Aspiring Director

A

ALopez

Member
Hey guys, so I just found this site a few days ago and finally decided that I should make a profile. Here's a little bit of info about me...

I am a recent highschool graduate, deeply passionate about telling stories. Early on in my life, I didn't exactly know what I wanted to do, but still loved to create. Even before I knew what directing was, I started drawing comic books in 5th grade (though I've never read a comic in my life!) because I loved how I could show my stories to other people. I guess you could call it my first experience with story-boarding haha :). Then from then til I hit high-school, I rarely got a chance to mess around with my parents' cheap camera, but loved this new median to tell my stories. You should have seen my first "movies"... Toys being dragged by string along with some crazy angles haha...

Anyways, I started taking video classes in 9th grade, but it wasn't until my junior year in high-school where I really was able to pick up a camera and shoot what I wanted. Though my teacher taught us squat, he gave us so much freedom that I was just constantly learning with each crappy video made after the other. This is when I knew that this was what I wanted to do. Ever since then, I've been studying as much as possible online and filming as much as possible though I currently do not even own any of my own equipment. I mainly have to beg, borrow, or steal to get something finished... (Just kidding about that last one)

So that's how I got started in filming in a nutshell. I am the type that appreciates everything, from the smallest bug to the tallest skyscraper. I think this is one thing that separates me from the rest of young filmers coming out now, who knows. It seems the rest of them only care about guns. :laugh:
I have a pretty unique (at least I think) view on life, since I was born in California, raised in Pennsylvania, and now living in Utah.
With hardly a budget, and rare availability of decent equipment, I try and do what I can, when I can. My passion is film making, and I try my best to make the ordinary into the extraordinary! I try and make my films as original as possible, and try and steer clear of the "special-effect" movies that the average critic likes. Now don't get me wrong. I LOVE VFX but only if it helps to translate the story and not used as eyecandy to promote the movie. To me, character development and a story that makes you think are the 2 most important aspects of a movie. I am not one of those over-analyzing film viewers. I've learned to just watch and appreciate. I like to think that my stories are unique, but maybe thats just me haha. Though I am most interested in directing, I think it would still be awesome to get a job as a cameraman and an editor, as well...

Anyways, that's a little bit about me. Now that we got that outta the way, I was wondering if any of you could take a look at my latest short film, Taste Of Loneliness, and let me know what you think about it. Created at the ripe age of 17, about 6 months ago, I appreciate any and ALL honest criticism. Also, if you could let me know if you think I have what it takes to pursue this dream successfully, that would be great also. I am going to continue this no matter what, but its just nice to hear some opinions.

Thanks!


Here's the youtube version of Taste Of Loneliness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NcZEf8eaT4
Better version (IMO) can be found here: http://www.bigstar.tv/demo-reel/258
And just for the heck of it, here is my latest director showreel created in August: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZOUDaTwSNg&feature=channel

So ya, thanks everyone and I look forward to being a part of this community!
 
Whoa, wow. So many things wrong, on so many levels, yet such an extremely credible effort and beginning. Definitely a cut above so many of the early efforts shared here. Congratulations.

First, Thanks for sharing the initial biography. It really helps knowing where you're coming from. As a high school student, most here will grant you a pass on the copyright/trademark issues - just be very aware that won't hold going forward. Without knowing what you had to work with equipment wise, you also get a pass on a lot of the more technical aspects, with one major exception. Get a tripod !!!

The one initial big thing that would improve this - redo the audio. To my mind the single weakest component, and with no dialogue, the easiest to correct.

You have many excellent scenes - enough that the few poorer (is that a word) ones stand out. More time in the bay would not be out of order. You have a good piece, taking time to polish it would not be wasted.

A few of the scenes stretch the user's credibility somewhat. Example - as she stands on the corner waiting for him - if we can see her so clearly, how is it she doesn't see him? Some very minor clipping can fix this.

Pacing and story development could be better - conversely, the fact they're this good brings attention to it. You obviously have skills - I'd encourage you to continue to develop/pursue them.

I saw mention of Provo, Utah and recent high school graduate. Not exactly a hotbed of cinema development, but every place has a story or thirty. Don't get discouraged. These forums have an incredible wealth of information for the taking from all over the planet.

Once again, welcome, thanks for sharing, and best wishes . Looking forward to seeing more.
 
More thoughts. (Can't believe I'm stuck on this).

One of the things that impressed me most - You chose to tell a story within your capabilities.

No 12 year old SWAT Teams.
No absurdly choreographed fight scenes
No Belchfire 6000 autoloaders with 10 million round magazines
No werewolf blood feasts.

You mentioned cameraman or editor aspiring to director. Tough billing in Provo. As a thought, have you considered writing.

No film ever gets made without a story (OK - some here will take exception to that. Lets say none SHOULD get made . . . )

It's the one most essential part of this industry that requires no crew, no budget, very little equipment, can be done almost anywhere, and requires arguably the most talent.

Just a thought .

It seems the rest of them only care about guns. :laugh:
Click to expand...

LMAO. :beer:
 
pixelated said:
Whoa, wow. So many things wrong, on so many levels
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What? For a high school student this is eons beyond where I was at the time. I wouldn't worry too much about copyrighted music at this point in filmmaking. Just have fun and be inspired by whatever you love!

Great photography. I think pixelated does bring up a good point that many of the shots could be improved with a tripod. But I also felt you developed a sort of floaty, dreamlike feel in many of the sequences with handheld. So if it was a creative decision I say well done.

Just keep doing it :)
 
You are to be congratulated for your film...especially since mostly done with visuals and narration. You are on the right path. Keep writing and shooting. Today's digital equipment makes it easy to be a filmmaker no matter where you live...location is not relevant anymore...maybe provides you access to more talent, but talent will go where the action is.

Just a few small things.
1. Since he decides to simply leave her without telling her it is a tragic story. The audience likes things wrapped up and in this case they were left hanging. Sure there are films that don't wrap things up and it all depends on what reaction you want from them...but if you want the majority on your side then the breakup could be resolved. In Witness the ending breakup was resolved.
2. If you do decide to keep it the way it is...then maybe he watches from a different location so she cannot see him. The way it is now she would run after him since she is looking right at him. I wondered why she didn't chase after him. Maybe shoot a shot wth him looking at her from behind.
3. Tighten things up a bit.

Keep moving forward.
 
I'm a cynical old curmudgeon, but...

you don't really need a "showreel."

You need a "show."

Or else I really don't give a damn. I don't think I'm alone on this one.
 
you don't really need a "showreel."

You need a "show."

Great response. 100% on the money. Make the films you want to make and roll the dice. Don't listen to most of us...what the heck do we know?

As William Goldman said, "Nobody knows anything."
 
First of all, I'd just like to say wow haha. I didn't even think I was going to get this much of a response, but hey, its great that I got all these different POVs. Thanks for taking the time to read and watch "Taste Of Loneliness", I appreciate it.
Now I'm gonna try and reply to each of you guys...

pixelated:
Thanks for the support. Anyways, about the music and logo copyright issues, I've looked into it since then. All of my work since then has had no copyright issues whatsoever. I make sure that there's nothing in the frame anymore that could get me in trouble, and I am now collaborating with an online composer. So yeah, I've learned since then ;)
About the audio, I realize that it could be better, but I have decided to call this project finished. Not only have the original files been deleted for space, but I don't want to re-export it, knowing that the quality is going to be lower. Maybe I'm just a naive kid, but this is what I'm going to do regardless... I've also thought about scriptwriting actually, and will probably look into it more and take it up. Thanks again for your comments and for your welcome. I'm glad to have found this site!

Knoxworth:
Thanks for the support as well. Regarding the tripod/shaky shots issue. I'm not sure if this is much of an excuse haha, but oh well. Though I wanted to set up for all the shots, the reality was that I just didn't have enough time. We were pretty late to another event after completing the shoot, and I was constantly being rushed the whole time. There are shots were I definitely wished that I locked them down, but unfortunately didn't.

jscottprice:
I actually did apply for that contest, but never made it into the second round. Although they advertised it as a contest for students' artistic capabilities, what they really meant was how much service and involvement you've had in the community :/ All the people that I looked at that made it to the next round, didn't have one artistic thing about them... Pretty stupid if you ask me. I've entered this short into so many contests, that I just keep getting more and more disappointed every time it doesn't make it through. Not trying to say I'm amazing or whatever, but I think its safe to say that my work is exceptional for my age... Just my thought...

