.static Dramafest Entry [Archive] - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

They Live

12-12-2006, 09:45 AM

A few screen grabs (completely raw) from our first night of shooting...one more to go

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/DVX-Ben/OnCouch.png

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/DVX-Ben/CableCompanyCall3CU.png

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/DVX-Ben/OTSTurningDownPicture.png

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/DVX-Ben/CUPicture.png

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/DVX-Ben/OTSEriconTVEASBROADCAST2.png

And some screen grabs from my computer as I work on some VFX

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/DVX-Ben/NewImage2.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/DVX-Ben/NewImage.jpg

They Live

12-12-2006, 09:57 AM

DO NOT CHANGE THE CHANNEL

Larry Rutledge

12-12-2006, 10:02 AM

Welcome...looks intriguing. Looking forward to learning more about this project. :thumbsup:

(moved down here since I saw you were reserving another post, I assume for photos/BTS/etc).

They Live

12-12-2006, 10:06 AM

Haha, yeah, I think we pulled the trigger at the same time. Appreciate it.

Ted Arabian

12-12-2006, 12:24 PM

Intriguing. I like the poster. Hmmmm, buy a character? My mind jumps to all the bad places! :evil:

Good luck and welcome!

-Ted

Should be an interesting New Year's Day!

They Live

12-12-2006, 12:50 PM

Haha, thanks Ted. Sounds pretty bad, I know, but I'll say that it is an inanimate object. Doesn't sound much better, does it? Oh well. You'll see.

They Live

12-14-2006, 09:51 AM

Update.

Story fixed. Some effects tests done.

They Live

12-14-2006, 11:23 AM

Wow, I'm my own biggest fan. Just kidding, understanding that this is my first fest and most of you are probably thinking, who the hell is this guy with the weird hair-do's in his Avatar pics.

Anyway, I joined DVX-User in the midst of HorrorFest and really liked the whole pseudo-marketing aspect that went into the competition. I haven't seen other short film competitions where you get a chance to do stuff like that. I'm curious as to what people think of my Poster and Banner. I'm far from being a Photoshop guru, but any initial impressions of the design, etc. would be appreciated.

Best,
Ben

Darkline

12-14-2006, 01:46 PM

Hey Ben!

Just saw your banner. Welcome to the fest. The poster looks like the blue man group or something :-) Certainly looks like an interesting concept.

As for the ending, all I'd say is to serve what your film is about. One ending will do that more than the other. Underneath whats happening on the surface what's the point or message your trying to address, the theme? The ending you should pick is the one which best serves that idea and what you're trying to say about it.

thats kind of obvious I know, but without knowing any information it's hard to suggest.

They Live

12-14-2006, 02:44 PM

Thanks Darkline.

I nailed down the ending. Both endings served the story well, but I'm happy with the decision I've made. One of the big decisions had to do with whether or not I could pull it off logistically, but since the ending I've picked incorporates elements of both original endings, I picked the hard road. But that's the only way I'll learn. Looking forward to the challenge.

p.s. Totally forgot about the Blue Man group. They still doing stuff?

jeremytuttle

12-14-2006, 04:36 PM

Hey DVX-Ben, just saw this thread. Welcome to the party. It's my first entry fest also. After seeing the amazing talent that was showcased for Horrorfest I had to jump in on this new fest.

Glad you figured out the ending. We also had early ending issues with what should happen to who and what was more "dramatic" and not so "traumatic".

Good luck man with the project, keep us updated -Jeremy

They Live

12-14-2006, 09:52 PM

Ted Arabian

12-15-2006, 08:12 AM

Haha, thanks Ted. Sounds pretty bad, I know, but I'll say that it is an inanimate object. Doesn't sound much better, does it? Oh well. You'll see.
This statement only confirms where my mind was running! Can't wait to see if I was correct!!!

Glad you have you story fixed. If you are like me, then you have 18 script revisions behind you!

Good luck!

-Ted

Mark Johnson

12-15-2006, 08:31 AM

Yo Ben,

I saw on your first page that your action-item list included some effects research. Feel free to PM me if you care for any advice from me.

Ted Arabian

12-15-2006, 09:09 AM

Mark, I'm glad to hear you offer... I was thinking the same thing when I read that.

Ben, contact Mark! He is a great guy and is very serious about helping out!

-Ted

They Live

12-15-2006, 03:55 PM

Thanks Mark. I'll be in touch.

They Live

12-15-2006, 10:38 PM

In light of DVXUser leofernandez already having a short called "The Broadcast" in the can, I've volunteered to change the title of my short, still in pre-production. Still can't believe that there would be 2 shorts with virtually the same name in this contest, but what can you do? The title doesn't make the movie, so expect an update to my thread shortly.

