briceman "A Price Too High"

[Brandon Rice]

Comments, critique?
I wanna hear it

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b282/scionbrice/APTH1sheet_bg.jpg

I also want to recognize all the people who worked on the film.

Written and Directed by
Brandon Rice & Daniel Noa

Cinematography and editing
Brandon Rice

Original Music
Matt Derr

“The St. Clare Burning”
By Tear The Sails
2005 All Rights Reserved
www.myspace.com/tearthesails

Sound mix and boom operation
Matt Derr & Ryan MacArthur

Visual Effects
Henry Schneider

Logo Design
Jason Lavorante

Creative Consultant
Gina Hoke

Produced by
Brandon Rice


Cast

Sarah Anne Rice: Jennifer Clark
Jorge Noa: Agent Rodriguez
Brad Silverman: Dr. Carlson
Jake Putich: Jake Clark
Lauren Roward: Lauren Holmes

SPECIAL THANKS

dvxuser.com
Norm Sanders (Envision)
Jack Stanley (jdanstan)
Chris (krestofre)
Signature Productions
Signature Fundraising
Russ & Carina Rice


Technical details:
Shot with a stock DVX
Lit with a 1k softbox, and one 650 Ari.
Sound was with an Azden shotgun mic, and Azden mixer
Cut in Avid XPress Pro 4.5
All Color Correction was done using the Avid color correction tool.


Some of the pieces of music that the fabulous Matt Derr did for us.

www.splivemovie.com/mystery.mp3
www.splivemovie.com/chase.mp3
www.splivemovie.com/healing.mp3
www.splivemovie.com/target.mp3

Blogsite for the film
www.noarice.blogspot.com


Thanks for all the comments!

[FabioRafael]

Great movie! how was the blood effect done?

[BrianV]

Dug it, man. Dug it.

More constructive criticism when I get back from my errands ;)

[Filmjunkie677]

Brice,

Very well done.

I liked how you kept it simple and only used the CGI for some extra "punch".
The blood effect was effective and blended well with the shot, looked extremely proffessional.
The sniper scope was also well done, that was by far the best scene of the film, the flashback scene, and my favorite.
Only, the sound of the gunshot from the rifle sounded too "fake". It sounded like a cap gun or something.

Kudos to the man that played Rodriguez, he's a great actor and inhabited his role well. He was perfect.
The main lead, the girl, was good as well and held her own.
I only had a problem with the psychiatrist, he was a little stiff and seemed to "know" there was a camera in front of him, if that makes sense.

The editing was crisp and flowed fantastic for the story and the cinematography was natural and wasn't too distracting and over the top, bringing attention to itself, you know like trying to show off.
It was perfect for the story.
which brings me to the story... For a 6 minute piece it had a beg, mid, and end in my opinion and a depressing ending at that. Just what I like.

Good Job and keep it up, Briceman!

I'm sure I'll think of more after I watch it again, but this was coming straight from just watching it for the first time.:)

[JimtheJib]

i liked your concept but i think some of the lines were a bit cliche at times as well as the ending. i don't mean to be rude. I really liked the assassin actor. I felt he was the most natural

[lpcvideo1]

I'll add to the initial kudos, with more to come.

Great job, Brandon. I agree the assassin was perfect--I'm loving the redemptive imagery. The story moved well, and I was fairly quickly invested in the characters.

A bit confused at first--I thought the hand-bleed guy was the "healer", and was initially waiting for him to come back in, but I eventually came up to speed--more likely my slowness than the development.

Where was that Library? I saw Adams' book on the shelf.

[MojoTrancer]

The healing hand effect at the beginning was great way to draw the audience in to the story. After that I was hooked to see what I was in for. The dialogue during the face-off with the assassin was little off, but a great story none-the-less.

[Kaz]

Cool flick! Enjoyed it very much.

[Brandon Rice]

Hey everyone, I'm here sitting in LAX. I just couldn't stay away that long! Thanks for all the comments! I will try to answer each of your questions as I can. Thanks again for watching and I'm glad you all enjoyed it!

[Blaine]

Brandon,
With all your darned excitement I was ready for a disappointment...but I didn't get it. Nice job. You should be happy with what you did on this. No aliens just an exceptional girl in a world not ready for her. The healing of the hand was cool. I DID wonder about her not saving her friend, though. Maybe she just didn't have time under the circumstances. Anyway, you done good. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif

[Brandon Rice]

Great movie! how was the blood effect done?

We shot Jake's hand with the blood, and without, then my effects guy added a glow, and used a mask to mask out the blood on the shot with the blood. Honestly, he just did it. I was attempting to do it myself, but not getting very far, so he came in and did the effects, which I think turned out fantastic!

[Brandon Rice]

Brandon,
With all your darned excitement I was ready for a disappointment...but I didn't get it. Nice job. You should be happy with what you did on this. No aliens just an exceptional girl in a world not ready for her. The healing of the hand was cool. I DID wonder about her not saving her friend, though. Maybe she just didn't have time under the circumstances. Anyway, you done good. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif

Thanks Blaine! Actually she did heal her friend, and I know some people are confused by that. It's hard to sell in this shortened version(the DVD version is 11 min long). But anyway, thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)

[Brandon Rice]

Brice,

Very well done.

I liked how you kept it simple and only used the CGI for some extra "punch".
The blood effect was effective and blended well with the shot, looked extremely proffessional.
The sniper scope was also well done, that was by far the best scene of the film, the flashback scene, and my favorite.
Only, the sound of the gunshot from the rifle sounded too "fake". It sounded like a cap gun or something.

Kudos to the man that played Rodriguez, he's a great actor and inhabited his role well. He was perfect.
The main lead, the girl, was good as well and held her own.
I only had a problem with the psychiatrist, he was a little stiff and seemed to "know" there was a camera in front of him, if that makes sense.

The editing was crisp and flowed fantastic for the story and the cinematography was natural and wasn't too distracting and over the top, bringing attention to itself, you know like trying to show off.
It was perfect for the story.
which brings me to the story... For a 6 minute piece it had a beg, mid, and end in my opinion and a depressing ending at that. Just what I like.

Good Job and keep it up, Briceman!

I'm sure I'll think of more after I watch it again, but this was coming straight from just watching it for the first time.:)

Thanks my east coast homedog! I agree with you on the sound effect(needs work). Also, with the Psychiatrist. The last scene with him and the girl is literally cut down to 1/4 of what it should be. So, I agree that he is the weakest actor in the film... and we had to sacrifice a lot of his better lines for the sake of time. :( Glad you enjoyed it though! :)

[arielman]

Nice work Brandon .
The blood effect was very good !!!
The warehouse scene was a nice touch I thought .
Jorge Noa did a bang on job playing Rodriguez. the only let down for me was the Dr . I felt he didn't pull it off .

keep up the good work !
Ian

[Brandon Rice]

Nice work Brandon .
The blood effect was very good !!!
The warehouse scene was a nice touch I thought .
Jorge Noa did a bang on job playing Rodriguez. the only let down for me was the Dr . I felt he didn't pull it off .

keep up the good work !
Ian

Thanks Ian! I am really excited to hear that so many people are enjoying the film. It was a blast to work on it!! :)

[Brandon Rice]

Ok, I am now about ten minutes from boarding the flight. I'll be landing in VA in about 6 hours. So, I hope to come back to some more comments and things I can answer :) Good or bad, it's all good! Peace everyone, see you in a few hours.

[Kaz]

B-Man, answer me this when you get back, cuz I have to know:

Did the actor playing the Psychiatrist improv his lines?

[lucidz]

Ok, nice work.

So yeah I was impressed by the effects. Also the framing was nice too. Yeah why didn't she bring her friend back to life. ALso why did the box ruin that dudes day when it fell on his head.

And the most important question....

Who is the main actress. Her name is Rice so I assume she's either your wife or your sister?

Please say its your sister coz CHACHACHA!

[Bigmagic]

Brandon I thought the lighting was good and I was impressed with (your sisters?)acting. She did a nice job as did most of the cast. I thought the weakest link was the interview at the end. You have some talent as do those your working with nice job.

[Norm Sanders]

Lucidz's last comment had me laughing, because I'd PM'd Brandon last night saying that he was smart to open the film, for a bunch of guys who'd be viewing, by doing it with an attractive woman, in a tight white tanktop, dancing in front of the bathroom mirror. He didn't comment back on that, so hopefully I didn't come across offensive, knowing now that it could be a wife, sister, etc. Oops! :)

Anyway, Brandon, you did a very fine job with this. It's among the higher scoring films on the slate so far. There were some issues I had with it as well, which others have already mentioned (not healing her friend, etc.), but it sounds like much of these would be answered in the longer cut, so I'll leave them be for now.

I actually thought the girl's acting was stiff in parts, which is in contrast to what others here are saying. The assassin's role was the strongest, in hindsight.

Again, great job.

[Z B Brox]

I definitely agree that Jorge Noa deserves applause for his work here. The girl had a tough part to sell, because she spent a fair amount of time shocked or hysterical, and that can come off as over the top. The psychiatrist... I think my problem there was that he seemed almost *too* natural. I don't know whether to blame it on acting, writing, or editing, honestly, because it just seemed like the lines needed to be tighter, less laconic.

Production wise, this was pretty air tight, good job. I had serious issues with the dialogue between the assassin and the girl in their warehouse face-off-- Some of it was repetetive, and a lot of it was cliche.

I think overall it was a very professional job on a film-making level, and captured a narrative arc very well for such a short piece. I wasn't enthralled throughout, but I definitely admire a lot of the work done here.

[ZFarms Productions]

the effects were pretty cool. the guy who was trying to kill the woman looks like lou diamond phillips to me for some reason. he seemed very real. something seemed off about the doctor though. can't put my finger on it. the "umm's" were a little distracting... personally i dont think that a lot of doctors say "umm" a lot... overall though the film was pretty cool.

please don't take offense to the doctor comment... it was just constructive criticism.

[Ben Sliker]

alright Briceman, here it goes...

music in the beginning, sounded more like a teen alt rock vid, it was good quality, but for me personally, it didn't fit as well as something else could have. I find that rock music (unless it is done REALLY well, or it's a movie about rock) tends to bring a viewer out of a film instead of engage them.

The blood effect done really well. reminded me of some older stuff like the Crow where his hand heals in the center.

the therapist lines we're a little overdone, it's hard for me to determine what exactly could help them out. It reminded me of lumberg from Office Space, yeah .... i would say try darker and more concern/confused about what is going on with this girl.

