FEATURE: Rise of the Beast-the new feature from STARS Pictures
- Thread starter El Director
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jghenderson
Well-known member
As a Catholic I find the premise of the movie to be offensive and stupid.
That being said, I really admire your spirit and your desire to make a good and unique Christian film. That takes a lot of courage.
That being said, I really admire your spirit and your desire to make a good and unique Christian film. That takes a lot of courage.
I don't want to cause any offence and I am probably not one to judge as I have litterally made only one proper short film, and that is quite poor indeed 
But don't you think you should home your skills first before jumping in head first. I know you say you learn from the mistakes on the feature film but $500K is a LOT of money to be learning mistakes from.
I suggest you take each aspect of your films and make a short film dedicated to each aspect.
I have made an action short film, so I learnt a lot about action aspects and next I am going to do an emotional slow film, letting me gain skills on pacing, emotion portrayal etc.
Do you even need $500K, I have a short being made in Summer. It has 7 actors, a range of locations, plenty of props and a nice little crew and its costing about £500.
You don't have to spend big if you play it right
But don't you think you should home your skills first before jumping in head first. I know you say you learn from the mistakes on the feature film but $500K is a LOT of money to be learning mistakes from.
I suggest you take each aspect of your films and make a short film dedicated to each aspect.
I have made an action short film, so I learnt a lot about action aspects and next I am going to do an emotional slow film, letting me gain skills on pacing, emotion portrayal etc.
Do you even need $500K, I have a short being made in Summer. It has 7 actors, a range of locations, plenty of props and a nice little crew and its costing about £500.
You don't have to spend big if you play it right
El Director
Veteran
Thanks Vic and Nate. The lecture went really well! Sorry, no vids or pics (didn't even think about it). I basically gave them a quick rundown as to how I make films and then opened the floor to question and answer. It was hoot! Oh, and I'll get the AE sampler online soon (I hope)
@jghenderson: I can understand that. My former producer is Catholic as well and he had to drop out of the project. It's what I believe and I can back it up. But thanks!
@Maxim: I appreciate your concern but two things-This is my third feature, not my first, and if you read a couple posts back, the investors backed out so I'm back to trying to get funding again. The $500k wasn't going to go to just the film, but to start setting up a studio.
@jghenderson: I can understand that. My former producer is Catholic as well and he had to drop out of the project. It's what I believe and I can back it up. But thanks!
@Maxim: I appreciate your concern but two things-This is my third feature, not my first, and if you read a couple posts back, the investors backed out so I'm back to trying to get funding again. The $500k wasn't going to go to just the film, but to start setting up a studio.
I got about a minute into the proof of concept video. Wasn't into it. I'm not a fan of the whole "edgy" shaky handheld footage deal (and this is coming from someone who films action sports, where that's the norm).
Not to mention that, to quote Maude Lebowski, the plot is ludicrous.
Not to mention that, to quote Maude Lebowski, the plot is ludicrous.
El Director
Veteran
Hey Vic,
Here's the AE tests I showed. The first one is a simple crop and pin effect over my air conditioner and then myself playing two "SWAT" guys. The idea being that if I can only afford one costume, I can still have a whole team with a little planning. (the camera shake in the first shot was done in AE too. Still trying to get that part down)
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1432700931989#!/video/video.php?v=1432700931989
This next one is my "reel" after my first week of AE following video copilot tutorials and playing around on my own.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1432700931989#!/video/video.php?v=1419364558588
Here's the AE tests I showed. The first one is a simple crop and pin effect over my air conditioner and then myself playing two "SWAT" guys. The idea being that if I can only afford one costume, I can still have a whole team with a little planning. (the camera shake in the first shot was done in AE too. Still trying to get that part down)
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1432700931989#!/video/video.php?v=1432700931989
This next one is my "reel" after my first week of AE following video copilot tutorials and playing around on my own.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1432700931989#!/video/video.php?v=1419364558588
If you knew what I know you wouldn't think so, but whatever gets your goat...
Nathyn
Low Budget Ninja
When I did "The Fourth Beast" the Catholic actors did express some concern after seeing the whole film. I think somewhere you need to explain in your script the prefix "Anti" also means "in place of" and not just "against". You can use the word "Anti-Pope" as an example, as an "Antipope" is someone who takes the place of the Pope. You story will turn people off, but if you lay the full evidence out it becomes overwhelming that it could all be coincidental. You have to explain what's going on though because most people are not up on the theology. They're still stuck on "Left Behind". And those who are usually have decided it's either true or false.
