Mark and Ted's Excellent Adventure in Drama
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Ted Arabian
Member with Ladder
Hey all, I am JUST getting online. Thank you for the responses thus far! I appreciate it!
Hi Shawn. Yes, that is an Armenian Duduk. Herman has several and yes, he did play it live! Good ear!shawneous said:
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Hi Ted, Mark, and team ... I watched this a while ago, so I'll go more off memory than notes with the things I've got to say.
First, I enjoyed the film, one of the reasons being that I was just so looking forward to it, the VFX, the team involved, etc.
The editing was really quite impressive ... if there was ever a cut that just didn't feel right to me, I'm confident that if I had turned off the speakers it would seem perfect, meaning that a wee bit more improvement could have been done with the final sound mix, blending of audio to the next clip, etc. so we don't hear the abrupt cuts when we don't need to.
Next, the performances were mixed. I felt the lead, Eric, was forced at times. Otherwise, I especially enjoyed the other pilots who were watching from the fence line. David also did a fine job in his role as the big boss/bad guy coming to 'clip the wings' of Eric.
The VFX I had seen in Jack's REKINDLED were flawless & perfectly blended. I was a bit surprised that I hadn't seen the same level of integration into this film, as some of the VFX were obvious, while I'm confident there were probably a LOT more than I didn't even notice they were VFX, simply because the worked perfectly well. So unfortunatly, I only noticed those that did stand out, but I think you know what I'm saying.
The score was GREAT, and I think the thing I loved most about this was the locations and the BIG feel that this had to the film across the board. It had to have been a HUGE undertaking, and you guys pulled it off very well with that respect, where as others could have ruined it trying such a feat.
Overall, this was a solid story, and I enjoyed watching it. I think you guys did a very fine job with it, and I would look forward to seeing the extended cut that I've heard about as well, which might help to further flesh out some of the story & performances.
First, I enjoyed the film, one of the reasons being that I was just so looking forward to it, the VFX, the team involved, etc.
The editing was really quite impressive ... if there was ever a cut that just didn't feel right to me, I'm confident that if I had turned off the speakers it would seem perfect, meaning that a wee bit more improvement could have been done with the final sound mix, blending of audio to the next clip, etc. so we don't hear the abrupt cuts when we don't need to.
Next, the performances were mixed. I felt the lead, Eric, was forced at times. Otherwise, I especially enjoyed the other pilots who were watching from the fence line. David also did a fine job in his role as the big boss/bad guy coming to 'clip the wings' of Eric.
The VFX I had seen in Jack's REKINDLED were flawless & perfectly blended. I was a bit surprised that I hadn't seen the same level of integration into this film, as some of the VFX were obvious, while I'm confident there were probably a LOT more than I didn't even notice they were VFX, simply because the worked perfectly well. So unfortunatly, I only noticed those that did stand out, but I think you know what I'm saying.
The score was GREAT, and I think the thing I loved most about this was the locations and the BIG feel that this had to the film across the board. It had to have been a HUGE undertaking, and you guys pulled it off very well with that respect, where as others could have ruined it trying such a feat.
Overall, this was a solid story, and I enjoyed watching it. I think you guys did a very fine job with it, and I would look forward to seeing the extended cut that I've heard about as well, which might help to further flesh out some of the story & performances.
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
Thanks Norm,
Really great notes. Totally get what you say about the VFX and, yeah, there's a bunch you don't see (which is cool) but we got slammed for time on a number of shots and had to make do for a number of reasons. For me it was actually a really good exercise to be forced to make choices that aren't optimum as you learn much more in the end.
We had a damn fine time making this and all of us can't wait to shoot more.
Really great notes. Totally get what you say about the VFX and, yeah, there's a bunch you don't see (which is cool) but we got slammed for time on a number of shots and had to make do for a number of reasons. For me it was actually a really good exercise to be forced to make choices that aren't optimum as you learn much more in the end.
We had a damn fine time making this and all of us can't wait to shoot more.