I know we talked about this before, but the tone gaps really got to me, to bad that warehouse was a little noisy. But, if all else fails ... ADR!!!

The mask for the scope was done really well, but there's a couple things that could make it better. First make the black spaces entirely black, like a real scope. Second, when you look through a scope, it's hard to keep focus at times. I would occasionally blur the edges of the circle so that it looks like someone is really looking through it.

I think I've heard the line "It's too powerful for one person to possess" before, if possible, switch that to something else, for me, it was a cringer.

You're timing on the edits was done rather well, and the story concept works well.

[mikkowilson]

I really liked this peice.

It was one of, if not the first one I watched. The opening scene was a little "teenageish" and it got me off on a cautios foot. but the moment the blod did it's thing i was "woah" and right into the thick of it. Good acting.

The doctore was a strange character. His acting was poor, but you definatly cast the right guy. If that makes sence?
He's lines did feel forced, but at the same time, he really felt like a phyciatric councellor. (though not so much a doctor). He fit the part, shame he didn't play it so well.

Ove all a very good peice. Well made with strong leads and story. A little more improvement on some of the supporting work, both acting and "zing" (?) and it would be even better!

Well worthy of all the hype! :)

- Mikko

[CallaghanFilms]

Brice,

If I had paid to see your film in the theatre, the last thing that I'd say to the box office attendant on the way out was, "that was a price too high."

I would have said it was worth every penny in fact. Technically everything came together nicely. You had a solid premise and you executed it well. Your warehouse location was perfect. Congrats on getting Jorge Noa...the role fit him nicely. I feel he added almost an X Files feel to the short.

I have hardly any complaints at all. The few casting changes that have been mentioned come to mind, as do a few minor script points:
-In the exchange in the warehouse, the word "power" may have been overused.
-and-
-What's in the box that weighed enough to kill him yet light enough to be bumped off? (Jesus, I feel like Brad Pitt in Se7en -"...What's in the booox?...")

Of course that's most likely just the overly anal writer coming out in me.

Anyway overall I really enjoyed it.

Good work, my man.

[Daniel Skubal]

Hey man! As I've already discussed with you, I loved your film. I felt your acting was really great! Just to restate a few things from previous posts, the girl had a tough role to make realistic and believable. I think she did it fairly well.

Your editing was very good, and I can't wait to see the full version you talked about because I think your editing will shine even more.

The only criticism I had of this film was concerning the dialogue. As mikko said, the doctor was a bit forced... and although Jennifer and the sniper delivered their lines quite well, I think the dialogue could have been improved a bit. Try a read-through with the cast and listen to how natural it feels... if there's something off... well, change it :-p

Overall, this is one of my favorites, and I can only assume that the full version is even better. Great work man!

[ProfD]

Everything was cool except the doctor. The female role was well done. nice.

[Slimothy]

Briceman. I couldn't really get into this one. I thought the Agent did very well, although I think he is the only one. I think all the acting aside from the agent was kinda wonkey. It just took me right out of it. The cinematography overall was kind of boring. Nothing really stood out. I agree w/ other people's comments on the story lacking, etc.

Overall, I scored this one pretty low. Hopefully you don't take this is SUCH a negative post as I think this has some potential. Maybe later I can go through it and watch it closer, and give you better more precise feedback.

[penfever]

First off, the technical end (boo-ring). You did very well, it was competently shot and edited, you clearly know how to do your stuff.
Now, the part I'm interested in - story and acting. Your story was one of the most coherent and solid - scratch that - the most coherent and solid I've seen so far. Beginning, middle, end, good-guys, bad-guys. I really appreciate this effort. So many people on this forum think pretty pictures = great film. It's just not so. You have it where it counts.
That said, you MUST speed this film up. 2 minutes could easily have been shaved off. There is too much space between every line. That's time the viewer's using to question your actors, lighting, etc. Don't give it to them. THe little buggers don't deserve it. :)
As far as actors go, your female lead was fascinating, especially in profile - her hair was perfect for the role. Her acting -mmmh - she needs to grow up a little bit, and I know she was playing a young role, but to carry a lead you need a certain - weight in front of the camera. She just didn't have it.
The psychiatrist was D-R-A-G-G-I-N-G every line. I wanted to shake him and say, JUST READ YOUR TWO LINES PLEASE!
Your agent seemed to be an experienced and competent actor, but I didn't get a strong physical presence which his role seemed to demand. He was a heavy. Heavies should take up space. That wasn't there so much.
I liked this film a lot. I hope to see more like it. Keep on filming!

[Daniel Skubal]

competent actor, but I didn't get a strong physical presence which his role seemed to demand. He was a heavy. Heavies should take up space. That wasn't there so much.
I liked this film a lot. I hope to see more like it. Keep on filming!

Can you explain that a bit more? I've never heard of that. What other types of screen presence are there? Seems interesting.

[Blaine]

Where the hell is he? His plane got in about twenty minutes ago and he hasn't been on line yet? Call out the National Guard...http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/beer.gif

[Brandon Rice]

Hey guys! I am here in VA alive!! Thanks for all the comments! I will try to answer any of them that need answering, but I gotta get some shut eye, and watch the rest of these films I haven't seen yet. Again, thanks for watching, and glad that most of you seemed to have enjoyed it! :)

[Brandon Rice]

Oh, and to be clear on this... Sarah is my sister.

[Brandon Rice]

Briceman. I couldn't really get into this one. I thought the Agent did very well, although I think he is the only one. I think all the acting aside from the agent was kinda wonkey. It just took me right out of it. The cinematography overall was kind of boring. Nothing really stood out. I agree w/ other people's comments on the story lacking, etc.

Overall, I scored this one pretty low. Hopefully you don't take this is SUCH a negative post as I think this has some potential. Maybe later I can go through it and watch it closer, and give you better more precise feedback.

Thanks man. I just would like a little more detail on how you felt the cinematography boring? (Just for future projects). The thing is, when I shoot something, I never want someone to stop and say, "Wow, what a nice camera move, or what a nice shot." If someone says that after the piece, that's ok. But, I want everything to blend. I don't want to be fancy for the sake of being fancy, you know? Anyway, just my philospophy. Thanks again for the feedback! I really do appreciate it!

[Brandon Rice]

B-Man, answer me this when you get back, cuz I have to know:

Did the actor playing the Psychiatrist improv his lines?

Well, they were written, but he's more of an improv guy, so a lot was kind of improv'd I guess. He was the harder one to edit, since no two takes were the same.

[Kaz]

Yeah, he seemed pretty free-form, like he was adding his own words at the end. Maybe this was mentioned but, was the girl your sister? You guys kinda resemble each other.

EDIT: Whoops! Just saw it a couple lines up!

[Jared Meyer]

resembles Briceman, or Robert Rodriguez...? :)

[Kaz]

Whoops!
But that's weird...

[krestofre]

Hey Briceman. Finally had time to sit down and watch yours. I'll reiterate what other people have said, Jorge was amazing! Perhaps the best performance in any Sci-Fi short that I've seen so far. Absolutely convincing from his first frame to his last. He reminded me of the creepy assasin from Serenity.

Anyway, this is going to be an odd comment, because there's a constructive critisism hidden in a compliment: The payoff of the film was a little cliche. Girl saves assasin, assasin screws up her life anyway. But I completely bought it. Maybe because I've always liked that cliche.

Good job on a strong film.

[FabioRafael]

Oh, and to be clear on this... Sarah is my sister.

Briceman, with all my respect your sister is very beautiful and I loved her acting.

I would like to compare the three most talked movies : I Price too High, We are not Alone and Similo.

#1 - "We are not Alone" has an interesting story, good cuts, great CGI but it is just too "War of the Worlds". I guess the filmmaker could still use the location as it was and at the same time make a different movie.
#2 - "Similo" is just gorgeous, everything is well lit. The sounds and voices are also perfect, but the problem with the movie is that, at least for me, it does not have a great story, it seems to me more like a well done tv commercial and music video mixed with some story.
#3- "I Price too High" is much more like a real movie then "Similo" even though we know that the story is a simple one. Comparing to "We are not Alone" we see that Briceman's movie is more creative. I get to the conclusion that from these three movies briceman's is at the top up to now.

I have to say that I like all these three movies but I prefer more story and more creativity. People should also see "green means go" which is really funny. Well, there are a lot more to see !!!

[ProfD]

I can see that a lot of you guys are beginning to say some of the same things I'm thinking and comments I'm hearing from some of my students... many of these clips could be more original.

Brice..I like the clip and acting in your short, but maybe the sci-fi element(?) could've been more apparent. But, it is amazingly...and I did like the girl's acting.

Think I agree with most of Fabio's comments in post#40.

Originality?

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks again so much for all of your comments. Like I said before, we had a great time shooting this, and it was a huge learning experience. Our film is far from perfect, but I hope it's a fun ride! Thanks again for all the comments, and constructive critisicm.

[Brandon Rice]

One more thing I have to ask. Nobody has really mentioned the score. Did you like it? I for one love the score. Anyway, just wondering what you thought of that element. Thanks.

[ProfD]

Score was great...sort of wondering what you might've thought of some of our films too. Haven't seen your posts on many of those...just wondering. Hopefully when you have some time, and can view them, maybe you will share your thoughts on ours as well.

[Shaun Patrick]

I've seen your film twice now and I just can't get into it. I will try not to repeat what has already been said but, for me, the acting/script ultimately hurt the film the most. Yes, the concept is interesting but the execution doesn't live up to it.

I know how hard it is to find good actors and work with actors, so I hope you take this as a learning experience. In my experience, you have to be willing to adapt the script to your actors' abilities. Unfortunately, the majority of your dialogue comes off very whiny (female lead), corny (the assassin), and completely unnatural (the doctor). It all seemed very stiff and that hindered me from getting into the film--especially since the film is structured around the worst acted scene in the movie, the doctor's office.

In terms of the cinemtography, I didn't necessarily find it boring but just generally uninteresting. The angles you chose (especially in the doctor's office) were very awkward--the side angles were just two extreme and the female lead was framed poorly in the shot-reverse-shot towards the end. With that said, the lighting was workable and your SFX shots worked for me.

Overall, good job.

[Brandon Rice]

Score was great...sort of wondering what you might've thought of some of our films too. Haven't seen your posts on many of those...just wondering. Hopefully when you have some time, and can view them, maybe you will share your thoughts on ours as well.

