LEAP (An End Times Feature)

So I was recording Sofiya's ADR today and my video drive kept acting up, preventing me from finishing recording her ADR. She's going to let me borrow her 1TB drive until I'm done with the film. She's bringing it over tomorrow, we'll transfer the 80 GB of footage, then finish her lines. Next week is foley, and the film will be done by the end of next week.

I also finished the outline for Leap 2 today.
 
I can honestly say that I truly believe my film is under attack from Satan right now. I transfered the footage onto the new terabyte drive, and the all the footage transfered just fine... except for one... This harddrive is FAT32, which as you know has a file size limit of 3 or 4 gigs. I like using NTFS because sometimes I have longer files. In Leap, I have exactly one file that is larger than 4 gigs. Seeing that my actress had other stuff on the harddrive, I can't reformat it to NTFS. Here's the funny part... The clip number, in relation to all the captured footage is 666. No joke. That was my first clue. Then today, I have Alex come over for his ADR, and all the sound is coming out garbled. I restart, same issue. Finally I do a system restore after I make sure all my stuff is saved and backed up to another drive. That fixes the sound issue. So we're moving along, and we come to the first bible study. EVERY single line of Pastor Scott's ADR in the first bible study only has been replaced with audio from later in the film. Like, the clips are still where I put them and are the same length I had them, but the media they link to is now linked to media later on. I checked my source files, which are .wav and they had all be replaced. But only that first bible study. Strange? I think so. I am CONVINCED that this film has some religous and spiritual truths that the devil doesn't want let out, hence the issues.
 
Matt_asimspon said:
please dont take offence but
From a non christian standpoint, I find the message a little intense, feels abit like scare mongering. not sure it is the best tactic to attract people.
but thats just my opinion,
good luck with your project.
regards
Matt
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I have to ring in on this too. This very much reminds me of my experience with christian youth groups growing up in TX. They were all very nice people, and all meant well, and indeed believed in what they were doing, but the tactics employed were hard to swallow and heavy-handed.

To be fair, they all admitted that they were indeed trying to scare non-believers into being "saved," although, of course, they all really were genuinely concerned about what happened to you if you weren't.

That said, in my opinion, the kind of commitment that it requires to be a good christian is not something someone can just "decide" at the moment they are being faced with peer pressure, singled out in a group, etc., anyone can say, "Yes, I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior," but just *saying* that doesn't make it so, and the use of other sort of games/etc., used to bring in non-believers, and then turn on the message after you've got them sucked in...well, it's a bit like getting the hard-sell on timeshares in Florida.

I always found that smaller one on one personal discussions with christians who really did their best to live a christian lifestyle and understood the difficulties required for the "leap of faith," were more powerful. I was still unable to make that "leap," but was certainly closer to being able to through these types of scenarios than at youth group meetings/parties/trips (and I went on a lot of them, all of my friends in high school were in them).

That said, I am sure there is a good market for films like this amongst the very sort of groups I described above, and you clearly believe in your message and I will not fault you for that - the parkour element is interesting, although I agree with others that it could really use an upgrade in terms of shot-design...but, again, for the target market of this film, I'd say that it probably will not be an issue. This is the kind of thing they would play at big youth christian assemblies during "lock in" parties where they attempt to save non-believers. I'm sure it will do the job for some as well, I just personally (having been so alienated by it personally) find that a more delicate approach to this sort of thing, in the long run, is more effective.

But I haven't seen the whole movie, just the clips on your site. I just have experience with other films in this vein and how they made me feel when I was young, and so I am always sort of interested in films like this, I don't know why, but I am. I got the hard sell so many times, and at that time in my life, I really, really wanted to believe in Christianity, but I simply never connected sufficiently for me to be willing to call myself a Christian, for me, these sorts of films only made it harder.

My intense belief is that you don't want to use an approach to force people into making this decision on a whim, I find it hard to believe that folks who do that (and I saw them) take it seriously enough to really have both feet in - I suppose that is *their* problem, not yours, but if you are truly doing God's work when "witnessing," I think you must ask yourself about the approach you use: Do you just want numbers, or *quality* numbers?

But that's just me. I do wish you well in your endeavor and I intend to pick up your film.
 
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Just so you know you are not completely alone as far as being under attack -
I was 3 weeks into my faith based feature (Class of '91) when I had a hard drive crash and lost everything edited up to that point . Then last week, I used media manager to organize my files. All looked fine at first, then I noticed some of the audio files repeated themselves twice. Hope you get it all worked out.
 
At least you guys are already shooting. I'm starting from scratch. I have to get a camera and new computer. The props are coming along nice though.

-Nate
 
Just so you know you are not completely alone as far as being under attack -
I was 3 weeks into my faith based feature (Class of '91) when I had a hard drive crash and lost everything edited up to that point . Then last week, I used media manager to organize my files. All looked fine at first, then I noticed some of the audio files repeated themselves twice. Hope you get it all worked out.
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Hope you get everything worked out too!

