View Full Version : "That's When I Knew I Was Going to Die..." - a Short film by HHL
Whew....this is really cutting it close! The idea for this film came to me late this afternoon....and I only have 18 days to make the thing!!! I really hope I get the chance to tell this story for "ScareFest". If not, I hope I get the chance to tell my kids by the light of a camp fire....Mad love to DVXUsers everywhere!
I'm in!!! I hope I get this thing done in time!!!!
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You can only warn kids so many times....sooner or later they have to find out for themselves.
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...the story goes, that Wyatt Westinghouse III, locked his wife out of their winter home just after a New Year's Eve celebration on 1/1/1930. Some say he was angry about how much money she spent on the party...the Wall Street Crash of 1929 hit hard earlier that year.
Although no one ever found her body, and despite the fact that every one in the quiet town knew the police were paid off by Westinghouse himself....no justice was ever served.
Some say that during the month of October, during the same time of year as the Wall Street Crash (link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Street_Crash_of_1929)) .....she can still be seen wandering around the old abandoned home, banging wildly on the door...still trying to get in.
Looks like Monica and Julie are going find out for themselves when they visit the abandoned Westinghouse home.
JaceBrownlow
10-10-2011, 07:00 PM
Whats this one about? :D
Whats this one about? http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/biggrin.png
You can only warn kids so many times....sooner or later they have to find out for themselves.
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...the story goes, that Wyatt Westinghouse III, locked his wife out of their winter home just after a New Year's Eve celebration on 1/1/1930. Some say he was angry about how much money she spent on the party...the Wall Street Crash of 1929 hit hard earlier that year.
Although no one ever found her body, and despite the fact that every one in the quiet town knew the police were paid off by Westinghouse himself....no justice was ever served.
Some say that during the month of October, during the same time of year as the Wall Street Crash (link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Street_Crash_of_1929)) .....she can still be seen wandering around the old abandoned home, banging wildly on the door...still trying to get in.
Looks like Monica and Julie are going find out for themselves when they visit the abandoned Westinghouse home.
Matt Harris
10-11-2011, 12:12 AM
congrats for entering, it's been great talking to you about the anamorphics.
Does anyone know a good recipe for fake blood? (It IS ScareFest afterall...)
JaceBrownlow
10-11-2011, 10:13 PM
Does anyone know a good recipe for fake blood? (It IS ScareFest afterall...)
I have always used v8 juice mixed with palmegranite juice. For some reason it just looks and feels reel. The texture and color make a convincing blood.
ZazaCast
10-11-2011, 10:19 PM
corn syrup w/red & blue (just a touch of blue) food coloring... add water to get the consistency you like.
congrats for entering, it's been great talking to you about the anamorphics.
The honor is mine Matt. Thanks again for sharing your talent with all of us!
I have always used v8 juice mixed with palmegranite juice. For some reason it just looks and feels reel. The texture and color make a convincing blood.
Thanks for the tip. I may be tempted to drink that one....lol.
corn syrup w/red & blue (just a touch of blue) food coloring... add water to get the consistency you like.
Thank you Zaza! I can't wait to give these all a try! Thank you all so much for your input.
Quick update on the 18 day film project (this one, lol). Casting is nearly complete. I'll post pics later, (I guess I'd better take them first!)
I only have one more person to pitch on the concept, very minor role, but important to the story, later this week I'll get that one done.
One tentative acceptance, need to "pin that one down"....the rest are "on board".
Monica, Yasmeen Finlayson
Julie, Anaiah Finlayson
Elise Westinghouse, Marjorie Anderson
Father, HHL
Officer Morgan, Jason Bowers
Un-named, Sandra Nelson (confirmed, last one yay!)
OK....bummer update here. After a great weekend of shooting, I suffered a set back with my sound. For some reason, all of my sound was lost when I imported to CS5. A combination of things (I'm not sure which one was the culprit)....bottom line, I'll be reshooting the majority of it. The good news is that I learned a lot during the shoots, and I have some KILLER story board equivalents (actual footage), and I should get even better footy next time. The bad news is that I may not finish in time.....bummer. Anywho...that's my update from the front line. Mad love to DVXUsers, everywhere!
thetvirus513
10-16-2011, 10:50 PM
Definitely hoping you can finish in time, but either way you definitely have the right attitude about the setbacks.....those are the worst!
Matt Harris
10-16-2011, 11:36 PM
total bummer. are you sure that's the deal? i don't use CS5, but i have never heard of the sound being lost as it's imported. do you still have the files on your memory card? you can always play them in quicktime to see how the sound is. then you'll know for sure.
well i got to see some of his images, and i can tell you they were really cool, so i'm bummed to hear this.
ZazaCast
10-17-2011, 07:19 AM
Oh Man! I hope you can get it done in time...you can do it.
Definitely hoping you can finish in time, but either way you definitely have the right attitude about the setbacks.....those are the worst!
total bummer. are you sure that's the deal? i don't use CS5, but i have never heard of the sound being lost as it's imported. do you still have the files on your memory card? you can always play them in quicktime to see how the sound is. then you'll know for sure.
well i got to see some of his images, and i can tell you they were really cool, so i'm bummed to hear this.
Oh Man! I hope you can get it done in time...you can do it.
Your kind words of uncouragment means a lot to me. Thanks so much guys! Cheers!
Quick update from newb-ville (as far a DVXfests/short films go)...
OK. Lessons learned:
1. Sound is as critical as image. When all you make is 'snippets' with music in the background (like me) or documentaries where you mic someone up (for one main scene), like me, ....you might miss this...also like me. I'm going to have to address this. Thrilled to have the experience though.
2. Rough edit to get time (stop time 6min) with your concept early on. I'm editing now (even though my sound sucks...but hey AT LEAST I HAVE SOUND NOW!!!...fixed that, yay!) ....and there is another problem to be addressed: My film looks like it's going to be around 10-12min. DUH!!! I'll edit aggressively and see if I can make it fit (6 min), but I don't know if I can and have my story still make sense. :( Again....I'm thrilled to have the experience and to learn that I should get the timing down FIRST.
Anywho, I'm sure there will be more wreckage, but for now....this is what's ticking me off this morning as I'm putting the pieces of the puzzle together....Cheers!
Elton
10-21-2011, 11:39 AM
Great stuff! I enjoy the actual sharing of lessons learned. I need to do this myself. Sound is so critical, for sure. We all have heard it ad nauseum but it can be tough to get it even halfway right without a real sound guy on set.
Glad you have sound now, however.
Timing seems to always be the main issue with so many participants. Its tough to hit that 6 min limit, that's for sure.
ZazaCast
10-21-2011, 12:13 PM
Yes... good stuff. This is why I say DVXUser is THE best film school out there. I look at each fest as a 'homework' assignment....you aren't always going to get A's, but you sure do learn with each film you make. Just finishing a film is a win in my book.
Just keep cutting where you can, you might be surprized how fast you can get it down to 6 minutes. (I learned that lesson early on too... now I don't write a script any longer then 4 pages)
Looking forward to the film.
Gracious! I have learned so much making this film. Before I start ranting about that, let me say that unfortunately, the film that I enter is NOT the film that I have planned. That film looks like it's going to be well over the 6 min time limit. I really don't mind, and I plan on finishing it too....but I'm determined to finish this film and enter, even if it's "dumb". It has been worth it on every level, and I have JUNK LOADS to learn (that will never change), but man on man.....I learned so much. My render just completed, and I need to keep on going, but I'll detail what I've learned and what I'll do differently next time. Mad love to DVXUsers, everywhere!
Stuff I learned:
1. Sound PROBLEM: "Hey I lost my sound somehow!!!" ....guess how... The trial version of CS5 does not include sound for AC3 files (AVCHD)....DUH!!! Took me a minute to sort that out (I also shoot with Canon cameras, and they don't require AC3 ...from memory here guys....anyway...)
2. Adding grain: I ran a whole bunch of tests to get my footy to have that grainy look and still make it through the YouTube compression. Looks cool...pain in the rear to find the right balance, but hey....it is something to know anyway.
3. Color correction: Dang! I learned sooooo much about color correction. I'm not saying I'm any good at it, but I am 100 times better at it now than I was 3 weeks ago!!
4. Limits/strengths of my camera: I knew that the HX9 was a very special camera. I never dreamed it was as good as the images that I got from it. Everything I shot was "run and gun" and I never had a chance to really set up the shot. No lighting was used on a single shoot. I honestly thought that it was going to look AWFUL. Color me impressed (pun intended). lol. This thing excels in two areas that are VERY difficult on any camera. 1. Proper exposure (-2 all day...good to go) 2. Focus (because the sensor is so small, and the auto focus is solid)....great in both areas. Run and gun is fine on this cam....as long as you know its limits and what you plan on doing in post. I have a MUCH BETTER grasp on that after shooting this film. (render complete...gotta go)
5. Actors: I got the chance to shoot with two great actors (Marj Anderson, Jason Bowers). Although you won't see much of them in this project, you'll see more of them in the future. They have both agreed to shoot on my next project (during this winter...brrrrr..) So cool that they enjoyed this one...and are ready for another! (How do you beat that?)
