DESIDERATUM - A Film By Ben Sliker

This has been a very interesting debate. As I said before, that way the story unfolded didn't bother me too much, because that's how I write many of my stories. However, it is an interesting question that Jason poses about telling it the other way. Obviously it is a technically sound film, but I'm like you, Ben. Thinking, "hmmmmm." If you really do re-edit the film, I'd really like to check it out.

Kudos to you, Ben for being open-minded enough to take the well-thought out and well-intentioned criticism. This is what this forum is supposed to be all about.
 
conrad_johnson said:
It's funny you say this, the dining room scene was lit almost entirely with natural light, only one fill light was used, otherwise it was all window light. In fact, the closeups were all natural light.
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Well, then it wasn't lit enough. :)

Seriously though, I think it's more of a color thing. Although it could've been that one fill, because it was only the master shot that bothered me. The CU's were fab. :kiss:

On this story note-- Ben, I think you do really amazing work, and this type of story seems like it might fit better in a longer format. IMO, you should move on to bigger and better things and forget about rehashing this one....I'm talking ---> FEATURE or something like it. You've done how many awesome shorts?? If you have ever had the desire or 'ultimate' goal to make a feature, I think you have the chops to tackle it and make something great. Go for it!

If that's not in your future plans, then I look forward to another award-winning short.
 
You nailed this one beautifully. Its a very emotional piece of work that you, your crew and actors pulled off with purpose. I really like the sudden twist near the end and resolution. The actors did a great job except they seem to be playing safe. I sense that throughout their performances. A purposeful unnatural behavior in their performances could bring more realism to several moments. This is something they could have brought to the table during the shoot, and no doubt they have the talent. Great work through and through.
 
Tim Joy said:
On this story note-- Ben, I think you do really amazing work, and this type of story seems like it might fit better in a longer format. IMO, you should move on to bigger and better things and forget about rehashing this one....I'm talking ---> FEATURE or something like it. You've done how many awesome shorts?? If you have ever had the desire or 'ultimate' goal to make a feature, I think you have the chops to tackle it and make something great. Go for it!

If that's not in your future plans, then I look forward to another award-winning short.
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Thanks man. I really appreciate that. I'm currently writing A LOT. In fact, had a second brainstorming meeting today for a project. Current projects in pre-pro (writing) for Ben - 1 drama feature, 1 sketch comedy style feature, 1 rock opera short, 1 mystery project that we're hoping will fit for next fest. :) Now ... I just gotta find that $50,000 I lost yesterday so i can shoot my first feature...

Sprocketboy said:
You nailed this one beautifully. Its a very emotional piece of work that you, your crew and actors pulled off with purpose. I really like the sudden twist near the end and resolution. The actors did a great job except they seem to be playing safe. I sense that throughout their performances. A purposeful unnatural behavior in their performances could bring more realism to several moments. This is something they could have brought to the table during the shoot, and no doubt they have the talent. Great work through and through.
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Wow, thanks a bunch for the comments! I'm really looking forward to working with these same actors/actresses in the future.
 
Hey Ben, I really appreciate you taking my opinion to heart. I do wonder though, whether a restructuring would work, since I'm assuming you intended it to be out of sequence. I think for a linear plot to work, you would have had to have approached it that way throughout the writing and shooting of it. But it might be an interesting experiment to re-edit it.

I think Tim might be right though, and you should just move on to bigger and better things. You guys definitely have the technical ability to pull off something bigger. Just stay conscious of getting the audience to follow your characters on their adventure.

Best of luck!
 
jasonthewho said:
Hey Ben, I really appreciate you taking my opinion to heart. I do wonder though, whether a restructuring would work, since I'm assuming you intended it to be out of sequence. I think for a linear plot to work, you would have had to have approached it that way throughout the writing and shooting of it. But it might be an interesting experiment to re-edit it.

I think Tim might be right though, and you should just move on to bigger and better things. You guys definitely have the technical ability to pull off something bigger. Just stay conscious of getting the audience to follow your characters on their adventure.

Best of luck!
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Yeah I definitely think if I do a re-edit it'll be a just for fun type experiment. I hope this post works. Trying to reply from my blackberry cause it crazy storming here so I ran upstairs and unplugged my mac!
 
Hey Ben, just wanted to say congratulations on your placing! You should be proud! I think your film played the best of the films on the BIG SCREEN last night. It's a completely different experience when judging a film from the small to big screen, and it translated beautifully!
 
Big Congrats to you Ben! and Team!!...I can't wait to see what Amazing Work lies ahead, you are an out of the box thinker, creator, artist, and director...and that makes you a force to be delt with...continue to challenge yourself as well as the on lookers, make them ask questions, give them cause to question their own thoughts and views...and challenge themselves. Keep On Keepin on Young Jedi...Cause You Got Mad Film Skillz!!!
 
Congratulations on the top 8 finish Ben. I am really dissapointed you didn't get something for this movie, as it was moving and dealt with a real issue. I am really looking forward to your next short, and hope you do even better in the next Fest.
 
Thanks for the kind words everyone. Ben and I are very proud of this film and we appreciate the encouraging words from you folks.

:)
 
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