COUNTDOWN: Epic Action Film (60+ People)

Let me just say, first, that I did not expect a movie of this quality when I first encountered the thread. While your smoke effects and weapons looked fantastic in the grabs, I was very concerned for the acting and numerous other elements that would tag along with a high school level production.

That being said, while your production value was considerably high, there were several issues that still needed to be reworked, IMO. The biggest things that stood out for me were the muzzle flashes, the acting, and (on the more technical side) the aspect ratio... perhaps that was google video's fault, but I didn't want to download a huge 400+ mb file, especially since I don't belong to any of those upload sites you listed. (Also, if you have any questions about using Quicktime h.264 compressions, shoot me a PM or search the site... it's a MUCH better idea to compress using Quicktime than Windows Media. WMV is awful, if you ask me. Truly awful.)

I'm sorry that this review is short, and I really really want to get a full one churned out by the end of the week. You guys did a very good job! You should be proud! Get this into festivals!!
-Kyle
 
Hi Derrek. Oh thought you were referring to the visual effects haha. I got them off games (Not CS) and some other sources. If you want some I could send em to you. PM me if you like.

Thanks for the review Kyle. To be honest, I've tried using the acclaimed h.264 compressor but it somehow doesnt work for me. It either comes out too large (2 GB one time) and or its someone reproduced in 4:3 aspect ratio. Speaking of ratios, yes Google Vid does automatically make the film 4:3 for some random reason. Could you help me out with compression?

Yeah we'll probably go the festival route after/ IF *Fingers crossed* we get an original music score for this film. Are there any particular festivals that you would recommend we could possibly send this film into?
 
well I must say I am surpirsed with the level of energy you have put in to this film as being a asian cinema lover and hope to bring to my films, I was very excited to see this/

With that being said wow with four directors and well excuted film by student film (17 year old, high school?) You did a very good job with the kinetic energy you put in this film. The question is who is the true director I must ask like who is the supervisiing director? Im impressed with your work and at your age you know how to build on plot just keep working on it.

Your work was a reminder of Infernal Affairs, 24, Breaking News and Shiri roled up into one. I appluade you on your efforts and you have made me a fan and I can't wait to see your next film.

Work on your Sound design, Shots(good shots already but study shots from films Infernal Affiars Series is wonderfully shot study it like a bible...), and forced acting (while the acting was good just sometimes over the top but thats ok)

Great job Im a Fan :)
 
Is there a new link for the bloopers video? I'm downloading the film file now, looking forward to checking it out.
 
I'll get BLT to find a new link. We've got a temporary link up, but its Singapore based, so it'll likely be very slow for you to download, in lieu of the recent earthquake which cut our internet connections to the rest of the world. Thanks for checking it out, and do post your thoughts once you've seen the video. You can check out the google video link as well for the bloopers anyway...
 
I gotta say, man - I wasn't liking it at first cuz I had no idea what was going on, but once it picked up, I loved it. Absolutely amazing for a high school production. The action sequences in the 20+ minute marks were sweet. The acting could have been better obviously, but given the fact that you guys are in Singapore doing a movie entirely in English, it's perfectly understandable.
 
Hey Nathyn, the film is pending submission into competitions, but we just need to get original music for it. I believe Brian is working on that. And for CMC, English is our first language....Singapore isn't in China.
 
Wow,
that must have taken so much coordination and everything. Did you guys just use a strobe in conjunction with the muzzle flashes? Are you guys using airsoft weapons or where you using paintball weapons? I'd assume that you weren't allowed realies.

Terry
 
We used airsoft. We did have a strobe on hand for some of the muzzle flashes, but the bulk of it was composited in post using footage overlay in adobe premiere
 
Big up for ur props and everything..commitment right there...very believable with the whole press scene..i like that!! One thing though ..sometimes the character overact abit but let that be it, none of u were pros anyways..all in all very good but one tip..if ur trying to make another action flick or well basicallly any movie, u shud try to get ur hands on magic bullet or Andrew Kramers Film Magic Pro for the hollywood movie look alike..and definitely learn how to use After Effects..it can do wonders trust me o n that!!
 
Hey reel, we actually had magic bullet, and we used some of the grading suites from within the programme, but yeah i'd really like to learn how to use after effects effectively.
 
The fake looking gun shots ruin the whole movie. Other than that the production value looks pretty good for 2 days of shooting and for a bunch of kids in high school. Nice
 
I agree with the point that the vfx on the gunshots could improve..
And acutally, I have decided to sit down and re-edit the vfx..
Could anyone coach me on how I go about making the gunshot more realistic. I've got affect effects but I do not know how to use it (I always use premiere and photoshop tho)

So if anyone could give me a detailed guide i would be greatly and sincerely grateful. I bet with proper gunshot vfx, Countdown will look awesome.

Cheers
David
 
That was pretty good! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: But i saw you man... in a reflection at *8.47* look in the class, try not to let that happen it could ruwin your film... for the rest good one
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top