They Live

12-16-2006, 03:47 PM

Okay, new poster, new signature, new title. Just need to get Jarred to change the thread topic. I'm actually happier with this title, it works just as well. And I think my new poster and signature are better than the old ones. So that's that. With my luck, there'll be someone with this title tomorrow. Let's hope not.

jeremytuttle

12-16-2006, 09:39 PM

Thanks Jeremy.

Saw your post awhile ago. Really like your poster and concept. Drama is a hard genre, as well as very broad. It's going to be really interesting to see what everyone comes up with. I can't wait to say the least. I'll have some good stuff up soon. Best of luck with your production.

Thanks man I appreciate it. Drama is a hard one and especially what people consider drama (very broad indeed). Our issue is going to be the time limit. I'm not asking for any body to increase it or anything, we're just a little worried about our short fitting in.

I like the new title you changed to. Not sure why... maybe because their could be some symbolism attached to it.

kimko

12-16-2006, 10:11 PM

hey-dvx ben, sorry about the titles thanks for being so easy going on the change. i know Leo thanks you too! you are a righteous dude! no really all kidding aside that was kool man! your friend, kimko

Jack Daniel Stanley

12-17-2006, 12:04 AM

Looking forward to your movie Ben. :beer:

They Live

12-17-2006, 09:39 AM

Thanks man I appreciate it. Drama is a hard one and especially what people consider drama (very broad indeed). Our issue is going to be the time limit. I'm not asking for any body to increase it or anything, we're just a little worried about our short fitting in.

I like the new title you changed to. Not sure why... maybe because their could be some symbolism attached to it.

There is most definately symbolism. The new title was one I was tossing around before hand anyway. And I totally agree with you on the time limit, that's one of the biggest barriers. It's also what's really good about these restrictions. Really makes you focus everything and get to the core of what the short is about. That being said, you also don't have a ton of time to work on the script because of the project deadline, another challenge. Gotta love it.

hey-dvx ben, sorry about the titles thanks for being so easy going on the change. i know Leo thanks you too! you are a righteous dude! no really all kidding aside that was kool man! your friend, kimko

Kimko, no problem at all. I can't wait to see you and Leo's short. Sounds like you guys are way ahead of the game. I'm not going to even shoot until after the New Year (yikes).

Jason Ramsey

12-17-2006, 02:26 PM

.static. New name. I like it. Best of luck to you Ben.

Jason

david jerome

12-19-2006, 04:13 PM

Hey Ben, I dig the poster. The guy looking at the blue screen is perfect. It really gets you interested. Looking forward to it and good luck.

david jerome

They Live

01-08-2007, 12:07 PM

Alright, out to shoot finally. Not prepared at all. We'll see if I can't pull my little Twilight Zone-esque dramafest short off...

jeremytuttle

01-08-2007, 12:29 PM

Good luck with the shoot.

They Live

01-10-2007, 01:14 PM

Alright, UPDATE TIME.

First night of shooting (was supposed to be the only night of shooting) did not go as smoothly as possible. I was sort of expecting this since I wasn't nearly as prepared as I should've been. I've been real busy with this documentary I'm directing and have also been going through a job interviewing process. I'm taking the job, and I'm coming up on a move reallllll soon. Got a lot of stuff to take care of, but I'm going to work my ass off to get this short done for the fest. I'm supposed to be settled and all by Feb. 1st.....It's going to get crazy. Completing the shoot hopefully this coming Monday. Will post screen grabs soon.

to do list....

-find place to live
-put in 2 weeks notice
-work as much as possible before the move
-meet with producers of my documentary
-begin going through 30 hours of footage for Doc
-finish shooting DramaFest entry
-finish editing DramaFest entry
-figure out how to do sound design for DramaFest entry
-compress and upload DramaFest entry
-see Doctor
-see Dentist
-see Optometrist
-take out the trash
-eat
-bath
-catch premiere of 24

I could really use some help with the sound design on this...it'd be a fun piece to put SFX too...let me know if anyone is interested...

jontuttle

01-10-2007, 04:38 PM

That is some kind of list. Good luck with all of that and your shoot.

Ladyhazle

01-10-2007, 06:57 PM

Indeed, quite a to-do list you have there! I just wanted to say that I like your poster and banner! Very simple and intriguing. I feel your time-crunch pain! Good luck.

They Live

01-12-2007, 09:30 AM

Screen grabs have been posted at front of the thread.

]

jontuttle

01-12-2007, 09:46 AM

Screen grabs have been posted at front of the thread.

Also very pleased to announce that DVX-User conrad_johnson is going to help with the sound design...especially crucial with .static.

Good looking stuff. Can't wait to see what the "static" part of the story is. I like where you are going.

They Live

01-18-2007, 08:58 AM

UPDATE
Need to get edit locked by Friday evening to get it sent out for sound design. Shooting done.