Elton
10-23-2011, 07:56 PM
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you are well on your way to completion.
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you are well on your way to completion.
True. :)
Sadly....it's true, but only for one reason: I cut my loses and just edited a version that completely SLAUGHTERED the story and likely any ability to understand what is going on. Simply put, it's horrible (as far as a short film is concerned)....BUT....it IS DONE. You've got to start somewhere....and as embarrassing as it is, at least it's done. There it is. I entered a DVXFest! Yay! Next time, I'll be better prepared to submit something that I'm "proud of".... The bummer deal is that the story has potential. NOT "scary"....but great for kids and a story that keeps you "on your toes"...anywho. Thanks Elton!
These are highly compressed, but they give an idea of some of the shots taken using the HX9. Enjoy!
(Indeed, it looks like I'm going to have to export some full quality screen caps so you can appreciate the quality...sorry...got to go for now....I'll fix it later)
42221422224222342224422254222642227422284222942230 42231
Matt Harris
10-24-2011, 11:36 PM
looks great, nice framing and compositions.
looks great, nice framing and compositions.
Thanks so much Matt! I appreciate your support. I am only sorry that I ran out of time to do something more "Epic" with your amazing music. I really enjoy your stuff! I'm also sorry that I didn't get to fix some things that you noticed that needed to be fixed. :( My titles were never addressed, ...and they don't look good. My editing could have been MUCH tighter and with that, including the other scenes would have been ideal. What to do? There are only 24 hrs in a day.....next time, I'll start sooner, and get your input sooner! :)
Thanks again for your support!
Matt Harris
10-25-2011, 05:36 PM
all good man, as long as you are still entering, i'm excited to see your movie.
all good man, as long as you are still entering, i'm excited to see your movie.
Yep! The sound design guy has had the "final"...(non-final really) version since Sunday...so he is coming right along. DANG!! I love the story here....and it's NOT going to end up being told. Another thing that BURNS me up....is that the "look" that you saw in that first "test" shoot will not be in the final either. I was NOT able to shoot at the proper time of day, so....that nice "haunting" look isn't there. RRrrrrrr....I agree with you though. I'm glad that I entered, and I am already making plans to shoot another short film....(and I'm NOT waiting for the next DVXfest.....I'll shoot that one too, but I'm going to shoot another one while I wait for that one too...
ps...where do the peeps go to hear more of your amazing music? Cheers Buddy!
Rodney V. Smith
10-28-2011, 07:38 AM
Hey you made it in despite the challenges, so good on you. You still shipped and that's awesome. It's all a learning experience and its good that you're still passionate about it to want to keep doing it. Looking forward to seeing what your final product looks like.
Mobie540
10-29-2011, 01:26 PM
Welcome, screen grabs look great!
Rodney V. Smith
10-29-2011, 09:16 PM
Oh come on guys, you're killing me here: no poster?
Hawk Teflon
10-30-2011, 09:31 PM
SPOILER REVIEW: Don't read further if you haven't seen the short
I need to preface this by saying that I don't think I fully understand the short. With that, my review might be a little biased on that side.
The good: The sound throughout was good (though I raised my volume just as that girl screamed). I like the studying in the library as well, though I think it could have been cut down just a little. The lighting on the characters was good as well.
The not as good: I ... didn't get it. Sorry man. I feel like there was a large part missing. The little girl seemed to be standing in the same spot the dad hit something with a baseball bat.
I feel like I can't really give a full review without knowing more, so I will leave this one at that.
thetvirus513
10-31-2011, 01:15 AM
Alright so I too did not really understand the story but despite that there are still some things I liked and disliked that I think can be shared.
What I liked - Some of your shots I really enjoyed. The shot of the girl opening the library door from above, though I didn't know what was happening really this shot just felt creepy. I also liked some framing on other shots. The audio was pretty good throughout as well.
What I didn't like as much - Some of your "action" cuts didn't work. The car pulling up then a quick cut to later but nothing has really changed except you can see the mans feet on the other side....I would just take that second shot out entirely and go straight from car pulling up to man getting out. Same thing with the cut when the girl is walking up the library stairs, not enough time has passed so the effect doesnt work as well. The conversation between man and girl, at first the man is on the right then the girl is also on the right, then the man is on the left. Keep your characters on opposite sides of the frame so it feels like they are having a conversation. And of course don't switch what side they are on in the middle, that is crossing the 180 degree line, which takes the viewer out of the story. Lastly, I think the dissolve from the library door to the inside was too long.
Most of my complaints are small technical, it still looked nice and audio was good as well, which is of course a major part. Overall, congrats for putting something together, though I do wish the story was more clear
SPOILER REVIEW: Don't read further if you haven't seen the short
I need to preface this by saying that I don't think I fully understand the short. With that, my review might be a little biased on that side.
The good: The sound throughout was good (though I raised my volume just as that girl screamed). I like the studying in the library as well, though I think it could have been cut down just a little. The lighting on the characters was good as well.
The not as good: I ... didn't get it. Sorry man. I feel like there was a large part missing. The little girl seemed to be standing in the same spot the dad hit something with a baseball bat.
I feel like I can't really give a full review without knowing more, so I will leave this one at that.
Alright so I too did not really understand the story but despite that there are still some things I liked and disliked that I think can be shared.
What I liked - Some of your shots I really enjoyed. The shot of the girl opening the library door from above, though I didn't know what was happening really this shot just felt creepy. I also liked some framing on other shots. The audio was pretty good throughout as well.
What I didn't like as much - Some of your "action" cuts didn't work. The car pulling up then a quick cut to later but nothing has really changed except you can see the mans feet on the other side....I would just take that second shot out entirely and go straight from car pulling up to man getting out. Same thing with the cut when the girl is walking up the library stairs, not enough time has passed so the effect doesnt work as well. The conversation between man and girl, at first the man is on the right then the girl is also on the right, then the man is on the left. Keep your characters on opposite sides of the frame so it feels like they are having a conversation. And of course don't switch what side they are on in the middle, that is crossing the 180 degree line, which takes the viewer out of the story. Lastly, I think the dissolve from the library door to the inside was too long.
Most of my complaints are small technical, it still looked nice and audio was good as well, which is of course a major part. Overall, congrats for putting something together, though I do wish the story was more clear
I appreciate you guys taking time to give feedback. For taking time to watch the film. Man do I love this place! DVXUser ROCKS!!!!
You are both COMPLETELY correct. The fact of the matter is that I started WAAaaaaayyyyy to late, and so when I finished shooting (still actually have 2 scenes left...very short though)...my film was already 10 min long. :( I KNEW that I wasn't going to be able to finish post production on it...and the sound guy needed the files, so even if I pulled an all nighter (or two or three)...I wasn't going to finish. So on Sunday afternoon, I had to make the call. Enter....(a severly CHOPPED down incoherent story)....or don't enter at all. I decided for the prior. I felt like the experience of entering would be good and would further condition me for future fests here on DVXUser. Boy oh boy am I glad that I did! I learned so much while shooting/post/sound etc.....BUT.....I learned even more about the process and the timing of what to expect when you submit for the Fest.
I'll write another post to explain where this story was heading, OR...maybe I'll complete the full version and post it later. Bottom line, you have both pointed out GREAT thing about the short comings of this incomplete submission. I'm glad I did it....I'm sorry I wasn't able to complete the whole project properly. THANK YOU BOTH....for taking time to give feedback!!! Cheers!
Oh come on guys, you're killing me here: no poster?
I'm so sorry Rodney. :(
I didn't get time...and it wasn't required...so I did all that I could. Maybe I'll do one (just for experience) this week. I know it won't help in the way that you are working on our pub stuff....sorry man. Thanks for all you are doing for us Rodney! Cheers!
Hey you made it in despite the challenges, so good on you. You still shipped and that's awesome. It's all a learning experience and its good that you're still passionate about it to want to keep doing it. Looking forward to seeing what your final product looks like.
Thanks Rodney! Thank you for taking time to check out my stuff. I appreciate your comments greatly!
dre83
10-31-2011, 01:19 PM
The sound has shifted a bit.... Normally everything should be sync...but it isn't anymore...
The sound has shifted a bit.... Normally everything should be sync...but it isn't anymore...
:( I know...bummer. PM'd.
Hey you made it in despite the challenges, so good on you. You still shipped and that's awesome. It's all a learning experience and its good that you're still passionate about it to want to keep doing it. Looking forward to seeing what your final product looks like.
Thanks so much Rodney. I did learn a lot. I am already doing test shoots for the next short film project. I have a script, actors, 3d Modeler, music, title sequences, and some crew. I'm so ready to use what I learned on this one and do better next time!!! Cheers Buddy!
Chris_Keaton
10-31-2011, 05:06 PM
I don't know who this Murdoch is, so maybe I'm missing something. I get the feeling there is more to this than what we've seen. I did think it looked good and of course the music was good. I just wish I knew what was going on. :)
I don't know who this Murdoch is, so maybe I'm missing something. I get the feeling there is more to this than what we've seen. I did think it looked good and of course the music was good. I just wish I knew what was going on. :)
You have NO IDEA Chris!!! lol
So hard to put something out there KNOWING that NO-ONE will have a CLUE what is going on!!!! lol :(
I had to choose between not entering at all....or just putting what I had ready and graded out there. (Less than 1/4th of the movie, BTW)
I had wwwaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy to much time/footy to tell the story. (10 min without the last 3 scenes) So....I had to CHOP it, grade it, and call it good. (Even though it was soooo BAD)
....if only I had started with a good script in the FIRST PLACE!!!!!! :) (Any ideas where I might get some help with that?) :2vrolijk_08:
It also couldn't have hurt if I had more than 2 weeks to complete the project!!! (so funny)
3d modeler is THRILLED to be working with us on "End Point", btw...and if you'd like to see "Rev"....he was the police officer in this project.
Sunk99
10-31-2011, 06:33 PM
What'd he hit the stick/branch at :28 for? Odd cut to the library - I expected her voice to continue explaining in a V.O. Showing lots of disjointed book text - I don't understand. The footage at 2:29. Her body position. I think that is the third time with the exact same position to where it looks like a clip repeated. The cut from the library to her sister at 2:40 - I'm lost. Not their house okay (don't expect the audience to know where they live) - door opens, the girl screams. What? I don't understand - sorry. Acting was fairly good. Cine was good.
What'd he hit the stick/branch at :28 for? Odd cut to the library - I expected her voice to continue explaining in a V.O. Showing lots of disjointed book text - I don't understand. The footage at 2:29. Her body position. I think that is the third time with the exact same position to where it looks like a clip repeated. The cut from the library to her sister at 2:40 - I'm lost. Not their house okay (don't expect the audience to know where they live) - door opens, the girl screams. What? I don't understand - sorry. Acting was fairly good. Cine was good.
You nailed it on the head. Doesn't make sense...incomplete. TRUE'DAT. (No sarcasm...) I ran out of time because I started too late. I submitted anyway for the experience and I learned a lot. Thanks for taking time to give feedback. Cheers!
ZazaCast
10-31-2011, 09:32 PM
I'll just use your own words. Glad you learned a lot & I look forward to seeing a complete film from you.
Doesn't make sense...incomplete. TRUE'DAT. (No sarcasm...) I ran out of time because I started too late. I submitted anyway for the experience and I learned a lot. Thanks for taking time to give feedback. Cheers!
Matt Harris
10-31-2011, 09:54 PM
HHL, I'm glad you stuck with it and entered something, it always helps getting feedback. You did have some great shots with your nifty little Sony and anamorphic lens,
and i'm glad you nixed the interrogation scene. Your library scene was strong! next time, just keep it simple. You got a "legend", a haunted house, your daughters starring in the movie... all you needed was to have them find the "legend" in the library, then have them walking through the woods, they find the house, something scary happens, they run, and their dad saves them. Something like that, you know what i mean? Keep is simple! And I wanna see more lens flares when you rock that anamorphic lens. I love me some lens flares. :)
Edgen
11-01-2011, 12:38 AM
So, watching the film about a girl in a library is probably as brutal as it is to actually sit in a library.
I kept saying.. "Surely, they are going to get to the point and just skip the books and shelves and racks and books and back to headlines back to shelves..."
and then "Shelves and books and more racks and protagonist thinking... Solving something? Studying? Big finals?"
I'm not sure if there were some shots. "or a few couple 4-5 scenes" missing, but the story ended as clearly as the film started. Which, If you would have ended the film of the guy running out with a bat and a girl screaming, that would have at least been an uber short film that was interesting.
I realize from your opening post you only had 18 days from deadline. that's fine and all. I just encourage you to really think about what a short film is and how to tell it. I see where you were going. (or at least I see where you were trying to go). But so much is missing that it just doesn't make for a cohesive story. Maybe I missed some important lines in those books? Maybe there was a perfect connection and explanation to the mystery that got cut?
I encourage you to keep at it and explore your editing room floor. shave some fat down to a skin and bones and take a step back and ask yourself... "Will others outside my thoughts know what i'm trying to place on screen?"
lookin' foward to your next entry.
/j
Charli
11-03-2011, 01:09 PM
I'll give you props for using the library as a location. It was so long though in getting something going. I felt like I was reading a book, but unsure why. I know you didn't have much time, but one thing you can't cut is the story. In the end, I didn't get it. Again, kudos for library location which to me is better than an interior of a house. Just wish I could say I understood it or liked it. Next time, give yourself more time.
Three Billion Seconds
11-05-2011, 08:54 AM
Very nice angle at library entrance and wide shot of library.