GORSEHILL FARM - Weston

[Weston]

GORSEHILL FARM

http://aycu05.webshots.com/image/3724/2003361820250110583_rs.jpg


Sept. 6th 2006



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[Rasquachemedia]

dam, that's a cool image

[Weston]

Hey thanks! Iv'e finally got the story down....i just hope i can keep it within six minutes. Its going to be tough.

[Brandon Rice]

Nice poster! WOW

[Weston]

Thanks man!

[Paul Reichelt]

Very nice poster, sort of got a "Frailty" type spin to it :)

[Weston]

Very nice poster, sort of got a "Frailty" type spin to it :)

Thanks Paul

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Creepy lookin'

mo' info :)

[conrad_johnson]

That's the coolest poster I've seen yet.

[MOVIE STUNTS]

That's a cool poster. like the reality spoiler.

[griffin]

Sick poster. Love the way the the title looks like it's cut out of the barn. Is Gorsehill Farm the actual name of the place where the actual events took place?

[Mark Johnson]

Really great image on your poster. I, too, think that cut-out backlit title incorporated into the barn is totally cool. Man, I'm picking up some great ideas from all of you here.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

updates? shot anything yet?
... and oh yeah ... what actual events inspired it?

it'd be great buzz starter if you posted links to news articles on the actual event etc.

plus I'd just find that interesting, and think it would be cool to watch the film in that context.

Jack

[RDragonFilms]

Oooh! Love that picture at the top of the page : ) Would like to see more info for this film!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Mee too ... any updates Weston?

[Brandon Rice]

any updates?

[cinealma]

Updates? Looks like it's been a while. I hope everything is going well with your project.


John G.

[Lingothree]

I really want to see this one!

[Weston]

Hello all,

Thanks for the continued enthusiasm even though I have not updated in a long time. For the past month or so I had sworn off of DVXuser in an attempt to finish a feature length zombie movie I and my friends were working on. Unfortunately some of the actors were not able to continue working, which pretty much destroyed any chance of finishing the movie. However, that leaves all the time in the world to work on this project so I'll be updating alot more often.

[Brandon Rice]

COOL! Keep us all updated, the poster's fantastic!

[Weston]

Sick poster. Love the way the the title looks like it's cut out of the barn. Is Gorsehill Farm the actual name of the place where the actual events took place?

Thanks for the complement. The farm we are filmming at goes by a different name, but I didnt want to use it for fear of pissing off the real crazy guy that lives next to it.


updates? shot anything yet?
... and oh yeah ... what actual events inspired it?

it'd be great buzz starter if you posted links to news articles on the actual event etc.

plus I'd just find that interesting, and think it would be cool to watch the film in that context.

Jack

It is pretty loosely based on a true story. I myself worked on a farm near my house for about 4 years. All during this time I had to go and do chores at a creepy old barn. Next to this barn lived a man some people joked was a murderer. He was pretty scary though. Around this same time I heard about a murder at a different dairy farm. That kinda became the basis for the story.

[Weston]

update......
Some grabs up top.

[HorseFilms]

Those are looking nice, Weston.:thumbsup:

[Brandon Rice]

Wow dude!!! I love those first two grabs, they look AMAZING!

[Jaime V]

Nice grabs man, they look great. I did some farm work when I was a wee lad in jolly olde england. But I don't have any creepy stories :)

Good luck man! Looking forward to it!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Hey I just saw he grabs. Nice.
Is it England? Some look like my parents farm in Texas.

[Brandon Rice]

I believe it's in Ohio... correct me if I am wrong Weston...

[Weston]

Hey thanks alot fellows...should be some more following soon.


Hey I just saw he grabs. Nice.
Is it England? Some look like my parents farm in Texas.

Nope...its Ohio....though I bet most dairy farms look pretty much the same.

EDIT:


I believe it's in Ohio... correct me if I am wrong Weston...

Correct

[Lake Films]

Looking good! Reminds me of Ed Gein standing in that doorway....

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

oh ok, appylon reffered to his experience in England, I thought he was saying that's where your film is too, and Gorsehill sounds Englandy.

[Brandon Rice]

Englandy... hahaha! That's awesome!

[conrad_johnson]

pics are lookin sweet!

[jeans]

I also think your grabs look very nice. The horrorfest DVD is going to be the best example to date of what the DVX/HVX can do.

[GTP]

great grabs, great poster...

[Brandon Rice]

Any updates dude?

[Weston]

Thanks also to those above that liked the grabs.

For an update:

On our second day of filming we got alot of good stuff....but unfortunately eventually ran out of time. (as can be seen in the picture below) Therefore..we've got to go back today and film again...pretty last minute, but I think it will go well. Editing all we have now has given me a better view of what we are going to need and what we don't.

Note: (this grab will definately not be in the movie...I'm just posting it as an example of how dark it was when we ran out of time)

http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/5116/2000593944432805070_rs.jpg

and heres some from before it got too dark:

http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/5820/2000557033919228465_rs.jpg

http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/6076/2000557756133837759_rs.jpg

Anyway....thanks for the interest...I'll update after filming is done today.

[Beat Takeshi]

Nice images you have there. I guess you are HVXing?

[Edgen]

Weston, LOVE the those screen grabs! My mom's family always had a farm and the imagination I had back then while wondering through there was friggin' unreal, so I'm most definitely looking forward to see what yours is like. :) There's all sorts of crazy stuff that can happen out there.

Good luck!
/j

[Weston]

Thanks for the comments aram and edgen. No I am not using an HVX...though I'm glad you thought I might be. The dvx is capable of some pretty good looking footage when filming outside. Edgen...I worked at that farm for 5 years and my mind was always racing with what horrible things could happen to me. Unfortunately I didnt really have enough time to sqeeze in any of the fears but one....though I think its what I was most afraid of.

Compressing and uploading was a terrible ordeal...as I know it was for alot of people. Sadly the movie doesnt look nearly as good compressed...but thats alright.

Just to warn you......this is a different type of short. It doenst really stick with the short film structure at all. Its more of an event....or occurence that you are viewing from a distance...not really knowing all the details. Thats what I wanted to do..something different...but I'm not sure how it will go over.

Anyway...thats really all there is new to update. I'm not expecting to win anything...just to enter for the fun of it and gain some experience. Looking forward to seeing everyones entrys and getting this contest started.

Thanks

[MOVIE MASTER]

I Love A Good Farm Flick! Know Is Their Horses And Chickens Too And Do You Milk The Cow?

[ChrisHurn]

Just checked this out...Wow, nice grabs.

Congrats on getting the film in and good luck. :beer:

-Chris

[Edgen]

Different is good.

not going over with the rules is if someone uploaded a "Love Story" and called it horror. Which, I suppose love to some is horrifying in itself. Just depends on how you look at it.

/j

[Weston]

I'm sorry movie master...but there are no chickens or horses. No sacrificed goats either. However....I have milked the cows before when I worked there.

[MOVIE MASTER]

Different is good.

not going over with the rules is if someone uploaded a "Love Story" and called it horror. Which, I suppose love to some is horrifying in itself. Just depends on how you look at it.



This Aint A Farm Flick Like Brokeback Mountain Is It?

[Weston]

This Aint A Farm Flick Like Brokeback Mountain Is It?

hells no

[MOVIE MASTER]

Just Pulling Your Leg Love The Screen Grabs!

[mentatDUKE]

Nice poster and nice grabs. Your setting is really unique. Don't recall too many horror films taking place on a farm.

*Ok. I think Firestarter had a scene in a barn or something... :)

[griffin]

The grabs look great. The colors & lighting is perfect. I always thought that farms were a little creepy as the day got old and this is just going to reinforce that idea more. I can't wait to see this one

[snodart]

... I always thought that farms were a little creepy as the day got old and this is just going to reinforce that idea more....


I second that.

Everything looks top notch. Poster is outstanding and the grabs look great. Can't wait to see it.

[avatuar]

So it's like a freaky vesion of "Brokeback" huh? lol j/k those grabs look spec frikin tacular;)

[Rubix³]

I love the atmosphere in this one. Definitely top 3 for me.

[TimurCivan]

Mm i like the Kodak funsnap disposable camera colorometry. 1970's in the house.

[Weston]

Well thanks for the complements guys. I tried to make it look as cool as I could. Hopefully it doesnt disappoint. The biggest downside to filming this was that my DVX got covered in cow shit. Well...speckled in it....but anyway...its just now getting its normal DVX smell back.

[TimurCivan]

i never smelled my DVX..... got me thinking now......

[Weston]

you may want to give it a sniff....though if you havnt been near any cows...your probably alright.

http://aycu01.webshots.com/image/4840/2002194295000945142_rs.jpg

[luster]

looks like a great location....farms are always scary to me- i think there's some sort slaughterhouse imagery deeply embedded in my brain.

[snodart]

I lived in Greeley, CO for a while which had a big slaughter house. Holy cow that place stunk. I was told that they burn the blood... not sure if it was true, but as far as I'm concerned... I know what burning blood smells like. Yoawza

[Ralph Oshiro]

WOW! REAL F'N COWS! That's cool! And real other farm stuff! Us city folk don't know nuthin' 'bout farmin' or cow stuff or wooden barn-like things that hold cows and stuff! Different IS good! Looking forward to this one! Great visuals and color treatment! Love that lens flare!

[Slimothy]

Just saw the grabs. Llooking great man!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

yeah weston i wanna see it -- like now :laugh:

[JoshuaNitschke]

Just watched.

Beautiful imagery. Really nice shots you had in there.

But the script....well....I found the script pretty lacking. The scene with the people talking was really hard to make out the dialogue and it just oozed of "setup." And the slow motion at the end seemed a bit cheezy to me.

Sorry. :(

[Mark Johnson]

I agree that you have beautiful imagery in here. Nice depiction of the ax attack. However, I also found the sound mixing curiously unbalanced. Score is nice nice nice and up front, but dialog is buried in the mix.

A great feel to the piece, though.

Mark

[SeaNanners]

What in camera settings did you use while shooting this? Film looks great, keep it up.

[Weston]

But the script....well....I found the script pretty lacking. The scene with the people talking was really hard to make out the dialogue and it just oozed of "setup."



However, I also found the sound mixing curiously unbalanced.

I agree 100%. The story I wanted to tell I found when editing would take at least 8 mins. There was a twist as to whom the killer was and the reasons why.....and it would have been alot better....but just too little time. So I had to try to make a completely different movie out of it...and with not too much time to do so...it didnt turn out all that great. Thanks for thinking the shots look nice. The story does indeed suck...but oh well...I'll plan better next time.

As for sound...it was very hard to get any good sound at the farm. There are fans going constantly amongst other machinery. We did adr for it...but that didnt match up...and I had to go with what we got on location. All in all this would have been alot better if we had made it before the very last minute.

Anyway...sorry for disappointing anyone who might have been looking forward to it. Hopefully this won't turn you completely off viewing any of my work in the future.


What in camera settings did you use while shooting this? Film looks great, keep it up.

I honestly don't know....I just eyeball everything. Again guys...thanks for the complements on the look.

If anyone wonders why I havnt posted any reviews on any other pages...its cause I havnt been able to download any of the folders on those first four links...and I've only watched about 2 films so far on the mirrors cause my internets kinda slow. I'll watch as many as I can and post reviews for those I see.

Thanks

[SeaNanners]

I honestly don't know....I just eyeball everything. Again guys...thanks for the complements on the look.

I don't think you understood the question. I'm talking about scene file settings. Things like detail level, chroma level, gamma, etc. I'm also curious about any color correction you used. Again, great job.

[Weston]

Well...I'm pretty sure the color temp. was at -7, master ped at -5, gamma cinelike D, detail level 0, chroma level 0. I shot most of it with the gain on at least medium because I wanted it to look kind of grainy. For CC its just a tint of turning the white to tan and the blacks to blue with varying adjustment for particular shots. And some brightness and contrast. Is that more of what you were looking for?

[SeaNanners]

Thank you, I appreciate the info.

[Beat Takeshi]

Like others said the imagery was really good. It felt very documentry but cinematic and I wished you hadn't slowed it down at the end because then it would have felt like a snuff film. The hand getting cut off looked real but the slowing down of it took me out of the mood you set.

[Slimothy]

This one seriously looked like filme to me at times. The look was aweseome. I agree w/ the other comments. Dialogue was lost, story was missing a bit,etc. But there were times when I was thinking: This is DVX? Good job on the cc.

