FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Damn. The beginning of the month is quickly becomming my favorite time to visit dvxuser.com. what a treat to watch all of your work. my vote goes to "Romance is Dead." The heart-shaped sun and moon was a nice touch. overall, an excellent, light story that captured my full interest the whole way through. My runner-up award goes to "feelings." Classic! "is this sex?" Can't wait for the next episode.
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Thank you very much BigTime. I'm really glad you liked it. (Little did you know but you're my new best friend.) :D And thanks to everyone else for their reviews. I'm learning so much because of all of you.

Thanks again. Good luck to everyone.
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Again, I'd like to echo what a treat it is to see fellow DVXUsers taking and transforming a few rough guidelines into personal and very individual films each month!

I had a concept I wanted to shoot for this and simply didn't do so. It is really easy to brainstorm what you might think is a good concept, but so much more difficult to actually do it... so congratulations again.

LOVE IS A DEVIL - I knew these people were now apart or something had happened to her from the get-go, but I was drawn in with the visual collage of their history together. Although we were fairly and adequately warned, I thought the lovemaking scenes were a little graphic - perhaps it was the length of edits or the audio levels that contributed to my experience. Again, these are snapshots and soundbites we all live in our own lives, so it does have a place in the piece - just a little jarring. I felt for your protagonist - I kept waiting for the twist where we found out he had wronged this woman and it never came. Just a sad ending. :( Some really good compositions in there, and the use of color between desaturated blue present day and vivid warm tones in their past was lovely.

LAST KISS GOODBYE - A great camp piece. I loved the concept - hearing from society's borderline-type entrepreneurs is always fun. As someone said above, the hatchback propped open with a piece of lumber really established your character in one great shot. Tighter edits throughout are in order.

HOMELESS HEARTS - THartley, this was a nice piece. The actors weren't at the level you needed for such a great concept. One scene that could have been a little bigger was the point where the woman tries to eat the chocolate and her soul rejects it. A close-up of her reaction would have said a little more to the viewer without having to spell it out. I like that you did this almost like a silent film - fun!

LUPER - Undead love... next to lesbian love, the most beautiful love there is (IMHO). I like your framing and blocking - male lead did a good job as well. One question: would a pair of handcuffs really restrain a zombie?

FEELINGS - I don't know if I'm the only one, but your directing style in this piece reminded me a lot of the work in Napoleon Dynamite - very flat and rather spartan. I'm a huge fan of ND, so I embrace that rather than reject it! I can't wait to see where your female lead finds herself in the next installment!

ROMANCE IS DEAD - The Joe vs. the Volcano of the festival. Everyone is rooting for your protagonist - all those hot Asian girls around and no love for P.K. - er, your lead! I really love your compositions - you're either brave enough to let the camera linger in static bliss or just can't afford an operator when you're acting. Whatever the reason, I'd continue doing what you do.

THE MORNING AFTER - Great improvisational dialogue. Your lead carried it - funny stuff here. I'll just back what everyone else said about your choice of framing and technical skills. This one gets my vote.

I can't wait for the March contest - maybe you guys can wrangle an SDX for the winner?

e
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

LUPER - Undead love... next to lesbian love, the most beautiful love there is (IMHO). I like your framing and blocking - male lead did a good job as well. One question: would a pair of handcuffs really restrain a zombie?
Click to expand...

I think the next short will attempt to pay true homage to the Undead Genre; I think a ZOMBIE would rip thier arm off as it is rotting anyway; but she was fresh. :D

And yes, Undead and Lesbian love; what other kind is there? Except for maybe Gerbil Love.
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Thanks all for the kind words and compliments. However, I do want to point out, Jonathan was "acting". This is not who he is in real life. There was a script. As far as PK mentioning...

 Yes, the out-takes were fun, but should you get my vote because you accidentally captured some funny moments on camera?  Actually, the out-takes prove the guy is a "real life" character.  He isn't much different from the character he was playing in bed.  So I disagree with everyone else (sorry John), your lead was great in this role, but I don't consider him an actor (I don't think he would either - Nor am I.)
Click to expand...
I didn't accidentally capture funny moments. We planned everything. Not everyone was "in" on it on set, but we had discussed everything before hand.

I'm not sure where Tony is, because your lead actor and out-takes stole the show.
Click to expand...
I would consider that "good casting" and knowing which shots work and which don't.
 ;)
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Gerbils... that might be taking it a little far. Oh, but you are from SoCal, right?

I think P.K. might just be jealous - after all, his protagonist didn't get to bed anyone in his short. P.K. can only exercise his deeply secreted sexist chauvanism through watching The Morning After. So transparent, so very, very sad!

