The Stepmother

[Arturo Sanchez]

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd213/narnia666/StepMotherPoster-3.jpg

[Arturo Sanchez]

Cast

Matt Dotson http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0234560/ (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0234560/)
Geno Romo http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2179940/ (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2179940/)
Meiko Mitchell
Quinn Allen
Demetrio Sanchez
Jenavee Milkovich

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd213/narnia666/stepmothercast.jpg

Crew

Writer/Director/Editor: Arturo Sanchez
Camera/Grip: Joel Wear www.tuwinentertainment.com (http://www.tuwinentertainment.com)
Sound: Shawn Willis
Make-Up: Amie Good
PA: Robin Forcier & Sergio Gonzalez
Set Photographer: Brandon Cook & Jeff Schneider
Art Design: Rodney Cuda
Music: TBD
Producer/AD: Anthony Pierce

Special Thanks

Zaragoza Family


http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd213/narnia666/stepmothercrew.jpg

[Christian Halberg]

Welcome to the party. :)

[ZazaCast]

Now THIS is the title of a monster movie! Welcome to the fest.

[Robbie Comeau]

Reminded me of the new hollywood film, "The Stepfather." Haha.

Looking forward to this just for the title!

Robbie

[Marlon Ladd]

Welcome to the fest.! Good luck!

[Arturo Sanchez]

Thank you

[Arturo Sanchez]

Thanks to all cast and crew for doing such a fantastic job.

[Kevin E. Curry]

Looking forward to it! We love Geno Romo, so excited to see his work.

Also, we're considering a Portland showing of all the local MonsterFest flicks (and other shorts), so think about joining in!

[Tuwin]

This film is going to be good! we got a few surprises in store :)

- Joel

[Arturo Sanchez]

Looking forward to it! We love Geno Romo, so excited to see his work.

Also, we're considering a Portland showing of all the local MonsterFest flicks (and other shorts), so think about joining in!

Geno is awesome. Would love be involved, let us know when and where.

[sfoster]

The title scares me so much I'm not sure I want to watch it.
But I will!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Good luck! Nice poster....

[Marlon Ladd]

Poster looks great!

[Arturo Sanchez]

The rough cut is complete editing sound and special effects now. Its going to be close at the finish deadline...

[Arturo Sanchez]

Thank you I think with all the talent here it will be a fun fest...

[Arturo Sanchez]

Good luck! Nice poster....

Thank you. The Poster was created by Anthony Peirce the producer of this film and his friend rodney...

[FilmBoy77]

yea man that poster is hot definitely

[AJ Brooks]

Yes, I am already unnerved by this one.

Looking forward to it!

[Arturo Sanchez]

yea man that poster is hot definitely

Thank you, I have tony to thank for It. I gave him a vision of what I wanted and a naked painted up doll the the rest was streight out of his creative mind. Scary at times

[Arturo Sanchez]

Yes, I am already unnerved by this one.

Looking forward to it!

Thank you,, I have always loved Red and the wolf story from when I was a kid. Finally I think I will see it as it was intended to be... Looks good

[Arturo Sanchez]

The stepmother is complete and uploaded. I hope you all enjoy it. It was great working with such talented people who help make this little film possible.

[EditPhish]

creepy poster man...

[Mood Niatrec]

Nice poster. Based on a true story? awesome

[Arturo Sanchez]

creepy poster man...

Thank you. I'm glad you like it.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Nice poster. Based on a true story? awesome


Thank you... Yeah this happend to a girl I dated.

[Arturo Sanchez]

This film is going to be good! we got a few surprises in store :)

- Joel


I finished the editing and hane uploaded it.

[Om Nom Nom]

Very intrigued by it being based on a true story... and the poster's sick.

[Keth Andril]

Awesome Poster! I especially like the part where it's "based on a true story"

[Arturo Sanchez]

Thank you, I hope you like the film. It is my first. but I hope not my last.


Very intrigued by it being based on a true story... and the poster's sick.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Awesome Poster! I especially like the part where it's "based on a true story"

Thank you, I hope you like the film.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Finally a poster. Nicely done. Big welcome to the fest dude.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Finally a poster. Nicely done. Big welcome to the fest dude.

