The Quest for Adventure - by: Andy Olson

[Andy Olson]

Logline: With his wife is out of town, a man answers a strange personal ad, but gets more than he bargained for.

Hey Everyone,

I decided to try and enter something for QuestFest.

Start shooting recently and hoping to get everything ready for the deadline.

http://www.cromagnumfilms.com/quest/cheese.jpghttp://www.cromagnumfilms.com/qpics/cheese.jpg

Good luck to everyone.

Best,
Andy

[Andy Olson]

Starring Cast:
Dave Keslick
http://www.cromagnumfilms.com/headshots/DavidKeslick.jpg

Carl Canga
http://www.cromagnumfilms.com/headshots/CarlCanga.jpg

Meg Peck
http://www.cromagnumfilms.com/headshots/MegPeck.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thinmanphoto/3516707494/in/set-72157604263062325/

[RodThompson]

Welcome to the fire!

[ZazaCast]

Excellent...welcome to the fest!

[Rodney V. Smith]

ahh a new one! excellent! and welcome!

[stinkpot]

Looking forward to it!

:beer:

[ramsaur]

welcome to the fest! Glad you and your film can be apart of it!

[Noel Evans]

Hi Andy, good luck mate. A strange personal ad you say? Must be a Craigslits ad...

Gave you some stars to kick you off.

[Andy Olson]

Thanks for all the warm greetings to the fest!

Put some cast pics up.

About 3/5ths through shooting, but got a bit left. Hope to make it in time.

Best,
Andy

[Andy Olson]

Poster's up. Getting close to deadline. I hope everyone makes it including myself!

[Andy Olson]

Here's a couple screengrabs:

http://www.cromagnumfilms.com/qpics/Image1b.jpg

http://www.cromagnumfilms.com/qpics/Image3b.jpg

http://www.cromagnumfilms.com/qpics/Image4b.jpg

[Andy Olson]

Finishing up the sound mix and compression.

Shot on the 5dmkii. The camera is awesome, but the workflow took some getting used to. Still need to workout some kinks.

[DarkElastic]

This sounds intriguing Andy. Good luck in the Fest.

[Andy Olson]

Uploaded. Let's hope the h.264 mp4 out of Vegas plays in sync. It seems to be in sync most of the time but at some parts it seems to drift in Quicktime Player.

Exciting!

[Girgej]

Interesting ... Good Luck

[Tim Joy]

The grabs made me laugh, so I'm guessing Comedy?

Looks fun! Can't wait... shouldn't be long now.
Congrats on entering.

[ramsaur]

haha this was funny. I like how he already had an adventure box. Good Indiana Jones outfit. I also liked when he google searched just "Highest Mountain" funny. The Color Grading, camera work, acting, and music was great! Love the twist ending.

[Ryan E. Walters]

LOL!!! Great flick. Although I saw the ending coming from the start of the film, it was a nice additional twist that they had planned it, I didn't see that part. I really enjoyed the tribute to Indiana Jones- and the fight scene was great. Congrats!

[Noel Evans]

Agree with others. Really fun. A nice ride from start to finish. Very entertaining. Well done!

[Erik Olson]

Fun and well-executed if not completely predictable. Your homage shots were spot-on!

[Marlon Ladd]

This was fun! Yes, I could also see the ending coming a mile away, but it didn't matter. You gave us adventure and I don't know if anybody else noticed, but the Indy fall to the ground was almost spot on from the movie. Nice concept and the footage looked pretty awesome. I had to check to see what camera you used. There are sooo many options for us Indies now, it's great.

[Andy Olson]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I'm glad you enjoyed my film.

I always thought the ending was not really a big secret, but I didn't know it was so obvious. This is a good learning experience to see what the audience forsees happening.

I shot with the Canon 5dmkii.

Thanks again for watching my film.

Best,
Andy

[Susanne G.]

Very clever story. I loved the reaction of the wife at the end. His part seems a bit like a comedy to 'Indiana Jones'. Funny and entertained. Compliments!