;)
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

thanks for the feedback everyone! i really appreciate the kind words. im glad you all liked it!

all of the entries were great! very, very well done. ill post my reaction to all of the others after i give them a second look over.
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

[quote author=antOmic link=board=movies;num=1109739448;start=15#24 date=03/03/05 at 12:53:39]I didn't accidentally capture funny moments. We planned everything. Not everyone was "in" on it on set, but we had discussed everything before hand.[/quote]
antomic - You planned the out-takes? I take back everything I said. WOW! And you're right, the casting was excellent (the girl too). I should have given you credit for that.

Overland - My protagonist did get to bed someone in the movie. But it was after the camera stopped rolling. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)  ;)  Unfortunately it was the security guard.  ...HEY! You saw his uniform? You would have done the same.
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

[quote author=P.K. Gillock link=board=movies;num=1109739448;start=15#27 date=03/03/05 at 22:09:03]
antomic - You planned the out-takes?
[/quote]
well, all but the one flubbed line. That was a real blooper. :)
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Thank you everyone for watching and reviewing. And bravo to all who entered this month. Some fine entries and nice surprises. It is obvious I am in my 'LO/No' Horror movie phase with an emphasis on the undead genre. As I have mentioned, it beats shooting lesbian love stories (Unless they are hot and I don't know any hot lesbians unfortunatley.). Hey, Cameron started with Piranha II and The Terminator! :)

I apologize for the length. I did not think anyone would object; thinking the more is merrier. I consulted with a few people and the general consensus was "I don't think anyone is counting." Although I was aware of the RULE "No Longer than 5 minutes" I assumed it was more a guideline. I have not been able to enter one of these yet and thought I make up for lost time and it was shot specifically for this little fest of ours; another reason I thought it would be welcomed and not chastised. So sorry PK and Antomic. :P

This short was shot in about 13 hours over a day and a separate night. I called Ex Films (Casey) up and said "Hey! Let's shoot this weekend!" he said "What did you have in mind?" and I told him about the DVX Val Contest. I told him I have no idea what to do but want some UNdead type thing going on. HE said "I'll call you tomorrow." and he did; with an actor, actress and location.

We started shooting with ZERO script and just winged it. No excuses really; I wish we had not as it was a ***** in post. More or less; it was "OKay, in the next shot you are doing balh blah blah...". We were fortunate with both actors; Jarret Patterson and Chrissy Burns. They were rockstars and basically said "Whatever you want." I am stoked with both of their parts in this. Jarret is a character (adlibbing more or less everyline; the 'quest for cadaver' scene is a testament to his improvisational skills)

Two locations were used. The EXT and Bedroom and garage are the same and the Living Room is another one.

The general take is that the opening is a bit long and I do agree; I could easily cut this down and compress time; I toying with doing another edit before dumping it out of my files. And the RED Flash beating sequence. The reality is that the blocking on this was horrid and there was literally no footage that worked with this scene. I took a gamble; knowing it was 'artistic' (Which does not make it art) and went for an abstract attempt. In hindsight, I can shorten this sequence by a few clips and still get the point across. I figured people would either 'GEt' or "Not Get' the RED (LIke a KILL BILL kind of thing...?)

THe look; this is a deliberate look on my part. The High-Contrast, Over Saturated, Pushed Super16 Look. It is befitting of the genre I think and for now, it is something I am liking. I have yet to try and shoot a clean 'Pretty' picture whereas it is turning out my worlds are not pretty. I have been shooting for hard light sources (minimalist) and attempting to create a dark/light atmosphere. I have alot to learn on this still.

'The Edit'. I find myself enjoying the process more and more and in particular when it comes to SOUND (Both Score and Foley). Sometimes there is a little campy sounds and there's a part of me that likes that; the other part being "Unable to find the right sound" It was edited on Saturday and Sunday (A day before deadline) and I had gotten to the point whereas I just wanted to be done with it. Even leaving in the "Lioness Roar" at the end; I was done and tired.

ON a brighter note; This film looks really damn cool on my 17" Monitor at full Resoultion; it feels like watching a DVD. WIdescreen glory. HEadphones on; loud. (Anyone catch the dog and crows in the beginning? : ) )

I look forward to my next short and I thank Exfilms for co-creating this with me; we had fun on an unusually mellow shoot. ON my next short I plan to utilize the dolly more; a lack of planning and a shot list have inhibited the last two I think. Anyway, great job everyone and it's good to see us all doing some work and getting better.

The thing with the horror genre (and undead sub-genre) is that I think people like it or they do not like it; thats the beauty of the horror film. ONe thing I want to do differently is actually attmept to scare the audience next time and not just show 'scary' imagery but really build it up into a scare or startle. I think we dropped the ball on the garage sequence. Oh well! NExt time! :D
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

[quote author=John Hudson link=board=movies;num=1109739448;start=30#30 date=03/03/05 at 23:52:27]I find myself enjoying the process more and more and in particular when it comes to SOUND (Both Score and Foley).  Sometimes there is a little campy sounds and there's a part of me that likes that; the other part being "Unable to find the right sound"

(Anyone catch the dog and crows in the beginning?[/quote]
as a matter of fact, my review pointed out your abmient soundtrack

(as I was wondering if you caught my dog barking too.)

I had a ton of fun adding the subtle real world environment in the background. Just helped the whole thing come to life. Sirens, traffic, dogs, lawnmowers. All helping the illusion that there was a world coming to life outside of this prison.
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Yes. Exactly what I aim to do. MY favorite has to be the Wind; something about the wind blowing.

BTW

Lupercalia !

(lprkl´y) (KEY) , ancient Roman festival held annually on Feb. 15. The ceremony of the festival was intended to secure fertility and keep out evil. Two male youths, clad in animal skin, ran around the city slapping passersby with strips of goat skin. Because the youths impersonated male goats (the embodiment of sexuality), the ceremony was believed to be in honor of Faunus. The festival survived into Christian times and was not abolished until the end of the 5th cent.
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Congratulations antOmic. Of course becoming Platinum during the voting period disqualifies you from winning this months contest. Read the rules.  ;)  By the way, now that I know more about the out-takes, I take back what I said. You brought all the right elements together (actors, dialogue, story, ambient sounds, etc.) into that one room, and for that you should get credit. That's why I pulled some strings and got you DVXuser Platinum status and an increased credit limit.  ;D

If you don't mind, I'd like to say thank you to a piece of equipment that never gets any respect or mentions on this site, but it's a vital part of every one of my productions (No, not that!)  Thank you DVX100 Remote Control (aka the cameraman or dp).  Each shot in The Loner and Romance is Dead was assisted by the remote. Recently I've been experimenting and hitting the remote "zoom" button while recording. You can't see it in the shots but my hand (out of frame) is almost always holding the remote. In the wideshots the remote is in my pocket (Yes, that's the remote.) Does anyone else use the remote? It's never mentioned on the forum.
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

[quote author=P.K. Gillock link=board=movies;num=1109739448;start=30#33 date=03/04/05 at 01:00:35]Does anyone else use the remote? It's never mentioned on the forum.[/quote]

Yep. Gotsta. Either that, or wait for the cam to stop shaking after pushing the Record button. ;D

Also for zooms....certainly smoother than my hand can do it.

Dan
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

Yeah. You didn't get yours? Look in the box. It looks like this:
1079996071.jpg

:)
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

[quote author=John Hudson link=board=movies;num=1109739448;start=30#30 date=03/03/05 at 23:52:27]I look forward to my next short and I thank Exfilms for co-creating this with me; we had fun on an unusually mellow shoot.[/quote]

By "unusually mellow" he means we were all drunk. :P
 
Re: FEBRUARY DVXfest DISCUSSION

I'm going to try to keep my comments short because alot of what I wanted to say has already been mentioned so I'll try not to be redundant. I also notice some new contestants, which is great. Plus it’s always good to see someone other than PK submitting their work.  :)


Love is a Devil:
When it was done downloading my player automatically played this movie. At this moment I was in the kitchen making rice when I started to hear some orgasmic sounds. I rushed to see what the hell it was and well... I actually like this one. It kept me guessing, was that stas tagios acting in it?
:o :) :D ;D :P

The Last Kiss Goodbye
This was awight only because I've seen so many similar ones like it. I too love the 2x4 holding up the trunk. The actor was pretty good. I could of wish it was a cute female.
::) :) ;D

Homeless Hearts:
I thought this was a really sweet story. If only I could get the homeless people around my area to be nice to each other like that. Yes, there were some technical problems but I'm more watching these shorts for their content. I'm glad to see you entering thartley. Nice and keep them coming.
:) :-*

Luper:
You exceeded your time limit. So if you guys win how are you going to share your prize? If I was coming straight fresh off the boat from Cambodia and saw this movie I would probably move back to Cambodia. This was too morbid for me but good execution. Looks good.
:o :o  :)

Feelings:
The robot is funny but after awhile it for some reason lost its momentum. I wanted just a little more. At lest give the robot some electronic action.
;D :( :-*

The Morning After:
No doubt, great work as usual. The only thing that bothered me was the shot of him getting his bottle of whisky. It to me just seems out of placed. Maybe because the shot was too static. It’s only minor though. I was actually waiting for the girl to show some skin because it seems like she was going to. Maybe I'm just thinking with the wrong head. I though didn't want to see the dude’s ass. I'm always been a big fan of outtakes (Jackie Chan). Good Bien
:D >:( ::) :o

Romance is Dead:
This one sucked!

Kidding PK, your movie actually made me laugh. Your effects were pretty good. It's not no ILM or Weta but good enough for a one man remote control team. PK I’m sure you can find some Asian dude that’s willing to hold a boom mic for you if you offer him citizenship. You know legally marry them..
PK this was a great piece and I only see it getting better and better. Who was the white girl? I like the pizza joke.
:) :D ;D

I've yet need to submit something in the near future. Again congrats to all and I enjoyed watching each one. I don't remember what the hell I wrote.

Peace out!!

And where the hell is Phil?
 
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