[Weston]

It felt very documentry but cinematic and I wished you hadn't slowed it down at the end because then it would have felt like a snuff film.

I'm glad you got the documentary vibe from it. I had always wanted it slowed down.. so I never really gave it a chance and looked at it normal speed. Probably should have.


This one seriously looked like filme to me at times

Film? wow......thats a high complement. Thanks. It was lucky.

Like I said up there earlier...i definately agree with you fellows....and all the points against it as far as story and sound. I wish I would have done all that better. Next fest I know what to concentrate on, but for now I'm enjoying the feedback and the experience.

[Edgen]

weston..

Man, I have to admit, I was on nerve this entire time watching the film. Not because of the silly backstory, but Its just that I know first how creepy and scary a farm can be with all the machinery, the animals, and unknowns just laying around. I used to build forts with hundreds of hay bails and would jump down a loft exactly how your character did. I just kept waiting for some equipment to turn on and maul someone. That to me would have been horrifying.

as people said, the audio was a little bad, so i'd maybe explore the option to ADR the final version.

The end, man.. was just creepy. weird, surreal, and I liked it. I shouldn't like it due to human nature, but I liked it. Thank you for sharing your story.

/j

[Kholi]

Review | POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT! I watch the movies first time around strictly for enjoyment, second and third for review.

Great Location here. REAL COWS! WTF. I thought a Cow was going to get straight slaughtered in this one. That would've been MESSED.

Script - Because you've already said something on this subject I won't beat the horse in the face. I will say, though, that if you figured you didn't have enough time? I'd re-examine what you've got in the cutting room. There's easily three minutes you can cut out of this and use to go for what you really wanted.

Direction - Camera work was neat. One thing that stood out was the zoom in on the Square hatch. I normally abhor zoom, but it worked here. Might've been a tad bit too long but it's fine. Frame-ups were working. There's a scene where one guy crosses in front of the darker haired one and the camera sticks on the guy in the background. I liked that. The second thing that stands out was the axe scene through the stable. THAT was kick-ass, man. I loved how you tracked the movement.

Acting - The scene where they're talking in the room about the killer didn't sound too bad to me. Maybe it was just the setup all itself. Otherwise, I couldn't hear enough to judge the line delivery.

Cine/Lighting - I liked the daylight scenes. Really got the farm look into the footage. Lots of neat things to pay attention to and that's why I actually kept watching.

Editing - Everything seemed to link together well, especially when you get to the death scene. You cut at the right moments with the finger chopping and such.

Sound - I couldn't hear the voices. Score had it's striking moments, but I would've liked to hear what the heck they were talking about.

Special Effects - Man, that hand chop got me. I winced. He straight hacked his fingers and it looked crazy real. Good show.

Scariest Moments - Easily the axe to the hand. I felt bad for that dude. Then I laughed about it really loud. But I felt bad for him initially.

Overall consensus - Sweeten it up. Recut it the way you really wanted to and let us see what it's all about. Right now the beginning is actually interesting as "a day on the farm." You could probably cut some flowing music over it and totally change the subject matter. GREAT LOCATION DUDE! Thanks for showin it off.

[Geoff_R]

Nicely done! Overall, a very enjoyable film to watch and it freaked me out a couple times. Excellent location, great job casting and moreso the performances you got seemed very real and genuine to me, so kudos to you on direction.

Strong points, defintely location, cast, cinematography and that creepy music at the end!

Sound was weak at times and it was difficult to hear/understand some of the dialouge, but I didn't care to much because I was into the story through the visuals and acting.

I have some issues with the ending of the film...I love the creepy music and I'm totally sucked in by the time you reveal the crazy guy with the axe but I didn't like how the rest of it was slow motion after that. For me, I was there- taking that deep breath- and then once it went slow-mo, it lost the intensity that had been building. I think that if you had it slow for just that one moment- that beat of recognition-- and then BAM, that guy lurches forward and we're moving FAST (normal speed or even some stuttering/jump cuts); it'd make the ending much more impactual for me, more frighteningly real.

[avatuar]

Hey man I loved the look and feel of this one made me feel like old time film horror movies. Amazing!

[DimmuJed]

After having seen and been in some of Weston's films, and not knowing anything about this one until it was done, I'd have to say he did a great job.

I would have to agree with the other posters on most subjects. My favorite parts of this though were the awesome music that Weston composed himself, and that it really felt like an old horror film. No gimmicks, no stupid CG, no dumb make-up, no Scooby-Doo monster. Just build up, build up, and DEVLIVER.

I actually jumped at the part when the "killer" aka plaid coat man crossed the loft. The music was right on! IT WAS AMAZINGLY AWESOME. Also, I would have to say that it's nice to have climatic music that actually leads somewhere, unlike other Weston productions ;) lol

[DimmuJed]

i just need to say again, THIS WAS AMAZING. I couldn't beleive i actually jumped. Not many movies can do that to me anymore.

p.s. I heard you are toast on vacation? Comments?

[TheatreGuy]

Hey Weston, nice job! Loved the location! Beautiful cinematography. Very nice feel.

The story didn't develope for me. We find out that there is a creepy guy but I have no idea why he kills the lead. Did he overhear the comment? Why did he kill the guy? Maybe I missed something.

LOVED the axe cutting off the hand! By far the best "chopping" scene I've seen.

All in all, I liked the slow, steady pace. I found myself thinking that it was taking too long to get to the point. Not that you have to rush anything... just some more info along the way to the climax.

Just my opinion.

Very nice work!!!

Congrats!

Ted

[DimmuJed]

I think alot of people are um...not so much complaining, but just really like that movie. And that's why they keep saying you need more story and such. They want to see it develop into something more. Sometimes it's hard to realize how short six minutes is, haha.

Maybe you should consider making a "feature" length version, or like a 30 min version. Director's cut perhaps? haha.

[Weston]

Thanks very much all for the complements. I'll be back for more replying in a bit.

And pornet...perhaps there will be a longer cut. I know you like it....but trust me there are far better movies on here. Check out rekindled for one. No offense to others...but I havnt seen that many others yet.

[Brandon Rice]

Gorsehill Farms


Script
Needs some work, the whole story kind of moved along slow.

Acting
Pretty natural, all the acting reminded me of Steven Soderberg’s Bubble.

Cinematography
Nice, nice. Love the look of your film. Very distinct style, and it’s nice!

Editing
Again, I think the length could be shortened. But, I understand you wanted to show off the look of the film.

Score
Not great, but fit the film pretty well.

Overall Impressions
Decent short. Your highest marks are the cinematography. Work on the story elements more next time. Thanks for showing!

[Ming]

My favorite moment was the shot of the killer in the hayloft walking past the opening with the low piano note. Very nice there.

I have to be honest, when they were talking about the third guy being a nutjob I completely expected a scene coming up where they were casually slaughtering cows or some other commentary on insanity taken for granted.

Overall I got the feel that this could have come from an early horror flick ala Friday the 13th. I mean that in a good way.. the old school original F.t.13th, when it was scary. Or "My Bloody Valentine."

The kill scene was okay, but would have been much scarier with a reverse angle on the killer from the victim's PoV. Also instead of the victim running and falling (I'm sorry but this isn't even funny anymore) you should have just had him stunned in horror as the killer coldly, methodically, raised his axe and split him like a piece of cordwood.

I liked it overall. I make these observations only given a concept worth thinking about to build on. Well done.

[TheatreGuy]

I think alot of people are um...not so much complaining, but just really like that movie. And that's why they keep saying you need more story and such. They want to see it develop into something more. Sometimes it's hard to realize how short six minutes is, haha.

Maybe you should consider making a "feature" length version, or like a 30 min version. Director's cut perhaps? haha.
I don't know how I am supposed to take this?

I watched the film and gave an honest review. I wasn't harsh and I didn't pacify the filmmaker.

I absolutely enjoyed the setting and the cinematography.

I thought that the story started to get somewhere when he got into the barn. I LOVED the piano chord as he passed by.

I just don't know WHY he killed him. I think that is a fair thing to ask.

I don't mean to sound so peeved, but I came back to this thread because I wanted to learn something. What were the filmmaker's choices and why did he make them.

If Weston would like to PM me, I would love to talk about this film some more. I found it very different from the rest and I applaud that. But if I am going to be insulted, I'll stay away.

