.

Other than that, I did like the cinematography, editing and the music. This was very ambitious and I'm impressed to know you shot it on the HV20. I'll PM you with more questions. Good job on this.

[Erik Olson]

Everyone has said it. Solid technical, good acting and the score really does its job. I also noticed the issue with her back in what appears to be their house, though it seems like somewhere else in the final shot over her shoulders?

I was waiting [hoping] for one of those huge ships to come lumbering up through the proscenium created in that final frame, but you kept it off in the distance. Oh well!

e

[Kholi]

The acting was a bit unbalanced in spots... and IMO it is due to poorly written dialog. I think you (as a director) capture some terrific moments, but I think you would do really well to team up with someone as a scriptwriter, specifically for some of the dialog. Again, your stories are also terrific and compelling, but the dialog just wasn't there for me.


Muaha. Grammar Police are on your trail!! Just messin'...

Dialogue.


Thanks Robert and Stephen! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Brandon... Thank you! I'm glad you liked the score. That was actually the easiest part of this process. :) Overall, i felt the dialog worked and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. With every film, i learn new things... and the crits I've gotten so far will most definitely help me with my next film.

Keep em' rollin.

/j

Dialogue is probably the hardest part of a script to write. It's rare to hear anything that isn't written by a seasoned professional (aka paid and produced) that sounds right. No worries, we live and learn. Keep going, dude.

[Brandon Rice]

sorry Kholi!

[Kholi]

sorry Kholi!


Just giving you a hard time. It's a pretty common mistake; I still use ITS and IT'S improperly.

[Erik Olson]

Little hijack here, but I saw a memorial statement in a blog today and the author used the word "greatful" about a dozen times. It was about all I could do not to comment on that. Yikes.

Hijack... concluded.

e

[Sarah Daly]

Hey! This was very slick - very professional. And wow the location is amazing - looked great - sounded great - technically I couldn't fault it. The last shot was particularly easy on the eyes - reminded me of the final scene in Fight Club somewhat - just visually of course.
The dialogue, although not my cup of tea, suited the genre and style and worked in the context of this movie. It was a little bit 'sci-fi by numbers' but you certainly hit every beat.
Would like to see this dirtied up a bit I think - it's all so pretty and polished - you could take it to another level by taking a risk or two - maybe if you actually involved the kid in the story? If we actually saw him then it would be more affecting. I did feel for the female protagonist though - you made the right choice concentrating on her.
So yep - really good job but don't be afraid to play with genre - take more risks and mess with expectations - you've obviously got the technical stuff down so just focus on the heart of the film and what you're trying to say and you'll really be onto something!

[ZazaCast]

Incredible VFX, great story, wonderful score...and it was shot on a HV20....how cool is that?

Really good job on this one Justin. I liked it better than your last fest entry & I liked that one too! If you twisted my arm, I can see what others were saying about the acting, but to be honest, it worked for me. You put together a great team to work on this one and it shows. Keep up the good work and.....

Congratulations!

[Geoff_R]

Justin, this is my favorite work I've seen from you by far. The VFX were excellent and well thought out in regards to their subtlety and mixture into the story. I'm on a little on the fence with the story and performances...it's very dramatic in the dialogue which took me out of it at times, perhaps a little too preachy? It might just be me, but the only time I can relate to characters speaking in 'epic' finite terms in when I've been with them for a long time or they're communicating that message through simple, non-dramatic acting. (Think of when Bruce Wayne decides to leave Gotham in Batman Begins, he just hands the guy that coat and says "be careful...they're going to come looking for me...who?...everyone") I think that's the best way I can explain my point there.

The VFX rock and it's awesome how you did some of these set extensions. The bridge/walkway was amazing as is that final shot of the woman looking out that wide window... but I feel like those set pieces contrast so heavily against the kitchen and this guy's office... the kitchen, even with the holographic monitor, appears very out of place for me and takes me out of the world. With his office, it was a similar blow... he had those old CRT monitors and it just didn't feel real to me compared to the rest of the world and the scope of what was apparently happening. I'm sure the majority of this boils down to budget and time constraints... the VFX are insanely time consuming and I know good locations are often never free.