In "Leap" the Pastor was able to break down what the scriptures meant and do it pretty quickly too, you need to be able to do this with Lead 2, also. The Matthew 24, timeline will come in handy as the actual quote as to the return is in that chapter. Revelations has the rest. Good work on getting it out there. Once you get the script tight, work on the production, the look of the film and they acting. Remember, everything has to be motivated.
-Nate
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El Director
Veteran
Good tips Nate! Thanks!
Nathyn
Low Budget Ninja
And you can do the car chase with real cars. Car chases are a series of cuts that make the cars look like they're in a chase. We see the wheels, the shifting of gears, the we only get an idea of the speed and that's through the sounuds we're hearing. Obviously the cars can't be going at 5 mph but going at a good 35mph (speed limit here in Chicago), you should be able to pull off a chase. Rent "The Transporter" the original and the 2nd one and check out the car chases. It's mainly cuts.
Oh and good lookin' out on the two disc set decision.
Interesting statement. Can you back this statement up or is it just a personal opinion? I mean in theory the plot of Superman, The Matrix and many other great films is ludicrous unless you actually look at the film in it's own world.
-Nate
Oh and good lookin' out on the two disc set decision.
Interesting statement. Can you back this statement up or is it just a personal opinion? I mean in theory the plot of Superman, The Matrix and many other great films is ludicrous unless you actually look at the film in it's own world.
-Nate
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I find that it's easier to believe in a flying, bulletproof man with no fashion sense than it is to believe that "two years from now, the world governments have given Vatican City complete religious and political control." I mean, I'm sure that all those Protestants, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. are really down with the Pope's, like, opinion, man.
*watches jesus christ: vampire hunter*
Robertson6
Active member
McMahon, as much as I am not a defender of Chris and this film I find your input to be ignorant and uneducated. You have never read his script nor seen his film, you are commenting from complete ignorance. Secondly it doesn't matter what you believe, it is a movie, in case you didn't know this movies aren't real. Chris has every right to make a movie about anything he wants without your approval. So what if you find the premise to be far out, there will never be vampires or zombies roaming the land seeking blood and brains. Think of the millions of dollars that have been wasted making these movies, I don't see you whining about those films. Intolerant individuals are something that Christians have to deal with everyday, christianity is constantly mocked and ridiculed, laughed at and blasphemed in hollywood and independent films everyday. People like you seem to think that is ok, but when a christian makes a movie and you don't agree with the premise you feel you should comment. Here is a thought, go make you own film. At least Chris has the guts to bring his films to life and put them up here, where is your at? I think Chris has along ways to go to be a great filmmaker, I personally wouldn't work on his projects. Not because of the premises or concept, but the quality of how they look and are shot. If you feel the need to critic someone it should be on that basis, not whether or not you like the story line.
Chris Adler
Veteran
As a "Christian filmmaker" don't you think you'd have more "effect" by making movies that weren't overtly Christian and by hiding good standard moral principals in more mainstream productions? I mean, there are LOTS of people who will simply avoid your film because they see that its an unveiled attempt to convert them to your particular belief system (which you say CAN be proven, but we all know it can't. It must simply be accepted.)
Wouldn't it be more Jesus-like to create a film that has massive wide-spread appeal that still subtly expresses your viewpoint? The Narnia stories are a great example, and quite successful I might add. If Jesus made a film would it be called "Heathens, Listen up!"? I don't think so.
Personally I'm glad you don't follow that approach, because it makes it easier for me to know what to not watch and what to watch, but I think if I was you I'd try to "sneak" my message into a story that might catch people off guard.
How many non-evangelicals do you honestly believe will ever watch your movies for reasons other than to rip them apart and attack you?
Wouldn't it be more Jesus-like to create a film that has massive wide-spread appeal that still subtly expresses your viewpoint? The Narnia stories are a great example, and quite successful I might add. If Jesus made a film would it be called "Heathens, Listen up!"? I don't think so.
Personally I'm glad you don't follow that approach, because it makes it easier for me to know what to not watch and what to watch, but I think if I was you I'd try to "sneak" my message into a story that might catch people off guard.
