HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
Lingothree said:
My girlfriend, screenwriter, co-director and person with the blood all over her said that it's because he's a man. It's the same reason why I don't notice when things are dirty around the house.:beer:
HorseFilms - 334 Lost Lake Drive
- Thread starter HorseFilms
- Start date
My girlfriend, screenwriter, co-director and person with the blood all over her said that it's because he's a man. It's the same reason why I don't notice when things are dirty around the house.:beer:
cinealma
Veteran
HorseFilms said:
Ain't that the truth!
I really like this film. Another piece that felt like I was watching an actual movie. Sure, the story could have been fleshed out a little more, but it worked for me. The only thing I didn't get is the ending. And why was there a flashlight moving around in the room in the final exterior shot?
The TV effect actually didn't work for me. Just a little TOO fast and too much flicker to sell the effect.
I liked the acting. It fit. Nice to see a REAL guy getting in over his head.
Great stuff here! Good job!
John G.
VersuS
Veteran
Nice one here!!! I loved your cinematography!! I think it's a big challenge to shoot inside a house night time and make it look like the lights are coming from outside and this....so you did great on that....
The editing was a bit off sometimes in my opinion like when he opened the bath tub curtains he had a different look on his face and that struck me as odd...
They both played fine, I have only one objection here, the woman in the end, touches him he swerves to his right and she looks at the camera (straight forward) for a sec. than at him (right)....was that intentional?
The sound was neat, I found no trouble with their lines and the sounds were edited very nice together. The score was nothing special though...again piano....
Finally in terms of story...there were some puzzles...like, was there someone watching from outside? was the woman in blood really his wife or a vision? what happened to her? what was that at the end that we were supposed to see from outside the window? what did really happen at 334 Lost Lake Drive?
Nice work overall!
The editing was a bit off sometimes in my opinion like when he opened the bath tub curtains he had a different look on his face and that struck me as odd...
They both played fine, I have only one objection here, the woman in the end, touches him he swerves to his right and she looks at the camera (straight forward) for a sec. than at him (right)....was that intentional?
The sound was neat, I found no trouble with their lines and the sounds were edited very nice together. The score was nothing special though...again piano....
Finally in terms of story...there were some puzzles...like, was there someone watching from outside? was the woman in blood really his wife or a vision? what happened to her? what was that at the end that we were supposed to see from outside the window? what did really happen at 334 Lost Lake Drive?
Nice work overall!
Darkline
Veteran
Hi Ryan,
I liked this too, it had a nice build up. Lighting was great, you created a creepy atmosphere. Some nice visuals and a very simple idea I think can sometimes be better than something overcomplicated.
On the downside (and this is just my stupid opinion) it didnt really go anywhere and the ending felt very sudden and too open ended. It had no real conclusion. Maybe even just adding some sound effect could have helped to provide more of a 'climax'. When it ended I felt dissapointed as I was quite into it. Also the music really started to grate after a few minutes. This said I know you were working with a lot of limitations so it's a bit of a redundant comment.
All in all good work. It had a nice ambience, well done.
I liked this too, it had a nice build up. Lighting was great, you created a creepy atmosphere. Some nice visuals and a very simple idea I think can sometimes be better than something overcomplicated.
On the downside (and this is just my stupid opinion) it didnt really go anywhere and the ending felt very sudden and too open ended. It had no real conclusion. Maybe even just adding some sound effect could have helped to provide more of a 'climax'. When it ended I felt dissapointed as I was quite into it. Also the music really started to grate after a few minutes. This said I know you were working with a lot of limitations so it's a bit of a redundant comment.
All in all good work. It had a nice ambience, well done.
HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
Thanks, guys. We were kind of trying to go for a retro feel. Not too far back, maybe late '70s or early '80s (my favorite time frame for movies and a look that really appeals to me). We failed because we didn't make it clear enough.
As far as the story goes, we just wanted to make it kinda weird. We wanted an unexplained event that had no real explanation. We figured we'd let people form their own opinions as to what happened.
I'm really happy with Danny's performance. He'd never acted before, but I knew he'd be up for the challenge. You'll be seeing more of him in future projects.
Technically, the only thing that I'm happy with is the lighting (and even that has a lot of things I would change upon further viewing). The QuickTime came out a little dark, but the MPEG looks pretty damn good, I think.
As far as the story goes, we just wanted to make it kinda weird. We wanted an unexplained event that had no real explanation. We figured we'd let people form their own opinions as to what happened.
