Rezfactor--"Runway" [working title] Production Notes Thread

[Ralph Oshiro]

http://www.24framefilms.com/DVD-02-570.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/POSTER-03DOUBLE.jpg

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[Ralph Oshiro]

Aw, heck, I'll just cut to the chase, and save you all some time from searching every page on this thread for "The Bikini Picture:"

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-15.jpg

Here's some rejected banner designs with the old title that I played around with months ago . . .

http://www.24framefilms.com/horror-02a.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/horror-02b.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/horror-02c.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/horror-02d.jpg

[Ralph Oshiro]

As you can see, the image of the girl is from a photo shoot a few weeks ago (not the bikini shot--the old banner graphics photo). This is the only photo where she's not smiling.

[D_and_G]

It's amazing what different feel you can get with just small banners.

I like your choice of the first one. Definately moody. The second one feels more cyber thriller. The third a sort of a perfume ad, and the forth a drama, or romance.

Anyway, look forward to your submission. Are you shooting it on your DSR450 ?



:beer:





Cheers.

[Ralph Oshiro]

CASTING UPDATE: 01 JULY 2006

First hurdle cleared! Lead actress is cast. She is the girl in the photo. Not sure she can act, but I shot some test footage with her a while ago, and her performance was fairly credible (no lines, however). Talked with her about the project last week, and she's both excited and totally on-board to do it. Also cast her mother (I mean, her actual mom, to play her character's mom). Still need to cast bad guys.

As usual, there's still no script yet. Got some good story ideas from a PA at work. Will try to flesh those out with a few more twists (hopefully) in the coming weeks. I'm writing backwards again. Writing to include locations I know I already have, or can easily steal. I plan to steal quite a few locations for this one.

[Ralph Oshiro]

It's amazing what different feel you can get with just small banners . . . Anyway, look forward to your submission. Are you shooting it on your DSR450?Thanks for commenting, D&G. I just used what images I already had on my computer, and so that's why nothing really quite fit (especially the girl's un-horrific facial expression). Yes, I am very excited to shoot this HorrorFest's project with my new DSR450! I also plan to shoot some stunt footage with my old DVX100--not to qualify--but just because it will have a similar look, and I won't mind putting the smaller (and less expensive) camera in more precarious mounting environments.

[Kholi]

So you're just shooting to show for the contest? But not compete?

Neat banners.

[D_and_G]

1 July 2006--Los Angeles:

Lead actress is cast. She is the girl in the photo. Not sure she can act, but I shot some test footage with her a while ago, and her performance was fairly credible (no lines, however). Talked with her about the project last week and she's both excited and totally on-board to do it. Also cast her mother. Still need to cast bad guys.

Lol. I was going to say that in my last post, that you shouldn't tease us with beautiful women, if they aren't going to be in your flick :thumbsup:

Chekov once said that a hunting rifle above the mantle in the first act required it to be fired (by the audience) by the third.

Edit : I'm glad your shooting with the DSR. Since it was one of my options, it'll be cool to see how it handles the lowkey aesthetic (i'm assuming). And it's cool to see people enter "out of competition", or not knowing the prizes, or just for the love of it...


:beer:

[Ralph Oshiro]

So you're just shooting to show for the contest? But not compete?Well, I would love to enter to compete for votes, but I will probably end up with only a small percentage of DVX100 footage in the final cut (stunt camera stuff). Since I just spent all that money on my new DSR450, most of it will be shot with a non-qualifying camera. I don't expect to qualify using only a small amount of DVX100 footage that will be in the final edit.

[Kholi]

Well, I would love to enter to compete for votes, but I will probably end up with only a small percentage of DVX100 footage in the final cut (stunt camera stuff). Since I just spent all that money on my new DSR450, most of it will be shot with a non-qualifying camera. I don't expect to qualify using only a small amount of DVX100 footage that will be in the final edit.

Sweet. Great decision. Why spend the money and not use it on a great project?

Good luck, Rez.

[Blaine]

I look forward to seeing your entry, Rez. You shot some really nice shots on SciFest. It sounds like you're way ahead of the game this time around. :thumbsup:

[Alex DePew]

I know this is DVXuser and all. But I think a film is a film is a film. Even if it's not on film. Whether shot on 35mm or consumer cam or digital camera (take a look at Patryk Rebisz's film), it's all about story and execution. I say open the floodgates. Allow everyone at every level of ability and with every resource available to them compete. Let the pros come and take us on if they want our prize. I welcome the fight! They may take our prizes, but they will never take our FREEDOM! But if not, I really respect those who enter just because of the desire. That's what makes us filmmakers. That and ego. WOW did I get off topic or what? Sorry for the digression.

The girl in your banner is quite a looker. She is the girl in the pic from the photoshop tutorial, right? Nice casting.

[Brandon Rice]

Looking forward to your film dude... should be awesome.

[Ralph Oshiro]

FRAME GRAB FROM REJECTED FOOTAGE:

http://www.24framefilms.com/knife.jpg

This is a frame grab from some dolly shot stuff I lensed last week to try some ideas out. Yup, that's a Sony DSR450 24PA 16:9 image you're looking at. This was the best shot among the tests. But still nothing I shot was scary at all. No hint of a story yet either . . .

[Ralph Oshiro]

The girl in your banner is quite a looker. She is the girl in the pic from the photoshop tutorial, right? Nice casting.Yup. Same girl. And yes, she's quite a looker.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Another reject frame grab . . .

http://www.24framefilms.com/stove.jpg

[Filmjunkie677]

What an awesome grab! (The first one)

[Ben Sliker]

yeah ... god those are soo bad ... thank god you rejected them

Serious, those are looking sweet. Why not just call you shooter? cause that's what you f-ing do.

[D_and_G]

I like the second grab.

So your shooting stuff to spark a story ? That's a cool approach, that i haven't done before.

And how do you know it wasn't scary if you don't have the story yet ? :grin:

Also, shoot whatever it is that you're passionate about. Don't worry about whether it's more thriller than horror, or whatever, IMHO. Trust your instincts. Look forward to your submission (as always). Are you thinking of doing any BTS stuff for your own DVD? :beer:







RED # wish I was higher

[Ralph Oshiro]

Serious, those are looking sweet. Why not just call you shooter? cause that's what you f-ing do.Thanks for the high compliments. It wasn't that they were "bad"--they just weren't quite what I was looking for. The hallway dolly shot was actually kinda scary. But it's been so done. I hoped to go in another direction. Hopefully, something a bit more provocative. I want to take some risks on this one.

SCRIPT UPDATE: 19 JULY 2006

Well I hashed out a kernel of an idea with my soundman today, and in about five minutes, together, we pieced together a sliver of an idea that I really liked. Story is still a bit thin, but it has stylistic elements that I think I'll really enjoy shooting. So, yes, all of the above "test" footage is now absolutely, officially, "REJECTED." By the way, the working title is no longer, "RUNAWAY."

[Ralph Oshiro]

So your shooting stuff to spark a story ? That's a cool approach, that i haven't done before.I always enjoy your kind comments--thanks. Yup, that's the way I do everything. Shoot first--write later. It's the only way I get to thinking cinematically.


And how do you know it wasn't scary if you don't have the story yet?Good point. I didn't. But I saw myself falling into some genre cliches that I was really hoping to avoid. So I stopped, trashed everything, and rethought the whole thing.


Also, shoot whatever it is that you're passionate about. Don't worry about whether it's more thriller than horror, or whatever, IMHO. Trust your instincts. Look forward to your submission (as always). Are you thinking of doing any BTS stuff for your own DVD?Yes! I think I've FINALLY given myself "permission" to do just that! And now that I've done that (and am doing 'that'--shooting what I feel passionately about), it's all kind of coming together now--naturally and unforced. Thanks so much for that thoughtful comment. I really feel like I'm on a better track now with this project. I am excited about making films again--and that's a very good thing. And yes, I definitely plan to shoot some BTS footage of the more interesting set-ups!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Nice Grabs Dude, and your marketing materials are super clean ...
though I prefer the sans serif font you were using in your banner.
:thumbsup:

[MOVIE STUNTS]

This stuff looks great! Hope to see more soon...

[SLIDEentertainment]

REZ

Banner's are great! very clean, very pro... looking forward to seeing some work with the DSR450... Your lead is HOT...solid stuff looking forward to the film!

Trey.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j87/slatons2/SLIMSbanner.jpg

[RDragonFilms]

Best of luck with your project : )Can't wait to see more!

[E_D_N]

looks good so far... congratulations and best of luck on your project...

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

updates sir?

[Ralph Oshiro]

Funny you should ask, Jack . . . [thanks for the kind comments, guys]

PRE-PRODUCTION UPDATE: 16 AUGUST 2006:

• Lead actress is on vacation.
• Script (what little of it there is--okay, it's still just an "idea.") needs a key set piece which apparently is unattainable unless you're a goddamned movie studio or something.
• Deadline is scaring the pee outta me right now, since, I basically still have NOTHING.

[Ralph Oshiro]

A small technical update on some tests . . .

DSR450 FOOTAGE vs. DVX100 FOOTAGE

Well, I intercut some DSR450 and DVX100 footage (DVX100 footage was blown-up in post to fill the 16:9 aspect ratio of the native DSR450 widescreen footage), and my trusty little ole' DVX held up pretty damned good! I may intercut way more DVX footage into this thing than I had originally planned! Perhaps, even enough to qualify for voting and prizes!

Anyway, I'm sure it won't be THAT easy to tell the difference, and if I actually do finish a film for this fest, it'll be interesting who can pick out the DSR- vs. DVX-acquired footage. Sorry, can't post any grabs, because that would give too much away.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Getting down to the wire. . .

09 SEPTEMBER UPDATE:

Well, I think I just recast my lead. Hot girl in banner lives too far away . . . maybe next contest. Met a stand-in on a TV show set today, and cast her on the spot (she agreed to do a bikini scene). Let you know if she shows up to the shoot I have planned for Sunday. I've cut about 40 seconds of set-up footage from stuff I've been shooting up until now with no actors, still with no script in hand. Only have that vague story idea I talked about before. Also bought some more props at Target today (at least that makes me feel like I'm doing SOMETHING). We'll see if I can pull it off soon enough.

[TheatreGuy]

Bikini scene! Well, you've got MY attention!

Excellent banners and grabs. I like your style. Very crisp.

Good luck with the project. Looking forward to seeing it! (and not just because of the bikini scene!) :thumbsup:

[Ralph Oshiro]

Almost something to actually shoot . . .

09 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 2.0:

Re-recast my lead BACK to the hot girl in banner--just confirmed her schedule and level of committment. Bikini scene scheduled to be shot next weekend. Will write another short for the other actress I met on the set the other day.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Still miles away . . .

10 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0:

I just finished creating my . . . END TITLE CREDITS! Woo hoo! Always the most fun in making a movie (to me anyway). Kinda feels like I'm just making up more "filler" for a college essay that's still 1,000 words too short! So . . . I now have a beginning, 40-second set-up sequence with NO actors, and my end title credits! Yippee! Now, all I need is, umm . . . a STORY, and some ACTORS saying some DIALOGUE or something! Hmmmm . . .

[Ralph Oshiro]

You'll never guess what this is . . .

10 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.1:

http://www.24framefilms.com/wtf.jpg

Frame grab from a possible insert shot. You'll never guess what it is. Even better, you'll never guess what camera shot it! (Hint: it's a native 16:9 camera--NOT a DSR450!).

[Ralph Oshiro]

Fresh, brand-spankin' new frame grab from newly created title credits . . .

10 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.2:

http://www.24framefilms.com/runwaytitle.jpg

Shot the airplane landing shot yesterday afternoon at LAX. Changed the title from RUNAWAY, to RUNWAY, and threw an airplane shot in there to tie the new title in.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Getting closer . . .

11 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0:

Just screened rough cut of my 40 seconds of no-actor footage and title credits to my friend at work, and I think we resolved the main story issue in about two minutes. Thin as it is, it's at least something. It adds one more scene to shoot this weekend, an interior day scene that should be cake to shoot. Also put some music to the rough cut, and boy does music make all the difference. I feel like I have something now. Hopefully, I'll be able to pull this off.

[Brandon Rice]

Looking forward to it! Your work is really great.

[cinealma]

Looks good. How did you get the airplane landing shot without LAX security all over your ass? Driveby out car window??? It's a very nice shot!

And, the red thing above it, yes, I don't know what the hell that thing is! :eek:


John G.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

thanks for the update ... looking forward to your piece as your stuff always looks primo :thumbsup:

[Ralph Oshiro]

Throwing out more footage again . . .

MORE DELETED FOOTAGE:

http://www.24framefilms.com/LAPD-01.jpg

Got some cool cop car footage a few weeks ago, but it just didn't fit with the rest of my stuff, so I just took it all out. Shot it in 2:3 (instead of 2:3:3:2) pulldown by mistake, so I may have messed with this frame a bit to put in the 2:3:3:2 timeline. Don't remember. But the image looks pretty clean on a monitor--the fuzziness is largely due to .JPG artifacting when compressed for web viewing.