Herman Witkam
Well-known member
Yeah - The Duduk is one of the instruments I often perform on my own scores. I've started playing about a year ago, having listened a lot to performances of the Armenian masters.shawneous said:
Thanks Norm! I really liked Where Silence Falls - will give a more detailed response later.Envision said:
Jason Ramsey
Admin
Hey guys. I watched this film yesterday, I think. So, I really should watch it again before commenting. But, here are some preliminary comments, if you like.
As said, already - Very big feel. High production value, all in all. The ambulance and stuff like that, just made me feel like I was watching any movie.
Agree about some of the vfx, but it is noted what you said about that, so no need to dwell.
Agree about the lead. I actually thought he was close, and with a little bit of reining in, he really could have started hitting some of the right buttons. It *seemed* to me as though, he is an inexperienced actor, but had a good grasp of the character, and the film, but was only playing the "scene" and not the whole character arch. Make sense?
Good job with the dvxuser acting crew. Concannon - it was nice. There was a couple of places that it was a little "charactery" (for lack of a better word. That one is more than a bit harsh). But, the dynamic was there with your performance, and you had a nice flow, that made you natural to watch. Tommy - Good stuff from you as well. Thanks for the effort guys.
The lighting to me was pretty dang exquisite. I had no qualms with it. I'm a total newb on lighting, but this stuff looked "natural" to me, so it was right, as far as I'm concerned.
There were a couple of odd camera angle cuts in there to me. A time or two that someones hand or arm was moving through the frame as the angle changed and it kinda jolted me out of the continuity. Little things like that. Just seemed that maybe the timing of the cuts were a little off.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I will try to comment more specifically later, if you like.
All in all though, this was a huge undertaking, and I thought you guys definitely accomplished it, on the whole. Ending was a bit cheeze to me though. Just a bit.
And, I totally dug the score to.
Oh, one other thing. I don't know if maybe this was a compresion issue, or what. But, it seemed as though I was noticing a couple of times where it seemed like there was some out of sync overdubbing going on?...
Thanks for sharing your work with us guys. You should be proud,all in all. I am honored to have had the opportunity to have seen your work.
Later,
Jason
As said, already - Very big feel. High production value, all in all. The ambulance and stuff like that, just made me feel like I was watching any movie.
Agree about some of the vfx, but it is noted what you said about that, so no need to dwell.
Agree about the lead. I actually thought he was close, and with a little bit of reining in, he really could have started hitting some of the right buttons. It *seemed* to me as though, he is an inexperienced actor, but had a good grasp of the character, and the film, but was only playing the "scene" and not the whole character arch. Make sense?
Good job with the dvxuser acting crew. Concannon - it was nice. There was a couple of places that it was a little "charactery" (for lack of a better word. That one is more than a bit harsh). But, the dynamic was there with your performance, and you had a nice flow, that made you natural to watch. Tommy - Good stuff from you as well. Thanks for the effort guys.
The lighting to me was pretty dang exquisite. I had no qualms with it. I'm a total newb on lighting, but this stuff looked "natural" to me, so it was right, as far as I'm concerned.
There were a couple of odd camera angle cuts in there to me. A time or two that someones hand or arm was moving through the frame as the angle changed and it kinda jolted me out of the continuity. Little things like that. Just seemed that maybe the timing of the cuts were a little off.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I will try to comment more specifically later, if you like.
All in all though, this was a huge undertaking, and I thought you guys definitely accomplished it, on the whole. Ending was a bit cheeze to me though. Just a bit.
And, I totally dug the score to.
Oh, one other thing. I don't know if maybe this was a compresion issue, or what. But, it seemed as though I was noticing a couple of times where it seemed like there was some out of sync overdubbing going on?...
Thanks for sharing your work with us guys. You should be proud,all in all. I am honored to have had the opportunity to have seen your work.
