Brandon Rice
Distributed Producer
It sounds awesome! Will you come to LA in the summer and do sound for my feature? Seriously.
Envision & RebeccaD Present "Where Silence Falls"
- Thread starter Norm Sanders
- Start date
Dahopafilms
Well-known member
Norm, Norm, Norm.
Watched yours number 3. Really sad I did. Total crap.
No. Wait. Wrong short. I have no idea what anyone else has said so far (like, what hasn't been said in 69 pages of comments!!!!), but from my perspective (which is often out of touch with reality, I admit), this short totally knocked it out of the park for me. Yes, I hate you now.
First - the acting. Absolutely fantastic. Your female lead nailed this role and had to be the highlight. Talent oozing out like crazy. As for you - are you a freaking actor or a filmmaker? Pick one OK? Leave some room for us lesser mortals. Very, very nice job. The neighbour was well played - that's some tough writing and he pulled it off.
Storyline. Great. Nice job. Someone, somewhere is going to say something like "Oooooh - I saw that coming from half way across the Detroit River" (isn't there always one or two of those?), but it totally worked for me. Nice job.
Framing - really nice. Whoever your Steadicam guy was - can I buy him (or her) a beer? Well done - fluid as hell and the horizon was perfect. Wasn't too sure about the slight crane up on the Mom in the kitchen scene when Dad comes down the stairs, but that's a minute comment.
Beuatifully shot. Lovely. I may even need to go back into this thread to hunt for the lenses you used, but they all worked beautifully. I watched it on two monitors and in the one scene where the Dad comes home, the female lead looked a little orange (and grainy?). I thought it was because of a sunset, but then the Dad goes out the front door and it's still day. I was looking for a twilight or magic hour scene. And I gotta tell you - I'm really scraping for that comment.
Music - perfect. Nice job. I hate you.
Makeup effects on the neighbour - perfect. And someone even remembered to bloody Dad's fist. Finally - detail, detail, detail.
So as for me, this is the best so far (and I have, after all, watched three). Very, very nice job.
And as for the 69 pages of posts in this thread, somebody needs to spend a little more time outside playing ...
Thank you for this. Awesome! I now bow deeply in your general direction.
Watched yours number 3. Really sad I did. Total crap.
No. Wait. Wrong short. I have no idea what anyone else has said so far (like, what hasn't been said in 69 pages of comments!!!!), but from my perspective (which is often out of touch with reality, I admit), this short totally knocked it out of the park for me. Yes, I hate you now.
First - the acting. Absolutely fantastic. Your female lead nailed this role and had to be the highlight. Talent oozing out like crazy. As for you - are you a freaking actor or a filmmaker? Pick one OK? Leave some room for us lesser mortals. Very, very nice job. The neighbour was well played - that's some tough writing and he pulled it off.
Storyline. Great. Nice job. Someone, somewhere is going to say something like "Oooooh - I saw that coming from half way across the Detroit River" (isn't there always one or two of those?), but it totally worked for me. Nice job.
Framing - really nice. Whoever your Steadicam guy was - can I buy him (or her) a beer? Well done - fluid as hell and the horizon was perfect. Wasn't too sure about the slight crane up on the Mom in the kitchen scene when Dad comes down the stairs, but that's a minute comment.
Beuatifully shot. Lovely. I may even need to go back into this thread to hunt for the lenses you used, but they all worked beautifully. I watched it on two monitors and in the one scene where the Dad comes home, the female lead looked a little orange (and grainy?). I thought it was because of a sunset, but then the Dad goes out the front door and it's still day. I was looking for a twilight or magic hour scene. And I gotta tell you - I'm really scraping for that comment.
Music - perfect. Nice job. I hate you.
Makeup effects on the neighbour - perfect. And someone even remembered to bloody Dad's fist. Finally - detail, detail, detail.
So as for me, this is the best so far (and I have, after all, watched three). Very, very nice job.
And as for the 69 pages of posts in this thread, somebody needs to spend a little more time outside playing ...
Thank you for this. Awesome! I now bow deeply in your general direction.
Robert Eldon
Well-known member
Where Silence Falls – review
I thought that this movie had a made for TV feel (which is meant as a compliment, you know, like the Hallmark channel).
The acting and dialog was very natural for a typical family. Well done. There were subtle things like when she was first talking on the phone and putting the glass away in the cupboard. Great acting!
Some of the dialog seemed a little ‘muddled’ at times when I couldn’t understand what they were saying. What did you use for sound?
One of my favorite moving shots was at about TC 1:22 when the father is walking down the hall to leave. It's a subtle move, but very effective.
I realized after watching this a second time, that the father went to the next door neighbors house first? Maybe the neighbor wasn’t home?
I would have liked to see the father maybe talking to one or more of the neighbors in montage like we see the mother talking later in the film.
Favorite shots at about TC 1:25, 3:01, 4:28.
What’s not to like about this movie? It’s one of my favorites. Very well done. Good story arc. I thought the ending was a little cliché, but it was entertaining from beginning to end and held my interest.
