scifest [Archive] - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

Barry_S

10-18-2005, 10:56 PM

http://lostpilgrim.com/Images/scifest.jpg

* Use a DVX100 or HVX200, shoot 24p and 16x9 (either squeeze or letterbox)

* Films made with other cameras will be accepted for exhibition, but not competition.

* Films must be 6 minutes or less

* Your film must be Science Fiction

* Films must be made between October 19, 2005 and January 31, 2006.

* No copyright violations, you *must* use licensed or royalty-free music

* No previous entries in DVXfest are allowed, this must be a new film

* Movies must be Quicktime or WMV format, 40MB Max.

* DVXuser will host Film Entries.

* All entries are due by midnight on January 31, 2006

* The festival judging is only open to current DVXuser members with more than 100 posts. You may not recruit family or friends vote for your film. Until the voting is complete and closed, filmmakers may not promote their films on DVXUser or *any* external web site, or use any other means of promotion. Films will be judged exclusively on merit by DVXuser members.

* All entries must send a DVD with an AVI or MOV DV file of completed film via mail by Feb 14, 2006 to be used on an upcoming Festival DVD.

* Violation of these rules may result in disqualification of an entry.

* Qualifying films will be screened and voted on by DVXuser.com members.

DJQuikFingaz

10-18-2005, 11:01 PM

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daniel Skubal

10-18-2005, 11:06 PM

yay!

Weston

10-18-2005, 11:12 PM

oh boy...!

Weston

10-18-2005, 11:18 PM

So no shooting with the HVX?....i know it would seem rushed....but just wondering.

Barry_S

10-18-2005, 11:21 PM

Good point, the HVX200 IS the camera of the future.

Ralph Oshiro

10-18-2005, 11:33 PM

Woo hoo! Uh oh . . . now what?

Weston

10-18-2005, 11:49 PM

haha

Policar

10-19-2005, 12:05 AM

Awesome, winter break starts in mid december, ends in mid january. Just enough time.

Barry_Green

10-19-2005, 01:03 AM

Definitely consider allowing HVX shoots as well; the HVX should be on the shelves in December giving plenty of time for a Jan. 31 deadline, and I'm guessing more than a few members may sell their DVXes to upgrade to the HVX...

J.R. Hudson

10-19-2005, 01:08 AM

I agree with that take

GenJerDan

10-19-2005, 02:26 AM

Hmmm...HVX....kinda of a non-level playing field, then. Might have probs viewing the films, too.

Maybe only if spit out as DV? (Even then, the 16:9 would be inherently better than letterboxed/squeezed DVX, given an advantage as far as raw quality goes.)

Isaac_Brody

10-19-2005, 04:16 AM

Oooh. I'm stoked for this contest. Sweet. :cheesy::thumbsup:

krestofre

10-19-2005, 06:33 AM

(Even then, the 16:9 would be inherently better than letterboxed/squeezed DVX, given an advantage as far as raw quality goes.)

If we were screening the films in a differnt medium I'd agree with you, but I think the compression will even things out. I'm desperatley trying to clear my schedule to jump aboard on this one. I'll use my trusty DVX, and I'm perfectly fine with going up against HVX footage.

My two cents.

Zach Lien

10-19-2005, 06:55 AM

how much will the HVX Cost?

drewb50

10-19-2005, 07:01 AM

Wouldn't that be a fest for HVXuser?

My opinion is, wait a year until the installed base of the new camera is larger.

Chris Messineo

10-19-2005, 07:59 AM

I was psyched to try and do this contest. However I will be selling my DVX soon and switching to the HVX.

I hope us HVX'ers will be allowed in as well.

Chris

MattinSTL

10-19-2005, 08:01 AM

Can we PLEASE get this clarified NOW and possibly put it in the RULES POST...
You want 24p right? or 24pa? and it MUST be 16x9 (or crop to 16x9)?

I started shooting my flick in 30p and had a ton of problems trying to convert it to 24p... so many problems in fact that I'm not on the DVD guys... (sorry but I know you're heartbroken)... so anyway just to spare the few idiots that may encounter the problems I did please add that it MUST be 24p and 16x9 if that's the case again. If it really needs to be 24pa then please say so.

Jeremy Ordan

10-19-2005, 08:38 AM

In the zombiefest there was nothing that stated that it had to be 24p.

I have no problem with HVX people being able to enter this contest. It is the artist, not the brush.

Ought2bCommitted

10-19-2005, 08:47 AM

If there are going to be HVX entries maybe award the best HVX movie as well? The playing field really will be skewed then because we won't all be using the same camera. Personally i think they should be separate. Footage from the HVX will inherently look better.

-Robert

spidey

10-19-2005, 09:12 AM

Chris Messineo

10-19-2005, 09:41 AM

Personally i think they should be separate. Footage from the HVX will inherently look better.Robert

I think HVX footage should have the potential to look better on an HD monitor. However all of this footage will be judged online and with the sam size constraints. Shouldn't that keep things pretty level?

Not to mention, I think story and the skills of the filmmaker will have a much bigger impact then the camera used.

Chris

Ought2bCommitted

10-19-2005, 09:49 AM

I think HVX footage should have the potential to look better on an HD monitor. However all of this footage will be judged online and with the sam size constraints. Shouldn't that keep things pretty level?

Not to mention, I think story and the skills of the filmmaker will have a much bigger impact then the camera used.

Chris

The 16:9 footage from the HVX will look better on any sized monitor than the squeezed or letterboxed in post footage from the DVX. That's what I mean. Yea, the story and how its executed will make the difference overall, but I'm just saying the HVX and the DVX are hardly equal.

In the end, whatever Jarred and Barry decide is the law of the land and that's fine, but I think the HVX should either be a separate category or something... what's cool (to me) about the DVXfests is everyone is using the same camera...its great to see what others can get out of it... slowly that won't be the case anymore with the arrival of the HVX and gradually people start upgrading over the next year or two. But for now?

That's just my .02 worth.

-Robert

Ought2bCommitted

10-19-2005, 09:51 AM

depends on who using it.

Really? I guess I hadn't thought of that. :thumbsup:

So assuming its in the hands of the more experienced users here and not Joe Schmo who has 5k to blow on a new toy. I thought that was a given and didn't need to be stated.

Does that clear it up? :laugh:

-Robert

Isaac_Brody

10-19-2005, 09:51 AM

Ought2bCommitted

10-19-2005, 09:58 AM

I say put HVX and DVX together. No guarantee that HVX footage will look better. Besides, it's the story that will win, not higher color sampling. I don't watch entries and think..ooh sweet 4:2:2 color space.

I really want to see what the HVX in action, so having them in the contest would give us late adoptors a reference point for upgrading. I'm interested in the HVX for scifi work, and this would be the perfect opportunity to see what it's capable of.

I'm not saying the footage itself will wow...I was talking very specifically about the native 16:9 ability of the HVX as compared to the DVX. Yes, in that respect the footage will look better no matter who's behind the camera.

It doesn't seem to matter to anyone else so that's cool. I don't mind being in the minority. :laugh: Whatever Jarred and Barry decide is cool. Its their baby!

-R

Jarred Land

10-19-2005, 10:44 AM

HVX will be allowed.. its not gonna look that much better though, remember, the file size is capped so the HVX guys gotta use the same resolution as DVX guys or its gonna look like poo, and on the DVD, its all Mpeg2 SD....

So yes, HVX footage will be allowed... this is kinda like "the crossover" contest.

and as for the 24p.. yes its gotta be 24p. and 16x9

This time i will have alot more instruction on the DVD deliverables as well, so everyone sends in the proper DVD.

I

Ought2bCommitted

10-19-2005, 10:48 AM

Cool! Thanks Jarred!

