RobertE presents "Hellebore"

[Robert Eldon]

HELLEBORE

"It'll scare the fertilizer out of you"!

Well, I hope it's not too late to start promoting my Horrorfest entry. I didn't have time earlier to promote because I was spending all my time producing "Hellebore".

At this point, the film is almost done. We're just doing some fine tuning and audio mastering. I'll try to post some screen shots and production stills. I've found it very difficult to cut the film down to 6 minutes, so you'll see the 6 minute version.

I plan to create a "Director's Cut" after the competition and after getting feedback. This was a great experience and thank you Jarred, DVXUser Forum and members.

HELLEBORE CREW

Directed & Produced by... Robert Eldon
Written by... Brian Dillon
... Robert Eldon
Director of Photography... Ignatius Fischer
... Jaron Eldon
Original Music & Sound... Jaron Eldon
Edited by... Jaron Eldon
Assistant Director... Brian Dillon
Lighting by... Steven Deeble
Boom Operator... Kenneth Jackett
... Ken Huskey
... Darryl Medley
Craft Services... Kelly Eldon
Key Grip... Steve Spiker

HELLEBORE CAST

Jaron Eldon... Man with dog

Nugget... Daisy (Courtesy of Amie DiColla)

Sandy... Jane M. Heller

Todd... Ryan Laughlin

Special Agent Hill... Richard Boosey

Dr. Phillip Peters... Brian Duyst

Agent Anders... Brian Dillon

Agent Bush... Brian Chennault

Agent Green... Charles Doell

Agent Photographer... Darryl Medley

Hellebore Creature... Jason Netka





Here's a storyboard panel and the actual shot from the movie:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1159420481.jpg


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1159420617.jpg


The following screen shot has not been color corrected. We called this the "Dead Sandy" shot.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1159420749.jpg


Two extremely talented actors - Richard Boosey (left) and Brian Duyst (Right).

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1159603942.jpg


The following picture is in between shots. Hot coco is being served. We are using the Rowe Cine-Dolly rails and Ignatius Fischer created a really cool set of tracks. The camera is a DVX100B with the Indie-Snap matte box. Arri lights all around.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1159421615.jpg


The picture below is one of my favorite shots from the movie. I think he says '"Oh...@$!#"

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1160541542.jpg


The following picture is Brian Dillon, Assistant Director dressing a 'hand' with blood and chunks. Brian's really into this kind of stuff. When he went to L.A. to get the body parts, his email to me read, "Hey, I got some good body parts cheap!" I cracked up.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1159931300.jpg


************************************************** **************************************************
*
* WARNING - SPOILER FOLLOWS - DON'T VIEW THE FOLLOWING PICTURES UNTIL AFTER YOU'VE SEEN THE MOVIE!
*
************************************************** **************************************************

The next picture is of us setting up some dolly track for the 'guy getting dragged through the woods'. We put down about 30 feet of track on one side of the trees and 'dragged' the guy on the other side of the trees. We had to synchronize the speed of the dolly and the 'victim' and actually did that pretty well.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1160274134.jpg

The following picture was taken while I was working with the "Hellebore" creature. Inside the costume is Jason Netka, he is
6' 5" tall and dresses up as a Storm Trooper on weekends for the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. He was really great to work with and even though he was in the costume, he took his role very seriously.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/12162/1160110582.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

Cool, welcome... We'd all like to see some screenshots. :)

[seejay1031]

Welcome to the party...
Looking forward to your screen shots. Just one question so far...
How do you pronounce your film? I'm guessing the hell is is pronounced Hell but is the E soft, hard or silent. I was thinking like Hell-a-bore as in a very boring person, but I think I'm wrong.

[Robert Eldon]

Brandon,

I figured that you or Jack Daniel Stanley would be the first to reply. I'm working on getting some screen shots up now.

My understanding is that we can post screen shots from the movie, but no footage?

And production stills are OK?

[Brandon Rice]

hehe yep, we are the "welcomers"....

Screen shots and production stills are all ok... just no actual footage from the finished film.

[Robert Eldon]

Welcome to the party...
Looking forward to your screen shots. Just one question so far...
How do you pronounce your film? I'm guessing the hell is is pronounced Hell but is the E soft, hard or silent. I was thinking like Hell-a-bore as in a very boring person, but I think I'm wrong.

hel‧le‧bore  Pronunciation[hel-uh-bawr, -bohr] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. any of several plants of the genus Helleborus, of the buttercup family, having basal leaves and clusters of flowers, esp. H. niger, the Christmas rose.
2. any of various plants of the genus Veratrum. Compare false hellebore.
3. any of several poisonous or medicinal substances obtained from these plants.

I was working on this project, when I saw a spelling bee on television and this word came up. I thought, what a cool word and the working title of the project was "Plant Food". Then they defined the word for the kid and said that it was a plant. It was perfect for the title.

The kid spelled it wrong by the way.

[Ben Sliker]

The kid spelled it wrong by the way.

lol. welcome!

[MOVIE MASTER]

No My Dark Child Its Fear You Need To Work With

[Robert Eldon]

No My Dark Child Its Fear You Need To Work With

Uh... right.

[Robert Eldon]

O.K. everyone. I've started to post some screen shots and productions stills. Trying not to give too much away about the story. See the beginning of the thread.

[Brandon Rice]

Very cool stuff my friend... looking forward to your flick!

[Robert Eldon]

Very cool stuff my friend... looking forward to your flick!

And I, your's. Isn't this the best fun ever?