I'm really happy with Danny's performance. He'd never acted before, but I knew he'd be up for the challenge. You'll be seeing more of him in future projects.
Technically, the only thing that I'm happy with is the lighting (and even that has a lot of things I would change upon further viewing). The QuickTime came out a little dark, but the MPEG looks pretty damn good, I think.
nice work guys/gals.
i think you did a good job of lighting - it was very naturalistic. the tv flicker seemed a bit off, but i got the idea (a hint for next: light from the tv is usually blue and the flicker is more erratic)
the music added to the horror movie feel, so i think it was effective.
i think you could improve on the sound mixing. you need to lay down a room tone track, so the sound doesn't "jump" with every cut.
also, some of the edits need to be tweaked - the continuity was slightly off. it's one of those little things that takes a lot of practice to get right, but once you do it's worth it.
i wish there was more to the story, i was really getting into it and trying to figure out what was going on, then at the end i felt a bit cheated. there's obviously something creepy going on in the house but we never get any hints or anything as to what it is. there's a fine line between an ambiguous ending and a chopped ending and this feels more chopped. i think with maybe one more shot that reveals something, you could make this ending more effective
good luck on your next film.
i think you did a good job of lighting - it was very naturalistic. the tv flicker seemed a bit off, but i got the idea (a hint for next: light from the tv is usually blue and the flicker is more erratic)
the music added to the horror movie feel, so i think it was effective.
i think you could improve on the sound mixing. you need to lay down a room tone track, so the sound doesn't "jump" with every cut.
also, some of the edits need to be tweaked - the continuity was slightly off. it's one of those little things that takes a lot of practice to get right, but once you do it's worth it.
i wish there was more to the story, i was really getting into it and trying to figure out what was going on, then at the end i felt a bit cheated. there's obviously something creepy going on in the house but we never get any hints or anything as to what it is. there's a fine line between an ambiguous ending and a chopped ending and this feels more chopped. i think with maybe one more shot that reveals something, you could make this ending more effective
good luck on your next film.
Matt Sconce
Veteran
The lighting on this was just plain good! I liked it, although I was confused as to what was going on. I wish that was explained, but I see what you were going for, letting us figure out what we thought. 
Good job!
Good job!CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Great job. Everything was consistent and looked awesome. The lighting was very impressive, the first time I watched it, I wasn't a big fan of the light flickering in the bedroom, but the next time I watched it, I thought it worked great. You did an awesome job at keeping everything dark, but still giving us enough light to see the actors and be able to know where everything is taking place and whats going on. The opening shot of the house was good, very creepy.
EDITING:
Again, great job. Very smooth cuts, the pace of the film felt right, and did a great job of adding suspense. Especially in the bathroom scene where there is the pause between him grabbing the shower curtain and tearing it open.
SOUND:
Audio levels were consistent and in good range. I didn't have any difficulty hearing the dialogue and everything mixed together very well.
SCORE:
I loved it. It's very simple, yet effective. Does a great job of adding an eerie feel to the film.
SCREENPLAY:
The idea is a good one. The set-up with the woman hearing a noise and wanting her husband or boyfriend to check it out works great. The actors lines were very natural and completely believable. The only thing I'm not sure of is the ending, I kinda understand where the story was going, however the ending threw me and I felt there should've been maybe a more defined ending.
ACTING:
Both of your actors were great. The opening dialogue with "It could be a burglar, I could die" "There better be a poo pooing burglar out there." Was great. It was funny, yet completely believable at the same time. I think both actors did a good job and played their characters very well. The dialogue and emotion seemed real and nothing felt odd or out of place.
Overall it was a great film. Everything was done very well., and I was not disappointed. I was actually a little creeped out after watching it the first time. But thats what I get for watching it in a dark room wearing headphones. Great job, you should be really proud of this.
Great job. Everything was consistent and looked awesome. The lighting was very impressive, the first time I watched it, I wasn't a big fan of the light flickering in the bedroom, but the next time I watched it, I thought it worked great. You did an awesome job at keeping everything dark, but still giving us enough light to see the actors and be able to know where everything is taking place and whats going on. The opening shot of the house was good, very creepy.
EDITING:
Again, great job. Very smooth cuts, the pace of the film felt right, and did a great job of adding suspense. Especially in the bathroom scene where there is the pause between him grabbing the shower curtain and tearing it open.
SOUND:
Audio levels were consistent and in good range. I didn't have any difficulty hearing the dialogue and everything mixed together very well.
SCORE:
I loved it. It's very simple, yet effective. Does a great job of adding an eerie feel to the film.