Later,
Jason
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
Jason, you honor us with such thoughtful and constructive notes. We had such a wonderful time making this and I love it that we were audacious (or foolish) enough to take on this project. For myself, I really look forward to shooting something smaller in scope that doesn't have VFX. But I also am really stoked about doing a giant robot movie too 
You know, one of the best things about this experience has been the real and true opportunity to appreciate what everyone else is doing. You see all these films in a different light and it makes you a better filmmaker because of it. I think we all may sometimes take for granted this amazing world we have here on DVXuser. Can you ever imagine getting this much feedback and truly helpful information from a traditional festival? Thankyou Jarred and Barry once more. And thank all of you DVX-ers who make this place what it is.
You know, one of the best things about this experience has been the real and true opportunity to appreciate what everyone else is doing. You see all these films in a different light and it makes you a better filmmaker because of it. I think we all may sometimes take for granted this amazing world we have here on DVXuser. Can you ever imagine getting this much feedback and truly helpful information from a traditional festival? Thankyou Jarred and Barry once more. And thank all of you DVX-ers who make this place what it is.
REVIEW: THREADING THE NEEDLE
That's what I call a big ol' movie. Seeing this ambulance thing. Whaaaaat? That's money.
Solid story. I got it, I get it. I felt like, from reading the script draft that I ended up getting I felt like there were things that didn't make it, which ends up portraying our lead pilot as quite a mean fellow. In the script, it didn't feel like this. It felt like he was torn and he couldn't find a way to reconcile with his losses. Here, he really does just come off as mean. And I'm like "darn... he died...". I was actually much more concerned with the female trying to save him from his fate and the effects this is going to have on her.
One thing I liked and could be totally sweetened up was series of "threads". When he'd pass through turbines on cue. As obvious as that could've been, I had no problem seeing it here and I felt like it was a good thing.
I won't go on about special effects. That's one thing that's really difficult to do on a timeline, especially for an ambitious project. I think that, even though the final crash might've gone too fast, sweetening is still an option.
As large as the production felt, I think that a lot of the images I was seeing didn't stand up to the scale of the project. An example would be 3:24 and those whereabouts. For such a grand location, it felt very scaled back and contained. I know it's a creative choice, and I totally respect that. I do not have suggestions on what would've made it better, instead I ask about the motivation behind it.
I think you guys are supposed to cut a longer version, right? I'd like to see that as well.
You guys got some really nice images out of the HVX, dude. It might just be me in saying that the content probably just didn't fit in the six-minute format.
Bet it was crazy fun!!! I wanna be on Mark's team next time!
That's what I call a big ol' movie. Seeing this ambulance thing. Whaaaaat? That's money.
Solid story. I got it, I get it. I felt like, from reading the script draft that I ended up getting I felt like there were things that didn't make it, which ends up portraying our lead pilot as quite a mean fellow. In the script, it didn't feel like this. It felt like he was torn and he couldn't find a way to reconcile with his losses. Here, he really does just come off as mean. And I'm like "darn... he died...". I was actually much more concerned with the female trying to save him from his fate and the effects this is going to have on her.
One thing I liked and could be totally sweetened up was series of "threads". When he'd pass through turbines on cue. As obvious as that could've been, I had no problem seeing it here and I felt like it was a good thing.
I won't go on about special effects. That's one thing that's really difficult to do on a timeline, especially for an ambitious project. I think that, even though the final crash might've gone too fast, sweetening is still an option.
As large as the production felt, I think that a lot of the images I was seeing didn't stand up to the scale of the project. An example would be 3:24 and those whereabouts. For such a grand location, it felt very scaled back and contained. I know it's a creative choice, and I totally respect that. I do not have suggestions on what would've made it better, instead I ask about the motivation behind it.
I think you guys are supposed to cut a longer version, right? I'd like to see that as well.
You guys got some really nice images out of the HVX, dude. It might just be me in saying that the content probably just didn't fit in the six-minute format.
Bet it was crazy fun!!! I wanna be on Mark's team next time!
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
Kholi, you are definitely IN on the next project. Giant Robots perchance?
Dude, you give such great notes and I appreciate yours as being among the best reviews on these entries. I owe you a long letter and will try to get around to it soon, but do count on working together in the very near future if you have the time and inclination. You're the best.
Dude, you give such great notes and I appreciate yours as being among the best reviews on these entries. I owe you a long letter and will try to get around to it soon, but do count on working together in the very near future if you have the time and inclination. You're the best.
RebeccaD
Well-known member
Mark, Ted, and team:
First off, this was on the top of my list to review. It was highly anticipated and I have thoroughly enjoyed the banter on this thread. Top notch with the ambulance, planes, hanger station, etc., very cool.
I'm not an expert on lighting, but nothing particularly stands out to me that warrants improvement. I thought most of the cinematography was well done too. I love planes and it was incredible to see the footage you had of the overhead shots; beautifully done.
Eric seemed grumpy, and I concur that I really didn't feel too disappointed when he died at the end. He overacted at times and I didn't feel connected to the character. Otherwise, no complaints on the other actors.
Overall, tremendous effort and film. I cannot wait to see another production from this team!
First off, this was on the top of my list to review. It was highly anticipated and I have thoroughly enjoyed the banter on this thread. Top notch with the ambulance, planes, hanger station, etc., very cool.
I'm not an expert on lighting, but nothing particularly stands out to me that warrants improvement. I thought most of the cinematography was well done too. I love planes and it was incredible to see the footage you had of the overhead shots; beautifully done.
Eric seemed grumpy, and I concur that I really didn't feel too disappointed when he died at the end. He overacted at times and I didn't feel connected to the character. Otherwise, no complaints on the other actors.
Overall, tremendous effort and film. I cannot wait to see another production from this team!
hey I just saw this and was impressed by the production.
I'll comeback with more later.
I'll comeback with more later.
Mark Johnson said:
Hey i heard about thoes Giant robots.... So help me God Johnson..... If you film Giant robots without me i'll kill you!!!!!!!
jeremytuttle
Well-known member
Hey Guys,
I like what you have done here. Like people have been saying this felt big, which is a great complement for a six minute short. This too me could be a feature film.
I think most of the pieces feel into place very well and I only felt a few times that there seemed to be something missing, maybe the longer cut will fill in those gaps. Your lead actress was very good and I like Tommy's and the pilot's performances too, subtle and natural (props to you Ted). David was good also but at times it felt like he was playing a character and not being the character but don't get me wrong he fit the part and did well. I thought the actor who played Eric did a pretty good job for being a newby but I think we should have spent more time with him instead of the other characters to develop a relationship and maybe see him in the "pre-accident" days so we care for him more when we see him falling apart. I understand this is very hard to do in six minutes and maybe the longer cut will solve that problem.
I know the Special Effects have been mentioned but I thought I should tell you what I noticed: The opening shot with the "marquee" of the Air Show did not blend well enough (too bright perhaps). When Eric took off the background looked a little off. And the end explosion could use a little work. I don't want to beat a dead horse but I thought you should know the specific ones I saw.
But in saying that all that, I'm very impressed that you did what you did in the time frame. Wow, I envy your guy's abilities and craftsmanship and hope if I some day I'll be able to work with you guys. :beer:
I like what you have done here. Like people have been saying this felt big, which is a great complement for a six minute short. This too me could be a feature film.
I think most of the pieces feel into place very well and I only felt a few times that there seemed to be something missing, maybe the longer cut will fill in those gaps. Your lead actress was very good and I like Tommy's and the pilot's performances too, subtle and natural (props to you Ted). David was good also but at times it felt like he was playing a character and not being the character but don't get me wrong he fit the part and did well. I thought the actor who played Eric did a pretty good job for being a newby but I think we should have spent more time with him instead of the other characters to develop a relationship and maybe see him in the "pre-accident" days so we care for him more when we see him falling apart. I understand this is very hard to do in six minutes and maybe the longer cut will solve that problem.