All in all, enjoyed this film man and it's in my top three. Keep up the good work.

[Robert Sanders]

Hey Justin - Great job. I think this one was your best one yet. Always makes me want to drop everything, roll up my sleeves, and submit a 'Fest film some day.

Again, good job.

Oh, and I think we've found domestic distribution for The Blackout. ;)

[RodThompson]

Okay, so I watched this last night and pen and inked some quick notes. Nothing too long, just something...quick.

I first want to say that beyond the 3D stuff, I think I have tried every tutorial online that shows how to do some of your effects, lol. I'm a tutorial junky. But I love the way you worked the special effects into the film vice making the film about the special fx.

For an Indy Short, your 3D team did an awesome job.

I agree on previous reviews about the Mahlen entrance, but you've gotten the point by now. Oh, and awesome costume. We used the 'old gas mask' look for one of the supers in Blackout for Lossfest. :)

On the whole, this was a good visual piece, though the story wasn't all that gripping. Not being negative, but the six minutes seemed like fifteen, and not in an overly good way. Don't get me wrong, I totally dug the film on the whole. It was a superior film in every regard. Just maybe a little more action.

So Kudos on a job well done!

[mustardseed]

Fantastic movie! It's films like this that get me excited about these fests. What indie filmmakers are capable of nowadays is amazing and so encouraging. Great job! :thumbup:

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Making use of a flashforward, foreboding narrative technique, "Mahlen" starts the viewer off with an intriguing situation--a woman seemingly held at gun-point with a disconcerting message from an unknown source.

The title screen was quite a neat graphic. The film--a sci-fi/near apocalypse genre bender--exhibits a number of smoothly composited visual effect shots establishing a distant future in an exotic, land-locked location demonstrating a sense of isolation. Unfortunately, I did not find the film embellishing this sense of isolation at all. Throughout, the cinematography and production design teeter between good and serviceable, but never quite transport the viewer to a visionary new world of technological advancements mixed with idyllic, traditional structures and discourse. There is certainly some strong visual effects work done with the holographic telecommunications screens, which help to legitimize the production. But, as said before, these gadgets, coupled with the fair attempt at developing future-like weaponry and armored suits, just does not provide enough vision to create a believable atmosphere. The atmosphere in a film like this is one of the most crucial elements. Of course, it's a six minute film for a free film festival, so nobody expects a crew to turn in a six minute version of Children of Men. So, don't sweat it.

To touch on the cinematography just a little more, I felt that it was fair but suffered far too much from a lack of sharpness, clarity, and blocking. Some shots did not quite set up a location or situation well (such as the kitchen scene in the beginning and the conflict between the woman and the rebel leader). One nearly gets lost in the geography of each situation because, once again, the atmosphere isn't quite realized/revealed. In the end, we realize that she's obviously in some sort of bunker, or possibly even another corridor connecting parts of the house. But it just isn't clear enough, and this is most likely a budgetary or location security problem. But that's to be expected since, as said, nobody is expecting Children of Men. On the images themselves, as I said, some of the images yield a bit of hazing/softening almost like an unintential Deakinizer lens. It is somewhat distracting because it tends to demonstrate a lack of precision in the shooting instead of a conscious, thematically influenced decision. I'm really just picking and prodding here. The images are in no way, shape, or form bad, but they just don't pop leave much of an impression. An occasional shot renders a nice horizontal lens flare, though.

The success of a film is also extraordinarily contingent upon good sound design, especially in a sci-fi. I thought the sound design was well mixed, crisp, and developed unobtrusive and realistic sounds for the viewing screens and other foley areas.

I feel as if this film could be something really intriguing and engrossing if it were developed a little more, given more money for mis-en-scene/cinematography enhancements, and a longer script to flesh out the situations more. The last shot finally opened up the scope of the film a bit (as did the external visual effects shots I mentioned earlier, which are terrific) and put a lot on the character's shoulders.

As for the performances, they were average with hints of true dimensionality. The actors were all charismatic enough to carry the film, but for some reason the dialogue felt weighted and burdening coming out of their mouths. If high emotional impact is what the production is going for, the actors really need to be playing the parts up enough to match the presumable chaos occuring outside of the house and to match the highly dramatic music during the two leads' kiss.