SCREENPLAY:
The idea is a good one. The set-up with the woman hearing a noise and wanting her husband or boyfriend to check it out works great. The actors lines were very natural and completely believable. The only thing I'm not sure of is the ending, I kinda understand where the story was going, however the ending threw me and I felt there should've been maybe a more defined ending.
ACTING:
Both of your actors were great. The opening dialogue with "It could be a burglar, I could die" "There better be a poo pooing burglar out there." Was great. It was funny, yet completely believable at the same time. I think both actors did a good job and played their characters very well. The dialogue and emotion seemed real and nothing felt odd or out of place.
Overall it was a great film. Everything was done very well., and I was not disappointed. I was actually a little creeped out after watching it the first time. But thats what I get for watching it in a dark room wearing headphones. Great job, you should be really proud of this.
CallaghanFilms
Veteran
Love your non-pretentious style, my man. You are a straight shooter, and your flicks never put on airs or try to be something that they're not.
I enjoyed 334 Lost Lake Drive, and can definitely see the early eighties horror vibe goin' on.
Nicely done.
Bottoms up to ya
I enjoyed 334 Lost Lake Drive, and can definitely see the early eighties horror vibe goin' on.
Nicely done.
Bottoms up to ya
Robert Eldon
Well-known member
I liked the lighting and tempo in this one. One of my favorite shots out of the whole fest is in this film. Great job! I've posted some addtional notes below:
movietime: 00:00:12:07 - Awesome lighting for the opening shot.
movietime: 00:00:36:20 - Good acting. Great reaction and natural, believable. I like the light flicker.
movietime: 00:01:07:04 - I like the line, "There better be a F'n burglar out there". It's ironic because he has to get up and he wants to get up for a good reason, but if there's a burglar out there, then he has a bigger problem. Good one.
movietime: 00:01:31:04 - Nice effect with the shower curtain. Kind of cliche', but cliche' works in this case.
movietime: 00:01:40:20 - You could have the music become a little more ominous at this point to build the tension.
movietime: 00:02:41:03 - Nice editing. I like the light in the window. Creates a nice backlight.
movietime: 00:02:58:19 - My favorite shot in the whole movie, with the blinds and light. Well done!
movietime: 00:03:31:26 - I don't get the ending. The green light? Again, maybe a 'stinger' and sinister music when she appears to him. What happens at the end?
movietime: 00:00:12:07 - Awesome lighting for the opening shot.
movietime: 00:00:36:20 - Good acting. Great reaction and natural, believable. I like the light flicker.
movietime: 00:01:07:04 - I like the line, "There better be a F'n burglar out there". It's ironic because he has to get up and he wants to get up for a good reason, but if there's a burglar out there, then he has a bigger problem. Good one.
movietime: 00:01:31:04 - Nice effect with the shower curtain. Kind of cliche', but cliche' works in this case.
movietime: 00:01:40:20 - You could have the music become a little more ominous at this point to build the tension.
movietime: 00:02:41:03 - Nice editing. I like the light in the window. Creates a nice backlight.
movietime: 00:02:58:19 - My favorite shot in the whole movie, with the blinds and light. Well done!
movietime: 00:03:31:26 - I don't get the ending. The green light? Again, maybe a 'stinger' and sinister music when she appears to him. What happens at the end?
TheatreGuy
Veteran
Hey Horse! Nice job on your film! There were some great moments that I will always cherish... My favorite has got to be, "there better be a F*ckin' burglar out there!" CLASSIC!!! Gotta be the best line in the fest... that and from Thou Shalt Not's "First time you've been shot in 100 years."
My other favorites are the lighting in general, especially the blinds on the wall and the woman at the sink. CREEPY!!!!
You had some great creep factor going for you man!
Great Job!
Ted
My other favorites are the lighting in general, especially the blinds on the wall and the woman at the sink. CREEPY!!!!
You had some great creep factor going for you man!
Great Job!
Ted
Aaron Marshall
Well-known member
I couldn't quit laughing when the guy said "damn it" as he begrudgingly got out of bed. It sounds exactly like something my dad would say, or myself to someone bothering me when I'm trying to sleep.
I loved how you edited this flick when he attempts to flip on the lights. I loved how it showed her face at that point.
Good job in creating a creepy atmosphere + humor. I also loved the northern accent out of the female lead. I think it's interesting when you can convey that influence in regional films. I love that about Conrad Johnson's work as well.
I loved how you edited this flick when he attempts to flip on the lights. I loved how it showed her face at that point.