I thought that this movie had a made for TV feel (which is meant as a compliment, you know, like the Hallmark channel).
The acting and dialog was very natural for a typical family. Well done. There were subtle things like when she was first talking on the phone and putting the glass away in the cupboard. Great acting!
Some of the dialog seemed a little ‘muddled’ at times when I couldn’t understand what they were saying. What did you use for sound?
One of my favorite moving shots was at about TC 1:22 when the father is walking down the hall to leave. It's a subtle move, but very effective.
I realized after watching this a second time, that the father went to the next door neighbors house first? Maybe the neighbor wasn’t home?
I would have liked to see the father maybe talking to one or more of the neighbors in montage like we see the mother talking later in the film.
Favorite shots at about TC 1:25, 3:01, 4:28.
What’s not to like about this movie? It’s one of my favorites. Very well done. Good story arc. I thought the ending was a little cliché, but it was entertaining from beginning to end and held my interest.
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
K, the waiter took FOREVER to even come take our order, so I finally left my boss & fellow employees (Is that a CEM - Career Ending Move?) & hit my favorite place here in Miami, aka The Sand Bar. Great food, and this killer drink called the Category 5 Hurricane (Rebecca must be SO sick of hearing me talk about that drink). Anway, brought it back to my room, and munching on this massive burger as I try to catch up on posts & other people's films, threads, etc.
Where to start? Oh yes, Brian.
Brian, Brian, Brian (Dahopafilms) ... thanks for the incredibly kind words! Even if it IS only the 3rd film you've watched. I'll warn you, there are a few other gems that you'll get to eventually too, but I appreciate being at the top of your list so far. Hopefully we can stay there!
As far as the CC issue, you're right. For some reason when FCP exported out the PNG sequence for me to CC within Vegas, it did some funny crushing of colors & ranges that I had to fight to overcome, and oddly enough it did it to specific scenes, not really breaking in the middle of a shot, etc. Hopefully it'll be addressed in the master file, though not too obvious enough for others to catch so far.
RomanJaquez, thanks for the words of encouragement & glad you liked the film. The vignetting is something a lot (including myself) noticed ... not sure which lens it was or why it happened, but I agree it can be distracting, especially if not a consistant look in all the shots.
On a totally different note, JUSTIN (edgen), if you're reading this, your score for THE ARTIST was incredible, but I REALLY fall in love with it at 5:41, when it really breaks open ... it just has such an incredible love story sound to it. Just melts my heart. I've got it & your other scores/music playing in the background, here in the hotel room.
Back to the posts ....
Aaron Marshall, lol, I've just got a strangely underdeveloped head. :grin: As far as your social comments about wanting to know all crimes, I couldn't agree more. Why separate just one out from the crowd? I'm extremely pleased you picked up on the sometimes subtle & sometimes not so subtle messages we were bringing to it. While I'll NEVER do an art-house film (the type where it's trying to use the film as a platform to drive home a message - what I see as propaganda), it just kind of all seemed to fit in this, and we wanted to leave the viewer with different things to think about, vs. just a one dimensional idea.
Jay (coffee), thank bro. Really appreciate that coming from you, and look forward to seeing if you get in this next fest! BTW, which group are you & your wife going to be going with to Cabo this year? I can't recall which group we are, but it'd be great if we were finally on the same trip & got to share a beer & cigar on the sandy beaches!
Manwithaplan (love that username, BTW), thank you so much, and especially glad that as a writer you can appreciate what we did. I don't think either Rebecca or I would really call our selves writers, per se, but we do seem to have a great creative energy & bounce things back & forth until we both feel solid about it. And then finally, my ace up my sleeve is a good friend by the name of Jeffrey Hawley (he wrote my feature we're moving towards pre-production on, entitled TRINITY RIVER), who I believe is an amazing writer. I always run final drafts past him for his thoughts & tweaks.
jeremytuttle, you graphic design/Photoshop genius you! Thanks for the reivew & for watching the film in the first place! Seriously, a big thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed the acting across the board, with of course an emphasis on Rebecca. We're tossing around an idea right now (if we enter) that I think will give both of us something to really get crazy about, with regards to the roles & emotions. I've also got to get over to your thread (and SO many others), as you had some insanely cool shots in your film I want to ask you about.
sean90291, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the film so much!
VisionLakeProductions, thanks for that one-of-a-kind comparison! I'm not sure how many other films you still need to watch, but I'd wager to say you'll find a few others that seem to fit the bill very nicely within that 6 minutes. That said, I very much value the compliement & appreciate you watching the film!
