"The Spear" - NJ Film School

[Chris Messineo]

http://njfilmschool.com/images/the-spear-poster.jpg

Tagline: Can we go home now?

Synopsis: Two friends play a deadly game in the woods.

[Chris Messineo]

"The Spear" is a class project with the students working as the crew. The film shoot is divided into Morning and Afternoon with students assigned to different crew positions for each part of the day. During each shoot a student was assigned to shoot and edit a BTS video and here they are:


https://vimeo.com/44573558
Morning - BTS Video by Rolando David Jr.


https://vimeo.com/43963119
Afternoon - BTS Video by Erol Ata

[Chris Messineo]

http://njfilmschool.com/images/the-spear-1.jpg

http://njfilmschool.com/images/the-spear-2.jpg

http://njfilmschool.com/images/the-spear-3.jpg

http://njfilmschool.com/images/the-spear-4.jpg

http://njfilmschool.com/images/the-spear-5.jpg

[Chris Messineo]

Crew and Gear:

I teach a filmmaking class and this will be our third film entered in a DVXFest. I only have two students still with me from "The Water's Edge", but we are excited to be back. The DVXFests are always so much fun!

We will shoot this with the AF100 and Nikon Lenses.

Production Calendar:

5/12/2012: Script Complete

5/13/2012: Cast Complete

5/14/2011: Crew Complete including Composer Chris Hurn

5/26/2012: Shoot Date - Rained Out

6/2/2012: Shoot Date - Rained Out

6/9/2012: Shoot Date - Complete

6/24/2012: Rough Cut - Complete

6/25/2012: Poster - Complete

7/7/2012: Edit - Complete

8/9/2012: Score - Complete

8/12/2012: Color - Complete

8/15/2012: Film Locked and Compressed

8/16/2012: Film Uploaded - Let the Fest Begin!

8/19/2012: Viewing Party with Crew

[ZazaCast]

Go Jersey Go! :thumbsup:

[Erol Ata]

I'm excited to be on this project.

[Chris Messineo]

Go Jersey Go! :thumbsup:

Thanks man. We'll do our best to represent!


I'm excited to be on this project.

We have an awesome crew - it's going to be fun.

The only thing I'm worried about is, I just realized I forgot to figure out where we put "DVX" in the film. Oh well, we still have a week to figure something out.

[Chris Messineo]

We got rained out from our shooting date today. Hopefully, we'll have better luck next week.

Also, I'm very happy - I figured out a great place to put DVX in the film.

[Zach Olson]

Enjoy seeing the NJ Film School entries. Really looking forward to this!

[Chris Messineo]

Enjoy seeing the NJ Film School entries. Really looking forward to this!

Thanks!

Unfortunately, we were rained out for the second week in a row - if we can get the weather to cooperate we might actually shoot this thing. :)

[Luis_]

Cool... Looks like you'll be trying again tomorrow. Good luck!
By the way, where is the film school? North Jersey or South?

[Erol Ata]

We finally shot this thing!...

[Luis_]

We finally shot this thing!...

Nice!

[Matt Harris]

screengrabs please!

[Chris Messineo]

We did finally get our shoot done. The cast and crew were great, but the weather kept us on our toes.


By the way, where is the film school? North Jersey or South?We're in North/Central, New Jersey and moving to New Providence this Fall.


screengrabs please!I'll try to get a few up this week-end.

[Chris Messineo]

Poster is up!

We have two BTS videos coming in the next couple of weeks and a few stills after that.

The rough cut is done. I'm still working on sound and color, but I should have the film off to Chris Hurn (our composer) this week.

[ZazaCast]

Poster is reminding me of your last film... thank God for those woods! :)
(...or maybe it's a prequel the 'The Water's Edge'? That would be cool.)

Can't wait to see some of the stills...

[ZazaCast]

...noticed that this is another one you are writing and directing, just out of curiosity, why don't you produce one of their films? I would think it's be a great practical lesson in filmmaking if they ran the whole show....yes? What better way to learn then starting from scratch.

[Chris Messineo]

Poster is reminding me of your last film... thank God for those woods! :)
(...or maybe it's a prequel the 'The Water's Edge'? That would be cool.)

Can't wait to see some of the stills...

No prequel - although that would be cool (I need to think about doing that someday).

These are actually different woods - a cool pine forest located about 20 minutes from the other location.

I was going to post stills, but I want to finish the color work first. So, hopefully soon.


...noticed that this is another one you are writing and directing, just out of curiosity, why don't you produce one of their films? I would think it's be a great practical lesson in filmmaking if they ran the whole show....yes? What better way to learn then starting from scratch.

The students do the bulk of the work, I really am the producer more than anything else. Plus, in the class, we do other side projects where they are responsible for everything.

[ZazaCast]

No prequel - although that would be cool (I need to think about doing that someday).

These are actually different woods - a cool pine forest located about 20 minutes from the other location.

I was going to post stills, but I want to finish the color work first. So, hopefully soon.

The students do the bulk of the work, I really am the producer more than anything else. Plus, in the class, we do other side projects where they are responsible for everything.

