UNDEAD TEST

[J.R. Hudson]

Please Read First:

The wise man once sayeth "You ain't gonna be a filmmaker until you start making films....". *I just wish he had told me how painful the process would be.

The folllowing is part coneptual/video and part scene. *The scene is in the middle. *I have debated putting this up as I see already the umpteen things wrong with it. *I have alot to learn and learned a ton just on this mini project. * This is a test of sorts with the goal being proficient come UNDEAD NATION time.

I'll take whatever you throw at me but I have a feeling I already know. *One thing in particualr I'll point out now, is a 'Line Crossing' issue. *I was aware of it on set, I thought I had it covered and even shot it to illustrate the crossing of the line; unfortunately, bad planning (Blocking) on my part made me decide to 86 that shot as it just did'nt go; even with the 180 screw-up.

Anyway, I share because we are the community and one day, damn it, I'll be a filmmaker. *>:( *:D *Serious, I hope you can at least have fun with this; I tried turning something from nothing. *

BTW - The Zombie Dude was one of the stunt drivers on The Hire; I should of at least had him fall down.

I am shameful. *Hit me brothers (and sisters) with your best. * :-[

Right Click and Save as Please

http://outlandpictures.com/movies/UDTESTN.mov

[antomic]

Anyway, I share because we are the community and one day, damn it, I'll be a filmmaker. *>:( *:D *Serious, I hope you can at least have fun with this; I tried turning something from nothing.

john, you already ARE a filmmaker...it says it right above your avatar! (how do i get me onna doze! i posted two films already) :o

downloading...please stand by for review...

and stop making excuses for your work...i'm sure it's gunna be awesome!

[Arcburn]

John. Looks excellent. Espcially since you got it shot and edited and up so quick. Nice atmospheric opening. Some very memorable images. Love the guy on the roof with the rifle at the end. Also glad to see you got to use your dolly. Good job buddy

[antomic]

the hudson dolly at work! too cool john! this will get everyone amped. i wont crtique the editing as i know you slapped it together fast. but i will compliment the visuals. killer start! undead nation is under way! congrats. are you in that? sorry, i dont know what you look like. i see you got the same rain in SD this weekend that we've had in LA.

adds to the scariness too.

[ArkhamFilms]

Hey John-

I'd say my biggest problem with this piece, is I wanted more. It had a great "I am Legend" feel to it, except with the other kind of undead. Since that film is locked in development hell, thanks for quelling the need to see it.

I loved the dolly reveal. Reminded me of Romanek's One Hour Photo. Crossing the line didn't bother me, it's interesting enough to overwhelm the displacement feeling you'd normally get, say, during dialogue.

Congrats and keep up the good work.

-CJ
www.arkhamfilms.com

[ArkhamFilms]

Okay, so I just found the assloads of Undead Nation posts. I'm glad I caught the purposeful "I am Legend" feel of it.

Great idea. I'd love to make one, to be a part of the series, as well.

-CJ

[J.R. Hudson]

Thanks guys; there are some elements in this that I am not beating myself up over (as painful as it is). But man, sometimes I sit back and laugh out loud at myself. :P

[J.R. Hudson]

Arkham

You're definatley in!

[antomic]

just watched it again. crossing the 180 only stood out once really, when he gets the blast in the head...can you flop the shot and be happy doing so?

[J.R. Hudson]

Oooh, I forgot about the magic flop...

Ill try it right now.

I thought I covered it on set and when I looked at the footage it just didint jive (my bad :-/ :-X )

[J.R. Hudson]

Yeah, it works way better; thanks for the reminder. (Still not an excuse to get it the first time!)

[J.R. Hudson]

Crap

I just lookeda t my project settings and I rendered at 24 fps NOT 29.970.

Damn! Ill do a re-render and switch it tomorrow. ::) :P :D

[antomic]

cool, i was afraid you were going to scoff at that idea...the only trouble i could see would be the wall is clearly seen as being on camera left when POV is looking out the window and it would be on the right in the flopped blood hit shot, but i dont think anyone not reading this would catch that, it happens so fast.

hell PK flopped a shot in his short too. His "Laundry Day" shirt reads backwards in one shot. I would have never noticed, but i watched it so many damn times.

[J.R. Hudson]

:D LOL

Now that I think about it; it's almost as cheesy as the orginal DAWN. :D

[antomic]

not cheese....homage. 8)

[J.R. Hudson]

8) Shonuff...

It only gets better and easier from here; I think...

[NickMilo]

Loved it.
I know its a work in progress, but my fav part was the chinese style cinema where the sound effect came after the gun went off. in all seriousness, I like what I see so far. I know that the final product will be great, and I cant wait to see it.

