"ajar" - a david jerome film

[david jerome]

Direct Link download (http://www.dvxuser.com/dramafest/loader.php?id=davidjerome-davidjerome-ajar.mov)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1170477183.jpg


Director's Log - february 3, 2007 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=850286&postcount=91)

Director's Log - january 10, 2007 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=822599&postcount=34)

Director's Log - december 27, 2006 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=809546&postcount=22)

Director's Log - december 20, 2006 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=804410&postcount=8)

Director's Log - december 19, 2006 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=802594&postcount=1)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1166504209.jpg

Today I decided to enter Dramafest, a short film contest on dvxuser website. This will be the second short movie I've made since I bought my dvx100b camera 8 months ago. I wasn't sure I was going to enter. It takes alot to get me motivated. Creating films is something I really want to do, but making them is another story. I've come to realize after my first short film that I don't have the energy and drive that I thought I did. I used to, back in the day. I turned 42 this last October, and if it wasn't for my lack of energy and drive, I would never believe it. I still feel like that 20 year old kid who wanted to make movies but decided to do something he hated instead. So I've decided, good or bad, I'm entering this fest. I don't have the time not to. I don't have a script yet. I don't have any actors. All I have right now is a story in my head and a stock dvx100b. I'm going out of town for two weeks so I won't be able to shoot till the weekend of Jan 13. That will give me two weekends to shoot and then one to edit. I'm looking for a chair. That's my big prop. I think it's funny, I read about some of the other filmmakers and they've got airplanes and magic ladders and sound stages and hvx's and 35adapters and dp's and crews and actors. And I'm still looking for a chair. But if it wasn't for them I probably wouldn't be entering. I keep telling myself, if they can do it why can't I. And then myself says, "Well cause they got more energy and drive than you do you loser." And then I tell myself back, "Well I already got a title you mofo!" And then I stop. Cause I realize I just called myself a mofo. So the journey begins. I'm throwing my hat in. And even if I've got cheese pouring out of my mouth, I don't care, I'm gonna make a damn film. I will keep a log of my progress in the days to follow. About that cheese. Let's dance.

david jerome

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1166504233.jpg

[insanityfw]

Good luck David.

Your log sounds very familiar. I've been out of film school for about 12 years and have managed a couple of small projects, one feature and a couple of scripts and even with small successes I find it really hard to pull together all the energy it takes. I'm coming up on 40 and age can make a bit of a difference.

every once and a while I think about quitting, but late at night the passion for filmmaking (no matter how draining) still haunts my my mind. There isn't enough booze nor enough drugs on the planet to stop the monster in the brain.

I too find myself somewhat alone in my endeavors, but yet we both know that we have to keep on plugging forward.

It's been motivational to hear your honesty and know that you're still going to push forward.

Again, best of luck to you.

J.

[preston]

welcome.

good luck.

I have a chair you might be interested in. :Drogar-Happy(DBG):

[Jason Ramsey]

Welcome to the fest, man. Best of luck to you

Jason

[david jerome]

Good luck David.

Your log sounds very familiar. I've been out of film school for about 12 years and have managed a couple of small projects, one feature and a couple of scripts and even with small successes I find it really hard to pull together all the energy it takes. I'm coming up on 40 and age can make a bit of a difference.

every once and a while I think about quitting, but late at night the passion for filmmaking (no matter how draining) still haunts my my mind. There isn't enough booze nor enough drugs on the planet to stop the monster in the brain.

I too find myself somewhat alone in my endeavors, but yet we both know that we have to keep on plugging forward.

It's been motivational to hear your honesty and know that you're still going to push forward.

Again, best of luck to you.

J.

Thanks J and keep plugging away. I think a feature is a major accomplishment. I can't even imagine trying something like that right now. I'd love to see it if it's available anywhere. And best of luck to you also.

[They Live]

David, welcome.

Loved your introduction. I'm only 22, just graduated from school. I've made several short films, and worked on some more. Making a movie is an extremely difficult endeavor, I agree. But the learning curve is huge, and each time out I exponentially improve on my last effort.

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm flying solo for the most part, don't have a 35 adapter, don't have a soundstage, and hardly any money for anything like a budget. But I love the challenge. What it's all about for me. I wrote a script and don't know how I'm going to pull off half of it, and even if I do if it'll be any good. I spent 6 hours yesterday trying to figure out how to create an animation and got just about nowhere. But I'm going to get something done for this fest. Sounds like you are too. Best of luck.

Ben

p.s. Great picture. Welcome to the Wild West of digital movie making.

[david jerome]

Thanks Ben. Looking forward to it. I feel for you. Figuring stuff out is a real pain. I have spent countless hours trying to get decent encodings and still don't get the results I see some get.

david jerome

[david jerome]

Director's Log - december 20, 2006 (http://www.davidjerome.blogspot.com/)


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1166669787.jpg

Today I started on the script for "ajar". Six minutes seems to be a tough story length for me. There are things I want in the story but I know it will be to hard to fit it all in. My last short that I wrote for six minutes ended up being twelve minutes. I don't want to edit two versions again. Especially since I'm not that crazy about editing. So this time it's one six minute movie and that's it. I hope. I started playing the moving in my head last night. The problem with that is, it's really hard to fall asleep. I see something in my mind and I have to get up and write it down. I did that three times last night. It's going to be hard getting to sleep for the next month. I like the writing part but I'm really slow at it. It takes me an hour just to get started. Then I'm easily distracted. It is really hard for me to stay focused. And there is always something on TV that I want to watch. Whenever I sit down at my computer at night to get some work done, the first thing I do is go online and see whats on TV that night. Not a good start. Besides being slow, I just realized I am shorter than I thought I was. I was editing some behind the scenes stuff for my last flick and I couldn't believe it. It was like watching "The Lord of the Rings". I think I've shrunk. I don't remember being that short. I'm still looking for the right "chair". This story is not going to work without the right chair. Well, at least I've started, I think.


david jerome

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1166669805.jpg

[Rich Poche]

David,

If your movie is going to be as entertaining as your "Director's Log" then you'll win this contest hands down.

Good luck, man. I know exactly what you're going through...

[preston]

hey David,
try drinking those four Bud Lights - it'll help with the creative flow.

[david jerome]

hey David,
try drinking those four Bud Lights - it'll help with the creative flow.

done

[preston]

done

did it work?

[david jerome]

did it work?

I guess, I got to sleep with no problems.

[jontuttle]

I am sure your film will be great. You will find your chair and it will be the best chair that ever graced the screen. Good luck.

[Kyle Stebbins]

jon - any relation to the charlie tuttle from brazil?

(we'll see how many people get that one)

[jontuttle]

jon - any relation to the charlie tuttle from brazil?

(we'll see how many people get that one)

Good old Uncle Charlie. We call him Bobby D for short.

[jeremytuttle]

Actually we have a long family history in repairing air conditioning units that go all across the country, especially in Brazil... here is a pick of one of our distant relatives just finishing up with a happy costumer.
http://www.visuallee.com/weblog/images/tuttle_1.jpg

David,
Good luck with the project and finding the right chair. I love the "throwing your hat in" pic.

[david jerome]

Thanks guys, am still looking for the chair. It's my lead role so it has to be just right.

david jerome

[jontuttle]

There is so much going on with so many shorts, incluning my own. So many interesting posts to read but one thing keeps popping in my head. Has David Jerome found his dang chair yet?

[david jerome]

There is so much going on with so many shorts, incluning my own. So many interesting posts to read but one thing keeps popping in my head. Has David Jerome found his dang chair yet?

Wish me luck tomorrow Jon. It's gotta happen this weekend. I'm hitting the flea markets, thrift stores, junk yards. I'm gonna find that chair. And it better know how to act or I'm in bad shape. A leading chair that can't act, well, your film is in trouble then my friend.

david jerome

[jontuttle]

Good luck. I hope you find that acting chair. Will you be holding auditions?

[david jerome]

Director's Log - december 27, 2006 (http://www.davidjerome.blogspot.com/)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1167254100.jpg

This is a busy month. Not a good time to make a film that's due Feb 1st. But now is not the time to have doubts. I will leave the doubts for the couple weeks before Feb when I still haven't shot the first frame. The good news is, it looks like the first hurdle has been crossed. Many more ahead. I found my lead. He was in the back of a small tin building separated from the Wagon Wheel flea market I went to Sunday. No body was in this building and it was full of junk and stuff that was so filthy it must have been rejected from the flea market. Junk that is below the other junk. I was walking through this building when I saw this big ugly chair on wheels. No one was around so I went even further into this dark dust hell. Then I met Bobby. He was sitting half asleep in a chair. I asked him about the big chair with wheels and to that he answered, "I am so fuucked up", and he was so right. And then he said, "You're fuucked up to aren't you?" I really didn't know how to respond so I said, "Ya, I'm totally fuucked up." Then I started gagging on the dust in there. It was not your normal dust. It was more like powdered moss. The big chair I wanted was covered in about a quarter inch of it. It got stuck in my throat like a hair ball. I couldn't talk. I was hacking and hitting my chest and trying to talk but I couldn't. This made Bobby feel pretty good. Three days later I can still taste the dust in my mouth. Bobby decided to go with me to get my truck. He held down the small wire fence so I could drive in. We squeezed through the crowded food venders and made it back to the building. I loaded the chair. I gave him forty bucks and wheezed all the way home. I don't know if my lead can act yet, but he sure likes to party. Big surprise.

david jerome

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1167254186.jpg

[jeremytuttle]

Congrats on finding your lead!! That is one sweet looking lead at that. Unique to say the least... hopefully it isn't a drama queen and always demanding a larger trailer full of roses and red MMs.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Actually we have a long family history in repairing air conditioning units that go all across the country, especially in Brazil... here is a pick of one of our distant relatives just finishing up with a happy costumer.
http://www.visuallee.com/weblog/images/tuttle_1.jpg

David,
Good luck with the project and finding the right chair. I love the "throwing your hat in" pic.

Oh man I can't tell you how excited I am that you knew what I was talking about! -- Mark Johnson and I actually watched that film on the way back to the midwest on the plane! What a good time!

-kyle

[Paul Coleman]

Hmm, I could live my whole life in that chair.:love4:

[jontuttle]

That is one cool chair. I need one of those for my office. Those wheels are great.

[Paul Coleman]

Update please.:beer:

[jontuttle]

Update please.:beer:

Yes. Update please. How is the Chairs acting debut going?

[tmpafilmer25]

ajar huh??? Kinda makes me think of my Mother's old 87 Chrysler New Yorker. You open the door while the car was on, the mystery woman made sure you knew about it. "Door is ajar, Door is ajar." Good luck with your film David, hopefully I can compose some music to your liking for it. You are one crazy mofo, you know that???:thumbsup:

[david jerome]

Just now walked in the door from Holiday vacation. 13 hr drive from Bowling Green. My butt is killing me and it won't stop farting. It's time to really get to work. I will give an update soon.



ajar huh??? Kinda makes me think of my Mother's old 87 Chrysler New Yorker. You open the door while the car was on, the mystery woman made sure you knew about it. "Door is ajar, Door is ajar." Good luck with your film David, hopefully I can compose some music to your liking for it. You are one crazy mofo, you know that???:thumbsup:

Talking cars in 87. Where the hell was I. I'm sure you got some beautiful music Noel that is gonna make me cry like a baby. Rough cut should be done about six hours before deadline. That ok? :)

david jerome

[Mark Johnson]

That chair rocks ..... jeez, I actually wrote that before realizing it is a semi stupid pun!

[david jerome]

That chair rocks ..... jeez, I actually wrote that before realizing it is a semi stupid pun!

Your are to clever for your own good Mark. Actually, that chair does scotch on the rocks........ very well. Or maybe to excess would be more accurate.

[tmpafilmer25]

Talking cars in 87. Where the hell was I. I'm sure you got some beautiful music Noel that is gonna make me cry like a baby. Rough cut should be done about six hours before deadline. That ok? :)

david jerome


hmmmm, I can try. I hope you have a backup plan just in case. I may be able to do something really short, like a ring tone. Yeah thats it, I'll just track my ring tone and loop it a few times, you ok with that???:huh:

[david jerome]

Director's Log - january 10, 2007 (http://davidjerome.blogspot.com/)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1168466131.jpg
(Me and my girlfriend)

It's crunch time. First shoot is this weekend Jan 13 & 14. I've been on vacation the last two weeks so everything has been on hold. Thank God I found my chair before I went on vacation. I still need some more props for this weekend. Good news is I've got an actor who has committed the next two weekends for me. He will co-star with the chair. And my friend Noel is also helping with the shoot. So with Noel, the crew has now doubled. While on vacation I got engaged to my girlfriend of five years. She is now busy making plans for the wedding so I have a feeling her help will be limited. So I am really glad Noel is helping. If my friend Preston can help I might even get this done. I've included a picture of me and my girlfriend. It's her favorite. She's a little bit on the freaky side but that is all very good. That's the good news. The bad news is I am still not done with the script. And not even close to a shot list. And I will have to get the location ready. I think this weekend I will have to do alot on instinct so I hope I am on my game and alot of things just work out. I really want to make something decent. I like the story so far but I really have to focus to get this done. I can't believe my ability to avoid working. Just thinking about working makes me tired. So instead I watch a good movie and try to learn from it. Really take in how the director is interpreting the story. Which is great if I had the time. But I don't. Damn that day job. I need to focus and get to work. Tonight I have a commitment so I have Thursday & Friday to finish my script and get ready for the shoot on Saturday. God I hate cramming last minute. But being under pressure is probably the only time I ever get anything done. Sad but true. I have serious problems, but so do dead people. FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS. Hey, that's not such a bad motto for a filmmaker.

david jerome

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1168465968.jpg

[Ted Arabian]

David, awesome stuff here. A great read!

Congrats on the engagement. That's wonderful.

Really looking forward to your film. As I have said before, I loved Sonic Man and can't wait for more of your work!!!

btw, that chair is f'n great!

-Ted

[jontuttle]

Great pictures. That's what I would call Jacked in to the Tube. If all else fails just take some more great pictures and throw them together with some music and you would have yourself quit the art film. Good luck this weekend.

[david jerome]

David, awesome stuff here. A great read!

Congrats on the engagement. That's wonderful.

Really looking forward to your film. As I have said before, I loved Sonic Man and can't wait for more of your work!!!

btw, that chair is f'n great!

-Ted
Thanks Ted, how does that saying go, "Gain a wife, lose a crew member." Honestly she's great. I'm actually very lucky. About the chair. I'm having enough trouble with him as it is. More compliments like that and before you know it I'll be talking to his agent.





Great pictures. That's what I would call Jacked in to the Tube. If all else fails just take some more great pictures and throw them together with some music and you would have yourself quit the art film. Good luck this weekend.
Thanks Jon, I have to look at it as a challenge and not something I'm unprepared for. It's a challenge I'm not allow to prepare for, yah, I can do that. "Jacked into the Tube" for some reason I really like that phrase.

[tmpafilmer25]

Director's Log - january 10, 2007 (http://davidjerome.blogspot.com/)


It's crunch time. First shoot is this weekend Jan 13 & 14. I've been on vacation the last two weeks so everything has been on hold. Thank God I found my chair before I went on vacation. I still need some more props for this weekend. Good news is I've got an actor who has committed the next two weekends for me. He will co-star with the chair. And my friend Noel is also helping with the shoot. So with Noel, the crew has now doubled. While on vacation I got engaged to my girlfriend of five years. She is now busy making plans for the wedding so I have a feeling her help will be limited. So I am really glad Noel is helping. If my friend Preston can help I might even get this done. I've included a picture of me and my girlfriend. It's her favorite. She's a little bit on the freaky side but that is all very good. That's the good news. The bad news is I am still not done with the script. And not even close to a shot list. And I will have to get the location ready. I think this weekend I will have to do alot on instinct so I hope I am on my game and alot of things just work out. I really want to make something decent. I like the story so far but I really have to focus to get this done. I can't believe my ability to avoid working. Just thinking about working makes me tired. So instead I watch a good movie and try to learn from it. Really take in how the director is interpreting the story. Which is great if I had the time. But I don't. Damn that day job. I need to focus and get to work. Tonight I have a commitment so I have Thursday & Friday to finish my script and get ready for the shoot on Saturday. God I hate cramming last minute. But being under pressure is probably the only time I ever get anything done. Sad but true. I have serious problems, but so do dead people. FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS. Hey, that's not such a bad motto for a filmmaker.

david jerome



I'm looking forward to helping you David. Hurry up and finish that script, are you done yet? How about now?:laugh:

[preston]

yeah, David. I can help. I'll shoot the sex scene between you and the chair.

[Ted Arabian]

Thanks Ted, how does that saying go, "Gain a wife, lose a crew member." Honestly she's great. I'm actually very lucky. About the chair. I'm having enough trouble with him as it is. More compliments like that and before you know it I'll be talking to his agent.
I don't know about you but my wife is STILL on crew when I need her!!!

[david jerome]

I'm looking forward to helping you David. Hurry up and finish that script, are you done yet? How about now?:laugh:

It's all in my head if that counts.


yeah, David. I can help. I'll shoot the sex scene between you and the chair.

Your not supposed to know about that. When you don't have a budget to pay your actors, well, you still pay.


I don't know about you but my wife is STILL on crew when I need her!!!

You have a great wife Ted. Actually, my girl is awesome. She's still on the crew. She just has a few more things to plan right now so I'm not going to lean on her quite as much.

[preston]

hey David - don't forget to look in your still camera - I took some BTS shots while you were working hard today . . .

see you in the morning. (maybe)

[tmpafilmer25]

I don't know about you David, but this weekend went by way to fast.

[david jerome]

hey David - don't forget to look in your still camera - I took some BTS shots while you were working hard today . . .

see you in the morning. (maybe)

Thanks Preston. I never even noticed you taking pictures. And I am so thankful for your help this weekend. Couldn't have done it without you. Baby steps.


I don't know about you David, but this weekend went by way to fast.

Noel, I hear you. I bit of a blur. Do your arms hurt as much as mine do? Circles ain't easy. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't there. This deadline is holding on by the skin of it's teeth.

[jontuttle]

This deadline is holding on by the skin of it's teeth.

You will make it. You have to make it. I am dying to see that chairs performance. Good Luck.

[preston]

david is the man!!! he has a vision and nothing is going to get in his way!

we had a very successful shoot this weekend (even though David would call it a disaster).

---------------------------------------------------------

you got a lot done in two days, David, and from what I saw, it's going to be a great short.

you'd better start editing, 'cause you shot a crap-load. I can't wait till next weekend.

and thanks for agreeing to be in my film. your talents are endless.

P

[tmpafilmer25]

Yeah my arms were a little sore today. No pain no gain right???:thumbup:

[preston]

hey David, the poster looks good. is that my fish?

[tmpafilmer25]

The poster looks great David!!!

[Ted Arabian]

David, I love your poster! That is great.

[preston]

I want my fish back. :cheesy:

[david jerome]

David, I love your poster! That is great.

Thanks Ted. This fest is gonna be fun. I hope I can get this done the way I want to.


I want my fish back. :cheesy:

How about I bring your sexy back.

[tmpafilmer25]

You should do something for this contest David...Check it out

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/05/19/send_in_videos_now_for_steven_spielberg_

Films due Feb 16th...

[They Live]

I can't wait to see this one. Great tagline. "Boredom is one hell of a ride." Sure is. I got all sorts of stories and ideas in my head just from looking at that picture of you in the chair (is that you?). Awesome.

[david jerome]

You should do something for this contest David...Check it out

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/05/19/send_in_videos_now_for_steven_spielberg_

Films due Feb 16th...

I've thought about it Noel. I think the show is going to be pretty interesting.



I can't wait to see this one. Great tagline. "Boredom is one hell of a ride." Sure is. I got all sorts of stories and ideas in my head just from looking at that picture of you in the chair (is that you?). Awesome.

Actually DVX-Ben, the guy in the poster is my brother. Alot of people think we look alike. He's done a great job so far. I'm not even half way there yet but this film will get done. I really like what I've got so far and I'm really pumped to finish it. Another big week-end of shooting coming up. After that, if I can get one more day of shooting during next week I should have everything I need. And then I will not see the sun light untill it's done.

[tmpafilmer25]

It's Monday and I'm sore again, thanks a lot David :smile: I'm looking forward to the end result.

[david jerome]

It's Monday and I'm sore again, thanks a lot David :smile: I'm looking forward to the end result.

Noel, you are the man. Thanks so much. Looks like there's gonna be a film.

[jontuttle]

Noel, you are the man. Thanks so much. Looks like there's gonna be a film.

That's awesome. I can't wait to check it out. Anyone who can "Jack Into the Tube" should make an interesting film.

[Ted Arabian]

I've thought about it Noel. I think the show is going to be pretty interesting.
Yeah, this is one show that I am VERY interested in watching when it comes out.... that is IF I AM NOT A CONTESTANT!!!!

Good luck, David. Sounds like things are on track here!

[david jerome]

That's awesome. I can't wait to check it out. Anyone who can "Jack Into the Tube" should make an interesting film.

I think I can almost guarantee it will be interesting.




Good luck, David. Sounds like things are on track here!

Principle shooting is done. Some pic up shots to get. Editing my brains out this week. I've have a few stumbling blocks to overcome in editing this. I think I got what I want. I hope the final result is what I had envisioned. It's almost here baby.

[tmpafilmer25]

Thanks for the fish David, I have named it Blue. You've seen Old School right? "You my boy Blue":dankk2:

[david jerome]

Thanks for the fish David, I have named it Blue. You've seen Old School right? "You my boy Blue":dankk2:

Old School was awesome. Blue put in some long days for this film. He deserves a good home.

[ripupthehwy]

Hey red whats up? I hear you're the talk of the town!!

[david jerome]

Hey red whats up? I hear you're the talk of the town!!

I don't know what town your talking about but it sure ain't this one.

[tmpafilmer25]

Yo David, Blue died yesterday. I think you may have gotten a defective batch:shocked: I'm pretty familiar with having those kind of fish for pets so I'm not sure what happened. Anyway, happy editing.:)

[david jerome]

Yo David, Blue died yesterday. I think you may have gotten a defective batch:shocked: I'm pretty familiar with having those kind of fish for pets so I'm not sure what happened. Anyway, happy editing.:)

Dude, That's number six out of thirteen to give their life for this project. I can't believe it but it's breaking my heart when one of these little guys die. I think I'm going to need to have a memorial service soon. I named the little guy in the last shot of the film "Raindrops". He was such a little trooper getting that shot. He's still doing ok. Of course now I'm worried about what I will find when I get home today.

david jerome

[tmpafilmer25]

I would try to get your money back on the fish that died. Don't they have a 30 day guarantee or a 90 day warranty or something?:laugh:

[preston]

I would try to get your money back on the fish that died. Don't they have a 30 day guarantee or a 90 day warranty or something?:laugh:

not if you flush them - you have to bring the dead fish back. :happy:

[david jerome]

I would try to get your money back on the fish that died. Don't they have a 30 day guarantee or a 90 day warranty or something?:laugh:

I would never try to get my money back. I owe those beautiful fish. They are my friends.


not if you flush them - you have to bring the dead fish back. :happy:

The tally is know up to seven. They will all get a proper burial. You mock my pain.

[david jerome]

Eight fish from the film "ajar" have now passed away. It is almost more than I can bear. Raindrops, my fish from the final scene in the film is still alive, but is developing a twitch that has got me concerned. The film is done. Minor tweaking today before encoding and uploading.

[Ted Arabian]

I guess you can't add that disclaimer that "no animals were harmed during the making of AJAR."

That's too bad about the fish. But they died for a worthy cause, right?

How is the film shaping up?

[david jerome]

I guess you can't add that disclaimer that "no animals were harmed during the making of AJAR."

That's too bad about the fish. But they died for a worthy cause, right?

How is the film shaping up?

They will always be remembered in this film. I am pretty much done except for a few minor tweaks. You wonder how the final film will turn out along the way. I had some real doubts about this one. Of course it's only my second one so I should have doubts. In the end, it all came together. I'm proud of it. Of course I'm saying this after 4 days of very little sleep. I'm a little delirious.

[Ted Arabian]

WHAT???? You mean Sonic Man was your first film?????

Wow! I am even more impressed!

Nice!

[Matt Sconce]

"I'm Sonic Man!" My fav quote of any fest yet! I am looking forward to this one!

[david jerome]

WHAT???? You mean Sonic Man was your first film?????

Wow! I am even more impressed!

Nice!

Ditto, Mr. Arabian.


"I'm Sonic Man!" My fav quote of any fest yet! I am looking forward to this one!

Believe it or not, it is also my fav line from the movie. My nephew played Sonic Man and every time I see him I mess with him by saying that line in a whiny pathetic voice. And then he hits me.


I hope "ajar" will not dissappoint.

[preston]

Dave, the fish you gave me died this morning, before i could even give him a name. :cry:



"You're not Sonic Man till I say you're Sonic Man!"

[david jerome]

Dave, the fish you gave me died this morning, before i could even give him a name. :cry:



"You're not Sonic Man till I say you're Sonic Man!"

His name was Erik Canobi, The Rock Star Fish.

[preston]

His name was Erik Canobi, The Rock Star Fish.

good call.

hey, have you uploaded yet?

[Ted Arabian]

I am getting so sad about all of these fish dying! Is this a ploy to drawl the sympathetic crowd to your film!

btw, thanks David!

And I do love Sonic Man. I have that saved on my computer. I just love it.

Looking forward to AJAR, AFISH and ACHAIR!

[preston]

I am getting so sad about all of these fish dying! Is this a ploy to drawl the sympathetic crowd to your film!

btw, thanks David!

And I do love Sonic Man. I have that saved on my computer. I just love it.

Looking forward to AJAR, AFISH and ACHAIR!
Ted - it's no ploy. these fish, well, you'll see.
I had my fish in a nice new bowl on my desk, and this morning he passed away. :cry:

David's film is . . . well, you'll see.

Good times, bad times, sad times.

[david jerome]

I am getting so sad about all of these fish dying! Is this a ploy to drawl the sympathetic crowd to your film!

btw, thanks David!

And I do love Sonic Man. I have that saved on my computer. I just love it.

Looking forward to AJAR, AFISH and ACHAIR!

I wish it was Ted. I didn't know I could become so attached to a fish. But hell, we made a movie together. And the fish were poets. I think my lack of sleep is making me way to sensitive. Kind of like when your drunk. I just love everybody. I love the fish.

[tmpafilmer25]

David - I must say I find myself rather disappointed. I have been waiting very patiently for a new director's log but Noooooo, you are too gooood for your director's log now aren't you???:2vrolijk_08:

[david jerome]

David - I must say I find myself rather disappointed. I have been waiting very patiently for a new director's log but Noooooo, you are too gooood for your director's log now aren't you???:2vrolijk_08:

Actually Noel, I am to slow. It takes me all night to take a picture. I am obsessive when left alone. It's amazing I ever finish editing a film. The truth is I never do finish, I just run out of time to be obsessive. Without a deadline I would be playing with editing options until I died. I guess that would also be a deadline. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/icons/icon7.gif I will add a new director's log very soon now that this is finished.

[RomanJaquez]

Your logs are really cool! I love those stills

[david jerome]

Your logs are really cool! I love those stills

Thanks, I have not been keeping up with them like I had hoped too. Making the film kind of got in the way. :)

[jeremytuttle]

Thanks, I have not been keeping up with them like I had hoped too. Making the film kind of got in the way. :)

That's unacceptable, the logs must take precedence.


Just kidding. Glad you made it in time. If this movie is half as inventive as your directors photos then it will be great.

[RomanJaquez]

I understand! keeping things into priority can get hard... I have tried to do blogs but can't find the time to even start. Keep them up if you can because they are pro looking

[david jerome]

That's unacceptable, the logs must take precedence.


Just kidding. Glad you made it in time. If this movie is half as inventive as your directors photos then it will be great.

I tried Jeremy.

[jontuttle]

"Franken-D...TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Can't wait for your flick.

[Zak Forsman]

My impressions of AJAR:

this is one of my favorite stories in the fest so far. maybe because you avoided “telling” and did it all thru “showing”. I think that stripped it of all potential to be heavy-handed or worse, pretentious. this is definitely one of my favorites.

I think a little more time could have been given to consider the composition and color grading of your frame and more importantly, how each shot would cut with the ones on either side of it. but maybe im being overly critical because there were definitely some real highlights in here -- the spinning in the chair, the shot of him from inside the confines of his home as he's chasing the three pixie-women, and of course the butterfly out the door at the end. that was magical and touching. thanks!

[david jerome]

Director's Log - february 3, 2007

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1170542099.jpg

I finished the film "ajar". It is being viewed as I write in DramaFest. It turned out as well as I could have imagined. I am a hack, and I definitely hacked this film together. Not that I didn't put my heart and soul into it. I did. I just don't prepare well and I need help to organize. Everything was procrastinated until the last minute. Over-nighting costumes for a shoot the day after tomorrow. Calling extras the day of NFL playoffs for a shoot that day. Deciding to shoot another scene after a day of shooting because of time and having to re-write it the hour before it was shot. Partly because it wasn't ready to shoot and also because my sister, who was the only one I could get for the scene, wasn't going to get naked in the jacuzzi with the lead actor, who happens to be my brother. And her brother. All the props were last minute. I couldn't find an old wooden cuckoo clock the day before a shoot so it got substituded for a toy talking parrot. Another last minute re-write. In the end, I think the hack job may have actually influenced the film in a good way. I am happy with the final result. Now the bad news. As pleased as I might be with the film, it is overshadowed by the tragic loss of my little friends. I bought twelve beta fish the night before a shoot. The guy selling them thought I was going to fight them like some people do with dogs or chickens. If they are put in a bowl with another fish apparently they will kill each other. I guess these fish like their own space. But I am way to sensitive to do something like that. Anyway, it has been over a week since these little guys performed like silver screen poets and all but three have passed on to a better place. I didn't know changing their water so much was bad. I thought I was helping them. So this film is dedicated to my little friends. Thank you for helping me make this film. You will never be forgotten.

david jerome

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1170542501.jpg

[Mark Johnson]

Dude, this film was, by chance, the very last one I screened and it totally friggin' rocks! The score is wonderful and your character is absolutely fresh. I recall when you found that chair that I was totally intrigued. Absolutely great and it really spoke to me. This is definitely on my short list of favorites. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed your work on this.

[Tom Marshall]

Good comedic moments... :)

I wish those cheerleaders got naked... that's the only thing that I would have changed...

[They Live]

David,

I had a feeling I was going to like this one. So far it is my favorite. You did a great job. I'll try and give you a more in depth review later on.

Ben

p.s. Sorry about the fish...may they rest in peace.

[nitramlehcar]

Hey, David.
That guy wants to see your little sisters naked. You have to kick his ass now.
;)

[Kholi]

Hey David, nice imaginative short piece.

Butterfly shot at the end was neat-o. Glad ya made it!

[jeremytuttle]

This movie was hilarious, witty, off beat, and just plain awesome. Great stuff man. I loved every bit. That chair was really a perfect find for this kind of movie. My bother and I thought this was right up our ally in comedy. I'm going to rewatch this soon and give you a more detailed review. You should check out our website and watch "Scrub (http://www.adtcproduction.com/movies/scrub.html)", I'd love to hear what you think about it.

[Slimothy]

For some reason I really liked this short. I say "for some reason" because it is definately not USUALLY my type of movie. You managed to somehow make this guy very interesting without going too far and I ended up really liking the guy.

Great job, definately in my top 3-5.

[LloydC]

You created a great character. I loved the beginning... the editing and what the character did. Perfectly encapsulates who he is and everything he's afraid of.

The chair was great. Loved that little effect of him spinning. How did you do it?

The football scene looked amazing... I always wanted to throw a touchdown to myself.

I'm a bit confused on the ending, and you will have to enlighten me on that. But it had a sense of quirkiness I like and I think all dramas should have. Great job!

[wesley]

haha very imaginative, really liked the overall feel of this. great job man.

[ripupthehwy]

David,

As I had the honor of seeing this film before it was posted, I thought: "It's great but probably won't win because I know there are going to be so many really good entries out there."

After watching about half of the other entries and then watching yours again..I changed my mind. I think you have a good chance of winning!!! I'ts a great piece of art dude!

P.S.
Next time I see you can I have your autograph?


ripupthehwy

[Mark Johnson]

I just love this character to pieces. Though completely different on all fronts, there are a lot of things that resonate for me with The Big Lebowski's "Dude." That's a HUGE compliment coming from me.

[Ted Arabian]

David, I loved your film! Great job. What an existence this guy had. I can't even imagine what his world is like. But I was happy for him that he had a place to go to and escape his reality.

I love your camera work here. Some really great shots. And what an opeing shot! Also love the framing of the shot in the cupboard. Wow!

I would like to have known why this man was tormented. Maybe it doesn't matter. But I was curious, throughout the opening.

I really liked the window at the end. Nicely done.

You are a very imaginative filmmaker. I look forward to more and more of your work!

Oh, btw... YOU KILLED THE PARROT!!! I was like, hey! The parrot from Sonic Man! I guess he has made his last appearance, huh?

Great job!

[Charli]

The head in the fish tank - priceless. That so far was the BEST shot I've seen in the fest. Totally unexpected.

[tmpafilmer25]

In my opinion the opening scenes were left open for you to draw your own conclusions. Is it because he is suffering from agoraphobia or is it that he lost someone he loved (the dance scene) and he is losing his mind because of it? The butterfly scene at the end to me symbolizies his escape from reality, hence the butterfly leaving the house. If I could create my own reality by sitting in a chair, I probably wouldn't leave my house much either:) I really had a lot of fun being a part of this film and hope to work on any future projects you may have David.:dankk2:

[KOVAROVA]

really unique work and ideas. this one stands out as one of the best IMO. good stuff.

[Glideshot]

I've watched about half, and this one is by far the most creative so far. Excellent job!

[RomanJaquez]

Creative indeed...

I enjoyed it. I loved the character and concept of the story very artistic... is one of those films that leaves me thinking "I wonder what the artist was trying to say when.." the use of your symbols from the butterfly, fish and the window. Its kind of like watching a painting in motion.

I find it interesting how you portrayed a combination of "self-captivity" with a "bridge" to freedom using the chair to bring him a world where he can submit to a desirable social experience where he is the hero.

I would have love for the setting of the apartment to be not so normal... he was a bit too much of a weird guy to live in such cool conditions.

I enjoyed your movie. Keep it up.

[iSTy]

Great stuff, loved the originality of it, such imagination.
Thank you.

[gabrielflorit]

haha! great moment when he bangs the shower wall and the portrait falls off.

oh, and is that fan scene an homage to apocalypse now?

the twirling chair scene looks funny to me, which might not be your purpose.

"hello eric!" i'd like someone to greet me like that someday.

nice dancing!

the cheerleader sequence looks like a kubrickesque dream.

wow! how did you get the butterfly shot? nice work.

[ignatius]

I applaud the eccentricity of this piece, excellent "short film" material. I loved the guy's weirdness, the screaming in the fish tank, the goggles in the shower, the whimsicality of the dream chair. The fantasies were a little bit mundane, and I didn't quite get the end, which was okay, in this film. It wasn't a "Huh? What happaned?" frustration, but a "Wow, I don't know what happened, but it was pretty cool!" I liked the gun and bullet in the cabinet. The fantasies just weren't as visually engaging as I think they could have been.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, I don't know what to say about this but what a weird and wonderful film...I didn't get it, but didn't really care. You made me want to throw in for the ride. I'll watch it again, but...weird and wonderful are the only two words I can come up with right now...

[Cygnus]

Glad to hear people liked my butterfly. Even more surprising, is that David didn't make me re-do the effect several times. But then, he was rapidly running out of time so he didn't have much choice.

I distinctly recall... when David was first telling me he would need a CGI butterfly effect. I told him to provide me with the background video a.s.a.p. , and not to wait two or three days before the deadline. Guess when I got the background video for the last shot? :)

So, now that the words out, I'd like to add my credit line:

Last Minute CGI Butterfly Effect by: Leo Martin (a.k.a. "The Buzzard")Oh yeah, great job again David. And I'm still anxious to do a Sonic Man sequel.

[RebeccaD]

Great film guys. The acting was believable and the score kept me interested. The flying around chair looked very cool.... I also loved the butterfly! Nice overall job and I look forward to seeing more from you.

[jontuttle]

FrakenD2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude! I think I enjoyed your film the most. It made me feel good. I was smiling and happy after I saw this. Some would say it was not drama but I would disagree. I really felt for your character. Your visuals were great. The chair was freaking awesome. When he wants to escape and keeps chanting, how could you not feel for this guy. That was drama. His fantasies were lovely. Beautiful but knowing he was in a dreamland made you really feel for the guy. What happened that was so bad that he needs these fantasies? The fact is it doesn't matter. You feel for this guy and you don't need to know his tragedy. Chasing the 'Girl-Flies' with a little net, genius. One of the few entries that actually took us on a journey with the character. A beginning, middle, and end. Some kind of resolution actually happened.