Ted

[DimmuJed]

hey Ted, Sorry about that. I didn't mean to come off as insulting. I was just trying to say that because you didn't understand some things, and took the time to say you didn't meant you were interested in the film. Which would entice Weston to make an extended version. Just for everyones viewing pleasrue.

[Weston]

I don't know how I am supposed to take this?

I watched the film and gave an honest review. I wasn't harsh and I didn't pacify the filmmaker.

I absolutely enjoyed the setting and the cinematography.

I thought that the story started to get somewhere when he got into the barn. I LOVED the piano chord as he passed by.

I just don't know WHY he killed him. I think that is a fair thing to ask.

I don't mean to sound so peeved, but I came back to this thread because I wanted to learn something. What were the filmmaker's choices and why did he make them.

If Weston would like to PM me, I would love to talk about this film some more. I found it very different from the rest and I applaud that. But if I am going to be insulted, I'll stay away.

Ted

Ted I'm very sorry that Jed (Pornet) upset you with his comment. You have every right to ask about and wonder why that guy killed the character at the barn. As I said before...I agree with everyone who thinks the story isn't very well rounded. I myself don't even know why he decided to kill him. Previously we had a longer story where the identity of the killer was revealed as were his reasons. However since we didnt have the time to tell that story I had to cut it down to a random event. Your critique is one that I heartily agree with.

Once again I'm sorry if Pornet insulted you....he tends to have a way of doing that with everyone he talks to whether he wants to or not. Hes offended me hundreds of times. Please forgive him. Hes just a little too partial and excited about anything I do as a friend of mine. I don't want you to feel unwelcome here at all. I really appreciate you dropping by with your review.

And to Pornet...while I do enjoy your enthusiasm...but please don't be too partial. There are alot of good films out there...alot of better ones. Just because I make something doesnt mean its instant enjoyment for an audience everywhere. If I want to make an extended version of a movie I will regardless of how much dislike something may recieve. Having said that I dont think anyone has been hateful of this. All reviews posted have been very insightful and helpful and I'm greatful for every one of them.

Well..anyway..thanks everyone for the feedback. I hope this hasnt caused any perminent strife.

[DimmuJed]

I mean Gorsehill Farm is okay, BUT WHAT ABOUT CRAB MEAT MURDERS 4!?!? AND THE CLASSIC TRIOLOGY!? Boy it's goin to be the best NINEOLOGY of all time. AM I RIGHT OR AM I RIGHT?

[zenbarai]

I liked a lot of the camera work, and the moment when the killer appears was very scary. The texture and environment was all very good. Love the cows.

Ben

[Matt Sconce]

The texture was my favorite thing about this EXCELLENT cinematography! Just add some ADR for the dialogue and you are golden. For killer motivation...Perhaps you could add the killer seeing them talking or something or a flashback of when the one dude saw him chopping wood at night and then the killer followed them back, without the guy knowing, to see where they lived.... Or maybe the guy took something when he snuck over there....hmmm

I liked this! Good stuff!

[VersuS]

I liked the cinematography in this one and the location and the score worked well at the right moments. I didnt really like the echo effect with the axe...I'd rather have something that would add speed to it with more blood and gore but that's just me.
The acting was very decent and the lead was quite convincing.
However, I wouldnt ask for a feature. I would ask for a 3minute version instead. The intro with all the times and seeing the place, see them do their thing, see the cows....well that didnt fit in the 5.40 version you delivered. Since you have no time to present a background for the killer and his motivations, go wild and just show us a massacre, meaningless as it may be, the last minute was scary and creepy and that fits well with this fest.

[jpbankesmercer]

Acting: Felt doc like, suited the film.
Script: This let it down for me; you did create an overall creepy feel though.
Direction: Some nice moments here.
Music: Liked the music but the dialogue recording this brought everything down for me.
Editing: Stayed a little too long on some shot’s for my liking,
Lighting: A little flat but your use of natural was really nice. Some lovely shot choices.
Loved: The track back of the barn, the sun flare (nice man), the hand chop, the overall watch ability of this film, the location, seriously this film was the first to creep me out, I love that about it!
Hated: Dialogue audio recording. The end, (just felt too unresolved)
Overall: This film had a ‘Chainsaw’ feel about it, apart from the script/ audio I think you captured something I haven’t seen in many movies - Eeriness/ nastiness. I think if you would have had a solid script you would have shocked people more. It’s a very interesting piece. You’ve got a really nice developing style here. Look forward to more of your work.