I know the Special Effects have been mentioned but I thought I should tell you what I noticed: The opening shot with the "marquee" of the Air Show did not blend well enough (too bright perhaps). When Eric took off the background looked a little off. And the end explosion could use a little work. I don't want to beat a dead horse but I thought you should know the specific ones I saw.
But in saying that all that, I'm very impressed that you did what you did in the time frame. Wow, I envy your guy's abilities and craftsmanship and hope if I some day I'll be able to work with you guys. :beer:
Tom Marshall
Actor!!!!!!
I'll have to agree. Mark and Ted did a great job on casting the roles. And if there's a giant robot movie, I think I want to play a giant robot killer or something cool like that... :beer:
I enjoyed the film and am always amazed at the effort and ambitioned put into these short films. I mean the amount of groundwork needed to get these locations and shots amazes me. I barely have the time to take out the trash. My only negatives would be that the audio drops a few times and does not blend well in a couple cuts. (headphones tell all) At times the acting and score seemed a bit soap opera-ish to me but I was hooked till the end and I guess that is the goal of any film maker. Nice work overall and I am inspired to make my next film better by watching yours.
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
THANKS so very much for those comments Jazz Dog and dvpixl. We can't wait to shoot again and knowing you enjoyed the film is like fuel for the fire. We know that every time we shoot we'll learn more and hopefully get better (or, at least make NEW mistakes to learn from). Thank you both.
Charli
cool little "title"
Setting - Nice to see something done in such a different location, airport. That gave the short a whole new feel.
SFX - I think you were cramped for time.
Acting - A little forced and over the top.
Dialogue - Lacked a natural flow. Too many characters were intense, which lessened the overall effect.
All in all this story is going to be bigger than a lot of shorts here. The beginning with the ambulance was a nice start, gave it that big feel. I didn't root for the male lead, so learn to give the lead likeable qualities. Still, I have to give you props for attempting such a large project.
Good luck on your Robot terrorizing the Bay area. Remember, it be great if it were a comedy!
SFX - I think you were cramped for time.
Acting - A little forced and over the top.
Dialogue - Lacked a natural flow. Too many characters were intense, which lessened the overall effect.
All in all this story is going to be bigger than a lot of shorts here. The beginning with the ambulance was a nice start, gave it that big feel. I didn't root for the male lead, so learn to give the lead likeable qualities. Still, I have to give you props for attempting such a large project.
Good luck on your Robot terrorizing the Bay area. Remember, it be great if it were a comedy!
Michael_Petro
Veteran
tommyinla said:
When did I miss going from filming naked women to giant robots?.. Well giant robots are cool... but what if they attack a slumber party..or what if they where giant lesbian vengeful robots...or err I just sorta got up......
Mark Harris
Pain in the ass
Hey guys,
Overall, nice work. I thought the sequence at the end really built up the tension to a really great climax. I WANTED him to make it through all six turbines, and that is a feat.
I felt like the lead-up might have been a little more focused and less trying to get so much information in. I can't wait to see the longer cut. How long before it's done?
In some of the scenes of the actors fighting it out, you held on the wide. I'm curious why you did not us CUs and OTS shots, esp when in that one scene, Lacie's back was to us the whole time. Seems like you could have made the drama more intense and immediate in those scenes with some cutting to different angles and shots.
What do you think?
Overall, nice work. I thought the sequence at the end really built up the tension to a really great climax. I WANTED him to make it through all six turbines, and that is a feat.
I felt like the lead-up might have been a little more focused and less trying to get so much information in. I can't wait to see the longer cut. How long before it's done?
In some of the scenes of the actors fighting it out, you held on the wide. I'm curious why you did not us CUs and OTS shots, esp when in that one scene, Lacie's back was to us the whole time. Seems like you could have made the drama more intense and immediate in those scenes with some cutting to different angles and shots.
What do you think?