In summation, the film goes through some ups and downs, but by the end, it was at least an enjoyable piece that certainly demonstrates some intriguing, although vague, images that could be developed into something even more arresting. Nice work overall. :thumbsup:

[ghennek]

Hey Justin congrats !! It's the first time I watch something yours as filmmaker and I'm really impressed, It's AWESOME!!! I really liked the story and the VFX are simply perfect.

No comments about the score, what can I say about Justin R. Durban... You know I love your work. ;)

Good luck !

[~jai~]

DUDE! I would completely expect to see this on TV or something! If this is a prequel, I can't wait for the full film! I thought your VFX were very well done and the story flowed. A couple of quick edit cuts that I caught (i.e. the 'pouring' of the tea water), but those were just for time I would assume and were just fun things to notice, not anything that took away from this great piece. I LOVE SCI-FI, so the ships zooming in, the costumes, all of it I was digging! The sound was great and the score was epic sounding, great job on both. Whoever did your sound and music deserve much kudos!

Anyways, this was a great prequel and I can't wait to see the rest! Thanks for sharing!

[Maximus]

Good job! I enjoyed your film, but I've watched it twice and I'm still not sure what's going on. It feels like part of a much bigger story, and there's some key pieces missing.

Production values were top notch as usual, and the music... that was pretty good too. :)

Congrats on getting another film made, especially one as ambitious as this.

[hoz]

wow , amazing imagination here and kudos for pulling off such great looks!! fav scene was the last one where the woman is looking out the window. open with that shot! its a home run. story wise - seems cool, not my thing but i know plenty of people who would like it a lot. this shows lots of work, great job!!!

[JonB]

Great job, just a few things I noticed...

After watching this, I feel like I just flipped on the Sci-fi channel and caught 6 minutes of a movie and then stopped there. I was a little confused as to what was going on, and felt that this was really a small piece of a much larger film. Not much you can really do about that, its just how I felt.

Second, visual effects were awesome. The only one that pulled me out of it was the sparks coming off the door. Something about that screamed "fake" and didn't seamlessly match up like the rest of your VFX shots. The screens were magnificent, but as someone mentioned earlier, why the CRT's?? A nice holographic screen like we saw earlier would have looked so much better. But I know theres only so much time to make the film.

I was especially impressed with the ships coming down near the bridge. VERY impressive, and it was real enough for me to believe it. Soldiers (plus their guns) looked very legit. I give you "props" on those.

In conclusion, good short, but I'd rather see the feature version of it ;)

[Brian Parker]

A teaser! People demand more. Very nice film. Interesting concept, awesome FX, good actors, and great art direction. A very impressive piece of work.

My only issue is that the color grading seemed a little inconsistent between some of the shots which took me out of the film a little bit but other than that, I was impressed.

Good work here. I enjoyed it.

[Girgej]

Hey ... Great Visuals ... and a good story ... which might really benefit from a longer version ... Interesting / Beautiful short ...
Just a crazy idea ... you should post a segment of this story / world in each fest ... eventually you can make a full feature / DVD with a whole/r story ....

[dsto]

Very,Very slick. Acting was great. And who wouldn't love the CG. Great job!

[DarkElastic]

Hi Edgen,

Really beautiful piece. VFX amazing. Sound and music were great and the acting was very good. Your CGI ships, walkway, etc were great. The story was good, if a little cut down for this 6 min Fest.

A few things stood out:
I agree with above, it does feel like it should be bigger.
The cutting of the door isn't great and the cut line does disappear.
When the bad guy appears, he stands at the door like some camp 60's villian, this was really not needed.
Also, your baddie grabs the woman's face... This just seemed out of place as we jump right into the reveal of who he is. Just revealing and asking the question is enough, or make him more forceful, like pushing her against the wall to show his dominance and violence... He just sort of grabs her, she pulls away and it is as if it never happened.

Other than these small points, a very strong entry and one which will be in the top 5 for sure.

[keaseyb]

Wow, this took it to the next level. Good job on everything. Can only say good things about this film. So, in an effort to be constructive, I will say that the white door welding scene was the only thing i would change. I'm a first timer in this fest and your work is the new bench mark. Hope more of the films are of this quality.