Can't be all great. I felt the green screen stuff a bit rough and the butterflies at the end were a touching piece but a tad Reading Rainbow for me. Technically could use a bit of work, but we are no hot shots either so who am I to talk.

I think this film was great and look forward to anything you have to offer in the future. Keep it up.

[david jerome]

I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has watched and commented. I truely appreciate the feed back. I've been so busy I've only had a chance to watch about ten films so far. If I haven't got to yours I will.

I would also be interested to hear anyone's interpretation to what is happening in the film. Mainly your take on the ending.

Thanks again for watching.

[Blaine]

Ah, the intricacies of the broken mind. You did a good job and I enjoyed it. There were a couple of issues with picture at times but they were easy to forget as I watched to see what would happen next. I guess you took me to a better place.

[insanityfw]

Excellent work DAvid. I thought it was inspired to say the least. I felt lonely and happy all at the same time. This is one of my favorites so far, for unexpected reasons.

Maybe a few technical issues here and there, but this is what you're supposed to be doing in life. Can't wait to see more.

The butterfly was awesome.

Best,

Jason

[D_and_G]

This flick was a treat. I never knew where you were going with it – the whimsy, drama, circus, all of it. I was entertained, but the technical stuff sort of didn’t work. The exteriors were great (more cheerleaders please) but tonally it didn’t click.

Once you got him to be free I was lovin’ it. But it wasn’t consistently farce or drama etc… and the balance of those elements while fun , weren’t complimentary enough.

I give you props for coloring outside the lines. :beer:

[Charli]

I vote BEST PROP on this short. That chair was killer.

[david jerome]

I vote BEST PROP on this short. That chair was killer.
Hey Charli, if you haven't already read it then check out the Director's Log link below. It's a little story about where I found it. His name is "Wheels" by the way.


Director's Log - december 27, 2006 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=809546&postcount=22)


:)

[Michael_Petro]

lets see your film had:

A gun, a terrified beta, shower goggles, 3d animation, large prancing butterfly's that won't fit in that net, cheerleaders !:), football, Dancing with the stars err just dancing, Hobbit references, drugs, I bust that parrot upside the head, a really cool chair....etc

You packed more in 6 minutes than my wife puts in her purse :) Awesome! this is one of my favorites...

[david jerome]

lets see your film had:

A gun, a terrified beta, shower goggles, 3d animation, large prancing butterfly's that won't fit in that net, cheerleaders !:), football, Dancing with the stars err just dancing, Hobbit references, drugs, I bust that parrot upside the head, a really cool chair....etc

You packed more in 6 minutes than my wife puts in her purse :) Awesome! this is one of my favorites...

I wish I would have had ten more seconds. Thanks Michael, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Michael_Petro]

I wish I would have had ten more seconds. Thanks Michael, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I did I did.. and now I'm ready for the high rez version cuz this is in my keeper folder :)

[hoz]

awesome stuff in this movie. cheerleaders! cant ever go wrong with that, and i dont think ill look at butterflies the same way again. you are out of your mind and i mean this in a real good way. you shared a lot in this movie and it shows.

and i also think you had the best special effects since it looked flawless. the chair dunking down and then spinning around and around was sick. the butterfly at the end was really cool too. i also really got a kick out out of everything you used in your movie, not a second was wasted or not used to its fullest. eye candy all over the place, and you tried so many different angles too and this made it even more fun to watch.

i cant even imagine what you would do with another ten minutes of film.
oh yeah, and the dance scene was great too, when you snapped your fingers to the start of the music. great scene .

[Aaron Marshall]

If this film said one thing to me it was escapism. I think the guy was living in the past in his glory days perhaps. Then he was looking into a false future, but one thing he couldn't stand was the present.

I loved the shots of the sky when the character was playing football. I also like the butterfly! Great sequence. The editing was also tight.

Congrats on your film. I was entertained.

[krestofre]

Fantastic film with an incredible score. I wasn't sure about it at first, but it really captivated me and I'm still pondering it long after watching it. A very unique film.


I would also be interested to hear anyone's interpretation to what is happening in the film. Mainly your take on the ending.


My take is that the butterfly at the end is really Erik, or a metaphore for Erik. He seems trapped inside the house for whatever reason. He's always looking outside the windows, but only leaves during his Chair moments. So at the end he's transformed either physically or spiritually and finally gets to leave.

Someone else mentioned Apocalypse Now, and I admit that I wondered if you were going for a reference with the fan imagry. This has made me wonder if Erik is wanting to escape due to some past war experience / trama, etc. It could be that I'm being lead astray from the message of the film by finding a visual connection that's not there though....

[preston]

Someone else mentioned Apocalypse Now, and I admit that I wondered if you were going for a reference with the fan imagry. This has made me wonder if Erik is wanting to escape due to some past war experience / trama, etc. It could be that I'm being lead astray from the message of the film by finding a visual connection that's not there though....

I remember when we were in the room and David was getting fan shots, I commented about it reminding me of the open to Apocolypse Now. David was so focused I don't even think he heard me (he ignores me a lot). I think it's foreshadowing the spinning chair, but what do I know - it's not my film. I was just there to move lights and hold mics . . . and wrangle fish.

I don't even think he's seen Apocolypse Now. :) I'll let you borrow it, Dave.

[krestofre]

That's pretty funny.

The later shot of the chair spinning and the fan spinning at the same time does support that it's just foreshadowing and not trying to draw any war-time connections.

[david jerome]

Someone else mentioned Apocalypse Now, and I admit that I wondered if you were going for a reference with the fan imagry.



I don't even think he's seen Apocolypse Now. :) I'll let you borrow it, Dave.

I saw the movie when I was a young teenager. I don't remember any specific scenes from it. I do remember the movie having a strange effect on me. I think it scared me in some way. I have no doubt that this may have been burned into my subconscience. I think our psyche is very much a part of our experiences and the things that have an emotional impact on us. So, it wasn't intentional, but I don't doubt that is where it came from. I think I will go watch the movie and see if it connects with something inside me.

[Mark Johnson]

My interpretation is the guy is damaged goods - big time. Hopeless, in fact. He's withdrawn to a zip code of the soul that doesn't even have the same number of digits as the rest of us. But being hopeless and a permanently lost soul does not eliminate the importance of dreams and beauty in a life, however limited its boundaries. In a sense, his self-imposed boundaries lead to his need for escape (although it is only a metaphorical one). I am reminded of the deaf, dumb and blind Helen Keller, who was much more literally trapped than this guy but still found her way to live in the 'real' world. The protagonist of Ajar has every means physically available to escape, but is unable to as a result of the barriers created in his mind. Nevertheless, you can see the level of living he longs for and you have to admire his spirit, however compromised his psyche is.

Enough profundity. Its a hell of a movie and has become my favorite.

[nitramlehcar]

My interpretation is the guy is damaged goods - big time. Hopeless, in fact. He's withdrawn to a zip code of the soul that doesn't even have the same number of digits as the rest of us. But being hopeless and a permanently lost soul does not eliminate the importance of dreams and beauty in a life, however limited its boundaries. In a sense, his self-imposed boundaries lead to his need for escape (although it is only a metaphorical one). I am reminded of the deaf, dumb and blind Helen Keller, who was much more literally trapped than this guy but still found her way to live in the 'real' world. The protagonist of Ajar has every means physically available to escape, but is unable to as a result of the barriers created in his mind. Nevertheless, you can see the level of living he longs for and you have to admire his spirit, however compromised his psyche is.

