"Love" a new short film by Ted Arabian

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Shooting on a stage definitely does have some advantages. Mix that with some outdoor scenes and you will fool us all.

The acting in this was was really good. So much so that it didn't seem like acting.

Nice work.

Mike

 

[Rodney V. Smith]

Nice entry dude. It was a good story and well filmed. Acting was great. One of my favorites and an awesome character study.

 

[Tom Marshall]

I can't believe I didn't comment on your short, Ted... I would have SWORN I did... :huh: My memory seems to worsen as time goes by...

First and foremost, really nice writing. The whole thing had a great story arc to it and really had something to day. Along with that, the characters had a strong spine to them as well. Nice job on the directing of their performances.

I would have to say she's a stronger actor than he is. But she did a very good job with her character.

The only thing I would say has been said before - it looked like a play was being filmed.

This is much better than your Spyfest entry though. You've come quite a way since that and I'm sure you'll keep getting better and better. :beer:

 

[artofsuntzu]

To everyone who has taken the time to write down and share your thoughts, I thank you so much!

-Ted

Well if it's not too late, beautiful short. Since I'm a bit of a control freak, I loved that you decided to shoot on a stage. Your control over the elements added a whole other tone that would've been missed on location. If you plan to expand on this approach, then I look forward to watching.

And nice camerawork. I guess without having to bump into that 4th (or even 1st) wall and being able to linger at the right angle, your camera was able to telegraph the character's subtext more effectively. Very nice.

I was struck by the contrasts. Even though the visuals had a dream-fantasy look, the story itself went to a more dark-raw place.

Great job.

 

[Ted Arabian]

The acting in this was was really good. So much so that it didn't seem like acting.

Nice work.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I really appreciate the acting compliments that are being received. It makes such a difference using such great talent!

I keep passing on these compliments to my actors. They are very pleased that their performances are being acknowledged.

One of my favorites and an awesome character study.

Thank you so much, Puck! I love a good character study piece. I am delighted that I could provide that.

Thank you for watching and reviewing.

First and foremost, really nice writing. The whole thing had a great story arc to it and really had something to day. Along with that, the characters had a strong spine to them as well. Nice job on the directing of their performances.
:beer:

Thanks Tom! It is always great to see your face on my thread!

I really appreciate the writing and story comments. I really focused on the storytelling aspect this time around. I am glad that it is being acknowledged.

And yes... I have grown. Largely in part to you all. And I hope that my work only get's better!

Well if it's not too late, beautiful short. Since I'm a bit of a control freak, I loved that you decided to shoot on a stage. Your control over the elements added a whole other tone that would've been missed on location. If you plan to expand on this approach, then I look forward to watching.

Thank you artofsuntzu! Never too late!!! I really appreciate the comments.

And yes, I do intend to explore this approach more. It was totally fun having the control and the space to move about. I can't wait to start working on the next film.

And nice camerawork. I guess without having to bump into that 4th (or even 1st) wall and being able to linger at the right angle, your camera was able to telegraph the character's subtext more effectively. Very nice.

This was such a great advantage! I could take the camera where ever I wanted! I even took it up onto the theatre grid and shot from way above. (that footage will be in the Director's Cut, however.)

I was struck by the contrasts. Even though the visuals had a dream-fantasy look, the story itself went to a more dark-raw place.

You are the first to mention this! Thanks. I knew that this film was going to be a sad film and a bit of a dark story. I intentionally went for the soft and dreamy contrast. I just loved the juxtaposition of it.

.......

Thank you all for the comments. The words are great encouragement as I venture forth in this craft.

Best to you all!

Thanks for watching,

-Ted

 

[Ted Arabian]

a little interlude as we wrap up the waning moments of Lovefest....

Courtesy of Tom Marshall.....

 

[jojopop]

Ted,

Sorry this post is getting in late, but just wanted to put my 2 cents in.

I really enjoyed the acting in this one. Felt very effortless, and I was really sucked in by Sheila's story. What she was able to convey as a character was very effective and it kept me engaged. You did a great job in pulling that performance out of Kelli so hats off to you.

I'd echo the thoughts on the look of the piece, but yeah, otherwise -- very nice piece!

 

[Noel Evans]

Ted,

Sorry this post is getting in late

Me too. But whats there left to say that hasnt been already said somewhere? Not much I'm afraid. So I will give you;

I really liked it overall, I sat watching, intrigued by the progression of particularly Sheila.

I think you could have finished it up when she put the money in the box. Those last few shots just kind of spealt out what I already knew.

Great job.

Noel

 

[Ted Arabian]

jojopop and Noel, Thanks! Never too late to hear from you guys!

I appreciate it!

I really enjoyed the acting in this one. Felt very effortless, and I was really sucked in by Sheila's story. What she was able to convey as a character was very effective and it kept me engaged. You did a great job in pulling that performance out of Kelli so hats off to you.

This is such a nice thing to hear! Thanks!!!


Noel, interesting suggestion... I guess I could have cut it there. But that whole take was a single shot and I didn't feel like cutting it. I actually did do some cuts but my preview audience (my wife!) really didn't like the jump cuts that resulted.

And since I wrote this to end with her stripping the bed, I kept it. But you are right. In hindsight, I could have easily cut it there.

So many things to think about.

I love all the comments, guys.

As I said, it is never too late to leave the feedback. It really helps!!!

-Ted

 

[Edgen]

Ted! Just wanted to drop in and say hey. Congrats on entering the fest and I enjoyed the show. In a weird way the lead actress was kinda hot. (considering my age difference) hehehe

Herman, dug the score man! It wasn't until the credits that I realized you did the music.

Looking forward to seeing your entry for the next fest. (assuming you are entering)

Cheers!
/j

 

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Ted this is a huge leap on all fronts - working with the actors, story, and tech. I was impressed and I enjoyed it.

Really engaging opening, and not because they were doing it, but because of how it was shot and the scoring … the score reminded me of Thomas Newman (American Beauty, Six Feet Under) which somehow seems to be a very commercial and polished sensibility, while being a little bit indie, and not overly sentimental – which would have killed this piece.

I would have preferred if the opening were shot in a way where she could have been topless but we didn’t see her breasts. Could have done it the same and cut to a closeup when she arches her head back for example and then back to the wide as she lays over him.

This is a simple story and works really well in that sense. Yet at the same time it maybe has too much icing on it. All of the crane work etc. Most of it works pretty well. But some of it seems gratuitous. For example. It’s necessary for the sadness and depth of the piece that she’s a bit older, i.e., 40ish? But you shoot her like she’s in her twenties or like she’s a Hollywood 40 (with personal trainers and surgery) with the slow crane shots of her body and getting dressed. She’s an attractive woman certainly, but those kind of erotic eye candy shots demand fashion magazine like perfection. Maybe I am totally missing the point and those shots are supposed to show her age etc. But they seemed designed to titillate and add production value when taken with everything else. So they seemed out of place.

Small nitpick – Find an exterior and cheat it for this interior. Maybe you did and cut it for time. But it would have really helped sell the world to see him leaving and heading towards his car from the outside, or see her in the window or something.

But all in all, you got great performance out of her and it was effective and got to me - made me feel something.

 

[Ted Arabian]

Ted! Just wanted to drop in and say hey. Congrats on entering the fest and I enjoyed the show. In a weird way the lead actress was kinda hot. (considering my age difference) hehehe

Herman, dug the score man! It wasn't until the credits that I realized you did the music.

Looking forward to seeing your entry for the next fest. (assuming you are entering)

Cheers!
/j

Thanks Justin! And congrats on the baby!!!

I would have preferred if the opening were shot in a way where she could have been topless but we didn’t see her breasts.

Yeah, me too. She was willing up until the day before the shoot. It wasn't worth making her feel uncomfortable to push it. Besides, I was nervous as hell about shooting the sex scene as the shoot approached. Now that I've gotten this "first experience" out of the way, I can relax a bit. (In fact, all nervousness was gone on the day of the shoot. I kept it so professional that it just seemed like work.)

This is a simple story and works really well in that sense. Yet at the same time it maybe has too much icing on it.... some of it seems gratuitous.

I whole heartedly agree! 100 percent! Even as I was cutting it, I was like... oh, dear. I am going to disappoint Barry G.! I really never meant to be so gratuitous. I was trying to create a lovely image. That in itself should have clued me in!

Small nitpick – Find an exterior and cheat it for this interior. Maybe you did and cut it for time. But it would have really helped sell the world to see him leaving and heading towards his car from the outside, or see her in the window or something.

This is a fascinating suggestion!!! No, I didn't shoot it. But what a great idea. Thanks for that idea. (I know, to most that may seem like a d'uh suggestion but it never crossed my mind. I love it.)

But all in all, you got great performance out of her and it was effective and got to me - made me feel something.

This is a great compliment. Thank you again, Jack! Your insights and shared knowledge are so appreciated!

-Ted

 

[Ted Arabian]

Really engaging opening, and not because they were doing it, but because of how it was shot and the scoring … the score reminded me of Thomas Newman (American Beauty, Six Feet Under) which somehow seems to be a very commercial and polished sensibility, while being a little bit indie, and not overly sentimental – which would have killed this piece.

Yes. Herman did a great job for me and delivered exactly what I requested. The guy is amazing!

I am a huge Herman Witkam fan!

 

[Kevin Lee]

Ted, absolutely fantastic job all around. Kelli was great, and a very sexy woman. Anthony fit his part perfect as well. You give many indy film makers something to shoot for in a film. I felt for her with her acting, facial expressions, and such. Great job Ted! In my top 3 for sure.

 

[Ted Arabian]

Thanks Kevin! I really appreciate the comments. And I love hearing that I am in your top 3!!! Woo Hoo!

I am really very pleased that both of my actors are getting such great attention. They did a fantastic job for me and I just couldn't be more pleased with their performances.

Thanks a lot!

-Ted

 

[Ted Arabian]

I wanted to kinda clarify a comment of mine that I made yesterday.

Whereas I do feel that the dressing scene may be gratuitous, I really did intend for it to have a purpose.

The camera shots of her going up and down her body were motivated by "her" feeling of sexiness and self-confidence... even at her older age.

"Shelia" is a woman who is a prostitute but she is reaching the stage of longing to have a "normal" life. Her careful and sensual dressing scene is meant to show her inner pride and self-worth of being a beautiful and sexy woman.

So, whether this worked or not, that was my intentions in writing and shooting that sequence.

I do have a lot to learn. And I did feel, after hours on the edit, that this was just "fluff." But in reality, there was a purpose I was trying to convey.

......

I really do enjoy the dialogue between filmmakers in sharing their thoughts and opinions. It really makes for such a great experience.

Thanks guys!

-Ted

 

[Bryce A]

Hey Ted, Great work!

I love how you casted an older woman in the role. it just helps to get the point across so much more effectively that someone younger. Man, really makes the ending sad.

I also enjoyed that opening shot. I'm sure you explain your rig in the thread, so I'll take a look for it.

My only real beef is the lighting. i would have liked it to be a bit darker in her room. For her profession and the candles, I thought it would have been nice if it were a tad moodier. Just my opinion.

Great work though, your a competent film maker.

Keep it up!

 

[conrad_johnson]

Hi Ted,

I liked this movie very much. It was the first one I watched.

Very nice use of color and texture, I can tell you thought alot about this. I feel that it's very important to think about such things and it gets overlooked too often, so, good work!

2 negitive things:

I think for the sexy stuff at the beginning, you could have used much more flattering light (primarily from one soft source)

And I would have liked to see the woman have more confidence/power with the man. I feel like he was in total power and I think it would have been more interesting if she held the power, then when he leaves, we see the breakdown.

Thanks,
-Joe

 

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Bryce and Joe, Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave feedback!


Bryce, The opening shot isn't really explained in my thread. The rig is pictured on a post with some BTS shots. (All links are on page #1 on this thread).

Basically, it is a jib shot down onto the couple in bed. While the camera was at it's highest position, I rotated (panned) the camera/jib while slowly descending on them.

Obviously, it was a tricky shot that took timing to get right, plus I had to be aware of when to stop the jib-down move so I didn't bonk my actress in the head! And I had to have her reach her "orgasm" when the camera hit its mark! Yep. A bit tricky. But it was worth doing because I do love the shot!

And I do agree about the lighting. You know, this filmmaking stuff is so tricky. I really wanted it to have a dimmer feel to it.

It is so hard to perform all the jobs that I was performing while having only 1 day to shoot. I did spend a few hours on the set just figuring out camera moves, camera placement and camera settings just so I wouldn't burn any time during the actual shoot. And I was pretty nervous about shooting with any less light. You know, you just don't want to risk losing the shots. And I have always read that you can safely "dim" the light in post but you can't really brighten it. I just didn't have the time to do CC and other "misc." things in post.

I hope to spend time doing some post production enhancements to this film utilizing the feedback that I have received.

btw, thanks for the observation on the older actress vs. younger actress. I really don't think that this story would work or be as effective from a younger prostitutes frame of mind. It really needs to come from a woman who has reached a point where everything that she wished and hoped for in life was now past.

......

Joe, interesting comment about the lighting as well. I will have to take a look at that shot see what you are "seeing."

And a very interesting comment about the characters. I felt that she had power but that she was trying to be the "loving wife" vs. the "professional" that she is. I would like to absorb this comment and try to understand your viewpoint here. Interesting.

......

I love all of the observations, comments and feedback here. You all have provided something for me to think about as I continue in this craft. I really do appreciate that! So much.

Even though the voting has completed, I hope that people feel free to leave comments and feedback. There are a few people (*cough*hint*cough*kholi) that I wanted to hear from.

Congrats to all who went out and made a film!

Thanks to all who watched and left comments.

Best,

Ted

 

[Arrik]

Ted, I finally got to see your film last night. Hope you wont mind the late comments...

Loved your set. I agree with the above comments on your casting choices. The way the story played out it seemed it was just another story about the average affair. Everything changed as soon as he threw the cash down. My perspective really took a swing on things. For example, I initially thought it distasteful to open with the sex scene. I though why dont we see much of this guy. I cant identify with him. I dont even remember how his face looks like. Obviously, all of this was brought to perspective when we find out she is a pro. These choices changed from what I thought to be bad choices to great choices. To see "Love" from her point of view was an interesting take. Solid concepts.

I thought you had nice colors going on as well.

My only criticism would be with what seemed to be gratuitous movement. Alot of nice looking jib work in the first half but not sure if all of it was necessary. I see you have mentioned your motivation behind it, but as a viewer I thought I'd mention it looked cool but didnt think ALL were better choices than say a static shot.

Great job. Good luck to you, sir.