Nathyn
Low Budget Ninja
Talk to El Director, he does it all the time. It's his main editor.
Try transcoding with Toast. It's working quite well for me and is decently fast.
-Nate
FEATURE: DEUCE OF SPADES - How I made a period full feature film all by myself on ZERO budget
- Thread starter Deuceofspades
- Start date
Talk to El Director, he does it all the time. It's his main editor.
Try transcoding with Toast. It's working quite well for me and is decently fast.
-Nate
El Director
Veteran
In the seven years I've been using Vegas, I think it's only crashed like five times. I keep my computer off the internet so I don't need to run antivirus stuff or anything. I also do offline editing, which works amazing! And I cut the whole movie in one timeline. Project nesting bogs my computer down.
I use Streamclip for PC. It's very fast, and allows me to create both my onlines and offlines in one go.
gorilafilms
New member
BEAUTIFUL !! Cinematography WOW the colors are so vivid . LOVE THAT ! I would love to work with you sometime , Costume designer here. CHEERS
Deuceofspades
Veteran
I was very relieved that we were able to preserve the vivid, saturated look of the film during pro color correction process. I spent 7 days in color correction, so I was not afraid to invest some budget for that process. My colorist was very patient and nearly as much of a perfectionist as I am so we got along great. We tweaked and tweaked until we got it perfect. Film is now broadcast legal but has not lost it's panache, color wise. In a world where desaturation of color has become the film industry trend, my film sticks out from the herd and I certainly love that.
Deuceofspades
Veteran
For me, I think next time I will edit in reels. Cause it was such a PITA to split the film after the fact. So my next film will be divided in 8 reels from the get go, and I will not do nested projects. Although they did make it easy to move things around at the final stage of editing, they did cause their own slue of problems. Most of my crashes happened when updating a nested project and then returning to the main timeline. It worked like a charm 95% of the time but then there was the 5% that caused me some grief. Plus I nested projects that had nested projects in them, which worked fine, but you can't then nest them another generation.
Another problem with having nested projects is that to provide the sound file to a pro sound facility, you have to give them each reel's sound in one big timeline. And you can't do that with nested projects. So I had to basically reimport the audio tracks of each of my scenes into one common reel timeline (8 times, once for each reel) and it was a PITA. Got the hang of it after a few tries and they synched OK but next time I am editing the film into reels from the get go. This way I will be ready to go into my post production house to finish the film at the pro level and will not waste 2 months preparing sound files / de-nesting scenes.
None of the above applies if you are doing everytihg in house of course. And in that case I think I would use nested projects.
Ted Spencer
Veteran
HUGE NEWSFLASH:
THE FILM IS..... D.O.N.E !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations, Faith! Can't wait to see it!
Deuceofspades
Veteran
My next "project" is to release and promote THIS first project
I still have a lot of work ahead of me... And a lot of fun, too!
Marlon Ladd
Veteran
I totally understand what you mean. Until you get paid a huge sum of money to finance your next one, you have to concentrate on this one until the wheels fall off. Just because a movie is finished, doesn't mean you're finished with it - especially in the indie world.My next "project" is to release and promote THIS first project
I still have a lot of work ahead of me... And a lot of fun, too!
Deuceofspades
Veteran
I thought you guys would enjoy reading my latest monthly newsletter. I'll try to make it a point to post them here when they come out, once a month. Regretably the newsletter formating is not getting picked up by forum software, hence the messy look, but you get the idea
DEUCE OF SPADES IS COMPLETED !!!
Hello fans and friends of DEUCE OF SPADES!!
At long last I have a moment to sit down and create my newsletter. I am sorry I was not able to send it last month, but I found myself so completely swamped with post production work that everything else had to be put on the backburner, including eating and sleeping. I have been going at it 24/7, in an effort to get the film done and released as fast as humanly possible.
I have lots of great news to share with you though, so let's dive right in!
It's official: OUR BELOVED FILM IS.... DONE!!!!
After forty four months spent laboring harder than imaginable, I never thought I'd hear myself say these magic words: I did it! I completed the film, and with flying colors. I am very proud of what I accomplished and of the finished film. It looks and sounds truly wonderful.
Below: Our mix coordinator, Andrew Lange (right) and Sound Effect specialist Mark Hailstone (left) pose for a last photo before handing me the final surround sound mixes. They are sporting the brand new DEUCE OF SPADES tees, featuring the new logo look, which were just released on the market.
After delivering the last of the score pieces I had composed and recorded, (including the theme score and Johnny Callaway's theme song) our sound mixing was able to be completed. I was very excited to visit the ELECTRIC ENTERTAINMENT (Independence Day, the Patriot, Flyboys, Cellular, Leverage) top sound stage one last time to receive my final mixes. Here are some great news for all of you who purchased the DVDs (or are about to). The SET-UP menu features exciting sound options: You can select either stereo dolby mix or the full 5.1 surround sound mix. So if you have surround sound at home, be sure to visit the SET-UP section and select 5.1 surround sound mix!!! It will greatly enhance your experience.
Meanwhile, I was also handed a 5.1 surround sound theatrical mix, designed for big theater speakers, so the film is theater ready... If, and when, the time comes... Emmy award winner and three times nominee Patrick Cyccone ("Independence Days", "Sideways", "Blow", "What Dreams May Come", "The Chronicles of Riddick" and over 150 other big studio releases) who supervised the entire sound mixing process, called me up to congratulate me on the "birth of my film" (to quote him). Patrick donated his time, crew, facility to help take this film to the pro level. I would like once again to express my gratitude for his wonderful contribution. Our film has received a $200,000.00 sound mix, and all of it was donated. Truly another DEUCE OF SPADES miracle.
With the sound now all wrapped up, it was time to tackle color correction.
The process was quite challenging, and I had to figure out how to successfully export the reels out of my PC into a MAC platform. We encountered a few challenges but the good news is that we eventually figured everything out and were able to import the entire film into Final Cut Pro for final adjustments, color correction and output.
Below: Emmy Award nominee Brian Hutching color corrects DEUCE OF SPADES
Emmy award nominee Brian Hutchings was my pick when it came to color correcting the film. He was very patient and just as much of a perfectionist as I am. We spent seven full days nurturing the color on every shot. I am happy to say that although we are now broadcast legal we did not lose any of the vibrant, saturated look of the film. With the current trend for films being a very desaturated, blend look, my film stands out and is not afraid to make a statement. The fifties were a happier, more colorful time and so is the film that depicts this Golden Era of Hotrodding.
While color correcting, the last of the CGI shots still missing were delivered to me, as well as the final render of our super cool title treatment. Everything was inserted in the film and the production value went up another 5 notch. I also finalized and created the film end credit roll as well as the music that goes with it.
With color correction now done we were able to reunite image to sound. You can imagine my excitement when I got to watch the finished film for the very first time. The first ever master of the film was produced a few days ago and so it is now official: The film is DONE. The next few days will be spent doing a thorough quality control check and watching each shot for any rendering glitches. The final output will then be handed out to my DVD authoring specialist, who will be encoding our DVDs 
.
.On another front, I had to resynch all the subtitles to the new film length and frame rate. Not without sweating a few bullets but I came out victorious in the end . The DVD offers subtitles in 9 languages, which is pretty much unheard of. I just wanted to make very sure that all DEUCE OF SPADES fans would be able to understand the film, no matter where they lived, and what language they spoke.
. The DVD offers subtitles in 9 languages, which is pretty much unheard of. I just wanted to make very sure that all DEUCE OF SPADES fans would be able to understand the film, no matter where they lived, and what language they spoke. Another task I completed was designing the DVD menus. I had fun with this creative process and I am proud to say that the DVD is going to look as good as any respectable pro release out there. The main menu features a full minute of animated footage, complete with scoring.
We are hoping to be able to squeeze in a few Extras for you guys so to that effect I had to edit an additional interview, a reading and then (the most challenging and time consuming task) record my Director's Commentaries. So with a little luck, if we have enough room on the dual layer DVD, the EXTRAS section of the DVD should offer the following:
1. Interview with lead actor TIMOTHY LUKE (Johnny Callaway)
2. Interview with supporting actor JORDAN WARREN (Tommy Miller - Flagman)
2. Interview with supporting actor JORDAN WARREN (Tommy Miller - Flagman)
3. Interview with supporting actor FRANK O'LEARY ("Fresno" - Rival)
4. Reading of Johnny Callaway's prison diary by lead actor TIMOTHY LUKE (a must hear)
5. My Director's Commentaries (behind the scenes stories and a closer look at the film).
4. Reading of Johnny Callaway's prison diary by lead actor TIMOTHY LUKE (a must hear)
5. My Director's Commentaries (behind the scenes stories and a closer look at the film).
Please note that above list may change if we find that we don't have enough space. So no promises, but we are hopeful. I should find out within the next week or so.
Below: Some of the cast of DEUCE OF SPADES during a recent photoshoot at El Mirage dry lake.
This week I have had several meetings with the DVD replication place to discuss the DVDs. I insisted on having "Made in USA" DVD cases, and turned down their offer to have the DVDs replicated in China. So our DVDs will be replicated here in Southern California and made in the USA. This is going to add to my cost (but I don't care) and also add a bit to the wait. I am told it may be about 4 weeks once I deliver the assets until the DVDs are ready to be picked up. I feel the extra couple weeks wait is worth it.
So currently it looks like we should have the DVDs in October, more than likely end of October. It's amazing how everything always takes three times longer than people tell you. It is a learning process, and one thing I am learning really well right now is... PATIENCE! I have to tell myself that it will soon be over and all the time invested in making the film will be well worth it. But I find it hard to not get a bit frustrated with the delays, when I am so eager to get the film out there and finally share it with all of you!! Soon... Very soon....
OTHER COOL NEWS
I do have another few exciting news to share with you before I go:
1. I AM NOW SPONSORED BY SONY CREATIVE SOFTWARE. The people at Sony were so impressed with my film, and what I had accomplished using their software (SONY VEGAS PRO) that they offered me an endorsement. I was given a brand new $14,000.00 seven thousand Lumens dual lamp projector so I can screen the film anytime, anywhere... This is going to give me a lot more freedom and options . SONY also gave me the spotlight in their last newsletter, which reaches several million people, by making me the "featured user of the month" and sharing my success story. See article here.
. SONY also gave me the spotlight in their last newsletter, which reaches several million people, by making me the "featured user of the month" and sharing my success story. See article here.2. FRENCH NATIONAL TV flew a crew to Los Angeles to film me and my cast. The 8 minute documentary about DEUCE OF SPADES and it's filmmaker (yours truly) should air soon on the Nation's prime time most popular car TV show "TURBO 6". More on this when I get final confirmation and show times.
Below: TURBO 6 producer and his cameraman pose in front of three of the many period cars featured in the film.
3. THE GOOD GUYS GAZETTE published the first official review of the film in their August issue. Best seller author and critic Louise Noeth, who is extremely knowledgeable in matters of hotrods and dry lake racing history, gave the film a big thumbs up and rave full page review. "A slice of Americana artfully carved right out of the fifties"... Read review here.
4. OUR NEW TEES ARE READY. Guildan heavy pre shrunk cotton and cool DOS logo new design, what more could one want? Order yours, now, here: http://www.deuceofspadesmovie.com/online_store.htm?Iit=9&Ict=3
Order yours, now, here: http://www.deuceofspadesmovie.com/online_store.htm?Iit=9&Ict=35. LAST CALL FOR COLLECTIBLE, HAND NUMBERED, AUTOGRAPHED DVDS. If you have not yet ordered your DOS DVD, better do it now. Once the film is released I will no longer offer the hand numbered DVDs which are also autographed by the stars of the film and the filmmaker. These are very special and will become collector's item. They are only available to the fans who pre-purchased before release date. So basically this is the last chance to get one. Also remember that with Christmas around the corner, the film DVD's will make great presents for the car lover in your household, or any of your car buddies for that matter. So think ahead and get the collectible one while you still can . Buy two units and save both on DVD price and postage. It's a nice deal, 2 DVDs for $35 and you will be charged the same postage that is charged for 1 DVD - I will cover any extra postage. . To order click here.
. Buy two units and save both on DVD price and postage. It's a nice deal, 2 DVDs for $35 and you will be charged the same postage that is charged for 1 DVD - I will cover any extra postage. . To order click here. Well kids, I have to go back to my director's commentaries, so I must run for now. Below is one last cool photo showing TURBO cameraman filming me working with my cast on a last minute ADR session for the Saugus Dragstrip scene. Fun times!
Please FORWARD THIS EMAIL to anyone you think might enjoy reading about the making of this hot rod film.
Blessings,
Stuart Ferrier
Member
Congratulations Faith!
I'm not a big poster here on DVX, but I have checked the progress of your film from time to time for the last couple of years. What an inspiration. Deuce of Spades is destined to become a cult classic! I wish you tons of success in your next phase.
Do you plan on showing at any festivals? I'd love to see it on the big screen.
If you do submit to festivals, keep in mind that some might have a problem with the Netflix listing (and even the DVD sales).
Do you have a plan for any public screenings? Check out these guys from Britain: http://goodscreenings.org/ They help indie filmmakers make money screening their documentaries independently. It's not exactly applicable to your narrative film, but their price structure is interesting and something to think about.
In the meantime, I'll have to order a DVD.
I'm not a big poster here on DVX, but I have checked the progress of your film from time to time for the last couple of years. What an inspiration. Deuce of Spades is destined to become a cult classic! I wish you tons of success in your next phase.
Do you plan on showing at any festivals? I'd love to see it on the big screen.
If you do submit to festivals, keep in mind that some might have a problem with the Netflix listing (and even the DVD sales).
Do you have a plan for any public screenings? Check out these guys from Britain: http://goodscreenings.org/ They help indie filmmakers make money screening their documentaries independently. It's not exactly applicable to your narrative film, but their price structure is interesting and something to think about.
In the meantime, I'll have to order a DVD.
El Director
Veteran
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deuceofspades
My next "project" is to release and promote THIS first project
I still have a lot of work ahead of me... And a lot of fun, too!
I totally understand what you mean. Until you get paid a huge sum of money to finance your next one, you have to concentrate on this one until the wheels fall off. Just because a movie is finished, doesn't mean you're finished with it - especially in the indie world.
True, but she should have some idea as to what she'd like to do next. I've heard of way too many first time filmmakers who get success with their first film, but are soon forgotten about because they don't have another project in mind. I don't want to see that happen to her.
Marlon Ladd
Veteran
Check this out. http://www.iamrogue.com/bigbreak
Deuceofspades
Veteran
HAHA, I already have my next film synopsis all writen out. I know very well what I am going to do next IF I do anything at all next
. I just don't want to be pressured into it. I'll do it if I want to, when I want to, however I want to 
So I guess what I am trying to say is worry not, inspiration is not lacking nor is direction.
Deuceofspades
Veteran
It's huge and growing exponentially :thumbsup: