RobertE presents "Hellebore"

Darkline said:
I forgot it all takes place in the day - and that is a challenge. Personally I think if you get it right daytime horror can be much more effective than the blue light nighttime stuff..... but its harder to get right.

outdoors thing is difficult if you dont have the mics, but you could always ADR - ive found this bit of software to be effective that I sometimes use - its called Vocalign, what it attempts to do is take audio recorded, say via your laptop, and you can input the sound from location in as a guide. it then tries to match the new recorded audio to the original. it takes some work but you can get perfect lip synced audio with it

anyway im going off topic. but its a thought for anyone who doesnt have a sound guy!
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We actually have a pretty good sound system. We used an AT4073a shotgun with a 'dead kitty' on a boom pole for most of the shots. We were shooting in one location were there is a 'skydiving' airport, and the planes that take the skydivers up circle around and around as they climb to altitude. It's really noisy.

Thanks for the info on Vocalign, I'll check it out. Have you heard of SoundSoap? I've seen it mentioned a few times on the forum and was wondering if it's any good for cleaning the sound?
 
RobertE - thanks for sharing Hellebore!

Talk about scary... a plant that kills!!! The moving tree into the pool was great, loved the shot when he killed the guy, too. Very cool ideas there... you pulled it off quite well.

I don't understand when the FBI agent points into the distance and all of the sudden the creature pops up in front of them... then it cuts to a shot of the FBI agent and he hasn't even gotten his gun out... so he stands there, totally silent, and pulls it out nonchalantly. -- I think he shouldve screamed F#!% or something! - also, it seemed like you had to use low-quality sound effects in the beginning... if they werent sound FX then the audio capture quality was hurting. - IMO, if it was a sound effect... do away with it and sample your own sounds. The results will be much more satisfactory. Then, of course, I could be completely wrong in assuming...

All that aside, I loved the concept. Looking forward to more from you!
-Kyle Stebbins
 
thekyleman71 said:
RobertE - thanks for sharing Hellebore!

Talk about scary... a plant that kills!!! The moving tree into the pool was great, loved the shot when he killed the guy, too. Very cool ideas there... you pulled it off quite well.

I don't understand when the FBI agent points into the distance and all of the sudden the creature pops up in front of them... then it cuts to a shot of the FBI agent and he hasn't even gotten his gun out... so he stands there, totally silent, and pulls it out nonchalantly. -- I think he shouldve screamed F#!% or something! - also, it seemed like you had to use low-quality sound effects in the beginning... if they werent sound FX then the audio capture quality was hurting. - IMO, if it was a sound effect... do away with it and sample your own sounds. The results will be much more satisfactory. Then, of course, I could be completely wrong in assuming...

All that aside, I loved the concept. Looking forward to more from you!
-Kyle Stebbins
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Kyle,

Thanks for the review! Yeah, you've got me. I had to cut out about 3 minutes from the 'hellebore' creature popping up to where he enters 'the grove'. It's very clumsy, and I had other options to cut, as some members had suggested, maybe cut out the first scene (the guy with the dog). But, alas, I couldn't do it. So, that transition is very rough... just missing, and I think it hurt the 6 minute version of the film.

Thank you for taking the time to review. If you could expand on the 'sound effects' and what specifically didn't sound right, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you again,

RobertE
 
Hey Robert, good job on your film.

You had a story and you went out and shot it and it made sense. (I state this so blatantly because not everyone can do that. You did!)

I don't know what your experience is as a filmmaker, but I think that you have a lot of room to grow. (Really, I do not mean this harshly, I am being sincere.) You have many good moments such as the opening shot with the camera "lifting" up to reveal the guy with his dog. The shot of the guy running into the trees. (I love the camera in the woods as he enters and we see him through the trees.) The c/u on the feet crossing through the leaves. The swimming pool dolly. Very nice. (too much stuff for the camera to dolly through in my opinion, but that is minor and maybe wrong. just something that stood out as I watched.) Many, many good shots.