-Robert

galt

10-19-2005, 10:48 AM

How about updating the rules at start of this thread to reflect 16x9 and 24p requirements, as well as HVX eligibility? Any others? I almost did not read this far....

Jeremy Ordan

10-19-2005, 10:54 AM

I like the 16x9 look and the 24p. I just think that requiring 24p could limit some of the ability of some great entries. Just my $.02, but then again, on Jarred's playground, I play by Jarred's rules.

I'm stoked about this contest. Last night I finished the first draft of my script, today I am starting to clean that up... This weekend I'm putting together my production team. This has the possibility to be better than the zombie fest. If you think about sci fi it's such an open category, there is no limit to what you can do. Without rushing my goal is to have mine completed and submitted by end of year.

MattinSTL

10-19-2005, 11:57 AM

Yankee... I would have gone on a Seven Stater if Jarred had agreed with you saying the zombie flick didn't need to be 24p... that misunderstanding was the whole source of my constant aggravation with trying to get it in for the DVD.

I started shooting in 30p, then changed to 24p the next weekend, but didn't realize I was still editing in 30p... then tried to convert it back to 24p... and my computer just laughed at me.

This time around I'll make sure I got it straight before I drop a single transition, and I may even shoot 24pa just to be sure.

mmm

10-19-2005, 12:12 PM

...and as for the 24p.. yes its gotta be 24p...

Racist :cry:

:laugh:

mrpunch

10-19-2005, 01:30 PM

OK - do I have to have 100 posts already - or just before I submit a film?

Come on - my DVX just arrived TODAY - WOOHOO!

Jarred Land

10-19-2005, 01:33 PM

100 posts by entry time.. you got lots of time :)

as for the whole 24p thing.. There is no leway on that one.. its 24p or nothing.

Ought2bCommitted

10-19-2005, 01:34 PM

Jarred-

Do you need 100 to ENTER or to judge? I know I had waaayyy less than 100 and I still entered the zombiefest.

Just to clarify for mrpunch.

-Robert

Jarred Land

10-19-2005, 01:36 PM

i assumed he meant vote.. you need 100 posts to vote on the films.

To enter you can have 1 post or 1000.. (or 50,000, like John)

Erik Olson

10-19-2005, 01:40 PM

I'm excited about this one and I agree that the science-fiction contest makes a great bridge event between the DVX and HVX technologies.

e

mrpunch

10-19-2005, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the info! (OK - I'm really just trying to up my postings count)

blckhawk542

10-19-2005, 02:24 PM

YAYY!!! SCI FEST!!!

YAYY!!!!

I'll try to attempt to make something for this....im souped!!!

avr

10-19-2005, 02:25 PM

and for the Pal users... which are the rules? 25P isn´t it?

great for DVXUSERS :)

Norm Sanders

10-19-2005, 03:17 PM

and for the Pal users... which are the rules? 25P isn´t it?

great for DVXUSERS :)

PAL is 25P, but sounds like you'll have to convert the footage to 24P, especially because it'll be going into a 24P DVD afterwards.

Norm Sanders

10-19-2005, 03:22 PM

Can we PLEASE get this clarified NOW and possibly put it in the RULES POST...
You want 24p right? or 24pa? and it MUST be 16x9 (or crop to 16x9)?

Matt, it doesn't matter if you shoot 24P or 24PA ... 24PA simply has a more efficient pulldown for editing ... when you render it out, it'll be 24P. The only real difference, and this is speaking from a Vegas perspective, is that 24P can be edited in a 60i OR 24P timeline, where as 24PA needs to be edited on a 24P timeline only. Myself, I always shoot 24PA.

Also, the problems you had with that whole 30P issue in Premier for the zombie fest, wouldn't have been an issue for Vegas. Vegas can handle 24P, 24PA, 30P, and 60i all on the same 24P timeline! :beer:

Lastly, as far as the 16x9 or crop, I'd go 16x9 since that's what will be on the DVD. If you crop & have it in a 4:3 setting, then it's extra file size that's wasted on the black bars when you render out for web, IMO. I'll be shooting mine 4:3, to give myself room to move my framing if need be, but will render out 16x9.

Norm Sanders

10-19-2005, 03:25 PM

Jarred,

I know the prizes would go to only one member of a team, but I wanted to make sure that members can team up if they want to.

Through DVXuser I've met a member that's local, and we've talked about teaming up ... this way we'll also be able to shoot with 2-3 DVX's at the same time. It'll be an interesting editing process, though, since he's on FCP and I'm on Vegas ... since both have their strengths, we've already talked about editing chores we can share, etc.

Thanks!

Neil Rowe

10-19-2005, 05:37 PM

yeah, the HVX isnt going to have any real advantage whatsoever. the camera isnt what makes the footage look good.. its the operator and DP. anything that would look junkie off the DVX will still look junkie off the HVX. and anything that would look good on the HVX will look good on a DVX too. all going down to web compression and encoding.

..if someone was to worry about any piece of equipment they may or may not have increasing production value of one film over another.. they should worry about things like dollys, cranes, proper lights, mattboxes, steadicams, filters, color correction tools, ect.. because any one of the above is going to affect the image way more than shooting HVX vs DVX going to a little web video or SD DVD. it's very likely that nobody will be able to really positively tell which films are shot HVX vs DVX when the contest rolls around without some fore knowledge. so if an HVX film takes it.. so be it.. its not because of the camera. its because they made a better film.. period.

Shaun Patrick

10-19-2005, 05:55 PM

...I wanted to make sure that members can team up if they want to...

Hey Envision,

I teamed up with fellow DVXuser Stewbottum for the zombiefest and no objection was raised. It was great because we split the budget and were able to use eachother's equipment.

Word.

aw grasshopper

10-19-2005, 06:02 PM

Gurus -

I will not be in this contest. It is way beyond my video shooting capabilities - but I will enjoy seeing what all of you come up with. Good luck.

Grasshopper

arielman

10-19-2005, 07:34 PM

Hey grasshopper your shooting capabilities can't be any worse than mine . keep it simple . As someone posted try a Twilight zone style flick . There will no Fx in mine as I have NO experience in that department . Try it and have FUN !!
Ian

Norm Sanders

10-19-2005, 07:35 PM

Nonsense, aw grasshopper! Sci-Fi could be as little as the unexplainable, it doesn't HAVE to have FX, etc. For example, John Travolta's PHENOMENON ... the part where he makes the pen slide across the table to his hand, etc. could all be done with strong magnets under the table.

There's nearly ALWAYS a low budget or easy way to pull of a cool little trick or effect ... just got to be creative & think outside of the box.

EDIT: Yeah, like Ian said ... Twilight Zone has always had some incredibly cool stories, sometimes with NO FX at all ... just the unexplainable (e.g. dead grandmother talking to a little girl on a Fisher Price phone, etc.).

Shaw

10-19-2005, 08:17 PM

The only real issue with allowing the HVX is the much better keys HVX users will be able to pull. Given that it is a Sci-Fi contest I presume greenscreen will be used relatively often by members.

Now if we make sure to not include the key quality in the judging that would be fine. Maybe it won't matter so much with compression.

Norm Sanders

10-19-2005, 08:20 PM

I got pretty good compliments with my key for the newscast I opened my short with ... and I had pretty poor lighting on it as well. If you're using Vegas, there are some tricks to still get a pretty really good key, depending on what you're doing.

Shaw

10-19-2005, 08:31 PM

Oh definitely! It's certainly possible to get pretty good key with work. I don't think it can compete with 4:2:2 and DVCpro50 compression though. :( In any case, maybe it's a pointless worry.

Shaw

10-19-2005, 08:35 PM

Oh, one question: can we use a 2.35:1 (or anything wider than 16:9) ratio? I'm guessing that's ok but since it wasn't explicitly stated...