Susanne

[Andy Olson]

Thanks for watching Susanne. I'm glad it was funny and entertaining.

The reaction of the wife at the end was something that the actors and I worked on making sure it came across with a dual purpose. First, being that she is surprised that it's him that answered the ad, going with the idea that they are both cheating. Then the reaction is supposed to become more that she knew it was supposed to be him as they planned but surprised because he is beat up.

Thanks,
Andy

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Not sure why but I didn't see the ending coming at all. Probably should have though.
This was a lot of fun. He had plenty of Indy mannerisms during that fight sequence. Nice touch.

I bet you guys had a lot of fun while shooting this one.

Cheers,

MAH

[kurtmo]

I liked this one. I kinda saw the reveal coming a long ways off, but it still worked. I really liked how the other Indy showed up and all the throwbacks to the indy movies! You really captured it in the spoofy way you were looking for. I also loved the line, “we can get you a new whip.” Another thing I enjoyed was the camera work right after the head butts. And then the great sunset at the end.

Well done. Keep making more of these!

[Brandon Rice]

First short that made me laugh! Spot on with the Indy stuff! Loved that! :) I am partial since I worked on an indiana jones-esque short last year as well :)

Great little film! Looked pretty good too, though it could have done with a little color grading :)

[Maximus]

One of my favorites! Like many others I expected her to be on the mountain top early on. The final twist I did not see coming, and it was a great surprise. A very sweet and romantic ending.

Your actors did a great job, the couple in particular were perfectly cast. The Indy stuff was very funny, especially the whip surprise, and the Indy mannerisms, ie. a weary Indy as seen under the flying wing in Raiders.

And last but not least... that 5D takes swwweeeetttt pictures! Great job! :thumbsup:

[ZazaCast]

Great film! I really enjoyed the ride....yes, I like others saw the ending coming, but who cares, it was fun. Actors did a great job and the images are fabulous (got to love that 5D II).

If I had to pick something that bugged me, it would be the canned music, or I should say some of canned music. I think I heard some Digital Juice stuff I've used before in there? A fresh score wouldn't have hurt this at all.

This is one of my favorites of the fest...well done!

PS... if you're looking for that Pizza Guy, he appeared in MY film! Too funny!!!

[Andy Olson]

Thanks everyone.

Michael: It was never supposed to be a huge surprise, but I'm glad the ending did sneak up a little on at least a couple people. It was a fun shoot, except for the 2 extremely hot 100+ degree days we shot the fight scene.

Kurtmo: Yeah, that headbutt shot with the superwide angle was something I thought would be cool and turned out pretty well. I'm glad you liked it.

Brandon: Never can have enough Indy-jones-esque movies. They're too fun. Color grading is in the process for a slightly longer version but didn't have enough time to get it done before the questfest deadline. Any shots in particular?

Maximus: Thanks. I think I should change the name to Quest for the Obvious Ending. Joking. I'm happy the twist worked though.

Zazacast: My actors did do a good job and they really helped bring it to life. I agree with you about the canned music. I was in the works with a couple composers, but due to the fact I started pretty late in the game, there wasn't enough time. I hope to get a real score composed for a slightly longer version I'm working on. I also agree some of the canned music does work and gave it the kinda 'over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek' feel, but when I get a composer we'll sort out what works and doesn't. With all the 'perks' pizza guys get, I might want to play him myself! Thanks for watching.

Best,
Andy

[John LaBonney]

Hey, this is really great!

I thought the first two minutes of the film was great, except for one thing: the score. I think the Indy music kicked in too early. When they're in the living room there is a feeling of boredom, inactivity. The adventure music kind of messed that feeling up. It shouldn't start until he starts getting dressed.

The fights between the two Indys are very amusing. Might be a hair overexposed? I don't know, this isn't really my strong point. I think a different angle of the guy falling over the "cliff" might have worked better.

I think the story is truly great! "You should have seen some of the dorks that came to claim the prize." Ha!

Awesome movie my friend!

