Envision & RebeccaD Present "Where Silence Falls"

Envision said:
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!
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I'm glad you liked the Gunshot. I spent waaaaay too long trying to find a sound that I liked (anyone ever done that? ha ha). then I tweaked it waaay too long. just goes to show how subjective filmmaking can be - one guy hated it and said it sounded more like a staple-gun!

yes, the gun-flash effect was done live, on set. very low-tech, but I guess it worked!

thanks for watching; I'd love to hear what you thought about the rest of my film. when I saw your BTS video, I was thinking of throwing in the towel - "how can I compete with these guys? - I'm shooting on my lunchbreak with a crew of 1 (me); they've got monitors and high-def and catering and audio and steadycams and . . .etc."

but it's not really a competition to me, it's more of a filmmaker's workshop. we learn from each other much more than we can learn on our own. this was my first film ever, so I'm learning in the field and from the other films in the fest.

I wanna see Where Silence Falls if/when you get the frame-rate issue resolved. I edited in 29.9 (don't ask) and had similar problems. oh well.

:violin:ok, I'm done.
 
Thanks for the additional feedback, folks. I'll respond in more depth later this evening, but just wanted to take a quick peek on a FAST break I've got between meetings.

That said, I can at least confidently update that I won't be able to do the next festival (SpyFest). Just too much going on to be able to focus on that, the way I would want to, while trying to get a feature film production off the ground.

Rebecca, however, I'm assuming will be available, and those of you who are smart should try to snatch her up right away for your films, if she's willing! :thumbsup:
 
I already have a script mapped out for Rebecca. She is a Russian spy who much infiltrate a strip-club, go way undercover, get really into it, and this puts stress on her relationship at home with her 3 female lovers...that's just the basic premise, I'm still fleshing it out...:)
 
Mark Harris said:
I already have a script mapped out for Rebecca. She is a Russian spy who much infiltrate a strip-club, go way undercover, get really into it, and this puts stress on her relationship at home with her 3 female lovers...that's just the basic premise, I'm still fleshing it out...:)
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thats sounds really good.
 
Mark Harris said:
I already have a script mapped out for Rebecca. She is a Russian spy who much infiltrate a strip-club, go way undercover, get really into it, and this puts stress on her relationship at home with her 3 female lovers...that's just the basic premise, I'm still fleshing it out...:)
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pun intended?

No doubt this will be a "research-intensive" film, right?
 
Mark Harris said:
I already have a script mapped out for Rebecca. She is a Russian spy who much infiltrate a strip-club, go way undercover, get really into it, and this puts stress on her relationship at home with her 3 female lovers...that's just the basic premise, I'm still fleshing it out...:)
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Hahahahaha! Sounds very intriguing indeed, Mark. LOL.:beer:
 
RebeccaD said:
Hahahahaha! Sounds very intriguing indeed, Mark. LOL.:beer:
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just kidding. If I were in Seattle, or operating out of LA, a little closer, I would LOVE to read you for a spyfest film. Your work in "Where Silence Falls" was top notch. :beer:
 
Mark Harris said:
just kidding. If I were in Seattle, or operating out of LA, a little closer, I would LOVE to read you for a spyfest film. Your work in "Where Silence Falls" was top notch. :beer:
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Thank you very much. I thoroughly enjoyed Katrina and would be honored to be in a project with you as well! You really set the bar high, here and I like that.
 
I'm trying to dig my way through all 30-odd flicks, with this being about number eight, but I couldn't resist pitchin' in....

What I've learned so-far: while a multitude of commercial and sociological factors have converged to allow anyone with a good eye, talent and some tenacity to make a film that looks "near hollywood", I'm finding that weak performances or characters that just don't "look & sound hollywood" jerk me right out of the experience. Likewise, a good performance will always suck me in, regardless of any amatuer-hour lighting or sound.

That said, my hat's off to Rebecca's chops & Norm's direction for crafting such an ASS KICKIN' performance. Engaging and affecting, I bought it 100%. RebeccaD, my experience is that it takes a lot of smarts, introspection, and life-experience to pull off that level of creative realization, and that those qualities are often hard-earned... keep it coming!

Norm's performance was one of the better male leads I've seen thus far, but he didn't seem to inhabit his character to R's level -- though I'd be interested in seeing what he can do concentrating on just the "front side" of the camera.

Pretty dang spotless on the tech side; lights, audio, color all well done (I didn't catch any interlaced-issues), with some solid framing and blocking. And that dolly shot with the basketball was da sh*t, wasn't it folks?

"Oops, I'm watching a movie moment": Norm's multiple punches on the neighbor looked fakefakefake... next time, stack a pile of carpet scraps or something down there and really HIT 'em.

Hope my enthusiastic appreciation is evident... I'm the pickiest critic I know, and when it comes to "constructive criticism" on-line, I always fear coming off as a jerk... so when I finally post something, I hope you all will tear me a new one! I promise to listen good.