[Edgen]

Another reject frame grab . . .

http://www.24framefilms.com/stove.jpg

ah man, That's a bummer this was a reject grab. Colors look so damn rich! Just from the looks of what you've posted and mentioned so far, i'm looking forward to seeing your film!

good luck!
/j

[TheatreGuy]

Rezfactor, your shots are amazing! Really. I love the color depth and saturation of your work. Incredible. I'd love to learn more about your shooting techniques.

Beautiful stuff.

And I don't know what the hell the pile of red is. I hope that it makes it in the movie. Looks fantastic.

Ted

[Ralph Oshiro]

Went scouting my locations today for tomorrow's big day . . .

15 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: LOCATION SCOUT STILLS

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-AIR-01.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-AIR-05.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-AIR-06.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

NICE! Lookin' good.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Here's some of the wardobe items I bought at Target the other day . . .

15 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.1: WARDROBE STILLS

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-AIR-03.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-AIR-04.jpg

Again, files too big--had to save above as "quality = '3'" in Photoshop. Damn props didn't arrive from UPS yet (ordered last Sunday from one of those "don't call us, just e-mail us" kinda mail-order places). Will have to shoot those some other time I guess.

[Ralph Oshiro]

P.S. By the way . . . still no script.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Hey! Whomever changed my thread title to reflect the new short title, "RUNWAY," THANKS A LOT!!! Really appreciate it!

[Ralph Oshiro]

That's a bummer this was a reject grab. Colors look so damn rich! Just from the looks of what you've posted and mentioned so far, i'm looking forward to seeing your film!Not bad for 4:1:1 colorspace, eh? I'm afraid the frame grabs in this thread may be setting your expectations a bit high--really don't have much in the can yet (or on the page). Love your music, by the way!

[khmuse]

Here's some of the wardobe items I bought at Target the other day . . .

15 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.1: WARDROBE STILLS

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-AIR-03.jpg



Wow, what a small world it is. The picture of the girl on the Peds socks is a friend of mine. Her name is Tarah Paige (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1395985/). She has been a print model for a lot of years, a former Olympic level gymnast and a really good actress. Some of her most recent films were "Stick It (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0430634/)" and "Left in the Dark (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0466875/)".

She is a great and really versatile actress, I used her in a feature development that I shot a couple of years ago. Met her on set when Tarah and my daughter were shooting a PSA a few years ago.

Just goes to show you that nearly everyone in Hollywood has another job!

[Ralph Oshiro]

That is way too funny, KH! Pretty girl!

[khmuse]

Can I tell Tarah that in a very small way, she might be in your film?

She will be sooo excited!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Really? I can't believe she would be excited about that, but, of course! I'll deliberately include the package in in one of the shots, although that's possibly a Target copyright issue. Or is it simply "product placement?"

[khmuse]

I am certain that Tarah would put "sock photo girl" right at the top of her resume. I mean who wouldn't be excited about that! I am sure it will bump her star meter at least a point or two. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

A lead role in "Stick It", which wasn't a bad movie is OK, but a chance to be in "Runway", that's a career making move for any Hollywood actress.

As for any copyright I am sure that the image was a buy out, but I don't think that there would be any issues. You could always Greek out the package a bit.

Now I really gotta see what you shoot. :beer: :beer:

[Ralph Oshiro]

Here's the real blow-by-blow . . .

15 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.2: STORYBOARDING

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-AIR-07.jpg

Again, file too big--had to save above as "quality = '3'" in Photoshop. Well, still no script, but I'm crafting a storyboard instead. Now you can all see how good I can draw! (Don't ask about the plastic sheeting on the desk).

[khmuse]

I bet I know what the plastic is for.

Its so when you fall asleep at the keyboard while waiting for something to render; keeps the drool off the desk.

Cool boards! Looks a lot like mine, which is why I never got that darn art school scholarship.

Keep pounding away, excited to see what you come up with.

[Matt Sconce]

Love it! Thanks for the BTS!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Getting set . . .

15 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.3: CAMERA SET-UP

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-AIR-08.jpg

My new Sony DSR450WSL 24P 16:9 DVCAM--ready for ACTION!

[TheatreGuy]

Hey Rezfactor, love the BTS scoop... especially the bit about not having a script! Wow man, that is living on the edge! Or is it that a bikini shot in a horror film is script enough? And how exactly does a runway fit into that? Oh well, I guess I am going to have to wait until Oct. 1st!

Looking forward to it!

Oh, by the way... I think you must have picked up my pad of paper that I was story-boarding on.... oh, what? That's not mine? Oh... sorry. I guess we have the same... "skills!" :)

[Ralph Oshiro]

Or is it that a bikini shot in a horror film is script enough? And how exactly does a runway fit into that?Those are all VERY good questions, TheaterGuy!!!

[TheatreGuy]

Well, that's me. Always inquiring! Looking forward to the answer in Oct!!!

[D_and_G]

What a small world. I know the girl on the panties. Oddly enough, she doesn't want anyone to know she was a panty model. :p
I dig the name "runway", although that's probably a tentative title.

This baby is one to look out for. You never know, your way of shooting may pip people at the post. And for me, I want to see how that DSR footage looks, since I feel like I was there when you bought it ... :)

What kind of lights are you using (I remember our "low light" conversations) ? And are you including that black security guard again ? That guy was a natural :beer:

Cheers mate.

[Ralph Oshiro]

What kind of lights are you using (I remember our "low light" conversations)?Yeah, I've been shooting a lot of tests with my DSR450, and even rented it to some network that starts with an 'N' a couple times--I'm really happy with the camera! Here are some of the lights I'm using:

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-01.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/L-02.jpg

I did some tests last night with these Home Depot flourescents I bought a few years ago. They balanced at 6500K! They looked every bit as good as daylight KinoFlos! Nice and soft, and once white balanced to, they photograph pure white. I have them mafer-clamped to light stands--works great! I also own one real 2-foot, 2-bank KinoFlo and a pile of old LowelPro lights, but, oddly enough, this short is going to be all DAYLIGHT! How ironic is that?

[D_and_G]

... oddly enough, this short is going to be all DAYLIGHT! How ironic is that?LMAO :)

I guess you'd have to read your "what to buy" threads to know how funny that is. You certainly got a wee bit of a contrarian in you. Sounds fresh - a daylight thriller/horror flick.

Cool stuff. :beer:

[TheatreGuy]

Those lights kinda look like light sabers from Captain Hook's collection!

Great man... I may need to pick me up a couple of those. I saw them at the Depot and was wondering how they would do but I hate fluorescents. May need to rethink that!

How's that script coming along?

[khmuse]

Man, you have got a really great low light camera there and this is gonna be an all daylight short?

Ah, who cares, I am sure you are gonna have a great looking project.

Don't forget the Peds!

PS A shot of a girl wearing JUST the peds would be fine by me. :beer:

[Ralph Oshiro]

Pictures from some locations from the first day of hell . . .

16 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: 1ST DAY PRODUCTION STILLS

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-03.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-02.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-01.jpg

Again, big files--above saved as "quality = '3'" in Photoshop. My star actress relaxing on the roof, on the grass, and freezing her ass off at the beach. I can't say enough about what a pleasure it was to work with her--she had a terrific attitude. She's a real trooper, a real beauty, and never once complained. Will post additional, more "detailed" production stills once all of the contest entries are made available for viewing.

[TheatreGuy]

Now this is my kind of horror film! Beautiful woman in bikinis on tropical locations. (well... it may not actually be tropical, but right now it looks better than the maple trees in my neck of the woods!

Congrats on day one!

[khmuse]

Pictures from some locations from the first day of hell . . .

16 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: 1ST DAY PRODUCTION STILLS


Glad to see that you are getting some footage in the can (or on the disc in your case). If time allows, it would be interesting to learn your post work flow. Are you still cutting on PPro?

Really looking forward to watching your project. Your lead really is a beauty!

[Ralph Oshiro]

If time allows, it would be interesting to learn your post work flow. Are you still cutting on PPro?Yup. Was waiting for Sony Vegas 7 to come out before I dumped the Adobe NLE software. I also own After Effects Pro 6.5 (which I am planning to continue to include in my workflow), but I'm too stupid to use it yet. But it's all pretty straightforward, since I'm still in SD DV-land:

1. Originate in 16:9 DVCAM using 2:3:3:2 ("24PA") pulldown at 1/48th shutter, using the Sony DSR450 2/3" widescreen 24p camera.
2. Ingest DVCAM tapes via Firewire, using a Sony VX2000 camcorder as a deck, directly into an Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 widescreen 24p timeline (Hey! VX2000s can playback DVCAM tapes--whaddya know!)
3. Export to a DVD+R, directly from the Premiere Pro timeline for evaluative viewing.

[khmuse]

Have you thought about checking out PPro 2? I made the move earlier this year from 1.5.1 and have been really happy about it. I really love that I can bounce back and forth between the various Adobe tools (PPro, AE, Audition, Encore) and the common user interface keeps things moving quickly. I tried out the Vegas Suite, but was really not very impressed with its user interface.

So, I gotta assume that since you are shooting with plenty of available light, you choose the 1/48th shutter for its aesthetic, not for a 1/3 stop more light you would get over 1/60th! Is the character all that different between the two shutter speeds on this camera? I have shot a fair amount of SDX900 (similar camera, different brand) and have used slower shutter settings when I need it and when I wanted a bit more blur, but not with static (pretty girl sitting in a beach chair in full sun) subjects. Just kinda curious.

I didn't know that the VX2000 would work for an ingest deck. Way cool!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Yes, I use 1/48th largely for aesthetic. And, no, I don't see much difference at all, actually. The 24p frame rate seems to take care of most of the desired motion characteristics. Actually, I LOSE light at 1/48th. Don't ask me why. When I need more light, I turn the shutter off, and don't really notice much difference aesthetically. I also tried a few shots using -3 dB gain this time (both to reduce noise and depth-of-field).

[khmuse]

Wait a minute, you loose light (apparent gain) when you go from shutter off to a 1/48th shutter?

Maybe Sony's description of "shutter off" isn't the same convention as Panasonic's? Maybe they really mean that the shutter is open for the entire acquisition cycle (effectively a 360 degree shutter). In Panasonic cameras, shutter off is actually the default shutter rate (1/60th of a second for an NTSC 24p configuration). That is the only thing that would make any sense to me based upon your observation. I guess Sony and Panasonic really feel the need to do things differently at every opportunity!

I do agree about using "negative" gain settings (which is actually still positive gain, just negative in reference to the normal setting) for lower noise. I wish the dvx offered more gain choices (like the bigger camera do).

[D_and_G]

This could be a still for Hollywood. Funny, but I thought of an aspiring actress. Or the thousands who come in search of a dream.

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-03.jpg
Did you shoot the beach at magic hour, or is that still because you finished around then ?

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-01.jpg

You definately got a cutey there for your flick. Having an actress who isn't a diva makes everything 100 times easier.
I keep a list of cast and crew who are friendly, professional and talented, just in case our schedules and project needs coincide. :beer:

Cheers mate.

[BLUESPIDER]

I will checking this film out! Good stuff NBCshooter...oh my bad. :)

[Ralph Oshiro]

D&G:

Yeah, I liked the roof gag. Here's a shot with the camera (a bit underexposed).

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-06.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-05.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-13.jpg

The shoot ended just before sunset (as you can see). Didn't really need the magic hour shot (which we would have had to wait another 15 minutes or so for). I did manage a nice sunset shot. It got pretty chilly down there, and I didn't want to freeze my actress to death.

[Ralph Oshiro]

A couple more production stills . . .

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-07.jpg

Dolly grip, camera operator, director at work.

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-04.jpg

The happy actress.

[D_and_G]

;) That's one portable dolly. I guess if you see the cops coming and you're non-compliant permit-wise, you can haul a** toot-de-sweet :laugh:

Have you tried steadicam work, and if so how do you like it ?

Diggin' everything so far.Cheers...:beer:

[Ralph Oshiro]

;) That's one portable dolly. I guess if you see the cops coming and you're non-compliant permit-wise, you can haul a** toot-de-sweet . . .Yeah. That was EXACTLY my strategy. Set up lean and mean, so that by the time we get stopped, we've already got the first shot in the can. I can set up a dolly shot with that thing in about 60 seconds. We stole two locations that day with the track dolly. I was actually surprised with how much we got away with. Planning some super-secret stealth tactics for this coming Saturday to try grab some REALLY hard-to-get-without-a-permit kinda shots.

[TheatreGuy]

;) That's one portable dolly....
I thought that you were talking about the girl in the bikini!

Glad I read the whole post! :happy:

[Ralph Oshiro]

Have you tried steadicam work, and if so how do you like it?UPDATED: New, improved, updated Steadicam Flyer production stills from Saturday's (Sept. 23) reshoot:

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-23.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-18.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-19.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-22.jpg

Yeah, I've tried it--bought two of 'em in my lifetime. I used to own an old Cinema Products' Steadicam Model II (later sold it), and then bought a Steadicam Flyer last year. I love the result, but it's WORK to operate. Although I'm a certified operator (instructed by the master, Garrett Brown) I'm actually pretty lame compared to the guys (and gals) that do this kind of work everyday.