I have to get a camera and new computer. The props are coming along nice though.
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What happened to your DVX?
 
I sold it. My next film will be shot in HD. My next purchases include an Intel Mac and I don't know what camera I will buy yet, but by the time I do buy there will be a ton of new stuff out.

-Nate
 
As an editor, I'm kinda excited right now. My computer is going to be getting some upgrades made possible from an organ donor! I should have the parts on Wed.

Last night, my producer and I recorded our producer commentary for the flick. One down, three to go! I was hoping to be spotting the sound fx today, but I still need to have three actors finish their ADR. We recorded most of it, but due to the technical issues, we're going to be finishing up today, tomorrow, and Wed. Then, Wed my computer gets it's upgrades, and I'll then do the sound effects and coloring. I know, I know. I shouldn't be upgrading in the middle of a project. I've got backups of everything now, so I'm going to give it a shot. The extra RAM and faster processor are going to be nice when I start coloring.

I also need to start cutting the behind the scenes this week. My goal is to have a master DVD ready to be sent to discmakers by Dec 1st. Speaking of DVDs, I also set up the preorder button on my site so peope can order their copy now at a discount and have it signed by my lead actor and I.
 
Question: Why do you think your "take" on the rapture/end of days is more valid and genuine than that of others who've read it before you and interpret it differently?
 
Question: Why do you think your "take" on the rapture/end of days is more valid and genuine than that of others who've read it before you and interpret it differently?
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Answer: I was wondering when this would come up. I used to believe things will happen according to the pretrib view because that's what I had been taught. I then dated a girl who's parents asked what I believed, as far as end times events goes. When I told them, they said I should read my bible. I was a little put off, but I did. I decided to see what the bible actually said, as opposed to what my preacher said. When I did this, I was surprised to find that nowhere does it mention a secret rapture, or that it takes place before the time of trouble and the Antichrist power. Then, when I tried to find scripture to prove what I had been taught, I couldn't. The bible clearly states that we are raptured after the tribulation.

The pretrib view came about to make Christians "feel safe". This is a very dangerous view in my opinion. I know many people that say, "Oh, I'll become a Christian after people disappear. Then I'll know the bible is real". The bible says there are no second chances. 1 Thess. 5:2-3 "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE" The bible is clear that the rapture (a word that isn't even in the bible) and His second coming are one and the same. Also read Matt 24:29-31. To sum it up, the passage says that AFTER the tribulation, THEN the Son of Man appears in the clouds to GATHER his elect. Also read Matt 24:22.

Notice also how the pretrib view is different than the biblical view. They're complete opposites. Much like creation and evolutionism are complete opposites. The bible says that man brought death into the world, evolution says death brought man. One of these is biblical, the other is created by Satan to deceive the world. Satan works by deception. He likes to make things sound good so we'll more readily accept the lies. So to clarify, my "take" on the end times is not my take at all, but the bible's. You have to let the bible interpret itself. When you do, everything becomes clear and you don't have to guess as to what something means.

I realize that this will rub many Christians the wrong way. But you know what? Sometimes the truth hurts. If you're in a dark room you can't see a thing. You fumble around and guess as to what's there. Suddenly someone turns on the light and it hurts for moment, you let your eyes adjust and you can now see everything. Bible truth is the same way.
 
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Oh, and fellow Christian filmmaker recommended I start playing worship music while I cut. I'm going to give it a try (I have a feeling Satan doesn't like worship music.)
 
"I realize that this will rub many Christians the wrong way. But you know what? Sometimes the truth hurts. If you're in a dark room you can't see a thing. You fumble around and guess as to what's there. Suddenly someone turns on the light and it hurts for moment, you let your eyes adjust and you can now see everything. Bible truth is the same way." El Director

As a fellow Christian filmmaker I would caution you in your arrogant rant about knowing what is and isn't true. The Bible is purposely gray on this area, you are correct that the bible never uses the work Rapture in english. The english translation for "Rapture" from arabic to english is "caught up", as in they will be "caught up in the sky" where the dead in Christ will rise first then the believers whom haven't fallen asleep "meaning dead". I know that you are young and know it all, but you should try using hermeneutics when interpreting the scriptures. Remember that everything written was for those people at that particular time in history, even eschatology. When Christ spoke, He spoke to those people in a way they would understand and that we could derive meaning from what was said also. Trust me for every argument you make for a post-tribulation rapture, I could make for a pre-tribulation rapture as well. The best written material you could get would be a book called "Are we living in the end times" by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. This is a non fiction book using hundreds of prophecy scriptures to illustrate the order of events of the end times. In this book they have a chart showing all of the scriptures relating to the "rapture" and to the glorious appearing side by side. Anyone who has any clue of biblical prophecy can see that these 2 events happen at different times and the scriptures make it obvious that the 2 can't take be taking place at the same time. Using your logic one could state that Jesus Christ isn't God, He never uses the words I am God. In fact when He was asked point blank "are you the son of God" He replied 'it is as you say" never actually using the words. Another time when asked is He the son of God He replies "who do you say that I am". Just because a "word" isn't used doesn't mean that the inferred meaning doesn't mean the same thing. Just as in the prophecy, the bible says that Gods people will be gathered up to Him in the clouds where Christ will call out to them with the voice on an arch angel. At the glorious appearing the bible says that He descends from the clouds leading a great army to do battle with satan and the antichrist. Is He coming or going? He is God, can't He make up His mind? Just some food for thought my young friend. BTW, I use to be a big post-tribulation guy at one time.
 