Thank you Rodney, I hope the film is as good. I love it, but then again it is my baby... I look forward to seeing yours.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Can somebody speed up the clock so we can watch them already..... ok, ok, I'm calm now

[EditPhish]

This is a tough one... I felt like there was potential (and I really liked your poster), but the movie failed for me in a lot of ways. I think the editing and sound definitely needed work, and the story-telling was a bit confusing. The humming was creepy, but a bit overdone by the end of the movie. I give you props for a good effort, so keep working at it!

[Chris_Keaton]

Yeah, this film didn't work for me.... Seriously all I got was audio and a green screen? I was viewing it in Quicktime.

[Charli]

I think one of the problems is that you had so many characters that it was difficult to get invested in any one person.

The shots felt so tight that I almost felt smothered in them, but I do understand where you were going and what you were trying to accomplish, but less is more.

Help me to care about one character and then I can get invested in the story.

[TMerry]

Hi Arturo, just finished watching your film. There was a lot I did enjoy about it. But the sound on the dialog was very distracting. As you cut from angle to angle, you also cut from audio track to audio track and there were huge differences in the way each sounded. If your sound man captured room tone, you can go back and fix this. Or at the very least add longer crossfades on your soundtrack layers between cuts.

I thought the acting was solid, and the little girl was creepy. It leaned a little bit much towards the exorcist with all the talk of the girls tests and the priests talking about how long it take to get an exorcism approved, but I like that kind of stuff. I think if you go in a rework the audio for the dialog you will have a vast improvement on the impact of the overall film!

Good story, good acting, good ending! :-)

[Arturo Sanchez]

This is a tough one... I felt like there was potential (and I really liked your poster), but the movie failed for me in a lot of ways. I think the editing and sound definitely needed work, and the story-telling was a bit confusing. The humming was creepy, but a bit overdone by the end of the movie. I give you props for a good effort, so keep working at it!

Thank you for the comments. This was my first time editing with this program. I simply ran out of time with the sound. I will keep your comments in mind for next film.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Hi Arturo, just finished watching your film. There was a lot I did enjoy about it. But the sound on the dialog was very distracting. As you cut from angle to angle, you also cut from audio track to audio track and there were huge differences in the way each sounded. If your sound man captured room tone, you can go back and fix this. Or at the very least add longer crossfades on your soundtrack layers between cuts.

I thought the acting was solid, and the little girl was creepy. It leaned a little bit much towards the exorcist with all the talk of the girls tests and the priests talking about how long it take to get an exorcism approved, but I like that kind of stuff. I think if you go in a rework the audio for the dialog you will have a vast improvement on the impact of the overall film!

Good story, good acting, good ending! :-)


Thank you. I guess those are just bad mistakes for a new editor. Your comments will help make my next film better.

[Arturo Sanchez]

I think one of the problems is that you had so many characters that it was difficult to get invested in any one person.

The shots felt so tight that I almost felt smothered in them, but I do understand where you were going and what you were trying to accomplish, but less is more.

Help me to care about one character and then I can get invested in the story.


Thank you, your right I tried to put to much into 6 minutes. Thank you.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Yeah, this film didn't work for me.... Seriously all I got was audio and a green screen? I was viewing it in Quicktime.

I read that sometimes the servers get backed up. That could have been the problem.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Damn! This one had a LOT of potential. Especially concerning the story and the actors. Even the set design/costumes were good for me.

The sound was bad. Hissing, cutting in and out. An easy fix for a sound guy with time.
Some bad cuts/editing here and there, most of which could also be fixed. The odd actor looking at the camera.

Still, there is something about this one that got me. I fell right into it and got fairly engaged, which is quite a triumph considering many of the distractions. There's some real talent here.

I enjoyed many of the performances and the writing was quite good. Polish this up and see how it looks. I would be willing to give you hand with some editing and sound design if you are interested.

MAH

[Chris_Keaton]

I used the VLC viewer that Ramsaur recommended and it worked fine. It looked a little dark to me, but that might be my setup.

The end was great. Ok that last half was great. The first half was a perfect example of telling and not showing. Sure what they were saying was interesting, but not as interesting as actually seeing the events. Ain't 6 minutes a bitch. Overall good job.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Damn! This one had a LOT of potential. Especially concerning the story and the actors. Even the set design/costumes were good for me.

The sound was bad. Hissing, cutting in and out. An easy fix for a sound guy with time.
Some bad cuts/editing here and there, most of which could also be fixed. The odd actor looking at the camera.