How many non-evangelicals do you honestly believe will ever watch your movies for reasons other than to rip them apart and attack you?
Well, 12 years of Catholic school and too much college will do that to you, I guess.
Are either of those available for me to read or watch? I'm commenting based on the materials I've seen (a short synopsis on his website and the POC video), neither of which floated my boat.
Please, quote where I stated otherwise?
Nathyn
Low Budget Ninja
Actually, and we've had this discussion before, an in your face Christian film can attract attention from many people if it's done well. If you don't know there's a whole sci-fi audience out there that will watch endtimes films whether they believe them to be true or not. Bruce Almighty is an example of a film that had overt religious themes that, like it or not, fall closer to the beliefs of Christianity.
Personally I prefer films that don't wear the badge on their chest, but the fact of the matter is it's actually easier to make one of these films and get support for it. The thing is even Christians are wising up and we're not looking to support everything that simply has a "Christian" banner on it so I just want him to make a great movie. If you want to do a Christian film in the style of "The Bourne Identity" then do it, but if you actually do it right, Christians and non-Christians will come to see it.
Marketing is the question. Write and market as a Christian film, then you have a built in audience. Do it as a secular film then you have better chance for out reach. Those are the two options that Christian filmmakers wrestle with. Many feel that modern Christian filmmaking has opened doors. But it really hasn't. Those door where always there, but no one went through them, save for the Pete Christiano types. But not is big and profitable, so people are more willing to do it and be up front with it.
LOL, 12 years of Catholic school is why I support Chris in his efforts. Almost all of my films are about Biblical manipulation and population control in some way shape or form and I'm glad others are saying it too and not afraid to stand up against the majority view, even when that majority view is the view of your brethren. I hope more films like Leap come out. Everyone reaching the public in their own way.
-Nate
Personally I prefer films that don't wear the badge on their chest, but the fact of the matter is it's actually easier to make one of these films and get support for it. The thing is even Christians are wising up and we're not looking to support everything that simply has a "Christian" banner on it so I just want him to make a great movie. If you want to do a Christian film in the style of "The Bourne Identity" then do it, but if you actually do it right, Christians and non-Christians will come to see it.
Marketing is the question. Write and market as a Christian film, then you have a built in audience. Do it as a secular film then you have better chance for out reach. Those are the two options that Christian filmmakers wrestle with. Many feel that modern Christian filmmaking has opened doors. But it really hasn't. Those door where always there, but no one went through them, save for the Pete Christiano types. But not is big and profitable, so people are more willing to do it and be up front with it.
LOL, 12 years of Catholic school is why I support Chris in his efforts. Almost all of my films are about Biblical manipulation and population control in some way shape or form and I'm glad others are saying it too and not afraid to stand up against the majority view, even when that majority view is the view of your brethren. I hope more films like Leap come out. Everyone reaching the public in their own way.
On the contrary, it's evangelicals who need to see the film. The film does not hold to the majority Evangelical view. The Bible says some specific things. The majority view is based on "prophesy experts". Leap actually holds a view that's just now coming to light. At the time these teachings came about there was no belief in a pre-trib rapture. Those Christians were going through tribulation right then. But the belief on both sides is many things prophesied are happening right now, but the arguement is about the Second Coming (Which will not be debated here) and that's where Chris' film takes a different view.
-Nate
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El Director
Veteran
If I was going after the secular audience, yes. My goal is to get Christians to re-examine their beliefs and look at a different view than the one they're used to hearing about. If, as Nate said, the secular audience looks at it as sci fi and wants to come along for the ride, I'll take that as well.
filmman
Veteran
A&E examples
A&E examples
A&E examples
Hey, Chris, that's fabulous; I'm going to enjoy learning A&E. And also the Copilot -- wow, the muzzle flashes were very well done!
El Director
Veteran
Thanks! The muzzle flashes and casings are actually from "The DV Rebel's Guide". It's a sample AE project that you can load your footage into, mark where the gun is, then it adds the shells and flashes.
El Director
Veteran
I actually haven't even looked into those since I don't even need the cartridges to show. All the shooting in this film will be offscreen. The video above was just playing with the effect for possible future use and to learn AE better. For the time it takes though to do the shells digitally, it might be worth picking up the airsoft you mentioned. However, if your time isn't worth anything and it's just time, AE isn't a bad way to go for that effect.