[BLUESPIDER]

Director Hudson, It looks cool! I think this Undead thing you guys are putting together is going to turn out into something really special. I can't wait to see it all. Cool that you guys are bringing back the dead. And John, you are a filmmaker buddy!!! :)

[theos]

Great John, it is good to see that you finaly are producing your own stuff . . . I cant wait to see more. I liked the sequence, especialy your front garden dolly. I would have stayed off the zombie face in absence of wayout makeup/gore. Lets see more! :o

[Neil Rowe]

..this was pretty impressive john. i seriously thought that it couldve been any other hollywood zombie film. for being done quickly it was great. what can i say , really well done. i really liked the editing in the beginning. id say its one of the best peices of filmmaking ive seen on this site lately. i mean music vids and all that commercial jazz is one thing, but good dramatic - non pretentious- filmmaking is another, and this was good. course it had its little things to nitpick on here and there, but all things considered (like short time) it was done really well . felt very pro, and really pulled you into the atmopsphere going on. great job man. ..not to blow smoke here, just spittin out what i think.

[RomanJaquez]

.... BLUESPIDER, that's right, Director Hudson is the way to say it. ;)

I also thought it was well executed for the time spent on it... not to mention it was practicing.

Hey! John, I always wanted to do someting with zombie... I whish I had the time to go out and shoot... I envy you. good work... [i know you are aware of that]

anyways... I found this quote and thought it was cool.

"Anyone who loves learning accepts correction, but a person who hates being corrected is stupid."* Proverbs 12:1 (NCV)

[greeches]

Just saw it man. Bravo. I'm totally in on the dead nation. I've been wanting to make a zombie flic since I was 12. I have a great intro short. Is that all it must be?

[Erik Olson]

Greeches,

I've PMd you on a NC project for Undead Nation. I'm writing this as we speak...

e

[Beat Takeshi]

Yo that was Phat John, had me wanting more!!

[mastermind]

i liked it. pretty well lit. the dolly shot pulling back from the person looking at pictures on the wall was great, composition and lighting, a really pro shot.

[HorseFilms]

That's awesome! Great job, John!

[dakotapod]

John, I just watched your film... That makes you a filmmaker! I really liked your film... That makes you a filmmaker with fans! :D

Totally digging the colors. Looks great, can't wait for more!

Great Job.

[jhurt]

Dir. Hudson, the opening sequence and the dolly reveal of the wall o' pictures looked amazing!

Keep 'em coming! :D

Josh

[Buck_Broadripple]

John,
Awesome!! We had a great time working on this saturday. Excellent. I know we are all looking forward to the next round of shots. Everything looks great!

Buck Broadripple sends his approval..

[Cheesesailor77]

YES!

direct hit Johnny boy, knocked it out of the park. Great stuff, this only gets me more excited!

Get that website up, backstory down, and ground rules covered, because I need to get on this asap! ;D


Hey arkam, I emailed u a few months back about helping on a music video, if you want I'd love to collaborate on this (or simply take a back seat as a pa, we know ur amazing so I dont mind lugging lights either lol). send me an email - cheesesailor77@hotmail.com

8)

[i_stole_your_bike]

Hey, that's cool. I can't wait to see the finished film, not to mention the shorts along the way.

[J.R. Hudson]

Wow.

You guys rock; I was so down on yself having only one day of footage to play with; I nit-picked my self to death until even my wife said "What do you expect? You're still learning!". Lot's of things I'd do different; yet still in a weird way kind of trippin in a good way.

As I edited yesterday and found all those cheesy wavs (thunder, rain, wind, ghouls, gunshot, gun cock...) I was laughing out loud as it was cut to together.

I'm still kicking over the 180 thing though; I swear I had it covered; grrrrrrrrrrrr...

My monitor is calibrated properly so I hope everything looked cool on your guys monitors; I intentionally went for that crushed level look with pasty green yellow. Even adding 'phosperence' in some shots from the t.v. simulator of vegas.

I cant wait to do another one. Need a bigger tube for BLOOD! :D ;D

[skratchiechan]

that was cool john..
i espiecally liked the POV of the dood looking at the zombie

cant wait to see more :)

[Elvis]

John, congrats! You hit the ground running. 8)

[combatJJ]

Looks awesome man. Very cinematic. The zombie needs a little better makeup IMHO. His face has too much much of an "Alive" flesh tone to it. Did you make the score? If so, what did you use? *If I saw this as a trailer I would definately pay to see this movie. Good work.

Just watched it again and I'm alittle confused when the zombie comes through the crack. It looks as if he's coming from another room and not outside like it shows. ?

[J.R. Hudson]

Tks combat

The score is from a site that has scores for filmmakers; you have to purchase the rights ($5.00). Thanks for the positive praise. :) :D

[HorseFilms]

What site would that be? That could be a huge resource.

