J.R. Hudson
Spirit Animal
These are the 09 best films of this fest IMO. Could be for story, acting, picture or some other intangible quality. But when I walk away, these are the 9 that strike me best.
(I could not capture 10)
01. At The Park - The Tuttle's
Overall this film did it for me. The edit, the story, the audio. It just felt real and fun and theatrical. The payoff with the auto accident was perfect and felt in the moment. Wonderful job. - The score had such personality and although some other technical areas need improvement, I guarantee we'll see that get better in time.
02. Threading The Needle - Mark Johnson
You guys kicked ass on this. The production value were impressive, the cast of a thousand was even better. This was as fun as you promised. I was not happy when he died; which means I cared. Not perfect in all respects, but when I get this many talented actors working in one shot, it opens up a whole world to me!
03. The Artist - Justin Anderson
Maybe I'm a softy but this really worked for me. When the payoff comes, I really felt emotion. Very romantic and touching and a nice step away from the general Orginal theme of DEATH
04. The Fallen - Neil Rowe
I had no idea you've come this far. I thought you were out making dolly's. Bastard. This was super impressive. A rare thatrical treat this go around. The audio left me puzzled, the storyline was not entirely evident the first go around and the narration stifled it a bit, but your direction and directory skill leaves a lot to admire. Wow, the new DVXUSER stud is Neil Rowe.
05. Where Silence Falls - Norm Sanders
This is the kind of growth that one notices when taking all these baby steps to becoming a filmmaker. Norm just took it. He is now officially sitting in the "Cool Guy DVXUSER' club (not with Neil, but in the nest room!). Great effort all the way around from Norm and Crew in all categories! I'd like to see more exploration of the 3D space in the frame next time; crossing the axis, camera movement within the frame and I'd rather see you up the production value and get out of the neighborhood next time. Yes, this means getting permits and being under pressure on location.
06. After Class - Justin Snodart
Your direction and use of edit is skillful. Not a single frame appears to be wasted in this. There are only a few films in my Top 9 that showcase DIRECTING as a skill; the choice of comp, the shot selection ... This one is all good.
07. Not The Same - Moses Lee
Two people talking. A kitchen. You got it right. The lighting is great, the performances are tops. This was a very intimate short and I got it. Well done.
08. Ajar - David Jerome
At first glance, I was not sure what I was seeing. I was immeditaley assuming 'Guy by himself in house making movie' but by the end, I was in a trance. I found it off key and bizarre, but real and original. Some lacking areas mainly in technical shades, but the overall dreamlike state worked
09. 18 Seconds - Macgregor
Beautiful imagery. But that was about it for me. :undecided Too much 21 Grams and no story left me admiring the cinemaphotography alone (Well, and that one scene). I thought you really shined with orginality on SIMILO and despite the influence, I did not expect an Inarritu retread. I really enjoyed it, it felt very poetic, but the only thing I'm returning to see is the pictures (and that one scene.) But the cinemaphotography alone is first rate. I'd like to see you under some other direction using a more tradition selection of shots than hand held. Still, professional grade.
====================================================
Great job everyone this fest. There is a bunch of talent swimming around here. I hope to see everyone back next fest !
SPYFEST baby!
(I could not capture 10)
01. At The Park - The Tuttle's
Overall this film did it for me. The edit, the story, the audio. It just felt real and fun and theatrical. The payoff with the auto accident was perfect and felt in the moment. Wonderful job. - The score had such personality and although some other technical areas need improvement, I guarantee we'll see that get better in time.
02. Threading The Needle - Mark Johnson
You guys kicked ass on this. The production value were impressive, the cast of a thousand was even better. This was as fun as you promised. I was not happy when he died; which means I cared. Not perfect in all respects, but when I get this many talented actors working in one shot, it opens up a whole world to me!
03. The Artist - Justin Anderson
Maybe I'm a softy but this really worked for me. When the payoff comes, I really felt emotion. Very romantic and touching and a nice step away from the general Orginal theme of DEATH
04. The Fallen - Neil Rowe
I had no idea you've come this far. I thought you were out making dolly's. Bastard. This was super impressive. A rare thatrical treat this go around. The audio left me puzzled, the storyline was not entirely evident the first go around and the narration stifled it a bit, but your direction and directory skill leaves a lot to admire. Wow, the new DVXUSER stud is Neil Rowe.
05. Where Silence Falls - Norm Sanders
This is the kind of growth that one notices when taking all these baby steps to becoming a filmmaker. Norm just took it. He is now officially sitting in the "Cool Guy DVXUSER' club (not with Neil, but in the nest room!). Great effort all the way around from Norm and Crew in all categories! I'd like to see more exploration of the 3D space in the frame next time; crossing the axis, camera movement within the frame and I'd rather see you up the production value and get out of the neighborhood next time. Yes, this means getting permits and being under pressure on location.
06. After Class - Justin Snodart
Your direction and use of edit is skillful. Not a single frame appears to be wasted in this. There are only a few films in my Top 9 that showcase DIRECTING as a skill; the choice of comp, the shot selection ... This one is all good.
07. Not The Same - Moses Lee
Two people talking. A kitchen. You got it right. The lighting is great, the performances are tops. This was a very intimate short and I got it. Well done.
08. Ajar - David Jerome
At first glance, I was not sure what I was seeing. I was immeditaley assuming 'Guy by himself in house making movie' but by the end, I was in a trance. I found it off key and bizarre, but real and original. Some lacking areas mainly in technical shades, but the overall dreamlike state worked
09. 18 Seconds - Macgregor
Beautiful imagery. But that was about it for me. :undecided Too much 21 Grams and no story left me admiring the cinemaphotography alone (Well, and that one scene). I thought you really shined with orginality on SIMILO and despite the influence, I did not expect an Inarritu retread. I really enjoyed it, it felt very poetic, but the only thing I'm returning to see is the pictures (and that one scene.) But the cinemaphotography alone is first rate. I'd like to see you under some other direction using a more tradition selection of shots than hand held. Still, professional grade.
====================================================
Great job everyone this fest. There is a bunch of talent swimming around here. I hope to see everyone back next fest !
SPYFEST baby!
Since I was on the TTN crew! I have to say, minus some FX issues, and time constraints, this was a great short! It felt BIG like everyone said! Nice work!