"Contraband" - DahopaFilms

[Dahopafilms]

I liked this short. Technical issues aside (sound mostly) which have all been dicussed, there were only a couple small elements that brought me out of the film. Warning: these are pretty nitpicky comments.

The two henchman...the fact that they were hot blondes...I don't know. I hear what you're saying about Abe Vigoda, but almost everything else in your story felt more autonomous of the usual sci-fi universe cliches.

This is the epitome of nitpickiness, but I really disliked the fact that they were wearing ski masks. I also hated the judge's yellow turtleneck.

Anyway, nice job. Your short felt like it had relatively high production values. You successfully incorporated a pretty large cast, and most of them did great jobs with their lines. You had some very cool effects, namely the landing and the laserbeam, and I really liked the "set-less" courtroom taking place in blackness. Good stuff.

I enjoyed this one!
-Jared

Jared,

Thanks for your comments (very original - cool).

Sorry, but the hot blondes stay. Non-negotiable. I claim creative licence on that decision. And if you didn't like them as presented, you would have HATED them in the pink, skin-tight, latex jumpsuits we originally picked out. Or not.

The ski mask thing (I prefer the term "balaclavaaaaah") was a second choice for budget reasons (see earlier post) and I hear you on that.

The Judge's yellow turtle neck? Funny you mentioned that. I wanted to do red. Wal-Mart didn't have red fabric dye on the day of the shoot, so we bought orange and yellow. The orange REALLY sucked, so we went with yellow. He needed to stand out from the others in the scene, and that was the best I could come up with (that, along with the amulet around his neck). So Craig and I were hand dying the turtle-necks the day of the shoot with very little time to spare - that and sewing the shiny silver bags used for gathering the moss at the river. We probably should have captured that on video (by the way, Craig now wears an apron most days around his house - I'm not entirely clear why).

Thanks for taking the time to provide your other positive comments. All very much appreciated. I'm delighted you enjoyed it.

 

[Dahopafilms]

I liked this one, thought the acting and the music was pretty good and I also liked the fact that it actually had a good storyline to it.

iSTy,

Thanks very much for taking the time to comment (and watch the short). Much appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[Captain KickAss]

I really enjoyed this film, although I did see the ending twist pretty early on.

Visually, this film was absolutely beautiful. I loved your cinematographic style, and the outdoor scenes were incredible...despite the rain and cold. Your trial scenes were also awesome, and your costume design is simply amazing.

My favorite part of this film had to be your laser bolt effect when the husband gets shot. It reminded me of the movie "V" and was really cool. Very nice.

 

[iSTy]

Captain KickAss says: "It reminded me of the movie "V" and was really cool."

I liked that series very much.

Sorry, it's not a comment, on the thread, just thought I'd get my pennyworth in re the series.

 

[Dahopafilms]

I really enjoyed this film, although I did see the ending twist pretty early on.

Visually, this film was absolutely beautiful. I loved your cinematographic style, and the outdoor scenes were incredible...despite the rain and cold. Your trial scenes were also awesome, and your costume design is simply amazing.

My favorite part of this film had to be your laser bolt effect when the husband gets shot. It reminded me of the movie "V" and was really cool. Very nice.

Captain,

Thank you for your great words of encouragement. Sorry I couldn't mask the ending a little better for you.

As for the cinematography, I owe it all to my DP (photo below):


(kidding, of course)

As this is likely my last post prior to the close of the contest, let me just briefly add:

1. my apologies if I didn't get to your short to comment on it (not for lack of effort, I assure you). I will finish viewing all the films and provide a comment as soon as I can next week;
2. a huge thanks to all who commented on Contraband - especially for all the constructive critiques. I have learned a great deal from all the comments and promise to make the next one much better, in light of your thoughtful criticisms - thanks; and
3. lastly, this is an amazing event. A huge range of talent, experience and approaches to film making. None more valid (or less valid) than any other. An incredible community. A deep bow to Jarred and Barry - they likely have no comprehension of precisely how much time has been consumed by so many in planning, making and editing the shorts - let alone the time we have taken to watch and comment on the shorts - and we aren't going to cure Cancer here - but it is an unbelievably creative and positive use of time (just look at the news for an idea of what others are spending their time on). Thanks to them for providing the venue for that.

As for the other entries, you all have my respect and thanks for making and presenting your films. Sure, some stand out in my mind more than others, but I can't recall even one short in the event that was a waste of my time. I find that astounding.

cin cin.:thumbsup: