NBCshooter--"DISTRACTION"

[Ralph Oshiro]

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Scenes from DISTRACTION

[Filmjunkie677]

Well, nbcshooter....

It was beatifully shot, the acting was top-notch, but just a lot of screaming and yelling, on top of the fact I don't understand what they're saying.

The opening scene is fantastic and the exploding of the bus is top-notch. Awesome.

But there was no sci-fi element to it, unless I missed it.

But, nonetheless, great job!

[Daniel Skubal]

I'm gonna have to reiterate what film junkie said. I loved your cinematography. It explains why you work for NBC. As far as the story goes, I too am also not sure what happened. A man was taken hostage, he wouldn't talk, a bus blows up and then they kill the hostage? Is it supposed to be ambiguous enough so we have the ability make up the story? The sci fi element wasn't there. Is what they're saying important to the story or is it just supposed to convey anger?


I'd really like to see you DP for a full length feature, I think you'd do a lot of damage. Anyway, despite the confusion, I enjoyed your piece. Good job man

[Dahopafilms]

Yep, I'm a fan ever since your zombie entry.

You definitely have the horsepower and your camera abilities are crystal clear. But I, too, was unsure of the story line (guy gets kidnapped, tortured by a volt meter, bus blows up just before the poor guy's head blows up. end).

And I'm really sorry on this point, but I just didn't buy the CGI of the bus blowing up. Soemthing was (for me at least) wrong with that - maybe the smoke, the horizontal base line, I'm not sure.

And I missed the sci-fi aspect. Sorry.

But I enjoyed the short and I'll be very pleased to watch it again. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[Slimothy]

I was totally lost. I didn't get the story, nor the sci-fi correlation. The cinematography was top notch as always. I think this is really comparable to your zombie short in that it looks GREAT, but the story is really, really lacking. The explosion was pretty fake, but the composition of the car/bus going by is excellent. It's hard to say you did a good or a bad job. I guess a bit of both. Either way, I did enjoy it even if I didn't understand it.

[ProfD]

I thought the acting was very cool...I liked the cop car and bus explosion...I didn't follow the story so well...maybe need to view it again. Very cool.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Thanks, guys--now here's the BIG HUGE EXCUSE!

First, thank you guys, for the compliments on the camera work. The reason you couldn't figure out the story is . . . THERE IS NO STORY! I FINALLY thought of the script two days before the deadline, and needed one more weekend shoot day to make the short make sense. The debatable sci-fi element was the reason I almost pulled out of the contest, so I inserted that lame-azz handcuff gag as its only "sci-fi element." The original idea just played out too fake. The one composite shot actually looks much better in the full-res version--the greenscreen key edges really suffered through the compression. I had a LOT of drama in the month of January (kinda still do), and had little time to work on this. Yeah, yeah, EVERYBODY has a GREAT excuse why their short isn't they hoped it would be. Anyway, thank you for your comments! I can't wait until the next DVXFEST!

[Slimothy]

[QUOTE=NBCshooter]Thanks, guys--now here's the BIG HUGE EXCUSE!

The reason you couldn't figure out the story is . . . THERE IS NO STORY! QUOTE]
Lol. that explains it. Seriously NBC- I can't wait to see one of your movies that is made at a time when all your girlfriends are banished, NBC fires you, you find an SDX900 at a lost n found. Should be some amazing shit and you will have time to write a story.

[thisiswells]

Looked great! Could you talk a little about your lighting design for the film?

[Ralph Oshiro]

Looked great! Could you talk a little about your lighting design for the film?Thanks, man! Don't really feel like talking about anything after watching macgregor's INCREDIBLY gorgeous cinematography (and I just KNEW his was gonna be something beautiful to watch). But here goes . . .

INTERROGATION SCENE: Lowel Pro-Lite open-face unit as the dominant in-frame backlight, a second Lowel Pro-Lite from the floor to the left of camera as a side-kicker. I keyed from camera-right with a 2-foot, 2-bank KinoFlo on a low stand.
VAN EXIT SCENE: PAR64 with blue gel for background. Keyed with a 2-foot, 2-bank KinoFlo, low from the side, opposite camera. Again, Lowel Pro-Lites are used for the in-frame backlights.
ALL OTHER EXTERIORS: Overcast daylight--no lighting.

So I basically lit the whole thing with 2 Lowel Pro-Lites, 1 KinoFlo, and 1 PAR (for that one scene).

[Ralph Oshiro]

Hmmm . . . I finally downloaded and viewed my short. It was all stuttery. Did anyone else see this "stutteryness" when they viewed it?

[HagerNYC]

Your film played fine for me. Really great camera work dude, and top notch lighting. I really liked the hard lighting in this. It was so cool to watch I didn't care that it wasn't sci-fi, or in english or that there wasn't a story. lol And you came up with THAT in TWO days?!? Now that's cool. :)

[Kaz]

Wasn't stuttery for me.
I didn't get it, but I guess you knew that! The acting was very good and it looked really great. You've got the skills, that's obvious.

[EJ Pennypacker]

I will chime in and say that I agree with the majority of this thread. Nice angles and acting, but dialogue and story that left me helpless.

EJ

[MikeGreen]

My take with a question at the end......
Not understanding the language......I figured the "kidnappers" were the Mossad, and the "Hostage" was a terrorist. They were trying to get info on the bus bomb in LA. When it blew up, they didn't need him anymore and killed him.
Like everyone else....beautifully shot.:thumbup:
My question is this: I made my assumptions based on the interigator having an M-16. I figured if they were non-American allied, he'd have an AK-47. Was this the intent, or am I the only person who pays attention to makes/models of guns?:D

[MikeGreen]

By the way....wasn't stuttery for me.

[penfever]

I liked some of your choices in casting quite a lot, NBCS - it's clear that you run in larger circles than most of the fest entrants. Although I've seen quite a lot of films, like MacGregor's, that take advantage of great equipment, yours and Kaz's were impressive because they take advantage of great locations and cast - a setting which puts you in the scene, augmented by your documentary style.
You know, if you can't write a script you should farm it out - get someone to write one for you, maybe based on your idea. I really think you should be putting this talent to more concrete use.
Have fun shooting!

[KOVAROVA]

good actors and shots. i kept thinking you were trying to make a point rather than tell a story... were you?

[D_and_G]

Ahh, NBC my man.

I'm very glad you submitted something. i'm a fan fo' sure :)

Knowing your situation, I enjoyed the film as a slice of a larger whole. It really wasn't a short film, per se, but more like a scene from a movie.

Just my general impressions :

1. Loved the cinematography - sharp, slightly gritty, lowkey, good contrast. It fit the film perfectly. Like a breath of fresh air.

2. Subtitles were needed. Even creatively used ones (like "Man on Fire") would have been useful.

3. Great pacing and editing. I like how you build to a crescendo with your shots.

4. Bus exploding ? Hmmm, didn't really buy it.

5. I would have really liked to see what was at stake in this film, maybe cutaways of normal life, or people on the bus, before the denoument. Just a thought.

As always , you are technically great. And as a piece of a larger whole I think this "scene" is fantastic (except for soem minor changes mentioned above). If you want to round this out to a fully fledged short film, I think you need more backstory, inserts, or a twist.

Now get that amazing sci-fi short you didn't have time to do, and film the damn thing ! :)

I look forward to everything you do, and are one of a handful here, "that is must-see t.v" Get it ? NBC? must-see?...Yeah, I know. Don't quit the day job. :beer:

Cheers.

[profnoxin]

I'm posting basically the same thing over here that I did on Kaz's board...

Taking myself out of my thinking (because of personal bias, for better or for worse) yours is definately in my top five in terms of Photography. While not displayed in our short, The Man From Hollywood (because of subject matter) I have a very similar sensibility with my lighting. I enjoy lighting sparingly to greater effect (our short was on a couple of pars, a chimera and some 150s), and I dig the way you work it.

Good mojo.

[Norm Sanders]

Hey NBC, just watched it, and will respond with my own before I read what others have posted.

Back when we were all scrambling to get our stuff done, and you were concerned about the script/editing ... you were right. I didn't get this at all. I don't see the connection between why the guys handcuffs just fall off, then later he's back in the seat again only to get shot & THE END.

Story/script wise, this scored low. But, for nearly everything else, top marks. Especially the lighting, acting, and CAMERA work. WOW!!! My wife & I are pretty hooked on Law & Order / CSI ... and you had the look. Very believable stuff. Make up/FX were good as well, and the acting, though I had no clue what they were saying, was great.

You're dead on when you say that you won't show what you can't sell. Every shot here was sold to me, and was near perfection. Just no story/sense that I could make of it.

[Ralph Oshiro]

I would have really liked to see what was at stake in this film, maybe cutaways of normal life, or people on the bus, before the denoument. Just a thought.Well thank you for the hugely generous comments! THAT was the one day of shooting I still needed--this I thought of the Monday before the deadline. I needed the terrorist getting on the bus, the terrorist in his normal "unterrorist" life, the innocent people on the bus, etc. Thanks for the encouraging words for my totally half-baked short!

[Ralph Oshiro]

You're dead on when you say that you won't show what you can't sell. Every shot here was sold to me, and was near perfection. Just no story/sense that I could make of it.WOW! That is the greatest compliment I could have heard! Personally, I voted my film a score of '1' on script only because there wasn't the option of putting '0.'

[Ralph Oshiro]

good actors and shots. i kept thinking you were trying to make a point rather than tell a story... were you?No point. A political slant would've been great if I had been so creative to think of one. Just needed another day to shoot the bare-minimum "story" which I only thought of two days before the deadline and couldn't complete. But I didn't want to be left out of the fun, so I submitted what I had anyway.

[Blaine]

NBC...there aren't many that can match you picture for picture. You've got some really nice shots. My problem is that I can't find a Sci-Fi connection.:confused:

[Ralph Oshiro]

NBC...there aren't many that can match you picture for picture. You've got some really nice shots. My problem is that I can't find a Sci-Fi connection.:confused:Yeah, I know. That's why I almost pulled out of the contest. I had the handcuff gag in there to hopefully qualify, but I don't know if it does--who knows? The original sci-fi element [for this particular short, not the other script] we thought of just worked out to be too fake to pull off, so I never shot it.

[Jimmy John Worley]

I'm curious. So, What was that "original sci fi element" that was too fake to pull off?

[Jeremy Ordan]

I haven't read anyone else's review so forgive me if this repeats anyone else's feedback but here's my whatever...

Distraction – Ralph, I have always been a fan of your camera work and the overall polished look to your submissions. I think you are a true professional, but this time it seems like the you were a true professional limited just by story. I couldn’t get into the film, although I thought it was extremely visually satisfying, I just didn’t buy in. It seemed like a movie and just didn’t come across natural. There were some drop outs in the sound that pulled me out of the experience and just something didn’t sit right with me. Your lighting was great and in general I found that the pace worked well, but I just wasn’t pulled in overall. The car thing in the beginning also pulled me out of it. I imagine these terrorists to be driving massive vans or something, but it looked like a Neon they pulled up in. Maybe that is my own short sightedness, but it just didn’t work for me. Overall I would say that your film had some of the best camera work and editing I had seen, but the story just made it not work for me.

[angrynerdrock07]

I could of cared less if there was a story to this piece. Like Mac and Kaz's work I was just in awe at how beautiful it looked. The shot at the beginning of the Muslim temple was gorgeous! Can't wait to see your entry in the next DVXFest!

[Ralph Oshiro]

I'm curious. So, What was that "original sci fi element" that was too fake to pull off?I was struggling with the sci-fi element since the day I had to ditch my original script due to time constraints. My friend (also a camera guy) suggested a transporter machine as a way for the CIA to transport terrorist suspects from another country without the legal hassles. He envisioned that as the "twist." Well, of course, it wasn't a strong enough twist, and the transporter, I thought, would just be some stupid box with lights on it. So I didn't do that version.

[BrianV]

Definately thought Michael Mann (or Dante Spinotti) in some shots with the gunmen pop out of the car and aim from the roof of the car. I dunno... I was thinking Mann's "Heat" with those. :)

*thumbs up*

[darkfader]

agreed the shooting was freakin awesome! However, I was waiting for a man to turn into and alien in the van or something.

[EditPhish]

NBC,

Gotta say, my first reaction was "how is this sci-fi??" but you already addressed that. The story really confused me, but you already addressed that too. All the yelling was a bit annoying without knowing what was going on or what the story was supposed to be telling us. The visuals, as beautiful as they were, didn't fill in all the blanks.

The cinematography and lighting were excellent, and the actors seemed to be very good (I can only go on tone, since I don't know what their dialogue was). Some of the edits seemed to be paced a bit weird... especially right before the bus scene. The explosion looked pretty good, but there was something "fake" about it that I couldn't put my finger on... though I think a lot of people wouldn't notice.

There's no doubt, I couldn't help but stand in admiration over how the film LOOKED.

Thanks for sharing with us... especially given what you said about it all being so "last minute".

[P!body]

Well shot and lit. I really enjoyed this aspect of it.

I had trouble following your story/point, but the fact that their is no stoyry makes me feel slightly validated on that point. I kept waiting for some political message but it never really came.

It may have been the compression or something but to me the explosion of the bus didn't look great. I don't know if it was the quality of the explosion video or what but seemed pixlated. I really liked that part of the short, but I was hoping for a little more for the bus event.

Under an extreme time contraint you have presented us a very strong entry. Thank you for sharing.

[CallaghanFilms]

NBC,

I would be a hypocrite if I didn't start off by commenting on the
absence of sci-fi in the storyline (especially after my doing so in other
film's threads.) I understand that you have discussed the reasoning,
but this oversight is such a huge thing for me that I had to mention it
first and foremost. I am watching all of the films with that perspective.

If I had been watching Distraction under any other condition, however,
I would have said, "Wow...nice shots." You really know how to shoot
action scenes very well.

