"Blind Date" by TheComo, Kegan Sant & John Labonney

Congrats on getting your movie done Robbie. Any war stories to share?

What settings did you use for your CC? Looks great.
 
Not sure what settings were on the A1.

In post, I added the following:

-Tint
-Color corrector (crushed blacks a tad (I know, odd), and I think I brought up the whites and the mid tones)
-Added a vignette
-Soft focus
I think I added one more, but I forget lol. I'm at school right now so I can't check.

Any war stories? We didn't bring a tape, and I couldn't figure out how to get both channels on, on the A1. Nothing big.

We didn't have an actress, she bailed. So we had to call up a mom quicktime. She wasn't the best actor, but she did the job good enough.

More info on the war stories are in this thread a couple pages ago.
 
Just a clarification, the person's mom didn't do a "good enough job", but it was sort of "take what you get" kind of scenario. Granted, she wasn't an actress and she doesn't know much about acting; she was just a little too calm for the role we had her play.

-Kegan
 
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!

REVIEW:

Just watched it! Nice work. I really liked some of your shots and the look of the film. The music was simple but nice. I also thought that the acting was pretty good as well. I did think that he learned to read sign language a little too fast but that's nitpicking a bit.

Oh, and so and so's Mom did just fine.

I'll be back later.

Cheers!

Mike
 
BLIND DATE -- SPOILER ALERT -- CHANGE YOUR POSTER

It's improper and discredits your story COMPLETELY. You should change it or just not have one because the story in this is one of the most genuine stories ever exhibited in a DVXuser fest.

Dunno who wrote, but this is a strong GENUINE entry. The writing outshines everything here, and I'm sure with a little bit more time and effort (not to say that there wasn't LOTS of effort put in) shortcomings such as acting and overall execution could've been better. Just know that this is a good piece that exhibits the ability of crew/production to sew together an even entry on all fronts.

The story, Robbie and Kegan, is a really good one. It's very genuine and by that I say that it's "felt". You have managed to create character in the matter of six minutes and a solid predicament to drive the viewer toward wondering how this situation will turn out. The dialogue wasn't too bad, I think that a lot of it was a bit on the nose, sometimes plastic (mostly the friend on the phone) BUT at the same time it serves it's purpose in that it reveals feelings, intentions, reservations and humanity. I don't know if I agree with the cards at the end. In fact, the shot you ended on is enough; no need to beat me over the head with what I already assumed happen. However, there's a character arc and EVERYTHING. Very VERY nice. The writing here outshines everything.

But that's not to say that the image was displeasing. I do question the choice to mute tones and go with a sepia hue. It's not a bad one, I just wonder "why"? What was the motivator? In the future I could see moving the camera around, finding frames that get more intimate or just not standing in one place so much could benefit moving the short along visually. If we sit in one place too long, especially one without the benefit of outstanding art direction, it begins to feel drawn out and long. Don't be afraid to move the camera, though still know what you're going for.

Shots like the spaghetti pot were a relief to see. I unconsciously (realized it after) eased up when that hit.

Hits hits hits. Music. Sound. The Audio was great. I think my only gripe was the actual score. It felt a little too "PBS" special. I think that it also helps to feel like the piece is dragging along although it really isn't. Is there another choice? Do you feel like you could benefit from a different score? I dunno, just asking the question to get the mind stirring on how music effects the performance of the overall short.

Peformances, as well! I know that, on a budget, finding the best actors just isn't possible. It's okay. You're okay here. The Blind/Deaf female portrayed her character quite well. Uhm, I hope she isn't blind/deaf cause then I would feel bad about that statement. Acting? The weakest here but enough to drive home the feeling.

Good entry, you two. Como you get a lot of flack on DVXuser but it's all in good spirit. Trust me, I get it too. :D

Keep goin!!! Lookin' forward to another well-written short with great execution from all the learnin' you're gonna get in the feedback.

Thanks for exhibitin'.
 
Thanks Kholi. You came on me hard, but I like the criticism. Now if you'll excuse, I'm going to go cry.

Kidding :)

Thanks though, I appreciate it.
 