This thing has evolved a lot since I first started out. Anyone else had any major story changes come up through the process of shooting due to limited resources and/or prep time?

Raw and Vital

01-18-2007, 12:07 PM

We definately had some changes in ours. We had very little time since we started this contest late. We had school scene but it fell through so we had to use our brains and get around it somehow. But everything seems to be working out. I'm looking forward to seeing your short man, reminds me of eternal sunshine just by the look at the screenshots and posters and stuff. Stop by our thread and check out our psychological drama. It's all in German which was rough considering we were born and raised in US. we had to get tanslaters for all of our dialogue.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=81784
I would have used a banner but cant figure out how to link the thread url with the banner.

david jerome

01-19-2007, 03:08 PM

Two week-ends to go DVX-Ben. I hope your making progress. Are you planning to have this editied by Fri tonight or next week. If tonight, you are way ahead of the game. Congadulations.

david jerome

They Live

01-21-2007, 09:31 PM

Okay...got some updates for anyone who is interested. Finished shooting the short last Monday (the 15th). I can't tell you how great my actor is, but you'll see for yourself. It was a difficult piece for him since he is the only character (in a way) and had to do some VFX acting, which he was new to.

I've been editing quite a bit in my free time, and think I have my final cut. It's going to be hard to not constantly keep on tweaking things, but I figure this will give me sometime to work on compressing it as best as possible for the final upload. I did a pretty good job of not over shooting, so that helped a lot in post. I also plan on showing it to some friends (my test audience) for review on Tuesday. Might have to make some changes after that.

FYI on how much I shot: about 1 hr and 35 minutes of footage (including all takes). How much footage is everyone else dealing with? Curious as to the different shooting ratios. I know Ted said that he and Mark had a ton of B-Roll to sift through.

I'm happy with the outcome, and can't wait to screen it here. This short has constantly evolved throughout the entire process. Although I only shot one ending, I've gone through about 3 in my head. There was some improvisational acting which also added certain colors that I did not anticipate, but which only improved the overall quality of the story.

This is my first film shot in 2.35 widescreen. I dig it, very much. I have to thank DVX-User Inexistence for his "lame trick" for 2.35:1 LCD masking. Worked great. Here's a link to that thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=74706&highlight=screen+skins

I'm clocking in right at about 5:55 as far as length (that includes a very quick title card and end credit sequence). However, I wasn't crunched for time or anything. That's just how the best edit has broken down. I'm curious as to what some other entries are clocking in at (or are expected to clock in at)???

I was going to outsource the sound design, but for the sake of simplicity and my own practice, I've decided to do it myself. It's been fun since I've had to be pretty creative with the limited SFX resources at my disposal, but I learned a lot in the process and am happy with the outcome.

Was going to post some more screen grabs but don't want to give away too much.

All I can say is that I'm itching to get this thing up and viewed. I also can't wait to see all the other entries.

They Live

01-21-2007, 09:38 PM

Two week-ends to go DVX-Ben. I hope your making progress. Are you planning to have this editied by Fri tonight or next week. If tonight, you are way ahead of the game. Congadulations.

david jerome

Finished it today (I use the word finished lightly). Been loving your director logs David. Your's is definately going to be one of the first if not the first I watch.

They Live

01-22-2007, 10:37 AM

Anyone know how to creat a 2.35 Quicktime Movie (i.e. sans the black bars)? I've got FCP, Compressor, and QT Pro at my disposal.

ignatius

01-22-2007, 08:41 PM

The easiest way to crop with Quicktime Pro (if you have Photoshop or something similar), is to create a black matte and export it with transparency as a .gif and then do the following:

View --> Movie Properties --> Visual Settings

then place the .gif in the Mask well and you're done. Try it out, you'll see how it works.

IF

They Live

02-01-2007, 09:18 AM

Looking forward to hearing everyone's opinion on .static. The anticipation is killing me........

And congratulations to everyone in the Fest.

jeremytuttle

02-01-2007, 10:00 AM

I'm looking forward to check out .static

deepentertainments

02-01-2007, 03:58 PM

Looking forward for static...

regards
sandeep

Raw and Vital

02-02-2007, 11:52 AM

I need to see this ASAP. psssst. can you sneak me a copy. they will never know.

btw, your in va, we're in pa. we should work together on a future project sometime. just a thought.

RomanJaquez

02-02-2007, 01:07 PM

Cool! I am ticking the clock to download yours too. This movie seems interesting.

Zak Forsman

02-03-2007, 01:00 PM

My impressions of STATIC:

great beginning, great ending. middle kind of sagged for me. I would have lopped out the entire middle and continued the story out in the “field”. felt like your ending was the beginning of this story. sequel?

nonetheless... great work, imaginative idea, well done!!!

Geoff_R

02-03-2007, 04:40 PM

Very cool idea! I liked the ending a lot once he was in that field (cool colors/cinematography). As Zak said, the beginning and end were the stronger parts, the middle was a little slow for me. I think it could be shorter and would be more effective if the middle was tightened up some. Other than that, I enjoyed it, kudos on the sound design as well.

They Live

02-03-2007, 04:45 PM

Wow, thanks guys. This is awesome, already getting some responses. The 2nd act was problematic for me as well. I wish I could've had another editor work on that part, but oh well. Can't wait to see all of yours. I'm in the middle of a move right now, but plan on a major viewing tomorrow when I get back to my laptop.

All the best.

They Live

02-03-2007, 04:46 PM

I need to see this ASAP. psssst. can you sneak me a copy. they will never know.

btw, your in va, we're in pa. we should work together on a future project sometime. just a thought.

Definately man. Keep me posted. I'll do the same.

Kholi

02-03-2007, 05:44 PM

REVIEW: .STATIC

Interesting kind of drama. Supernatural even. What didn't we see enough of, though?

I'm all content on this one. I know a lot of people are going to think "Hey, this is drama fest, not sci-fi or horror." But, I think I get where you were pushing the visuals. Guy's torn asunder by his relationship situation, drinking his life away and here's his "wake-up" call. What's gone on is that it's probably just too long and too "contained" to really care about Eric being killed.

I think there wasn't any time to spend with him before he starts going crazy. Is Eric a good guy that got dumped and just can't get over it? Or is he an angry drunk that beat's females, who might deserve such a fate? To this effect, not spending enough time discovering who this fella is warrants no feelings for him.

It ends up being "eric goes into the TV, and that noise is soooo loud!"

Another problem I had was the phone dialogue. It lasted too long. I've worked the phones before with angry customers, and I can tell you right now that when a customer is disgruntled like that, all phone operators are allowed to say "Well, if I can no longer assist you or put you on the phone with a manager, you have a nice night sir. Sorry that we can not help you." ... click. It went on way too long to be believable.

The rest seemed to droll on, filling up six minutes with a lot of details we didn't need to know, outside of the phone conversation on the floor.

I'd like to ask why you chose a sci-fi element as your pay-off in exchange for developing on the relatable aspect of your story. The relationship problem? I think that if you could've melded the two together evenly, it would've sat better.

But, that's just me! And what do I know!?!?!?!

Thanks for exhibiting, Ben! Can I have that TV?

They Live

02-03-2007, 05:49 PM

Haha, thanks Kholi. You'd have to ask my actor for it. We shot this in his place.

I've really been enjoying your reviews. I know the phone conversation is too long, just watched my film again. I really need an editor. Oh well. We did 3 long improv takes, one WS, one MCU, and one CU. That's what I had to cut with, and there was soo much good stuff that I had for options in the edit. That was the tough part. Anyway, I'm not going to explain too much as far as my thinking went in the making of .static yet. I'm waiting for more reviews to digest. But you make some really good points.

Very constructive in your critiques Kholi, keep it up.

Ralph Oshiro

02-04-2007, 01:07 AM

wesley

02-04-2007, 06:33 AM

the bad:
lighting a little too flat
tv scene was too long for my taste
the drinking and smoking was too obvious
the camera cut at 04:20
the death scene effects

the good:
film kept my attention all the way through
telephone scene was good, believeable scripting
the post death scenes were interestig and well done

hope i dont sound too harsh. i think you did a good job
and love to see your progression in future projects

They Live

02-04-2007, 08:05 AM

the bad:
the camera cut at 04:20

Curious as to what you mean with this? Thanks for the review.

They Live

02-04-2007, 08:08 AM

.static . . . my favorite film so far! I LOVED your motion graphics! GREAT After Effects work (or whatever you used)! You somehow got the type treatments JUST RIGHT. I didn't know what to expect (a good thing). Loved the screen in the air gag near the end. Also, I really liked the telephone dialogue--it sounded REAL! TERRIFIC job!

Thank you Rezfactor. I'm really flattered. I've read some of your posts on the site and have respect, so this means a lot coming from you.

I used After Effects for all the Motion Graphics and Effects.

I'm planning on waiting longer to read more reviews, interpetations of the story, etc. before I elucidate more on my own opinion of what happened in the short as well as some of the production obstacles, etc. that led to those decisions. So stay tuned to this thread if you're interested in hearing a little more later on.

iSTy

02-04-2007, 10:01 AM

I enjoyed this, was interesting, telephone convo was kewl. Then the sitting on the kitchen floor, wondering who to call.
Who do you call when you know yer gonna die? not only that, what does one say? I could go on, this film makes for alot of discussion. Yep, really liked it.
Thank you.

ripupthehwy

02-04-2007, 10:59 AM

Great effort! I know how much work these things are.