[kurtmo]

I liked the lighting on this piece. The story was so packed and fast, that it felt rushed. Because we’re picking up in the middle of a story, I felt a bit lost. As others have said, the effects fit well and were well crafted/composited.

Thanks for sharing.

[Edgen]

OK! i got some BTS updated on the first page.


http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_bts_day1_dvx.jpg


http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_bts_day2_dvx.jpg


http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_bts_setsandprops_dvx.jpg


http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_bts_greenscreen_dvx.jpg

Photos by: Dale Kennemer - www.austinallarts.com

[Susanne G.]

Really fascinating your work on the special effects and btw: you are a really nice looking man - sweet :happy:

Susanne

[bluesgeek]

Nice work, Justin. What is your workflow with the HV20 to get to the 2.33 aspect ratio? Thanks.

[Edgen]

2.33 aspect ratio? I just created two boxes at the top and bottom and eye-balled it. :) I captured it in 1280x720. This way i had room at the tops and bottoms to better shift the framing. Cropped it came out to something like 1280x550?

I've also got before/after pictures on the front page now too:


http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchenwindow.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchenlook.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchenelizabeth.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchensoldiers.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_kitchentelcom.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_skywalkelizabeth.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_skywalksoldiers.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_officemonitors.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_officemonitorscu.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_plasmacutters.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_plasmacutterscu.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_officekeypad.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_officehatchopen.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_bunkerphoto.jpg

http://www.edgenmusic.com/mahlen/edgen_mahlen_b&a_bunker.jpg

this is only a few of the vfx stuff. others were just a matter of plugging and hiding things in the background that I didn't want to be seen.

/j

[Edgen]

some storyboards on the main page.. and here:


Some Storyboards from the Start
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_00.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_01.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_02.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_03.jpg




Some Storyboards from the Mid Section:
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_09.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_10.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_11.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_12.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_13.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_14.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_15.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_16.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_17.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_18.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_19.jpg


Some Storyboards from the End:
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_21.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_22.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_23.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_24.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_25.jpg
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/images/Mahlen_SB_26.jpg

[jpsheets]

That's a helmet I wear every day to protect the soft spot on my head.

[Robert Eldon]

Justin,

Very cool of you to share some BTS and the storyboards. I think the storyboards and the film show how much of a visual artist you are.

Did you also create a shot list?

I like to storyboard as well. You've inspired me to post some screen shots with their respective storyboard images. :thumbsup:

[Edgen]

Thanks Robert! glad you dig the sb's... I did have a shot list... yes. But, the equipment didn't show up on the day of the shoot, so I had to scrap all my shots and re-think everything with the equipment I was able to put together at the last minute.

Jon... You can borrow the helmet anytime you want. I'd hate to think you were walking about unprotected. :)

/j

[DarkElastic]

Hi Edgen,

I'm just wondering if you will be editing together a longer version? The reason I ask this, is because I do think Mahlen feels like a much larger movie, squashed into 6 mins.

[Edgen]

Oh yes.. This is a MUCH bigger story than this 6 minute cut. It's a BillGates/SteveJobs vs Romeo/Juliet vs GodFather film. Robert and Elizabeth's son julius ends up getting murdered by Mahlen's troops, and later Robert Cristo Sr. brings him back to life with his nanotechnology. The same technology that leads to the death of Elizabeth's character later on. But before Julius's death, Mahlen's daughter, Hannah and Julius end up together in a forbidden love.

I did the best I could to explain as much as I could with this film. There's probably more exhibition than I would have liked, but otherwise, you guys would have really been sitting there scratching your heads. :)

I just want to thank everyone again for watching. I'm hoping to pop up in the other filmmaker's threads and give my feedback as well. I finished watching all the films.

wowa.