[pmgmedia]

Good work! I like the pacing and the compositions. Just crank out the next 70 or so minutes and I know you will sell it! Constructive notes are:
- The uplighting looked a bit staged on the zombie as it reaches in the window and on the close up of the trigger pull. A softer source may help this.
- I second the Zombie makeup comment - just punch it up, make 'em dirtier like in "Shaun of the Dead"
- When the zombie gets his brains blown out, he just sits there as the blood splatters, so I didn't really buy it. You could opt for just showing a cu of the wall getting the splat, or perhaps have the zombie sell it with a head snap or body jerk.
-Armchair editor suggestion: What would sell it even more is if the music climaxes just before the gunshot, then all we hear is an angry zombie growl that is cut short by the shotgun report. After the wall splat shot, cut to black and cut in on the front yard guy walking - (I don't think you need the shooter's reaction shot after he wastes the deadite.) After a beat, the music can come back in with the gliss that is right there.

I just finished editing a zombie pic that has picked up international distro, and between you and me yours looks much more stylish and professional. So keep on cranking! Also, can you use as much of the orginal Romero NOTLD audio as you want? It's public domain now, right? If so, go for it. it's a great atmospheric element.

[Arcburn]

Hey John dont be so hard on yourself. You've done some good work there. I am impressed that you had the balls to put a guy on a roof with a rifle. I wouldnt have the balls to do that. In my neighborhood there would be a cop there in about 11 seconds and goodbye film set hello jail cell.
good job .

[J.R. Hudson]

pmgmedia

Thank you very much for the inciteful comments. I habe taken each one humbly. :) They are wonderful points and you are absolutely spot on with each assessment.

Arcburn

I wouldnt use the NOTLD soundbites for the official UNDEAD NATION series; but for this I was just having some fun (No plans to submit this anywhere; just learning). But yes, I do think NOTLD is public domain now.

[Shaw]

In my neighborhood there would be a cop there in about 11 seconds and goodbye film set hello jail celll

Seems to be the trend these days! I live in Montana in which, for better or for worse, you can do just about anything and it's legal. States a bunch of gun maniacs (could be bad or good... I can't decide...)!

[David Jimerson]

Good start, John -- did you handle the camera yourself?

[J.R. Hudson]

Hi David

Yeah; I don't let anyone touch my camera. :D ;D

[David Jimerson]

Director and DP. 8)

[J.R. Hudson]

:D

Always. I had a great group of guys to wrk with though; tiresly working their asses off; Scott (co-creator of this madness) was like a field general in the PROD COORD department; cracking me up.

Great time and effort from everyone

[Arcburn]

Yeah; I don't let anyone touch my camera. *:D *;D




"You don't mow another man's lawn."

-Roy Munson . Kingpin

[Slimothy]

Looks great! What an awesome start! Can't wait to see and maybe do more!

[lincolnlog]

love the dolly shots. would have liked to see more gore. I gotta make a zombie short. this was very inspiring john. thanks for sharing :)

[Kirk Gillock]

AGGGGHHHH!!!!! I have tried 5 times to download your UDTEST.mov, but it quits downloading at 20% or 30%. I want to see it but the Internet Gods won't allow it. They never did like me.

[Bradbro]

P.K. you need to get a download manager!

[J.R. Hudson]

Dial up? :-/

[Kirk Gillock]

Yes John, but I've had no problem downloading 20-30mb files before. This one gets to 4-5 mb and stops. Strange. And typically, if IE quits the donwload, it will pick-up where it left off. But this one starts from the beginning again. That's NEVER happened. I'm boggled.

Could you place it on a webpage and PM me the webpage. Maybe if I can view it as it goes it will help. Sorry to bother you but I really want to see this test.

[Shaw]

Perhaps someone could email it as an attachement?

[STORYTELLER32]

Mr. Hudson! You should be proud of yourself sir. Looks really good! There's nitpicks of course, but it's pointless stuff to mention especially since it's not a final product. This "test" is all the more impressive since you threw it together so quickly. Most inspiring and you should take your bows :)

Keep it up and keep us posted!

[J.R. Hudson]

Thanks ST32! I keep telling anyone who will listen; it will get better! :D

[Staven]

John, I think you should just become a full time editor. You threw that together in like 1 day. That would take a lot of guys over a month to cut.

Congratulations!! You've made the first of hopefully many films. Not that making films will get any easier necassarily, but now that your feet have gotten a little wet, it'll be that much easier to say, I'm gonna make another film. Practise, practise, practise.

This is a great start. It looked damn good, which most of us can't pull off, so you have a good start in the cinematography dept.

Nice spfx. Love blood sprays!!! Your line crossing issue... only cross I noticed was on the bloodspray... that ain't a big deal(if that was the line cross).

Keep the movies comin'.

(Undead Nation is a really cool idea!!! Nice work, I hope it takes off!)

[soundman]

you've got the stuff. you n your crews hard work has skills.. but? after 'shaun of the dead' do you really want to compete zombe e zombe?