Erik Olson

10-19-2005, 08:37 PM

I expect process work to play a significant role in my short, so having the option to use the HVX is a big bonus.

e

Barry_S

10-19-2005, 08:50 PM

The rules clearly state 16:9 now.

Oh, one question: can we use a 2.35:1 (or anything wider than 16:9) ratio? I'm guessing that's ok but since it wasn't explicitly stated...

Shaw

10-19-2005, 08:57 PM

I did indeed notice that you specified 16:9. I'm just wondering how set in stone that is =D

It sounds like 16:9 is it though so I'll stick with that.

Barry_S

10-19-2005, 09:05 PM

Teaming up with other DVXusers is encouraged--I think it's a great idea.

Jarred,

I know the prizes would go to only one member of a team, but I wanted to make sure that members can team up if they want to.

Through DVXuser I've met a member that's local, and we've talked about teaming up ... this way we'll also be able to shoot with 2-3 DVX's at the same time. It'll be an interesting editing process, though, since he's on FCP and I'm on Vegas ... since both have their strengths, we've already talked about editing chores we can share, etc.

Thanks!

Norm Sanders

10-19-2005, 09:11 PM

Great to hear. Barry, on Shaw's 2.35:1 question, I was assuming Jarred just definitely wanted to stay clear of 4:3 ... I'm probably speaking out of turn, but I was assuming 16x9 or wider (e.g. 2.35:1, etc.) was the desired result, but absolutely NO 4:3.

MattinSTL

10-19-2005, 09:12 PM

I'd like to see as many people as possible teaming up! It can only give us better (although fewer) entries... I don't mean to stress FEWER, but I'd rather see fewer, better flicks due to teamwork.

If two guys can make an okay film seperately or a good one together I'll take the good one thanks.

I got a local buddy on these forums also... and it looks like he and I may team up for this one. 2 dvx's plus a crazy amount of sound and support gear... man there'd be no excuses this time... ouch.

Daniel Skubal

10-19-2005, 09:15 PM

I believe the closest person to me is indianapolis, which is about an hour from me. not too bad. I need to figure out who it is, though and if they'd be even remotely interested in teaming up.

I need someone who's bad-ace with CG.

Barry_S

10-19-2005, 09:35 PM

You have your choice of 16:9 or 1.78:1. :) That's letterboxed 4:3 or stretched 4:3 or anamorphic 4:3 but all 16:9.

16:9

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-19-2005, 09:40 PM

I'm excited about this one and I agree that the science-fiction contest makes a great bridge event between the DVX and HVX technologies.

e
Hey overland - thanks for the hi hat board! :thumbsup:

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-19-2005, 09:43 PM

Gurus -

I will not be in this contest. It is way beyond my video shooting capabilities - but I will enjoy seeing what all of you come up with. Good luck.

Grasshopper
ever see the twilight zone?

I can't do any CGI

and my short won't be taking place in a slick spandex future

Comeone DUDE saddle up Woohoo YEah!

Erik Olson

10-19-2005, 09:49 PM

Rich Lee

10-19-2005, 10:07 PM

any rules that would be against scantily clad women being in the short?

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-19-2005, 10:08 PM

any rules that would be against scantily clad women?
no they can enter
they just have to have 100 posts to vote

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-19-2005, 10:10 PM

Oh, hey! Congratulations! I was wondering when I'd find out who won what. In addition to the hi-hat board, we're throwing in a gift certificate to FilmTools Burbank, so you can spend that on whatever you need most.

How are you guys holding up down there? We have a few Louisiana families staying here as our guests in Concord and I know they've had a rough couple of months. PM me your mailing information?

e
We have been in Texas and must have been the luckiest couple, beagle, and two cats in the hurricane. Saddly our Beta fish is probably ... sleeping with the fishes, but he had a good year - much longer than usual for those little guys. But our place was completly UNTOUCHED as far as we know. We go back Monday in my new perfectly running $1000 grip truck that I got at a university auction here in Texas lol --$6K camera and a $1k grip truck! We're a little iffy on our address - want to make sure the forwarding is off, but I will get an address to you and /or Barry in the next couple of days.

Thanks again! Those apple boxes will rock too, one of those things that's soooooo useful but usually something you feel like you can't afford on a very very low budget.

here's a link to see the winner's films:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?p=321463#post321463
Here's a link for the announcement of the winners and what all the prizes were:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=36230

Jeremy Ordan

10-19-2005, 10:30 PM

no they can enter
they just have to have 100 posts to vote

I wasn't expecting that comment. Funny stuff dude...

I'm all for scantly clad, in fact, on a one to ten voting scale I think I give an extra half point for every piece of clothing removed...

Barry_S

10-19-2005, 10:40 PM

Nope, scantily clad women are welcome--it's not AmishFest.

any rules that would be against scantily clad women being in the short?

CallaghanFilms

10-19-2005, 10:51 PM

AmishFest, eh?

http://www.lets-ride.com/images/Amish.jpg
DVXUser AmishFest 2007
Be there and be square.

Now that would be a challenge. I'm in.

Jeremy Ordan

10-19-2005, 11:02 PM

Now that made me laugh out loud with enough volume that my girlfriend woke up and yelled at me... I'm now being told I need to get off the computer....

CallaghanFilms

10-19-2005, 11:05 PM

So sorry, my man. That happened to me last night with that damn "HEY LOOK WHAT I CAN DO" R2-D2 schtick.

235 Studios

10-19-2005, 11:46 PM

You have your choice of 16:9 or 1.78:1. :) That's letterboxed 4:3 or stretched 4:3 or anamorphic 4:3 but all 16:9.

16:9

I'm not sure I'm clear on this - as long as it is at least 16:9 we'll be ok right? So 2.35:1 is acceptable.

:cheesy: :laugh: :grin: :cheesy:

Sorry couldn't resist. Thanks for the clarification Barry. It looks like Disjecta will have to go back to framing for 16:9 ...

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-20-2005, 12:11 AM

Actually I do need one more point of clarification on this -- sorry to be obtuse. The 16X9 is a technical requirement, not an aesthetic one yes?

For example as long as the video is actually shaped 16X9 (or anamorphic) I can matte to 2.35:1, just like Disjecta and I both did this time around.

(EDIT: Actually Curogonwas 2:35.1 as well.)

Incase my vocab is off here's another attempt at clarity.
I shoot anamorphic 16X9
My NLE settings are
DV/NTSC
23.98
16X9
Anamorphic Box Checked
I matte to 2:35.1
I output my matted cinescope with settings identical to the NLE settings
DV/NTSC
23.98
16X9
Anamorphic Box Checked
And you and Jarred (and disjecta and I) are happy?

Thanks!

disjecta

10-20-2005, 08:20 AM

Jack, that's fine...it just needs to go on a 16x9 DVD and Jarred is just attempting to make it all uniform and cut down his work. So, unless I'm misunderstanding anything, you can still matte your 16x9 to a 2:35:1 aspect.

The settings you mentioned are good.

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-20-2005, 08:28 AM

That's what I thought; that waltlind is just trying to get our goat that naughty naught boy!
http://www.smileys.ws/sm/angry/00000019.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/angry/00000019.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/angry/00000019.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/angry/00000019.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/angry/00000019.gif

EDIT: It's be hillarious if someone was as hellbent on shooting 4:3 as we are on 2.35:1 and shot 16:9 and then pillarboxed to 4:3 (and not just for a single effect like you did) lol!