/j

[AmyO]

Amazing work, Justin. The story got a little lost on me at times, but then it has been a while since I've seen Cristo. However, I really want to know more and would love to see a longer version more of the story. Quite intriguing. The VFX were nice, and the ships were totally cool. Great job creating a futuristic world. :)

[Norm Sanders]

Hey Justin,

This was a HUGELY ambitious project, and I felt too big to give us a good story/ending within 6 minutes, without making us feel that we weren't fully satisfied because we know there's more ... perhaps if nothing else a HUGE "to be continued". Not that that discounts the film in it's current form at all ... just isn't one where we watch it and go "Ahhhhh ... instead, we're saying "AND???" :)

Your compositing & effects were REALLY impressive. You're quite good. Camera work was also very solid, and I loved your use of colors in the background, your sets, etc. What adapter are you using, BTW, on your HV20?

Music. As always, you're great ... and REALLY love your moving, powerful scores when they come into full realization (ending, etc.). However, I think there are some spots where it could benefit from less or no music ... making us hang more in the moment, where as sometimes it feels the music masks or covers the moment ... I specifically thought this when the evil doctor was talking to the lead actress near the end. I would have preferred no score, or something MUCH more subtle/different than what was there ... but the build up & release afterwards (when she was seeing the photo/video - SUCH a cool effect!), was awesome.

Acting/delivery of lines (and in a few cases the dialogue) was to me the weakest part of this. The most notable moment to me was when she and her husband were talking in the office. Even though it was supposed to be such an intense moment, their delivery didn't make me FEEL it.

That said, the power moment for me that DID work really well, was when he had placed her in the elevator, said he loved their son, and before she could say her last words the door quickly closed on her. That was a VERY powerful & well executed moment for me ... that, with the VERY ending, were the cinematic moments (camera, acting, music, effects, etc.) that stole the show.

[Chris Messineo]

Great looking film. I loved the look of it. I thought your actors were really great too. Excellent work on the sound and the effects. I really dug the opening title as well.

I'm not sure I totally got the story (it almost felt like scenes from a much larger piece), but I still really enjoyed it. Very well done.

[Fictionfeatures]

great production value, but it seemed like the story was a bit much for a six minute film.

[Edgen]

Hey everyone!

Mahlen just made the top 10 finalist of the QuestFest festival. Thank you for your support!

Cheers and beers,
/j

[Edgen]

oops. top 8. my bad.

[conrad_johnson]

Congrats dude! Nice work.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Congrats dude! Will I finally get to meet you in LA?

[~jai~]

Congratulations on being one of the finalists! I really liked your film and am glad to be part of a project (Joey Davis) in such elite company! See you in LA?

[Ryan E. Walters]

Great job on making it to the top 8! :)

[Brian Parker]

Congrats on the top 8!

[Noel Evans]

Congrats Justin.

[armisiano]

Congratulations guys. I'm in good company. :)

[Brandon Rice]

Congrats Justin! :) Good chatting with you today!

[Tim Joy]

Well deserved! Quite a piece.

[lawriejaffa]

Hey there mate congrats!!!

[Robert Eldon]

Congratulations Justin! Top 8! So, will we see you in L.A.?

[Edgen]

Thank you everyone...

I'm not sure If I'll make it or not to the LA screening. Just depends on the cost of tickets... times are... as you all know...



..


/j

[Rodney V. Smith]

Thank you everyone...

I'm not sure If I'll make it or not to the LA screening. Just depends on the cost of tickets... times are... as you all know...



..


/j

Priceline, right now, $300, good price, DO IT!!!!!

[Imaginate]

Congrats on top 8 .... your piece was very imaginative. I loved the visual effects. It felt like a teaser for something larger, and I say go for it...

[jpsheets]

Congratulations Justin! Now let's start talking about the next one.

cheers,

Jon

[AmyO]

Yay Justin! Congrats on the finals. :)

[Darkline]

Without question, my favourite film of yours Justin! I've seen glimpses of this in your other work and I'm glad to see it finally coming together here.

Not much to add to what others are saying but this is a vast improvement in my book..... but I know you can probably push it further too, you have many talents :-)

All the best with this.

Karl
aka
Mike.

PS, I really enjoyed it, if I didnt say so already!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

congrats Justin!!

I really enjoyed it, amazing stuff here. That last shot was just magnificent!

Top notch score (as I would expect :-), but also great sound design, the little things like the tea-kettle whistle leading into the shot and great quality scifi sounds and bass rumblings.