I thought it would have fit much better in the Horror Fest! lol.

It was ok

Wild Imagination Films

02-04-2007, 11:12 AM

Was this drama or sci fi fest?
Sorry guys, it didn't do anything for me. Looked like it was shot in your apartment with something other than a DVX.

They Live

02-04-2007, 12:14 PM

Was this drama or sci fi fest?
Sorry guys, it didn't do anything for me. Looked like it was shot in your apartment with something other than a DVX.

It was shot in the actors apartment with a DVX-100B, some 65 watt bulbs, and some duct tape.

Sorry you didn't like it. I don't understand why some people think this is a Science Fiction film...way off if that's what you think.

jeremytuttle

02-04-2007, 12:55 PM

Hey Man, I just wanted to say I enjoyed this one. It was very entertaining. It was kinda of like a episode of the Twilight Zone and I'm not complaining that it had some "sci-fi" hints to it, so did Solaris and that is pure drama (at least in my opinion). I really loved the phone conversation it was very witty. I admit the lighting could use work but it looked good with what you had. So was the TV world his heaven?

They Live

02-04-2007, 01:45 PM

Thanks a lot Jeremy. I'll discuss my thoughts on the short later on after more reviews since I don't want to influence opinions too much.

As far as the lighting, I know its not great. I don't have anything to work with really as far as lights go, nor too much experience with lighting. I was sort of hoping the flat, kind of "blah" look would work for the story though. I try to work around the limitations and make them advantages, but I understand that a lot of people here love lighting elements, so I'm sorry to disappoint.

I was definately going for a Twilight Zone-esque type feel.

Still haven't gotten to At the Park yet but I can't wait to see it.

givemefood

02-04-2007, 01:49 PM

Alright... this is the 5th movie that i have watched so far this afternoon.... and this by far has outdone all those movies.

The bads:
- Lighting... was terrible. Very flat... It appeared like you put all the lights in one corner and hit them right at the character
- The opening scene - The performance was awful. I thought the dude could not act
- The shot compositions... Again very flat because you did not use them to build your drama...

Now, the goods:
- Good choice of actor.. Only in the second scene i realized this guy did a great job. He carried the movie forward
- Direction was good, in the sense, the fundamental or backbone of any film is the way a scene/scenes are staged. No matter how you film or cut it... the scene has to be right. Only your film, so far, i thought had the 'scene'.... I was able to stay glued to it. I could feel the drama.
- Editing was a plus
- Effects were a plus

From the picture Eric looks at, i gathered that he had a very good looking GF.

Good job dude. I really liked ur film

RomanJaquez

02-04-2007, 02:33 PM

That was a cool short!

Your actor was strong! I was in the tip of my seat until the end. I am not easy.
You did a very good job at working with time in your movie... I felt the anciety to findout what was going to happen with him... something that 24 the show does really well.

I enjoyed the effects. Its crudeness works in favor to your story. Although nothing is really explained, I was kind of hooked into the character's concern.

I wish you did not narrate at the end his struggle to turn off the TV.. it was just not right.

I liked your movie a lot.

Best,

They Live

02-04-2007, 03:23 PM

Alright... this is the 5th movie that i have watched so far this afternoon.... and this by far has outdone all those movies.

The bads:
- Lighting... was terrible. Very flat... It appeared like you put all the lights in one corner and hit them right at the character

Haha, pretty much what I did. Crap lights too. Good eye. But, like I said in an earlier thread, I was hoping that the flat lighting might work for the story, conveying a sort of "blah" feel. Sounds like an excuse, and it partly is. But I guess that didn't work.

Now, the goods:
- Good choice of actor.. Only in the second scene i realized this guy did a great job. He carried the movie forward
- Direction was good, in the sense, the fundamental or backbone of any film is the way a scene/scenes are staged. No matter how you film or cut it... the scene has to be right. Only your film, so far, i thought had the 'scene'.... I was able to stay glued to it. I could feel the drama.
- Editing was a plus
- Effects were a plus

From the picture Eric looks at, i gathered that he had a very good looking GF.

Good job dude. I really liked ur film

Thank you.

Glideshot

02-04-2007, 03:44 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed this short...

As others have stated, I thought the lighting was a little flat, but didn't take too much away for me.

I believe that your actor made this film work. Although he started out a little slow, I felt like he really got into character as the film progressed. He seems as if he could be molded into a solid actor given the right experience, instruction and time.

Your cinematography and editing was dead on!