Yes... very good. I'm looking forward to the film! :beer:

[Egg Born Son]

Sweet poster

[chaconkevin]

i second the sweetness of this poster! definitely gonna watch this first!

[Chris Messineo]

Sweet poster


i second the sweetness of this poster! definitely gonna watch this first!

Thanks! The poster was done by Mark Menditto, one of the students in the class, who was assigned as the BTS Photographer for half the shoot (he was the Cinematographer for the other half).

[Chris Messineo]

What's better than one BTS video? Two BTS videos!

You can see both of our BTS videos in the second post in this thread (BTS Videos (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?282419-quot-The-Spear-quot-NJ-Film-School&p=1986144219&viewfull=1#post1986144219)).

I hope you enjoy them.

[Noel Evans]

Chris, what I love about what you're doing is having everyone contribute in multiple roles.

As always looking forward to watching.

[Chris Messineo]

Chris, what I love about what you're doing is having everyone contribute in multiple roles.

As always looking forward to watching.

Thanks! This is a learning opportunity for all my students first and foremost and that is what I love about the DVXFests - they are about encouraging people to make films and to learn by doing.

[Chris Messineo]

I just heard the "first draft" of our score from Chris Hurn. It is crazy good - better even than our film. :)

[Rolando David Jr.]

i can't wait to watch the film! i had so much fun working with great director and awesome crew. :beer:

[Matt Harris]

Chris you BTS's are pretty epic. They really show exactly what's going on, on set, and it's fun to see students learning on the job. it's all very cool and I'm psyched to see your movie.
love all the tools in the video, like the jibs and the wheel thingee that holds the camera, forget what it's called. great to see it all in action.

[Chris Messineo]

Chris you BTS's are pretty epic. They really show exactly what's going on, on set, and it's fun to see students learning on the job. it's all very cool and I'm psyched to see your movie.
love all the tools in the video, like the jibs and the wheel thingee that holds the camera, forget what it's called. great to see it all in action.

Thanks a lot Matt. Two different students shot the BTS docs and it was really fun to see their perspective on the filmmaking process.

It feels like we shot this ages ago - I can't wait for people to see the actual film!

p.s. The steering wheel thingie is called a Fig Rig.

[taylormade]

Looks like another winner Chris. Is the film finished at this point? I bet your students really like working on these things.

[Erol Ata]

Looks like another winner Chris. Is the film finished at this point? I bet your students really like working on these things.

Chris's school is a lot of fun. I've taken 3 so far and even though its the same class they are always different which makes it enticing to continue signing up for the next one. He gives each student an opportunity to experience each job of a real film crew. Great find!

[Lynchenstein]

I'd love to take one of these classes. It's tad far to travel from Victora, BC to NJ however... May just be worth it though - can't wait to see your latest, Chris.

[Chris Messineo]

Looks like another winner Chris. Is the film finished at this point? I bet your students really like working on these things.

Thanks a lot!

The film is done - I am just compressing it now and getting ready to upload it.

It is definitely a student film (both crew and actors) and a little rough around the edges, but that just gives it more charm!

[Chris Messineo]

Sorry it took so long, but I finally posted five stills from our film up above (five stills (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?282419-quot-The-Spear-quot-NJ-Film-School&p=1986144221&viewfull=1#post1986144221)).

[Lynchenstein]

Nice stills. I gotta say...that forest looks awful familiar. Same one as the Water's Edge?

[Chris Messineo]

Nice stills. I gotta say...that forest looks awful familiar. Same one as the Water's Edge?

Actually, no. We're still in Jersey of course, but this is actually a Pine Forest and it's no where near the river.

[Lynchenstein]

Ah, but it still looks lovely.

[Ryan P. Kelly]

looks really gorgeous Chris

[Chris Messineo]

Ah, but it still looks lovely.

Thanks! I love shooting outside. Now, If I could just get that stupid sun to stop moving (or the earth to stop rotating).


looks really gorgeous Chris

Thanks a lot! We shot with the AF100 and Nikon lenses (except for those first two shots which used a LensBaby).

[Ryan P. Kelly]

Loved it Chris!

[JaceBrownlow]

It was well done I thought, I will admit I wasnt as drawn into the story as I would have liked. But defiantly well filmed however! :)

[Chris Messineo]

Loved it Chris!

Thanks a lot! I'm looking forward to watching yours.


It was well done I thought, I will admit I wasnt as drawn into the story as I would have liked. But defiantly well filmed however! :)

Any problems with the story are on me (I wrote the thing) and I was channeling some of my childhood.

But, the look was all my students as they were the crew. I'm very proud of them and I will definitely pass along your compliments.

[Noel Evans]

Quick Review:

I thought this was well set up. Who can honestly say they didnt think the result would be less than a spear through the guts? Chris I liked the theme you guys touched on here and the underlying message.

Well done again NJ Film School students - you guys put together a fluent, watchable story and that's not an easy thing to pull off.

[Chris_Keaton]

Another cutesy film. This really made me smile at the end. Good job!