Damn! These darn files have so much detail in them! I had to reduce the quality to '2' in Photoshop to get them under 100K! That's why they look so horrible!

[Jaime V]

I'm sorry was there a movie being made or something, I got distraced by someone in a lawnchair.

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-04.jpg
(http://www.24framefilms.com/S-04.jpg)

[TheatreGuy]

Well Rezfactor, from what I am seeing.... you don't need a script! You don't have to say a single word. It may not be horror, but you are going to get a lot of attention with you film!

Thanks for sharing your gear shots. Nice to see that stuff in action. I am sure that a steadicam is not an easy thing to operate but that must be nice to have. So many times I wish I had one. Right now, I am building something that will act as a stabilizer. Certainly not a steadicam, but something that I can use.

[D_and_G]

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-11.jpg

Cool. Yeah, the reason I asked is because I thought it may fit your shooting style.

I'm thinking of saving up for the flyer, depending on other factors (including RED's final weight). Good to see the shoot style...

Cheers.

:beer:




"I was a brunette in a blond town, but gentlemen, I did not stop stepping"

-J. Johnson

[Ralph Oshiro]

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-15.jpg

[Edgen]

yup.

I'm gonna watch your film first.



/j

[TheatreGuy]

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-15.jpg
Beautiful! Just beautiful! That lawn is trimmed so close and uniform! Too bad the person got in your shot! :grin:

Very nice, Rezfactor. I know it is little things but in the composition of your shot, I love that slight angle of shadow cutting through the lower left corner.

[n8ture]

There's a lawn in that picture?
Oh yeah, I guess there is. :) Took me a few minutes but I saw it.

If you look carefully, it says Boo in the brown patches near the top. :)
Great location scouting! :)

[TheatreGuy]

...If you look carefully, it says Boo in the brown patches near the top. :)
Great location scouting! :)
HAHAHA! I see that "boo" in the grass... I think the Black Angel has got you nervous! Looking for the subtle warnings, n8ture? :eek:


There's a lawn in that picture?
Oh yeah, I guess there is. :) Took me a few minutes but I saw it.
And yes, I saw the Boo--- er, boobs in the photo as well! :)

DISCLAIMER..... I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE FOR REFERRING TO THE BEAUTIFUL WOMAN AS "BOOBS." MERELY A PLAY ON WORDS.

[Jaime V]

with these kind of shots I'm wondering what kind of horror movie this is? Maybe your doing something along the lines of Sean Young's character in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective? Now that was scary, and the scene afterwards with Jim Carrey in the shower after he found out...priceless. :laugh:

[VersuS]

W$@()%#*)^*)*)*)$&(#&)(&)*)(IFS":L:$L@)_(_)*(_*(_@%_(*_(*_(*^(#_*(*_

liquid...circuits....malfunction...bzzzzz....dzzzz z.......

[Lingothree]

This one looks very interesting. Boobs and all.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Mid-week mini-projects . . .

19 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: VISUAL/FX

No still images for this post, since it would give too much away. Trying my hand at my own homemade VFX using ONLY Adobe Premiere Pro, since I'm too dumb to use After Effects yet. VFX shot #1 is coming out "okay," but would like to make it better. But a 13 year-old-boy (one of the harshest VFX critics I've found), who said my VFX shots "sucked" in SciFest, said this one was much better. I just shot a test for VFX shot #2. I did it "old school," and it looks like it may work out pretty good when I shoot it for real. Can't wait to see if these pass the "gee, that looks fake/real" test!

And yes, I can't wait--pictures, pictures, pictures! I can't wait to post pictures of how I do this (if it works). Will post BTS images of the VFX work after the contest voting is over. Or maybe even a little before that. We'll see.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Mid-week mini-projects continued . . .

19 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.1: MUSIC

Found a pretty successful solution for my scoring, and the rough cut of what I've shot so far works surprisingly well with the score. Will share what I used once the entry deadline has passed. Very happy with the score.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Mid-week mini-projects continued . . .

19 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.2: STAR ACTRESS SCHEDULED FOR ONE MORE DAY OF SHOOTING

Well, my star actress (the one with the stellar attitude) has just been scheduled for another day of shooting this Saturday for re-shoots and pick-ups (unfortunately, she lives pretty far away, and it's not real convenient to get her to L.A.). THANK GOD! I would've been screwed if I had to use only what I had shot last Saturday. Will shoot my VFX shots on Sunday, so by Monday, I should have ALL of my photography done! Also talked with my friend today at work, and he reminded me of a couple story elements that I had forgotten that may actually help this short make some kind of sense.

I must say something about my actress. She has no training and no experience--this is her first acting role. But, besides her incredible, upbeat demeanor on set, she's not a bad little actress. I just edited in the first take of one scene tonight. I was able to use the FIRST take. Her facial expression was both highly nuanced, yet realistically subtle. She takes direction incredibly well. I think she's super pretty, but she's too short to be a model (you need to be 5' 10" or above) so all the big agencies won't even consider her. So my hope is to someday maybe bring her into the real Hollywood, and see if she has a shot at becoming a real actress. Then when she makes it big, of course, she'll demand that I direct (or at least DP)!

[Ralph Oshiro]

P.S. If you're here looking for the bikini picture, it's back on page 9 of this thread.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Very nice, Rezfactor. I know it is little things but in the composition of your shot, I love that slight angle of shadow cutting through the lower left corner.Thanks, man! I would have preferred, however, if the shadow were exactly parallel to the orientation of the chair. By the way, this is NOT a frame grab--it's just a quick production still I shot with my Nikon D70 between takes.

[TheatreGuy]

Cheers Mate on the success you are having! Sounds like all is going well. I can't wait to see what you come up with. VFX and a beautiful girl in a bikini... my mind is going wild with possibilities of where you are going with this!

Happy Wrapping!

Ted

[Ralph Oshiro]

Don't expect too much! The VFX are very minimal, and we're still trying to engineer some kind of a story!

[TheatreGuy]

HAHAHA! You are cracking me up with this lack of story/script approach!

I may have to try that on my next film!

[Ralph Oshiro]

HAHAHA! You are cracking me up with this lack of story/script approach! I may have to try that on my next film!Unfortunately, that's my standard operating procedure here (ask anyone)! I have NEVER been able to craft an actual script in three DVXUSER fests! Actually, that's not true. I DID write an actual script in Final Draft for a previous DVXUSER fest, SciFest (only my FAVORITE genre!), but I couldn't shoot it in time due to major personal issues at the time. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for Jarred to announce a "SciFest II" so I can shoot and submit it!

20 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: SCRIPT

Well, worked with my co-writer friend (he's a sound guy) again tonight. And I think we hashed out the final story element tonight (actually, the ONLY story element). Only requires one more set-up, and one additional actor. Should be fairly easy to pull off, and hopefully, this one shot will help tie everything together.

[Tom Marshall]

Don't expect too much! The VFX are very minimal, and we're still trying to engineer some kind of a story!

I say 6 minutes of her laying in the grass in her bikini... :)

[Ralph Oshiro]

Mid-week mini-projects continued . . .

21 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: SCRIPT

After editing a key shot into a half-shot rough cut tonight that I almost didn't even use, and adding a key sound design element, I think I figured out how to shoot the rest of the short. The "story" I think, makes sense, now that I have the visuals to set it up. I think it works in my head. Only way to tell if it really works is to shoot it and cut it into the piece. Here's a brief outline of my "writing" methodology:

1. Get a vague idea, a premise, and principle setting in mind.
2. Try to acquire all necessary props to be able to "sell" the desired setting.
3. Start shooting all kinds of elements that I know I may need that support the general premise and theme.
4. Start cutting together these shots to music (then mood and tone start to magically appear).
5. Find the hottest girl that will let me shoot her in a bikini, and book her for two days of shooting, a week apart from each other.
6. Shoot the first day.
7. Cut together all promising elements from first-day live action shooting with actress.
8. During the week of downtime, before I shoot the second day with my actress, keep cutting and adding effects, sound, and other elements to what I've shot so far, until a "story" magically appears in my head.
9. Use those ideas to complete second day of shooting with talent.

I finally reached "Step 8." at about 5:30AM this morning, while watching the incomplete rough cut from the first day of shooting over and over again.

[Ralph Oshiro]

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-16.jpg

[Ralph Oshiro]

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-17.jpg

[TheatreGuy]

Mid-week mini-projects continued . . .

21 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: SCRIPT

After editing a key shot into a half-shot rough cut tonight that I almost didn't even use, and adding a key sound design element, I think I figured out how to shoot the rest of the short. The "story" I think, makes sense, now that I have the visuals to set it up. I think it works in my head. Only way to tell if it really works is to shoot it and cut it into the piece. Here's a brief outline of my "writing" methodology:

1. Get a vague idea, a premise, and principle setting in mind.
2. Try to acquire all necessary props to be able to "sell" the desired setting.
3. Start shooting all kinds of elements that I know I may need that support the general premise and theme.
4. Start cutting together these shots to music (then mood and tone start to magically appear).
5. Find the hottest girl that will let me shoot her in a bikini, and book her for two days of shooting, a week apart from each other.
6. Shoot the first day.
7. Cut together all promising elements from first-day live action shooting with actress.
8. During the week of downtime, before I shoot the second day with my actress, keep cutting and adding effects, sound, and other elements to what I've shot so far, until a "story" magically appears in my head.
9. Use those ideas to complete second day of shooting with talent.

I finally reached "Step 8." at about 5:30AM this morning, while watching the incomplete rough cut from the first day of shooting over and over again.
I like this idea. I think when I finish the entry for Horrorfest, I will use these principles/steps to creat a short film for practice. (Lord knows that I could use practice!!!)

I don't know about step #5... up here in New Hampshire, bikini season is only about 7-8 weeks long! And I can't wait until next summer to use this method!

Thanks for updating us. Looking good (in may ways!) :beer:

[Jaime V]

Looking good Rezfactor...glad everything seems to be shaping up for your entry. Good luck!

[Charli]

This looks more like the OC than a horror video. I keep thinking she's going to
break out into arobics. Abducters, now left, now right, extend, extend...

[Geoff_R]

This is looking good! Nice behind the scenes stills.

[conrad_johnson]

Who is that lady....looking hawt!

Everything is lookin' great.:)

[Ralph Oshiro]

You know how when you think of something really late at night, and think it's great, and then in the morning you're thinking . . . hmmmmm.

[Brandon Rice]

Oh yes... happens to me quite often....

[D_and_G]

After this current script, I'm going to try using outlines again. My executive producer isn't too happy with 3 major rewrites.;)

But, then again some of those late night ideas might be gold. It's sort of like prospecting. Lots of moving mountain for the gold dust.

Somebody get rezfactor a great script and a production budget. Just out of curiousity, I'd like to see how you like it. Who knows ? You may dig the traditionality :grin: :beer:

[Geoff_R]

You know how when you think of something really late at night, and think it's great, and then in the morning you're thinking . . . hmmmmm.

This happens to me every other day. What's funny is that usually I'll write these things down and put them in a box. So every now and then I pull this 'box' out and look for ideas and it usually ends with me severely doubting my abilities.

BUT!!! sometimes you pull that weird stupid idea out and it's been six months and all of a sudden it works! That's even stranger to me.

[Lingothree]

You boys and your bikinis. Why don't you get off the message boards and go find some real life bikinis?

[Ralph Oshiro]

This happens to me every other day. What's funny is that usually I'll write these things down and put them in a box. So every now and then I pull this 'box' out and look for ideas and it usually ends with me severely doubting my abilities.

BUT!!! sometimes you pull that weird stupid idea out and it's been six months and all of a sudden it works! That's even stranger to me.I totally agree! Thank god I'm not the only one who thinks he has "great ideas" in the wee hours of the night, only to discover how lame they are the morning after! I'm keeping old half-baked scripts in a drawer now. And, yes, sometimes they surprise me (in a good way) in a later read! The creative process is so fickel, isn't it? And when you're struggling with a creative problem at 4:00AM, it sure gets lonely sometimes. Good to hear these kinds of posts from the rest of you, too--makes the process a little more bearable knowing you have some company. Geoff, D&G, Briceman, thanks!

[D_and_G]

You boys and your bikinis. Why don't you get off the message boards and go find some real life bikinis? http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=43731
:bath:

Hey Rez, I remember reading how Andrew Niccol used art design, production design, and architectural elements to come up with story and directorial choices for "Gattaca". When the producers questioned him (1st time director) directing the movie, he plunked down this huge binder. The producers looked at it, listened to his
passion and gave it the green light.

:beer:

[Ralph Oshiro]

I'VE GOT IT!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Whew!

[Ralph Oshiro]

HOLY CRAP! I think I finally have something . . .