I have tried to comment on most of the films I've seen so far. I am on vacation in VA right now, and don't have internet access all the time. Sorry, hope to get around to more of the films.

[mrpunch]

Loved the gunman and I really liked the way the scenes were shot in the warehouse. I could have used even more of a chase in there - it was that good. And the opening was a great image and well shot as well - I was pulled in right away. Unfortunately, the office scene after that really ruined things for me - I just didn't think either of them were strong enough to pull off the acting. Nice concept, though.

[HagerNYC]

Hey Briceman. Just like everyone here I really liked your short. The hand healing effects was great, but I wanted to see more. Yeah I would've expected her to save her friend as well, but maybe that would have added way to many more pages of dialouge. The premis sounds like it would make a pretty cool feature. Kind a like "FireStarter" You could get Drew Barrymoore to play the girl. WOOHOO! :)

[ProfD]

Wow...what a difference a second viewing makes.

The intro scene is nice..with the girl healing her brother...although the The doctor was weak and uninteresting and almost ruined it for me....but the talented girl actress manages to compensate though and pulls it out...the next scene is the guy shooting the girl's friend in the back. To me, this was a major inconsistency in the whole concept though...she heals her brother, but not her friend..? Seems that would not be consistent for her character. I found myself really stuck on that for the rest of the clip.

The gunman's line about 'The girl possessing the power of life and death, etc...' and the girl's response..just doesn't mesh with the fact that she did not heal her friend...doesn't make sense. She then goes on to heal the gunman...?

The DOF shots in the warehouse were nice...very nice..I hope to get better at setting those up myself...But, the lighting was very dim in a few scenes, especially when the girl kneals down to heal the gunman....maybe that's the look you wanted. It was not bad.

Then in the end, there is a conspiratorial aspect with the doctor and the gunman. The doctor hands him the girl's psychology records...and then he throws them in the trash. Hmmm...so...what happened next? The girl could've been let out revealing the gunman's change of attitude because she saved him...or was he trying to erase the girl's existence and follow the doctor's suggestion to admit her...ie...he's a cold hearted dude even in the end.

Interesting concept...a few holes here and there in the story...I think if the girl had healed her friend...would've maintained the belief.

Cool effort, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work in the future as you progress.

[conrad_johnson]

Great job! the doctor was.. too... slow..... moving.

[THX-1138]

Hi Briceman,

Some of the best directing with respect to the actors...female lead and assasin I've seen in the shorts. The Dr. should have been recast though.

Enough has been said about the story. All of which I agree....heal the friend...please heal the friend.

The camera work could have been more interesting. Framing, movement etc. Did you study other films for ideas? If so which ones? That might help me understand visually what you were going for.

Kip

[David Jimerson]

I've only watched about ten of them so far, but I thought the overall LOOK was among the best for evoking a filmic feel.

The story was cool, but I was still a little confused -- why was it necessary to KILL the girl just because she could heal people?

I, too, dug the assassin guy. Sort of a Robert Beltran/Lou Diamond Phillips mix.

[Brandon Rice]

I've only watched about ten of them so far, but I thought the overall LOOK was among the best for evoking a filmic feel.

The story was cool, but I was still a little confused -- why was it necessary to KILL the girl just because she could heal people?

I, too, dug the assassin guy. Sort of a Robert Beltran/Lou Diamond Phillips mix.

Yeah, the whole backstory to why the assasin is after her was cut due to time constraints :( Thanks for the comments... a lot of the story is more developed in the DVD cut.

[Brandon Rice]

Enough has been said about the story. All of which I agree....heal the friend...please heal the friend.


Kip

The friend is healed... I know it's unclear. I am sorry. The reason I think being we had to literally cut the healing in half... anyway, the friend is healed. Thanks for the comment.

[Karl151k]

Has anyone else mentioned the similarity to Green Mile? I know the source of the girls powers are diffrent, but the end result (of being able to heal someone) is the same. I really liked the use of practical CG. And the scope stuff is great. Reminds of of a videogame.

[angrynerdrock07]

Really did like your piece. I loved the concept. Nice to see a different approach to the whole sci-fi thing. My only criticism against it would have to be the acting of the psychiatrist. He seemed really unconfortable in the part. Other than that you kept my interest peaked through the whole film. Can't wait to see the DVD version. Great job!

[Aaron Marshall]

This reminded me of a joint effort between the Lifetime and the Sci-Fi networks. I don't mean this as an insult, more as a compliment. A compliment on this budget level anyway. The acting was over acted (The girl, and assassin - not as bad), and under acted (the shrink) at times. I can handle one or the other if there's a consistency. The lighting was good, but the overall visual aesthetic was kind of boring.

I liked the story. As far as originality goes compared to some of the others in the fest, it had very high marks IMO. I really liked the blood effect. Good job. It's in my personal top 10.

[Brandon Rice]

Really did like your piece. I loved the concept. Nice to see a different approach to the whole sci-fi thing. My only criticism against it would have to be the acting of the psychiatrist. He seemed really unconfortable in the part. Other than that you kept my interest peaked through the whole film. Can't wait to see the DVD version. Great job!

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, we wanted to do a little different sci-fi script. More on the human level you know. A lot of people have been having problems with the psychiatrist, and I think a large part is due to the shortened version. That being said, you must judge our film solely on this cut, so unfortunantly, I am sure our end vote will suffer for it. What can you do? Anyway, thanks for the comment!

[Aaron Marshall]

"the overall visual aesthetic was kind of boring"

I said that earlier, and after watching it again I'd like to say I appreciate your color scheme approach more. It's more "purist". I'd like to see the longer cut.

[Brandon Rice]

"the overall visual aesthetic was kind of boring"

I said that earlier, and after watching it again I'd like to say I appreciate your color scheme approach more. It's more "purist". I'd like to see the longer cut.

Thanks. I went for a softer tone on this film. I like lighting with soft lights, where I've noticed a lot of people have lit with harder lights. I really liked Hiro's lighting, nice and soft... gives a more filmic feel IMO... glad you liked our color scheme, and I really am excited to show the DVD version to you all! :)

[EditPhish]

So now that I've seen most of the films, I'm starting my comments... and Briceman, you get to be lucky number 1 :)

I hope you (and everyone) knows that I really put a lot of effort into watching the movies... and watched/am watching each multiple times... took a lot of notes... so I hope you can take both my compliments and criticisms well :)

So here we go...

Like everyone else, I really liked the blood effect at the beginning... very good... looked really professional/"real".

The lead actress was excellent... she seemed to really get into the role and become the girl... I could believe her. Rodriguez was also very good -- even though he reminded me of Tubbs from Miami Vice (hehe).

I didn't like the Shrink... he came across as unnatural/unbelievable. His office also seemed too crowded... not as much by where the girl was sitting, but behind him with the multiple metal book shelves.

The sound outside at the lake needed some work... the dialogue got lost in the wind and it was hard to hear them.

I liked the story a lot, and the only nitpick I'd have is the very last shot of the file going into the garbage can, which I didn't quite get. Shredding it, taking it, hiding it, all seem like they would have been better choices than out in the open on top of the the garbage can... but that's just a little nit pick ;)

The cinematography and editing were very good overall. In the editing there only were two spots that bugged me a bit... at the very beginning when she's in front of the mirror she's dancing, then you cut and she isn't, then cut back and she is... the inconsistency came through, though only on a second and third viewing. For pacing, the car screeching up to the warehouse didn't seem to flow well, and Rodriguez following her into the warehouse, or something, might have worked a bit better.

Lighting was great... but maybe it could have been a bit more ominous in the warehouse scene.

Great job overall and we really enjoyed it watching it. Overall, the story flowed well and I didn't feel at all it was too long or too short... it fit the timeframe well. It didn't drag at any parts and kept me interested all the way through. Kudos to you!

[Brandon Rice]

So now that I've seen most of the films, I'm starting my comments... and Briceman, you get to be lucky number 1

I hope you (and everyone) knows that I really put a lot of effort into watching the movies... and watched/am watching each multiple times... took a lot of notes... so I hope you can take both my compliments and criticisms well

So here we go...

Like everyone else, I really liked the blood effect at the beginning... very good... looked really professional/"real".

The lead actress was excellent... she seemed to really get into the role and become the girl... I could believe her. Rodriguez was also very good -- even though he reminded me of Tubbs from Miami Vice (hehe).

I didn't like the Shrink... he came across as unnatural/unbelievable. His office also seemed too crowded... not as much by where the girl was sitting, but behind him with the multiple metal book shelves.

The sound outside at the lake needed some work... the dialogue got lost in the wind and it was hard to hear them.

I liked the story a lot, and the only nitpick I'd have is the very last shot of the file going into the garbage can, which I didn't quite get. Shredding it, taking it, hiding it, all seem like they would have been better choices than out in the open on top of the the garbage can... but that's just a little nit pick ;)

The cinematography and editing were very good overall. In the editing there only were two spots that bugged me a bit... at the very beginning when she's in front of the mirror she's dancing, then you cut and she isn't, then cut back and she is... the inconsistency came through, though only on a second and third viewing. For pacing, the car screeching up to the warehouse didn't seem to flow well, and Rodriguez following her into the warehouse, or something, might have worked a bit better.

Lighting was great... but maybe it could have been a bit more ominous in the warehouse scene.

Great job overall and we really enjoyed it watching it. Overall, the story flowed well and I didn't feel at all it was too long or too short... it fit the timeframe well. It didn't drag at any parts and kept me interested all the way through. Kudos to you!

Thanks so much for your review! I just wanted to let you know that the opening scene was meant to be jump cut :) And, thanks for the constructive critisicm, and everything. Most people have had a problem with the shrink, and I think it's due in part to a lot of his major dialogue having to be cut in this shortened version. So, hopefully you'll like his performance better in the "real" cut ;) Thanks again for the comments, and your critique has not fallen on deaf ears.

[Jimmy John Worley]

I liked it, she had healing powers. What is the likelyhood of the hitman missing twice in one day though. Food for thought. I liked the twist in the end though.

[Jeremy Ordan]

I've never been more hesitant about posting a review to give you more fuel to post like a madman :) but here you go.