[J.R. Hudson]

Tks Stabb. Means alot to hear this praise and encouragement.

[Steve_VanHaaster]

just waiting for it to D load, the wait is getting me totally stoked. no idea what its gonna be like. oh, oh, its done......

[Steve_VanHaaster]

i have a few small ideas for this particular short.
I love the camera work and the shots used.
I beleived most of it to have been something seen at a cinema so there is no problem there.

In the opening scene...you used two very different colors when hes stapeling pictures...why? it has two different kinda feels to them and i dont "feel" the blend. Im sure that you have a reason and i would like to get inside your head.
p.s. i like the green better than the blue.

Also, just before you first get introduced to the zombie outside, it would be nice to hear an "off stage" groan, or at least have him look up, or towards the window or something to provoke jumping to the window shot.

One other thing...im not sure how youre gonna have your main characters mentality, but i think it would be great is he was kinda dark and mysterous, but like really pissed at the same time....kinda like the guy off punisher, always seem like hes either really tired, but would break your neck at any time. (in this short he just seems like hes just chilling on the couch, but that is just cus we havnt had time to really meet him.)

All in all i really enjoyed it. watched it now bout a half dozen times. Really like the dolly shot.

I just read over all the stuff i wrote and i kinda sound like an ass...dont mean it like that at all just stuff i noticed, and stuff id like to hear in your shoes.

ill be tuning in for your shows all the time.
I'm working on drawing up a short of my own that you can rip me up for.

Thanx for sharing it!
Steve

P.S. my bro. (a non film-minded person went nuts when he saw it, said you should make a feature, said he'd pay the 10 bucks for the ticket.)

[Soliton]

Mr. Hudson,
What a great start you have here! You have made me envious, inspired and determined to learn much more.
I agree with almost everything said so far and will try not to repeat..

My humble $.01 worth;
-The film look of many shots is very convincing. Looking out through the slats and the CU of the dude chowing especially.
-Other shots are decidedly video like and do not mix well if trying for film look. The dolly shot of the wall and looking in from outside through the slats are examples.
-The lighting of the slats from outside appears lit from below with tungsten.
-Really love the dolly shot in the front yard and it has some film look to it.

Jeez, some months ago I would never have noticed this stuff. Now I can't even sit down and enjoy a movie anymore! See what you all have done to me? Its all your fault!! ;) .. and thanks very much for that.

[MatthewC]

Downloading now. Cant wait, as I love zombie movies.

Sorry, rookie here, what exactly is a 180?

EDIT: Nicely done! Really really liked the camera shot with the pictures.

Curious...did you actually lower the camera when you were pulling back? Or was it the zooming out while angled up that made it appear to be lowering while pulling back? I'm trying to figure out how certain shots I see are done just using my head...

[Mike_E]

Im getting it at the moment too (will edit in a comment). I just skipped to here from page 1 so I may have missed it, but it would be so cool if JWebb (although I don't think he's registered) joined in with his 35mm adapter. That Life Against Memory film was, and looked, fantastic.

EDIT: That's lookin really good John. I probably should just read the other pages but was that wall with stuff on it supposed to be like One Hour Photo. It's nice.

[Mike_E]

..and speaking of the undead, guess what the "z" in my name stands for ;D

[Cheesesailor77]

Mattc, tried to find a quick deffinition of the 180 rule for u:

http://www.ouc.bc.ca/fina/glossary/o_list/180degreerule.html

(u can google 180 rule for more examples)

As far as lowering the camera, john can correct me if im wrong, but the shot start as a very low angle, tilted up, and as its pulled back, it keeps the composition as close as it can by just tilting forward. not actually lowering the camera.

[J.R. Hudson]

Hey everyone (good morning!)

A lot of comments on One Hour Photo; I have never seen it but I like the video work of Romanek; nice to hear compliments on a shot like that and it was one I wanted from the get go.

Some shots do look very 'filmic' while others do tend towards more video look; I think when I shoot on the long end of the lens it works to my advantage; for example, the dolly reveal of the picture wall had no choice but to shoot full wide; only had about 8 feet to work with.

We were using (2) different color temps purposely as we wanted to see how it mixed. One daylight balanced (6500K) and the other Tungsten balanced (3200K). Particularly the shot of the zombie reaching through the window; I agree, A softer source might have helped this one.

There is a definate mix of looks going on and that was part of the 'test'; to see what works for us and what doesnt; in some shots, the 2 color temps lends itself nicely to the shot whilst others it just doesnt seem to jive.

The dolly reveal is exactly as Cheesesailor77 read it; shooting low angle and tilting up as we pull back; shooting full frame gave me lots of room for error.

I have gotten lots of positive feedback and that only serves to motivate me more; to up the ante next shoot out. The make-up needs some serious improvement; my first time; I'm going to try and find someone who can contribute to this element.

I'm stoked though! Thanks everyone for the kind words and advice. I agree with everything that has been said. A lot of it comes down to "Attention to Detail" and "Proper Planning" which I think we lacked in. That will change next shoot.

[darkstyle8]

Hey John,

seems like you're on the right track, I just wish that you wouldn't light so harsh, a little diffusion would be awesome. Especially the shot where you see the man looking at the pictures on the wall. Also, are there any walls that you can shoot that aren't white?

a few things, if you want some pennies....

I know this site is mostly about shooting, but I really think you should pay a little bit more attention to production design. It only makes your shots look better.

One other thing I noticed was that it seems like you cut back and forth to the same zombie shot when he's reaching in. It just makes your dolly move a little redundant, we know what the zombie is trying to do. His action hasn't changed. I know you're trying to bulid tension but if you could cut out a shot I think it would flow a tad smoother.

The color correction seems a bit flat as well. Im sure you can bring out some of the mid-tones and still keep that look that you want.

Last thing... The final shot on the roof is really cool. I think if you just cut to black instead of fading it out. It would resonate more a little more. The fade looked really videoish. Which isn't cool considering you had such a great film-like dolly move when the guy was walking across the lawn, into the house. Hell, you know the shot im talking about.

Stay well, keep shooting.
Steve

[J.R. Hudson]

Hi Dark

I agree with you! I had some other shots from different angles (regarding the same ZOMBIE shot) but they fell into the line issue and didnt work at all (Not that the same one works... ::) :P )

The overall look is not final; it's a test of footage and style I am trying to determine still; the look is close but nor perfect yet.

The light is harsh when it should not be. Sometimes it was intentional while others it was not; just lazy on my part.

I totally agree with you on the fade out; a cut to black would have more impact and Ill keep that in mind for next time around.

I wish we had more in terms of Production Design; this was a friends house he allowed us to 'mess up'. Paining the walls are out of the question :P I hope to be able to find more 'Production Design' friendly locations in the future.

Thanks for the feedback; all taken with humility! :)

[ArkhamFilms]

John-

Remember, there is no perfect film or video. Us filmmakers, who aren't megalomaniacs, are always super critical of our own work. Hindsight is 20/20, except for George Lucas. What worked for most of us on the original Star Wars series, didn't for him.
Anyhow, what's important is the mood & story you captured for your film. Although short, you left us wanting more, wanting to know what happens next. You've succeeded.

So, where the hell do we send scripts for for approval, for our own additions to the Undead Nation saga?

-CJ

[J.R. Hudson]

You can send them to

outlandpitures@hotmail.com

Again, I will be creating the world and the rest is up to you. Of course a web master would be nice, and a web page builder, and a and a and a.....

:D

Thanks Arkham

Good to know I am on to something; I am soooooo critical of my own work; I swear I almost didnt post anything. :-/ :-[

[ExFilms]

Man I wish I was in town for this. Looks like so much fun!!!

The entire way driving back from Phoenix was spent developing an idea for my contribution. :)

The footage really gets me excited!

My favorite shots were the guy looking through the boarded window at the zombie, and the dolly/pan shot across the yard towards the end.

Great start!

[J.R. Hudson]

:D

Dude; you are sooooooooooo innnnnnn! What would UNDEAD NATION be without EXFILMS?

[ExFilms]

Thanks!

Love the new banner. ;D

[J.R. Hudson]

I'm still pissed about that middle grab. All it would have taken was a few more 'figures' in the distance to really sell it. No make up or torn clothes even needed; just the perception was all that was needed.

[Young-H._Lee]

geez John, I am away from the board a few days and I come back and look at this thread

I just saw your clip - impressed!! before I say anything, I'll have to first catch up on 5 pages of this thread so I dont repeat anything, ill be back

peace

[J.R. Hudson]

:D

[Larry Rutledge]

Groovy :D

[Cheesesailor77]

John, before i start falling in love with an idea for an ep, i like to know what the official backstory and ground rules are.

Any idea when this will be available? if not tomorrow, this week? This month?

I cant wait to jump on this, but i think its more important to have a solid foundation down before the project its overwhelmed with subpar, unrelated material.

[J.R. Hudson]

I am doing it as we speak. I'll have it up this weekend well as tonight and hereafter! Im moving Im moving! :D ;D

[Isaac_Brody]

John, I like the work so far, really good stuff. This is such a brilliant idea to have a zombie serial. I definitely want to see more.

[MatthewC]

Mattc, tried to find a quick deffinition of the 180 rule for u:

http://www.ouc.bc.ca/fina/glossary/o_list/180degreerule.html

(u can google 180 rule for more examples)

As far as lowering the camera, john can correct me if im wrong, but the shot start as a very low angle, tilted up, and as its pulled back, it keeps the composition as close as it can by just tilting forward. not actually lowering the camera.