Kess:
Thanks for the comment! Though I see your reasoning in making it a more resolved and "happy" ending, that's just not my style. In life, nothing is fair. I hate how all the movies nowadays have some kind of happy ending. While I realize that people want to enjoy movies while watching them, instead of getting depressed lol, this is just my way of storytelling. This is my style. The Prestige (my favorite movie) didn't really have a happy ending or was completely resolved, but those are the stories that I like. I don't know, hopefully you understand where I'm coming from...

polfilmblog: Haha thanks for your thoughts...


Well thanks again everyone, and I'm glad I found another place where filmers can get help. If you're interested in any of my other stuff (IF you're interested lol), then you can view the rest of my stuff on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/TheBullseyeStudios

And if you guys have any more thoughts, just keep laying 'em down. I don't have anymore time right now, but I have a few more things I want to say later on, when I get the chance...

Thanks again!
 
I respect you shooting the way you want to shoot. You have to stick to your guns. I should probably clarify what I was thinking about endings. I don't necessarily feel you need to have happy endings...but the endings should be justified. The Wrestler is a great example. The ending made sense even though it was a tragic ending. No Country For Old Men left me hanging...and I thought the audience in the theater was going to riot. Scarface made sense. Requiem For A Dream made sense. Trainspotting made sense. Audiences are smart and they want justification for the way a film ends.

Keep shooting and we'll keep our eyes out for your films.
 
ALopez said:
jscottprice:
I actually did apply for that contest, but never made it into the second round. Although they advertised it as a contest for students' artistic capabilities, what they really meant was how much service and involvement you've had in the community :/ All the people that I looked at that made it to the next round, didn't have one artistic thing about them... Pretty stupid if you ask me. I've entered this short into so many contests, that I just keep getting more and more disappointed every time it doesn't make it through. Not trying to say I'm amazing or whatever, but I think its safe to say that my work is exceptional for my age... Just my thought...
Click to expand...

Yea, I knew I had seen this before.

I liked it. It was the only thing good that I saw on that stupid contest. I had submitted a montage of footage from the old town district of my city, shot with the 7D, and it looked smashing. I applied, against all these people who were singing in their bathrooms or writing the most ATROCIOUS "poetry" I've ever read...and, yea, nothing. Oh well. It's a drop in the bucket of the number of scholarships I've applied for this summer alone.


About your film...

To be honest, I have hated it to a degree beyond mathematical comprehension when people say "Oh, but it's really good for your age," "It's a good movie for a tenth grader," "It's a good effort," and "Nice try!" I want to take up mutilating kittens as a hobby when I would hear that back in high school.

NO ONE who sets out to make something this ambitious at their age is doing so because they want to exceed their peers by just a hair - just enough to be "better." Right? All aspiring filmmakers want to make blockbusters. It's practically an initiation to becoming a filmmaker - you go all out and make the damned best thing you can. As such, you want your film to be compared against blockbusters because you worked so hard, so who is anyone to place a ceiling on your film's image by saying "It's really good for a seventeen-year-old?" It's a glossing over of the real criticism they want to give.

If you're going to set foot into the realm of filmmaking, become an expert in taking criticism. Never believe that because YOU made it, and YOU worked hard, and it was YOUR brainchild, and because YOU seem to almost always do better than your peers in almost every subject that YOUR work must be undeniably great.

My first year of film school, I worked 22 hours a day from October 1st to December 7th writing, casting, producing, planning, directing, lighting, editing, and publishing a 24-minute film for a festival. My drive stemmed from my homegrown work ethic and the belief that I KNEW what I was making was going to be unbelievable and amazing and rad and stuff.

It was garbage.

Now my drive to create shorts stems from what I don't know - the desire to learn - and what I do know - that I am good at certain things and that those skills will contribute greatly to the quality of the film. I recognize that I don't know everything and that there will be challenges that, if not dealt with, will sink the film. Before, those hurdles were met by my saying, "But I'm working so hard...it will be the best, so having bad sound won't matter, having a shaky image won't matter, having a melodramatic script won't matter..."

I think the most important reply you could take from this thread is the first one. Now that you have made your film, divorce yourself from it and become your own worst critic. It's not easy, but you have to be able to remove yourself from the emotional ego of your brainchild, study it, find its flaws and weaknesses, and figure out what did work and did not work. Again, this is as hard as steel, but you have to be willing to criticize your own work and take criticism from others. Not saying you can't or haven't, but it's a skill all of its own that you will have to master. It will make you so much better a filmmaker.

Keep writing. Keep shooting. If you have a friend who's a better writer, take his stuff and make movies. You have a huge advantage over us who started with handicams (or worse for the generations before me), so go nuts and shoot. Just remember that your film is only as strong as its weakest link. Measure your ambition against your skills, work with the limitations of your equipment, and finesse your style.

Which do you want: An ambitious film with all kinds of cool effects (even though you frowned on VFX, VFX encompasses much more than green screens and CGI), crazy camera moves, and a trippy script? Or a film that might be a cliche, but its cinematic, engaging, and moving? The former will almost certainly award you one of the comments at the beginning that I absolutely despise, and that I would bet you will soon. The latter will earn you much more than that.


Perhaps you are OK with those kinds of comments, but they make my skin crawl. You remind me of me at that age, from which I'm not far removed, but if there's anything I can do for you, it's share the experiences in making films that have changed, for the better, how I do everything in regards to making them - not just the technical stuff, but the personal lessons. Learn to take criticism on the chin and catalog what worked and didn't work for use in your future projects. Ambition is never bad, but ignoring the red flags of forcing equipment to do things it can't, forcing your friends into roles they can't play, and forcing a film that is too big for its wrapper is.

I apologize for the length of this post. Good luck and have fun.
 
I'm have no experience and little knowledge of filmaking compared to the others on this site. I am however a huge film fan looking to start getting involved in this sort of thing soon. So I couldn't watch your short without commenting.

If I was 17 and had made this, I be extremely proud of it!!! Keep writing, filming, etc. If you can do this now, then who knows where you could end up in future. Good luck with any of your future projects.
 
ALopez said:
I've entered this short into so many contests, that I just keep getting more and more disappointed every time it doesn't make it through. Not trying to say I'm amazing or whatever, but I think its safe to say that my work is exceptional for my age... Just my thought...
Click to expand...

It's important to not become complacent because you think you're awesome for your age. At what age, exactly, will you be unable to use the "but I'm young" crutch? 20? 22?

Why not start comparing yourself to your real competition (young people and everyone else) right now? You'll work a lot harder.

And I hate to break it to you, but you're just on par with most filmmakers your age. This isn't a personal attack, but motivation for you to work harder.
 
For what it's worth, I never care if a story has a happening ending or not, so long as it fits with the tone of the rest of the story. If I was watching a light-hearted comedy and it had a horribly depressing ending, that would be sloppy, pretty awful filmmaking in my opinion. But when I'm watching a movie called The Break-Up, I'm not surprised that it ends with the two NOT getting back together. What I am surprised at is how about 99% of girls call that movie terrible just because of that, haha, I found it to be one of the best romantic comedies I've watched in the past few years (I can think of a few that are a lot better, but since most are pretty weak, The Break-Up stood out as at least having good directing and solid writing). It was the ending that *made sense* for the content and I felt really fit the movie.

Or for instance, Gladiator, that was the way the movie had to end. It is a sad ending from an exterior point of view, like this guy's family gets murdered, and then he dies at the end, but you have to evaluate the film *within its own context and rules*. In the film, there is an afterlife, Elysium, and that is where his son and his wife are, so him "dying" allows him to be free to join them in eternity, which is not sad in the context of the movie. It makes sense and is the only logical ending, really.

Provided your ending fits with the theme of your film, I don't think you'll have trouble having audiences buy into it. But I will say that a depressing ending can also be tough because even for me, a film addict, I have to be in the mood to see a movie I know isn't happy. It's like if I had a lousy week or was busy all week working, and now I'm sitting down with a beer or two, the last thing I want is to watch a depressing film about people going nowhere or failing at life, etc., haha. I want to watch something fun. Which is why I kind of shake my head at film snobs who diss something like Transformers, because I think anyone who enjoys fun movies is going to watch something like that and say, hey, that was a ton of fun, sure it wasn't the best plot ever and it has some cheesy dialogue, but it's a ton of fun! Now Transformers 2, on the other hand... that's another story ;) But point is, yeah, especially amidst a recession, not everyone wants to see a depressing movie.
 
A very good effort for a novice filmmaker. I am sure if most of us were completely honest we would have to admit our first effort had many short comings.

Your willingness to share and openly seek critique shows maturity and that you want to learn from your effort.

MOTTO: LIVE - LOVE - SHOOT!
 
Hey sorry it's been a while, I've just been a bit busy with some more projects, school, and work. But now, I'm back to answer ;)

Kess:
I now understand what you were referring to. I'll definitely look out for that in my next production. Thanks again for the input!

jscottprice:
Yeah, that contest was a waste of time. The top winners don't even have one thing related to art... It's pretty lame if you ask me... :(
Anyways, I definitely know what you are talking about with the whole "trying to be bigger than you can be" statement. I really never thought about it, but now that I look back I can really see how a lot of beginners in ANY art form, practice this approach unfortunately. And just to let you know I'm not one to shy away from criticism. This is not the first video site that I have posted my short on and it won't be the last. I EMBRACE criticism. I know that without it, I am going to get nowhere and will be too stuck up in my own ego to enhance my talent. You should ask my family, I'm sure they're sick of me constantly asking for their advice and what they see in what I'm trying to do. If they understand it, then great, I've done my job as a storyteller. If it confuses them, then I ask for their input and try to look at my own work from a different POV, but still try to enforce my vision. I'm not one of those self-loathing filmers, and I'm sorry if I came across that way...
Also, about the VFX comment. I'm not sure if you didn't understand what I was saying or just forgot about it, I actually said that I LOVE VFX! But only as long it helps in communicating the story. I hate it when its sole purpose is just for "eye-candy", and I am very much aware that VFX encompasses many different (even unnoticeable and minor) details. It's in my first post if you want to read back through ;)
Anyways, thanks for your input as well. I appreciate you concerns :D

koboyashistu: Haha, thanks for the support! Any support I get is extremely appreciated, and its this kind of support that keeps me going, even in times of self doubt. Thanks again!

Drew Ott: I wish you were banned too... Haha just kidding man. Sorry if I came across as being a proud young filmer, and if you got the impression that I am trying to use my age as a "crutch". When I said "my work is exceptional for my age", I WAS comparing myself to those that are my age and real competition... Just saying ;)
And I spend COUNTLESS hours online watching all kinds of videos/short films/etc from youtube to vimeo to bigstar.tv to whatever else I can find, and in my opinion there are not many at all, IF ANY, that are my age that focus as much on story as I try to. But that's just from what I've seen... If you've seen another short created by someone else at the age of 17 that is "on par" or better than mine, I'd love to see it. I am constantly looking for where I'm standing with those my age, and constantly comparing... Just let me know, I look forward to watching them! :D

Jonathon LB: First of all, I just wanted to say that you are the first person that I think truly shares my opinion of what makes a good movie. Your comment on Transformers is right on par with my feelings. I absolutely hate it when people dis movies because of things like "it didn't have a good story". Now of course, story is what I aim for and what I look for in my favorite movies as well, but thats not the point. I love watching a good mindless action movie. It takes my mind of things and lets me have a bit of fun, which is what movies are about, to get you involved and to enjoy yourself. In my original post I stated that I appreciate all different types of art, and am not one of those analytical film-viewers. I hate it when people try to dissect every little aspect of a movie and try to find so many things wrong with it that they don't even try to enjoy it. I hope you know what I mean...
Anyways, about your original reply, I understand what your saying about the mood fitting the context of the film and I agree... Also, about your comments about "depressing movies", I agree as well haha. Not all of my stories (in my head that is) are depressing, its just the style that I feel I can connect to at the most at the moment, therefore creating something more meaningful and closer to my "style" (But don't take that the wrong way. I'm not trying to say that I'm depressed at all, in fact I'm quite content with my life as it is haha) Again, this is just my style :D
Thanks again though!