I think we have an official Love Fest Quote. "You came on me hard, man."

Como, that wasn't my intent. It's a good piece. Not being brash or rude or anything, just givin' ya the typical "me" review. =D
 
Thanks a lot Kholi - much of what you said was entirely accurate and to the point. I appreciate the critiscm and will implement it in the next fest for sure.

Glad to have taken part,

Kegan
 
Well done! A good original story, a nice message without being preachy, I like it! It did have a little of that "After School Special" feel to it, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Most importantly, it had some real emotion, which is not easy for many filmmakers.
My main critique would be the ending shot felt weak: the waiter drops off two glasses of water on the table, "There you go." Fade out. Title cards. Perhaps the last shot of the film (before the title cards) should have focused on the fact that your main actors had finally come together, despite the obstacles he thought were overwhelming at first. As George "the Man" Lucas has said, "The most important shots of any film are the first and last."

Good job!
 
Nice work.The 2nd phone conversation was a little on the nose for my taste, but the story was nice. Shots and audio were good, and I did like his conversation with the interpreter at the end. The ending title cards almost made it seem like just cutting the rest of the story out, I think ending on a moment of him starting to see what a nice girl she really is would've been better, possibly as simple as moving in tighter on him for the last shot.
 
So.....

I was pleasantly surprised by this. I thought you could have gone without the titles at the beginning, perhaps switching them out with something a bit simpler, but from then on out, you did good. The scene with them at dinner the first time for example, lets just say I have never felt more awkward in my entire life. I wanted it to end. Fast. Haha, for once, that's a very good thing. I also was surprised how well you transitioned from comedy to something a bit more serious. You also had some nice moments, the paper coming out of the printer for one.

Shots were well composed, but I think someone questioned you earlier on this. I don't feel like the look of the film really goes with the story. It looks good, but I don't know how well things like soft focus went with the story.

Some of the lighting could use some work as well. A good example of this being when he's knocking on the door of her house. If you were to just look at that situation, I would sorta guess...okay. Chances are light is coming from some sort of porch light. The cheapest, easiest way to do this would probably just be a china ball overhead or off to the side. I can't really see the rest of it, but just look at what light is around you and ask how you can simulate that with what you've got. From what you've got going on here it looks like his car headlights are just pointed at his front door, not the best way to tell her your sorry ;)

As I got towards the end, I was really starting to like it, things were going good for you. But I felt like the title cards at the end were just saying too much. As suggested before, maybe just end on a shot of him smiling. Don't worry about that other stuff, we'll figure it out!

Overall, awesome job. I really enjoyed this film.
 
Last edited:
Damnit Robbie.

I proud of you.

Damn proud of you.

Let's all just take a moment and reflect on the fact that Robbie is still in high school I think and he's made an honest well put together movie that stands up against entries made by people twice his age with 100X's his experience.

Couple that with the fact that he couldn't figure out how to use the search function or which end of the camera to point at the actors when he came here and this film is doubly astounding. :D

Well done my young friend you've made a movie that holds its one in one of our best fests ever in terms of over all quality.

The performances were pretty good over all. I had no problem with the "mom" that had to fill in for the translator. I thought she was dry and understated and did a good job.

In fact I'm surprised that you and your actors got that so well. The performances are fairly natural and understated by in large as film performances should be.

I also found this to be on of the most touching pieces so far. It was moving when the sort of "who gives a crap about anyone else" teen printed out the ASL vocab sheet.

Nicely done. Competition is stiff in this fest. But at the very least, I think you've earned a new username. I'll speak to Jason about it. Keep being cool and making films like this and you will go a long way on this forum and beyond.

You are in high school right? You have to ... have to enter this in some young filmmaker contests.

I have to curse one last time. Damnit well done, son.

EDIT: Just looking at your credits and seeing I need to spread the praise around a bit more. Hats of to Kegan for fine work with a young cast and excellent work all around.
 
i've always had The Como's back and was impressed by how quickly he picked things up. and should anyone forget, my user title was a phrase I first used defending him from detractors.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top