[Andy Olson]

When I first put the adventure music in on the tv, I thought it was fitting but now I realize it fit with earlier longer edits where there was a small inkling about the fight scene being a lot more hardcore then it really was. In essence, it was hyped up in the minds of the two combatants and to a 3rd person view it was not as exciting. I appreciate the comment about the music John and I do agree that it shouldn't have come in until he starts getting dressed.

I'll probably end up taking it out in the eventual re-edit. There is some slight overexposure that I hope to take care of with some color correction later on.

Thanks for watching and commenting!

Best,
Andy

[Gord.T]

I really had a lot of fun with this one. There were many shots I especially liked and Andy has allowed me to post a few grabs. I also had fun scrubbing though the frames because there are so many little classic moments to be had.

Shot Upper left, with the lady, I loved, with her arms outstrectched, looking out into the vastness...

Shot lower left was just a really funny comedic moment.

Others shots I grabbed because I thought, hey, this looks like Indiana Jones himself. The lead actor did an excellent job and I'd like to see him in something again.

Thanks Andy. This was really a lot of fun.



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w289/TheRaptor365/misc/QFA_Montage_3.jpg

[hoz]

this was a fun film to watch! two fav scenes are the ending with the sunset and when indy fell down amidst his own dust - did you plan on matching that from the indy movie? i was waiting for indy to grab his fake gun when the other one pulled a knife, the whip was a nice touch.
good work!

[Robert Eldon]

Andy,

I really enjoyed this one. Great use of the 'quest' theme with double meaning. 'Quest' in the title, a 'quest' story, with a 'quest' icon. I liked all of the Indiana Jones references and found myself looking for and counting how many times there was an 'homage' shot. And the guys did their own stunts, kudos!

Where did you get the music? It helped set the mood.

I pretty much anticipated the ending, but you know, sometimes, I like to see a good story with the expectations of the known outcome! :)

At the very end, I expected to hear a 'wilhelm' scream.

Good job!

[Girgej]

Hey ... Great Adventure ... and the story was good .. although al about the 4th minute, I figured out the ending (it was a bit of a let down) ... but of course, as with out favourite Quest Character (Indie), we always knew we was going to get to the end of the quest ... and despite of that we all love every minute of each film (except the 4th / new one) .. as for the shots some were beautiful, as the Girl on the mountain (and onwards) and the Ad Reading past with the Voice over ... Great Job man ... Keep it up ...

[Andy Olson]

Hey everyone,

Raptor: Thanks for the warm comments. I'll definitely pass along what you said to the actor. He'll get a kick out of it because he's always wanted to be Indiana Jones.

hoz: That was one of a couple shots we intentionally shot similar to the Indy movie. Maybe subconsciously there was some other shots I framed up to be close as well. We thought about using the toy gun, but couldn't figure out how to get it in there quick and efficiently so we just went with the whip. Thanks for watching.

Robert Eldon: The actors will appreciate the kudos for doing their own stunts because they worked really hard in the smoldering heat to get the takes right. The music was from a canned music cd. It's a little over the top and I'm probably going to have actually soundtrack made, but I hope to still capture the feel the 'corny' music lent. Oh, I missed the chance to put the 'wilhelm' scream in. That would have been great!

Girgej: Thanks for watching my film. Could I ask what gave away the ending in the 4th minute? I'm still going to be working on this project even after the contest so I may go back and try to reedit some stuff to make the ending...not a mystery, but at least not so obvious. I'm glad the mountain top shots came out well. We worked pretty hard to get those and shot around a lot of other onlookers.

Thanks for the comments everyone!

Best,
Andy

[Brian Parker]

Wow...this one was great. Had a lot of fun with it. Some laugh out loud moments and a sweet and funny ending. Quite a few things I liked here, one of my favorites being the part when he was reading the personal ads in the paper. The voiceovers from the different women could be considered a small detail but were great. The acting throughout was natural and they all had good timing. Nice fight scene coreography as well. I've been hesitant to shoot my first fight scene but you've got it down.

Had a lot of fun with this one. Looking forward to seeing what else you do!