Erik Olson

10-20-2005, 08:39 AM

Not speaking for anyone here, but my understanding is that the final product must be:

1.77:1 / 16:9

I further interpret the rule to mean that the following aspect ratios are also not allowed:

1.33:1 / 4:3
2.35:1 within a 1.77:1 or 1.33:1 raster

e

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-20-2005, 09:43 AM

well obv one of the yella fellas (mods) will have to chime in
but I think disjecta is right -- its about jarred not having to blow up and crop a lot of things which is what he is having to do now for the DVD.
Would seem silly to ban 2:35.1 matted esp. since all three winners of the fall fest did exactly that.
If I can't frame for 2:35.1 w/in a 16X9 frame it will be like having sex with a condom on vs. doing it without one*** (sorry for the graphic analogy but really seems most accurate to me) In other words better than not shooting at all but not the transcendent indescribable exp that creating something in 2:35.1 has come to be.

While I'm all for artistic freedom (think you should be able to matte to 10:1 if that tells your story / floats your boat), I was just joking about someone pillar boxing to 4:3 -- hope to god no one will do that, lol!

***in a committed monogamous relationship of course

MattinSTL

10-20-2005, 09:49 AM

I don't think they give a flyin' F and a rolling donut what you stick inside of that 16x9 frame.

If you want some black bars to create an end frame of 2:35/1 then do it. I think the ONLY thing they're trying to do is reel in some of the workload, not restrict creative freedom. If Jarred's computer sees a 16x9 file I think he's happy. Of course I may be making a horrible assumption here and if so then I hope I'm strongly disciplined... strongly.

Since I see the trend... "wider is better"... I'm going with 8.125/1... otherwise known as "banner framing".

Shaw

10-20-2005, 09:52 AM

That's what I'm hoping was meant but Barry's comment about allowing letterboxed footage (while the next listing is stretched letterbox) leads me to believe he's serious about everything being 16:9 - no matting.

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-20-2005, 10:13 AM

Since I see the trend... "wider is better"... I'm going with 8.125/1... otherwise known as "banner framing".
here's a grab from Mattin's Cadaverous in bannerscope:
http://frenchquarterfeatures.com/screengrabcdav.gif

Erik Olson

10-20-2005, 10:24 AM

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-20-2005, 11:12 AM

Seems somewhat clear to me, but do what you want! The first guideline states:

* Use a DVX100 or HVX200, shoot 24p and 16x9 (either squeeze or letterbox)

e

This graphic conforms to Part 1 of the DVX SciFest Standard DVXSFS-1138.7.1
... and says nothing about matting ... says SHOOT...

So no; it's not overly clear IMHO.

Depends on if this is an aesthetic/artistic restriction for uniformity or a technical one regarding the DVD workflow.

If its technical then Mattin and Disjecta are right - doesn't matter what you put in the 16X9 frame.

If its aesthetic then fine - we all shoot sixteen by nine and I have 10% less fun, and none of the 3 winners of Fall's films would have looked exactly like they did and the makers wouldn't have had the creative choice to go for the framing they felt best if such a rule had been in place for Zombiefest. Not saying those films won just because they were cinescope, there's a lot more to Disjecta's magic than that, but why you would want to shackle filmmakers creativity for no technical or logistical reason is beyond me. Just seems ridiculous.

I did one festival where everybody had to shoot 4:3! Now you could letterbox to your hearts desire within that 4:3, they just didn't want to have to change the projector settings each time.

But you may have a point, one hand it could be an artistic restriction for aesthetic uniformity because if he has anamorphic and letterbox - wouldn't that mean he's going to have to crop the letterbox anyway?

but all of this is completely, completely pointless until Barry is on again.

235 Studios

10-20-2005, 02:37 PM

That's what I thought; that waltlind is just trying to get our goat that naughty naught boy!

Who me? :engel017:

Thought I could have a little fun :evil:

EDIT: It's be hillarious if someone was as hellbent on shooting 4:3 as we are on 2.35:1 and shot 16:9 and then pillarboxed to 4:3 (and not just for a single effect like you did) lol!

I'd get a kick out of that one. :grin:

235 Studios

10-20-2005, 02:44 PM

I have 10% less fun

Wouldn't it be about 25% less fun (1.78/2.35)? Or would it be 25% more fun in 16:9? ...

Jarred Land

10-20-2005, 02:48 PM

Hey.. nice banner Mattin.

Anyways, 2:35 cropped in a 16:9 is fine by me, personally i think it looks better.

You can send me either a 16:9 clip in 4:3 format with bars, or you can send me an anamorphic 16:9. It doesnt matter, I batch render them anyways, the only difference is if you send me an anamorphic its gonna look better, cause im not gonna be zooming in on your image to get the 16:9. The DVD is 16:9 24p anamorphic widescreen.

EJ Pennypacker

10-20-2005, 03:00 PM

Might I suggest placing an ad over at www.scriptsales.com, where I'm sure many of you can get writers to write some sci-fi scripts for free - as long as you promise them credit & copy of final DVD as payment.

EJ

Norm Sanders

10-20-2005, 04:07 PM

Great idea, EJ, for those who can't write themselves or are hoping for some ideas!

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-20-2005, 06:00 PM

arielman

10-20-2005, 06:06 PM

blckhawk542

10-20-2005, 06:10 PM

CRAP!!

I was doin some test shots i made combining it with some ghetto CG models I made and my computer crashed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AHH!!

damn it!!!....now no CGI for my movie!!! :cry: :cry: :cry:...or for that matter...a movie!!

....now i gatta re write my freakin story to something tottallly different because it depended on a lot of CGI...FEEEEK!!

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-20-2005, 06:36 PM

Norm Sanders

10-20-2005, 06:46 PM

You all will be happy ..NO MORE 4.3 this time . My camera is set to LETTERBOX / THIN mode.
I have the first 2 minutes of a story , just need 4 more ..lol ...
This is going to be more fun than the Zombie shorts ...Ian

Ian, just be careful that if you're shooting letterbox to have it framed really well, because you're committed. Also, if you do any color correction, you'll be coloring the black bars on the top & bottom as well ... same goes if you use flash FX, etc.

I'd suggest you shoot 4:3, the either do a 16x9 mask (or 2.35:1, etc.), or render your 4:3 out to a 16x9 file. Eitherway, when you're shooting 4:3, you'll have some room to move up/down in post if needed to correct your framing, etc. At least, that's what I'll be doing, and I know a lot of the experienced pros on here still do it that way as well.

spidey

10-20-2005, 06:56 PM

so masking is ok? 2:35:1 here i come :)

arielman

10-20-2005, 07:18 PM

Norm Sanders

10-20-2005, 07:24 PM

Try this, Ian, if it'll let you. Render out to an uncompressed AVI file, then on the new rendered AVI file, simply put a CROP over the 4:3 footage. At least that way, you'll have CLEAN pure black bars at top & bottom.

Does Pinnacle Studio 9 even handle 24P footage? Just curious, as that's what we have to shoot in for the competition/fest.

arielman

10-20-2005, 07:37 PM

Studio will work with 24Pn no problem , 24Pa is a no go though.
It'll make AVI files OK ..so I''ll play and see what I can do ..
Meanwhile I'm waiting to see what the new Studio 10 will do , supposed to be new ground up ..........Ian

Barry_S

10-20-2005, 09:07 PM

Let's try to keep this thread on the topic of rules for SciFest--cool?

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-20-2005, 11:35 PM

Thanks Norm for the tip .
I have Pinnacle Studio 9 Plus and I can convert my 4.3 to 16.9 BUT everybody will be fat looking . I have watched a test version on TV using the DVD player , I can switch the DVD player to 4.3 mode and it will fill the screen , not much options here. Studio offers no program for cropping or masking . I can film in Squeeze but I also understand this also will make everyone look fat when played back on a 4.3 T.V.
Unless Santa is nice and brings me Vegas 6 or Adobe 1.5 , I'm kind of stuck with my Studio for now ......I'll try a test in letterbox (colour correction) and see what happens.... Ian

Dude everyone will look fat looking if you just drag 4:3 into a 16:9 timeline or just try to output it that way -- you can't do it.