Tung (tung n' groove photo), it's great having you comment on here, because you've gotten to see some of the past work as well, starting with our first project together, SPARROW. Glad you liked the film so much, and I wish you could have been on set as well. Next time?! :beer:
StMad, thanks for watching & the kudos! When you're talking about a bit of silence here or there, are you referring to the score? If so, I've got a director friend out of LA that suggested the same thing, and I'd have to agree. With Justin's music (or some of the other great composers on here as well), I feel like a kid in a candy shop & want to include every last note of it, because I love it so much. But I do agree that sometimes pure silence is the most powerful thing you can do in a moment. I've already got some ideas, areas where I can see this happening in the next project, if we follow through with the idea we're tossing around.
insanityFW, Jason, thank you. You're right, Rebecca is one to watch. Other than some things she messed around with in high school about 25 years ago (did you guys know she's actually 43?? *snicker, snicker - see if she catches this), she's really had no acting experience. But, being an established performer/vocalist in the Portland market, I knew she may be able to keep it going in front of a camera as well & dig into some emotions ... and boy, was I right. She's only getting better with each film, and I GIVE MY WORD to all of you, that if we do this next festival, you will all be put on your ear ... it will be THAT incredible of a performance. Guaranteed.
david jerome, thank you! I still remember your Sonic Man entry for HeroFest, and thought it was brilliant in a LOT of ways. I appreciate & value kudos coming from you!
preston, very nice to hear from you ... considering your film has THE BEST gun shot SFX and VFX of the fest (hope Mark's not reading this, as his were money for post, but I'm convinced yours were actual production VFX). Anyway, looking forward to commenting in your thread, and appreciate you watching the flick & commenting in ours. Thanks again!
Jazz Dog, what are you talking about?! Seattle's only a hop, skip, and a jump away. Next time you'll just have to carpool with Stefan, who was our 1stAD and drove down from up there. Thanks for the comments, and I'm glad you enjoyed the film. Also love the thought provoking statement/question you have in your signature.
Texture, Erik, thank you. To defend SPARROW just a tad, I'll state that the DVXfest cut you saw absolutely blew (in hindsight ... it was afterwards we realized the ideal scene we should have cut for it, which can actually be viewed on the SPARROW website - www.sparrow-themovie.com). That said, I can also state that this story is STILL more succinct and clear than the full 24 minute cut of SPARROW, simply because in the HeroFest film we were trying to cover SO much, that if the viewer gets distracted for a moment, they may miss something and then be left with questions at the end ... and not good questions, but more like, huh?
For us, what we loved about this story is that it took little to no backstory to immediately get the viewer involved. It's inherently built into us, whether we're a parent, or have watched enough news & TV programs, we know that people can freak & be irrational when a loved one is missing, or their family safetey is threatened. Again, thank you, and glad you enjoyed it.
<<JAE>>, glad you liked the film, but I actually though the dog bark might have brought a touch of realism, as it is in a suburban neighborhood. That said, I can see where it could be distracting as well to some.
RobertE, thanks for watching, and glad you enjoyed it. As for the sound recording question, see here for Shawn's post to Kholi on the same question (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=853803&postcount=680). I'll take made for TV as a compliment at this stage, because at least I'll be making money at it then! :grin: For the montage, and having the father talk to neighbors, I agree. It's something we thought we could get away with (sun was setting FAST), but in hindsight we could have used it.
Where to start? Oh yes, Brian.
Brian, Brian, Brian (Dahopafilms) ... thanks for the incredibly kind words! Even if it IS only the 3rd film you've watched. I'll warn you, there are a few other gems that you'll get to eventually too, but I appreciate being at the top of your list so far. Hopefully we can stay there!
As far as the CC issue, you're right. For some reason when FCP exported out the PNG sequence for me to CC within Vegas, it did some funny crushing of colors & ranges that I had to fight to overcome, and oddly enough it did it to specific scenes, not really breaking in the middle of a shot, etc. Hopefully it'll be addressed in the master file, though not too obvious enough for others to catch so far.
RomanJaquez, thanks for the words of encouragement & glad you liked the film. The vignetting is something a lot (including myself) noticed ... not sure which lens it was or why it happened, but I agree it can be distracting, especially if not a consistant look in all the shots.
On a totally different note, JUSTIN (edgen), if you're reading this, your score for THE ARTIST was incredible, but I REALLY fall in love with it at 5:41, when it really breaks open ... it just has such an incredible love story sound to it. Just melts my heart. I've got it & your other scores/music playing in the background, here in the hotel room.
Back to the posts ....
Aaron Marshall, lol, I've just got a strangely underdeveloped head. :grin: As far as your social comments about wanting to know all crimes, I couldn't agree more. Why separate just one out from the crowd? I'm extremely pleased you picked up on the sometimes subtle & sometimes not so subtle messages we were bringing to it. While I'll NEVER do an art-house film (the type where it's trying to use the film as a platform to drive home a message - what I see as propaganda), it just kind of all seemed to fit in this, and we wanted to leave the viewer with different things to think about, vs. just a one dimensional idea.
Jay (coffee), thank bro. Really appreciate that coming from you, and look forward to seeing if you get in this next fest! BTW, which group are you & your wife going to be going with to Cabo this year? I can't recall which group we are, but it'd be great if we were finally on the same trip & got to share a beer & cigar on the sandy beaches!
Manwithaplan (love that username, BTW), thank you so much, and especially glad that as a writer you can appreciate what we did. I don't think either Rebecca or I would really call our selves writers, per se, but we do seem to have a great creative energy & bounce things back & forth until we both feel solid about it. And then finally, my ace up my sleeve is a good friend by the name of Jeffrey Hawley (he wrote my feature we're moving towards pre-production on, entitled TRINITY RIVER), who I believe is an amazing writer. I always run final drafts past him for his thoughts & tweaks.
jeremytuttle, you graphic design/Photoshop genius you! Thanks for the reivew & for watching the film in the first place! Seriously, a big thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed the acting across the board, with of course an emphasis on Rebecca.
We're tossing around an idea right now (if we enter) that I think will give both of us something to really get crazy about, with regards to the roles & emotions. I've also got to get over to your thread (and SO many others), as you had some insanely cool shots in your film I want to ask you about.sean90291, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the film so much!
VisionLakeProductions, thanks for that one-of-a-kind comparison! I'm not sure how many other films you still need to watch, but I'd wager to say you'll find a few others that seem to fit the bill very nicely within that 6 minutes. That said, I very much value the compliement & appreciate you watching the film!
Tung (tung n' groove photo), it's great having you comment on here, because you've gotten to see some of the past work as well, starting with our first project together, SPARROW. Glad you liked the film so much, and I wish you could have been on set as well. Next time?! :beer:
StMad, thanks for watching & the kudos! When you're talking about a bit of silence here or there, are you referring to the score? If so, I've got a director friend out of LA that suggested the same thing, and I'd have to agree. With Justin's music (or some of the other great composers on here as well), I feel like a kid in a candy shop & want to include every last note of it, because I love it so much. But I do agree that sometimes pure silence is the most powerful thing you can do in a moment. I've already got some ideas, areas where I can see this happening in the next project, if we follow through with the idea we're tossing around.
insanityFW, Jason, thank you. You're right, Rebecca is one to watch. Other than some things she messed around with in high school about 25 years ago (did you guys know she's actually 43?? *snicker, snicker - see if she catches this), she's really had no acting experience. But, being an established performer/vocalist in the Portland market, I knew she may be able to keep it going in front of a camera as well & dig into some emotions ... and boy, was I right. She's only getting better with each film, and I GIVE MY WORD to all of you, that if we do this next festival, you will all be put on your ear ... it will be THAT incredible of a performance. Guaranteed.
david jerome, thank you! I still remember your Sonic Man entry for HeroFest, and thought it was brilliant in a LOT of ways. I appreciate & value kudos coming from you!
preston, very nice to hear from you ... considering your film has THE BEST gun shot SFX and VFX of the fest (hope Mark's not reading this, as his were money for post, but I'm convinced yours were actual production VFX). Anyway, looking forward to commenting in your thread, and appreciate you watching the flick & commenting in ours. Thanks again!
Jazz Dog, what are you talking about?! Seattle's only a hop, skip, and a jump away. Next time you'll just have to carpool with Stefan, who was our 1stAD and drove down from up there.
Thanks for the comments, and I'm glad you enjoyed the film. Also love the thought provoking statement/question you have in your signature.Texture, Erik, thank you. To defend SPARROW just a tad, I'll state that the DVXfest cut you saw absolutely blew (in hindsight ... it was afterwards we realized the ideal scene we should have cut for it, which can actually be viewed on the SPARROW website - www.sparrow-themovie.com). That said, I can also state that this story is STILL more succinct and clear than the full 24 minute cut of SPARROW, simply because in the HeroFest film we were trying to cover SO much, that if the viewer gets distracted for a moment, they may miss something and then be left with questions at the end ... and not good questions, but more like, huh?
For us, what we loved about this story is that it took little to no backstory to immediately get the viewer involved. It's inherently built into us, whether we're a parent, or have watched enough news & TV programs, we know that people can freak & be irrational when a loved one is missing, or their family safetey is threatened. Again, thank you, and glad you enjoyed it.
<<JAE>>, glad you liked the film, but I actually though the dog bark might have brought a touch of realism, as it is in a suburban neighborhood. That said, I can see where it could be distracting as well to some.
RobertE, thanks for watching, and glad you enjoyed it. As for the sound recording question, see here for Shawn's post to Kholi on the same question (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=853803&postcount=680). I'll take made for TV as a compliment at this stage, because at least I'll be making money at it then! :grin: For the montage, and having the father talk to neighbors, I agree. It's something we thought we could get away with (sun was setting FAST), but in hindsight we could have used it.
Edgen
Veteran
thank you Norm! I lurk through from time to time.
Man.... I bet your fingers hurt. It's amazing that you respond to everyone in these threads and just makes you a valuable asset to this forum. Keep up the wonderful work and.... taking the time to do this while at a hotel room? Dedication man. Dedication.
have fun!
/j
Man.... I bet your fingers hurt. It's amazing that you respond to everyone in these threads and just makes you a valuable asset to this forum. Keep up the wonderful work and.... taking the time to do this while at a hotel room? Dedication man. Dedication.
have fun!
/j
scharky
Veteran
Hey Norm, finally got back on line here. Great job again, I watched it one more time on it's official DVXuser release and really have to congratulate you on a job well done. It was honestly a great pleasure working with everyone there and hopefully I will have the opportunity again.
-Here are a couple critiques
-punching shot is too long. I think the problem with this shot is that you might be catching your hand opening while coming down. By shortening this shot it won't be so apparent.
-Color consistancy. I'm a real stickler for this and it seems a few scenes could be matched a little better. A few of the indoor scenes could also be lightened a bit, they are jus treally dense and warm, especially you coming out of the bedroom with your nicely painted chest
-There is quite a bit of vignetting which I myself did not notice either. I was honestly thinking that you added that in post as some of the scenes it is really strong. It can be corrected.
-One thing I personally feel would make this film seem more like a complete film and not just a vignette (no pun intended) would be to not have the music ride through the entire film. As it is constantly audible it tends to give the film a "trailer" type of feel even though it is a complete film.
Great work Rebecca and Norm, it was a great script and it was an absolute pleasure to work with both of you as actors. I honestly do not believe we would have made it through the two day shoot had you guys not been so on top of your lines and moods throughout each shot.
-Here are a couple critiques
-punching shot is too long. I think the problem with this shot is that you might be catching your hand opening while coming down. By shortening this shot it won't be so apparent.
-Color consistancy. I'm a real stickler for this and it seems a few scenes could be matched a little better. A few of the indoor scenes could also be lightened a bit, they are jus treally dense and warm, especially you coming out of the bedroom with your nicely painted chest
-There is quite a bit of vignetting which I myself did not notice either. I was honestly thinking that you added that in post as some of the scenes it is really strong. It can be corrected.
-One thing I personally feel would make this film seem more like a complete film and not just a vignette (no pun intended) would be to not have the music ride through the entire film. As it is constantly audible it tends to give the film a "trailer" type of feel even though it is a complete film.
Great work Rebecca and Norm, it was a great script and it was an absolute pleasure to work with both of you as actors. I honestly do not believe we would have made it through the two day shoot had you guys not been so on top of your lines and moods throughout each shot.
Jay Rodriguez
Coffee Member
Envision said:
Yeah that would be cool if we were in the same group this year. I'm REALLY looking foward to a vacation this year too, lol. I'm not sure what grp we're in though, I'll ask tonight when I get home.
As for the next fest, I'm convinced that I have been missing out by not entering so I'm in. I don't care what genre it is, I'm there. Wait, if it's a musical then I'm out! LOL
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Justin (edgen), thanks for that. I feel it's only fair to respond to each & every person that posts in here ... they take the time to do so, so I'd enjoy taking the time to at least acknowledge how much I appreciate their input, whether it be kudos or critiques.
Stefan (scharky), thanks, it was a TOTAL pleasure to be able to work with you, and I mean it when I say you had a large impact on the film, being the 1st AD. A little too nice, but if I get you hanging around me much longer, I'm sure I can help that, lol. I'm such a jerk.
Oh, and you're right about the punching (though that would throw the music, etc. off, so i'll have to see if Justin (edgen) wants to make an adjustment or not. I also think you've got a point about having NO music at times ... but I'd almost need someone else to help with that at this point, as I'd feel like I'm cutting my right arm off, trying to decide where it qets quiet, and where we hear that wonderful score! Lastly, CC ... hopefully it'll be dramatically improved with regards to the scenes variances via doing it natively within FCP vs. the export process I had to do for the festival cut.
Painted chest ... DUDE! Shhhhhh!! No one needs to know that I'm actually droopy & soft.
coffee, next fest is SpyFest. Technically, that's a sub genre, so you can do Comedy, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Action, and yes, even a Musical (lol), but it must incorporate something to do with a spy, spying, etc.
Stefan (scharky), thanks, it was a TOTAL pleasure to be able to work with you, and I mean it when I say you had a large impact on the film, being the 1st AD. A little too nice, but if I get you hanging around me much longer, I'm sure I can help that, lol. I'm such a jerk.
Oh, and you're right about the punching (though that would throw the music, etc. off, so i'll have to see if Justin (edgen) wants to make an adjustment or not. I also think you've got a point about having NO music at times ... but I'd almost need someone else to help with that at this point, as I'd feel like I'm cutting my right arm off, trying to decide where it qets quiet, and where we hear that wonderful score! Lastly, CC ... hopefully it'll be dramatically improved with regards to the scenes variances via doing it natively within FCP vs. the export process I had to do for the festival cut.
Painted chest ... DUDE! Shhhhhh!! No one needs to know that I'm actually droopy & soft.
coffee, next fest is SpyFest. Technically, that's a sub genre, so you can do Comedy, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Action, and yes, even a Musical (lol), but it must incorporate something to do with a spy, spying, etc.
Ladyhazle
Active member
Very nicely done!
Very nicely done!
Norm,
Jerry and I really enjoyed watching your short. I think "Where Silence Falls" is my personal favorite of all your work so far because of the clean edit, simple yet powerful storyline and awesome camera movement! Rebecca's acting was dead-on in this short. All together, a well played project. Bravo.