[Chris Messineo]

Quick Review:

I thought this was well set up. Who can honestly say they didnt think the result would be less than a spear through the guts? Chris I liked the theme you guys touched on here and the underlying message.

Well done again NJ Film School students - you guys put together a fluent, watchable story and that's not an easy thing to pull off.

Thank you so much! I wanted to try a different take on war and with no first hand experience, I instantly thought back to my childhood. I'm so glad you liked it.

My students (both cast and crew) worked really hard on it and it's so much fun to see them grow as filmmakers. I'll be sure to pass along your compliments.


Another cutesy film. This really made me smile at the end. Good job!

Thanks a lot! I'm glad the ending worked for you. My first draft ending was much darker, but this felt more honest to me (and was a hell of a lot easier to shoot). :)

[Chris_Keaton]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad the ending worked for you. My first draft ending was much darker, but this felt more honest to me (and was a hell of a lot easier to shoot). :)

You took it a different, unexpected, direction and that is almost always a good thing.

[Jason Ramsey]

Good production value for sure. Props to your students for that.

Story wise, it was good, and I was into it, but it felt like it ended a bit prematurely for me... like I was still waiting for the final act. The denouement. It was like, we hit the climax, and then were like "I'm bored. The end." So, it left me wanting for a bit more. Not sure what, though... Maybe a little more of a resolve... a little convo between them as they were on their way home to kind of tie up the lesson there or something...

[Gulroc]

I liked the way the entire film brought itself around. I definitely had a sinking feeling in my stomach until the end. I also give you props for doing this work with child actors, I have a hard enough time with adults.

[Chris Messineo]

Good production value for sure. Props to your students for that.

Story wise, it was good, and I was into it, but it felt like it ended a bit prematurely for me... like I was still waiting for the final act. The denouement. It was like, we hit the climax, and then were like "I'm bored. The end." So, it left me wanting for a bit more. Not sure what, though... Maybe a little more of a resolve... a little convo between them as they were on their way home to kind of tie up the lesson there or something...

Great review and I agree about the ending. If I could change anything, I would add a few more shots there.


I liked the way the entire film brought itself around. I definitely had a sinking feeling in my stomach until the end. I also give you props for doing this work with child actors, I have a hard enough time with adults.

Thanks a lot. I'm glad you dug it.

I know what you mean about kids, they can be a nightmare to work with, but these two were selected from my Kid's Filmmaking class and they were perfect little professionals - no complaints.

[Tequilawoo]

Well put together! Looks like a very fun class to take and be a part of. You produced a very solid entry that kept me interested with its cool opening shots.

[Chris Messineo]

Well put together! Looks like a very fun class to take and be a part of. You produced a very solid entry that kept me interested with its cool opening shots.

Thanks a lot. We do have a great time in class, but then filmmaking is awesome so it's hard not to have fun. :)

Those opening shots we're done using a Lensbaby to create that slightly surreal look. I'm glad you liked it!

[zucked]

Really clean, solid piece - as I expected, coming after "The Water's Edge." I don't know that I have anything else new to say past what's been posted -- the film does what it does competently -- not super dramatic or compelling for me, but certainly works. I will say that not only would I have liked a bit more of an ending, I think I would have far preferred the much darker ending you mentioned above. Had the one kid actually stabbed the other kid, that would have really raised the stakes (no pun intended!! heyoo) and explored something interesting. Congrats to you and your students

[Chris Messineo]

Really clean, solid piece - as I expected, coming after "The Water's Edge." I don't know that I have anything else new to say past what's been posted -- the film does what it does competently -- not super dramatic or compelling for me, but certainly works. I will say that not only would I have liked a bit more of an ending, I think I would have far preferred the much darker ending you mentioned above. Had the one kid actually stabbed the other kid, that would have really raised the stakes (no pun intended!! heyoo) and explored something interesting. Congrats to you and your students

Thanks for the great review.

That's cool that you remember "The Water's Edge". That's probably my favorite class project we've done too, but each new class brings new students and new challenges.

Endings are tough. I really like ours (it's a bit more hopeful in it's view of war), but I could also picture that darker ending. Maybe next time. :)

[Amir Assasnik]

Great film, it brought me back to my childhood and all the "wars" between my friends and I. Overall the production quality was impeccable. I would have liked a bit more resolve in the end too but regardless I enjoyed it a lot. Good work and I hope to see it again.

[Chris Messineo]

Great film, it brought me back to my childhood and all the "wars" between my friends and I. Overall the production quality was impeccable. I would have liked a bit more resolve in the end too but regardless I enjoyed it a lot. Good work and I hope to see it again.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who spent my childhood repeatedly killing my friends. :)

I'm glad you liked it and I will pass along your compliments to the crew.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Great job Chris! Each one of your NJ FilM School entries get stronger and stronger. Good acting, good cinematography. I kinda wish it'd been longer, but you'd have had to have more story, so maybe not. Enjoyed it.

[lawriejaffa]

This I think is probably the best of your shorts (imo) that I have seen played here in the dvxfestivals Chris. I've often been critical of the sentimental aspects of some of your previous works, or this and that! What this film does well is that it uses just the precise amount dialogue required, - great motivated action, and a genuinely discomforting level of suspense (played brilliantly at the start) that manages to pull of the foreboding (ahem twist) that well... is simply not easy to pull of right!

Other than that the actors were good, the film was nicely shot and produced. All in all a solid film, and to me is probably the most complete and professional looking film in the festival, every component from script to production adding up just right.

Nice one bro.

[Chris Messineo]

Great job Chris! Each one of your NJ FilM School entries get stronger and stronger. Good acting, good cinematography. I kinda wish it'd been longer, but you'd have had to have more story, so maybe not. Enjoyed it.

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you liked it. It's so much fun shooting with my class, but we always working under the class schedule and this makes it hard to make the films longer. Maybe I can try to put together a class in the future with two days dedicated to shooting instead of just one. That would be fun!

[Chris Messineo]

This I think is probably the best of your shorts (imo) that I have seen played here in the dvxfestivals Chris. I've often been critical of the sentimental aspects of some of your previous works, or this and that! What this film does well is that it uses just the precise amount dialogue required, - great motivated action, and a genuinely discomforting level of suspense (played brilliantly at the start) that manages to pull of the foreboding (ahem twist) that well... is simply not easy to pull of right!

Other than that the actors were good, the film was nicely shot and produced. All in all a solid film, and to me is probably the most complete and professional looking film in the festival, every component from script to production adding up just right.

Nice one bro.

Wow! Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. I always respect your opinion and I'm sincerely touched that you enjoyed our film so much.

I think I spent more time editing the first few seconds of our film than the rest of it put together (to try and setup the twist) and I'm so happy it worked for you.

Thanks again!

[lawriejaffa]

No probs and congratulations - I take it you intend to enter it into inty festivals (decent B list / top regionals would definately play it somewhere surely!)

[Chris Messineo]

No probs and congratulations - I take it you intend to enter it into inty festivals (decent B list / top regionals would definately play it somewhere surely!)

Thanks again, but I had no such intentions; I'm just hoping people like it here at DVXuser. :)

[taylormade]

As usual, Chris, you and your students have produced a great looking, highly watchable film. I thought the kids did a good job in the acting department. A few times they took a little to much time between lines and I got that "they're acting" vibe, but I know what it's like working with kids and overall i bought the characters.

Once again you've proven that the AF100 can produce lovely images. I like it that you are willing to leave the colors rich and saturated rather than the more popular 55% saturation CC that many adopt. It works perfectly for "The Spear" and "The Water's Edge."

I, too, thought the ending a bit abrupt and unsatisfying, but I'm not sure there was really any other way to go. Maybe closeup on the kids or a bit of a beat before the fade, I don't know, I just felt it needed something more.

My one big nit-pick is that opening scene.


SPOILER!


Maybe it was just me, but I noticed that the spear wasn't really stiking into the kid but was behind him. My first reaction was, hey, that looks really fake.

Then at the end of the film when I saw that the spear had missed him it didn't come as much of a surprise as I had harkened back to the opening shot and had already figured that was what was going to happen.

Minor complaints aside, a great film. You and your students are to be congratulated.

[Chris Messineo]

As usual, Chris, you and your students have produced a great looking, highly watchable film. I thought the kids did a good job in the acting department. A few times they took a little to much time between lines and I got that "they're acting" vibe, but I know what it's like working with kids and overall i bought the characters.

Once again you've proven that the AF100 can produce lovely images. I like it that you are willing to leave the colors rich and saturated rather than the more popular 55% saturation CC that many adopt. It works perfectly for "The Spear" and "The Water's Edge."

I, too, thought the ending a bit abrupt and unsatisfying, but I'm not sure there was really any other way to go. Maybe closeup on the kids or a bit of a beat before the fade, I don't know, I just felt it needed something more.

My one big nit-pick is that opening scene.


SPOILER!


Maybe it was just me, but I noticed that the spear wasn't really stiking into the kid but was behind him. My first reaction was, hey, that looks really fake.

Then at the end of the film when I saw that the spear had missed him it didn't come as much of a surprise as I had harkened back to the opening shot and had already figured that was what was going to happen.

Minor complaints aside, a great film. You and your students are to be congratulated.

Thanks so much for the thoughtful review.

I love the AF100 - it's pretty much the perfect camera for me. I tried several looks for the film including a desaturated bleached bypass look, but in the end, this look (which is similar to "The Water's Edge") just felt right. I'm glad you dug it.

I agree about the ending. I think we are missing a couple of shots there too.

As for the opening, I agree that first spear shot is not at horrific looking as I imagined and I tried to cut it quick so you wouldn't be sure what you saw, but I can see where it might fall short.

Anyway, thanks again for the kind words and the honest critique. I will pass along your compliments to the cast and crew.

[Russell Moore]

I enjoyed this more and more as the film went on. I thought the story was going to be a bit ho hum...kid stabs/injures another kid while playing war/cowboys and indians etc. (seen it, right?).....but no....that is not where you went with it and I couldn't have been happier. You really did a nice job of building the suspense at the end, when the kid is charging forward. I felt it and I thought I knew what was going to happen.