[Brandon Rice]

absolutely... I LOVE these fests! And I am super-excited I got a flick in this one!

[Robert Eldon]

Updated the top of the thread. A few more screen shots.

Also, ready to upload the movie tommorow. Here we go!

[Robert Eldon]

Uploaded last night. I hope the quality of the compressed version does this movie justice.

I can't wait for everyone to see it and get some feedback from my 'peers'.

I had to cut, cut, cut to get it down to 6 minutes. I'm creating the "Director's Cut" now.

What a fantastic learning experience... and now that it's 'in the can', I'm having a great time! Enjoy!

[Tom Marshall]

Looking forward to seeing it. And I agree, most of these films call for a director's cut... 6 minutes is just too hard to squeeze everything into.

[Slimothy]

Thanks for the BTS grabs. Murrieta, isn't far away from me at all. Any other projects planned for the future?

Production value looks like it will be top-notch in this one.

Tim.

[Blaine]

Did you shoot in Murrieta?

[Robert Eldon]

Thanks for the BTS grabs. Murrieta, isn't far away from me at all. Any other projects planned for the future?

Production value looks like it will be top-notch in this one.

Tim.

Thanks for the input. This is my first DVXUser 'fest' and it's been a fun and learning experience. I guess it always is?

I'd say that you're about 60 miles north on the 15 freeway? Not far at all, and yes, we've got a few projects in the works. I work with independent film production people and help them get their projects done.

How 'bout you? Have you got an entry this 'fest'?

[Edgen]

Looking forward to seeing this one. I dig your storyboard :) Once the fest is on its way, it would be great to see more shots of those. The dead Sandy money shot looks pretty slick. Poor girl.

/j

[Robert Eldon]

Looking forward to seeing this one. I dig your storyboard :) Once the fest is on its way, it would be great to see more shots of those. The dead Sandy money shot looks pretty slick. Poor girl.

/j

Thanks. And I'm really looking forward to seeing yours. I really like the poster.

I plan to include some more BTS shots and screen shots from the movie as we get going. A lot of BTS stuff would give the movie away (**spoilers**) so I'm waiting until we get rolling.

I really like working with storyboards and shot lists. That's just the way I work. It made the production go a lot smoother with everybody on the same page, literally and figuratively.

[Edgen]

I really like working with storyboards and shot lists. That's just the way I work. It made the production go a lot smoother with everybody on the same page, literally and figuratively.

Robert... WIThout a DOubt! Storyboards for me kept everything in line. Even though i was not looking at them during the actual shoot, but just drawing them out and studying the days before hand was invaluable. I knew exactly what I wanted and made everything go that much smoother. Of course, things do change when you get on set, but its a fantastic 'base plate' if you will.

Looking forward to seeing your flick too!
cheers,
/j

[Robert Eldon]

I agree completely. I admire someone that can work that way. I saw your storyboards. Very nice my man.

I actually storyboarded the idea first and then asked Brian Dillion to write it. Then we re-wrote. Then I storyboarded each shot. It was great for the actors and the crew to see how each shot was envisioned and it's uncanny how the shots turned out so much like the storyboard.

In one scene, we shot at night, around and in a swimming pool. With the storyboards and a location map, the lighting guy, Steve Deeble, was able to map out the lighting, and the camera locations were mapped out for each shot. We were able to shoot the entire scene in one night (one very late night).

I look forward to seeing BOTH of your entries.

[Robert Eldon]

Posted Cast and Crew above.

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a number of very talented people. This movie could not have been made without them. "The sum of the parts is greater than the whole" is very true for this production.

I look forward to working with them again!

[Robert Eldon]

Did you shoot in Murrieta?

Blaine,

Sorry I missed your post earlier. Yes, it was all shot in and around Murrieta. Four different locations. Are you familiar with the Murrieta area?

I was able to draw talent from San Diego and Riverside to Orange County. Good people!

[Robert Eldon]

Posted more production stills above.

Check out Brian Dillon, Assistant Director, dressing a 'hand' with blood and chunks.

[Rubix³]

Love the stills. Makes me wish I had more behind the scenes footage.

Most of my behind the scenes footage is of just people bitching about the bugs or myself complaining about the stench.

Great location.... :thumbup:

[HorseFilms]

It looks like you had a nice cast/crew for this. It's looking good!:beer:

[Robert Eldon]

Love the stills. Makes me wish I had more behind the scenes footage.

Most of my behind the scenes footage is of just people bitching about the bugs or myself complaining about the stench.

Great location.... :thumbup:

Yeah, it was nice having a photographer on the sets. He's got this awesome camera and we ended up with over 200 photos.

So where did you shoot? With all the bugs and all?

[Robert Eldon]

It looks like you had a nice cast/crew for this. It's looking good!:beer:

Yeah, great team. That makes all the difference I think. Working with people that you enjoy working with and having fun creating a product.

BTW, Congrats again on your upload. I'm really looking forward to your flick. It makes it all the more worth it considering the challenges that you had.

[HorseFilms]

That makes all the difference I think. Working with people that you enjoy working with and having fun creating a product.


That's what this is all about for me. :beer::beer: I'm glad to hear more people with that line of thinking.

Thanks, man!

[Rubix³]

Yeah, it was nice having a photographer on the sets. He's got this awesome camera and we ended up with over 200 photos.

So where did you shoot? With all the bugs and all? Woods in IL. It's a water reclamation district "forbidden" to the public due to the insects.

It must be great having a photographer on set. Hell, I'm already missing the memories we created out on location.

[Robert Eldon]

Woods in IL. It's a water reclamation district "forbidden" to the public due to the insects.

It must be great having a photographer on set. Hell, I'm already missing the memories we created out on location.

I agree with the 'missed memories'. Half the fun is in the journey and when it's all over, like now, when we're waiting to view our movies, it's fun to look back and go... "Wow, did we do that?"

One thing I like to do is have instructions with the DP about calling "Cut". Sometimes I'll ask him to keep the camera rolling after "Cut" until I call "Cut Camera". That let's us pick up stuff, kinda like BTS, after the shot. The cast doesn't know about that either, so we get some neat, natural dialog and expressions after the shot.

[Rubix³]

I agree with the 'missed memories'. Half the fun is in the journey and when it's all over, like now, when we're waiting to view our movies, it's fun to look back and go... "Wow, did we do that?"

One thing I like to do is have instructions with the DP about calling "Cut". Sometimes I'll ask him to keep the camera rolling after "Cut" until I call "Cut Camera". That let's us pick up stuff, kinda like BTS, after the shot. The cast doesn't know about that either, so we get some neat, natural dialog and expressions after the shot. That's a perfect idea... I'll probably do that next time I'm behind the camera.

I'm an actor first, so I was usually the one explaining & setting up the shots. Then it was my people who did the actual filming. Any time I wasn't on camera, I was filming.

In other words, when they film it's a nice blend of "24" style realism in (the jittery spider-braced handhelds) combined with shots when I film - semi-experienced (but far from pro) shots from my newfound geekdom over the DVX.

I am DEFINITELY using the RobertE cut-camera tactic next time. :beer:

[Robert Eldon]

In other words, when they film it's a nice blend of "24" style realism in (the jittery spider-braced handhelds) combined with shots when I film - semi-experienced (but far from pro) shots from my newfound geekdom over the DVX.

I am DEFINITELY using the RobertE cut-camera tactic next time. :beer:

Wow... I can't believe you used "24" as an example. When I saw your screen shots, I thought, that guy looks a little like Kiefer... and if he had a bag instead of the gun over his shoulder?

Good luck to you and your flick. I can't wait to see it!

[luster]

every time i see it, the title of this one intrigues me.

[Robert Eldon]

every time i see it, the title of this one intrigues me.

Luster,

Check my post #6 in this thread. The working title for this movie was "Plant Food". That may give you a hint as to what it's about.

[gwmesler]

I give you a 10 for shooting underwater!

[Lingothree]

Hello -

Good work overall. Some of your acting was a little bit flat. And the story didn't really come full circle for me - it just kind of...ended. The plant monster attack at the end would have been a sufficient ending if we didn't already know that the plants were on the offensive, but that wasn't the case.

The pool scene looked really great. I liked the look of the vine attack.

I think you could have benefited from some cuts to tighter shots/close ups on your actors, particularly in the scene with the FBI dude and the scientist. Perhaps this would have allowed us to connect more with the characters, and to make the acting a little more engaging.

Daisy was amazing.

[Robert Eldon]

I give you a 10 for shooting underwater!

Thank you. Yeah, it wasted a whole camera, but hey, I'm hoping to win the HVX200!

Actually, we didn't shoot underwater. I'll explain how we did that shot later.

[Michael_Petro]

The dogs name Nugget crack me up for some reason... I liked it..

[Michael_Petro]

Thank you. Yeah, it wasted a whole camera, but hey, I'm hoping to win the HVX200!

Actually, we didn't shoot underwater. I'll explain how we did that shot later.
well id be interested in that :)

[Robert Eldon]

Hello -

Good work overall. Some of your acting was a little bit flat. And the story didn't really come full circle for me - it just kind of...ended. The plant monster attack at the end would have been a sufficient ending if we didn't already know that the plants were on the offensive, but that wasn't the case.

The pool scene looked really great. I liked the look of the vine attack.

I think you could have benefited from some cuts to tighter shots/close ups on your actors, particularly in the scene with the FBI dude and the scientist. Perhaps this would have allowed us to connect more with the characters, and to make the acting a little more engaging.

Daisy was amazing.

Thank you for the feedback. I really appreciate it. I actually had to cut quite a bit to still have a complete story in 6 minutes. And I agree with everything you said.
Thank you.

[Robert Eldon]

The dogs name Nugget crack me up for some reason... I liked it..

Ha! After you see the movie, you kind of get the jist...

That poor little dog got eaten... like a chicken nugget!

[Geoff_R]

Kudos on the casting, cinematography and vfx. I have no idea how you did some of those plant vfx but they work well and they're subtle; always best.

You have a good story which I feel derives from dialouge more than structure. (I'm obsessed with structure/plot points) Let's take your the dialouge from about 3 mins in to the 5 min mark in TC; you've got your characters at two locations throughout that time (the fence and then at the end, the woods), I would keep the same general dialouge but expand that into three or four locations; maybe have them go into the woods earlier and then keep talking while they are moving deeper into the forest. I think this would make your story move faster and give ground for more tension and a growing sense of unease since we as the audience already know whats in that forest. I hope you don't take any of this in the wrong light; I like this film a lot, I'm just throwing 'what I hope' is some good advice.

[Robert Eldon]

Kudos on the casting, cinematography and vfx. I have no idea how you did some of those plant vfx but they work well and they're subtle; always best.

You have a good story which I feel derives from dialouge more than structure. (I'm obsessed with structure/plot points) Let's take your the dialouge from about 3 mins in to the 5 min mark in TC; you've got your characters at two locations throughout that time (the fence and then at the end, the woods), I would keep the same general dialouge but expand that into three or four locations; maybe have them go into the woods earlier and then keep talking while they are moving deeper into the forest. I think this would make your story move faster and give ground for more tension and a growing sense of unease since we as the audience already know whats in that forest. I hope you don't take any of this in the wrong light; I like this film a lot, I'm just throwing 'what I hope' is some good advice.

Geoff,

I'd like all of the feedback I can get and not taking any of it 'in the wrong light'. I can really appreciate what you've said about the dialouge. I actually shot a lot more than you got to see and you've got a good sense of structure. I had to cut out some action and dialouge after the agent and scientist get up from checking out 'the feral material' until the 'agent' enters 'the grove'. There is about 3 minutes of exactly what you mentioned that I cut out. Great comments. Thank you.

[VersuS]

I dont know but I really enjoyed this one....I liked the fact you did 2 different scenes at the beginning, completeley different sets/locations/characters, just to build up the mayhem for later on...

Nice pool by the way...

So yeah nice beginning, caught my attention and interest. Then you had the FBI and all and you laid it all down ok...but the FBI dude was losing his british accent from time to time and that cracked me up a bit....

I LOVED THE MOVING TREE scene, i had to rewind and watch again to make sure i was paying enough attention....and I was...and you aced that!

THe end though moves fast and without any specific meaning...you should have had the gunshots coz the tree (mind if i call it like that?) moves towards your character and he is frozen...makes me think that you had decided not to shoot, not to use muzzles or sound (even though i think i heard a very low sound of a gunshot there)......

Anyway, minor changes here and there and this would have been great!!! Overall one of the most entertaining coz it was different from the rest.

[Robert Eldon]

I dont know but I really enjoyed this one....I liked the fact you did 2 different scenes at the beginning, completeley different sets/locations/characters, just to build up the mayhem for later on...

Nice pool by the way...

So yeah nice beginning, caught my attention and interest. Then you had the FBI and all and you laid it all down ok...but the FBI dude was losing his british accent from time to time and that cracked me up a bit....

I LOVED THE MOVING TREE scene, i had to rewind and watch again to make sure i was paying enough attention....and I was...and you aced that!

THe end though moves fast and without any specific meaning...you should have had the gunshots coz the tree (mind if i call it like that?) moves towards your character and he is frozen...makes me think that you had decided not to shoot, not to use muzzles or sound (even though i think i heard a very low sound of a gunshot there)......

Anyway, minor changes here and there and this would have been great!!! Overall one of the most entertaining coz it was different from the rest.

Versus,

Thank you for the great feedback! I'm glad you caught 'the moving tree' by the way. I've noticed that the compressed version that you are watching is a lot darker than the movie is meant to be.

And the guy with the british accent, really does have a british accent. He'll get a kick out of what you said! He's originally from Great Britian. Maybe the american english is rubbing off on him.

There is a big gap from where the scientist and agent are entering the woods and the final 'grove' scene. I had to cut about 3 minutes to make the movie fit the 6 minute limit.

And there is a gun shot at the end. The agent does get 1 shot off. I'll definitely pump up that volume in the "Director's Cut".

Thanks so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it.

[Kholi]

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

Another short that I had no idea about before watching. Again, I save all my judgement for my own viewing, avoiding reviews before I get to them. I have to say, you really had something going here. Then it fell apart at 5:30. Let me go into detail.

Script - This wasn't written for six minutes. At first I thought that it could've been, even after the dog scene and the intro to the movie. At the second death scene with characters that I realized would no longer be shown again, it hit me that I was going to get another short without an ending. Your dialogue can be sweetened on this one, or it could've been delivery. It sounded like Horror-Movie dialogue to me, just something was off. Just a script too long for this competition. But, not bad for a horror story.

Direction - Nice smooth movements. Some of the dolly tracking seemed a little too fast and sudden. An example would be the pool-side track. But it was nicely done, moving and then stopping on your actor. The camera crane up in the beginning seemed to last too long, but that might be something for editing which I'll come too soon. I liked coverage going on in the investigation scene. It wasn't too tight, wasn't too wide. I also liked the steady shot and then the monster move when the two guys kneel down to inspect. THAT made me go back to see how I had missed it. I never saw it coming and that's probably due to proper framing. NICE! I didn't like the Doctor's death scene. The monster popping up in front of the camera was too whacky for me. Otherwise, nice camera work.

Acting - Another accent. Was his authentic? I'm not going to jump and say I can tell or anything, but it seemed a little plastic. Maybe it was his line delivery. As well, majority of the line delivery failed aside from your Forensics guy. He was decent on his lines, as short as they were. Your doctor could've been more concerned about his plant escaping, but this could go back to script: if this experiment was so important then how did he not know immediately when invited to that area that it must've gotten loose?

Cine/Lighting - Anything more than bounce? Your location choices fit the deadly plant vibe, and your choice for the pool scene was actually really fitting as well. Don't know if I saw anything more but maybe a third time around would show me. Aside from that, colors were a bit flat. The greens might've benefited from being amped to really get into the "Green" of things.

Editing - I noticed that the editing lagged in places. The beginning crane shot for one. And when the dog yelps, it takes forever for the guy to come into frame. That could've been solved during editing. The dialogue cuts were a bit laggy as well, and the ending seemed to fall apart. Like the editor got tired. If you want to run it under six minutes and have your ending? I'd say slice out that entire dog part and start with the swimmers, or take out the swimmers and start with the dog. If you're going to run a longer version for show after the fest I'd like to see what it all looks like recut for the entire script.


Sound - Airy. The sound needs touching up. In the beginning I couldn't hear what the guy was saying to his pup. It might not've been important, but because he said it and I couldn't hear it I really wanted to. The ADR seemed a little "roomy" if that makes sense. But the leaves sound effects and plant-life were working in your favor. Scraping and all that good stuff. I also liked the score drop-in at the beginning when the dog got it. Sounded like horror-themed music to me.

Special Effects - You get crazy points for making the plants move without CGi effects, and without making them seem like stop motion or rewinds. Even when the guy's lifted into the air it's not so bad. I know he's probably getting his throat stuffed by poison ivy by the way his ankles are jittering. Nice plant-life.

Scariest Moments - The secret tree monster moving. That really caught me off-guard. Not that it scared me, but it was a nice addition and I didn't see it coming.

Overall consensus - This had potential to be a complete short. It seemed like it wanted to showcase more death scenes than the content that was available. I think you could recut for the same amount of time and get much better results by choosing which death scene to remove. I also think that I'd like to see what you had planned for the full version. I love Yorkies!!! They're so small and funny! Thanks for exhibiting and keep me updated on the next release of this short.

[Robert Eldon]

Kholi,

Wow! Thank you for the verbose review. Believe me, I'm making notes. Let me address some of your review:

Script: Yes, the script was not written for a 6 minute short. I had to cut out about 3 minutes and it was suggested that I cut the first scene to make the 6. I am making a "Director's Cut" and with all of the good feedback, it should be even better.

Direction: Thanks for the compliments... I think? The movie ended up darker than intended. I didn't know what I was doing for the compression. There is actually a lot more green.

Acting: You're the second person to question the accent of the Special Agent (played by Richard Boosey). His accent is authentic and he is from Great Britian and Canada. Interesting perspective on the 'Doctor'... Hmmm.

Cine/Lighting: We shot the woods scenes in the afternoon to get those long shadows. The whole film is a lot darker than intended. I think it got darker during the compression to QT process.

Editing: Thanks for the input. I could make arrangements for you to see the "Director's Cut" after the competition. And... you're not too far away from what I can tell.

Sound: I agree. I'll be working on the sound after the competition. My son did all of the sound and music.

Special Effects: That was most important to me. When we started this as an exercise, I wanted to do all of the effects as 'practical effects'. I think it turned out well.

Thank you for your review. I've taken it to heart and I'll keep you posted on the "Director's Cut".

[Matt Sconce]

Matt Sconce's Review of Hellebore
SPOLIERS POSSIBLE!

Script
I felt like this could be part of a B horror film at Blockbuster which totally rocks!!! I liked it
Acting
I thought the actors did a good job and thought the special agent did particularly well. Perhaps, we are so used to fake british accents, we now think the real ones are fake? haha!
Cinematography
Some of the shots were just excellent! I think you have a talent at getting some nice images from your camera!
Editing
Flowed well for me. I liked the moving tree. it felt well paced.
Overall Impressions
This is one of the films in this festival that feel like a feature B horror clip. I mean that in a ver good way. I wish it had more of a beginning middle and end, but it is what it is and I think it turned out very well indeed. :-)

[Robert Eldon]

Matt Sconce's Review of Hellebore
SPOLIERS POSSIBLE!

Script
I felt like this could be part of a B horror film at Blockbuster which totally rocks!!! I liked it
Acting
I thought the actors did a good job and thought the special agent did particularly well. Perhaps, we are so used to fake british accents, we now think the real ones are fake? haha!
Cinematography
Some of the shots were just excellent! I think you have a talent at getting some nice images from your camera!
Editing
Flowed well for me. I liked the moving tree. it felt well paced.
Overall Impressions
This is one of the films in this festival that feel like a feature B horror clip. I mean that in a ver good way. I wish it had more of a beginning middle and end, but it is what it is and I think it turned out very well indeed. :-)


MSconce,

Coming from you, and knowing the quality movie that you can make, I really appreciate your review.

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Robert Eldon]

Additional "Production Stills' posted. Enjoy.

[seejay1031]

The pool scene was solid. I think this film (given the six minute limit) needed one less scene and to me the weakest link was the FBI dude and scientist going off by themselves, it didn't even really make sense. I wonder if there was a better film in this by just cutting away even more. The moving tree was really cool, but I would have liked for them to barely notice, nothing to obvious, but maybe a quick glance around by one of them. some really great moments throughout.

[Darkline]

Hi Robert,

Yes this was a very enjoyable little b-movie. I loved the opening (poor actor!) and I loved the touches of the swamp thing being in the shot already rather than revealing him. really nice touch to just make him move in the background when you assumed it was a tree!

The sound wasnt up to par and the ending was a little harsh, but it really did have a different vibe to most of the shorts in this festival. Refreshing to see.

[Robert Eldon]

The pool scene was solid. I think this film (given the six minute limit) needed one less scene and to me the weakest link was the FBI dude and scientist going off by themselves, it didn't even really make sense. I wonder if there was a better film in this by just cutting away even more. The moving tree was really cool, but I would have liked for them to barely notice, nothing to obvious, but maybe a quick glance around by one of them. some really great moments throughout.

Thanks for your feedback seejay1031. I thought the same thing about the 'tree' moving, and after it goes off frame, that they would maybe look around like they heard something. It's amazing how much you see after the final cut that you 'wish' you could do different.

I really appreciate the feedback. It will help me with the longer cut.

[Robert Eldon]

Hi Robert,

Yes this was a very enjoyable little b-movie. I loved the opening (poor actor!) and I loved the touches of the swamp thing being in the shot already rather than revealing him. really nice touch to just make him move in the background when you assumed it was a tree!

The sound wasnt up to par and the ending was a little harsh, but it really did have a different vibe to most of the shorts in this festival. Refreshing to see.

Darkline,

Thanks for your input. I knew that sound would be an issue, because we were shooting outdoors. That was one of the challenges that we set for ourselves, and that was, to do a horror film that takes place mainly during the day, and outdoors.

You wouldn't believe how many times we had to 'hold' before a shot because of 'road' noises or airplanes circling. I agree with you on the sound. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to get good sound on this. I'll keep working on it.

I'm glad you liked it and I've been hearing about how 'different' or 'refreshing' it is to see. That was my intent, to create a horror film that didn't have too many cliche's and wasn't shot indoors. And, I admit, the girl in the bikini is probably a cliche, but... it's motivated, isn't it?

[Darkline]

I forgot it all takes place in the day - and that is a challenge. Personally I think if you get it right daytime horror can be much more effective than the blue light nighttime stuff..... but its harder to get right.

outdoors thing is difficult if you dont have the mics, but you could always ADR - ive found this bit of software to be effective that I sometimes use - its called Vocalign, what it attempts to do is take audio recorded, say via your laptop, and you can input the sound from location in as a guide. it then tries to match the new recorded audio to the original. it takes some work but you can get perfect lip synced audio with it

anyway im going off topic. but its a thought for anyone who doesnt have a sound guy!

[TheatreGuy]

Hey Robert, can you direct me to see your film? I use mac. cannot seem to view.

Please PM me if you can help!

Thanks,

Ted

[Kyle Stebbins]

did you try this:
http://www.lingothree.com/horrorfest/Hellebore-RobertEldon-RobertE.mov

[Robert Eldon]

I forgot it all takes place in the day - and that is a challenge. Personally I think if you get it right daytime horror can be much more effective than the blue light nighttime stuff..... but its harder to get right.

outdoors thing is difficult if you dont have the mics, but you could always ADR - ive found this bit of software to be effective that I sometimes use - its called Vocalign, what it attempts to do is take audio recorded, say via your laptop, and you can input the sound from location in as a guide. it then tries to match the new recorded audio to the original. it takes some work but you can get perfect lip synced audio with it

anyway im going off topic. but its a thought for anyone who doesnt have a sound guy!

We actually have a pretty good sound system. We used an AT4073a shotgun with a 'dead kitty' on a boom pole for most of the shots. We were shooting in one location were there is a 'skydiving' airport, and the planes that take the skydivers up circle around and around as they climb to altitude. It's really noisy.

Thanks for the info on Vocalign, I'll check it out. Have you heard of SoundSoap? I've seen it mentioned a few times on the forum and was wondering if it's any good for cleaning the sound?

[Kyle Stebbins]

RobertE - thanks for sharing Hellebore!

Talk about scary... a plant that kills!!! The moving tree into the pool was great, loved the shot when he killed the guy, too. Very cool ideas there... you pulled it off quite well.

I don't understand when the FBI agent points into the distance and all of the sudden the creature pops up in front of them... then it cuts to a shot of the FBI agent and he hasn't even gotten his gun out... so he stands there, totally silent, and pulls it out nonchalantly. -- I think he shouldve screamed F#!% or something! - also, it seemed like you had to use low-quality sound effects in the beginning... if they werent sound FX then the audio capture quality was hurting. - IMO, if it was a sound effect... do away with it and sample your own sounds. The results will be much more satisfactory. Then, of course, I could be completely wrong in assuming...

All that aside, I loved the concept. Looking forward to more from you!
-Kyle Stebbins

[Robert Eldon]

RobertE - thanks for sharing Hellebore!

Talk about scary... a plant that kills!!! The moving tree into the pool was great, loved the shot when he killed the guy, too. Very cool ideas there... you pulled it off quite well.

I don't understand when the FBI agent points into the distance and all of the sudden the creature pops up in front of them... then it cuts to a shot of the FBI agent and he hasn't even gotten his gun out... so he stands there, totally silent, and pulls it out nonchalantly. -- I think he shouldve screamed F#!% or something! - also, it seemed like you had to use low-quality sound effects in the beginning... if they werent sound FX then the audio capture quality was hurting. - IMO, if it was a sound effect... do away with it and sample your own sounds. The results will be much more satisfactory. Then, of course, I could be completely wrong in assuming...

All that aside, I loved the concept. Looking forward to more from you!
-Kyle Stebbins

Kyle,

Thanks for the review! Yeah, you've got me. I had to cut out about 3 minutes from the 'hellebore' creature popping up to where he enters 'the grove'. It's very clumsy, and I had other options to cut, as some members had suggested, maybe cut out the first scene (the guy with the dog). But, alas, I couldn't do it. So, that transition is very rough... just missing, and I think it hurt the 6 minute version of the film.

Thank you for taking the time to review. If you could expand on the 'sound effects' and what specifically didn't sound right, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you again,

RobertE

[TheatreGuy]

Hey Robert, good job on your film.

You had a story and you went out and shot it and it made sense. (I state this so blatantly because not everyone can do that. You did!)

I don't know what your experience is as a filmmaker, but I think that you have a lot of room to grow. (Really, I do not mean this harshly, I am being sincere.) You have many good moments such as the opening shot with the camera "lifting" up to reveal the guy with his dog. The shot of the guy running into the trees. (I love the camera in the woods as he enters and we see him through the trees.) The c/u on the feet crossing through the leaves. The swimming pool dolly. Very nice. (too much stuff for the camera to dolly through in my opinion, but that is minor and maybe wrong. just something that stood out as I watched.) Many, many good shots.

Some examples of improvement (again, only my opinion) the guy gets his legs taken out from under him (brilliant! looked great!) but then the camera lingers on him and he "waits" for the plant to pull him off. If this shot had him hitting the ground, c/u on his face (like you have) and then yanked away as soon as we absorb what has happen, you would have a really great shot! (I don't think that I would ever just hang there and wait if this happened to me.)

Another one was the FBI or Dr. pointing. Make that quick!!! Hand/arm up and WHAM! Monster!!! The shot just held there. Edit that puppy into energy!!!

The crime scene should and would have had police tape and been contained. That Dr. would not be allowed to enter that area, especially if the rest of forensics had not been collected (which I believe was a final line in that scene).

I am giving you a lot of detailed notes because I believe that you have a great jump on this filmmaking business. Story-telling is hard and you did that!

The VFX were great. Nice job on making those vines come in and strangle people. The final shot on the girl being pulled under could have had the energy of the initial tug she endured. The boy coming up after she was gone was a great touch.

I am going to leave this alone now. I think that you know that I am being detailed and hopefully understand some of my comments.

Really a nice job on your film!

And your opening logo ROCKS!!!

Congrats!!!

Ted

[Robert Eldon]

Hey Robert, good job on your film.

You had a story and you went out and shot it and it made sense. (I state this so blatantly because not everyone can do that. You did!)

I don't know what your experience is as a filmmaker, but I think that you have a lot of room to grow. (Really, I do not mean this harshly, I am being sincere.) You have many good moments such as the opening shot with the camera "lifting" up to reveal the guy with his dog. The shot of the guy running into the trees. (I love the camera in the woods as he enters and we see him through the trees.) The c/u on the feet crossing through the leaves. The swimming pool dolly. Very nice. (too much stuff for the camera to dolly through in my opinion, but that is minor and maybe wrong. just something that stood out as I watched.) Many, many good shots.

Some examples of improvement (again, only my opinion) the guy gets his legs taken out from under him (brilliant! looked great!) but then the camera lingers on him and he "waits" for the plant to pull him off. If this shot had him hitting the ground, c/u on his face (like you have) and then yanked away as soon as we absorb what has happen, you would have a really great shot! (I don't think that I would ever just hang there and wait if this happened to me.)

Another one was the FBI or Dr. pointing. Make that quick!!! Hand/arm up and WHAM! Monster!!! The shot just held there. Edit that puppy into energy!!!

The crime scene should and would have had police tape and been contained. That Dr. would not be allowed to enter that area, especially if the rest of forensics had not been collected (which I believe was a final line in that scene).

I am giving you a lot of detailed notes because I believe that you have a great jump on this filmmaking business. Story-telling is hard and you did that!

The VFX were great. Nice job on making those vines come in and strangle people. The final shot on the girl being pulled under could have had the energy of the initial tug she endured. The boy coming up after she was gone was a great touch.

I am going to leave this alone now. I think that you know that I am being detailed and hopefully understand some of my comments.

Really a nice job on your film!

And your opening logo ROCKS!!!

Congrats!!!

Ted


Ted,

Thanks for the 'play by play' review! I'll address some of your comments and questions if I could.

Thanks for the compliments on some of the shots. I'm sure you know that it sometimes takes an hour to 'set up' one shot that is on screen for about 3 seconds.

Someone else had commented on the guy being pulled off his feet and then the 'beat' where he's just laying there. My thought (and excuse?) was that the guy get's the wind knocked out of him and he's in shock. Then, before he can turn around or get up, he's dragged through the woods. Does that work for you... or not? I appreciate your perspective on this.

I agree with the 'pointing into the woods' and then the scare. I've got to work on that to get a better 'shock' value.

At the crime scene, I actually cut out a shot were one of the agents is escorting the scientist to the crime scene. I know, that bugs me too, because it's as if the scientist just walks up there.

I don't understand what you meant by the 'energy of the initial tug'? Could you elaborate?

Thanks for the compliment on the VFX. We had decided to do them all as 'practical effects' and it took a lot to create them, rig them, and choreograph them.

I greatly appreciate your comments and am taking notes from everyone. I'm currently working on a longer version of the film that I will have available after the voting, so this input is very helpful.

RobertE

[TheatreGuy]

Absolutely Robert, thanks for asking.

First, if the guy had the wind knocked out of him, have the c/u on his face as he is "out" and then yank him away just as soon as he gains awareness. I just checked out the clip... the guy IS breathing rather heavily here. Not sucking wind as would be the case if he had the wind knocked out of him.

I really don't mind the camera on him that long IF there was some action by him. I tell you, if that was me and that had happened and I was aware, I'd first get up and leave! Then, if I couldn't because my legs were bound, show him struggle and look to his legs. (again, this would be a very nature response). Then maybe do a c/u of his legs bound if you wanted. But the shot on his face as he is dragged away is great! You want and need to get back to that. (like you did. Just TOO much time of him doing nothing/not reacting. Even if he was stunned, I bet ANYONE would not just lie there and not look at what just did this. Especially when you are already concerned because your dog just disappeared.)