A Price Too High – Like everyone else the blood thing caught my interest in the beginning, and overall I thought that the score in the beginning worked well. Not to be a nay sayer, but the acting of the lead girl didn’t do it for me. The doctor’s acting didn’t really do it for me either. The sound at 1:33 gets really noisy, lots of wind. At first I liked the sniper viewpoint, but the second time we see that shot it just doesn’t work for me. I liked the warehouse location and the payoff at the end worked for me. Here is what sort of killed it for me ultimately: 2:50 the dialogue gets really cliché. The word power is said a lot, and it just pulls me out of it. I liked the score in that scene in the warehouse, but the word power could be a drinking game. I liked the Rodriguez guy as an actor, and the bullet shot worked well for me. The payoff at the end was a little cheesy, and the whole healing and passing out thing reminded me a bit of The Green Mile. The sound throughout was good with the exception of the lake scene. I thought your color correction was good and it was a good submission. Best of luck.

[Brandon Rice]

I've never been more hesitant about posting a review to give you more fuel to post like a madman :) but here you go.

A Price Too High – Like everyone else the blood thing caught my interest in the beginning, and overall I thought that the score in the beginning worked well. Not to be a nay sayer, but the acting of the lead girl didn’t do it for me. The doctor’s acting didn’t really do it for me either. The sound at 1:33 gets really noisy, lots of wind. At first I liked the sniper viewpoint, but the second time we see that shot it just doesn’t work for me. I liked the warehouse location and the payoff at the end worked for me. Here is what sort of killed it for me ultimately: 2:50 the dialogue gets really cliché. The word power is said a lot, and it just pulls me out of it. I liked the score in that scene in the warehouse, but the word power could be a drinking game. I liked the Rodriguez guy as an actor, and the bullet shot worked well for me. The payoff at the end was a little cheesy, and the whole healing and passing out thing reminded me a bit of The Green Mile. The sound throughout was good with the exception of the lake scene. I thought your color correction was good and it was a good submission. Best of luck.

Thanks for the comment man, and don't worry, I won't post like a madman ;)

[darkfader]

Hey

Very nice overall composition. Your film was one of the first I watched because of all your participation in the festival. My only problem was with your female actress she was little unbelievable at times but I found myself having the same problem with my female actor. All in all nice job.

Darkfader

[Brandon Rice]

Hey

Very nice overall composition. Your film was one of the first I watched because of all your participation in the festival. My only problem was with your female actress she was little unbelievable at times but I found myself having the same problem with my female actor. All in all nice job.

Darkfader

Thanks for the comment! Still haven't seen your film yet, just trying to get them all downloaded at the moment. It's a bit of a slow connection I'm using here in VA. And, I'm not around all the time either. Thanks again for the comment!:cool:

[Matthew Bennett]

Your sister is pretty.

[Brandon Rice]

Your sister is pretty.

haha. Thanks. What'd you think of the film though ;)

[Beat Takeshi]

I liked this joint also. The story held together except for the part where she didnt save her friend because in the warehouse they talk about her saving people from dying. I thought she fit the part and reminded me of Rogue from x-men. The shrink guy seemed very stiff compared to everyone else and should have been alot older. I think that guy in your doc, the older video dude would have been a better choice. Her brother, You introduced him into right away and then nothing about him ever again.
I loved the shots of her when she was hiding from him. I thought the opening music fit the shots and age factor of the kids. The blood disappearing from his hand was nice as was the sniper cross hairs. The ending could have moved along a little faster, the shrink scenes seemed to drag.
Good job dude.

[Brandon Rice]

I liked this joint also. The story held together except for the part where she didnt save her friend because in the warehouse they talk about her saving people from dying. I thought she fit the part and reminded me of Rogue from x-men. The shrink guy seemed very stiff compared to everyone else and should have been alot older. I think that guy in your doc, the older video dude would have been a better choice. Her brother, You introduced him into right away and then nothing about him ever again.
I loved the shots of her when she was hiding from him. I thought the opening music fit the shots and age factor of the kids. The blood disappearing from his hand was nice as was the sniper cross hairs. The ending could have moved along a little faster, the shrink scenes seemed to drag.
Good job dude.

Thanks Aram! Glad you liked it. Really looking forward to seeing your film (just downloaded it). I did say that the girl did heal the friend (earlier in the posts). It was unclear due to cutting some things out for time constraints. Anyway, glad you liked it, and we had a great time making this! Peace!

[smelni]

I enjoyed this film. Agreed with a lot of comments here - the agents acting was a bit melodramatic at times.

The cinematograpy kept my attention and shots were interesting.

Some of the action was great - like the target searching - and some a bit labored like the box falling but all in all a fun ride

[Brandon Rice]

I enjoyed this film. Agreed with a lot of comments here - the agents acting was a bit melodramatic at times.

The cinematograpy kept my attention and shots were interesting.

Some of the action was great - like the target searching - and some a bit labored like the box falling but all in all a fun ride

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the film! :) That's what I'm going for, a fun ride!:cool:

[EJ Pennypacker]

For me, the actor who played Agent Rodriguez did a very nice job. There were some clunky lines that he struggled to deliver, but that's not he's fault IMHO. I was really impressed with the music, especially in the warehouse scene, which added to the tension. I also though the scope POV was nicely done as well.

EJ

[John C Lyons]

Blood and Scopevision were very well done!

I thought the girl did a solid job of acting, as well as the assassin, the Dr. though was really bad (I'm guessing he didn't look over his lines much?)

Kept my attention and was generally shot well. Nice concept.

[Brandon Rice]

Blood and Scopevision were very well done!

I thought the girl did a solid job of acting, as well as the assassin, the Dr. though was really bad (I'm guessing he didn't look over his lines much?)

Kept my attention and was generally shot well. Nice concept.

Thanks for the comment! The Dr. is getting a pretty bad wrap IMO. He did look over his lines quite a bit, and did a good job IMO, but his performance is very cut down in this shortened version. I am thinking this is why his part is the weakest. No excuse however. It's the six minute version we're looking at here. Thanks for the comment again and I am very glad it kept you "gripped". :)

[MsManhattan]

Nice job, Brandon! My favorite shot is of the girl hiding in the warehouse -- very beautifully lit. I liked the open -- it drew me in right away. The sound was kinda rough, but I think you mentioned that somewhere in this thread. I, too, liked the assasin, and I also didn't quite believe the shrink, but I thought it was from having seen him in your feature and not being able to separate him from that until I saw all the other posts here... My problem with him was that he just seemed kind of condescending, and in a way that gives away the ending... But overall, great job!

[Brandon Rice]

Nice job, Brandon! My favorite shot is of the girl hiding in the warehouse -- very beautifully lit. I liked the open -- it drew me in right away. The sound was kinda rough, but I think you mentioned that somewhere in this thread. I, too, liked the assasin, and I also didn't quite believe the shrink, but I thought it was from having seen him in your feature and not being able to separate him from that until I saw all the other posts here... My problem with him was that he just seemed kind of condescending, and in a way that gives away the ending... But overall, great job!

Thanks so much, I am glad you enjoyed the film! Yeah, sound design is for sure not my thing, I am trying to get better at it. Thanks for the comments!

[Dahopafilms]

Brandon,

Sorry this took so long to get to. I've watched your short a couple of times now and offer the following (much of which may have already been covered in previous posts).

Yes, I liked your lead actress and the opening scene grabs. Music and movement great. Nice title and VO.

Next, the psychiatrist. Sorry, but I'm going to go against the tide of some of the comments above. I liked the actor and I liked the delivery. It's nice to have some variations on what is "expected" and this guy filled the bill. I didn't peg him as a bad actor - nor was he delivering on bad lines. To me, he was believable. So, sorry, but nice job in relation to him (MAN! It's cold and lonely out here ...).

The lake scene. Loren, the best friend. So sorry again, but I didn't like her delivery at all. Nor did I like the line "I'm your best friend you can talk to me". Too rushed a delivery. Too "on the nose" in the writing. When in real life was the last time anyone heard a statement "I'm your best friend ...<insert on-the-nose comment here>"? Then again, I have no friends so maybe that happens all the time.

I immediately bought into the shooter-assassin. Nice underplayed emotions. Nice prop rifle too. Great, dangerous look.

I, too, was surprised that Loren didn't appear to be saved by Jennifer. Seemed to me that should have happened - and a real friend would have given Loren another chance at delivering some better lines.

I liked the warehouse location. Of course, I was wondering about the zoning by-laws for a place that allows an industrial warehouse to be built so close to a beautiful lakeside residential development (or at least within a quick running distance), but that's just me being nit picky.

Once in the warehouse, I really liked that scene. I was wondering at the outset why the shooter was getting into such a dialogue with her (he'd already missed her once - just finish the job like a pro), but I bought into the story line (he wanted her to come with him). Really nice sequence where Jennifer reveals herself and asks "Why?" I liked that a lot. Nice camera work (I assume you have follow focus on your rig). I was not as fussed as others who didn't like the "power" word.

In the closing scene in the psych office, it was interesting that there was a nice pair of long, sharp scissors in a mesh cup on the psychiatrist's desk. I guess he just sees the non-violent, non-threatening, non-suicidal psychotics. (MAN! NOW THAT REALLY IS OVER-THE-TOP NIT PICKING!):eek: Sorry.

I liked the ending but didn't like the file-into-the-garbage treatment. Shred, burn hide - but don't simply discard.

By the way, I thought the score fit perfectly. Nice editing and nice camera work throughout.

Brandon, please don't take the above as anything other than my feeble attempt to find stuff that struck me. I really liked this short and if it's not in my "top five" (and I haven't finished watching all the shorts yet), I have no doubt it will be in my "top ten". You do have talent.

Cheers, and thanks.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks for your kind words! I am happy that someone liked the doctor!! haha! I have to say that the only "non-actor" we had on this film was Lauren, and she did what she could for the role. The lines were all improv'd for her dialogue. We originally were going to shoot it all MOS, but at the last minute changed to have her actually say something on camera. And Lauren is actually healed, I know it doesn't seem like it (mainly because we had to chop the healing down in this version) but she is really healed. Thanks for the comment on the scissors (I never thought of that!!) Next time I do a scene in a Psychiatrist's office I will not put scissors in it. haha! Thanks again for the review, and I am glad you enjoyed the film! :)

[Ought2bCommitted]

Hey Brice.

I haven't read previous posts, so I'm sorry if you've heard it before...

I liked the concept overall. Interesting premise, and executed fairly well.

I liked the blood effect and the sniper rifle pov was nice. Good job there!