I noticed the spear in the beginning as well, but honestly, I just thought "ooh that was done poorly" but then at the end, when I discovered he didn't really get skewered. I had a "Sixth Sense" moment and thought...of course it looked that way, he didn't really get stabbed!

It looked great, beautiful locations, good acting and I really thought the score fit the piece well.

[ZazaCast]

Cute film...well done students! I have to agree with the above and knew right from the beginning he hadn't been 'speared'.
Pretty to look at (although you really have to get out of the woods one of these days) and the score fit the mood perfectly.

...my only question...where is the "DVX", I didn't notice it in this one?

Congrats on another film very well done!

[Chris Messineo]

I enjoyed this more and more as the film went on. I thought the story was going to be a bit ho hum...kid stabs/injures another kid while playing war/cowboys and indians etc. (seen it, right?).....but no....that is not where you went with it and I couldn't have been happier. You really did a nice job of building the suspense at the end, when the kid is charging forward. I felt it and I thought I knew what was going to happen.

I noticed the spear in the beginning as well, but honestly, I just thought "ooh that was done poorly" but then at the end, when I discovered he didn't really get skewered. I had a "Sixth Sense" moment and thought...of course it looked that way, he didn't really get stabbed!

It looked great, beautiful locations, good acting and I really thought the score fit the piece well.

Wow, thanks a lot. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I will definitely share your comments with the cast and crew!


Cute film...well done students! I have to agree with the above and knew right from the beginning he hadn't been 'speared'.
Pretty to look at (although you really have to get out of the woods one of these days) and the score fit the mood perfectly.

...my only question...where is the "DVX", I didn't notice it in this one?

Congrats on another film very well done!

Thanks so much.

We've actually shot dozens of films in class and only two in the woods, but those are our latest DVXfest entries - I'll definitely try and mix it up next time.

As for the "DVX" check out that first shot of the two boys lying on the ground. You can't miss it.

Anyway, thanks so much, your opinion means a lot to me and I'm so glad you liked it.

[ZazaCast]

As for the "DVX" check out that first shot of the two boys lying on the ground. You can't miss it.


HA, HA... can't miss it (but I did).... too funny. I was looking for something like that throughout the film...or a carving on a tree....you so tricky. :)

[Chris Messineo]

HA, HA... can't miss it (but I did).... too funny. I was looking for something like that throughout the film...or a carving on a tree....you so tricky. :)

Actually, I'm kind of glad you missed it. I think it's most fun when the appearance of the DVD is almost hidden and it becomes an inside joke for those of us who love the site so.

In fact, it would be cool if someone cut together a gallery of all those shots.

[Ryan P. Kelly]

Chris,

This immediately brought me back to my childhood when we would play "guns". And yes we eventually ramped it up to homemade bow and arrows and crossbows...and yes we got injured :) good memories:)

First off I loved the score and the sound. The look was beautiful as expected from you.
As I grow I am trying to pay attention to the little things and I am begining to pay attention to them in other films; and your casting was spot on for this. The contrast with the 2 boys was the perfect mix of instigator and tag-a-long. The blue shirt and red shirt was a nice touch...

Really enjoyed the short. Thanks for the hard work and good luck!

[Matthew B]

Well done Chris. This was my favorite entry of yours so far. I thought this was a good little story that had a nice ending (I for one didn't see the twist coming). There were a couple of the shots were I could see the 'student' in them, but they were easy to forgive. Overall a solid entry.

[krestofre]

I liked this one a lot. You completely fooled my wife and after the opening shot she, being a mother, didn't want to watch the rest. I had a feeling you had something up your sleeve and we both really enjoyed the film.

Kudos to the entire cast and crew!

[Chris Messineo]

Chris,

This immediately brought me back to my childhood when we would play "guns". And yes we eventually ramped it up to homemade bow and arrows and crossbows...and yes we got injured :) good memories:)

First off I loved the score and the sound. The look was beautiful as expected from you.
As I grow I am trying to pay attention to the little things and I am begining to pay attention to them in other films; and your casting was spot on for this. The contrast with the 2 boys was the perfect mix of instigator and tag-a-long. The blue shirt and red shirt was a nice touch...

Really enjoyed the short. Thanks for the hard work and good luck!

They are good memories aren't they - injuries and all. :)

Thanks for mentioning the score. I love what Chris Hurn did too!

It makes me really happy when people notice the details. I bought those shirts specifically and then washed them repeatedly so they wouldn't look too new. The two kids I cast from my Kid's filmmaking class. They are both very talented filmmakers in their own right.


Well done Chris. This was my favorite entry of yours so far. I thought this was a good little story that had a nice ending (I for one didn't see the twist coming). There were a couple of the shots were I could see the 'student' in them, but they were easy to forgive. Overall a solid entry.

Thanks so much, I really respect your opinion. My students work so hard on these projects and I'm very proud of them - I'm thrilled that you think we keep getting better.