Great work!

sean90291

02-04-2007, 11:10 PM

This short was weirdly good. I say weirdly good, because it had some real weaknesses (primarily sound and lighting), yet it really did escalate in tension, and the performance of the lead ended up being excellent. I think it's actually a great short that demonstrates some real talent over many short films that have superior production values but lack any of the heart or smarts demonstrated in Static. Add some production value and you're a filmmaker who can can probably get somewhere with your talent. I liked the concept a lot--very surreal--but I'm not sure I'd call it a "drama." Felt like a hybrid horror-sci-fi sorta thing.

They Live

02-05-2007, 05:47 AM

Ted Arabian

02-05-2007, 08:49 AM

hahaha! Great short! I felt like I was watching horrorfest all over again!

I enjoyed this simple yet powerful story. I say powerful because the ending made it so. I didn't expect this to be a powerful film as I was watching (not that I wasn't enjoying it), I just thought that it was going to be entertaining. But when he is IN the TV looking at himself, a powerful punch was thrown. It is vague and leaves the viewer guessing and drawing their own conclusion. I love that!

I thought that the acting was well done. It is not easy to have no one to perform off of. Your actor did great in keeping the story moving.

I like the camera work. I didn't love the lighting. Particularly when he goes to answer the door. There must have been 5 or 6 shadows of him on the wall! It's not easy, but I hope that you find ways in your future films to light a scene with a more diffused lighting scheme.

Anyway, great job! I really enjoyed your film.

RebeccaD

02-05-2007, 09:19 AM

This was such a great film! Nicely done acting. I especially liked his phone conversation with the cable company....we've all had frustrating moments and I could relate to his anger. I was on the edge of my seat and actually scared. I agree with Ted; I felt like it was Horrorfest, but that was fun to mix it up!!

They Live

02-05-2007, 11:52 AM

I like the camera work. I didn't love the lighting. Particularly when he goes to answer the door. There must have been 5 or 6 shadows of him on the wall! It's not easy, but I hope that you find ways in your future films to light a scene with a more diffused lighting scheme.

Yeah, I knew I was going to get called out big time for the lighting. I was pretty much a one man band, and didn't really have any lights to work with, so, it is what it is. Even if I did have proper lights, I'm not very well versed in how to use them. I need a DP. But anyway, thanks for watching.

D_and_G

02-05-2007, 01:46 PM

Hmm, more moody lighting, create definition and a cinematic feel.

Edit : you know about the lighting so i'll go on to the rest of the flick.

The story was interesting, but the protagonist bought into the occurrence pretty easily - no phoning friends, taking apart the t.v, checking if neighbors had the same thing happen to their t.v.

Would have liked to seen this happen in the day (to mix it up) smoke the interior for atmosphere, and add another ten minutes to explore the whole script.

Thanks for making it, though. It was a nice change of pace from straight drama.

:beer:

Yeen

02-05-2007, 01:57 PM

Hi Ben. Congrats on a fun little film. Whilst I would say that I agree with a lot of the above comments regarding technical shortcomings (lighting, expositional dialogue, etc) there's still a vibe I enjoyed very much. It reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode I might have seen as a kid (and, more importantly, would have remembered).
Not sure if anyone else felt this way but I was laughing A LOT when the threats appeared. In fact, I thought it was the second funniest thing I've seen this fest. It was the combination of some guy sat drinking and feeling sorry for himself and the precise psychological torment of the tv message. Fantastic. In fact, you could cut the film at about 1m 15s and then shoot a new story and re-submit it for Comedy Fest! That's not an insult, by the way. It's the kind of humour us Brits appreciate.
Keep shooting. Look forward to seeing more work in the future.

BTW, although you don't really know me, you will know who I am if I mention that I had a rather unpleasant encounter with a large sack in Horrorfest...

And, in case you were wondering, NoMoney5U made me laugh the most!!

Ted Arabian

02-05-2007, 02:10 PM

Yeah, I knew I was going to get called out big time for the lighting. I was pretty much a one man band, and didn't really have any lights to work with, so, it is what it is. Even if I did have proper lights, I'm not very well versed in how to use them. I need a DP. But anyway, thanks for watching.
Hey man, that's why we make these films, right? Live, learn and to get better at it!

And true about the DP. I loved having one on TTN. My first film for horrorfest was a one-man effort and it was a lot of work. TOO much work.

Great job again. I really enjoyed the film and that's what matters.

Jason Ramsey

02-05-2007, 02:15 PM

I enjoyed the film. I enjoyed the premise. The sound during the emergency alert tripped me out.

Acting was totally aceptable. Nice job. There were some technical issues like background noise when changing from angle to angle, etc.

But I thought it was a nice effort. I can tell it wasn't a big production and what not, but I didn't care. It worked or me. Good work. Keep at it.

Jason

david jerome

02-05-2007, 07:13 PM

I really liked it Ben. I'm not sure I understand it yet but that's what I really liked about it. I'm gonna watch it again and see if I can pick up on anything new. Is the TV a passageway for the spirit? Is it a form of communication for the Grim Reaper? I don't know! I love that. Enlighten me if you want to. If not, then keep me thinking. Very creative film.

david jerome

jontuttle

02-06-2007, 10:43 AM

Nice work Ben. I really liked the dialogue and acting during the phone call to the cable company. Great stuff. I think your lead did a great job. I liked the concept a lot. I had this whole story in my head from following your thread and when I watched it boy was I wrong, but in a good way. The sound design was really good. Your use of harsh tones and noises during certain scenes were great. They made things feel really unsettling. The lighting was a little rough but not to bad. The lighting in the living room where the lead was sulking seemed way to bright. It didn't match the mood. I liked the shot of him looking back on himself from the field. The FX of the screen was nicely done. Overall a great effort and I enjoyed watching it very much. I look forward to seeing more from you.

Aaron Marshall

02-06-2007, 05:47 PM

I wasn't sure what to think about this film at first. Initially I did not like it, but after it all absorbed into me I liked it. I did not like the scene where he gets pissed at the person on the phone. It made me hate the character. I loved how you put him out in the field and the way he looked at himself. That was far out. It burned into my memory. The actor, despite a few decision of the character (my personal taste), was really good.

They Live

02-06-2007, 07:06 PM

Thanks a lot Aaron.

I did not like the scene where he gets pissed at the person on the phone. It made me hate the character

Well, I didn't necessarily want you to hate the character, but I did want that conversation to make him dislikable (at that moment).

Justin Reade

02-06-2007, 11:10 PM

The idea was money. I loved the end sequence -- get into more of that. It's Lynchian... the lighting in the kitchen was a little strange to me...

Michael_Petro

02-06-2007, 11:39 PM

Nice horrorfest errrr dramafest entry:) liked it ..Loved the phone conversation

Other reviews have already said just about everything( I got pounded on lighting in my last fest entry) So I bought a 250W 3200k photobulb and some shop lights at home depot and it did wonders...

/product placement?
Picky people pick
Peter Pan Peanut-Butter,
'tis the peanut-butter
Picky people pick.

arielman

02-07-2007, 10:14 AM

I see there has been different takes and ideas so far in the Fest and this was different to say the least.

I thought the actor fit the role just nice!!
I thought the ending was a nice touch with a Sci-Fi feel to it at the end .
At the moment I'm writting this from the top of my head as I watched yours (along with others ) late last night .

One scene I didn't like is when he hangs up on the TV staion and then he is the floor with the phone then he is standing without and back on the floor with phone . That sequence seemed a little off for me .

I enjoyed this despite some minor sound issues .
Question . Since I haven't read the other threads yet and I appologize if this has been asked ..Who was after him ?

His wife really didn't look like a killer But I was expecting her to be at the door maybe showing how Evil ( Bitch) she may have been . Eg: playing games , trying to make him a little crazy and then BANG!! When he opens the door .Well you fooled me ..lol
Having said all that , I like your approach on this and made it worth watching .
Ian

kylelewis1

02-09-2007, 07:22 AM

My wife and I really enjoyed this one. It did not seem as technically sound as some of the of other videos I have watched so far but the story and acting were great. From a technical standpoint I noticed a few shaky shots that didn't seem like they needed to be there (like one during the phone conversation). There were also one or two cuts during the phone conversation that seemed a little awkward. That being said, I liked what you did with the TV, shakiness, and sound to build the tension during the last half of the video. The actor did a good job, he was much more convincing than some of the other videos I have seen. The story line was great. I am not a big scary-movie guy, so I am not familiar with other movies out there, but my wife said the plot was similar to The Ring. Excellent job, one of my favorites so far!

They Live

02-09-2007, 06:53 PM

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate the compliments. My actor will too.

Cynic821

02-11-2007, 02:58 AM

6th review:

I know the description of what is drama trancends the plot, such as a great episode of Battlestar galactica i just watched on Uni. HD had amazing drama while taking place in space. But this really felt like it was pushing the acceptable and almost unspoken point of the drama fest, getting people to stray away from the comfort of science fiction, and horror , and just a scare in general as it is what appears to be the fave of the amatuer along with guns, drugs and young cops and tough guys.

that aside and accepting the out there development of the story: The set wasnt natural to me, i have to use my own items as props as well, but try to use them non distractingly, the mounted LCD felt out of place in an accused drunks and currently drinking mans place. the garbage felt very placed and almost like a play. The crumbled papers and placed beers were very unnatural. Some of the cuts and edits i wasnt fond of.