Yeah, I watched it a few more times and I figured thats probably what was done. Thanks for the info on this stuff, you guys rule.

Cant wait for more!

[darkavenger]

arkham, i agree it has an "I am Legend" feel to it, maybe because i just read it recently - except with zombies instead of vamps. good stuff, john.

[Soliton]

Hey John, I sure hope I didn't come across as all negative there. Sorry if I did.
The time available for me to get on here is normally very short and in my efforts to be brief and also concise, I probably sound much more harsh than I really feel. Your work is very admirable, particularly as a first shot. I couldn't come even close. Well, not in the next couple of years anyway :-/

[J.R. Hudson]

Not at all taken the wrong way; I appreciate the comments; it helps to have the perspective. :)

[Young-H._Lee]

Director Hudson!

Sounds like you have quite a new project in your hands! Is this gonna be like the ladyx film series? I dont think I can really add anything to whats already been said, the clips looks excellent, lighting wise, editing wise, etc. I would agree with the makeup on the zombie, looked like a regular joe to me, other than that, im excited to see what you come up with, keep us posted yo!

[Frizzle Fry]

John Hudson hits 8,000 posts! :o ;D

[Shadow]

Nice, Look like a very good "départ" for a complete movie. i liked the shot when the guy arrived at the house. The color dominance seem quit green from my screen, it is probably what you wanted. Good work John!! Keep us posted for more "épouvante" (fear).

[Pbartolo]

John, that trailer is brilliant! I hated the Dawn remake (just felt like they lost all the meaning of the original) but yours has a fantastic look... Now, forgive me for asking, but is that the DVX100 or the XL2? I am thinking it must be the DVX100 but I just wanted to check... Again, it looks brilliant and I certainly can't wait to see it.

[Shaw]

John can correct me if I am wrong but I am 100% sure that was shot with the DVX.

[dakotapod]

Most certainly - I think Hudson's hands would burn if they came in contact with anything but the DVX ;)

[J.R. Hudson]

8000 posts?! OMG. :-/ ;D :D

Of course it was the DVX

[avatuar]

nice john, need those hollywood glazed over contacts for the zombies and ya got urself a film;D

[J.R. Hudson]

Totally.

I'm poutting an ad out locally for a Make FX artist that can make the undead come to life.

[smkoch]

Hey John, Love the footage. I remember getting hooked on I Am Legend a few years ago this is a copy that I remember reading that got me going , At least I think it was, it was a long time ago.

http://www.godamongdirectors.com/scripts/legend.txt

Also I came across this site, for some good contacts.

http://www.costumehut.com/securestore/c209987.2.html

I think a buddy of mine from film school, his sister graduated a year or so ago, from movie make-up school - if that's what it's called? she lives in burbank I think

[monte]

Wow, I like this I am Legend stuff, wish it were zombies rather than vampires, but then, I've always hated vampires (found them to be a bit too boring for my taste)

[J.R. Hudson]

We will be introducing a second species in homage to I AM LEGEND

The vamp creatures will be based on vamp myth but feral in nature; more like animals and they will not talk. These details are being worked through carefully.

[TizzyEntertainment]

LOL I found the "Coming soon, right after a bunch of small shorts are made to figure out how to make films." Especially amusing. Have you rented any of the "shot on video, straight to video" horror that is on the shelves these days? Absolute garbage, your stuff looks way better. Youve got the nack now just nurse it, and you do that by making movies. Be them big or small, but brother you are a filmmaker. Best of luck to you, the stuff looks great keep at it.
R. Michael

[J.R. Hudson]

Thank you Tizzy! I have noticed some stuff at Blockbuster that was so damn bad it was disturbing; part of the inpiration is "If they can make crap; I can make crap". LOL

Thanks man!

[HorseFilms]

"If they can make crap; I can make crap".
Words to live by. *;D It doesn't look like I'll be making much crap this weekend, though. At least, not outside. The high temperatures are supposed to be a balmy -5F (-20C).

[Super Trooper]

lmao :D

[monte]

Hell (Minnesota) has literally frozen over. Somebody come get me and horse out, now.

[J.R. Hudson]

That Pacific Storm is sweeping across the country; the one that hit the west coast; gonna suck.

[braw]

Totally.

I'm poutting an ad out locally for a Make FX artist that can make the undead come to life.

I'm no where near you unfortunately, but I am a makeup artist. I could offer some help remotely as far as advice and materials.

[braw]

Hell (Minnesota) has literally frozen over. Somebody come get me and horse out, now.

I know, I'm in the Twin Cities. Makes me wonder why I moved here. :D

[Wivellicious]

I know, I'm in the Twin Cities. Makes me wonder why I moved here. *:D

I'm still trying to figure out why I stayed in state for college. I could have gone anywhere! Anywhere!! Okay, that's an outright lie, but I still could have left the state, and I regret not doing that.