What I didn't like was the lead's acting. Felt very forced and well, acty.
The sound when the friend is killed was a little off as well. The music was a little too loud perhaps and the gunshot didn't resonate with me as being real.

The sniper actor was fairly solid though. Believeable. Nice job there.

In the end what kept me out of the movie was that I didn't buy your lead actress and therefore didn't care so much about her fate.

Nice work! Great job overall!

Robert

[Brandon Rice]

Thank you for your kind words... I am glad the film worked for you overall. Sorry you did not particularly like the lead actress (haven't had too many people comment on her). Anyway, thanks for the review, and thank you for watching our film! :)

[Brandon Rice]

Once in the warehouse, I really liked that scene. I was wondering at the outset why the shooter was getting into such a dialogue with her (he'd already missed her once - just finish the job like a pro), but I bought into the story line (he wanted her to come with him). Really nice sequence where Jennifer reveals herself and asks "Why?" I liked that a lot. Nice camera work (I assume you have follow focus on your rig). I was not as fussed as others who didn't like the "power" word.


Funny you should mention a follow focus. I don't have one. What I did is set the focus on Jennifer, with the agent in frame. Then I made a note of what focus number it was on. Then we set it back to the original point where it's on the agent. Then we had Jennifer walk back. Then we had the agent walk back and we rolled. He came into frame, then Jennifer came in a few beats later, and as she came in I pulled focus back to the number I had in my mind for her focus. Then in post I added the camera movement up as the focus is being pulled to add a little something to the shot :) Glad you liked that shot... we had to do many takes to get the timing right for the focus and actors.

[Larry Rutledge]

Quick Disclaimer: I am avoiding reading other comments before rating each of the films, so I may repeat comments others have said to death.

This film was great...I really enjoyed it. The blood in the hand fx was cool and very real looking. I remember before the viewing started you mentioned this was a trimmed down verison of a longer piece, I'm really looking forward to seeing the complete film.

The audio was good, I didn't have problems hearing what the actors were saying. I really didn't care for the psychiatrist, he was a bit stilted in his acting. The other actors did a good job, but the assassin was outstanding - it would be a pleasure to have him in any production if he can deliver like that all the time...great job.

I like the story and it felt complete. I saw the end coming, but wasn't disappointed when it arrived.

Good job.

Larry

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks for the kind words Larry, I am very glad you enjoyed the film! :)

[Brandon Rice]

I thought we'd post up our poster. It's kind of simple... but I like it.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b282/scionbrice/postercopy.jpg

[g0ldenb0y55]

Briceman,

The short came out great man! I really don't care about everyone else's comments.

I definately like the full version better, but the 6 min. version came out just as good.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks Goldenboy! Also, just wanted to give a shout-out to you. Just so everyone knows who was responsible for our special effects, it was Goldenboy55! Good friend of mine, and I also work with him. Thanks a lot for the help dude!

[g0ldenb0y55]

Thanks for the shout out Briceman! It was nothing. Glad I was able to help a brotha out!

Your Sci-Fi Short seems to be very popular! Congrats!

[Ramon Boutviseth]

Briceman!

yo. I didn't think your lead was all that bad. The sniper dude was good too. The doctor is the weaker of the bunch I think. I thought the sniper should have been crush the shelves but obivously you can't do that... lol. The twist in the end made this film completed.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks dude! Really glad you enjoyed our little film! :) I'm working on some BTS stuff right now!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

ok dude ... finally getting to these ...

Congratulations are in order - a lot to be proud of here!

biggest ding was the dialogue around "I can't let this happen" ... he said the same thing over and over paraphrased or slightlt re-ordered.

Your film's highest category for me was cinematography and I felt there was a lot of heart in this project.

kudos man!

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks for the comment Jack! Your critique and comments are very highly regarded, and you were the one who inspired me to enter a short into the fest this time around. Anyway, thanks for the comment man!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

wow thanks :)

[hienben]

I enjoyed this movie a lot. A good solid story and great acting by the Rodrigez character, even the doctor was O.K. by me. I thought the shots in the warehouse looked fantastic, I liked the dolly shot and then when the girl stepped into the frame, very nice!

A couple of minor observations about timing. When the music changed after the crate fell on the guy's head and also when the doctor left the room and declared that the girl could be committed. These two moments felt a bit hurried. Just small points though which shows what a great job you did! Well done man!

Ben

[Brandon Rice]

Thank you for your kind words Ben, I am very happy you enjoyed the film! I would also agree that parts of the film feel rushed a bit, that is in large part due to cutting the original cut (DVD cut) from 11:30 min. to 6 min. quite a lot was sacrificed in cutting it down to 6 min.

Update! I've added some links to some of the music from the score of our film! Enjoy!

[lookatmeimbender]

So was she an alien or just had healing powers? I got this E.T. vibe out of it. the movie was ehh... could have been better.

[Brandon Rice]

She was not an alien, just an extraordinary girl with a special gift. I am sorry you did not like the film. Or as you put it, it was just eh. I suppose it's not for everyone. Thanks for the comment!

[Brandon Rice]

I added some before/after screenshots in the first post.

[Brandon Rice]

Some more before/after screenshots:

http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/sarahbefore.jpg
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/sarahafter.jpg
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/openingbefore.jpg
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/openingafter.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

Hope you enjoyed our before/after photos. We're in the midst of finishing up a nice little BTS documentary piece for the film.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

a Brice too high

should let the designated driver drive

[Brandon Rice]

a Brice too high

should let the designated driver drive

HAHA... please don't start with the parodies already! :D

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

I guess you're just not willing to pay that price ...

[Brandon Rice]

LOL! Jack, you're the man!

[Norm Sanders]

Personally, I liked this film.
At first, as in from the start, it really grips us.
Not like some others that take forever go get to the story.
Do you know what I mean?
Of course you do.
Really a great flick to watch!
A must see!

I call this one, "Mr. Subliminal". It's like, "Hey, how much is that free coke over there?" Um, it's free? Really? Thanks!

Think I'll throw this little gem in Jack's thread too. I'd do it to others, but not sure they could handle the ribbing. :)

[Brandon Rice]

HAHAHA! Thanks for the "compliments" on our film Norm ;)

[Kholi]

Someone provoked me to tell people why I used the little bar to skip through pieces.

So, I picked the first .rar archive I opened, and the first one I saw--

It was "A Price too High".

I take criticism well. In fact, I take the bad better than I take the good. But, I don't know how other people take it. So, Brice/Brandon... here are the things that make me not want to watch your short again.

1. Bad acting
2. Boring exposition
3. Way too long for the content
4. Uninteresting Dialogue
5. Ending

I didn't elaborate on cases because, frankly, I don't like giving criticism to works I think are bad. I'm almost afraid to. I love when someone slices writing to pieces, but I wouldn't be a good person to talk to if the work is bad. If it's good.. .well, it just makes it easy. =P

[Brandon Rice]

Wow thanks... I think I'll have a dandy day after reading that. Glad you enjoyed our film so much :) So much in fact you didn't eleborate on your very few critiscisms.

[Kholi]

That sounds like you want me to elaborate.. Okay!

1> Bad Acting: From the beginning, nearly every actor forced lines and action. When she's dancing in the mirror? Yeah, that looks really forced. Then you move to the guy that's supposed to be a psychiatrist? I couldn't tell. Did he forget his lines? It continues throughout... Rodriguez took a few too many dramatic pauses a.k.a beats. There's one good one though, the brother. But then again, it's hard to find good actors with a small budget.

2> Boring Exposition: The events that lead up to the ending just weren't strong enough. Maybe it wasn't Boring? But it just wasn't so interesting.

3> Way too long for the content: It was stretched. You could've taken out a good two minutes and still had the same effect. Five minutes is way too long for the content to me. There wasn't enough to take up five minutes of screen time.

4> Uninteresting Dialogue: Real doctors don't talk like that. Neither do covert operatives trying to put a bullet into someone's head. He's mad that he missed his shot? Now he has one and he wants to monologue? Err.

5> Ending: Cliche. Cliche is good sometimes, but, well.. i dunno. I guess some people expect too much. I slapped myself on the hand for you.

No offense meant. But I do agree with what I was told in another thread. I should comment on what I didn't like to see if it helps someone. If it doesn't, well, that's fine too.

[Kholi]

Oh and by the way-- A+ for effort. I really do wish, every day, that I could just get up and make a short, ANY short... so that I had something to show. Everyone who entered really should be proud of their perseverance; it's what sets them apart from everyone else.

[Brandon Rice]

Well sir, I respect your comments. When they are this negative though, I just have to simply respond with saying this film was not meant for you. Obviously you don't enjoy it at all, and I am fine with that. I think many other people on this board have enjoyed the film, and have felt it had some merit. I must say I totally disagree on the cliche ending though. If I wanted to have a cliche ending, I would have done another scene and had the agent walk into the room and shoot the girl. That would have been cliche. Anyway, all I have to say is that apparently you were not my target audience. Thanks.

[Kholi]

I don't know if having her head plugged would've been cliche, more like "trying"... but whatever. I won't say anything more about your work.

Like I said, A+ for having something more than I do. But, I have no other pats on the back, regardless of who might think I should. I only hope someone's just as forward with me when I finally put my words where my eyes are.

[Brandon Rice]

Well... thanks for at least watching the film. Best of luck to ya!

[Jared Meyer]

Hey Briceman-

I enjoyed watching your flick. You did a really nice job presenting something that was appropriate to the 6 minute time limit, in that you told a complete, coherent story. (That said, I would still like to see your longer cut :))

I have to say I didn't mind the shrink's acting that much. The acting was pretty solid across the board. The ONLY thing that really bothered me was the dialogue in the warehouse, which was ULTRA cheesy. I think the two characters bandied the word "power" back and forth about 6 times.

Oh, and I did not quite get the ending. Was the shrink doing the girl a favor by throwing her file away? If he was trying to do her a favor, why did he turn her in in the first place? I know I missed something here. Forgive me if it's totally obvious. Or if you've explained it already. :) You don't have to reply specifically to this post, I just wanted to give you my viewing impressions. I did watch it twice, but it was a few days ago.

Overall, really solid job! Good luck on your next project.

[Brandon Rice]

Very happy you enjoyed the film! As far as the ending goes. It's not a button ending that a lot of films have. It leaves a little up to the audience to imagine what could happen. It's a picture really... when that file goes into the trash... it's supposed to show that the girl's life is over, as she knew it before. Anyway, I think the longer version shows more of what I mean. Thanks again for the comment!