Congrats to Norm and Co. for a job well done--MC
 
AmbassadorTex, no worries. It seemed a strong statement at the time, as I'd not read that in our thread yet, but I appreciate your going further in depth with regards to what you meant. As for the clothing, it is a really reasonable top, and only showed the cleavage when leaning forward, as the character did, again something that happens frequently with women, though they may not intend for it to happen. Many times women are aware of when they need to hold their hand there to keep their top from opening up, etc., but this is obviously not a time for her to consider such things, as her husband tears apart their neighbor. :)

For the PG13 stuff, cool to hear you're in agreement, and see where I'm coming from. Again, however, what you said would totally make sense, and is likely pretty realistic ... just something I choose to leave out of my films, which you understand.


Mark Harris, I can see where you're coming from on the beats with the key toss/throw, but we specifically put that in there as that's when the story begins to kick into gear with regards to tempo. If you look, it's about 1/3 into the timeline, so we can kind of call that the end of the first act, and beginning of the second .... so this is where the film changes pace, anxiety begins to build, and that 'toss me the keys' starts it off.


Ian (arielman), thanks for watching & glad you enjoyed it! I'd have to agree with you on those lines you're talking of. It was getting tough for me, as the Producer side of me was saying "Hurry up, we have to get out of this house!", so with the schedule weighing on me by the end of that first day, I'm sure I was having a more difficult time getting the lines/emotion across the way I originally envisioned.


preston, my first film was pretty much all by myself as well, so I know where you're coming from. At this point, I'd say one of the things I've been able to develop really well is the Producing side of it. Finding those with talent in specific areas to buy into your vision of what you're wanting, and getting them all to work well together & have fun at the same time! If it weren't for all of these people, the film wouldn't be 1/10 of what it is now.

So for your next film, concentrate on networking with others that are like minded as yourself & want to make a film! :)

Getting over to yours & some other threads now.
 
Hi Norm

Technically this was a fantascially well-made short film. A minor point out of the way- the ending was predictable; apart from that this was really well handled.

It looked great and you used the grip equimpent to really nice effect. Such an improvment over the last fest entry in my opinion (REM). You kept all that was good about your last short and built upon it here with a believable and tight structure. There was nothing really wrong with REM but it does seem like you really learnt from it and have produced a major leap from that.

I thought Rebecca was very good in this, maybe because she had more to get her teeth into emotionally. The script was tight and well-paced too.

For me, (and its just personal taste) it didnt quite have that compelling 'draw' as some of the other entries which is why I wouldnt quite say my top 5; but for sure it's just outside that.
 
Yet again you raise the bar - Performances from Rebecca (like the new hair!) and Norm (Surprised me you ole dog) - top notch. Look overall was smooth and well handled. Like John said I too want you guys out-of-the-neighbourhood. Only shot I felt wasn’t needed was the second-cut on the punches, think your third shot looking from behind and outside was much better. Good subject matter and nice twist. Well done guys, Norm and Rebecca are making quite a team nowadays. Keep up the good work. I like what I'm seeing.
Why was the sound soooo low?

Or by-the-way one word springs to mind - Natural.
J.P.
 
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jpbankesmercer said:
Yet again you raise the bar - Performances from Rebecca (like the new hair!) and Norm (Surprised me you ole dog) - top notch. Look overall was smooth and well handled.
by-the-way one word springs to mind - Natural.
J.P.
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Thanks J.P. This was a very fun short for us and we enjoyed watching it come to life on the screen. Hair was pretty much the same from REM, I just had it back in a ponytail for most of that short. Thank you for the compliment. :)
 
hey envison my time to chime in here lol, i liked the movie lot very good, have question about the phones i see one on the counter yop when rebbeca is pacing back forth but she talking on a cell phone every other time ithink there aboo boo there, as far as the acting when rebbeca yell ascream about the neighbor being sex offender felt it was little forced , but the rest of her acting great as far as yours norn u act good i paid attention to you facial expression they were correct to me and u did not over act or did u acting feel forced to me, and im fine with rebbeca going back forth pacing and the diissolves looked fine to me cinematograpy was very excellent, andi see ur point with letting the viewers imagine it there child not showing the picture make them put a mental pictureo f thereown child or ur brother sister neice or nephew etc i agree with what u did norm great film thanx for giving us this great work and i liked the behind the scene also

peace n luv

Mark Dog
 
Envision said:
Michael Carter, thank you SO much for the great review & kudos! Carpet padding - Check! :thumbsup:
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Y'know, I won't be able to shoot a thing until later spring (too busy -- careful whatcha wish for), but I've been so inspired by DramaFest that I wrote a SpyFest script.