To edit on a true 16X9 timeline you have to shoot with the anamorphic adaptpor or in squeeze, both of which make everyone look squished so you that when you import it as 16X9 anamnorphic and drag it into a timeline with those settings, the squished people now look normal, because they started out squished looking.

If you can't crop or mask then shoot squeeze -- it will loolk exactly right when played on a 4:3 TV through any decent DVD player. Why? ... well those black bars you see at the top and bottom of Galdiator when you rent if from Blockbuster DO NOT EXIST... That DVD is squeezed, just like squeeze mode or the anamorphic adaptor, but the DVD player knows to shrink it down right to look correct on a 4:3 screen. That's why you get the black bars, because it shrunk it down enough to fit the sides on the screen, so the top and bottom no longer touch the edges and there are voids there -- the black bars.

Now if you have a 4:3 TV like most of the US, you've never had to go into your DVD preference menu and tell it you have a 4:3 TV because that's the default setting. If you have widescreen then you probably went in and told it so.

The .DV files I sent Jarred look squeezed when I play them on my laptop, but the DVD I burned plays fine on my mom's 4:3 and my Dad's 16:9.

So if you can't crop to 16X9
option A) just shoot squeeze and you will be cool as long as its viewed on a DVD player.
B) if you can crop or scale, then you can shoot 4:3, drag it into your NLE timeline and enlarge it and correct the aspect ratio (under the motion tab in FCP) and blow it up. This is essentially what the camera does in squeeze mode and what jarred will do for you if you send him 4:3 letterboxed to 16:9, so you might as well do it yourself if you can. The advantage to this is 3 fold 1) Barry Green specualtes in his book that blowing up your footage in your NLE will be slightlu higher resolution than blowing it up in camera (squeeze) because it has a cleaner starting point, 2) you can slide the image up and down to reframe, and 3) you get to do it insted of Jarred -- looks like you want it to and less work for him.
C)Letterbox in camera and let Jarred blow it up -- only disadvantage is you cant reframe

Finally -- shoot 24pa, not 24p, because, again, since you're delivery medium will be DVD in 24p, why mess with telecine. The DVD will play the 23.98 at true 23.98, with no interlaced frames -- also for the web, you can choose any framerate you want and true 24p vs. 29.97 with 24p telecine (which is what 24p normal is) will give you a little more bandwidth.

NLE technical limitations asside, I would shoot 4:3 if I were you, at 24pa, then crop to 16:9 letterbox in post / or blow it up in your NLE.

Or you could by my anamorphic adaptor and shoot 16X9 with an extra 200 lines of resolutiuon he he he!

Jarred Land

10-20-2005, 11:50 PM

good post Jack..

right on the money. Some people actually sent me 4:3, and i just pressed the chop button, some heads got cut off i'm sure, but hell its a zombie movie so cut off heads kinda fits. Some were so too bad to make it on the DVD though, so just get it right.

Since we are all using the same camera, when we get a little close we will post some output instructions for the dvd to make it a little easier... for FCP, Vegas, Premier, Avid etc.

Daniel Skubal

10-21-2005, 12:02 AM

What about windows movie maker?

:D

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-21-2005, 12:31 AM

good post Jack..

right on the money...
LOL, welll just remember I'm the guy who asked what the DV codec was when I had to send you my clips for Zombie Fest (It says DV/NTSC on a mac and I never stopped to think what the DVX codec was, although I knew it was compressed)

I know just enough to parrot Barry's book and to be dangerous.
:evil:

Trunks4200

10-21-2005, 02:32 PM

I know just enough to parrot Barry's book and to be dangerous.
:evil:

Dangerous like a fox!! :laugh:

MotionCaptureMan

10-21-2005, 03:32 PM

Damn it Jim, I'm a doctor not a film maker!...oops... I'm a film maker not a doctor. I always get that confused.

Sci Fi..here I come!

SadMax

10-21-2005, 06:51 PM

If someone is interested in spaceships, I might be induced to model and animate in Lightwave, for the right project...

Filmosity

10-25-2005, 08:25 AM

I obviously am new here, though I've been lurking for quite some time. I love the site, and wanted to enter the contest, but I found you have to have at least 100 posts on the forum to enter!

What's the purpose of such a high number? for people like me, who visit almost daily but don't often post, it seems a bit unfair. Of course, I"m sick right now, so I'm probably missing something.

Anyone?

Erik Olson

10-25-2005, 08:28 AM

Chris,

I believe anyone can enter, but voting has been limited to DVXUser members with more than 100 posts. This policy discourages fraud by only allowing vested members the right to vote.

e

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-25-2005, 10:10 AM

Chris,

I believe anyone can enter, but voting has been limited to DVXUser members with more than 100 posts. This policy discourages fraud by only allowing vested members the right to vote.

e
http://users.pandora.be/ramones/emoticon/lurking.gif
True dat, Chris, and welcome! (also so people can't get their crew and their whole famn damilies to just sign up and vote the hell out of their film and pump up their film's average.)

Now go post some stuff so you can vote as well as participate.

We like clips a lot -- let us see your stuff.

Also, quickest / fun way to build your post count is hang out in the cafe. It's like Bellevue in there sometimes.

Jack

235 Studios

10-25-2005, 10:18 AM

It's like Bellevue in there sometimes.

?? that went right over my head, what does that mean?

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-25-2005, 10:20 AM

LOL,
Like the the looney ward at Bellvue --- CRAZY http://users.pandora.be/ramones/emoticon/crazyeye.gif !

Filmosity

10-25-2005, 11:29 AM

Thanks guys. I'm definitely going to try to enter. We'll see.

mihnea de vries

10-25-2005, 12:01 PM

Supose we have a full cg background and only the actors shoot in DVX 100, there will me more CG then DVX footage, is this ok?

And i'm just curios how will you verify if the footage was done with DVX 100 after i will apply more then 10 color corection operators and other operators in Shake and Photoshop? or if i downscale the footage for actors to look far than they were in the original shot ?

Mihnea de Vries

Sad Max

10-25-2005, 04:31 PM

I think there's a certain degree of honor-systemage involved.

Although it wouldn't surprise me if Jarred et all can look at the footage and immediately know what it was shot on.

avery

10-25-2005, 07:14 PM

wat about the xl2?

spidey

10-25-2005, 07:20 PM

it can be but not in the competitive part.

Norm Sanders

10-25-2005, 09:27 PM

I thought I'd done a pretty good job keeping up on this thread, but may have missed this, if it's already been discussed & answered:

The revised rules on page one state that we MUST shoot in letterbox or squeeze mode, but why does it matter what we shoot in as long as we deliver a 16x9 file?? I know myself & others prefer to shoot 4:3, then crop (& reframe if needed) in post. Also, those shooting with an anamorphic adapter would also be shooting in normal (4:3) mode, yet their footage would automatically be widescreen because of the adapter.

So do we actually HAVE to shoot in one of those modes only (letterbox/squeeze)?

The judging says it's only open to CURRENT members with 100 posts or more. Should that read members who have 100 posts or more by the time judging begins, or does that mean only members who CURRENTLY have 100 posts or more can vote at that time (i.e. no time for people to build up their posts)?

And lastly, to clarify for all, it appears that since having a .AVI or .MOV file on DVD submitted to Jarred by 2/14/06 is a rule, if we don't have our files in by then for the DVD, then we may be disqualified from the competition altogether. Is this correct as well?

Just trying to not leave anything up for interpretation, or last minute "Oh Sh_t!" moments.