Enough profundity. Its a hell of a movie and has become my favorite.


With an interpretation like that, there can be little argue that it is in fact a drama.

[david jerome]

My take is that the butterfly at the end is really Erik, or a metaphore for Erik. He seems trapped inside the house for whatever reason. He's always looking outside the windows, but only leaves during his Chair moments. So at the end he's transformed either physically or spiritually and finally gets to leave.

beautiful

[david jerome]

My interpretation is the guy is damaged goods - big time. Hopeless, in fact. He's withdrawn to a zip code of the soul that doesn't even have the same number of digits as the rest of us. But being hopeless and a permanently lost soul does not eliminate the importance of dreams and beauty in a life, however limited its boundaries. In a sense, his self-imposed boundaries lead to his need for escape (although it is only a metaphorical one). I am reminded of the deaf, dumb and blind Helen Keller, who was much more literally trapped than this guy but still found her way to live in the 'real' world. The protagonist of Ajar has every means physically available to escape, but is unable to as a result of the barriers created in his mind. Nevertheless, you can see the level of living he longs for and you have to admire his spirit, however compromised his psyche is.

now that's inspired

[Edgen]

Heya! Just wanted to chime in and say I really enjoyed the film. The's leads imagination is pretty wild and it was a fun little ride. Makes me wish I had a chair like that :)

The only thing that 'urked' me was the fact after he walked out the door he came in screen right but exited left. I would have fliped the frame around to match. (just that I was expecting him to appear from the left) Was that on purpose? (sorry if this has been mentioned already)

cheers!
/j

[Jazz Dog]

Hey David. Really enjoyed your short. I am not into fantasy type stuff at all but this felt more symbolic and intrspective than fantasy to me. Loved all the chair shots. I am amazed by people that can do different effects and such since I am not very technical. Your film left me with a good and uneasy feeling at the same time which is good in my mind. Was the butterfly at the end meant to be the guys soul or spirit going off where it is safe and where it belongs?
Amazing job! I am also happy nobody died at the end.

[GenJerDan]

Enough profundity. Its a hell of a movie and has become my favorite.

It started out that way for me.

We'll see what happens on the re-viewing of the contenders, but...

[preston]

Dave - I think you probably already know what I think of your film, but I just wanted to stop by your thread and tell you here, too. besides, I can never tell if you are really listening to me or not. maybe it's just me. anyway . . .

AJAR is very unique, and it stands alone in this festival. I can relate to your character Erik, not because I suffer from the same phobia(s), but because you related his fears and struggles very well on-screen.

was it unconventional? yes, and it worked. the minimal dialog is another example of how you were able to convey this story and it's emotion, instead of having your characters just tell it (see: my film).

this film does not pretend to be something it is not - it's a small peek into the window (your symbolism worked) of this guy's existance, but at the same time, it takes us along on the journies through his mind into his fantasies, which seemed appropriate for someone in his condition. they weren't over-the-top like some people wished they would have been - this guy just wanted to be somewhat normal again. he wanted to be "one of the guys", and he wanted somebody (the girl), and wished for her to want him back.

you showed all of this and more within 6 minutes, with very little dialog, and managed to make it light, funny, dramatic and profound - and you left the end open for interpretation. is the butterfly his soul (as in your Dickenson quote)? did he take that gun from the cabinet and put it to his head? who knows? I can't think of a better ending for this film, even if it's just the start of another kind of life - a metamorphosis (more symbolism) - for your character.

great movie-making, David. great story-telling. this film is art, and you are the artist.

[Barry_Green]

Congratulations David. I don't know whether you'll win or not, but you got my vote.

[david jerome]

Dave - I think you probably already know what I think of your film, but I just wanted to stop by your thread and tell you here, too. besides, I can never tell if you are really listening to me or not. maybe it's just me. anyway . . .

AJAR is very unique, and it stands alone in this festival. I can relate to your character Erik, not because I suffer from the same phobia(s), but because you related his fears and struggles very well on-screen.

was it unconventional? yes, and it worked. the minimal dialog is another example of how you were able to convey this story and it's emotion, instead of having your characters just tell it (see: my film).

this film does not pretend to be something it is not - it's a small peek into the window (your symbolism worked) of this guy's existance, but at the same time, it takes us along on the journies through his mind into his fantasies, which seemed appropriate for someone in his condition. they weren't over-the-top like some people wished they would have been - this guy just wanted to be somewhat normal again. he wanted to be "one of the guys", and he wanted somebody (the girl), and wished for her to want him back.

you showed all of this and more within 6 minutes, with very little dialog, and managed to make it light, funny, dramatic and profound - and you left the end open for interpretation. is the butterfly his soul (as in your Dickenson quote)? did he take that gun from the cabinet and put it to his head? who knows? I can't think of a better ending for this film, even if it's just the start of another kind of life - a metamorphosis (more symbolism) - for your character.

great movie-making, David. great story-telling. this film is art, and you are the artist.
Preston, I am always listening. I am just very very easily distracted. Thanks so much for sharing those words. You had a big part in it.




Congratulations David. I don't know whether you'll win or not, but you got my vote.
Barry, I am honored. You don't know how much that means to me. Thank you.

[jeremytuttle]

Preston,
that was a great review makes we see some things I never even paid attention to. Now the movie is that much better.

David,
Wow, Preston brought up all sorts of little things I didn't think about. i kinda just thought the gun was there to throw us off a little as a viewer making us think we were going to see a different kind of movie but then it went a different way, but now I'm thinking about the angle Preston brought up. Wow, my head is reeling. I guess that's the great thing about movies, they can be interrupted in different ways.

And congrats on the props from Barry... Niccccceeeeee.

[insanityfw]

Just had to stop by again and mention how I can't get this film out of my head.

I generally rail against experimental films because they seem so pretentious and angst-filled, but this film is so many things including joyous....I just can't quite tell why. Perhaps this is where the art comes from.

This was my vote and I'm proud to say it. However, my vote may not carry as much weight as Barry's. :)

bEst,

Jason

PS-this film more than any of the festival has restored my belief in the power of cinema. Thanks for that.

[bosindy]

This one is in my top ten and after watching it again tonight it could have been top 5 for me. I really like the unique vision of this film and the chances you took. Congrats.

[Cynic821]

3rd review:

First thing i noticed was the again very DVX piano track. then was greeted by a man screaming in his fish tank. The second thing that drew my attention were , what to me, were very amatuer camera angles, normally attributed to high school movies i watched from fellow students. I couldnt tell if this was purposley comical or not, and that made me feel uncomfortable watching it , as in i wouldnt know what to tell someone if they walked in on me watching this. Not a good sign for me.

I felt his acting was not beleiveable, and grown ups playing not so mentally able people in these flicks continue to question their ability to do so.

Again this suffers from feeling as if its trying to reach the 6 minutes instead of trying to stay under it. This story, if needed to be told, could be told way under that and possibly much better imo.

Just a note: was the fan meaning to have a different look than the dancing? That went on too long again imo. Why wouldnt he get more kinky in a dream land?

The football scene didnt really follow any rules, which bothered me, he was tackled. Also i think a better day to shoot would have helped. In a dream land i wouldnt think it would be so cloudy.

As the end grew near i realized i felt like i was watching a hair band 80's music video, which can be attributed to the whole seen done before angles and the character himself, as well as the window, at around 5:23 i felt like the long beginning of another Diamond Dave solo video was just ending and was waiting for him to jump in the shot and start the song.