Still, there is something about this one that got me. I fell right into it and got fairly engaged, which is quite a triumph considering many of the distractions. There's some real talent here.

I enjoyed many of the performances and the writing was quite good. Polish this up and see how it looks. I would be willing to give you hand with some editing and sound design if you are interested.

MAH


Thank you. This was my first attempt at editing. My editor had to go work on a full length feature and I was handed the movie. The things he did were exelent I wish he could have had the time to finish it. I actually have very little experience with editing. I used the CS4 premier. I dont have the hissing and stuff on mine but i would love to have you help me. I actually had to cut this down from 12 minuts to 6 as i have alot more shots to put into the movie. I am working on re-editing it now. can you let me know in a private message where I can communicate with you. I would love some help editing and sound.

[Arturo Sanchez]

I used the VLC viewer that Ramsaur recommended and it worked fine. It looked a little dark to me, but that might be my setup.

The end was great. Ok that last half was great. The first half was a perfect example of telling and not showing. Sure what they were saying was interesting, but not as interesting as actually seeing the events. Ain't 6 minutes a bitch. Overall good job.

Thank you, yes 6 minutes, ouch.

[Horncastle]

I thought this was a really good job. Yes, it had the sound and editing problems that others have mentioned, but I thought the acting and dialogues were great - there were some very convincing faces in there. Thanks!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Thank you. This was my first attempt at editing. My editor had to go work on a full length feature and I was handed the movie. The things he did were exelent I wish he could have had the time to finish it. I actually have very little experience with editing. I used the CS4 premier. I dont have the hissing and stuff on mine but i would love to have you help me. I actually had to cut this down from 12 minuts to 6 as i have alot more shots to put into the movie. I am working on re-editing it now. can you let me know in a private message where I can communicate with you. I would love some help editing and sound.Sure. Just PM me here and I'll give the audio a whirl.

[Arturo Sanchez]

I thought this was a really good job. Yes, it had the sound and editing problems that others have mentioned, but I thought the acting and dialogues were great - there were some very convincing faces in there. Thanks!


Thank you, I am glad you liked it.

[lyonfilms]

Just watched. First, I really liked the story, the setting and the acting. In fact, the lack of score and the simple sound design was spot-on for this story and setting. This was some of the best acting I've seen so far this fest.

I was thrown off a little at times by the jumps in the underlying audio tone. Good room tone as an audio bed would have really helped this problem.

What happened to the two priests. I've not read the other comments yet so perhaps you've addressed this. But for me, one minute they were there the next they were gone (or dead?).

The demon effect on the girl seemed way too over the top. This would have been a moment for creepy subtlety in my estimation. Maybe just simple eyes going black? The over the top warp was almost funny which DIDN'T fit a very cool tone you had going.

We are going to get all the local folks together sometime in the next 5 weeks to show shorts up at the Hollywood in Portland. Want to join us? Should be good fun.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Just watched. First, I really liked the story, the setting and the acting. In fact, the lack of score and the simple sound design was spot-on for this story and setting. This was some of the best acting I've seen so far this fest.

I was thrown off a little at times by the jumps in the underlying audio tone. Good room tone as an audio bed would have really helped this problem.

What happened to the two priests. I've not read the other comments yet so perhaps you've addressed this. But for me, one minute they were there the next they were gone (or dead?).

The demon effect on the girl seemed way too over the top. This would have been a moment for creepy subtlety in my estimation. Maybe just simple eyes going black? The over the top warp was almost funny which DIDN'T fit a very cool tone you had going.

We are going to get all the local folks together sometime in the next 5 weeks to show shorts up at the Hollywood in Portland. Want to join us? Should be good fun.


Thank you for your comments. The two priest are still there just that they were the victems of the 6 minute rule. It was very hard to edit this in 4 days and get it right. I am working on a longer redo which will give me time to fix the entire movie for other fests. I am taking in account the comments from this fest to fix all the problems. Doing the eyes were my first choice also.

[Marlon Ladd]

I agree with some of the other posts. This story did have alot of potential. I commend you for having to edit this yourself. Editing ain't easy or everybody would be doing. Hopefully Mike can help with the audio, because it was distracting when it would cut out. You should also add some sound effects. At the front door when the priest comes in out of the rain, we should hear the rain more and maybe some thunder. Also, the wife yelling at the table was way to loud and the struggle between the husband and wife had no sound effects at all. There needs to be something there, because they're wrestling. If there's no sound on that it seems as though they are playing. It doesn't have to be over-the-top sound, just subtle tussleing sounds.