[g0ldenb0y55]

Hey Briceman,

You can't please them all... I can also say that the world doesn't revolve around Kholi's comments/criticsim. You did a fine job with your short film and I hope to see more of your projects in the future.

[Brandon Rice]

Hey Briceman,

You can't please them all... I can also say that the world doesn't revolve around Kholi's comments/criticsim. You did a fine job with your short film and I hope to see more of your projects in the future.

Thanks man. I can't try to please everyone. I have to make film's that I enjoy, and hope other people do too :) Thanks for the encouragment.

[Kholi]

Hey Briceman,

You can't please them all... I can also say that the world doesn't revolve around Kholi's comments/criticsim. You did a fine job with your short film and I hope to see more of your projects in the future.

See what happens when you state your opinion and the reasons behind it? You get people like this taking stabs at your "opinion".

Pft. And others on this board wonder why they don't get comments.

Brice took his criticism well. He didn't need you to jump in and pat his back. He's a man, I'd like to think.

[Brandon Rice]

Ok, Kholi, I don't think he was stabbing your opinion. I think he simply meant I cannot please all people. Which I realize. And, I respect your opinion on the film, as much as I respect Goldenboy's opinion.

[g0ldenb0y55]

See what happens when you state your opinion and the reasons behind it? You get people like this taking stabs at your "opinion".

Pft. And others on this board wonder why they don't get comments.

Brice took his criticism well. He didn't need you to jump in and pat his back. He's a man, I'd like to think.

You can dish out criticism but you obviously hate to recieve them.

My statement was exaclty what briceman concluded from it. You can't please everyone. Maybe the short film wasn't for you. But in my case, I enjoyed it! It's just a difference of opinion. It was in no way to "stab you in the back". But if that's how you took it, then please forgive me. I go to this forum to learn and encourage fellow members, not to stab them in the back.

[Kholi]

You can dish out criticism but you obviously hate to recieve them.

My statement was exaclty what briceman concluded from it. You can't please everyone. Maybe the short film wasn't for you. But in my case, I enjoyed it! It's just a difference of opinion. It was in no way to "stab you in the back". But if that's how you took it, then please forgive me. I go to this forum to learn and encourage fellow members, not to stab them in the back.

You're not the type to really take time out to read, are you?

I think I said it TWICE in this thread already. Here's the THIRD time for you..

KHOLI LOVE'S CRITICISM AND HE ADORES NEGATIVE CRITICISM MORE THAN BACK-PATTING.

Do I need to state it more? Fine, you enjoyed it-- but don't try to down-play me just to make the guy feel better. Wtf. The world doesn't revolve around either our opinions, nor anyone elses here. I elaborated on what wasn't liked and that's that.

[g0ldenb0y55]

Okay, calm down dude. Take a chill pill. You think to highly of yourself bro. You've got major pride issues. I wonder how you are outside of this forum.

[Daniel Skubal]

Did you have to phrase it as you did though? Of course you don't have to like the film, but to say "Someone provoked me to tell people why I used the little bar to skip through pieces."

and "didn't elaborate on cases because, frankly, I don't like giving criticism to works I think are bad."

It's incredibly disrespectful. Have some decency.

[Kholi]

Put it like this--

When your parents and friends tell you that your film is "the best", then you go and try to show it to someone considered a professional, and they think it's tripe? How are you going to feel?

You call it disrespect and indecency, I call it "truth". I'm more than happy to have someone totally rip me a new eye-socket if I'm skimping or half-assing on something I consider my CRAFT.

Now that I know this is a community based on Back-patting, I'll make sure not to comment on things that I don't like.

=D Simple. I have Ginger Ale.

[Brandon Rice]

Put it like this--

When your parents and friends tell you that your film is "the best", then you go and try to show it to someone considered a professional, and they think it's tripe? How are you going to feel?

You call it disrespect and indecency, I call it "truth". I'm more than happy to have someone totally rip me a new eye-socket if I'm skimping or half-assing on something I consider my CRAFT.

Now that I know this is a community based on Back-patting, I'll make sure not to comment on things that I don't like.

=D Simple. I have Ginger Ale.

Ok, I hate saying this because it'll sound so "trying" probably, but whatever. I actually screened this film for a writer for the Washington Post, and she found it incredibly well done, and enjoyed the film and it's meaning a lot. Obviously this was the more extended version, but nonetheless, it was someone who is extrememly intelligent, and not one of my friends or family. Anyway, best of luck to ya!

[Z B Brox]

Kholi--

No one's saying this is a community based on back-patting, the argument comes when people draw differing lines of tact. There are different ways to make the same points, and while you may think unvarnished hoensty is preferable, some people think it's important to focus on positives as well as negatives. People just respond better when they feel someone is being fair with them. No one says you can't criticize, but some people may find your comments less than constructive.

To be honest, I don't much mind what you said, and I'm sure Briceman can take it. What you said that *doeS* bother me, though, is that remark on not wanting to comment on things that are bad. I think, as a rule, negative criticism is the most useful kind, and I think the least we cna do for those who got out there and made a flick for us to see is try and help them improve.

[Kholi]

Sorry to litter your thread, Brice, but I had already moved on past that. I should'nt have been replying here. I'm glad that the writer for the Washington Post enjoyed your work. I'm glad that everyone can formulate an opinion on anything they want.

My Favorite movie is Ghostbusters. =D And I KNOW that it's not a favorite of a LOT of people.

Keep doing what you're doing-- people like me aren't important at all.

I'm done.


Ok, I hate saying this because it'll sound so "trying" probably, but whatever. I actually screened this film for a writer for the Washington Post, and she found it incredibly well done, and enjoyed the film and it's meaning a lot. Obviously this was the more extended version, but nonetheless, it was someone who is extrememly intelligent, and not one of my friends or family. Anyway, best of luck to ya!

[g0ldenb0y55]

What is your CRAFT?

[Brandon Rice]

Sorry to litter your thread, Brice, but I had already moved on past that. I should'nt have been replying here. I'm glad that the writer for the Washington Post enjoyed your work. I'm glad that everyone can formulate an opinion on anything they want.

My Favorite movie is Ghostbusters. =D And I KNOW that it's not a favorite of a LOT of people.

Keep doing what you're doing-- people like me aren't important at all.

I'm done.

Your comments did not fall on deaf ears, and I respect your opinion, you are important. You're a human being with an opinion :) thanks!

[Kholi]

Yeah I know Brice can handle it. In fact, I think I was more concious of those people who would jump in to defend him when he can hold his own sword; and he did.

I'm maso... I like to be ripped into. I think that once you get ripped into enough on every point, you come out polished and indestructable. Well, that's if you survive it.

But that's just me.

Thanks for understanding.


Kholi--

No one's saying this is a community based on back-patting, the argument comes when people draw differing lines of tact. There are different ways to make the same points, and while you may think unvarnished hoensty is preferable, some people think it's important to focus on positives as well as negatives. People just respond better when they feel someone is being fair with them. No one says you can't criticize, but some people may find your comments less than constructive.

To be honest, I don't much mind what you said, and I'm sure Briceman can take it. What you said that *doeS* bother me, though, is that remark on not wanting to comment on things that are bad. I think, as a rule, negative criticism is the most useful kind, and I think the least we cna do for those who got out there and made a flick for us to see is try and help them improve.

[Kholi]

What is your CRAFT?

Point made. You should read a bit more into things, you might find information that's detremental to making a valid, concrete and irrefutable arguement.

My signature states that I'm a screenwriter. Whether or not you can or want to hire me is another story.

We're all cool here... especially when we eat PBJ.

[Brandon Rice]

I apologize to anyone who is subsribed to this thread or has read through it. I did not forsee this discussion (argument) happening. If we can get back to some true discussion and comments, that would be great! :) THanks!

[g0ldenb0y55]

Finally took the chill pill. Lol

[g0ldenb0y55]

Hey man, I was just trying to get under your skin a little. I did see screenwritter under your signature, it's just that you were out of the relms of screenwritting commenting on this short that I thought you were more than a screenwritter. You did state that the dialogue wasn't all that great but that came second to all your other comments about the piece. That's all.:)

Point made. You should read a bit more into things, you might find information that's detremental to making a valid, concrete and irrefutable arguement.

My signature states that I'm a screenwriter. Whether or not you can or want to hire me is another story.

We're all cool here... especially when we eat PBJ.

[Matthew Bennett]

Hi, sorry if I'm repeating something that has been argued to death already...

I was just reading this thread and I decided to watch the film again.

I liked it a lot more the second time. The guy that plays 'Rodriguez' is really cool, he moves really well, he looks a bit sad, a lot serious and does the 'guy with a gun' thing in a way that seems real, or least very entertaining. He IS entertaining to watch. He 'behaves', he inhabits his character. There are lots of way to quantify this. I think you shot him and directed him in a way that is flattering to his strengths as an actor. His scenes are edited with good timing and rhythm. It's fun to watch him work.

The 'doctor' guy is a joke, however. Now, this is where the whole thing gets strange for me. You cut the doctor's performance so that there would be extra lag time after every sentence he speaks, 'framing' the boredom of his delivery. It's a like a worst case scenario... Bad acting, bad instincts, bad framing, bad editing. You shot him from below, an angle which makes people look lazy and fat. You directed him to have long pauses but no rhythm or tone changes, no unexpected surprises. This guy literally makes people walk away from the screen or fast-forward the video. His scenes are just boring.

So, that said, now we have these two 'opposites'...

We have this really cool guy who makes the movie really good when he's in frame and then this really boring guy who makes the movie really horrible when he's in frame. And both of their performances and the way that both are presented magnify greatly how good and bad they both are. They are literally presented in ways that make a cool actor 'super cool' and a boring actor 'super boring'.

So this, for me, makes the movie really strange to watch! I'm being pulled both ways. It's impossible to tell what you were thinking when you were filming this.

I think that you should just get the guy who played rodriguez and a woman who looks like someone he would go out with, put them together, and film them. She wants to have kids but he has to live the ruthless life of an X government operative or something, I dunno. You could have something all the way good on your hands.

Thanks for the film, it was a very interesting experience...!

Rodriguez forever!!