22 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: MAJOR SCRIPT REWRITE--NEW STORY IDEA

I was talking about the "idea," from the other night (the one from the post with the list), with my girlfriend tonight, and she said, "Instead, why don't you have the girl . . . " And that was IT! There was the "eureka!" Oddly, it was actually an idea I had considered earlier, yet hastily discarded for some reason, and didn't see the follow-through potential for the story change. It changes the whole story, but I can still use all existing footage! It only requires one small re-shoot, and one addtional scene.

Still, there has never been one word put to a page for this "script."

D&G, I just LOVE that story about Gattaca!!! I was SO impressed by the production design of that movie. Now, I'm even more impressed! That is, I think my new FAVORITE Hollywood "green light" story! Thanks for telling it here! Stories like that help to make me believe that I may have a chance at doing bigger projects someday.

[TheatreGuy]

I'VE GOT IT!
The story? The Script? The Meaning to Life, itself? What? What is it that you've got, Rezfactor??? (the beer bottle opened? the bug is dead?)

Hey all, I really enjoyed the posts on this page. I am hearing a lot of input that rings true in my daily life. My only problem is that I am the most unorganized, creative slob that my wife will allow! (I am amazed that she puts up with the amount that I am but I guess she recognizes my creative "genus!" HAHA)

So, "box of ideas" is scattered throughout my house, my van, my car, my barn. I am forced to recreate the idea using the tidbits of info left in my mind. And usually, when I eventually come across the original, I like my new and improved idea better!

I do have some special passions that are boxed up.... similiar to the Gattaca story. Very cool.

So, anyway....


WHAT HAVE YOU GOT??? :)

[TheatreGuy]

Dang... my reply (post #120) took so long to write, my punchline was killed!

Hey Rezfactor, CONGRATS on the realization! And good timing, too! We are down to the single digits in days!!!

Now go, finish your story and post some more pics! [wink!]

[Ralph Oshiro]

Last-minute errands . . .

09:00AM, 23 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: FINAL SHOOTING DAY

Well, today's the second and last day of shooting with talent. Guess what I'm out of? DV tape! So I gotta go to Target and buy some sodas, chips and DV tape. Oh yeah, and some art board from Long's to complete a set wall. Talent's on her way. Sometime this morning, I gotta think of my shot list . . .

[D_and_G]

Great to hear you're zoning in on the theme/story etc...for your short.

Thank heavens for girlfriends :) Have you thought about scoring (soundtrack ;) ) yet ?

Sounds like you're having a blast anywhoo...:beer:

[Ralph Oshiro]

It's over . . .

09:00PM, 23 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.1: POST SHOOT REPORT

Well, the last shooting day with talent came and went. Got lots of good coverage of one key scene. But I still underbudgeted my time by at least 50%, forgot to get two key shots, and simply ran out of time to shoot two entire scenes. Guess I'll have to fix it all in post now.

[Ralph Oshiro]

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-20.jpg

[Ralph Oshiro]

UPDATED: STEADICAM FLYER PRODUCTION STILLS from Saturday's (Sept. 23) reshoot (properly exposed) are on the bottom of PAGE 8 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=63176&page=8).

[Ralph Oshiro]

It ain't over until the skinny girl does one more shot . . .

04:30PM, 24 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: ROUGH-CUT FINISHED

Finished the rough-cut. Really need the stuff I'm missing to "sell" the "story." I need two more shots. Actually three. Actually, four entire set-ups. Wait a minute, I need another day. But I'll settle for just one more reshoot in one location. Plus one pick-up. And three inserts. Actress lives really far away. Otherwise everything will suck.

And the production stills from the beach location above? None of that footage is usable. NONE. We just couldn't get to that location in time. Missed it by about five minutes.

[Ralph Oshiro]

But, what if I can't get my actress again next Saturday (she's not answering her cell) . . .

11:59:59PM, 25 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: REWRITE

This just in . . . TOTAL FRICKKIN' REWRITE! Just got home from work, and was pretty much hating my film all day today, all last night, and all day Sunday. Then I took a shower, and I thought of something else. Gonna try the re-edit right now. The beauty of the rewrite is that it doesn't require any additional shooting. Hope it works.

[Matt Sconce]

But, what if I can't get my actress again next Saturday (she's not answering her cell) . . .

11:59:59PM, 25 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: REWRITE

This just in . . . TOTAL FRICKKIN' REWRITE! Just got home from work, and was pretty much hating my film all day today, all last night, and all day Sunday. Then I took a shower, and I thought of something else. Gonna try the re-edit right now. The beauty of the rewrite is that it doesn't require any additional shooting. Hope it works.

I hope so too! Good luck with the that. :thumbup:

[VersuS]

Good luck man! Hope you make a film you love even if you dont make it to the deadline! It's what you like that counts!

[n8ture]

Hang in there!
I know Black Angel is turning out different than we thought it would but we're learning and we're having fun. That's what it's all about.

[VersuS]

Hang in there!
I know Black Angel is turning out different than we thought it would but we're learning and we're having fun. That's what it's all about.

I know what you all say...this is what's fun about making films..how you can 'change' in the process!
When I first wrote the Door Between, it was called 'The Room' and it was lets say...just the first 5 minutes more or less...then we got the idea about the vampires and the rest came along, we found the location and we could not let it slip away....so I added more scenes. It's a 10 minute film now but I dont care about the contest, I am just glad that what I wrote, is more or less what we will present. And even now, in post....I change stuff to make it look good....but this does not make me sad about the project, I dont feel that I am moving further away from what was our vision, I just feel that we're being smart, creative and dedicated to make this thing work.

[Ralph Oshiro]

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-25.jpg

[Jaime V]

lol didn't you post that shot 5 pages ago? Not that I'm complaining I guess.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Yeah, I was just getting depressed because, I don't really have everything I need to finish my short. I need one more FULL day of production with the lead actress. I fixed my edit up with a half-ass, patch-up job tonight, and it just looks . . . "unfinished." Which it is.

It's actually a slightly different shot of her above.

[Jaime V]

Are you going to be able to get your Full day of produciton in? I hope so man, you've come all this way.

I know what you mean about not liking your project during the process...I think everyone goes through the same thing, I know I did/do.

Hope you get it wrapped up man. Good luck.

[Ralph Oshiro]

NEW POSTER:

Had a lot of fun making my poster tonight! Here's the two versions I came up with.

http://www.24framefilms.com/POSTER-02.jpg http://www.24framefilms.com/POSTER-03.jpg

I never took "real" publicity stills that could have been used for a box cover or poster, so I just took a grab from the film itself. Doesn't really "communicate" anything, but I thought it was a pretty grab. In the second version, I added a type treatment to the title, using a black line through the "RUNWAY" type, to sort of emulate some runway hash marks, and then I added a shot of a plane to help "logo-ize" the title. Then, of course, I repeated the design in the new banner below. Oh yeah, I can't think of a logline for the life of me. Never can think of those damn things.

I like the "title-plane logo" so much, I think I'm gonna make T-shirts with it when this is all over. Hopefully, I'll shoot a better publicity still too someday. Maybe I'll even finish shooting the film someday also. Even if I can't get another shooting day to complete the "script," I'm still submitting whatever I've got anyway.

[Brandon Rice]

Dude, I dig your poster. Looks very pro.

[hvxabuser]

looks interesting but nothing horror yet?

[khmuse]

looks interesting but nothing horror yet?

Who cares, look at the lead! :thumbup:

[Edgen]

Who cares, look at the lead! :thumbup:

yes!! Agreed.

I'm digging the poster and graphic design of the logo. Very pro and clean. Not to mention it implies the films subject in that it revolves around an airport or terminal... or something with planes and/or flying.

Otherwise, it would lead you to believe the girl was running away from home or someone.

/j

[TheatreGuy]

Looks great in MANY ways, Rezfactor. I am sure that I speak for a lot of us when I say that I am REALLY looking forward to your film!!! :) :) :)

And I just have to say, your print ad, promo, graphic design (whatever you call it!) work is top notch!!!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

the lighting on her tummy, hip area is nice ... it makes me feel tingly

[jenningsp]

looking sharp. very pollished work. mines abit lacking =)

[Ralph Oshiro]

A new hope . . .

02:59AM, 28 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: NEW STORYBOARDS/LEAD COMMITS TO ONE MORE LAST-MINUTE SHOOT DAY

First, thanks for all the kind comments and moral support. I'm, pretty sure my lead is now confirmed for one more day of shooting on Saturday, Sept. 30th, a mere 48 hours before the deadline--THANK GOD! 'Course you're never really sure if your talent is really gonna show on the day--and I AM paying her! It's a bit too close for comfort, since I'll have to complete my final cut, encode, and upload within 48 hours of completion of principal photography. All I need are these shots shown in the photo below, and I think I'll have a short that will kind of make sense.

http://www.24framefilms.com/DESK2.jpg

And I really, really did want to turn in a short this time that actually made some sort of sense. One that at least completed an expression of a coherent idea (even if it's only a small sliver of an idea, as is the case here), despite my lack of story-inventing skills (as evidenced by my previous half-baked DVXUSER entires which contained virtually no coherent story at all). If I don't get this additional shooting day, my short will be crap, because it will only serve to totally confuse the viewer.

NO ONE, to whom I have shown the incomplete rough-cut, has "gotten it!" It always ended with the viewer asking, "What the . . . ?" If the viewer can't even figure out what's happening, I've failed as a filmmaker. This is the first DVXUSER-submitted short that I've shot that I feel is at a minimum, "contest-worthy," level to me, and not so half-assed as my previous entries. Maybe this one will at least be three-quarter-assed IF everything goes well this weekend! And then, MAYBE.

Anyway, thanks to you all for reading and contributing to this thread. It's a great sounding board to share both your elations and your troubles that you're experiencing while creating this project. Having such a forum, and a community in-kind to cast your filmmaking woes out to, is a godsend, and it's terrific therapy for those of us with "FBPS" (filmmaking bi-polar syndrome).

[Edgen]

Ha!! Stick Figure storyboards! :) GOta love those. At least you do have them and in the end it'll definitely save your tail. (or at least I'd hope so)

I just wish I had 2-3 storyboards of just "Cutaways for B-Roll". *slaps head Doh!*

I wonder how many other people out there actually paid their actors?

/j

[Ralph Oshiro]

I wonder how many other people out there actually paid their actors?Yeah, I'm always a little torn on that one. On the one hand, it's great to get people for free. But I always have this feeling that it's just better to pay people. Both, so that they feel valued, and so that they feel somehow committed to your project. I don't, however, pay friends or family--to me that's just part of the deal. Also, if my talent on any particular personal project also shares any "above the line" roles, then of course, no money exchanges hands, since we both then "own" the project.

[Slimothy]

Looking good man. Your other shorts, may have lacked a bit of explanation, but they sure looked awesome. I imagine if people understand this one in the slightest, it will be awesome. Your images always rock man.

Good luck.
Tim

[zoopraxiscope]

I love your title, logo, and actress frame grab. Makes me want to see this film to see what happens to her (or, what she does to other people).

It's on my list to watch! Hope you like ours, it's aviation-themed as well!

[GTP]

Grabs look great... looking forward to seeing this...

[Ralph Oshiro]

Prepararing for the day . . .

10:41AM, 30 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.0: MIXING BLOOD ON LAST-MINUTE SHOOT DAY

Talent is on her way, caught in traffic. Will start shooting about 1:00PM. Here's a shot of my blood-mixing prep area . . .

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-27.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-28.jpg

[Ralph Oshiro]

Prepararing for the day . . .

10:51AM, 30 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.1: OUR LOVELY CRAFT SERVICES SPREAD

It ain't much, but they eat it up . . .

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-29.jpg

[BLUESPIDER]

good stuff REZ, damn, I go for some goldfish and oreos!

[khmuse]

What, no Red Vines?

I ain't never seen a set without Red Vines!

Gotta have at least a few apple boxes. Fulls make a great seat, and pancakes work pretty good as clipboards and such.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Prepararing for the day . . .

12:35PM, 30 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.2: CUT-AWAY SET-UP

Had to do something while waiting for talent to show up. Set-up for a cut-away I'll need later.

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-32.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-33.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-30.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/S-31.jpg

[khmuse]

Yep, some PVC, a bit of gaff tape and a sheet of glass, very cool solution indeed.

I am just wondering what subject you might be shooting in a shower? :laugh:




PS Just sent you a PM with a link to the PPro instructions.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Almost done . . .

05:00PM, 30 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.3: MARTINI SHOT

Setting up for martini shot in shower . . .

[Ralph Oshiro]

Ta-da . . .

05:45PM, 30 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.4: WRAP

Martini shot completed. Pizzas ordered.

[khmuse]

A big congratulations!

[Blaine]

Ta-da . . .

05:45PM, 30 SEPTEMBER UPDATE 1.4: WRAP

Martini shot completed. Pizzas ordered.
Yes! Congratulations...now get it edited, I want to see that puppy...:beer: :beer:

[D_and_G]

Setting up for martini shot in shower . . .

I assume that's not a dry martini. ;)

Congrats on getting it done. Look forward to the flick, mate... :beer:

[Brandon Rice]

Congrats man, looking forward to your flick!

[Ralph Oshiro]

More stills . . .