Did you know that 50 degrees in Missouri is "really cold"? Yep, sure is.

Oh, and to keep it on topic, John, it looks drop dead amazing. This singlehandedly made me decide that I have to have a dolly.

[speedbump]

John (and everyone)-

I think this is a great project. John is just the right kind of person to spearhead it, because, well, he's wanted to do this sort of thing as long as he can remember.

A serial is especially well-suited to web distribution. And the subject material fits a web audience as well. It is very tempting to do an episode or two once the 'World' has been defined.

I have to admit, when I first got involved in movie-making, I was interested in blood-n-guts fare. My first feature length effort was 'Jonathan of the Night', a recurring vampire story, and it had plenty of splatter in it. Since then, I've really been focused on honing my skills and doing dramas and music videos.

BUT-

Today I was talking to a certain producer whose opinion is that one CAN make money from zombie flicks, and I'm of half a mind to have a blast doing this sort of material. The thing is, you can do it REAL cheap, because the audience is forgiving of cinematic faux pas issues such as sub-standard acting, lack of plot, poor lighting... as long as there's some sort of ZING to the show. Zombie Einstein, whatever. :)

I am very interested to see what sort of 'plot bible' you come up with, John, so I can toy with doing an episode. Or two.

P.S. This idea of a collaborative serial was interesting enough that I ran 'Undead Nation' by a friend who is a serious Toxic Avenger fan, and his eyebrows lifted briefly, and he said, so where do I sign up?

That would be a ringing endorsement of the idea from your typical target audience member. Woo-hoo!

[J.R. Hudson]

Awesome.

I admit; the interest so far has been over-whelming. I never expected the interest level to be this high; nor did I expect the 'forgiving' prasie of the first 'testing footage'. What can I say? I love horror films and especially the genre of the dead. Most of my favorite films are The Thing, Day of the Dead, The Road Warrior, Halloween, The Fog.....

I totally wnt to gaduate to 'higher art' eventually; I get the same (if similar) rise from films like Lost in Translation, Eternal Sunshine and Adaptation; but...

I want to entertain. I like seeing peoples eyes light up when they see this 'zombie schlock'; one person I know said "You did that?".

The world is being created along with the rules and the vision is there for the site. A forum has been started (Check the Sig) and a web page is already being though out (one idea is to have amap of the world/nation and wherever an episode stems from there will be a dot on the map that you can clcik to; bringing the person to that episode(s).

Perhaps a filmmaker does just one; maybe they get the silly bug and do several. The episodes of each location is up up that filmmaker.

[Cheesesailor77]

the world map is cool, but i think the timeline is better, I think WHEN the episode takes place is the more important information in context of how all the episodes connect.

[ExFilms]

I like both. The timeline first and the map as an accessory.

[Frizzle Fry]

Yeah, timeline would be better, with a map on the linked page. But would a timeline get messy? Is there a better way? Let the brainstorming begin. This is VITAL to the organization of the site.

[J.R. Hudson]

Well damn; we should be discussing it at the forum! :P ::) :D

[Frizzle Fry]

Is the forum up again?

[J.R. Hudson]

There. I started a little topic over there :D

[Shaw]

Weird, I'm getting a "forum offline" message whenever I try to open the message board. Any ideas? It sounds like you are not experiencing this John?

[J.R. Hudson]

No :-/ ???

Click on my sig?

[Bradbro]

OH NO this Zombie business has had the unintended side effect of Dvxians leaving Dvxuser.com in droves and shambling over to the Undead Nation board!!!!! The virus has caught hold!!!

(Just kidding, we all know we are still addicted to Dvxuser.com!!)

Time to get your Zombie on!!!

[Shaw]

Yep, clicked on the sig. Just re-tested and got the same result :(

[J.R. Hudson]

Thats weird Shaw.

[Frizzle Fry]

I was experiencing the same thing, but after clicking a few times I was sent to the forum. Hmm. Maybe a caching issue?
Try it directly. If it doesn't work, try shift+refresh
http://www.phpbbforfree.com/forums/index.php?mforum=undeadnation

[Bradbro]

This morning they were overhauling their servers, but it seems fine now.

[Rich Lee]

ah...looks good hudson.

i dig the dolly shot at the end and the guy on the roof. the ECU of the guy after he shoots the zombie has a weird framing about it...cutting off his eyes alot.

the only other thing that caught my eye was the lighting discontinuity when the zombie dude runs for the door...soft overcast light to harsh halogen looking light.

anyway, im sure your aware of all that shizzle..

but it looks good..sweet start...should be some fun stuff in the future yo.

oh one last thing...im guessing your using sorenson squeeze...cause the same thing that effects disjectas footage is effecting yours. giving squeeze 720x480 .9pixel aspect ratio footage to compress adds aliasing. squeeze doesnt know how to square pixels up well...you need to square your footage up first to 720x540 before feeding into squeeze..AE does a great job...that will eliminate the aliasing that is in your footage now.

anyway..good shite man! good luck with it all!