[Sprocketboy]

This is a very ambitious project and wonderfully realized. This appears
to be a tease for something bigger. The CG effects are pretty impressive
and the music worked really well along side the acting. There were a
couple of moments that took me out of the story, such as the costumes
the evil lead and soliders wore. It was good attempt at creating a
futuristic military wardrobe, but it seemed to be piece mealed together
from familiar items we use today. The shot of the door being cut open is
odd. They are trying to cut open a four panel door with a blow torch? I
don't buy it. With your experience in CGI, I would imagine you replacing
the door with a metal one. I also felt some of the dialogue to be overly
melodramatic. For example, the evil lead says, ...and above all, an
unnatural death." That little piece at the end of the line is
unnecessary. The last shot is amazing. I am sure it was shot in 70mm
instead of an HV20. Congratulations.

[Edgen]

Thank you again for the reviews and for watching my film.

I wanted to make a film on a limited budget and I'm very proud of what me and my team was able to accomplish in 2 weeks time.

I just hope everyone can look past the vfx and see a bigger picture. A picture that perhaps a studio would like to fund one day soon. :)

Cheers!
/j

[Edgen]

"Mahlen" has made the top 8 final films of the QuestFest 09 and will be screening in Los Angeles this weekend. I'm honored that my film will be shown on the 'big screen'. It's just unfortunate that my wife and our baby boy are going on our "Baby Tour" during that time and a trip to the land of milk and honey is not possible at the moment. I hope everyone who attends the event will have a good time and I'll definitely be there in spirit.

I'm hoping to make it to a CPU with internet access as I'll be visiting in-laws the night of the screening. I'm packing my lil' HV20 with me and perhaps i'll find some time to shoot another short while i'm back in ARK and KY visiting family.

Good luck to all the filmmakers and I'm honored to be considered a part of this diverse group. I think Zak summed it up in another post:
"It's also a great opportunity to see works produced on the Red One, HVX200, EX-1, HV20, D90, GH1 back to back to back."
Have fun and have a few rounds on me!

/j

[Tom Marshall]

Hey J, really looking forward to see how yours looks up on the big screen... it looked great on my Plasma... :)

Have fun visiting your family!

[Boogeyman]

yeahh

[Brandon Rice]

Mahlen looked and sounded great Justin! Congrats!

[DarkElastic]

Congratulations for making the top 8 Edgen, and commiserations for not getting in the top 3. I really enjoyed it and look forward to your next movie.

[Edgen]

Heya everyone! I posted the HD festival cut online. It's basically the same as the DVX cut except it has longer credit and a few visual vfx tweaks here and there.

www.edgen.com/mahlen

or direct link:
http://edgenmusic.com/mahlen/bts/film/Mahlen_by-JustinRDurban_HD.mp4

Mahlen ended up coming in 6th place in the QuestFest competition...

I've also submitted the film to a few festivals.. I'll keep you guys posted on that adventure.

cheers!
/j

[Edgen]

Mahlen now on vimeo..

http://www.vimeo.com/5935596

[bluesgeek]

2.33 aspect ratio? I just created two boxes at the top and bottom and eye-balled it. :) I captured it in 1280x720. This way i had room at the tops and bottoms to better shift the framing. Cropped it came out to something like 1280x550?

/j

Thanks for the info, Justin. (Sorry for the delay in replying.) Is there any reason not to work in a 1080 timeline? Is there an advantage to using the 720? Thanks.

Congrats on the great QuestFest showing!

[TMerry]

Hi Justin! Just watched Mahlen. It had a great look!
Are you going to be continuing with the story in a feature or another short
in the future. Got me wondering what will happen next ;-)

Best!
-Tommy Merry

[Edgen]

Tommy,

Oh you bet! I've learned that I tried to pack WAAAAY too much into a little 6 minute film. I'm working on developing the feature film. Possibly pushing it to a series.

Lots of stuff in the works. Definitely stay posted. :)

/j


Hi Justin! Just watched Mahlen. It had a great look!
Are you going to be continuing with the story in a feature or another short
in the future. Got me wondering what will happen next ;-)

Best!
-Tommy Merry