[kimko]

well finally got see them you be the first;good pro actor; hitman, good eyeline subtle seemed big on the screen, great act. the girl some good moments a little uneven at times but hey we're all learning, i think the doc was trying to be a little condescending to her character as sometimes doctors do, good choice but maybe more subtle, less of a smirk of the mouth more in the eyes, his office well too wherehouse look not like a shrinks office too cluttered, clear the space behind him. geesh i'm trying to remember.....oh at the end when the doc comes out maybe a little darkness then the hitman comes out of the shadows... i'm not much on tech stuff i'm just a stupid actor. good concept BRANDON! good writing in 6 mins. yeah baby you got a movie man! CONGRATS!

[CallaghanFilms]

...just look at that face...Kimko definitely knows what the inside of a shrink's office looks like...http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/evil.gif

...all too well

[Brandon Rice]

well finally got see them you be the first;good pro actor; hitman, good eyeline subtle seemed big on the screen, great act. the girl some good moments a little uneven at times but hey we're all learning, i think the doc was trying to be a little condescending to her character as sometimes doctors do, good choice but maybe more subtle, less of a smirk of the mouth more in the eyes, his office well too wherehouse look not like a shrinks office too cluttered, clear the space behind him. geesh i'm trying to remember.....oh at the end when the doc comes out maybe a little darkness then the hitman comes out of the shadows... i'm not much on tech stuff i'm just a stupid actor. good concept BRANDON! good writing in 6 mins. yeah baby you got a movie man! CONGRATS!

Thanks Kimko! By the way, great job on Callaghan's film! Loved your performance, real pro man! Thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed our film.

[Brandon Rice]

Hi, sorry if I'm repeating something that has been argued to death already...

I was just reading this thread and I decided to watch the film again.

I liked it a lot more the second time. The guy that plays 'Rodriguez' is really cool, he moves really well, he looks a bit sad, a lot serious and does the 'guy with a gun' thing in a way that seems real, or least very entertaining. He IS entertaining to watch. He 'behaves', he inhabits his character. There are lots of way to quantify this. I think you shot him and directed him in a way that is flattering to his strengths as an actor. His scenes are edited with good timing and rhythm. It's fun to watch him work.

The 'doctor' guy is a joke, however. Now, this is where the whole thing gets strange for me. You cut the doctor's performance so that there would be extra lag time after every sentence he speaks, 'framing' the boredom of his delivery. It's a like a worst case scenario... Bad acting, bad instincts, bad framing, bad editing. You shot him from below, an angle which makes people look lazy and fat. You directed him to have long pauses but no rhythm or tone changes, no unexpected surprises. This guy literally makes people walk away from the screen or fast-forward the video. His scenes are just boring.

So, that said, now we have these two 'opposites'...

We have this really cool guy who makes the movie really good when he's in frame and then this really boring guy who makes the movie really horrible when he's in frame. And both of their performances and the way that both are presented magnify greatly how good and bad they both are. They are literally presented in ways that make a cool actor 'super cool' and a boring actor 'super boring'.

So this, for me, makes the movie really strange to watch! I'm being pulled both ways. It's impossible to tell what you were thinking when you were filming this.

I think that you should just get the guy who played rodriguez and a woman who looks like someone he would go out with, put them together, and film them. She wants to have kids but he has to live the ruthless life of an X government operative or something, I dunno. You could have something all the way good on your hands.

Thanks for the film, it was a very interesting experience...!

Rodriguez forever!!

Thanks for the comment. For the doctor. I made the decision to have awkward pauses for his lines. I wanted that awkward feel to it. I mean, I have never experienced being to a psychiatrist, but I am sure it is extremely awkward. Anyway, that is why I made that desicion. Maybe it was the wrong one. I have to stick by it now though, what's done is done :) Thanks for the comment man!

[Brandon Rice]

Hey Brice.

I haven't read previous posts, so I'm sorry if you've heard it before...

I liked the concept overall. Interesting premise, and executed fairly well.

I liked the blood effect and the sniper rifle pov was nice. Good job there!

What I didn't like was the lead's acting. Felt very forced and well, acty.
The sound when the friend is killed was a little off as well. The music was a little too loud perhaps and the gunshot didn't resonate with me as being real.

The sniper actor was fairly solid though. Believeable. Nice job there.

In the end what kept me out of the movie was that I didn't buy your lead actress and therefore didn't care so much about her fate.

Nice work! Great job overall!

Robert

Thanks a ton for your comment dude! I realized I missed replying to this one. I am sorry you didn't feel for the lead character. It's so hard to really develop her character in 6 min. We did what we could :) Thanks for the comment! :dankk2:

[Brandon Rice]

If anyone is interested in reading the original script for the film, I have put a link up for it on the first page.

[iSTy]

As the girl ran into the warehouse and touched the door I was disappointed not to see blood on it after she had touched it. I thought the acting was pretty good, especially by the 'gunman' .

I also enjoyed the music.

[Brandon Rice]

As the girl ran into the warehouse and touched the door I was disappointed not to see blood on it after she had touched it. I thought the acting was pretty good, especially by the 'gunman' .

I also enjoyed the music.


Very happy you liked the acting and music! I really enjoy the music a lot too, and think it fits the piece perfectly! Thanks for watching our film! :dankk2:

[Brandon Rice]

I've added some more music tracks to the front page!

[iSTy]

a thumbs up, had to add something in here other than the character.

[Brandon Rice]

a thumbs up, had to add something in here other than the character.

Thanks man!

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks for the shout out Briceman! It was nothing. Glad I was able to help a brotha out!

Your Sci-Fi Short seems to be very popular! Congrats!

Thanks Goldenboy! I hope people have been enjoying the film! :)

[Captain KickAss]

While there is no way that I could rank this film among the worst of the fest, it is very far from being one of the best.

Technically, I have no major qualms with this project. In general, the lighting, cinematography, and editing all seemed to flow fairly seemlessly. The audio was weak in a few points, and the score was just okay...but overall, the technical aspects were decent.

A highlight would have to be the shot when she is hiding in the Warehouse...that shot was dead on awesome.

The story however, had some pretty big holes that I can not forgive. There were many points during the film when I was like "WTF!" Things just did not add up for me. And while I have been blessed with a fairly massive willfull suspension of disbelief, there were a few things that I just fould not buy.

- How did the assassin's bosses learn about the girl and her powers?

-Why would they want her dead if she is so powerful...wouldn't they want to try to bring her into their organization?

- If the assassin was sent to kill the girl, why didn't he shoot her after he shot her friend? He already messed up, why not finish the job while he had a clear shot?

-Why didn't the girl save her friend's life? (of course this question assumes that the friend was left to die...I couldn't tell from the film whether the girl was brought back to life...if she was, this was something else that wasn't made clear enough)

-Why does the girl go back to save the assassin? HE'S TRYING TO KILL YOU! RUN BITCH, RUN!

- If the assassin is trying to keep her locked away, why would he just toss her file into a public trash can. And not just any trash can...but an open waste basket! Dude, at least use a trash can with a flippin' lid!

Beyond the story though, this film also lacked something on the side of acting. I just could not connect with them. And by the time the film was over...I was more than willing, even borderline excited, to be saying farewell.

And that's all I have to say about that.

[Brandon Rice]

While there is no way that I could rank this film among the worst of the fest, it is very far from being one of the best.

Technically, I have no major qualms with this project. In general, the lighting, cinematography, and editing all seemed to flow fairly seemlessly. The audio was weak in a few points, and the score was just okay...but overall, the technical aspects were decent.

A highlight would have to be the shot when she is hiding in the Warehouse...that shot was dead on awesome.

The story however, had some pretty big holes that I can not forgive. There were many points during the film when I was like "WTF!" Things just did not add up for me. And while I have been blessed with a fairly massive willfull suspension of disbelief, there were a few things that I just fould not buy.

- How did the assassin's bosses learn about the girl and her powers?

-Why would they want her dead if she is so powerful...wouldn't they want to try to bring her into their organization?

- If the assassin was sent to kill the girl, why didn't he shoot her after he shot her friend? He already messed up, why not finish the job while he had a clear shot?

-Why didn't the girl save her friend's life? (of course this question assumes that the friend was left to die...I couldn't tell from the film whether the girl was brought back to life...if she was, this was something else that wasn't made clear enough)

-Why does the girl go back to save the assassin? HE'S TRYING TO KILL YOU! RUN BITCH, RUN!

- If the assassin is trying to keep her locked away, why would he just toss her file into a public trash can. And not just any trash can...but an open waste basket! Dude, at least use a trash can with a flippin' lid!

Beyond the story though, this film also lacked something on the side of acting. I just could not connect with them. And by the time the film was over...I was more than willing, even borderline excited, to be saying farewell.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Thanks for the post. Some of these questions I think don't need answering (How did the guy find out about her power?), and some do (Why didn't she save the friend?). She did save the friend, unfortunantly in the shortened version, it's hard to convey. It is much clearer in the extended cut (11 min). Also, the girl's backstory is shown in the extended cut, so it shows us that this girl cares about people. And, she has a moral dilema at the end, to run or save him. She chooses what is right, to save him. Also, at the end, sorry you didn't like the trash thing. It's a picture, a metaphor of the girl's life never being the same again. Once again, in the extended cut, it's a much better ending, I won't go into detail, but I'll leave it at that. Thanks for saying it's not the worst film in the fest! And, for watching our movie!!! Cheers!:dankk2:

[Brandon Rice]

More of a specific question for those of you who have watched the film. For the most part did the editing flow for you? Did you ever feel there was an awkward cut in the film? I feel editing is one of the most major things in film and I try to continually perfect my methods, so some constructive ideas on that area would be excellent! :) thanks.

[Daniel Skubal]

The only visibly awkward cut I noticed was the transition to the warehouse chase. I'm guessing there was a small sequence in there which is in your longer cut?

Anyway, just got done watching it again. It's very replayable. :)

[Brandon Rice]

The only visibly awkward cut I noticed was the transition to the warehouse chase. I'm guessing there was a small sequence in there which is in your longer cut?

Anyway, just got done watching it again. It's very replayable. :)

Thanks man! Yeah, there is a lot that got cut there, of the assasin actually entering the building (opening the door and walking in, cocking gun, etc.) Dang, can't wait to show the longer version!! :) Good job on noticing that weird transition!

[Brandon Rice]

Link to the blog for the film (this was kept private during sci-fest)
www.noarice.blogspot.com

[Brandon Rice]

I added a BTS I put together.
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/bts.mov

[Brandon Rice]

Full DVD version (11min)
www.splivemovie.com/apthstream.wmv

Sorry, the server is kind of slow.