02 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.0: PRODUCTION STILLS FROM SEPT. 30 SHOOT

http://www.24framefilms.com/8287.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/8303.jpg

http://www.24framefilms.com/8308.jpg

Check out my poor man's daylight KinoFlo lighting set-up! It's one of those desk lamps that use those consumer "daylight" flourescent bulbs. They work GREAT! I used one to supplement the natural daylight coming through the windows to fill her face on the bed. And there's also two in the bathroom (one desk lamp and one screw-in daylight flourescent bulb into the standard above-mirror bath fixture). Of course, there's lots more production stills that I'm dying to post, but I'm holding back until after the viewing is over!

[Edgen]

I can't wait to see this one in action. I can't but help to think... "What in the world is this woman doing!?!?"

Does she say anything? Is she the next breed in Species...?

:)

/j

[Ralph Oshiro]

Actual grabs . . .

02 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.1: FRAME GRABS

http://www.24framefilms.com/FACE-01.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 DVCAM image; white balance: daylight, manual.

So here's an actual frame grab (uncorrected) straight outta my DSR450 DVCAM camera. This grab shows what the camera photographed using the exact lighting set-up shown above, using the daylight desk lamp. If you're ONLY lighting with these, and you white balance to them as the sole source, they photograph pure white. Here, you see it's casting a slight yellow-green tint, when compared to the natural daylight bouncing into the room. I also placed the lamp in a less-than-desirable key position (under the chin), only because I was emulating the position of the motivated source.


http://www.24framefilms.com/FACE-02.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 DVCAM image; white balance: daylight, manual.

This is a frame grab without the fill. Again, both grabs are uncorrected, straight out of the camera. I decided to go without the fill, mainly because it was burning up the white pillow under her head, and I was too lazy to make a cutter.

[jpbankesmercer]

Rez, it always amazes me how you get some many hot chickcs in your flicks!
I mean ALWAYS, really always. Hot chicks everywhere...always :)

[Ralph Oshiro]

Whew . . .

04:29AM 02 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.3: FINISHED

THANK GOD! Everything went well (I think) with my final edit, except for a typo in the credits that I didn't catch until hours after I had already encoded, zipped, and uploaded. I was truly surprised that I actually finished everything and began my upload by 10:30PM Sunday night (except for the second upload to correct the credits at 03:00AM--sorry for wasting all that bandwidth).

Not counting picking up stock shots on various weekends, I really only had three short shooting days. The entire short was completely shot in daylight, and my talent never arrived before about 01:00PM on each of three consecutive Saturdays. I had no professional crew members, just my talent and a couple of her friends that came along. My girlfriend was of invaluable assistance, and even thought up a key story idea. And my non-actress star impressed me to no end . . . I think she's a natural. My thanks to everyone here for answering my stupid questions, and for your unending moral support. And without Jarred, I would never have even made this film. Thank you Jarred.

Now, my elation from actually finishing something is quickly fading into a satisfied exhaustion, and now kernels of thoughts for the NEXT project are starting to percolate. I must say, this is the first DVXUSERfest entry that I'm actually proud of. Although a script never actually emerged for, "RUNWAY," there's a story in there somewhere, and the few objective observers that have seen the final cut seemed to have "gotten it." Sure, there are things that I wish were better in it, but I'm generally pretty satisfied with the end product. I hope you enjoy it.

[TheatreGuy]

Hey, that's all great news Rezfactor!

Funny, as I sit here watching my files SLOWLY upload I am contemplating what I can shoot next!

I had so much fun making a film!!!

Can't wait to see your film.

It has been really fun watching the progress and the beautiful women!!!

[khmuse]

Great grabs!

Man, seeing your grabs makes me really wish I had gone with my first idea and shot with an SDX instead of the DVX (that damn 1st prize was so tempting). The difference a REAL 2/3" SD camera makes is so obvious and for me, the low light performance would have made my job so much easier. Oh well, too late now.

Congratulations Rez, your film is gonna rock! Can't wait to see it.

PS Great to see the Peds get a bit of screen time too!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Whew, AGAIN . . .

09:10PM 02 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.4: CONVERTED .AC3 UPLOADED/SPECIAL THANKS

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Edgen, khmuse, Jack Daniel Stanley, FlintMI, VaricamLife, and of course, Barry and Jarred (I'll add more names as I remember)--A GREAT BIG SPECIAL THANK YOU to you all, for all of your expert technical guidance on pixel aspect ratios, encoding, and such. I JUST converted, and uploaded my DVD-audio .wav file to the requisite .ac3 file, using a utility that FlintMI posted a link to, at the last minute, in response to my desparate, way-past-the-last-minute post in the "confirmed uploads" thread. Without all of your help, I would have never made it.

[Edgen]

yay!! GLad to see you've pulled through it and got your Runway off the ground. :)

and now we Hurried up to Wait...

/j

[ChrisHurn]

Congratulations..looking very good! I just finished reading through all of your posts in the thread...nice work! Looking foward to it.

-Chris

[mentatDUKE]

Congrats! Now we get to see your great looking actress.

[Ralph Oshiro]

More grabs!

03 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.0: CUTTING ROOM FLOOR, PART I

http://www.24framefilms.com/C-01.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab.

http://www.24framefilms.com/C-02.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab with Magic Bullet 'White Diffusion 5.0' plug-in.

http://www.24framefilms.com/C-03.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab with Magic Bullet 'White Diffusion Max' plug-in.

More frame grabs from my DSR450! All grabs have been saved as .jpgs out of Adobe Photoshop at a quality of '8.' This is the "roof" shot that I posted some BTS stills of many pages ago, here (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=63176&page=7) and here (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=63176&page=8). I ended up not using any of this footage, so here they are!

[Ralph Oshiro]

More grabs!

03 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.1: CUTTING ROOM FLOOR, CONT'D

http://www.24framefilms.com/SHARK-01.jpg
Sony DCR-HC1000 16:9 frame grab.

More rejected footage . . . this is a frame grab from my little 3CCD Sony HC1000 camcorder in an Ikelite underwater housing (shown below). It's 60i, but the camera does have a native 16:9 imager. This was heavily color-adjusted. Anyway, for various reasons, I chose not to use any "water" footage. I'll just bank this footage and probably use it for something else later.

http://www.24framefilms.com/HC1000UW.jpg

For those of you unfamiliar with this, now-discontinued, little camcorder, the Sony DCR-HC1000 has, "3-1/4.7" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imagers with 690K effective (video) pixels . . . and a horizontal resolution of 530 lines . . . by utilizing more area of the oversized CCD, a 16:9 image is created with a 14% wider angle field of view and 30% more pixels than a standard 4:3 image." The Ikelite housing is now discontinued as well, as I just found out when grabbing this image. It's now only $600. I paid over $1,200 from B+H a little over a year ago!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE "CUTTING ROOM FLOOR" FRAME GRABS AS THE CONTEST CONTINUES . . .

[TheatreGuy]

Not using the roof shot??? Well, I hope that yo have something better to replace it with! :)

You certainly do give a new meaning to the word "grab!"

Congrats on the wrap. Can't wait to see!!! And I do like that last grab at water level. Very nice.

Ted

[Edgen]

damn bro... your thread is chalked full of eye candy!

/j

[ChrisHurn]

Hahah yeah.

Nice shots!

-Chris

[Ralph Oshiro]

More grabs!

03 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.4: CUTTING ROOM FLOOR, CONT'D

http://www.24framefilms.com/LAX-02.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab.

http://www.24framefilms.com/LAX-01.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab.

http://www.24framefilms.com/LAX-03.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab.

http://www.24framefilms.com/LV-01.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab.

More frame grabs from my DSR450! All grabs have been saved as .jpgs out of Adobe Photoshop at a quality of '4' to '6.' Some of these shots are in motion, so some may be a bit soft. I ended up not using any of this footage either.

[Ralph Oshiro]

More grabs!

04 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.0: CUTTING ROOM FLOOR, CONT'D

http://www.24framefilms.com/BATH1.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

Here's the "daylight desk lamp" I had mentioned a few pages ago, which I used as the key light for the actress' legs. The "fill" or base light for the room is "off" in this picture, and was created by a screw-in, daylight flourescent bulb (not pictured here) which just blew out.


http://www.24framefilms.com/SOCKS.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab.

This video frame grab was saved out of Adobe Photoshop at a quality of '7.' Yet still another "rejected" piece of footage (no pun intended), shown here to illustrate the lighting used on "RUNWAY." The "daylight desk lamp" really mimics the quality of a small KinoFlo quite well. The light is soft, and when white balanced to, photographs perfectly white. The base light on the tub was provided by the screw-in bulb. [Note: the purple-ish hue in this .jpg is absent in the video display of this footage.]

[Ralph Oshiro]

More stills . . .

04 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.1: LEAD ACTRESS HEAD SHOTS

http://www.24framefilms.com/8390.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

http://www.24framefilms.com/8393.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

http://www.24framefilms.com/8391.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Stills from the set . . .

04 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.2: LEAD ACTRESS PRODUCTION HEAD SHOTS

http://www.24framefilms.com/8317.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

http://www.24framefilms.com/8386.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Stills from the set . . .

04 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.3: VFX SET-UP

http://www.24framefilms.com/8408.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

By the way, don't expect any super, whiz-bang visual effects in my short . . . YET! This effect wasn't completed in time! Will be getting some better stuff to do the VFX with in a few weeks. Then I'll re-shoot the VFX stuff for later insertion into a new, more "polished" version of the short, after the contest is over.

[FlintMI]

woah. power lines and ladders. that's a spicy meatball! That ladder looks like its floating like the guy at the end of "Blair Witch" too...

[luster]

I keep seeing your banner and thinking it says runaway even though there's a plane right next to it.

I think it's because of the lonesome-looking girl.

I'm wondering if there's some kind og double-meaning.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Stills from the set . . .

04 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.4: MORE LEAD ACTRESS STILLS

http://www.24framefilms.com/8327.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

http://www.24framefilms.com/8328.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image.

[Ralph Oshiro]

I keep seeing your banner and thinking it says runaway even though there's a plane right next to it. I think it's because of the lonesome-looking girl. I'm wondering if there's some kind of double-meaning.That's so funny! The original title was "RUNAWAY." I changed it once I started to think about airplanes instead of a street-kid type "runaway." That was harder to write, actually. I keep thinking "RUNAWAY" in my head, too, because she looks like she's going somewhere. Glad that title is "working" to that effect!

[Ralph Oshiro]

woah. power lines and ladders. that's a spicy meatball! That ladder looks like its floating like the guy at the end of "Blair Witch" too...Now THERE'S an idea . . . do a, "Blair Witch," kind of a story, except do it all with ladders instead of actors!

[Blaine]

This looks good, Ralph. If there is one thing we know we're going to get from you, it's great pictures. I can't wait to see the eye candy. :thumbsup:

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

hahaha!
http://tekbone.homestead.com/files/bump.jpg
i think you were just giving me a hard time, but right back atcha in anycase, lol :thumbsup:

seriously - I am looking forward to your flick man :)

[Edgen]

hahaha!
http://tekbone.homestead.com/files/bump.jpg
i think you were just giving me a hard time, but right back atcha in anycase, lol :thumbsup:

seriously - I am looking forward to your flick man :)

Not only is the picture funny, but the avatar that goes with JDS is frigggin' priceless! ahhhh.. the bliss.

I'm really digging your BTS footage Ralph and your insight of tips and tricks is really sparking my imagination for my next film. :)

/j

[Ralph Oshiro]

. . . your insight of tips and tricks is really sparking my imagination for my next film.That's quite possibly the highest compliment you could've paid me! Thank you. And back 'atchya! That's what I love about going to short film festivals, and becoming involved in DVXUSERfests. We all inspire each other to try to do the next "impossible" project. No one but us knows how much #&!@&*$!& work it is to make a film. The mutual support from this community is what keeps us all "believing."

[Edgen]

wowa. and wowa. Check your PM.

Thanks Ralph for the inspiration and continue to believe. :)

good luck I think you'll do just fine.

/justin

[Ralph Oshiro]

Got a new DVD label printer . . .

05 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.0: DVD LABEL ARTWORK DRAFT

http://www.24framefilms.com/DVD-02-570.jpg

This is a draft layout for my DVD label. Thanks to a fellow user here that posted the lower price that Staples now has on the Epson Stylus Photo R340 ($129), which apparently is what everybody uses to print directly onto printable DVDs, I just picked one up today. Can't wait to hook it up and try it out!

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POST-VIEWING COMMENTS FOLLOW THE POST BELOW--POST-VIEWING COMMENTS FOLLOW THE POST BELOW
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[gwmesler]

I will definitely see this one.... for obvious reasons.

[FlintMI]

This movie is the BOMB!

[Beat Takeshi]

I liked the look of this film and it was shot really well but the story felt disjointed. I felt like I was watching 3 different movies because of the cuts between the airplane, stabbing and jogging. The only thing that tied them in was the girl for me in this. I'm still not sure what I was supposed to focus on in the story. The cinematography was up there though, I could have watched another hour of footage from this even though I was lost in translation. All those screenies of your actress, you must really dig her.

[Brandon Rice]

Runway


Script
Ok, I really liked this. It all made sense to me at the end… and it kept me wondering what was going to happen… felt a little LOSTish if you know what I mean.

Acting
Your lead did fine, she didn’t have to do much acting, but what she had to do, she did well.

Cinematography
Wow! You have shot some of the best footage of this fest, great great great stuff! I cannot say enough about it!

Editing
Loves the editing, especially in the airport sequence with the B/W photos and stuff, nice work!

Score
Great music, fit the piece well.

Overall Impressions
Though obscure, the visuals alone make this film enjoyable for me to watch, it captivates and draws you in. Very good stuff!

[dvpixl]

yeah I agree with brandon about your camera work. very captivating indeed.

[Geoff_R]

Ralph,

Beautiful cinematography (I'm loving that steadicam stuff!) Everything has a strong, seductive vibe to it and it feels so filmic which is also because of the editing, perfect example is when she's packing and you have that cut to the street, bus pass and then MS on her walking towards cam. It almost feels like something out of Bourne Identity series or something, that whole first minute and half.

I also like how different sequences/parts of the story have a different cinematic style and feel. I didn't notice them the first time around because I was engrossed in the story but I could feel them with the second pass.

Great production value as well. (how did you get on that airplane!!)

Best shot in the film; the last shot with that runway...with the music (great music!), text overlays and all, it totally felt like something out of a Michael Mann film. I really dug this film and loved your camerawork.

[gwmesler]

I was very impressed that you got all those airport shots, what with security the way it is these days. And, the emergency vehicles and bomb squad! How did you do that?!!!

Our film, "Sneak" features an EMS team and some real cops. But, that pales in comparison. Nice job.

[VersuS]

Ok I'll start with the story, it's very complex (if there even is a specific story). It didnt really bother me to be honest, but it would be nice if I knew what the story was while watching....I can make many guesses but still....

In terms of cinematography and editing this one is amongst the top of the field. Very professional work. The images are crisp and clear and steady and you have a great way to frame things and people....

Those establishing shots and airports and stuff, dont know how you got to make them but well done!!!!!

THe girl was quite ok, not that she had a difficult part but still she managed....the only thing I didnt like was her jogging...maybe this is how girls jog but i thought she was in slow motion, like dont let the breeze mess my hair...that sort of thing...

Anyway, very very good camera work and images! AH! The sound/score...well nothing special but they worked so that's a good thing!

[khmuse]

RUNWAY

This one is both easy and hard to review at the same time. Much about this film can be described as nearly perfect. With near perfection comes an interesting burden, namely that errors, even extremely small ones become more obvious as they contrast with the otherwise perfect elements around them.

Normally, really pretty and super clean shots don't do it for me for a horror genre. Typically as soon as I see a film with a bunch of daytime exterior shots, I am disappointed as it seems to scream low effort, lack of skill or both. That being said, Ralph has in most every shot overcome this curse by choosing locations and time of day that works to set a mood. Nothing worse than mid day sun to kill the mood of a horror film, for me it just doesn't work to set a tone. Here Ralph has shown that there are exceptions to this. His choice of shots (most of them at least) were not out of a lack of effort or experience, rather, he seemed to chose them to make the most of his subject, keeping her images very flattering (not that she isn't a natural beauty already). The use of a lot of "golden hour" shots was the only way to pull off these types of shots, and while I like the lounge chair visual, I would have preferred that these too be at a different time of day (an awesome sunset in high contrast silhouette would have been my choice for this one). I realize that this would have pushed the number of shooting days, but this is really one of the very few areas that could have been a bit better. Not an error by any stretch, just a choice that could have been better in my opinion.

As for the gore shots, they were good, but not great. I liked that they were quick, its better to give a glimpse and let the mind do the rest, particularly when not executed to perfection (which would have required an excellent effect make up person to pull off).

I don't want to approached this with a "Brandonesque" style of bulleted, one liners of each category, that just doesn't come across as anything other than a knee jerk proclamation, not enough substance nor value for me. My comment on the directing was that based upon the story it could be best described as a second unit feel, not direction in the classic sense. This is not a criticism, just an observation of what came across. I can't tell from this how good of director Ralph is (but I suspect a hell of a lot better than I am), there just wasn't much to direct.

The acting was acceptable except for the hooded killer. This didn't work for me, nothing was terrifying about this person. The scream were also a bit weak, a better performance here could have helped to make the event more terrifying. On the audio front, the score and sounds were expertly crafted into the story with one very minor exception. The places where the jet engine noise were added were panned hard right, I think this would have been better if they were fully filled across the audio landscape.

Story, what there was of it, wasn't bad. I am so happy that Ralph didn't resort to cliché techniques like a corny voice over or some other band aide solution. Rather, this is a visual story and a wonderful executed one at that.

I recall following Ralph's debate over which camera to purchase. His choice in shooting style and use of locations and minimalistic lighting proves that he choose very well indeed. I am a big fan of 2/3" high end SD cameras, they do so many things well, and for this type of film, anything less would have diminished the result.

So, in conclusion, this film shows a large improvement as a filmmaker in terms of telling a story. Congratulations!

[conrad_johnson]

This one was good for me.

The story was a bit lacking, but............How the hell did you get the lighing to look like that in the plane shots????? Please do tell. I strive for natural looking daylight and that is it my friend. holy sh!t!

[mameragex]

:beer:I like this one a lot. I actually watched it twice just to make sure I hadn't missed anything. Cool camera work, pretty actress, LOVE the plane work. I liked the fact that It had a creative twist with the scenes that seemed like pleasant thoughts fading. Cool:thumbup::thumbup:

[Brandon Rice]

I don't want to approached this with a "Brandonesque" style of bulleted, one liners of each category, that just doesn't come across as anything other than a knee jerk proclamation, not enough substance nor value for me.

Thanks a LOT! You don't think my comments are made without a LOT of watching and thought! I guess this shows me why you didn't bother to reply to my review of your film. Well, thanks for explaining how I have knee-jerk reaction reviews...

BTW: I don't...

Now back to Runway, which btw, is a GREAT film :)

[Matt Sconce]

Hmmm....I thought the shots were beautiful the locations great but I needed a story. I tried to find one, but have not been able to. I am guessing it is that there are two futures she could have been in but because of the attack and death she is not in either one (The Beach, and the Plane) That is what I have come up with. This is a great display of Cinematography though. Congrats!

[TheatreGuy]

Hey Rezfactor, I have now seen your film three times. I am trying to make something of what I've seen.

First of all, the cinematography is just flat-out incredible. You know how to use a camera!!! The framing of your shots are spotless. The lighting is error-free. You know how to make a picture!!! It is as beautiful as your subject matter.

And I watched that steadicam shot over and over... HOW DID YOU DO THAT???? There is no jog, bump, jerk, jitter, nothing!

The establishing shots at the airport were amazing. I love your choices. I know that sounds simple, but I just loved the subjects you picked out to shoot.

I like the music. Reminds me of Peter Gabriel's Passion, which I love.

The only thing that bothered me, (and yes, it is a biggie!), the lack of story. THe first time I saw your film, I was speechless. The second time of watching Runway, I tried to take in an abstract sense to the film. It still didn't work for me. I've now seen the film several times and I am having a tough time with the "storyline." (I know the reasons for this having shared many posts with you in the past.)

I don't know if you considered developing the stalker guy anymore. To me, he comes out of nowhere. Now, don't get me wrong... I know that life is like that. One day your here and the next day your not. No story, no establishing "shots."

But in story-telling, I feel you need to establish some things. If this was a story of how the young lady coped with her life after a stabbing, then I could see the stalker being underdeveloped and not established.

But in this story, the stalker seems to be a principle role. I would think that this film could have benefitted from a few opening shots of this guy watching her, stalking her. Even if you shot him by himself and left him mysterious.

I know that I am describing a cliche. But I think that a strong cliche is better than a weak story. And please, forgive me... I don't want to call your story weak. Maybe it is there and I am just too much of a fan of modern, stereotypical storylines.

I try not to be.

Rezfactor, I hope that you do another film festival and I hope that you feel confident enough to contact me for bouncing ideas.

I love the way you handle a camera. I would love to see you better develop the story.

Thanks for the film! I love your work!

Ted

[khmuse]

Thanks a LOT! You don't think my comments are made without a LOT of watching and thought! I guess this shows me why you didn't bother to reply to my review of your film. Well, thanks for explaining how I have knee-jerk reaction reviews...

BTW: I don't...

Now back to Runway, which btw, is a GREAT film :)

Hey Brandon don't take my label as a criticism of your effort; rather as a criticism of your approach. You have made a gallant effort to write something about nearly every film (and you do seem to be prolific in that regard) but I would have much preferred a more specific response to specifics that are applicable to each film, rather than a generic approach of commenting on each and every film in the same manner (or style as I have inferred). For me statements of what was liked (or disliked) without specifics points have much less value. My apologies for the "...knee jerk" comment, it was likely over stated and under valued your effort.

Consider if you write that you didn't like something, say in one of your categories, ie acting. Without a supporting specific reference, the value of your comment is we now know your opinion, but can't take much from it that could fall into the category of "constructive criticism" rather its just opinion.

Further, my comment wasn't an attack, rather an explanation as to why I was commenting on specifics aspects of RUNWAY rather than a pre determined format of commenting on each aspect of each film in a very similar manner (what I have coined "Brandonesque"). You have strong opinions, and that is great, but I would suggest dropping the "formula" approach as the purpose of this effort is feedback, specifically feedback that can have value to the filmmaker.

Hope that this clears things up for you and that there isn't any hard feelings over my comment.

As for RUNWAY, I fully agree, this is as you have stated a " ...GREAT film" and I hope that my comments on it clearly convey that opinion.

[Ralph Oshiro]

RUNWAY

First of all, thank you all for your insightful reviews.

• msconce said, ". . . I needed a story. I tried to find one, but have not been able to." If the story was unclear, then clearly, I failed as a storyteller. Me and my co-writer discussed how to solve this problem, and have developed additional ideas that I think would address the story problem.

• A co-worker commented that, "the killer [or killing] wasn't credible or threatening enough." This has bothered me ever since I finished the final edit. I have since thought of a better way to shoot this sequence that introduces the killer in a more clever fashion.

• khmuse stated, "My comment on the directing was that based upon the story it could be best described as a second unit feel, not direction in the classic sense." I agree. I couldn't quite put my finger on it until you pointed it out. Often, my stuff looks like a "camera guy" putting together pretty shots, instead of a "filmmaker" making an interesting short. This is a continuing challange.

• khmuse also pointed out, "The places where the jet engine noise were added were panned hard right, I think this would have been better if they were fully filled across the audio landscape." Yup. This is a big "Whoops!" Also, the "Nikon F4 motor drive" sound was a mono sample panned hard left, another mistake.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Ok, I really liked this. It all made sense to me at the end . . . and it kept me wondering what was going to happen.Well, Brandon, thank you for the hugely positive review! I was at least expecting to see one major criticism in your "story" category, but I was glad to see that you "got it." I had planned to take some risks on this one, and I did. We later thought of a better edit, and a new final shot that would've better referenced all of the time elements, but my point was not to over-explain. Hitting high marks on your entire scorecard was a nice surprise--thank you!

[khmuse]

RUNWAY

• khmuse stated, "My comment on the directing was that based upon the story it could be best described as a second unit feel, not direction in the classic sense." I agree. I couldn't quite put my finger on it until you pointed it out. Often, my stuff looks like a "camera guy" putting together pretty shots, instead of a "filmmaker" making an interesting short. This is a continuing challange.

All I can say is if you ever do fully develop your skills as a director and story teller, the filmmaking world had better watch out, you have the potential to be really REALLY good. I have little doubt that the world will see something special come from you. I myself have no idea what it will be, but I can't wait to see it!




• khmuse also pointed out, "The places where the jet engine noise were added were panned hard right, I think this would have been better if they were fully filled across the audio landscape." Yup. This is a big "Whoops!" Also, the "Nikon F4 motor drive" sound was a mono sample panned hard left, another mistake.

No, this is a really small "Whoops" at the most, hardly worth mentioning and it really didn't hurt the film at all.

[Brandon Rice]

Well, Brandon, thank you for the hugely positive review! I was at least expecting to see one major criticism in your "story" category, but I was glad to see that you "got it." I had planned to take some risks on this one, and I did. We later thought of a better edit, and a new final shot that would've better referenced all of the time elements, but my point was not to over-explain. Hitting high marks on your entire scorecard was a nice surprise--thank you!

you deserved it... I think if you grab the viewer off the bat, and they're into it, the story works... this isn't a movie where you can jump in 2 minutes in and get it... but you grabbed me and I loved it... too bad the film isn't in competition.

[Ralph Oshiro]

By the way . . .

There's a "bookend" shot that provides a nice symmetry to the opening shot--it's at the VERY end of the type-over-black credits, following the copyright notice. I was wondering how many of you caught it?

