Empire - Lawrie Brewster - New Age Film

Scattered thoughts:

-It's kind of hard to critisize art films to not be taken the wrong way which I think has happened here, to a degree. I think the intentions of the posters are valid in critisizing the technical short comings of the short but not in the content/writing/directing specifically.

-Obviously a commercial short would have sticter guide lines and the advice in that area would stand up. Artistic shorts like this come at a cost because by nature they bend the rules. (again, the proper tech still has to be there though.)

-Art films anyways are strictly subjective, assuming the tech end is covered.

-Speaking of European films, this one comes to mind that someone here at dvx turned me onto recently.
I won't say that I 'get it' but I appreaciate it and respect it.
In a nutshell Tetsuo trailer is pretty abstract in my books. And so is Lawries.

What they have in common is the ability to keep my interest in seeing it out.
Not an easy task is it? :beer:
 
I agree Darkline sugur coating is a waste of time, but personally I like to express feedback with some understanding that we are equal as filmmaking peers.

Agreed, and my sincerest apologies if what I stated came across as saying you are anything less than equal as a filmmaking peer. To me, everyone is pretty much on a level playing field from the get-go, and it's simply a matter of the choices they make to improve themselves & their craft on each project ... these choices will impact their future networking (to bring on better talent in front & behind the camera), learning what their intended audience likes & dislikes, etc.

And at the end of the day, you either make a film for yourself, or for others. If for others, then make it for your intended audience, whether it be niche, or broad based. This was more of a niche film, and I'm clearly outside of that niche.

Lastly, while I didn't find the compositing of the film believable in the least, I will side with Darkline that when comparing your BTS grabs, I AM impressed with what you were at least able to achieve, considering what you were starting with (seeing these things after the fact).
 
Yep the visual inspiration is from paintings really - definately not looking for photo realism - but you know i would love to shoot this during winter in the highlands etc for a realistic style approach. I might just consider that (with a variant storyline maybe.) As a genre survivalist slightly surreal horror. Who knows im thinking aloud hehe.

Cheers Norm for that :)
 
The video reviews are coming guys - will be posted within two weeks, there produced into a ridiculous vintage style review programme that the filmmakers can use excerpts from if they like for the promotion of their films - ive also very cheesily made a top 3 arty list with cute little certificates if the chaps would want them from the review prog. I'll make another prog for the next fest (but all the extra promo helps the filmmakers eh!) I've not heard anything about a prize omg really? wow *fingers crossed!*
 
Yes... I was sure it was a Creative Vision Award...a Kessler Crane (get the 8'... I have one and love it!).

Congratulations!!!
 
Well then - if it is indeed the case that Empire has won the award for Creative Vision- then i would like to lay my thanks squarely on that special person who was the source of inspiration, and to whom this film is dedicated. For it was they whot provided me the drive to shoot and edit that mini epic in two weeks. It takes one heck of a person to do that to me ;)

The magic for me in the film is brought to life by the song Petite Soldat, - for that i thank you Sarah Daly, and for further compositions to be completed by Leo Gardini.

My cast - volanteers did well given the circumstances i placed them in and i thank them all.

You will defiantely see another entry for Monster Fest ladies and gentlemen, and thank you all for your posts :)
 
the official post will go up soon, but I just wanted to confirm, that yes, Empire received the Creative Vision award last night. congratulations, lawrie.
 
Well Sarah your musical contribution made the difference, for those who praised the film, your song was specifically mentioned, on the thread and in PM!! So the congrats are shared :)
 
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Thank you Susanne, im really touched that the mods felt inclined to select Empire for the award, i mean im actually delighted most of all for all the folk that contributed to the film and thread who expressed that they had wished it had done better in the public vote etc. Because it shows that despite its placing that there was support for the film, and among the finest peers imaginable which is humbling. So now i cant wait to re-record the new sound mix, tighten the odd shot, and post the revised version on the user films.
 
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