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)

[david jerome]

Just had to stop by again and mention how I can't get this film out of my head.

I generally rail against experimental films because they seem so pretentious and angst-filled, but this film is so many things including joyous....I just can't quite tell why. Perhaps this is where the art comes from.

This was my vote and I'm proud to say it. However, my vote may not carry as much weight as Barry's. :)

bEst,

Jason

PS-this film more than any of the festival has restored my belief in the power of cinema. Thanks for that.

damn Jason, that is one hell of a compliment. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And thank you very much for sharing that. And for your vote, thanks again.

[They Live]

David,

I know you were asking for a little more explanation of my film. I just posted some after Cynic's review. I'd like to hear what you think of what I was going for and if it makes any sense to you.

Ben

[nitramlehcar]

You got the moderator's vote. Not bad. :thumbup:

[theprettiestsister]

I'm new here and if I had enough posts you would get my vote, NO DOUBT! Fabulous! Funny! It gave me goose bumps - no joke!

[Barry_Green]

This was my vote and I'm proud to say it. However, my vote may not carry as much weight as Barry's.
Every vote counts the same.

But for the record, you almost got it. It was seriously between At The Park and Ajar, and it was an agonizing decision. You guys did a great job, and your kid actress was excellent.

[Gregness]

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this film. Hands down it was my favorite and I viewed them all. Its originality stood out over all the rest ,the music score really captured as well as set the mood , the effects looked great and the actor that played Erik was totally awesome...Oh wait, that was me..ok..ok...so I am just a little partial on this one..lol Good Luck little brother...you did a great job

[tmpafilmer25]

Let's see, we now have on this website brother David Jerome, brother Greg, sister Rachel, sister Sarah, brother Leo, nephew Cliff, me (Step-son to Greg), Lon (wife to Leo), Bridgette (soon to be wife to David Jerome). Looks like we are missing sister Mary and even others in this talented family. I just find it amazing how so many members of one family can share the same interest in the art of film making. That is awesome.:)

[jontuttle]

But for the record, you almost got it. It was seriously between At The Park and Ajar, and it was an agonizing decision.

You beat us out, Franken-D2 has been pouting all day:crybaby: .

Just kidding:) . Your short was great. I liked it better than ours too. So when are Franken-D2 and the Chair gonna hook up? They would look great together.

[nitramlehcar]

Let's see, we now have on this website brother David Jerome, brother Greg, sister Rachel, sister Sarah, brother Leo, nephew Cliff, me (Step-son to Greg), Lon (wife to Leo), Bridgette (soon to be wife to David Jerome). Looks like we are missing sister Mary and even others in this talented family. I just find it amazing how so many members of one family can share the same interest in the art of film making. That is awesome.:)

Aww..Noel is proud of his family! It's hard to call you names when you're being nice, Ass-monkey.. :nads: ...but I guess I manage somehow. :beer:

[tmpafilmer25]

Rachel, I'm going to make a movie where you die in it. First couple seconds will be your death and the rest of the 6 minutes will be everyone laughing at your dead body...:evil: :grin:

[nitramlehcar]

That would be awesome. That's my kind of acting right there.

[Gregness]

hey noel, can i be the one that kills her ? Inever really liked her anyway..its all been a front for almost 30 years now

[Gregness]

wow...only 97 more post to go and i'm a voting fool...muuuaaahhhahahah

[nitramlehcar]

hey noel, can i be the one that kills her ? Inever really liked her anyway..its all been a front for almost 30 years now

Aww...you said "almost 30." How nice of you. :)

[Gregness]

you know i've got nothing but love for ya sis....you could still pass for 22 ...just like me...lmao

[nitramlehcar]

you know i've got nothing but love for ya sis....you could still pass for 22 ...just like me...lmao

Don't "lmao" me, Methuselah. :birthdays: :birthdays: :birthdays: :birthdays: :birthdays: :birthdays: :birthdays: :birthdays: Stop cluttering David's thread!!!! :angry:

[Gregness]

:Drogar-Evil(DBG): ok...ok... no more cluttering david's thread right after i finish getting validated to vote......5 down and 95 to go....

[david jerome]

But for the record, you almost got it. It was seriously between At The Park and Ajar, and it was an agonizing decision. You guys did a great job, and your kid actress was excellent.

You beat us out, Franken-D2 has been pouting all day:crybaby: .

Just kidding:) . Your short was great. I liked it better than ours too. So when are Franken-D2 and the Chair gonna hook up? They would look great together.

Hey Jon, No matter where our films placed you gotta feel pretty good about that. Oh, and Wheels stole my cologne. He also says he quit smoking but I don't believe him.

[mary.susanna]

Here she is!!!

David, I really loved your film. The only part I really didn't care for was that horrible dancer.
What ditch did you pull her out of?

[sparkle_and_fade]

this film put a smile on my face

[david jerome]

this film put a smile on my face
:) I'm glad I made you smile sparkle_and_fade

[nitramlehcar]

Is patience really a virtue? And do we really need all of them?

[david jerome]

Is patience really a virtue? And do we really need all of them?

Wikipedia - The English word virtue is derived from the Latin word virtus which is in turn from vir meaning "man" in the masculine sense.

What exactly are you trying to say Rachel?

[nitramlehcar]

Well obviously I am saying, we could do with fewer men, and/or....

...when are the results going to be up??

[preston]

:crybaby: <-- rachel

[nitramlehcar]

:crybaby: <-- rachel

Why are you making me cry, Preston?:(

[david jerome]

What happened to your banner Preston? Did you think it subtracted from your cool new avatar?

[preston]

Why are you making me cry, Preston?:(
is that all you got? I was expecting lots of clever abuse, sprinkled with choice smilies and a few insults that no one would understand.

I just meant "stop whining". yeah, no - I'm not too good at online humor yet. :huh:

[preston]

What happened to your banner Preston? Did you think it subtracted from your cool new avatar?

I was sick of looking at it, and no one clicked on it anyway.

[nitramlehcar]

Preston, I think you are a loup garou. I'm certain of it.

[preston]

exactly. wth does that mean?

EDIT: I'm a legendary mystical canadian werewolf?

[nitramlehcar]

exactly. wth does that mean?

EDIT: I'm a legendary mystical canadian werewolf?

Canadian? eh...maybe french canadian...


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/nitramlehcar/pjtower2.jpg

[preston]

oh yeah, I see - the bearded avatar.
nice teeth.

[Gord.T]

EDIT: I'm a legendary mystical canadian werewolf?

Ah, twas you oot and aboot last night. Been stirrin' up me dogs have ya now?
I tracked yer footprints in the snow for miles but alas, the mystic one eludes me again.

[david jerome]

Preston, this should be your new avatar

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1171341975.jpg

[nitramlehcar]

oooh...foxy! That's a keeper!

[nitramlehcar]

Oh...the lies...the deception....the horror of it all has caused my butt to ache and grow larger. I'm going to bed now. :(

[Michael_Petro]

Last night it was brandon tonight its preston :)

[david jerome]

Starring Preston and Preston

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10315/1171343398.jpg

[preston]

that's what I'm talkin' about . . .

[nitramlehcar]

Ha! Preston aime manger la chair humaine!

[Gregness]

Sorry you didn't place Dave. Guess we'll have to increase our voting ranks next time. I suggest buying the votes with an offering of free Oreos and a glass of milk..I know that would work for me...Anyway , atleast you got the highest compliment of all by receiving Barry's vote as his favorite.

[nitramlehcar]

Spyfest! Yea!!!