Barry_S

10-25-2005, 09:46 PM

You can shoot 4:3, as long as we end up with a 16x9 anamorphic file. So you can:

Shoot 4:3 and mask to 16:9 or 2.35:1 in post
Shoot 4:3 in 16:9 letterbox mode (and optionally mask in post to 2.35:1)
Shoot in squeeze mode (and optionally mask in post to 2.35:1)
Soot 16:9 with an anamorphic adapter (and optionally mask in post to 2.35:1)

So the main idea is that you deliver a 16x9 anamorphic file (which can be optionally masked to 2.35:1).

You need to have 100 posts at the time the judging starts to vote, but everyone can watch the films.

The DVD is an integral part of DVXFest, so filmmakers that don't submit the correct deliverables will be disqualified. If you're unsure--ask or just send me a 10 second test file and I'll let you know if it's in the correct format.

Norm Sanders

10-25-2005, 10:44 PM

Staven

10-26-2005, 12:50 AM

Not sure if this has been touched on elsewhere on the forum, but should Fan Films be allowed in the contest?

I'm having this vision of sitting down to enjoy a session of film viewing and being treated to 30 lightsaber battles with wannabe Luke's and Vader's rehashing Episodes 1 through 6.

Maybe everyone is actually for Fan Films and they will be invited. Curious if they are a pro or a con. (i'd say con- at least I'd have no star wars knock offs personally as there are so damn many of them already).

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-26-2005, 01:47 AM

Darn ... I was planning on having 30 lightsaber battles in my film alone :(

Jarred Land

10-26-2005, 02:40 AM

Thanks for the quick response on that, Barry. For others who may miss your post on this page, do you think it would help to clarify that the film must be delivered 16x9? As it is right now, it looks like it has to be shot squeeze or letterbox only.

Thanks again!

That is right Envision thanks... the deliverable is anamorphic (squeeze) as a first choice or letterbox if you cant do a squeeze.

Jarred Land

10-26-2005, 02:41 AM

Ralph Oshiro

10-26-2005, 03:27 AM

NICE!

Ralph Oshiro

10-26-2005, 03:31 AM

Shaun Patrick

10-26-2005, 05:52 AM

Fan films are ok, but i think everyone else shares your viewpoint on fan films, so they probally wouldnt score high, unless its done very very well.

Personally, I only think Tek War fan films would score high. If only someone had the balls...

Ralph Oshiro

10-26-2005, 06:09 AM

What's a fan film?

Shaun Patrick

10-26-2005, 06:33 AM

Basically, someone takes existing characters/storylines from an established movie, tv-show, comic book, etc., and creates a film. Usually, fan films are a continuation or a further exploration of an existing storyline--here's a ridiculous example...Mulder and Scully are abducted by aliens and they must fight their way off the ship using only their wits. In all my years, I've only seen one worthwhile fan film: "Troopers". Otherwise, fan films usually suck but they don't suck as much as fan fiction--stay away from that crap.

GenJerDan

10-26-2005, 09:10 AM

Otherwise, fan films usually suck but they don't suck as much as fan fiction--stay away from that crap.

Depends on the fiction, depends on the fans.

Generally speaking, the 164x/Grantville "fan fiction" is pretty damn good.

Arcburn

10-26-2005, 10:28 AM

Sci- Fi. Nice. I really want to try and enter this one.

Barry_S

10-26-2005, 11:02 AM

Geez, I'd REALLY discourage fan films for DVXFest--aren't we geeky enough? :) What's next, Dungeons and Dragons in Jarred's basement? Also, if a fan film contains copyright violations, it's still verboten. Is it even possible to make a fan film that doesn't infringe?--I'm not sure. Better to come up with your own original ideas.

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-26-2005, 11:27 AM

Geez, I'd REALLY discourage fan films for DVXFest--aren't we geeky enough? :) What's next, Dungeons and Dragons in Jarred's basement? ...

LMFAO!

I looked at my sci fi banner and avatar the other day and thought -- if there is a way to be more geeky -- we've found it - I had to go to a forum called tron sector to get my avatar, lol.

At least we are getting it out of the way.

Dungeons and Dragons!

Hahahaha!

I guess I was wrong on not being geekier
1) sci fi fan films def trumps just sci fi
2) if fantasy were our theme ... oh no, now it will happen

Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with being geeky as long as you have a life, but you gotta have a since of humor about it. Now, I saw all of the LOTR's on day one and I am blown away by Curogon's website, so take the following incontext

BUT, can you imagine fantasy?! FANTASY would be soooooo hard to pull off -- at least with Zombies you can revert to just cool gore or a good fight -- but can you imagine all of the writing we'd have to endure for fantsasy - all of the Gilgamorsh of the Oothrlandiand cast a spell of enchanting with his vorpal blade of comehitherence! LOL, and all of us getting our friends to put on little elf ears and harry feat OMFG -

I'm killing myself hear ROFL! Oh my god, maybe we should do it - is it to late to change genres for this FEST?!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I just peed myself a little...

ROFL ROFL LOL LMFAO!!!! :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

Larry Rutledge

10-26-2005, 11:47 AM

all of the Gilgamorsh of the Oothrlandiand cast a spell of enchanting with his vorpal blade of comehitherence! LOL, and all of us getting our friends to put on little elf ears and harry feat OMFG -

LIGHTNING BOLT! LIGHTNING BOLT!!

Trunks4200

10-26-2005, 11:48 AM

What's next, Dungeons and Dragons in Jarred's basement?

Is it ok to play my level 21 Human Ranger or do I have to play with a lower level 7 Elf Druid. What campaign are we playing next Jarred??

LOL

Norm Sanders

10-26-2005, 11:51 AM

Trust, me, I'm in NO hurry to do fantasy ... plenty of other genres I'd rather tackle instead ... I'd even put musicals ahead of the list.

But, to stereo type Fantasy as everyone having elf ears, or talking some LOTR style vernacular is on par with people stereo typing Sci-Fi as just space ships & aliens.

That said, I'm sure we'll see a ton of space ships & aliens in this contest, just like we'd see a ton of elf people, etc. in a Fantasy genre driven contest. That's why I'm having such a difficult time coming up with a story to go with ... I want at the MOST maybe 2 or 3 others films that could be similar, not 50+. Coming up with a really unique (nothing cliche'), but cool idea is proving to be a challenge.

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-26-2005, 12:36 PM

... to stereo type Fantasy as everyone having elf ears, or talking some LOTR style vernacular is on par with people stereo typing Sci-Fi as just space ships & aliens.

That said, I'm sure we'll see a ton of space ships & aliens in this contest, just like we'd see a ton of elf people, etc. in a Fantasy genre driven contest...
Right on - I'm just saying we'd probably get a lot of that - and it would be very very funny.

Also with scifi - theres' a conventional story line where a single alien falls to earth -- so you could make one cool alien -- I guess you could do something like that with fantasy -- an orch from another world sort of thing -- a little easier than a bunch of different races go on a quest, etc.

hey maybe try a twilight zone marathon weekend or read some vonnegut (sp?) or bradburry to jog your non alien sci fi story noodle. I have a couple of ideas, but if I dead end I'm going that route for inspiration.

Norm Sanders

10-26-2005, 12:39 PM

hey maybe try a twilight zone marathon weekend or read some vonnegut (sp?) or bradburry to jog your non alien sci fi story noodle. I have a couple of ideas, but if I dead end I'm going that route for inspiration.

GREAT idea ... it'd be fun, nonetheless, but I can't imagine that NOT getting some ideas going!

surf

10-26-2005, 02:13 PM

if your film made with other camera and will be accepted for exhibition, but not competition, will you have to send the DVD?