J.P.

[Inexistence]

This short contained great cinematography all the way through. I'm a big fan of
natural lighting and you picked damn good days to shoot on. Although the audio
suffered from poor recording situations, I think you're not too far from a nice film.
The story seemed undeveloped in this version and completely let me down. I
have high hopes that you'll continue with this one and not let the great footage
go to waste!

Still, pretty juicy feel goin' on here!

[Weston]

I liked it overall. I make these observations only given a concept worth thinking about to build on. Well done.

Thanks alot ming. I'm happy it was enjoyable for you.


I liked a lot of the camera work, and the moment when the killer appears was very scary. The texture and environment was all very good. Love the cows.

Thanks! I'm thinking we should have had more shots of cows. Everyone seems to like them. Seeing them around here is an everyday occurence.


The texture was my favorite thing about this EXCELLENT cinematography! Just add some ADR for the dialogue and you are golden. For killer motivation...Perhaps you could add the killer seeing them talking or something or a flashback of when the one dude saw him chopping wood at night and then the killer followed them back, without the guy knowing, to see where they lived.... Or maybe the guy took something when he snuck over there....hmmm

I liked this! Good stuff!

Hey I'm glad you liked the cinematography. I really don't know what I'm doing with it, but I guess through fiddling around with the camera alot Ive learned a decent amount about what to do. The sound did indeed suck...but thats my fault for not making the film 2 months earlier. As for the killer...it was going to be one of his own friends who worked at the farm with him and it was over a girl. But...as you can tell...none of that made it into the movie. Glad you still enjoyed it though...thanks.


I liked the cinematography in this one and the location and the score worked well at the right moments. I didnt really like the echo effect with the axe...I'd rather have something that would add speed to it with more blood and gore but that's just me.
The acting was very decent and the lead was quite convincing.
However, I wouldnt ask for a feature. I would ask for a 3minute version instead.

With more time I would have done then end scene alot gorier. We ran out of light both days filming it....but I agree it could have been much better. As for just a three minute one....I dunno....I like doing shots just setting up mood....but perhaps thats wasteful of the time alotted. Oh well. Thanks for the complements though.


Overall: This film had a ‘Chainsaw’ feel about it, apart from the script/ audio I think you captured something I haven’t seen in many movies - Eeriness/ nastiness. I think if you would have had a solid script you would have shocked people more. It’s a very interesting piece. You’ve got a really nice developing style here. Look forward to more of your work.

Chainsaw like? Hey thats cool...thanks. Eeriness is definately something I wanted. I agree with you about the script, and sound. Next time around will be better. Thanks for the comments.


I think you're not too far from a nice film.
The story seemed undeveloped in this version and completely let me down. I
have high hopes that you'll continue with this one and not let the great footage
go to waste!

Still, pretty juicy feel goin' on here!

I'm glad you liked the look. We were lucky with the light....it wasnt quite as I'd planned for...but turned out alright. Those locations are capable of looking a hell of alot cooler though. I worked at that farm for 5 years and there can be some amazing scenery. Amazingly disgusting too I guess. I have alot more footage from this so I suppose I could finish a better version. The whole film has kinda left a sour taste in my mouth so I dont really like to look at it, but want to move on and film something I'm happy with. Thanks for the complements though.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

I thought there were a lot of great shots in this and I thought that the performances were very real and I think that and the slice of life documenetary feel of the openning added a lot to the suspense for me.

[Weston]

Hey cool Jack...I'm glad it worked for you in those areas. For you to say "great shots" means alot. Next time I'll make sure the whole thing is up to snuff. Thanks for the comments.

[hvxabuser]

you got the shooting down well just use more lighting and editing. and a tighter story. also the acting felt good and bad someties work on it and you got something. but overall lacking but could improve.

[Gord.T]

I worked on a farm for a few years when I was younger although
not directly with dairy or beef. Oddly enough I can still remember that smell, haha. Thanks for the memories.