I liked this one a lot. You completely fooled my wife and after the opening shot she, being a mother, didn't want to watch the rest. I had a feeling you had something up your sleeve and we both really enjoyed the film.

Kudos to the entire cast and crew!

Thanks a lot and thank your wife for me too! I'm so glad you both enjoyed it.

[MattinSTL]

The ending fooled me. In the beginning... I thought "that spear doesn't look exactly THROUGH the kid"... (and at no point beginning or end, did the spear poke through with any blood on it... or some other blur or passable added darkness (mud?) that could pass as blood, or otherwise indicate a penetration)...

HOWEVER... I was still very gripped by the story... and was watching in utter DREAD. I can relate to Chris' (post above) wife not wanting to watch the whole film... it says a lot that I became progressively uncomfortable as I feared for this kid approaching what I had already assumed to be his demise.

The way you told (and shot) the story... including the competent acting by your young actors... was really impressive. I like that you have something for everybody in there. It's a very complete idea with good B-M-E.

[Chris Messineo]

The ending fooled me. In the beginning... I thought "that spear doesn't look exactly THROUGH the kid"... (and at no point beginning or end, did the spear poke through with any blood on it... or some other blur or passable added darkness (mud?) that could pass as blood, or otherwise indicate a penetration)...

HOWEVER... I was still very gripped by the story... and was watching in utter DREAD. I can relate to Chris' (post above) wife not wanting to watch the whole film... it says a lot that I became progressively uncomfortable as I feared for this kid approaching what I had already assumed to be his demise.

The way you told (and shot) the story... including the competent acting by your young actors... was really impressive. I like that you have something for everybody in there. It's a very complete idea with good B-M-E.

Thanks so much. I always look forward to your reviews and I'm thrilled that you dug our story and it caused a bit of dread.

As for that good "B-M-E", I assume it isn't BioMechanical Engineering, so I'm almost embarrassed to ask - what is it?

[taylormade]

Beginning, middle and end.

[MattinSTL]

As for that good "B-M-E", I assume it isn't BioMechanical Engineering, so I'm almost embarrassed to ask - what is it?

Beginning - Middle - End

I like films that establish characters... we have a type-A kid... and his reluctant friend... who's personalities are established through the dialog and body language in the first moments (of course after the "teaser" opening)... They begin playing and our type-A kid is quickly bored and wants to raise the stakes (pun intended)... and the other kid reluctantly agrees... the shot of type-A feeling confident with the sharpness of his spear was a good choice... especially in contrast with his side-kick's worry about the inadequacy of his own weapon in comparison. All of this keeps the story momentum moving in one direction. This keeps us, the audience, in the mind-set that you, the film-maker, want us in... we expect an outcome from this building tension.

I like that we actually get two payoffs at the end... the startling moment where he gets it... and then of course, the relief.

I don't know... it felt like B-M-E to me.

[Chris Messineo]

Beginning - Middle - End

I like films that establish characters... we have a type-A kid... and his reluctant friend... who's personalities are established through the dialog and body language in the first moments (of course after the "teaser" opening)... They begin playing and our type-A kid is quickly bored and wants to raise the stakes (pun intended)... and the other kid reluctantly agrees... the shot of type-A feeling confident with the sharpness of his spear was a good choice... especially in contrast with his side-kick's worry about the inadequacy of his own weapon in comparison. All of this keeps the story momentum moving in one direction. This keeps us, the audience, in the mind-set that you, the film-maker, want us in... we expect an outcome from this building tension.

I like that we actually get two payoffs at the end... the startling moment where he gets it... and then of course, the relief.

I don't know... it felt like B-M-E to me.

That is very cool. I hadn't heard that acronym before, but I love it!

Screenwriting and storytelling are my first loves and I always preach the importance of a good story and strong characters to my students (both screenwriting and filmmaking).

[lawriejaffa]

In actual fact Chris Mesineos film here was probably one of the very very few that has a beginning - middle and an end. The scripts really let down a lot of the films in this festival (and before indie directors/producers shriek - but i had a great idea/concept/character/gimmick/dildo) none of that is what im talking about (thats just you trying to be a good indie producer hehe) What most the scripts lacked was structure - defined characters - motivation and narrative direction. Its like a lot of stuff is thrown on screen (like some crazy art nouveau decorated structure) without an engineer overlooking the plans.

That engineer is often a dedicated script writer - someone especially who has worked towards solid structure, Chris does this (so does Keaton!!!!! Obviously Sarah Daly) but i reckon for some directors, they should consider really working with writers - and letting go of the (delusion) that they might 'also' be amazing scriptwriters hehe. I know it helped to improve my films!

[Chris Messineo]

It definitely all starts with story.

There is a great screenwriting forum here at DVXuser and if people are looking for more practice I run a free screenwriting contest over at www.MoviePoet.com every month.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

LOL! Great ending.

I was going to bitch at you about how the opening shot looked like the spear was just on the other side of him, and not actually going through him, but then I saw the ending. :)
Nice work! Simple but straightforward. The kids were good, very natural, and I really liked the story. The music fit really well too.

Nailed the theme. Good luck!

[Chris Messineo]

LOL! Great ending.

I was going to bitch at you about how the opening shot looked like the spear was just on the other side of him, and not actually going through him, but then I saw the ending. :)
Nice work! Simple but straightforward. The kids were good, very natural, and I really liked the story. The music fit really well too.

Nailed the theme. Good luck!

Thanks so much. I'm really glad you found time to review - I always look forward to your comments.

I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

[Erol Ata]

I have to thank all of your for some really great reviews as well, as I was DP on the first half of this film and then shot the BTS video for the second half. Chris runs a great film school and this is my 3rd time taking it. I have to say there are some really great entries in this fest. I'm just glad I don't have to judge any of them.

[AJ Brooks]

I like this one.

You really had me, thinking you were gonna take it to a place I didn't want it to go... but then you didn't and I was very relieved. As was your intention. :)

Solid work as usual.

[Chris Messineo]

I like this one.

You really had me, thinking you were gonna take it to a place I didn't want it to go... but then you didn't and I was very relieved. As was your intention. :)

Solid work as usual.

Thanks! I'm a big fan of your films and your opinion means a lot to me. I'm so glad you liked it!

[AJ Brooks]

And I really appreciate how your films tend to embrace the smaller ideas and tackle them well. I struggle with this as I want to put a feature story into 6 min. Simple ideas can be just as and often more powerful than a jam packed mini-feature.

Kudos. Very high on my list.

[EJBinSD]

Great Job Chris - This was an effective film and a great example of taking a simple concept and executing on it. Very good job with the actors, sound was good. Color was generally good a few areas were a little blown out though. I especailly liked how the score fit into the film. It was good in of itself but it felt quite taylored to the film which is not always the case.

One thing I did find funny was when the one kid said that "we need real weapons" and he is shown using a knife to carve the spear, probably not intentionally funny but its just one of those things.

[Chris Messineo]

Great Job Chris - This was an effective film and a great example of taking a simple concept and executing on it. Very good job with the actors, sound was good. Color was generally good a few areas were a little blown out though. I especailly liked how the score fit into the film. It was good in of itself but it felt quite taylored to the film which is not always the case.

One thing I did find funny was when the one kid said that "we need real weapons" and he is shown using a knife to carve the spear, probably not intentionally funny but its just one of those things.

Thanks for the great review. I'm glad someone else mentioned the music. Chris Hurn is amazing and really captured the spirt and energy of our story.

As for the knife, you got me - kids are strange like that. :)

[Hawk Teflon]

Your run of the mill spoiler-y review with points probably already made...

What I liked: It looked and sounded good. This comes as no surprise though, as that's what I know you and your group will bring to the table. Very well done. i liked you used a simple concept without need for back story or anything. Just two kids, playing. The kids did a great job as well. Kudos to them. The music was very well done as well.

What I didn't like as much: It might have been TOO simple of a concept. Not much happened. I know you bring heat in these competitions every time, but this one didn't quite do it for me. Don't get me wrong, I think it's one of the better entries in here technically, but the story kind of fell flat for me. Because I know what you (and a couple others) are capable of, I have a higher expectation. And maybe it was because at the very beginning I thought, "That didn't pierce him," so it was 3 minutes of getting back to where they already were and finding out what I already knew.

[bluemanrocks]

Have to reiterate hawk here: I thought it was very well done, a clever idea structured, shot, acted well. But I feel like very little actually happened. Perhaps that's just the nature of the beast -- it was a film about this one event, but as soon as the reveal happened I felt the energy I'd been getting from the film drain away. Without the tension from the inciting incident (resolved in the reveal), it kind of becomes a very small happening, so to speak. That being said, I really did think it was wonderfully done, and held my interest up until that moment!

[Chris Messineo]

Your run of the mill spoiler-y review with points probably already made...

What I liked: It looked and sounded good. This comes as no surprise though, as that's what I know you and your group will bring to the table. Very well done. i liked you used a simple concept without need for back story or anything. Just two kids, playing. The kids did a great job as well. Kudos to them. The music was very well done as well.

What I didn't like as much: It might have been TOO simple of a concept. Not much happened. I know you bring heat in these competitions every time, but this one didn't quite do it for me. Don't get me wrong, I think it's one of the better entries in here technically, but the story kind of fell flat for me. Because I know what you (and a couple others) are capable of, I have a higher expectation. And maybe it was because at the very beginning I thought, "That didn't pierce him," so it was 3 minutes of getting back to where they already were and finding out what I already knew.

Thanks for the honest critique. The story is all on me, but the rest of it is all my students, so I'm proud that you think there craft is so good. As for the story, I do like exploring simple subjects (like kids playing war), and this one is definitely generating mixed reactions.


Have to reiterate hawk here: I thought it was very well done, a clever idea structured, shot, acted well. But I feel like very little actually happened. Perhaps that's just the nature of the beast -- it was a film about this one event, but as soon as the reveal happened I felt the energy I'd been getting from the film drain away. Without the tension from the inciting incident (resolved in the reveal), it kind of becomes a very small happening, so to speak. That being said, I really did think it was wonderfully done, and held my interest up until that moment!

Thanks as well. I alway like a tight edit and I'm glad it held your interest. I'm sorry the ending didn't resonate for you, as I mentioned above, it is definitely getting mixed reactions.

[Zach Olson]

Chris, you and your students should be proud! SPOILER ALERT! My first thought was, "No blood, and you can totally see that it didn't go through him. Oh well." And then the film continued and I was thinking, "No, no, no! Don't go over the edge!" You really had me and I thought he was going to get impaled. I LOVE the fact that he didn't. It was so much more powerful and the way you set it up was magnificent. I wish you had put a nice little button on the end. Maybe they are walking home tussling a little and say something like, "My mom's going to kill you." Red shirt boy,"could be worse." (or something like that, just needs that last beat) Oh, and I enjoyed the Red vs. Blue (shirts). Overall wonderful production as usual. It brought back many memories for me.

[Chris Messineo]

Chris, you and your students should be proud! SPOILER ALERT! My first thought was, "No blood, and you can totally see that it didn't go through him. Oh well." And then the film continued and I was thinking, "No, no, no! Don't go over the edge!" You really had me and I thought he was going to get impaled. I LOVE the fact that he didn't. It was so much more powerful and the way you set it up was magnificent. I wish you had put a nice little button on the end. Maybe they are walking home tussling a little and say something like, "My mom's going to kill you." Red shirt boy,"could be worse." (or something like that, just needs that last beat) Oh, and I enjoyed the Red vs. Blue (shirts). Overall wonderful production as usual. It brought back many memories for me.

Thanks a lot. I'm so glad you liked it and it brought back some memories. I think I spent most of my childhood running through the woods playing one game or another. As for the ending, I agree, we are missing a shot or two. It seems no matter what I film, I always wish I could get one more shot. :)

[Zach Olson]

We just had our viewing party and although everyone enjoyed many of the films I notice something with yours. Right after the first shot showing the spear a bunch of people in the room gasped or put their hand over theor mouth. Having seen it already I watched them when the reveal happenw at the end. It was supurbly setup and everyone in the room was sitting there waiting for it, hoping for it to never come. When the the reveal came people sighed with relief, smiled, turned to someone else, ane made comments about how tuey were worried for thekid and so relived and happy to see that he didn't even get a scratch. Well done.

[Chris Messineo]

We just had our viewing party and although everyone enjoyed many of the films I notice something with yours. Right after the first shot showing the spear a bunch of people in the room gasped or put their hand over theor mouth. Having seen it already I watched them when the reveal happenw at the end. It was supurbly setup and everyone in the room was sitting there waiting for it, hoping for it to never come. When the the reveal came people sighed with relief, smiled, turned to someone else, ane made comments about how tuey were worried for thekid and so relived and happy to see that he didn't even get a scratch. Well done.

What a great story - that makes me so happy! Thanks for sharing it.

[Charli]

From the opening shot I thought "crap, why didn't Chris just attach the end part of the spear to the kid's back so it wouldn't look so fake" - well, now I know. Nice twist on the ending, didn't see that coming.

I wasn't too involved in the story though. Kid actors were okay. The script was okay. But I thought there could have been more. When I saw you use "woods" for your setting, while beautiful, I don't want the school's productions to become a one-note wonder.

I liked to see interior/exterior locations instead of just one setting. It was nicely shot. Decent story. But I didn't find it as entertaining as I would have hoped. Still, your students should be proud. But it did feel like a short film.

[Chris Messineo]

From the opening shot I thought "crap, why didn't Chris just attach the end part of the spear to the kid's back so it wouldn't look so fake" - well, now I know. Nice twist on the ending, didn't see that coming.

I wasn't too involved in the story though. Kid actors were okay. The script was okay. But I thought there could have been more. When I saw you use "woods" for your setting, while beautiful, I don't want the school's productions to become a one-note wonder.

I liked to see interior/exterior locations instead of just one setting. It was nicely shot. Decent story. But I didn't find it as entertaining as I would have hoped. Still, your students should be proud. But it did feel like a short film.

Thanks for the review.

Regarding the woods location, my adult students have shot dozens of films and only two in the woods - it just turned out that those two have been in DVXfests, but if we enter again, I will make sure it's not the woods for a third time in a row. :)

[EVH]

Great job, Chris! Always amazing to see what you coax out of your students. You should be very proud.

[Ryan P. Kelly]

No suprise that you guys are in the Top 3...so lucky to be in the mix with you and your students! Congratulations

[ChrisHurn]

Congrats Chris and crew!

:beer:

[Matthew B]

Congratulations Chris, and well done again to your students.

[Charli]

Congrats, Chris. Looks like the woods didn't hurt after all. Beautiful location again by the way. Looking forward to a location that's dirty, grimy and ugly next round - lol.

[Noel Evans]

Congrats NJFILM SCHOOL and all involved!

[EJBinSD]

Congrats Chris on an excellant piece of work. One thing I forgot to mention is how awesome the color green looked in your film. We don't really have that color in San Diego and it reminded me of back in the days of living in the Midwest woods.