Good job in creating a creepy atmosphere + humor. I also loved the northern accent out of the female lead. I think it's interesting when you can convey that influence in regional films. I love that about Conrad Johnson's work as well.
HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
Wow. You guys really kick ass. Thank you.
Callaghan- Of all the comments we've received so far, yours pleased us the most. You get it. Pretentious movies piss us off. We can't stand to watch it, so we'd never make one that was.
Here's my favorite outtake from the production. It's only 30 seconds long, but it'll let you know how much fun it was to shoot with Danny. Allison got home from work and walked into the house as we were re-shooting a scene.
http://www.horsefilms.com/video/Danny.mov
Callaghan- Of all the comments we've received so far, yours pleased us the most. You get it. Pretentious movies piss us off. We can't stand to watch it, so we'd never make one that was.
Here's my favorite outtake from the production. It's only 30 seconds long, but it'll let you know how much fun it was to shoot with Danny. Allison got home from work and walked into the house as we were re-shooting a scene.
http://www.horsefilms.com/video/Danny.mov
J.R. Hudson
Spirit Animal
I loved the attention to detail with the flicker of the tv, a great touch.
Although the tog was fairly relaxed and straightforward, I found the lighting wonderful, feels like night and real. ON a liner note, It felt too close to the Zombiefest. I was thinking 'Damn it Horseman, get out of the house!' LOL
Although the tog was fairly relaxed and straightforward, I found the lighting wonderful, feels like night and real. ON a liner note, It felt too close to the Zombiefest. I was thinking 'Damn it Horseman, get out of the house!' LOL
HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
John_Hudson said:
Thanks, John! I know, I'm a hermit. I need to find a new location. I guess you take what you can get when your budget is 1 MQ tape, some pizza and booze.:beer:
kimko
Veteran
as long as the beer is a good ale!....hey buddy nice music..... natural acting(good choice) good reactions (direction) ...................but i didn't get the ending? i'll leave the other stuff to the more qualified..... they have already said. the feel was was great and yes i love that (what RobertE said) it better be a burglar! ha ha that's great! we got to get you out here brother and your lady too!
Slimothy
Veteran
Hey Horse,
The first thing that surprised me is the acting comes off totally natural throughout the whole thing. The reason it surprised me is because I know you used family/friends and that is almost always a hard thing to make look good. They were pretty damn solid throughout. Lighting, as usual was good. The only problem I found was the ending. I think if there was a loud noise or something when she appeared it probably would have scared the bajeesus out of me.
Tim.
The first thing that surprised me is the acting comes off totally natural throughout the whole thing. The reason it surprised me is because I know you used family/friends and that is almost always a hard thing to make look good. They were pretty damn solid throughout. Lighting, as usual was good. The only problem I found was the ending. I think if there was a loud noise or something when she appeared it probably would have scared the bajeesus out of me.
Tim.
HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
kimko said:
Thanks, buddy!:beer: They're gonna be stoked to hear that someone with your acting chops thought they were natural. Hell, I'm stoked. :dankk2:
Thanks, Tim. I think I'm going to recut the ending a little and see what I can do to make the ending a little better. I'll probably tweak the music a bit at the same time. What the hell, I pretty much have all winter where I can't do much but interior/post work. I might as well take advantage of it.Slimothy said:
I was really lucky to have Allison and Danny willing to act in this thing. Allison is my girlfriend/production partner, so she gets stuck acting by default. Danny's been a friend of mine for a long time, but didn't realize that he'd be willing to act until this summer. What's funny, is that they both were worried that they sucked.
HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
In case anyone really cares, I figured I'd list the equipment used on this.
Camera
-Stock DVX100A (I love this camera)
Audio
-The mic was an Oktava mc012 that was mounted on a boom stand (I didn't have a boom op).
Lighting (I like using small fixtures)
-An Altman 650L fresnel lamped down to 300w.
-A mini mole lamped down to 100w.
-A 200w Britek open faced fixture.
-A Walter Graff flicker box.
That's about it. This was a no-budget production, so I used what I had lying around my office.
Camera
-Stock DVX100A (I love this camera)
Audio
-The mic was an Oktava mc012 that was mounted on a boom stand (I didn't have a boom op).
Lighting (I like using small fixtures)
-An Altman 650L fresnel lamped down to 300w.
-A mini mole lamped down to 100w.
-A 200w Britek open faced fixture.
-A Walter Graff flicker box.
That's about it. This was a no-budget production, so I used what I had lying around my office.