[Daniel Skubal]

Downloading right now!! :thumbup:

[kimko]

hey Brandon thanks for all your hard work man! getting people fired up an all!

[Brandon Rice]

hey Brandon thanks for all your hard work man! getting people fired up an all!

It's been my joy to help out in any way I can! Thanks for being a part of the fest as well! :)

[iSTy]

I used to think my computer was quite fast, either that or I'm just impatient ;)
ah well, I'll go and put the kettle on.
You were in my top 10 briceman :)

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks man! Sorry the server is so slow. Trying to work with Envision to get it onto his server right now.

[iSTy]

LOL, is there a 'sleepy/yawny' smiley I can use http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Brandon Rice]

LOL! Yeah, Norm is going to try to get a link up for me tonight. It'll be faster then. It is well worth the wait though ;)

[iSTy]

Cool, cos I'm only 44% complete, lol and you know how long I been waiting 8)

[Blaine]

Brandon,

I've had a chance to watch the 11 minute version and must say that I liked it better. I can see where the shortened version suffered from having to fit the time restraint. Next time, you'll want to have a tighter script that will come closer to the target time so you won't have that problem.

The criticisms I have are the same for both versions. I just didn't "buy" the doctor. I wasn't bad acting per se, but I just didn't believe he was a psychiatrist/psychologist. I liked Agent Rodgriguez but thought he was kind of inept...perhaps not a professional "hit man."

I felt that Jennifer's "escape" in the warehouse felt a bit too passive. She nearly escaped through no effort of her own. It would have been nice if she had a greater hand in her escape than the accidental falling box. That would have possibly made her feel more guilty and better explain her saving the man who was trying to kill her.

The ending is a little ambiguous with the trashing of the file. Does it signify that he's planning on letting her go? And if so, why at this late date? Why not have the payoff when he comes to after she's saved him. He could have sent her into hiding and told his superiors that she had been killed. But that's a different story.

I looked at your script and could see right away that you would have run long on the 6 minute time limit. Figure one page per minute. A little more if it's dialogue heavy, a little less if it's action heavy. If you take care of that in the screenplay, you won't have to worry as much about cutting to length. As an added plus, you'll end up with a tighter script as you come up with more economical (time wise) ways to say the same thing.

As I said, I liked the story. You did a good job. Too bad you couldn't have entered this one. It would have ranked a bit higher.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks for the review Blaine! The one question you had was, what does the trashing of the file signify? Well, I believe it shows that this girl's life will never be the same. Either the hitman will kill her, or she will be locked away in a mental ward. I did not want to have a button ending here. I wanted to leave a little to the audience at the end. Thanks again for watching our film, and reviewing it! I look forward to improving for the next fest!

[iSTy]

Full DVD version (11min)
www.splivemovie.com/apthstream.wmv (http://www.splivemovie.com/apthstream.wmv)

Sorry, the server is kind of slow.


HHHHmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!! Just come back to view the 11min and no sound :( :crybaby:

[Brandon Rice]

HHHHmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!! Just come back to view the 11min and no sound :( :crybaby:

WHAT?!!! Blaine didn't have that problem. hm... sorry, it's all good on my end. What're you using to view it?

[iSTy]

What I was using before Windows, it had sound when it was almost complete, I went out, came back in again (sometime later) and now no sound :( Beautiful picture though ;)

I'll try turning my computer off then back on again :)

[Brandon Rice]

ok... dang it, I hope it works for you. It's working on my end here, no problems.

[iSTy]

:furious3::(:badputer:

[Brandon Rice]

crap! do you have aim or something, then I could directly transfer the file again to you.

[iSTy]

I'll wait for the next 'link' ;)

Thanks briceman :)

[Brandon Rice]

No problem. Sorry it didn't work for ya. Anyone else seen the extended cut? Did it work?

[Brandon Rice]

Alternate Server (much faster) - Thanks to Norm (Envision) for hosting.
www.eefilm.com/brice/apthstream.wmv

[kimko]

Hey Brandon I Sent You A Pm But Your Box Is Full

[Brandon Rice]

SOrry man, I emptied it.

[iSTy]

Thank you soooo much briceman, that was EXCELLENT!!!! so much more was explained, it bothered me that she'd run into the warehouse without making a mark on the door with her bloodstained hand, now I know why :)

Although that wasn't the only thing that bothered me, I didn't realise what they were until I watched the 11 min version. Everything just fell into place, and I still luved the music. :)

I'm really impressed with the acting of Jorge :)

Eventually managed to get my sound sorted (see pm). TF for system restore ;)

IMHO you should've been higher than 21 :(, but like I say, better than being at number 22 :) and you got my vote.

[Brandon Rice]

Thank you soooo much briceman, that was EXCELLENT!!!! so much was explained, it bothered me that she'd run into the warehouse without making a mark on the door with her bloodstained hand, now I know why :)

Eventually managed to get my sound sorted (see pm). TF for system restore ;)

Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah compressing the film down did hurt it in the explanation of events. It's much more developed in the full cut. Glad you got your sound going!!

[iSTy]

Gosh, you really are quick off the mark, lol, I kept editing my post, immediately after I'd you'd obviously 'quoted'.

[Brandon Rice]

Hehe... sorry about that... I've got immediate notification, and I'm always on my computer. Thanks for the comment! And, for watching the full cut!

[iSTy]

It was my pleasure I can assure you. :)

O and Thank you for sharing your talents :)

[somewestfilms]

There is just one thing that I don't understand, if the girl has the power to "heal the dying of their mortal wounds," why didn't she save her friend? She let her best friend die, but saved the guy that was trying to kill her. What's up with that? Was her friend cheating with her boyfriend or something?

[Brandon Rice]

There is just one thing that I don't understand, if the girl has the power to "heal the dying of their mortal wounds," why didn't she save her friend? She let her best friend die, but saved the guy that was trying to kill her. What's up with that? Was her friend cheating with her boyfriend or something?

She did save the friend. LOL! I know it's very unclear in the shortened cut, because we had to compress time, but she does indeed save her friend. Did you like the film though? :)

[somewestfilms]

I did like the concept, the technical aspects were nice, locations were good, there were some concerns about the acting, ie the doctor, but I think I would need to see the full cut to really appreciate it. As you can see from my earlier post, I didn't really follow it so well, so maybe if I saw the full cut, it would make more sence to me.

[Brandon Rice]

I did like the concept, the technical aspects were nice, locations were good, there were some concerns about the acting, ie the doctor, but I think I would need to see the full cut to really appreciate it. As you can see from my earlier post, I didn't really follow it so well, so maybe if I saw the full cut, it would make more sence to me.

Yeah, check the full cut out. I did sacrifice a lot in chopping 11 min. down to 6... haha. As most films would. Thanks for watching! :)

(The full cut is available through a link on the first page)

[somewestfilms]

Cool, I'll check it out and let you know, we had a similar situation with Green Means Go, it started out at 9 minutes long. Cuttting 3 minutes out was a tough thing to do!

[Brandon Rice]

Cool, I'll check it out and let you know, we had a similar situation with Green Means Go, it started out at 9 minutes long. Cuttting 3 minutes out was a tough thing to do!

I hear ya. I hear ya. Cutting is so hard sometimes.

[Brandon Rice]

Here are some production photos if anyone is interested.

http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/camera.jpg
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/jake_sarah.jpg
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/brandon_filming_doctor.jpg
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/outside_dans_house.jpg
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/brandonandcamera.jpg
http://www.stickypod.com/stickypod_upload/uploads/greenscreen.jpg

[Beat Takeshi]

Thats one bright ass light!!!

[Brandon Rice]

Thats one bright ass light!!!

Yeah, it's a 1k softbox.

[Brandon Rice]

Just wanted to say if you haven't commented on the film yet, I'd love to hear it. Good or bad.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

lol, dood -- its not your SciFest entry or anything hehehehe :cheesy:

do you really want notes on composition and script and acting :grin:

it was funny B dawg

EDIT:

haha, sorry I got this thread confused with your 2K post thread, lol.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=461660#post461660

[Brandon Rice]

Um... what?! I am talking about people that haven't commented on A Price Too High, Jack :) Not my other video. LOL!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

yeah I just figured that out ... d'er!

[Brandon Rice]

It's all good man. HAHA!

[Daniel Skubal]

WARPING TRIP! *Camera falls onto floor*

[Brandon Rice]

LOL! Dang it... we can't hijack my thread for my serious movie here guys :)

[Daniel Skubal]

:( Please?

[Brandon Rice]

No... lol.

[Daniel Skubal]

I'm declaring your thread as the breeding grounds for the remaining 572 posts before 2k. :D

[aw grasshopper]

Briceman -

I just finished watching your video. Since I can't vote and have been super busy I just have not had a chance to watch many of the submissions. I have also not read other comments so I am not inflluenced by what others might have said.

I liked the way the video was shot and the blood effect - very cool. I found myself slightly confused about the storyline. The only reason I say that is that some parts did not seem logical to me. One example, her friend gets shot, she tries CPR for a couple of minutes and then runs off once her friend is dead. It would seem more realistic that the friend gets shot, she is screaming for help and nobody comes, she continues screaming for help while she runs and knocks on doors and still no luck. At that point, maybe she would pause and say something like "that was meant for me" and then run off.

All in all though, I really liked your movie. Great job to everyone involved!

Grasshopper

[Brandon Rice]

Cool, thanks for watching.. the girl actually didn't do CPR on her friend... she used her power to heal her. I hope you watched the uncut version posted on the front page. It's much more explained. Anyway, thanks for watching! :)

[aw grasshopper]

Brandon -

I did not watch the uncut version. I watched the one I downloaded from the festival. It looked to me like she was doing CPR. Funny how your mind fills in details. Glad to know there is another version. I'll look forward to watching it.

Grasshopper

[Brandon Rice]

Yeah, sorry for the confusion there. Hopefully it's more clear in the uncut version.

[Brandon Rice]

Uploaded a new poster!

[Matthew B. Moore]

Yo, Briceman, get some sleep, brother.

[Brandon Rice]

Yo, Briceman, get some sleep, brother.

?

Oh, because of the time I posted it... yeah, I was up late last night, had a late night shoot.

[Brandon Rice]

Just won an award in an online Film Festival for: Best Behind the Scenes Documentary. Also participating in another film festival at the end of this month.

[Brandon Rice]

Sarah Anne Rice won for Best Supporting Actress in the Action-On-Film International Film Festival! :)