[Brandon Rice]

I saw it... the sunset and her going into the ocean, right? Beautiful shot!

[D_and_G]

Hey Rez.

I had to review this one :)

First impression - Love it. First impressions were almost a Donnie Darko-type feel to the flick. I am a huge fan of metaphor and allegory when done right, and I think you accomplished this admirably. Strictly speaking, I think you are skirting the traditional definition of horror with this short, but as a proponent of stretching the conventions of the genre, I'm right there with ya'. Not to denigrate others work here, but far too few pushed any boundaries besides reiterating modern day tropes.

Second impression - I felt that in a way you were trying to amp up the horror element in the flick, which seemed at cross purposes to the thriller/drama aspect or nature of it. Specifically, when the attacher attacked, it felt somewhat incongrous to the greater themes involved. And the traditional "Psycho" type attack didn't seem as innovative as the rest of the flick. Also, I noticed you kept the same kind of music throughout the attack. Watching it, I felt that complete naturalistic sounds (breathing etc...) or a similar concordant msic, with different emphasis to isolate this event, may have been more effective.

The jogging footage, while smooth and directed well, seemed a little unnaturalistic (from the girls jogging). She seemed to be lifting up her knees to slow her pace (I assume so you could keep up with her). Perhaps, it would have made more sense to let her jog at a normal speed, and then track with her as she passes, and let her jog down the path into a E/LS. It was only a minor thing I noticed, and it may be because I am a filmmaker that I did notice it. In no way does it detract from the flick, though.

The way you edited this footage was very effective. I am a fan of non-linear editing, when it services the story and doesn't substitute for the story, and you were clearly the former. The jumping in time and metaphor built to a very successfull climax and I have to tell you, I felt a wee bit of melancholy at the end of the short. Somehow, I cared about the character in your short, or at least moreso than many other films I've viewed. And the score was a standout amongst ALL of the fest entries. Your score had to carry so much of the intent of the visual images (since they were open to interpretation at least until near the end). I was a little worried when you didn't reply to my question about your score in the thread - I thought you were probably frustrated with it - but you pulled a rabbit out of the hat for your short, IMHO.

Standout shots - by far, the plane flying overhead while she lays sun tanning. Besides being completely appropriate for your story visually, I had to smile at your ingenuity to steal a shot at the exact spot that you could get that plane and her together (at the right angle/fov). Also, the lighting in the plane was as good as I've seen, even in the theater. Pullling off that naturalism, while still being dramatic is a feat unto itself. Clearly, the DSR (and you) can pull of some clean images.

Possible changes - these are only things that occured to me Rez. You can toss 'em if you want, but I just thought I'd think out loud here. I think tying in the airport (metaphor) earlier would act as a nice book end to the film. Even a quick shot of the lights of the airport, for example, or the same landing lights that you had in the end of the short. As mentioned before, a subtle change in effects/music for the attack, and perhaps a less traditional attack could be reshot ? Another thought that popped into my mind is if you had one or more characters during her ordinary life, maybe a passing jogger etc... show up on the plane as a passenger. The metaphorical nature should be hinted at a wee bit more, IMO, but since this was a six minute cut, I can see where you were coming from. Personally, I could see with some further development, and a few more scenes, this being accepted in some decent fests. There are only a handful of films i can say that about and yours is one of them. :)

Third impression- overall I saw some real development for you as a filmmaker. I can understand your trepidation at just being a "pretty" shooter, but that's going to be a complaint of those that don't dig the style as much as Wong kar Wai has faced those same comments. Believe me, there are plenty of shpooters out there that do very pretty and technically great stuff, that I couldn't give two stuffs about. I have a fine affinity for subtext and visual poetry, beyond the whiz bang factor, and you my friend have a filmmakers voice. Yes, it needs to be developed, and often you put yourself in a time rush, when you may be a director who needs to explore themes and story in a more exended (a la European) way - but , IMHO, there is a voice there and more than a DP/shooters. Call it a hunch...

In conclusion, the short was effective, held my interest, and there were some real moments of reflection for the viewer to ponder/enjoy. There was some small aspects that stopped it from being all that it could be cohesively. Even though the short skimmed the margins of the defintion of horror(IMHO), in totality it was a tangible step forward for you REZ. And it's one step, I'm glad you've taken...:beer:

BTW, you should get that little filly (actress) into your next pic. I'd like to see a longer collaboration between you two. Maybe she can move closer ? (Sorry if this review is a little ramblin'... )

Thanks for making this REZ. :beer:

[Ralph Oshiro]

D&G:

WOW! I really appreciate your thoughtful comments D&G! You knew EVERYTHING! YES, I was too out of shape to keep up with her jogging--I kept telling her, "run slower, SLOWER, SLOWER!!!" Also, you have excellent insights into how I can improve the short! If I can manage one more day of additional shooting, I think I can address most of the issues that I (and others) have with the film. I think your idea of tying in an airport element with the jogging early on is perfect, and I know a perfect place to shoot just that. Thank you so much for the time and thought you invested to make these detailed comments on my behalf--it's very, very much appreciated!

Oh yeah, also, as you said, I always seem to be trying to "jam" the contest-defined genre into my submission. As I said, you made some very insightful comments! Hopefully, I'll maintain some incentive to "fix" the film, and then I will more willingly look forward to submitting it elsewhere. It's a difficult decision for me to go back and do the extra shooting and "fix" the film, or to just chalk it up to experience, and move on to a new project. But I think you're right. I would be much more satisfied with the short if I do go back and re-shoot a couple things. Thanks again for both your high praise, and your spot-on critique!

[Kholi]

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

Hey Rez. Got a chance to check out your short. I have to say that I'm going to have trouble reviewing this one, simply because of the disjointed story.
Script - I wathced three times. And I kept wondering when I would see what I was missing but apparently I didn't catch it. I still dunno what's going on. I have to say that something about it feels really Donnie Darko, but in a way that I can't seem to put together. Was this one on a skeletal structure and not necessarily written? Or do you have a full blown script? I might just be really stuipd, honestly. I just can't seem to put together what's going on. You get a plane explosion and a fatal stab wound. Are you saying that no matter what she does she's destined to die on the same day? Sorry, again I might just be flat-out retarded.

Direction - I believe I caught a short from you before in Sci-Fest and I never reviewed. I'm reviewing now and I can say that visually, this is your better. I noticed staples to your name/creation: a lot of tense zooms on vehicles and the like. I also liked the first jogging shot, the creep from behind the trees. Your framing is really great throughout. The frame up of her legs as she removes her tights is great, and so is the coverage on the interior of the plane scenes. The weight as the plane began to rumble was nice. Shaking cam and all.

Acting - She played complacent all the way through. Kinda just hung out and did her thing. What I didn't like, and this was on the first go around, was the really weird jogging she was doing. It's like she was prancing and not working out. It could've been because of production limitations, it just didn't sit right with me. The scuffle scene with the knife I wasn't feeling. It felt really odd, but I can't exactly say why. Which sucks. Not too much else to go on for acting. I do have a question: why'd she have a ponytail going on in the shower and still wet her hair? You had a nice sized cast of extras as well. Cool mang.

Cine/Lighting - Great lighting throughout. The interior of the plane looked nice. Dunno how you managed that, but it was cool. I also like all of the exterior shots. The first jogging scene starts off really soft and blurry, almost dream-like but it wasn't at all bad. Nice locations. Dunno how you scored an airplane if you did, but it was great.

Editing - Clean cut. The parts where you went through showing the bomb squad stood out as really clean, well timed. The only thing I thought strange was the opening. She seems to be walking toward the camera way too long and gets to that point where you're like "She's going to walk into the camera", and it became odd for me. Otherwise, clean. I like the runway ending footage.

Sound - Well schemed. Foreboding score was clean. I have one issue with a certain part: when the bomb explodes it sounds like an explosion, and then I realize the sound in the background is rain. I don't see any rain afterward. I have on headphones so it really stood out to me as odd. You probably had a reason that I'm too stupid to realize, but it was kind of odd. The explosion itself was weighty, though.

Special Effects/Art Direction/Wardrobe - Blood looked like blood to me. I think the stab scenes were a bit on the weak side. I could honestly tell she wasn't being stabbed and that kinda pulls me out of the visual, even if I dunno WHAT the heck she's being stabbed for or what it has to do with the airplane footage. Blood in the tub was thick, looked like blood and didn't turn into a watery-red. Nice.

Scariest Moments - The bomb exploding of course. I don't like planes in the first place, and bombs exploding on one is pretty scary in it's own right.

Overall consensus -If I have to go back for a fourth watch, I will. I just dunno what the story was about. Visually great, though. I could watch it regardless and learn/steal some stuff from you. Sorry that I don't get it. I haven't read your thread yet but I'll go back to see if I can find out what's going on. Thanks for exhibiting dude.

[D_and_G]

D&G: I really appreciate your thoughtful comments D&G!

:beer: (no prob.)

Like I said, even with just a few minor tweaks you have a really good short. If you want to put in a day or two of reshoots, it could be really great. I guess it will depend on your goals (festivals ), scheduling, cast & crew, budget etc... Either way, it was a pleasure to see the short, and your directorial voice coming out more (story-wise).

Look forward to seeing more from ya' REZ. :beer:

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Ralph.

Looks awesome man (of course).

Loved not only the framing and lighting or use of light but also the camera movement - very very slick.

Before I ask some questions about story and its place in your process, let me first make sure its understood that this just looks fantastic, really pro, and lots of great nuances in the shots. I can't say enough about that. Lots of evocative moments leap off the screen.

Now on to story.

Its interesting to see people evolve and grow over these fests. I feel like you started awesome and have remained awesome in the camera dept. But I feel like you are treading water or even taking some steps back in terms of story, or at least have not hit story as strongly as you did this time last year in Zombie fest. I thought the story in Infection was thought out well and perfect for the time, and had a nice button.

You seem to love certain elements of filmmaking, you seem put on the earth to frame, light and move the camera and you seem less interested in other areas of filmmaking. I'm wondering if you feel that the way you are working is evolving project to project toward some process wich eventually yields a story driven film or whether you feel you are kind of moving in circles around this story issue.

I really enjoy looking at your films, and I'm personally interested in your career and what your goals are just knowing you here from DVXuser. I'm just curious what those goals might be. Are these films an excuse to use your own gear and dabble in story? Or do you have dreams of hitting the festival circuit with your films? If its the former then I cool, you are turning out stuff that looks amazing and your films are better than most. If its the latter then I'm wondering why not ...

screw story all together and just make amazing montage videos.
really commit to making story the center of your process (while it seems there is little room for improvement your already amazing shooting, your lens craft would get even better in service of a taught story - or it would have even more impact)
hook up with some writer / director and you be the co-producer / shooter. Not saying just shoot some guy or gals movie for free, but why not hook up with someone that lives and breathes story and concept the way you live and breathe light and shooting?Again, outstanding work, look forward to discussing this with you if you are interested, but won'y be offended if you tell me to go jump in a lake:beer:.

Jack

[Kyle Stebbins]

Jack, amazing review for Ralph. Good points... I second them all.

Ralph- I am stunned. I'm not even sure that I can comment just yet. Your shot compositioning ability is UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! So many questions... How did you get the bomb squad, did you just get lucky one day?? The runway shot with the plane landing... HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My only (and i truly mean ONLY) reserve is the murder scene. I didn't believe he was killing her, at all. But, of course, my film has the same problem... but man. I am completely enthralled with your work.

Count me as a #1 fan.
-Kyle Stebbins

[Brandon Rice]

I've got a question! How the heck did you get that interior of the plane? That rocked!

[Ralph Oshiro]

I've got a question! How the heck did you get that interior of the plane? That rocked!Thanks! I just wanted to make sure that most of the members here have had a chance to view RUNWAY before I gave that up!

[Ralph Oshiro]

My only (and i truly mean ONLY) reserve is the murder scene. I didn't believe he was killing her, at all. But, of course, my film has the same problem... but man. I am completely enthralled with your work.Thank you for the kind words! Yes, that of course was the hardest scene to do right. I had to shoot it twice. The "struggle" running up the hill was never right either. It was supposed to be a struggle up the hill, on the ground, with her kicking and screaming the entire way. But it was taking too long to get, and I had to move on. I'll probably re-shoot that whole sequence again to try to "fix" it.

[Brandon Rice]

I just wanted to make sure that most of the members here have had a chance to view RUNWAY before I gave that up!

ah man, PM me.

[Ralph Oshiro]

But I feel like you are treading water or even taking some steps back in terms of story, or at least have not hit story as strongly as you did this time last year in Zombie fest. I thought the story in Infection was thought out well and perfect for the time, and had a nice button.Thanks for all the kind words, Jack. Funny, I thought Infection had an even weaker story than Runway did, this time around! Not that I'm arguing, I'll take the over-generous compliment on Infection, but let me continue . . .