phudsontx: Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your remarks and am happy with how you view me as a filmmaker :) And yes, I completely agree. My first attempts at filmmaking were absolutely horrible. But I now feel that I am just at the beginning of unearthing my talents, and am willing to do whatever it takes to learn as much as possible, so that each future project can become that much better :D
Thanks!


Well everyone, thanks again for your comments, support, and criticism! I will look into your suggestions for sure, and am sorry if I gave off the vibe that I am a naive yet "try-to-be-know-it-all" aspiring filmmaker... If you have any more thoughts, I am always happy to hear them!

Oh, and before I forget again, I just finished a recent project that I entered into the student section of the International Movie Trailer Festival! Here's the link to the youtube version (make sure to watch in 720p): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4gTRBRdIl8

If you are interested in it, please watch it and let me know what you think, of course! This is definitely the most time consuming and "problem solving on set" project that I've ever had to finish, but it was well worth it. The experience is invaluable and will serve me well for my next short film titled "What The Heart Desires" to be completed before the end of December. Though there was a lot of frustration that arose from shooting, it was still a ton of fun and was a relief to get done. I am still proud of my work and know that each project will only make me better. Thanks again everyone and I look forward to your remarks!!!

(PS. Music from an online composer by the name of Shohan Cagle. Great musician and I am going to be working with him again in the future)
 
Oh and just in case you were wondering, I used the Panasonic HMC40 (and Canon Powershot Sx110) to shoot. I don't know if I just did something wrong with the settings but the original footage is full of sooo much noise. I don't know if I should be happy or disappointed that youtube brings the quality a bit down, so that you can't see the noise as much... For lighting, I just used a cheap home depot light from my neighbors: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200309785_200309785
I originally was going to use two of these, but since one burned out unexpectedly, I had to do it with the one. I'm proud of the lighting for the most part, but still wish I put more effort into it now that I look back. And finally for the characters, I just used friends, family, and neighbors. I am very thankful for their support and effort in helping me out with this project. But I've learned my lesson and for my next short film I am going to be holding a casting call at my college for "real" actors lol...
Anyways, yeah, let me know what you think!
 
ALopez said:
Drew Ott: I wish you were banned too... Haha just kidding man. Sorry if I came across as being a proud young filmer, and if you got the impression that I am trying to use my age as a "crutch". When I said "my work is exceptional for my age", I WAS comparing myself to those that are my age and real competition... Just saying ;)
And I spend COUNTLESS hours online watching all kinds of videos/short films/etc from youtube to vimeo to bigstar.tv to whatever else I can find, and in my opinion there are not many at all, IF ANY, that are my age that focus as much on story as I try to. But that's just from what I've seen... If you've seen another short created by someone else at the age of 17 that is "on par" or better than mine, I'd love to see it. I am constantly looking for where I'm standing with those my age, and constantly comparing... Just let me know, I look forward to watching them! :D
Click to expand...

My point was that comparing yourself to people your age is going to hurt in the long run. Once you're done making movies for practice, your peers will be Tarantino, Scorsese, PT Anderson, etc.
 
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ALopez said:
Oh and just in case you were wondering, I used the Panasonic HMC40 (and Canon Powershot Sx110) to shoot. I don't know if I just did something wrong with the settings but the original footage is full of sooo much noise. I don't know if I should be happy or disappointed that youtube brings the quality a bit down, so that you can't see the noise as much...
Click to expand...

Make sure your gain setting is set to +12dB, not +24dB or +32dB. I think those are the options for the HMC40, although it's been a while since I had my hands on one.
 
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