[DarkElastic]

Hi Andy,

Your short is really very good and funny. Any one who loves the Indy films will love this because of the little quality indy moments you put in and the pee taking of the others.

I loved how this was shot, the pace of the edit, the musis, the acting was great, funny fight scene. I thought the ending was great and the realisation that the failed marriage was really a vibrant marriage with adventure games, brilliant.

A few points I noticed:
Not only does the Indy music come in too early, it also cuts off too quickly. You could do with fading it into to something softer until it peaks when he meats his rival.
The fall from his rival could have been better, it looked like he just fell below camera shot.

Excellent short, and funniest in the fest for me, so far. Well done.

[Andy Olson]

Hello everyone,

Champloo: Thanks for the nice comments. Now that I think about it...this is probably the first fight scene I've shot/choreographed before. We had a few rehearsals to get it down and also to work on how to shoot it properly. It evolved through that and wasn't exactly what we started with but turned out better of course. That's one of the great things of the process.

DarkElastic: I'm glad you enjoyed watching my film. It means a lot that the story worked out well for you. Thanks. I've gone back and forth with my decision to put the music in on the TV at the start and I do agree with taking it out. I'd have to play with fading it in earlier in the fight scene as it's canned music and I have to use it the way it is even if it doesn't fit with the action. I have some other angles of the fall of his rival so maybe I could take a look at them. Thanks for the comments.

Best,
Andy

[~jai~]

A great film, and although I guessed the ending, I still really liked it! It was a very cute film and I loved the fight! The score was great and fit the film to a tee! There were some technical things that others will undoubtedly point out to you, but I liked the great tone of the piece and really liked that it wasn't about adultery in the end, but two people keeping their marriage fresh!

"I hate dorks" - LOL!!! CLASSIC!

Overall, great job! Thanks for sharing!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Nicely done Andy. Top 8!. Will you be coming out to LA for the screening?

(my review is coming btw)

[~jai~]

ALRIGHT! You made it to the finals! Congrats and I hope to see you in LA! Can't wait to see this one on the big screen!

[kurtmo]

Congrats! Great job and a well deserved finalist!

[Ryan E. Walters]

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

[Edgen]

congrats andy!

[Brian Parker]

Congrats on your top 8 spot! You earned it!

[Noel Evans]

Congrats Andy!

[armisiano]

Rock on! I love seeing comedies make it to the top. Good work. :)

[Brandon Rice]

Congrats! This one was a pleasant surprise! :)

[lawriejaffa]

This is a delicious little treat - congrats for the top 8 mate!

[Andy Olson]

Thanks for all the congrats, guys!

I wish I could make it out to LA for the screening, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. You lucky dogs going to it are going to have a blast seeing all the films on the big screen!

Congrats to the finalists and everyone that took part in Questfest! It's been great.

Laters,
Andy

[Imaginate]

Thanks for making this film. You did such a good job. you really have a gift with comedy. The film made me smile, it made me laugh. Congrats to your whole crew and actors... you earned your place in the top 8!

[Norm Sanders]

First, congratulations on making top 8!

This was a fun one, that had me guessing right up until the very end ... thought they caught each other in attempting to have adultry, when instead it's their own game they have planned every weekend with a new twist, lol.

I don't believe you were crafting this to be a visual cinematic experience, so I'll save you on any camera/visual critques (though the blood looked GREAT on his forehead as it dripped down while putting his had back on). Audio was solid.

In the end, the characters fit VERY well for what you had going on here. Great job on casting, and putting this together.

[Andy Olson]

Hey guys,

Imaginate: Thanks for the kind words. It means a lot that you got some laughter and enjoyment out my film since that is the main reason I make them.

Norm: Cheers! I'm glad the ending worked for you and wasn't plain to see from the start. I'd love to here any camera/visual critiques you have because I'm always learning and trying to improve. Thanks for watching.

Best,
Andy

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Fun movie guys! I thought you were going the 'Pina Coladas' route but then it turned out to be intentional, good twist! Love all the middle-age guy (out of breath) humor, lol.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Okay, not much time these days since work is really catching up to me, but time enough for a quick word.