The acting went from weak to maybe acceptable, but unnatural all around. The shot on the tv and the view he had looking out from tv land itself didnt match the angle his body was laying. Im also not a fan of people talking to themselves, i dont notice that i do it , i asked others, they dont as well, so in a movie i just find it somewhat funny.

thats it.

maybe i should give a disclaimer before i get warned? ( i had to stop reviewing horrorfest because i wasnt being that positive, this is how i feel and i guess ill just post until im stopped again)

They Live

02-11-2007, 09:49 AM

maybe i should give a disclaimer before i get warned? ( i had to stop reviewing horrorfest because i wasnt being that positive, this is how i feel and i guess ill just post until im stopped again)

No worries Cynic. If you watch a film looking for stuff to criticize, you'll find stuff to criticize.

As for the mounted LCD screen, it was in the location to begin with and worked perfectly in my opinion. We all worship "drama", we hunger for it and create in our own lives. It gives us an identity, and it is this guys life drama that ultimately ends up landing him in that bastion of drama, the TV screen. So, I think a big old whopper of a TV screen was appropriate. I'll reiterate this several times, but this is all metaphor.

As far as the sci-fi element, I still don't get this criticism. I guess I need to try to be less subtle. It's suggested that he commits suicide, "She might be sorry in the morning." He says that after she hangs up on him, as he is standing with the glass. The odd cut was to imply that it is an internal dialogue. So, assuming that everything that happens in my film is a visual metaphor for an internal psychological struggle (this is just my interpetation) then we see that his solution to his problems gets him nowhere. He ends up in another reality where once again he is observing his lifes drama unfold. It's all cyclical. Ultimately his "solution" to his problems doesn't work, as so often is the case in our reality. We just end up perpetually stuck in the drama. Therefore, the shot in the field is a visual metaphor. It is not supposed to be like he got teleported to some other planet and is looking at a holographic screen. But, apparently that's all that some people saw, or I believe saw b/c of the Sci-Fi critique. Oh well.

jeremytuttle

02-11-2007, 12:15 PM

He ends up in another reality where once again he is observing his lifes drama unfold.

That's awesome man. I'm really glad a couple of you guys went out and made things that contained symbolism and metaphor. To be honest I'm a little slow at stuff like that, I think because not a lot of people do it any more. I take a lot of movies on the surface these days because that is all that is there, but now re-thinking your's and even David's I see a whole other light.

I wonder if your sound fxs were done differently and some how show the sounds were in his head (maybe the neighbor walks up to the window after hearing him screaming and it shows him on the ground screaming, the neighbor looks up and see there is nothing on the TV)... maybe people would have compared it more to a psychological drama and not a sci-fi drama... but that's just me playing Monday Morning quarter back:)

Great flick though man and I can't wait to see more from you.

david jerome

02-11-2007, 12:26 PM

Hey Ben, "picky people pick peter pan peanut butter it's the peanut butter picky people pick." I love how you put that in. I think I will use that at the next DWI check point I am stopped at. The first time I watched you film I really liked it. I've watched it about 5 times now and it gets deeper everytime. Not a drama? I think it's all drama, just done in an unconventional way. A fresh and creative way. And I am so glad you did that. I get the feeling that you are big on endings. What I mean is that you like a good ending. For me, that is the most important part of a story. It doesn't have to be big, but for me, a good story should leave you with something to remember it, and for me, that happens at the ending. I remembered .static because of the ending. It left me thinking. It grabbed my thoughts and made me ponder what it was saying. You told an interesting story and in the end left me something to think about. Something very deep. And you did it in a very creative and artistic way. That is good story telling and that is good filmmaking in my opinion. Him looking at his dead self through the same "vice" or "comfort" (either or both) that had become his life. That was brilliant. Cyclical as you call it. I am a fan, I will be looking for what you do next. Is the poster from the last shot of the movie, love it.

david jerome

They Live

02-11-2007, 12:35 PM

Thanks a lot Jeremy.

It's all about how you view films, plays, stories, etc. You can take the surface angle approach, or the "what's beneath the surface?" approach. For me, I think that no matter what, there is always a lot more symbolism in these things then you would think.

Take your film for instance. What does it mean that you chose a beautiful open air park as your setting? What does the little girl represent? The homeless man? Innocence, poverty? How do those symbolic, archetypal ideas play off of each other? When brought together, what new gestalt do they create?...this is how I look at things and how I try to write my shorts.

Now, I agree that sometimes it's not always that deep, and neither am I. My IMDB credit is for a short film that won some awards at the Virginia Film Festival. That's a premiere festival. But the short is a film noir in which all the characters are condiments. It's a power struggle inside a refridgerator world. Obivously it's goofy fun. But people loved it. So go figure.

The best films work on both levels IMO. I think .static may have failed a bit, but you keep on trying. It's easy when I have it all in my head, it's getting it into other people's heads that's the hard part. Like you said, not everyone watches for that stuff...those are just the differences between some audiences and others.