And Boy do I understand lengthy set-ups for a bit shot! Just check out my bloody ceiling post in my thread!!!

The energy of the tug... The first time she is tugged under, someone is underwater yanking her under, right? It shows as a very forceful pull under water. It looks great!

The second and final time she is yanked under, I would love to have seen that same intensity or more as she is taken away for good. (It is a small picky point and I only bring it up becuase so much of your film looks great. I just wanted her to fight for her last breath and lose the battle.)

I have to head out for the evening. I'd be happy to further clarify or examine your film if you like. PM me or leave a message here or on my thread.

Thanks for wanting the explanation of my comments. I hope that you find them useful, even if it is to say, "what does that guy know!" :grin:

We are all growing to be better filmmakers and everyone has an opinion. It is up to you to take them in and weed them out!

Enjoy!

Ted

[Robert Eldon]

New screen shots posted.

Thank you all for viewing the movie!

And thank you to those that have given me feedback. I really appreciate it! Isn't this the best fun ever!

[jpbankesmercer]

Acting: Solid enough, like Rob’s performance.
Script: Killer plant’s whats not to like? Pikey but great.:thumbup:
Direction: So nice ideas floating around here.
Music: Suited the piece some nice stabs.
Editing: Not bad, some a tiny bit choppy.
Lighting: Nice use of natural lighting.
Loved: Opening shot, wow! The dog boy he can run. The name - ‘Nugget’ :) priceless! The drag man, ouch! “Clothing optional” line. Track across the pool, the growing vines, (Ace!), how long she held her breath for (that was a cut right?), FBI cap (simple), ‘Floratac’ again another great name, who’s thinking of these? The hook, the Doctor getting dragged away.
Hated: The quick pan, would have worked better off legs. The title font, that Peters had his full-length white coat on in the field.
Overall: Killer plants, I love it! :dankk2:

J.P.

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS ON BROKEN CIRCLE (WE NEED EM!)

[Robert Eldon]

Acting: Solid enough, like Rob’s performance.
Script: Killer plant’s whats not to like? Pikey but great.:thumbup:
Direction: So nice ideas floating around here.
Music: Suited the piece some nice stabs.
Editing: Not bad, some a tiny bit choppy.
Lighting: Nice use of natural lighting.
Loved: Opening shot, wow! The dog boy he can run. The name - ‘Nugget’ :) priceless! The drag man, ouch! “Clothing optional” line. Track across the pool, the growing vines, (Ace!), how long she held her breath for (that was a cut right?), FBI cap (simple), ‘Floratac’ again another great name, who’s thinking of these? The hook, the Doctor getting dragged away.
Hated: The quick pan, would have worked better off legs. The title font, that Peters had his full-length white coat on in the field.
Overall: Killer plants, I love it! :dankk2:

J.P.


JP,

Thank you so much for the summary review. Very much to the point. I like that. I'm finding it difficult to do enough reviews, with a life and work, so I really appreciate it.

So what does 'Pikey' mean? And yeah, killer plants gone wild! I like the line "Plants eating animals... that's a twist".

Thank you again.

[jpbankesmercer]

Pikey=Horror that is Cheesy! :)
Best of luck guys!

[TheatreGuy]

Robert, Congratulations on your work and your film!

Best of luck to you and I look forward to what you do next!

Ted

[Robert Eldon]

Robert, Congratulations on your work and your film!

Best of luck to you and I look forward to what you do next!

Ted

And likewise! I can't wait to see what you've got next. Even if it isn't a DVXUser 'fest'. Keep us posted!

This is exciting! Voting ends tonight, I'm shooting some pick up shots this afternoon for "Hellebore" and my Birthday is on Sunday! I'm finishing the "Director's Cut", putting it on DVD as a gift to myself... and everyone else that worked on it!

[cinealma]

Ok. As a horror film, this one was quite the cheese-fest. But, when I say that, I say it in a good way. Cardboard acting. Special "carnivore" plant effets and plant-monster costumed actor. Wooden g-men and scientists.

Here's what I would do:

1. CC the whole thing to low-contrast black and white.
2. Build a good theremin score with orchestra.
3. Add in a few cheesy sound effects.

Mix well.

And voila!!! You got yourself a FINE B-HORROR MOVIE homage.

I'm telling you, it would play great.

If you need help with the score attribute, let me know.

I'm dead serious, here. Really.


John G.

[Robert Eldon]

I'm dead serious, here. Really.

John G.

Really? I can't tell. What did you think of the film? Favorite shots? Acting? It was produced as an homage to B-movie horror films but without the cheese (I'm lactose intolerant). What could be improved?

And black and white? What about the pretty colors of the pool? And the cool greens in the woods?

Thank you for your input. But, I don't know what to make of it?

[Norm Sanders]

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

Serious hottie alert. Wishing the female who drowned in the pool had more of a role! J This started out really promising, but began to slow for me by not having quicker paced editing. For example, when the guy hit the ground after his feet were pulled out from under him, it just doesn’t seem realistic that he’d sit there for several beats with that look on his face waiting to be pulled. He should have hit the dirt, and a half beat later been yanked across the floor of the jungle … which did look good, BTW, and nice camera tracking. Speaking of camera, the cinematography in this was probably the strongest attribute, along with some exceptional lighting in spots (I don’t think lighting water scenes is easy, yet you make it look easy). The opening crane shot was also quite pro. However, the acting was probably the weakest, along with the script/dialogue, IMO.