You seem to love certain elements of filmmaking, you seem put on the earth to frame, light and move the camera and you seem less interested in other areas of filmmaking. I'm wondering if you feel that the way you are working is evolving project to project toward some process wich eventually yields a story driven film or whether you feel you are kind of moving in circles around this story issue.Well, that's certainly true. I do love certain parts of the filmmaking process. Mainly, the lighting, camera, and directing part. I often do feel like I'm spinning my wheels. But I think I discovered something on this project this time around. I think I'm going to . . . wait let me continue this after your next thought . . .


I really enjoy looking at your films, and I'm personally interested in your career and what your goals are just knowing you here from DVXuser. I'm just curious what those goals might be. Are these films an excuse to use your own gear and dabble in story? Or do you have dreams of hitting the festival circuit with your films? If its the former then I cool, you are turning out stuff that looks amazing and your films are better than most. If its the latter then I'm wondering why not ...

screw story all together and just make amazing montage videos.
really commit to making story the center of your process (while it seems there is little room for improvement your already amazing shooting, your lens craft would get even better in service of a taught story - or it would have even more impact)
hook up with some writer / director and you be the co-producer / shooter. Not saying just shoot some guy or gals movie for free, but why not hook up with someone that lives and breathes story and concept the way you live and breathe light and shooting?Yes, Jack, it definitely is a mix of the former, with a highly critical eye toward the latter, the festival circuit. Once I get to a point where I have a festival-level product, I'm certainly going to pull all the stops to make that a success. Each DVXUSERfest has been a stepping stone toward that goal. I think I may be ready for the next project to elevate to that goal. As to working with writers, I've tried. I've been through so many writers, I've lost count. The problem for me, I think, is that my visual storytelling is so personal, and so specific ("I want to shoot a movie with a shot of a plane and a girl in a bikini in it"), that it's hard to segregate a project like that.

I do also plan to "screw story" altogether and create a number of art pieces which will just run in loops on LCD panels in my house. I'm completely remodeling the living room (and everything else) in my house, and am designing a very modern photo, video, and computer display gallery space.

As to the next "narrative" project, I'm not sure how I'll get there, but it won't be finished until the story is SOLID. I really think the "next" project will be "the one." Whatever that will turn out to be. I will stop trying to force an arbitrary DVXUSERfest genre into what I will try to shoot. I will do what I do well, and try to find my own genre definition. I hope to do more of a David Lynch-ian kinda idea, but not quite as boring. I want to shoot great action with all the trimmings--car crashes, gunplay, etc. What I hope to be shooting for is, "David Lynch-meets-Michael Mann-meets-Lawrence Kasdan." I doubt I'll ever get within miles of the level of quality of Kasdan's writing, but I sure do admire his stuff.


Again, outstanding work, look forward to discussing this with you if you are interested, but won't be offended if you tell me to go jump in a lake.Why in the world would I reject constructive comments like these from one of the most talented filmmakers here? I could talk film, genre, story, art direction for hours and hours and hours with someone as dedicated as you are to the art. Again, thank you so much for the insightful comments and kind words--very much appreciated!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

here's a suggestion based on your response:
why not try working with a writer as part of your editing process.
this is the way reality shows work, like American Chopper etc.
that way you
have already shot the stuff you love,
but a writer can help you order it or emphasize this set of shots or shot over that set of shots or shot to emphasize or de emphasize or create certain story beats.You might meet with them just to toss around ideas very loosely early in the process and then either review footage or not talk to them again until you've done a rough cut.

You're an auteur that has a way you like to work and some idea of what you want in your head before you ever talk to a writer, which is fine, but one problem that can arise from that simply by commissioning a script with a girl and a plane in it is that the writer may feel ambushed when they give you their gem and you tell them its all wrong.

I think at the very least if you commission something then try to make it as clear as possible that you have certain image motifs that you are interested in exploring and that the goal will be to mold those into a story, but that they will be writing in service of those motifs - this will just make the process go smoother and will actually make it seem more collaborative by placing a disclaimer up front that the process won't actually be very collaborative but that you need their craft -- this I had to learn as a theatre director working with designers.

But I think the
brainstorm with writer
intuitively shoot as you do
work with writer during the editing processmight be something interesting for you to explore

a variation would be to include the writer in reviewing dalies along the way rather than waiting for editing, they might be able to suggest avenues for you to explore as you shoot.

I know I'd find it an interesting experiment from the sidelines. Just some thoughts :thumbsup:

[Ralph Oshiro]

But I think the
brainstorm with writer
intuitively shoot as you do
work with writer during the editing processmight be something interesting for you to explore

a variation would be to include the writer in reviewing dalies along the way rather than waiting for editing, they might be able to suggest avenues for you to explore as you shoot.That's pretty much the approach I'm taking now. I've found a great writing partner (whose name is John, and who is credited as, "story editor," on Runway) who also thinks very cinematically. Although we collaborated on Runway, most of the ideas are mine, and the story "linchpin" was actually my girlfriend's (also credited). But he did come up with some great "fixes" to the storytelling mechanics that I will include, intact, on future re-shoots, should I decide to invest the time and resources to "fixing" Runway. We collaborated every day for a week (we sometimes work together for a week at a time), and I was able to show him every progressive rough-cut that I had complied for him after each shooting weekend. I'm hopeful for this new partnership, and look forward with great anticipation to our next project together.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

cool :thumbsup:
look forward to more.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Watch it fast . . .

08 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.0: SNEAK PEEKS COMING SOON!

For those of you who HAVEN'T seen RUNWAY yet--WATCH IT SOON! Because, soon, I'm going to post a few behind-the-scenes production stills that show you how I pulled off the airplane shot. I'd hate to ruin it for those of you who haven't seen the short yet!

[Brandon Rice]

whoot! Let the BTS roll!

[Ralph Oshiro]

More behind-the-scenes stills . . .

08 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.1: MORE PRODUCTION STILLS!

http://www.24framefilms.com/8330.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image
This is my "backlot" that I used as an insert stage to double as the "under the bridge" set. I call this picture, "Ow! I hit my head!"


http://www.24framefilms.com/8356.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image
Another shot taken on the "backlot." I call this picture, "This way we don't have to waste time changing again!"

[Ralph Oshiro]

More . . .

08 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.2: MORE PRODUCTION STILLS!

http://www.24framefilms.com/8075.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image

http://www.24framefilms.com/8099.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image

STAY TUNED TO THIS THREAD FOR MORE BTS SHOTS COMING SOON!

[Aaron Marshall]

This film looked very nice. A lot of that was thanks to Alejandro Torres. :grin:

It seemed like a long public service announcement warning young women of the dangers of jogging, and eating airline food. Some of your shots were incredible, but I fail to see a story here that the common person can relate to. That's one of the tricks of horror. Billy Joe living in a trailer in Kentucky should be able to get as scared as Tiffany living in a penthouse in New York.

Your film was very easy to watch. I think it would have served its audience better had you stuck with a simple premise. I'll have to call this movie "Donna Darko"

[Darkline]

Hi Rezfactor,

Techincally you did a fantastic job here.

Sorry for not reading the whole thread, but it looks like you pretty much executed this one on your own! I love using the domestic flourescent as a fill... love it.

I thought you created a nice mood, but I was a litttle lost with the story. Your end credits are fab though, and some shots were real feature film material... it looks like a lot of thought went into exactly how you wanted this to look.

But I did laugh at one bit - and Im sorry for this, but when she comes running round the corner and she has to reaaaallly slow down so you can get round her with the steadicam. I just thought it stood out that she was almost jogging on the spot so you could do your thing. Apart from that it was all very seemless and professional.

[Ralph Oshiro]

More . . .

08 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.3: MORE PRODUCTION STILLS!

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/8387A.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image [background blurred to reduce file size]

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/8407F.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image [background blurred to reduce file size]

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/8321.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image

STAY TUNED TO THIS THREAD FOR MORE BTS SHOTS COMING SOON!

[mameragex]

Whoa! these stills really look like you put your actress through a lot! The one where she is being dragged through the dirt is wild.

[Texture]

Somebody should be hiring you to shoot features. Both your scifi and horror entries are the most believable in terms of the verité style. I love watching your stuff, it always looks downright incredible.

Get yourself a good writer and you'll be blasting these suckers outta the ball park! Unfortunatly being or finding a good writer is one of the hardest parts.

Still, I enjoyed the parallel dimension theme going on here. One person is erased and so are her doubles. Why are there doubles? Its enjoyable enough to watch, that I don't find myself weighed down by needing to know.

Erik

[Kyle Stebbins]

Watch it fast . . .

08 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.0: SNEAK PEEKS COMING SOON!

For those of you who HAVEN'T seen RUNWAY yet--WATCH IT SOON! Because, soon, I'm going to post some revealing behind-the-scenes production stills that show you how I pulled off some of the shots. So, I'd hate to ruin the surprise for those of you who haven't seen the short yet!

Oh my god. -- This will be awesome.

[Geoff_R]

Anxiously awaiting the BTS!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Don't want to disappoint you guys--but they're just stills of the much-talked about "airplane" shot. No video, sorry! No scintillating, more "revealing" shots of the girl or anything like that. Didn't mean to lead you all on. I'm at work now, I'll post them later tonight.

[Edgen]

Billy Joe living in a trailer in Kentucky should be able to get as scared as Tiffany living in a penthouse in New York.

comon' now... that's a low blow. (that only happens in eastern KY). Aaron, you seem to have a lot of rage built up in your comments with in this fest. I guess i never thought you were like that and I'm starting to see the darker side of you as it is really coming out of you. Makes me think... "I would have really liked to of seen your horror film."

/j

[Ralph Oshiro]

Still, I enjoyed the parallel dimension theme going on here. One person is erased and so are her doubles. Why are there doubles? Its enjoyable enough to watch, that I don't find myself weighed down by needing to know.Wow! Thanks for the high compliments! That's funny what you mentioned about the parallel dimension thing . . . I never thought about that! The intended story (although I like that you made up your own story!) is much simpler and more down-to-earth than that!

[Ralph Oshiro]

As promised . . .

09 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.0: AIRPLANE INTERIOR FRAME GRABS!

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/P-INT-F-04.jpg
Sony DSR450 image; 5600K; CC: -20R, -20G, +20B

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/P-INT-F-03.jpg
Sony DSR450 image; 5600K; CC: -20R, -20G, +20B

These are frame grabs from a Sony DSR450 (widescreen DVCAM shot at 24PA, standard definition) of the "starboard" side of the aircraft. A manual white balance was taken at about 5600K, and color corrected, "blue-ish," as captioned.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE BTS SHOTS JUST MOMENTS AWAY!

[Ralph Oshiro]

More frame grabs . . .

09 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.1: AIRPLANE INTERIOR FRAME GRABS!

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/SEAT-01.jpg
Sony DSR450 image; 5600K; uncorrected

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/SEAT-04.jpg
Sony DSR450 image; 5600K; CC: -40R, -30G, 100B; brightness +40, contrast +25

This is a another frame grab from a Boeing 737-700 overhead passenger compartment panel, complete with the illuminated seat belt sign. The back of the camera is shoved as deep into the seatback as I could get it, so that I could maintain my MOD (minimum object distance) from the overhead panel, using only my standard 20:1 Fujinon lens. This shot is real noisy because I think I accidentally hit the gain switch while trying to get this shot.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE BTS SHOTS JUST MOMENTS AWAY!

[Ralph Oshiro]

As promised . . .

09 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.3: AIRPLANE INTERIOR FRAME GRABS!

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/T01.jpg
Sony DSR450 image; 5600K; CC: -20R, -20G, +20B

A reverse-angle shot of the "port" side of the aircraft.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE BTS SHOTS JUST MOMENTS AWAY!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Equipment . . .

09 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.4: LIGHTING INSTRUMENTS

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/8826.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/8828.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/8835.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/8836.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 image

This is the entire "lighting/grip kit" that I used on RUNWAY. The "daylight" flourescents are from Home Depot, but I don't think they carry this particular model anymore--I bought these about five years ago. Anyway, they matched real daylight in my daylight interior set-up pretty darned well. The "daylight" desk lamp is from Office Depot. The apple box is from FilmTools in Burbank.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE BTS SHOTS JUST MOMENTS AWAY!

[Ralph Oshiro]

Equipment . . .

09 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.5: LIGHTING EXAMPLE

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/LEGS.jpg
Uncorrected Sony DSR450 frame grab

http://www.24framefilms.com/BATH1.jpg
Uncorrected Nikon D70 still image

I showed this lighting set-up earlier in the thread, but here's the frame grab that I really wanted to show that goes with it.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE BTS SHOTS JUST MOMENTS AWAY!

[Brandon Rice]

thanks for all these BTS! I am impressed you lit it with such small lights.

[Ralph Oshiro]

More plane . . .

09 OCTOBER UPDATE 1.6: ANOTHER PLANE INTERIOR

http://www.24framefilms.com/P/737.jpg
Sony DSR450 frame grab; CC: R75 G75 B200

Here's another reverse-angle shot of the in-flight Boeing 737-700, heavily color corrected, with a simple lens flare effect added in Adobe Premiere Pro. The camera was simply resting on the armrest of the chair I was sitting in.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE BTS SHOTS JUST MOMENTS AWAY!