I also noticed that, in addition to being on the cutting-edge of dv technology,
you still have some of the classic tricks up your production sleeve. This was
especially true with your cheating of the establishing shots to build a mid east local feel.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/beer.gifCheers

[arielman]

You guys that can put together a film in such short time just amaze the hell out of me .
When viewed the first time I thought Theater material .
I felt a little out at first when I didn't see any Sci Fi, I thought where did I miss it . I then read your post . Ok
Still what an amazing piece of work you did .
Congrats NBC
Ian

[Ought2bCommitted]

Hey NBC,

I haven't really read all the posts on your film, just a handfull on this page and I'm sorry if I am repeatative.

I was very very confused by your piece, both storywise and how it was a sci-fi movie. I could deal with not being able to get any sense of the story if there was at least some sci-fi element to it. One of the above posts says that you explained that, so I'll scroll back and look, but I shouldn't need an explanation.

That aside...

Gorgeous shots. I love what you can do with a camera. I loved your zombie film and loved the look here. But a beautifully shot movie with no story might as well be a painting.

Interestingly, you'll score high from me in everything but screenplay, but I wonder if that's really fair since there is no sci-fi element and this is a sci-fi contest...

-Robert

[Ralph Oshiro]

I would be a hypocrite if I didn't start off by commenting on the absence of sci-fi in the storyline (especially after my doing so in other
film's threads.) I understand that you have discussed the reasoning,
but this oversight is such a huge thing for me that I had to mention it
first and foremost.You're absolutely right for pointing that out. I wouldn't be surprised at all if I were actually disqualified for not sticking to the required genre. Since sci-fi is actually my favorite genre, it kills me that I didn't get it together enough to shoot what I really wanted. I tried to get an authentic NASA EVA suit, but failed (so that I could do my homage to the 2001 slit-scan scene). Too expensive, and no credit account with the one rental firm I did find with one. Thanks for your kind comments about the Middle-East feel!

[Z B Brox]

The awesomeness of the look and the absentness of the plot have already been well-covered, so let me just say: I'd love to write a script for you one day. ;)

[Ramon Boutviseth]

NBCshooter,

even though it wasn't in english.. I still can tell what was going on. So that didnt bother me.. it just that it wasn't sci-fi! After reading some of the post I can totally understand, I had a hard time writing for the contest..almost didnt make a film. until EJ contacted me and that was that...lol Got lucky I guess. I wasn't surpise to see good camerawork in this film, the sfx wasn't that bad either. Looking forward to seeing you in the next contest!

[Beat Takeshi]

good job on the camera work and intenseness of it all. I liked the low shots into the light, gave it the interrigation feel. That came across fine. Since there isnt really a story here I think Ill move on.

[Brandon Rice]

Hey NBC, I thought I'd drop you a comment, since I haven't yet. I actually really enjoyed your short. It had absolutely nothing to do with sci-fi, but who cares! It was a great ride. Loved your lighting, and cinematography. It reminded me of a 24 style interrogation. Good stuff dude. You have a great talent at shooting.

[iSTy]

Picture was clear, although I thought it a bit jerky (like alot of the others) and another what which I wasn't sure whether I knew what it was about or not though.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Thanks Aram--you said it (no real story)! Thanks, Brice! Same story as last fest--no script, etc., etc. By the way:

THE UPLOADED FILE PLAYS AT A STUTTERY FRAME RATE--I DON'T KNOW WHY, AND IT'S NOT THE WAY I INTENDED IT!

[macgregor]

Quite interesting. I liked it even when i did not understand a thing, hahahaha.
The beginning was breathtaking but the bus explosion didnt look good enough to me.

[Captain KickAss]

Awesome film...I totally loved every second of it. In terms of action, this thing was a rollercoaster ride of emotion, and the cinematography and editing had me hooked from beginning to end.

But where's the sci-fi? Did I miss it? Should I watch it again with my eye lids superglued open so that I don't blink and miss it again?

[Ralph Oshiro]

Awesome film...I totally loved every second of it. In terms of action, this thing was a rollercoaster ride of emotion, and the cinematography and editing had me hooked from beginning to end.

But where's the sci-fi? Did I miss it? Should I watch it again with my eye lids superglued open so that I don't blink and miss it again?Well, you're easy to please! Thanks for the enthusiastic compliments! Not sure what "hooked" you, since I didn't really have a script! No need to watch again--the only sci-fi part is when the handcuffs "fall off." Kinda lame, I know. Like I said--no script!

[Captain KickAss]

I think that's what hooked me though...the lack of story. I was glued to the screen, trying to figure out what was happening...that I totally forgave the fact that nothing was really happening. It was like a terrorist filled episode of Seinfeld.

[lookatmeimbender]

So does this even count?

Also the Light in the interrigation cell is VERY Annoyingly used.