Envision & RebeccaD Present "Where Silence Falls"

No, Ted... that was a good rant. And that piano scene must have cost some bucks with 27 takes!

And yes, having a theatre acting background does make a difference. It gives you a certain discipline that you (usually) don't have if you don't have any of that.
 
I'm wanting to post a SHORT clip/shot that I REALLY wanted to have make it into the film, but for some reason the Mac/FCP kept hanging up with it & we had to pull it out for the time being.

Anyway, since it's not 'actual footage from the film' (at least won't make it into the fest version), you think it'd be okay to post it?
 
Jason Ramsey said:
Sounds ok to me. As long as it's not in your acutal uploaded fest entry, I don't see any infringement upon the rules.

Jason
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Sweet. Let me get the QT version of it rendered, and I'll have it up in 20 or so minutes.
 
On second thought. I don't want to be an ass, but I definitely don't want to tell you something wrong either.

This is from the drama fest rules:
Barry_S said:
Films may only be promoted on DVXuser.com before screening and no actual footage from films may be screened prior to the DVXuser screening.
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Depending on how you read it, it could be a little murky. Maybe you can hold off till morning, and post it once the films have begun screening. Or let Barry give final confirmation on it. He's the man with the rules. I don't see a problem with it, but again, I don't want to be wrong, so... eh.

Jason
 
You're right, why split hairs over just a few more hours of waiting. I'll get the clips online, but not activate the links 'till the other films are available to view.
 
Envision said:
I'm wanting to post a SHORT clip/shot that I REALLY wanted to have make it into the film, but for some reason the Mac/FCP kept hanging up with it & we had to pull it out for the time being.
Click to expand...

I know the shot you are talking about....can't wait to see it.:)
 
My impressions of WHERE SILENCE FALLS:

wow, you’ve clearly demonstrated a strong command of shot composition, conventional editing techniques, and the rhythms that make both work seamlessly together. loved the cinematography -- I’m even partial to the vignetting. which adapter did you use?

and what an expertly-crafted short story. never sagged, never dull. a solid performance by your female lead. my eyes welled up when she was trying to explain what she’d learned to her husband. yes, the “lesson” of the ending was a bit expected but thank god you stayed true to that and didn’t veer off to resolve what happened to their son. for me, this is what the story was about and i'm glad you stuck to it.
 
Zak, thanks for the kudos, much appreciated. I'm extremely happy Rebecca & I got to make this film with everyone else that was involved as well.

Rebecca & everyone else ... both Rebecca's uncut performance (where Zak is talking about), as well as the Michael Bay inspired shot I was hoping to work in, are now online & available for viewing. Choose the appropriate link on the first page/post to view.

Oh, and Rebecca ... on my way over now to help David (got his VM). Sorry I was late, but had to get the kids bathed, etc. blah, blah, blah. Also don't need to worry about downloading all the films ... I've got 'em on DVD for you & bringing it with me. See you soon!
 
Rebecca, Norm ...

Wonderful work here. Beautiful shots - and awesome steadicam stuff. Great acting and great craftsmanship. Really a standout entry and my congrats to both of you.

I think the only thing that could have improved this would be the addition of beautiful muzzle flashes such as those I saw in Ryan's film:).
 
That was great man. I kinda felt it coming but it was wellexecuted. You are a beast. lol. I dont wanna piss you off.
 
Hi Norm (and gang)

I always refer to the quantam leap in our filmmaking lives. It is a moment when things just click, and suddenly we 'get it'. Through editing, pacing, compostions and frames, suddenly things start looking and feeling like the real thing and NOT some cheap wannabe DV production. I personally haven't acheived this milestone but you have !

I think this is a quantam leap.

This work surpasses anything you have done in the past Norm ! I came into this expecting more, and got it. Everything really just worked on this one and Im going to give you high marks and praise !

You all should be very proud of yourselves ! It is official, you are all filmmakers.

Awesome job. Great score, solid story, solid performances from both of you (Norm, I thought it great you downplayed and stayed in control on this one) , the steadi work, the edit, the CC

It just works.

Bravo everyone ! I personally was not disapointed and now have an artistic respect for you that I did not have on previous shorts. Inspiring work

=

.02 # 1

At times, during the main house location, I felt like I was watching a stage play in that the camera seemed afraid to explore the space.

The layout came over as:


------------------------- Kitchen ------------------------------

X = Actor

C = Camera

A = Audience

We never see the world. I'd like to see this theory explored on your next work. As this was shot, it might as well have been a set on stage.

.02 # 2

Subjectively

I think seeing the child in the beginning could really have sold this hard. INstead of so much time spent on the 'looking for the kid' montage, actually knowing who we were looking for would have created some internal feel .....

Now that would have been solid.

======================================================

Anyways

Great work ! A lot of care and work went into this and that is obvious.
 
Not sure if it's me, or one of the mirrors, but I got one that cut out half way through. If anyone else gets this, Norm, note what mirror it was. I didn't look.

But man, I'm glad I cut the scene in MINE where I have my shirt off, having to go up against THAT bod...Jezze, Norm, eat a pizza or someting.

But yeah, I agree with John, this is the best thing I've seen you do. Will write more tomorrow, trying to squeeze in a few before running to this party in Jersey.
 
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Story & Acting
It’s a great storyline. One thing I did feel would have made a stronger impact is to at some point “see” the kid. Either in a photo or flashback. I also thought some of the acting was a little overdone. I am no actor, so I have complete respect for what the ensemble cast did here, but this is just something I noticed. All in all a well told story.

Technical
Technically this was brilliant! I am SO happy you chose to stick with the on-set sound, and it works great! The cinematography was simple, yet effective, professional all the way, the editing was good, I did think the first “search” with you and the fades was a little awkward, but this is nit-picking. This overall is a huge step up from your previous outing! Nice!
 
yea Norm... im 24 and i look like an old man.... stop making me feel bad... now i haveto do pushups or something.
 
Thank you everyone for the kind words! I've been watching some of the films myself, and already have to say that there are some absolute stand outs as well, and looking forward to commenting on them.

It's great to hear that this was Norm's best film yet, and that I got to be so involved with it. He's honestly the most talented/creative person I've had the honor to work with, and yet is so hard on himself that he's never satisfied with his work (at least not for long), and pushes do do even more then next time out.

Oh, and my husband has been pushing him through their workouts, lol. He's even eating a pizza right now as he helps us with our home theater set up.
 
Camera work - I liked "watching" what I was watching, means the composition was spot on. I liked "how" you told the story.

Acting - The most natural of all of the films I've seen. Wasn't forced, or overdone. I believed the characters were the characters in the film and not someone playing the part.

Dialogue - A most natural exchange between characters, until - close to the five minute mark, then the dialogue didn't do it for me. The ending wasn't as natural as the beginning. It felt almost, hurried.

I enjoyed it up until the end then I felt it faultered. Kudos for the acting.
 
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