Andy your film was easily one of my favorites and glad to see you made the finals. It embraced the Quest theme completely, especially your use of the Indiana Jones idea in the whole thing. You carried it off quite nicely,so I tip my hat to you.

It would have been nice to have seen that homage carried through a little further, especially if you had emulated a lot of Spielberg's angles and shot choices even in just simple conversations. Each Indiana Jones movie has a certain feel to it that carries over nicely and a lot of it is the shot choices. That you didn't is by no means a negative, but it's something that would just have been nice to see, a thoughtful and careful planning of every aspect of your movie.

That said, loved the fight scenes and the reveal at the end. I thought I knew what was coming and almost groaned outloud, but then the double twist came where they had planned it together and I loved it even more! Real life consequences for placing an advert like that. And having to make him look through the ads to actually find the correct ad.... nice touch. Absolutely perfect. The introduction of the Indy hat and whip was good and you had me actually waiting to see if you'd do the whole travelling across the map thing.

It was fun and had a great payoff. Good movie all around.

Did you do any color correction or grading?

Also did you have a composer on this? At times it sounded like canned music and had me wondering what a good composer would have done to emulate the music and feel of the Indiana Jones movies.

[Sarah Daly]

Great casting, nice light-hearted approach, technically pretty spot on , well handled comedy (which is very very difficult), great choreography in the fight scene, (if a little long) and overall, a little gem! Story wise - one of the tightest efforts on show here. Great job - a fun watch. :)

[Sprocketboy]

Another QuestFest success story. You are really an Indy-fan. I enjoyed all the trademark shots in this short with the fun twist at the end against the sunset sky. Sweet. Some of your shots suffered from a slight overexposure, but in the scheme of things it look great most of the time. The stock music was a bit repetitive and didn't seem appropriate in a few places. I can tell you had a ball doing this. Congrats.

[Andy Olson]

Hey everyone,

Shawneous: I've wondered if the "Pina coladas" song is what makes the ending seem obvious...though I think people know it's wife that's going to be at the top, but they don't know the full reason. My actors didn't have to fake the out of breath humor very much. HAHA. Joking, but it was ridiculously hot and I had them running around so that probably helped. Thanks for watching.

Puckthemad: Some of the angles I chose were purposely like the Indy movies and some were sort of "this is the way it has to be." I didn't want to make this only an homage just because it sometimes comes across an completely unoriginal though the story being told is different. Not to say this isn't a parody because that's pretty undeniable. I actually cut out some indy stuff like the shot where he fails to the ground initially had the indy 'wobbly' knees before falling. I wanted the indy theme to be a part of the story and a tool to push the story forward, but not the story itself. The travelling map was another cut not only by choice but time. I was going to have driving scenes with the car going across a google-like map.

For the Questfest online viewing, I only color corrected 2 shots, but everything else was in camera. I talked with a couple composers but because of time issues I had to go with canned music. Right now having a real soundtrack made for Quest for Adventure is my top priority and I think will add another dimension to it.

Thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment. I'm going to hopefully have time soon to comment on people's entries soon.

Sarah: Thanks so much for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it. My actors worked hard on the fight scene and before we knew it, we had an extended version of what we had intended. I hope to tighten it up a little bit when I reedit.

Sprocketboy: I was using the Canon 5dmkii for the first time and like a fool I forgot to bring my ND filters for the first day fight scene so a couple of the shots are overexposed. Hopefully, I can fix it a little with some color correction of find another take. Yeah, the stock music was funny when I first used it, but it just doesn't fit at points with the action quite right so a track composed for it will make a big difference. Thanks for taking time to check out my film.

Best Regards,
Andy

[DarkElastic]

Congratulations Andy on the top 8, this movie was one of my favourites of the fest and I am really glad it came so close to the top 3. I really am looking forward to your next short.

[Noel Evans]

Andy, I think its fair to say this was a favourite at the screening, got plenty of laughs and fired the crowd up. Well done!