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-26-2005, 02:17 PM

GREAT idea ... it'd be fun, nonetheless, but I can't imagine that NOT getting some ideas going!

AND they are a great example of short form fiction, the basic principle of which can be applied even more so in 6 min.i,e, they are basically joke structure -- you have time to set up an expectation and defy it. (i.e., a twist or a punchline)

Shaw

10-26-2005, 03:16 PM

Truthfully I think just about any genre can be horribly sterotypical. It's amazing that the zombiefest wasn't heavily cliche. The same goes for sci-fi. I suspect the talent on this board will overcome, for the most part, the stereotypical sci-fi storys and I suspect that the same would hold true for fantasy. While I do love the Lord of the Rings books (no I don't roll play. They're damn interesting from a creative and linguistic point of view!), there is such a broad field out there. Maybe something more along the lines of "Myth" would be a better title?

Anyway... back (closer to) on topic:

hat's why I'm having such a difficult time coming up with a story to go with ... I want at the MOST maybe 2 or 3 others films that could be similar, not 50+

I feel your pain. All of the stories which won the zombiefest were quite original takes on the usual cliche.

Norm Sanders

10-26-2005, 03:22 PM

I feel your pain. All of the stories which won the zombiefest were quite original takes on the usual cliche.

Actually, I think TEXAS FORTUNE was possibly the most original of the lot, as it didn't really center around the zombie, so much as it did the con-artist main character & the pharmacist/victim.

Don't get me wrong, I REALLY enjoyed the other winners as well, but TEXAS FORTUNE just really stood out ... perhaps that's what helped it to have such a large spread in the points as well.

Wow, looking back at that, I don't mean any disrespect to THE SHED, SHOT IN THE DARK, or any of the others, so I hope no one takes offense.

arielman

10-26-2005, 04:47 PM

As I mentioned once before ..There is a lot of talent and great imagination here . The Zombie shorts sure showed that !!!!!!.
I don't think we will be disappointed this time around with the Sci-Fi films.

Envision and jdansdan ..Thanks for your help (tips ) I shot a few clips with Squeeze mode and liked what i saw . I filmed along the Moria river ( left my tripod at home ) I am hoping to put these in the screen grab section in the very near future .

I start my filming next week for my opening scene(s) and they are calling for SUN and highs of 60's!!.
...........Ian

Norm Sanders

10-26-2005, 05:47 PM

Envision and jdansdan ..Thanks for your help (tips ) I shot a few clips with Squeeze mode and liked what i saw . ...........Ian

You're welcome. I'll take what I can get, but um ... what did I say/do? Was it my feedback on your short for the fest, or something else? Squeeze is cool, but I'm not a confident enough shooter yet to work with that, so I shoot 4:3, then go 16x9 in post so I can reframe up/down if needed.

That said, if we decide to go 2:35.1 ratio for this short, then we can shoot all the cameras in squeeze, knowing we'll still have a LITTLE reframing room with the 2:35.1 mask. Hmmmmm.

galt

10-26-2005, 07:37 PM

Any restrictions about age-ratings? Does it have to be G? Or can it be R ?

arielman

10-26-2005, 07:40 PM

Hi Envision , this was the advise you gave . (pg 10)

"Ian, just be careful that if you're shooting letterbox to have it framed really well, because you're committed. Also, if you do any color correction, you'll be coloring the black bars on the top & bottom as well ... same goes if you use flash FX, etc. "

also jdanstan had a nice write up( below yours) as well . He also posted some camera settings he used .

So I thought I would say thanks to you both for you help cause if you hadn't ,I would of shot in letterbox and colour corrected ..EEKk..........Ian

Norm Sanders

10-26-2005, 09:20 PM

Ah, gotcha ... thanks for the reminder! Yes, letterbox is BAD news in my opinion ... shoot squeeze or natural 4:3 & crop in post ... just like you're doing. :thumbsup:

EShy

10-27-2005, 02:50 AM

After reading through all the posts, there was a question about 25P but no answer.
I guess for the DVD it has to be 24P NTSC, I can convert to 24P with procoder or firestore standard convertor, but I never done that before so I'm not sure about the results.

KingVidiot

10-28-2005, 07:58 PM

In all my years, I've only seen one worthwhile fan film: "Troopers". Otherwise, fan films usually suck but they don't suck as much as fan fiction--stay away from that crap.

Don't forget the original Star Wars Kid and all of the spoofs. They were some of the best examples of post work I've seen by amateurs... and they were funny as hell.

Also, the Star Wars version of American Choppers (or whatever it's called) was very well done.

KingVidiot

10-28-2005, 08:07 PM

[QUOTE=jdanstan]
Also with scifi - theres' a conventional story line where a single alien falls to earth -- so you could make one cool alien
[QUOTE]

Exactly, just think "Brother From Another Planet." No real fancy effects (a little prosthetic and optical), and a whole bunch of comic moments and characters. In fact, I don't remember the alien guy saying one word in the whole movie which saves time on ADR. Although, it wasn't as non-verbal as "Le Dernier Combat" (by Luc Besson).

Sci-Fi is way larger than horror, so there is an endless variety of stories to tell, just like the Twilight Zone and Outer Limits (the original series of either, damnit).

Juanfordroad

10-29-2005, 05:01 PM

I may just try this one. DVX users from Roswell can't lose with aliens on our side...

Brandon Rice

10-29-2005, 11:06 PM

A little clarity on the letterbox issue. Is it allowed to shoot 4-3 in camera and then letterbox in post?

Jarred Land

10-29-2005, 11:13 PM

yes.. bottom line, is i want a widesceen file, i dont care how you get it... by cropping or shooting.

Jarred Land

10-29-2005, 11:14 PM

and my apologies for the delay in getting the official sci-fest page up, im still working my butt off mailing out the zombiefest stuff and finishing the dvd.

spidey

10-31-2005, 05:23 AM

can't you just put it on 24p then?

Jarred Land

10-31-2005, 11:05 AM

Hey Ruff.. sure shoot at 25p, knock it down to 24p ntsc in your NLE and send it in.

KingVidiot

10-31-2005, 04:20 PM

Won't that mess up his audio sync?

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-31-2005, 04:23 PM

Won't that mess up his audio sync?
I "THINK" that you have to slow it down like 4% or something (the audio) ... I "THINK" this is reverse of the way that 24p movies are played on pal TV by speeding up 4% -- their solution to our telecine ... I "THINK"... :)

Norm Sanders

10-31-2005, 04:25 PM

Just a FYI that I posted this thread for anyone who may still be in dire straights for story ideas.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=37514

Jarred Land

10-31-2005, 04:31 PM

as per the audio, most conversion software should do that automatically.

Jack Daniel Stanley

10-31-2005, 04:38 PM

as per the audio, most conversion software should do that automatically.
Jarred I think I'm goung to shoot in pal widescreen, then crop to 4:3 then convert to 60i then to 24p, then output as an gif image sequence with a seperate audio track just to screw with you -- it couldn't be worse than our comedy of errors this time around, hahaha!

jermz

11-01-2005, 01:36 AM

if the movie is 6 mins or less, does that mean trailers count? because i'm probably going to make a film that is around 15 mins long that i hope to circulate in the festivals next year, but i might be able to shoot the trailer fairly soon, and by the due date.

also, about it being science-fiction is debatable. who do i talk to specifically to verify this?

and lastly, just to make sure, you say the festival judging is only for users with 100 posts or more. i'm guessing that newbies like me can still submit films, and that the users with 100 posts or more can vote, right?

thanks in advance,
jeremiah "jermz" tayao

Jarred Land

11-01-2005, 01:42 AM

Hey. Trailers are a bad idea.. they will be accepted, but almost everyone will bash it in the voting, as its not a film, so its probally not worth the effort.