The acting was on for me and seemed totally normal and real. There are a few movies in the fest that I would not want to watch if I was smoking weed (not that I do) for the sheer creep factor and this is one of them. Having been around farms and farmers, how do I say, they just aren't like city folk, the ending just plain creeped me out. The bit with the hand also and the overall hacking.
I think you did it in such a this-is-really-happening way without over-the-top music that it actually made it more real for me. I actually said 'ooooo' when that guy's hand got lopped, and sort of felt it a bit. I have no beefs (pun) with this short. I think you successfully accomplished the horror assignment and succeeded in creeping me out in a 'psychotic' and real kind of way.

Congrats and good luck in the fest. (Sorry for taking so long getting here.) -gordo.

[jpbankesmercer]

best of luck guys!
J.P.

[TheatreGuy]

Hey Weston, Congratulations on your work and your film. You brought some excellent elements to this fest that no one else did!

Best of luck to you. I appreciate the conversations that we've had!

Been fun!

Ted

[Lingothree]

This has a great look. Great locations. For me, though, the beginning moves awfully slowly, which I don't like so much when you only have 6 minutes to tell the entire story (and when I have like 60 movies to watch :) ).

What I really liked about this was that it all felt very organic, very natural, very real. Good job with that.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, this was an awful lot of farming to go through to get to the good stuff. I don't funnly get what happened, why a killer showed up, who he was, anything...

Me == confused.

[Norm Sanders]

Just finally getting the time to copy the notes I compiled in a Word doc while watching the shorts:

Sorry, Weston … I wanted to like this more than I did, but I felt like I was watching a behind the scenes on the farm … or like a Discovery Channel episode where we follow this guy around the farm doing this job, talking to his co-workers, etc. Then at the end he just gets butchered by the crazy guy with the axe. Very little build up, so nothing to really scare me, other than a bit of a pop when the guy first crosses camera, though we’re somewhat expecting something there because it’s tended to be the trend (Even in our film we had a quick cross between the talent & the camera). Anyway, as far as a documentary/BTS piece it would have been great because it felt very real … meaning the talent did a great job as well at just looking the part, acting the part, etc.

[Weston]

This has a great look. Great locations. For me, though, the beginning moves awfully slowly, which I don't like so much when you only have 6 minutes to tell the entire story (and when I have like 60 movies to watch ).

What I really liked about this was that it all felt very organic, very natural, very real. Good job with that.

Thanks for the complements on the feel and setting. Slow is more my style...or at least for this it was.


Yeah, this was an awful lot of farming to go through to get to the good stuff. I don't funnly get what happened, why a killer showed up, who he was, anything...

Me == confused.

I think I got too atatched to the images and shots of going through the day that I didnt realize they werent really essential to the story. There was a longer story that we ended up not being able to fit. Without it I agree...it makes no sense. Sorry about that.


Anyway, as far as a documentary/BTS piece it would have been great because it felt very real … meaning the talent did a great job as well at just looking the part, acting the part, etc. Very little build up, so nothing to really scare me, other than a bit of a pop when the guy first crosses camera, though we’re somewhat expecting something there because it’s tended to be the trend (Even in our film we had a quick cross between the talent & the camera)
__________________

Well......Im glad it felt doc-like. Nothing cinematic about it? Perhaps I should have just put it out before oct 1st as a bts. The camera walk by is becoming disgustingly cliche. I really dislike myself for doing it. I'd like to see yours though...sorry I havnt gotten to watch it yet. I heartily enjoyed the bts.

And to all....sorry this was a let down with such a lack of story. I wasnt going to even enter it, but decided to just to see what anyone might say about it. I kind of regret it now...but oh well....twas a learning experience. Thanks for all the comments and for dropping by.

[Norm Sanders]

Weston, DO NOT APOLOGIZE! There are positives about this film that I'm glad I saw. For example, this was SO real that it felt like a documentary ... hopefully that's coming across as the compliment it's meant in.

And scare factor or not, there were a few films in this fest that were just utterly painful to watch, yours was not one of them ... so don't apologize.

Funny ... I just saw the line above had "utterly" ... and yours had cow utters in it. Ha! I crack myself up. :)

[Weston]

Thanks norm. I guess I didnt realize it was a complement. I probably apologize too much...I dont like to make anyone unhappy or disappoint. I was just sorry if the story let people down. I see how it could....it being virtually non-existant. Next time I know what priorities are more important.

Nice udder/utter joke there...haha