In fact, I wrote it specifically picturing RebeccaD as the lead, but if she's already got a spyfest date, I'll toss it into the ring for anyone who 'd consider shooting it. First Dibs -- D... next dibs -- anyone close to Dallas (would love to pop in on the set). After that, I'll just leave it on the urinal at DVX the bus station.

This is assuming, of course, that ANYone would even be interested (but they do beg for scripts over in the scriptwriting thread...)

Members, take a look and share your thoughts? Download the PDF here:

http://www.mcarterphoto.com/spyfest/

Thanks folks-- been enjoying the films -- MC
 
Can't say much more than the past 72 pages, excellent job! Great music, great acting and great plot. I really liked it!
 
Back from Miami again, and it's taken me a day or two to recover & now to catch up on the thread. With voting deadlines today, it'll be interesting to see how the festival results come out ... here's hoping for the best! :thumbsup:

Darkline, thanks for the feedback. I understand where this story may not have grabbed you as much as some others, and that will always be the case. Thankfully, and this seems to be supported, we still believe we created a story that would still have fairly wide mass appeal. Also appreciate what you have to say with regards to the improvement(s) over REM. I can't honestly say how much we learned from REM, however, as that was truly a LAST MINUTE entry just to get something into the festival & test out the HVX (as well as introduce Rebecca); so the time, energy, and emotion spent on that project was really nothing in comparison to what we put into WHERE SILENCE FALLS. However, glad you liked the pace of the script, as well as the technical achievements with this film.


jpbankesmercer said:
Yet again you raise the bar ... Only shot I felt wasn’t needed was the second-cut on the punches, think your third shot looking from behind and outside was much better. Good subject matter and nice twist. Well done guys, Norm and Rebecca are making quite a team nowadays. Keep up the good work. I like what I'm seeing.
Why was the sound soooo low?

Or by-the-way one word springs to mind - Natural.
J.P.
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J.P., Thank you! Glad you loved the performances, and that you see the teamwork ... she's a great collaborator with regards to the creative input/talent, and is picking up the tech stuff along the way as well. As far as the sound being so low, I'm not really quite sure. I even had to pull back the section where she finally breaks down & screams/cries because it was redlining the audio bars so much, but most everything else was either boosted a tad, or left alone, sounding fine on this end.


Mark Dog, great to hear you liked the behind the scenes, and the entire film in general. Thanks for the feedback, and especially that you liked my facial reactions/acting! :grin: I find it interesting that some are finding Rebecca's cry/scream scene a little forced, as it was the most natural of the takes & STILL gives me chills when I watch it (for the 100th time) because it just seems so incredibly real to me. If I could do it again, I would still use that take, and would have still encouraged her to do the performance that exact same way. Oh, and for the phone, if you're talking about what I THINK you are, then NICE catch!! I litterally had to frame through it just now to see the placement of where she put the phone down (after my character entered & has the keys thrown to him) vs. when she picks up the cell phone. They are clearly in different spots, and the cell phone is not next to the home phone when she initially puts it down. That said, there COULD be a passage of time between those smash cuts, but it's not clearly defined & wasn't our intention anyway. So again, nice catch there. We got to a point that we were looking for every second to cut from the film to meet the 6 minute mark, so we cut out the extra 2-3 seconds at the beginning of the clip where she was picking up the home phone first, then puts it back down & decides to use her cell phone (due to number being programmed, speed dial, or whatever).


Michael Carter, VERY cool of you (and super flattering to Rebecca) that you would write a script with her in mind for the role. At this point, as already mentioned, I'm not planning to enter SpyFest, but that's just me & I'm not speaking for Rebecca at all. I rec'd your e-mail of the script, and look forward to getting you some feedback on it soon.


kylelewis1, :dankk2:
 
Darkline, ... I understand where this story may not have grabbed you as much as some others, and that will always be the case. Thankfully, and this seems to be supported, we still believe we created a story that would still have fairly wide mass appeal.
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Dog I find it interesting that some are finding Rebecca's cry/scream scene a little forced, as it was the most natural of the takes & STILL gives me chills when I watch it (for the 100th time) because it just seems so incredibly real to me. If I could do it again, I would still use that take, and would have still encouraged her to do the performance that exact same way.

... That said, there COULD be a passage of time between those smash cuts, but it's not clearly defined & wasn't our intention anyway. So again, nice catch there.
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Come on Sanders ! Let people have an opinion. :undecided
 
I thought this was very well done.

Acting/story/cinematography/direction/music. Everything seemed to work.

Pretty damn good...and number 2 on my list.

I think this stands as proof that if you keep at something long enough...you will eventually improve. Truthfully....I used to doubt whether or not you could make a good film. Your previous films all looked good...sounded good...and were for the most part enjoyable......but the execution didn't seem right. They didnt feel like a real film.

However...with this one you finally got it....at least for me.

Anyway...nice work.
 
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