Very nicely done!
Norm,
Jerry and I really enjoyed watching your short. I think "Where Silence Falls" is my personal favorite of all your work so far because of the clean edit, simple yet powerful storyline and awesome camera movement! Rebecca's acting was dead-on in this short. All together, a well played project. Bravo.
Sweet Norm, let me know and will drive on down a shoot some BTS for you guys with my old school 100A on your next project. I am a Chef so I work some foolish hours but every once in a while I get chunks of time off....
Who am I kidding 55+ hours a week of work, a wife, and a 9 month old daughter...I ain't going anywhere...
Who am I kidding 55+ hours a week of work, a wife, and a 9 month old daughter...I ain't going anywhere...
Yeah, Norm. I see the dog bark added in for a sense of realism in a suburban neighborhood. But one "woof" or "ruff" sounds out of place when no dog is established and no other barking is heard anywhere else in film. Two woofs or barks would have established it as a dog or if she responded to the bark and looked outside. But just the one sounds like a grip moving a C-stand or a crew member coughing.
I'm sorry if I'm making this a bigger deal than it is. But as soon as I heard it, I paused and played that second over a couple times, rather than being involved in her dialogue. Maybe I'm the exception, as I was trained as an editor to pick up on those type of things, but now I do art direction for Norm Sanders. Maybe now I'll be doing sound design?
I'm sorry if I'm making this a bigger deal than it is. But as soon as I heard it, I paused and played that second over a couple times, rather than being involved in her dialogue. Maybe I'm the exception, as I was trained as an editor to pick up on those type of things, but now I do art direction for Norm Sanders. Maybe now I'll be doing sound design?
AmbassadorTex
Active member
Well, here goes...I've been waiting to write my response b/c I made the mistake of reading some of what others wrote while I was stuck in QuickTime hell and couldn't view. So here's a review that is painfully self-conscious of being in dissent:
This film just didn't work for me at all. Various elements are outstanding, of course, and reflect high levels of professionalism, but the things that don't work actually take me out of the movie (rather than allowing me to note mentally some problem and just roll with it as I usually do).
The phrase "registered sex offender" just sounds completely false. It feels like these people are using stilted, clinical (legal? politically correct?) language when they would really be saying something like "f***-ing pervert!" at least one of the 3 times the line is used.
Parents who assume that someone has molested their son aren't going to use careful language. But the strongest argument is dramatic/narrative: a less careful and more realistic phrase would help sell and magnify the critical element for your twist ending - the parents' specific assumption of what neighbor Bill has done in the past and is therefore doing again.
The key-toss moment was effective - but also very affected and contrived for the overall (fairly conventional and realistic) style. The acting is uneven enough to note while watching, but I know that can be a function of having only a few takes and a rushed schedule. I don't think the costuming helped the tone or believability of the overall piece. Gratuitous cleavage shot (probably unintentional) in the climactic moment is distracting and kind of highlights the overall problem with connecting with these parents as parents rather than actors.
Nice subtle score shift at the beginning phone conversation ( "He's not?" ) and very effective music throughout. Great shot of mom on stairs (the wider one) when she gets the phone call. Really says everything about that gulf of time while a parent is worried about her kid. I like the driving idea behind the story and even the choice of subject matter for its built-in dramatic punch.
Like I said - pro stuff here in many elements, but too much that didn't work. That said, I respect the effort and talent behind "Where Silence Falls" and look forward to being in this community with all who helped make it.
This film just didn't work for me at all. Various elements are outstanding, of course, and reflect high levels of professionalism, but the things that don't work actually take me out of the movie (rather than allowing me to note mentally some problem and just roll with it as I usually do).
The phrase "registered sex offender" just sounds completely false. It feels like these people are using stilted, clinical (legal? politically correct?) language when they would really be saying something like "f***-ing pervert!" at least one of the 3 times the line is used.
Parents who assume that someone has molested their son aren't going to use careful language. But the strongest argument is dramatic/narrative: a less careful and more realistic phrase would help sell and magnify the critical element for your twist ending - the parents' specific assumption of what neighbor Bill has done in the past and is therefore doing again.
The key-toss moment was effective - but also very affected and contrived for the overall (fairly conventional and realistic) style. The acting is uneven enough to note while watching, but I know that can be a function of having only a few takes and a rushed schedule. I don't think the costuming helped the tone or believability of the overall piece. Gratuitous cleavage shot (probably unintentional) in the climactic moment is distracting and kind of highlights the overall problem with connecting with these parents as parents rather than actors.
Nice subtle score shift at the beginning phone conversation ( "He's not?" ) and very effective music throughout. Great shot of mom on stairs (the wider one) when she gets the phone call. Really says everything about that gulf of time while a parent is worried about her kid. I like the driving idea behind the story and even the choice of subject matter for its built-in dramatic punch.
Like I said - pro stuff here in many elements, but too much that didn't work. That said, I respect the effort and talent behind "Where Silence Falls" and look forward to being in this community with all who helped make it.
Shawn Philip Nelson
Veteran
<<JAE>> said:
James Eubank I presume?
Brandon Rice
Distributed Producer
Hey dude, did you get my post from before?
Shawn Philip Nelson
Veteran
Brandon Rice said:
Thanks Brandon! That was actually my first time ever as a sound mixer. I'm mostly a writer/director but Norm's sound guy bailed on him a few days before the shoot. And meanwhile I've spent the last 6 months living over on the Audio forum of this board, reading audio books, buying great audio gear and experimenting with it. (my wife was getting really tired of me making her sing random songs just so I could test my audio techniques). So I figured me doing my best would be better than nothing. Well I was delighted with the results, all my research and practice paid off! Anyhow, I'm really not a sound guy. That and I work full time as a software engineer and I have a wife, a mortgage, etc and all my vacation time is going towards NAB.
But man, if I was in your town I'd probably say yes! I especially try to help out fellow Christian filmmakers, we are an endangered breed.
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Laydhazle, hey, glad you and Jerry liked it! Thanks. I've got to get over to your thread soon (it's nearly midnight here, and I'm beat) to give my review ... although I already told Jerry a couple kudos via e-mail a day or so ago.
Jazz Dog, I totally understand what it's like with that kind of schedule. Hey, if it ever works out, it'll work out. Look forward to it, if it does. :thumbsup:
<<JAE>>, good point. I've got to be honest ... that stinkin' dog of mine just kept on barking during that take, so not too much we could do with it, other than ADR, which I think would have ruined things. Then again, if this IS James Eubank (as shawneous suggests), then you would already know that, wouldn't you, lol? :grin:
AmbassadorTex, thanks for the review. I'm sorry 'the film didn't work for you at all'. It's a strong statement, but still one I respect, nonetheless, as well all have our own tastes & ideas. Even a couple of the other films I think are EXTREMELY strong contenders for the prize seem to be torn by those who love it & those who just don't get them. I don't believe there will ever be anything (ANYTHING) that will ever please all people at all times. And that's what makes life great ... diversity, different interests in different things, etc.
I am, however, a little perplexed about your mention of the cleavage shot, as it's obviously not intentional ... but I'm curious as to what you think 'parents' should wear? Other than turtlenecks, or a full (no low cut) top, I don't see anything out of line with what Rebecca's character was wearing (assuming you weren't referring to Reid or myself).
As far as the language, you have a point. But I've also got to admit I'm kind of a self proclaimed PG13 filmmaker, and once you start to throw in the F-Bomb, it can push into R territory ... someplace I said I'd never really have to go. I've always believed that you could tell a convincing story, with great dialogue, without the need to use swearing. I'm still convinced of that, though I do see where you're coming from.
Thanks again everyone for watching, and even more importantly for taking the time to post here in our thread! :beer:
Jazz Dog, I totally understand what it's like with that kind of schedule. Hey, if it ever works out, it'll work out. Look forward to it, if it does. :thumbsup:
<<JAE>>, good point. I've got to be honest ... that stinkin' dog of mine just kept on barking during that take, so not too much we could do with it, other than ADR, which I think would have ruined things. Then again, if this IS James Eubank (as shawneous suggests), then you would already know that, wouldn't you, lol? :grin:
AmbassadorTex, thanks for the review. I'm sorry 'the film didn't work for you at all'. It's a strong statement, but still one I respect, nonetheless, as well all have our own tastes & ideas. Even a couple of the other films I think are EXTREMELY strong contenders for the prize seem to be torn by those who love it & those who just don't get them. I don't believe there will ever be anything (ANYTHING) that will ever please all people at all times. And that's what makes life great ... diversity, different interests in different things, etc.
I am, however, a little perplexed about your mention of the cleavage shot, as it's obviously not intentional ... but I'm curious as to what you think 'parents' should wear? Other than turtlenecks, or a full (no low cut) top, I don't see anything out of line with what Rebecca's character was wearing (assuming you weren't referring to Reid or myself).
As far as the language, you have a point. But I've also got to admit I'm kind of a self proclaimed PG13 filmmaker, and once you start to throw in the F-Bomb, it can push into R territory ... someplace I said I'd never really have to go. I've always believed that you could tell a convincing story, with great dialogue, without the need to use swearing. I'm still convinced of that, though I do see where you're coming from.
Thanks again everyone for watching, and even more importantly for taking the time to post here in our thread! :beer:
AmbassadorTex
Active member
100% agreement on not being able to please everyone, differences, etc.
Didn't think that "didn't work for me at all" was that strong a statement in the context of many of the reviews here. Absolutely was not meant to even push the edge of whatever harshness threshold is expected here. Just trying to give an accurate summary of the effect of the things that took me out of a movie that I think I got, but that didn't connect with me. I meant the criticism as honestly as I mean the respect.
The costuming observation was actually prompted by my reaction to that final scene (which I wouldn't have called "cleavage shot" if I could've thought of a better way to identify it clearly). First time I watched - and I've seen your movie 4 times now - I kind of cringed, thinking "Bet they noticed and worried about *that* in the editing room." But then when watching again, I noticed that the costuming seemed designed to draw attention to the (uniformly attractive and fit) physiques of the actors.
As I said in the earlier post, though, the *only* reason this was a problem was because it distracted from the story - specifically the "sell" of the people as parents of a (8 or 9 year-old) child. Maybe it's just because the time limit forces you to make that "sell" so quickly before we have to see them in such emotionally charged parent situations. Then again, maybe I'm just out of touch with parent clothing, that's how people in other places dress, and I'm relying on dated "style-shorthand" for characters.
I'm with you on the PG-13 language...and I would have a very hard time putting the ol' F-bomb in my movie and probably would not agree to take a part that required me to say it. I'm in complete empathy with you about insisting that you can and should tell a convincing story with great dialogue with a minimum of swearing. That was the unfiltered writer part of me talking, and the suggestion was the most realistic thing that came to mind. I think it's a tough call for your story at that point. I wouldn't envy you attempting to change those lines and stay PG-13.
Didn't think that "didn't work for me at all" was that strong a statement in the context of many of the reviews here. Absolutely was not meant to even push the edge of whatever harshness threshold is expected here. Just trying to give an accurate summary of the effect of the things that took me out of a movie that I think I got, but that didn't connect with me. I meant the criticism as honestly as I mean the respect.
The costuming observation was actually prompted by my reaction to that final scene (which I wouldn't have called "cleavage shot" if I could've thought of a better way to identify it clearly). First time I watched - and I've seen your movie 4 times now - I kind of cringed, thinking "Bet they noticed and worried about *that* in the editing room." But then when watching again, I noticed that the costuming seemed designed to draw attention to the (uniformly attractive and fit) physiques of the actors.
As I said in the earlier post, though, the *only* reason this was a problem was because it distracted from the story - specifically the "sell" of the people as parents of a (8 or 9 year-old) child. Maybe it's just because the time limit forces you to make that "sell" so quickly before we have to see them in such emotionally charged parent situations. Then again, maybe I'm just out of touch with parent clothing, that's how people in other places dress, and I'm relying on dated "style-shorthand" for characters.
I'm with you on the PG-13 language...and I would have a very hard time putting the ol' F-bomb in my movie and probably would not agree to take a part that required me to say it. I'm in complete empathy with you about insisting that you can and should tell a convincing story with great dialogue with a minimum of swearing. That was the unfiltered writer part of me talking, and the suggestion was the most realistic thing that came to mind. I think it's a tough call for your story at that point. I wouldn't envy you attempting to change those lines and stay PG-13.
Mark Harris
Pain in the ass
One more thing, Norm that struck me re-watching this last night. I think that "Die-Hard" moment where she throws him the keys, weakens the piece. In a piece that is very real and tense, that moment feels a little to: "I'm going to get that mother-****er." A little too Mel Gibson. Know what I mean?
arielman
Well-known member
Hi Norm .
I wasn't sure what to expect from this at first BUT this was an excellent short . A powerful story and done well I think .
You are a talented man Norm . Your acting was very good and Rebeca I thought did an excellent job as well .
The only issue I have is after Eric beats that crap out of the guy and Eric is laying down near the couch ..There was a line or 2 that I felt( Eric) wasn't up to par .
I think everyone would react differently if they thought their child was with a Sex offender . Some may just flip and some would phone the police and let them handle that . I thought you did a nice job of of trying to convey concerned parents about their missing child ( Been there many , many years ago ) .
This I think would be hard story to do but you and Rebeca pulled it off .
2 thumbs up on this on this .
Ian
I wasn't sure what to expect from this at first BUT this was an excellent short . A powerful story and done well I think .
You are a talented man Norm . Your acting was very good and Rebeca I thought did an excellent job as well .
The only issue I have is after Eric beats that crap out of the guy and Eric is laying down near the couch ..There was a line or 2 that I felt( Eric) wasn't up to par .
I think everyone would react differently if they thought their child was with a Sex offender . Some may just flip and some would phone the police and let them handle that . I thought you did a nice job of of trying to convey concerned parents about their missing child ( Been there many , many years ago ) .
This I think would be hard story to do but you and Rebeca pulled it off .
2 thumbs up on this on this .
Ian
RebeccaD
Well-known member
AmbassadorTex said:
Just thought I would like to briefly address the cleavage issue.
The story called for us to go out and celebrate for dinner. My character changed into what we felt would be appropriate to go out for a nice meal at a more high end restaurant in our area. The family is supposed to be middle suburbia and into fashion, etc. I have a 10 and 7 year old and this is not an uncommon way for me to dress. That said, I think the only time cleavage was shown was when I was leaning down to stop Eric from beating up Bill. Yes, it was completely unintentional, though, and I did think, "oops," when I first saw that shot. Otherwise, I felt like the top was pretty understated. I am sorry it drew attention away from the meaning of the film for you, but I know Norm has already addressed that in depth as well. We appreciate any and all feedback! Thank you again!