Other than that, you had some really good camera angles (cinematography) and it was a very intriguing story that automatically pulls you in. Also the kill shot with the gun was great, however, the beginning of the needs to be cut down, because it's like we were just sitting there waiting for the shot to go off.

Overall, nice job and a pretty solid entry!

[Arturo Sanchez]

I agree with some of the other posts. This story did have alot of potential. I commend you for having to edit this yourself. Editing ain't easy or everybody would be doing. Hopefully Mike can help with the audio, because it was distracting when it would cut out. You should also add some sound effects. At the front door when the priest comes in out of the rain, we should hear the rain more and maybe some thunder. Also, the wife yelling at the table was way to loud and the struggle between the husband and wife had no sound effects at all. There needs to be something there, because they're wrestling. If there's no sound on that it seems as though they are playing. It doesn't have to be over-the-top sound, just subtle tussleing sounds.

Other than that, you had some really good camera angles (cinematography) and it was a very intriguing story that automatically pulls you in. Also the kill shot with the gun was great, however, the beginning of the needs to be cut down, because it's like we were just sitting there waiting for the shot to go off.

Overall, nice job and a pretty solid entry!


Thank you, I have learned a great deal from your comments. I am taking some tutorials on the sound incase i ever have to do it again but mostly getting a good person to edit it and fix the the sound is a must. being my first film I wish I could have had the help.

[Marlon Ladd]

Oh, wow, Arturo. I didn't know this was your first film. Outstanding. You have talent and with time and a little more experience you'll continue to put out better and better stuff. I've seen alot of first-timer films before and yours didn't strike me as amatuerish in any way. So, kudos for that.

[Dauntless]

This was really good! ... It's the the most scary film out of all the ones I've seen so far... It reminded me alot of the exorcist... Really good acting and the creepy lighting were key. The only thing I noticed was the sound seem to cut in and out but besides that great. One of the best in the contest!

[Arturo Sanchez]

This was really good! ... It's the the most scary film out of all the ones I've seen so far... It reminded me alot of the exorcist... Really good acting and the creepy lighting were key. The only thing I noticed was the sound seem to cut in and out but besides that great. One of the best in the contest!


Thank you, I am very glad you like it. I have the sound issues fixed on the copy I have here at home now. I am glad you liked it.

[alex whitmer]

There was some wonderful DP work here. Felt very 'big screen'.

I think you fell into the trap of convenience with the knife, and the odd teen seemed tossed in for effect, and stole some valuable screen time to work your main characters.

Acting was quite good.

Overall a very nice film. Never looked at my watch!

[Arturo Sanchez]

There was some wonderful DP work here. Felt very 'big screen'.

I think you fell into the trap of convenience with the knife, and the odd teen seemed tossed in for effect, and stole some valuable screen time to work your main characters.

Acting was quite good.

Overall a very nice film. Never looked at my watch!

Thank you. I am happy you enjoyed it.

[guerrasing]

I loved your movie... I feel it tells a full story not just a quick scene. great job getting all that in 6 min. I would love to see the longer cut as you say you are doing. Great first time movie. the acting is the best.

[Blaine]

I agree with some of the other posts. This story did have alot of potential. I commend you for having to edit this yourself. Editing ain't easy or everybody would be doing. Hopefully Mike can help with the audio, because it was distracting when it would cut out. You should also add some sound effects. At the front door when the priest comes in out of the rain, we should hear the rain more and maybe some thunder. Also, the wife yelling at the table was way to loud and the struggle between the husband and wife had no sound effects at all. There needs to be something there, because they're wrestling. If there's no sound on that it seems as though they are playing. It doesn't have to be over-the-top sound, just subtle tussleing sounds.

Other than that, you had some really good camera angles (cinematography) and it was a very intriguing story that automatically pulls you in. Also the kill shot with the gun was great, however, the beginning of the needs to be cut down, because it's like we were just sitting there waiting for the shot to go off.

Overall, nice job and a pretty solid entry!I pretty much concur with what Marlon has said here. I would add that the early closeups on Matt Dotson (between 00:59 and 01:41) suffered from insufficient light. He was lost in the shadows and I found it impossible to read his expressions.

[lawriejaffa]

Now this is an interesting film!

A supernatural drama, that builds quite a disturbing atmosphere based around the performance of the mother, and the aquisition of the creepiest little girl (bless her heart) known to mankind. It's shot nicely enough and edited with some quirks to add to the horror and suspense.

However its not perfect!!

The exposition at the start is perhaps a little too overkill, really do we need to know the mothers social security number? The priests act competently enough but there costumes and apperance would lend some to think there some kinky hired stripper act!!!

There just such butch handsome priests (you can tell them that) with rubbery priest outfits, i kind of wondered if any second a disco ball might drop down and those vestry shirts were about to get ripped off - pump it up pump it up! Oooh Yeah!

But no.... (and er thank god)

Our little girl is perhaps too obviously creepy. Imagine how disturbing it woudl be if we didn't actually cast Wednesday Adams as our young voodoo priestess?

The more obvious - the less we think. I think you have skill in drama, that can afford to be a little less 'accessible'.

Perhaps dad's reaction at the end (and the whole knife death) were respectively too indifferent and 'easy.'

[Arturo Sanchez]

Now this is an interesting film!

A supernatural drama, that builds quite a disturbing atmosphere based around the performance of the mother, and the aquisition of the creepiest little girl (bless her heart) known to mankind. It's shot nicely enough and edited with some quirks to add to the horror and suspense.

However its not perfect!!

The exposition at the start is perhaps a little too overkill, really do we need to know the mothers social security number? The priests act competently enough but there costumes and apperance would lend some to think there some kinky hired stripper act!!!

There just such butch handsome priests (you can tell them that) with rubbery priest outfits, i kind of wondered if any second a disco ball might drop down and those vestry shirts were about to get ripped off - pump it up pump it up! Oooh Yeah!

But no.... (and er thank god)

Our little girl is perhaps too obviously creepy. Imagine how disturbing it woudl be if we didn't actually cast Wednesday Adams as our young voodoo priestess?

The more obvious - the less we think. I think you have skill in drama, that can afford to be a little less 'accessible'.

Perhaps dad's reaction at the end (and the whole knife death) were respectively too indifferent and 'easy.'

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my film. Comments realy help me understantd what I need to work on to make a better movie.

[Arturo Sanchez]

I loved your movie... I feel it tells a full story not just a quick scene. great job getting all that in 6 min. I would love to see the longer cut as you say you are doing. Great first time movie. the acting is the best.


Thank you for your comments. I was lucky to have gotten such great actors to be in the film. Matt Dottson is great and he has such passion. Meiko Mitchell is so talented.... She should be in Hollywood not in my 6 minute movies... but I am glad she wasn't in Hollywood yet.

[Arturo Sanchez]

I pretty much concur with what Marlon has said here. I would add that the early closeups on Matt Dotson (between 00:59 and 01:41) suffered from insufficient light. He was lost in the shadows and I found it impossible to read his expressions.


Thank you for your comments... I want to continue to grow and make te best movie possible.

[Sarah Daly]

Hey well this was one of the few that genuinely surprised me - nice complete little story that fit the timeframe well - okay the acting was a little off at times but I liked the tone, very creepy and claustrophobic I loved your opening shots and most importantly - clever little story. Nice!

[Arturo Sanchez]

Hey well this was one of the few that genuinely surprised me - nice complete little story that fit the timeframe well - okay the acting was a little off at times but I liked the tone, very creepy and claustrophobic I loved your opening shots and most importantly - clever little story. Nice!


Thank you. I am very happy you likes it.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Whoa! How'd I miss another Oregon film?

I really enjoyed this piece, stellar acting from the little girl, Dotson, the priest and Geno. I didnt like the end as much.

Btw Arturo, I see you are new here and this is your first fest and that you havent commented on any other films, usually it's polite to get out and comment and view the other films if you expect it to be done to yours.

[Arturo Sanchez]

Whoa! How'd I miss another Oregon film?

I really enjoyed this piece, stellar acting from the little girl, Dotson, the priest and Geno. I didnt like the end as much.

Btw Arturo, I see you are new here and this is your first fest and that you havent commented on any other films, usually it's polite to get out and comment and view the other films if you expect it to be done to yours.

Thanks. I will get to the comments on other films. Thanks for the advise.