As for Sci-Fi.. its a pretty open cat. i know, you can pm me privately if you want to make sure.

And voting is only for 100 posts or higher to block out people from just randomly signing up to inflate votes.

Jarred Land

11-01-2005, 01:42 AM

oh.. but you have 3 months to post 100 posts, so by then you should be eligible. John Hudson posts 100 times so its not that hard to get them racked up.

Ralph Oshiro

11-01-2005, 11:13 PM

Well . . . here I go again . . .

So, non-DVX100 films are cool for exhibition, right? Exactly what will "exhibition" mean? Does that mean it will be able to be seen by voting members (but not voted on)? Also, will non-DVX100 films be included or not included on the DVD?Did Barry or Jarred ever answer this post? Since sci-fi is a genre I really like, I'm planning to put a lot of effort in the photography on this one, so I've pretty much decided not to use my DVX100 and will shoot it on another 24P 2/3" camera (in native 16:9, of course). I know I won't qualify for any of the prizes, but I just wondered if it will even be seen and how. Thanks.

Jack Daniel Stanley

11-01-2005, 11:16 PM

Did Barry or Jarred ever answer this post? Since sci-fi is a genre I really like, I'm planning to put a lot of effort in the photography on this one, so I've pretty much decided not to use my DVX100 and will shoot it on another 24P 2/3" camera (in 16:9, of course). I know I won't qualify for any of the prizes, but I just wondered if it will even be seen and how. Thanks.

It will definately be seen online, but NOT (I think) on the DVD (right guys?)

At least one other place it will be seen, though, is in my living room after I mail you a blank DVD and return postage :)

EDIT: unless you are selling them of course and then I will buy one or trade you for one.

Ralph Oshiro

11-02-2005, 12:14 AM

. . . unless you are selling them of course and then I will buy one or trade you for one.Nahhhh . . . Anyone who's interested enough to actually wanna watch my short on a real TV will get a DVD sent to them for FREE!

J.R. Hudson

11-02-2005, 12:41 AM

Not sure how they'll treat NON DVX for the DVD....

But NBC; count me in! I love your work!

Norm Sanders

11-02-2005, 02:34 AM

My guess is, from a business stand point, that if a film did well in the festival it will be included on the DVD no matter what camera it's shot on.

Reason being, members will look forward to seeing that particular film on their TV/DVD, which would help increase the sales of the festival DVD, which would help further offset Jarred's cost, etc.

Jack Daniel Stanley

11-02-2005, 07:22 AM

KingVidiot

11-02-2005, 07:07 PM

Conversely, also from a business standpoint, as it's a site that promotes the DVX, these showcase DVD's might need to be "pure" as it were.

Damn those unclean DVD's!

We must cleanse the world in the name of the master... oops, wrong century.

slinks

11-03-2005, 02:02 AM

woot i want to enter, hmmm i better work on those posts :(

GenJerDan

11-03-2005, 02:54 AM

woot i want to enter, hmmm i better work on those posts :(

100 posts...for voting. Entering? Unless I missed a change, or misinterpreted it, you could enter right now.

Well, not right now...gotta wait until January. :)

And don't forget to vote for yourself, when the time comes. I forgot that I had entered, and voted for someone else.

Luckily, I was able to go back in and change my vote...otherwise I'd have had 0 votes, instead of one. :grin:

Jack Daniel Stanley

11-03-2005, 11:08 AM

100 posts...for voting. Entering? Unless I missed a change, or misinterpreted it, you could enter right now.

HAHAHA!

No you are right. But its like some weird twilight zone, or ground hog day, because this fact seems impossible to state clearly in the initial list of rules-or impossible to read clearly, as the same question is asked over and over "guess I can't enter" and then answered as you have.

I'm not making fun of or bashing anyone -- just really wondering why it keeps happening unless we are in some weird twilight zone or something...

*fox and mulder looking at rule list now*

Ah HA! Actually now that I look back at the rules it doesn't say "ANY MEMBER CAN ENTER." in a single concise phrase either as a stand alone or "ANY MEMBER CAN ENTER, BUT..." right before the voting req. phrase. Although the sum total of requirements implies that any member can enter regardless of post number - but the omission of any explicit phrase regarding it anywhere in the rules is the reason this keeps coming up I think. hmmmm....

This comes up in other threads too I think, but here's a sampling of this Ground Hog phenomenon...

* The festival judging is only open to current DVXuser members with more than 100 posts. You may not recruit family or friends vote for your film. Until the voting is complete and closed, filmmakers may not promote their films on DVXUser or *any* external web site, or use any other means of promotion. Films will be judged exclusively on merit by DVXuser members.

OK - do I have to have 100 posts already - or just before I submit a film? Come on - my DVX just arrived TODAY - WOOHOO!

100 posts by entry time.. you got lots of time
as for the whole 24p thing.. There is no leeway on that one.. its 24p or nothing.

Jarred- Do you need 100 to ENTER or to judge? I know I had waaayyy less than 100 and I still entered the zombiefest.
Just to clarify for mrpunch.
-Robert

i assumed he meant vote.. you need 100 posts to vote on the films. To enter you can have 1 post or 1000.. (or 50,000, like John)

any rules that would be against scantily clad women being in the short?

no they can enter
they just have to have 100 posts to vote

I obviously am new here, though I've been lurking for quite some time. I love the site, and wanted to enter the contest, but I found you have to have at least 100 posts on the forum to enter! What's the purpose of such a high number? for people like me, who visit almost daily but don't often post, it seems a bit unfair. Of course, I"m sick right now, so I'm probably missing something.
Anyone?

Chris,
I believe anyone can enter, but voting has been limited to DVXUser members with more than 100 posts. This policy discourages fraud by only allowing vested members the right to vote.
e

...and lastly, just to make sure, you say the festival judging is only for users with 100 posts or more. i'm guessing that newbies like me can still submit films, and that the users with 100 posts or more can vote, right?
thanks in advance,
jeremiah "jermz" tayao

...And voting is only for 100 posts or higher to block out people from just randomly signing up to inflate votes.

woot i want to enter, hmmm i better work on those posts :(

100 posts...for voting. Entering? Unless I missed a change, or misinterpreted it, you could enter right now...
*cue twilight zone theme*

CallaghanFilms

11-03-2005, 11:25 AM

no they can enter
they just have to have 100 posts to vote
I remember when you posted that about scantily-clad women...I laughed like a mad man. :grin:

I also made a Twilight Zone reference early on in the busy Sci-Fest announcement phase. In case you missed it...
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=36592

Jack Daniel Stanley

11-03-2005, 12:22 PM

I remember when you posted that about scantily-clad women...I laughed like a mad man. :grin:

I also made a Twilight Zone reference early on in the busy Sci-Fest announcement phase. In case you missed it...
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=36592
haha I did miss that, really sounds like Serling

Norm Sanders

11-03-2005, 03:50 PM

Conversely, also from a business standpoint, as it's a site that promotes the DVX, these showcase DVD's might need to be "pure" as it were.

I respect you, Jack, but have to say I'd lean towards a killer film shot on the XL2 (or any other camera) WOULD make it on the DVD, DVX fest or not.

Since the DVXuser site includes other cameras than just the DVX...
And since the Festival includes other cameras than just the DVX (for exhibition at least)...
Then a film that really draws the audience in would more than likely be on the DVD. I know I'd like to see it on my big widescreen, regardless of the camera it was shot on, and it would likely have others wanting to buy the DVD, including non DVX users who do have a special interest in the other competing cameras.

All of which would come down to increase gross sales ... something that might be an incentive for those making the DVD's. :thumbsup:

I've been wrong before ... but this is just my gut instinct.