I read "Are we living in the end times", and all I saw was the same arguments over and over that I used to give before I actually started interpreting scripture with scripture. They also teach that the Antichrist- the beast of the sea in Rev 13- is a single man. How can that be when Daniel tells us that in prophecy, a beast is a nation or kingdom? The antichrist is a nation that will control the world. My point is that Tim and Jerry haven't used scripture to interpret scripture. If they did, there'd be no way "anyone who has a clue" could say they believe the antichrist is a singular man. So if they're obviously wrong here, then maybe they're wrong about the rest of it too? I wanted desperatly to believe in a pretrib rapture, but at the end of the day, the idea is just silly. If anyone reading this does read "Are We Living In The End Times", I recommend also reading "End Times Dellusions" by Steve Wohlberg. Make sure to have your bibles handy during both (KJV preferred)

I'm not going to get into a debate on my thread about this as there'd be no point then in people seeing my movies =) I make no claim that I know it all. I'm just very confident in what I believe and I want others to at least examine their beliefs as well. If after doing the research themselves and actually reading their bibles people still want to believe as they did before, let them. Where I do have a problem is people believing something only because it's what they were taught. That's a load of garbage.

Oh, and the word for caught up is greek. Pariousa. It's not arabic.
 
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El, I had never watched "Left Behind" until you mentioned it in your early posts. I started watching it to see what the fuss was all about (it's on youtube) and I must say its definitly one of the worst written movies I've ever seen!

The writer(s) should be ashamed of themselves. What a rotten smelly turd of a movie and Cameron brought nothing to it. Horrible writing, horrible dialog, and horrible acting. Plot holes up the butt as well.
 
El, I had never watched "Left Behind" until you mentioned it in your early posts. I started watching it to see what the fuss was all about (it's on youtube) and I must say its definitly one of the worst written movies I've ever seen!

The writer(s) should be ashamed of themselves. What a rotten smelly turd of a movie and Cameron brought nothing to it. Horrible writing, horrible dialog, and horrible acting. Plot holes up the butt as well.
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Part two and three are even worse if you can find them. lol!
 
I actually tried to get some work done during the day today and was surprised at how much I got done. I scored the pk demo and end chase. I also finished the DVD case and disc design. I created the project on discmakers.com and they're expecting my master next week! I've already had a couple of pre-sales, so thanks to those of you that have purchased yours! You should have your signed copy just in time for Christmas.

Other than that, not a lot to report today. I'm going to go work on some of the extras.
Peace!
 
Wanted to post the DVD case, so enjoy!

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The response to the artwork seems positive, so that's good. I'm currently spotting my sound fx before I head to bead. Gotta try to get some sleep in the weekend. Alex is coming over tomorrow to finish his ADR, record his commentary, and help with foley. Tomorrow night is burgers and margaritas for my producer and I. Happy Thanksgiving, huh? Friday I'm going to color, and Saturday I mix and render. Sunday I finish the extras, render those. Monday I'll apply my filmlook, render, then build the DVD menu. The flick get's shipped to discmakers on Tue and I'll have the replicated (not duplicated) discs a week and a half later. Yes, I know this seems impossible to work this fast, but when you're doing this work at night, you'd be amazed at how fast it can go.

In case anyone's wondering, here's a breakdown on the extras (and even if you weren't you can read on anyway):
*PK 101 is a 20 minute video that my lead actor and I shot where I teach the viewer the basics of parkour. We cover warmup, rolls, conditioning, and basic vaults.
*The behind the scenes is a mix of BTS footage showing the actor's training, how I shoot, interviews, effects progressions, and my video diary
*And yes, I have four commentaries. The History of Leap is me telling the story of how this film came about starting from finishing Wulf all the way to now. The Director commentary is your typical shot by shot and how we did it piece. The producers commentary (already recorded) is basically a Drift Radio show about the film. And the actor commentary is myself and my lead actor discussing the film from his point of view.
*The blooper reel is kinda self explanatory
*The disc will also include all three trailers (the two teasers and a theatrical)
 
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