[J.R. Hudson]

Thanks Rich

NOw, what about Sorenson; I dont have AE

[Rich Lee]

what do you edit in? can your editor render out 720x540?

[J.R. Hudson]

Yes. Vegas.
Can you give me a step by step?

[Final Design Studios]

I gotta admit you are probably on to something here, a zombie short film community would be quite a thing to have on the web.

Oh, and a few pages back you guys were talking about -5F.
I laugh at you ;D

I just went through 4 days of -45F to -52F, still -25F right now......I want out of this state! (alaska).

But back to the topic at hand. If I made something for this would I just post it on my site, and then you'd link to it? guess I should just take a walk over to your forum.....hmmm......think I'll do that.

[J.R. Hudson]

:D

At first glance; yes, Im thinking post it with your own host. Still have to look into the logistics of hosting ALL OF THEM which sounds exepensive; just another kink to think through. It'd be nice to keep them at the site as oppossed to making them leave to another.

[IDOG]

Unreal!!! I love it! When can I see more?

[Shaw]

It's working well for me now. Must have been a caching problem.

[MattC]

John,

Really great work man!! This may have been said before (to be honest I haven't read all nine pages of posts) but I'm really impressed with your sound design - especially having done it so quickly. Perhaps it's just me, or my background in music, but every time I watch a posted short/film/video I'm usually distracted by bad sound editing. (BTW, this is true for the stuff I've done as well...) Not that it couldn't use a little work, it could, but it would be polishing as opposed to fixing - know what I mean? Are you working with a composer? As I've stated in other places you could get it done dirt cheap and it would really add to your overall effort. In any case you ear equals your eye and that's a good thing.

Matt

[J.R. Hudson]

Thanks MattC!

We shot Saturday and I did Post on Sunday; I admit, I threw it together on Sunday; looking frantically on Google for all kinds of silly Wavs and MP3's of rain, thunder, wind, ghouls, walking foley sounds, gunshot, guncock, NOTLD. The 'animal' sounds you here are from some page that had Wildcats and Big Cat wavs. I too love Sound Deisgn and consider it just as important element as the next.

The music is from a great site: http://freelibrarymusic.com/default.asp Ill be using this site extensively in my UNDEAD films and other films.

FYI This wasnt an attempt to bump an shamelessly plug; I put a newwer version up with 'Insert 2,3 pulldown' added to eliminate that strobing as well as fixing that 180 Violation (Its a shame I knew it was being vilolated on set and still f*cked it up :P ::) ). Also, there is an expansion on the talent reading the book (I know, how exciting)

[hvpz]

very promising :)

[MattC]

John, John, bubby....

What do I have to do to at least make you try and find a composer, come over there and get all zombie on you? * ;D

I checked out the site, it is indeed excellent, I even purchased a clip to use on a short demonstration of MY NEW DOLLY that I just made - hopefully it will be up this weekend. *My point is, a custom purpose written score adds something that no prewritten music can. *Now, if it would cost you real money to get one, I would shut the hell up and go my merry way, but it wont! * Once you have a film locked, and you feel that it is your zombie movie to end all zombie movies, go to a music college and ask them to take on scoring it as a project - or - if there's a composer you like on that site contact them and ask if they'll score your film. *Tell them you're a little guy and can't pay much, but you don't want exclusivity so they are free to cut up the score and sell it off as cues on the site. *Sure you'll pay, but no more than you would at five bucks a clip for premade stuff. *Hell if you added up what those clips would cost you and offered it as pay, you could get quite a few composers with real talent who are trying to put together a demo to score your film for the same dinero. *Just something to consider.

Matt

[J.R. Hudson]

You are absolutely correct MattC. IN fact, I posted an ad at Mandy for Make Up FX artist (of course no/lo copy/credit) and not only have I gotten MAKE-FX responses, but one Composer inquired about doing the score (free or not; I have no idea).

Yes, an original, custom score would be epic (no pun) however, the site I am into is an excellent source of music and super professional. When my work warrants the use of a custom score then I will definately pursue that route; in the mean time, I'm looking for some nice accompanying music that fits not only in my budget but in my timeframe!

:D

[speedbump]

It is indeed sad that I am posting at this time of the morning, nevertheless:

There are PLENTY of hungry artists out there who want to be in front of the camera, or holding the boom, or composing music. Especially when it comes to contributing to a zombie flick or two.

As the Old Man in the Seven Samurai says, 'Find hungry Samurai!'

[greeches]

Bring it back!