Some examples of improvement (again, only my opinion) the guy gets his legs taken out from under him (brilliant! looked great!) but then the camera lingers on him and he "waits" for the plant to pull him off. If this shot had him hitting the ground, c/u on his face (like you have) and then yanked away as soon as we absorb what has happen, you would have a really great shot! (I don't think that I would ever just hang there and wait if this happened to me.)

Another one was the FBI or Dr. pointing. Make that quick!!! Hand/arm up and WHAM! Monster!!! The shot just held there. Edit that puppy into energy!!!

The crime scene should and would have had police tape and been contained. That Dr. would not be allowed to enter that area, especially if the rest of forensics had not been collected (which I believe was a final line in that scene).

I am giving you a lot of detailed notes because I believe that you have a great jump on this filmmaking business. Story-telling is hard and you did that!

The VFX were great. Nice job on making those vines come in and strangle people. The final shot on the girl being pulled under could have had the energy of the initial tug she endured. The boy coming up after she was gone was a great touch.

I am going to leave this alone now. I think that you know that I am being detailed and hopefully understand some of my comments.

Really a nice job on your film!

And your opening logo ROCKS!!!

Congrats!!!

Ted
 
TheatreGuy said:
Hey Robert, good job on your film.

You had a story and you went out and shot it and it made sense. (I state this so blatantly because not everyone can do that. You did!)

I don't know what your experience is as a filmmaker, but I think that you have a lot of room to grow. (Really, I do not mean this harshly, I am being sincere.) You have many good moments such as the opening shot with the camera "lifting" up to reveal the guy with his dog. The shot of the guy running into the trees. (I love the camera in the woods as he enters and we see him through the trees.) The c/u on the feet crossing through the leaves. The swimming pool dolly. Very nice. (too much stuff for the camera to dolly through in my opinion, but that is minor and maybe wrong. just something that stood out as I watched.) Many, many good shots.

Some examples of improvement (again, only my opinion) the guy gets his legs taken out from under him (brilliant! looked great!) but then the camera lingers on him and he "waits" for the plant to pull him off. If this shot had him hitting the ground, c/u on his face (like you have) and then yanked away as soon as we absorb what has happen, you would have a really great shot! (I don't think that I would ever just hang there and wait if this happened to me.)

Another one was the FBI or Dr. pointing. Make that quick!!! Hand/arm up and WHAM! Monster!!! The shot just held there. Edit that puppy into energy!!!

The crime scene should and would have had police tape and been contained. That Dr. would not be allowed to enter that area, especially if the rest of forensics had not been collected (which I believe was a final line in that scene).

I am giving you a lot of detailed notes because I believe that you have a great jump on this filmmaking business. Story-telling is hard and you did that!

The VFX were great. Nice job on making those vines come in and strangle people. The final shot on the girl being pulled under could have had the energy of the initial tug she endured. The boy coming up after she was gone was a great touch.

I am going to leave this alone now. I think that you know that I am being detailed and hopefully understand some of my comments.

Really a nice job on your film!

And your opening logo ROCKS!!!

Congrats!!!

Ted
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Ted,

Thanks for the 'play by play' review! I'll address some of your comments and questions if I could.

Thanks for the compliments on some of the shots. I'm sure you know that it sometimes takes an hour to 'set up' one shot that is on screen for about 3 seconds.

Someone else had commented on the guy being pulled off his feet and then the 'beat' where he's just laying there. My thought (and excuse?) was that the guy get's the wind knocked out of him and he's in shock. Then, before he can turn around or get up, he's dragged through the woods. Does that work for you... or not? I appreciate your perspective on this.

I agree with the 'pointing into the woods' and then the scare. I've got to work on that to get a better 'shock' value.

At the crime scene, I actually cut out a shot were one of the agents is escorting the scientist to the crime scene. I know, that bugs me too, because it's as if the scientist just walks up there.

I don't understand what you meant by the 'energy of the initial tug'? Could you elaborate?

Thanks for the compliment on the VFX. We had decided to do them all as 'practical effects' and it took a lot to create them, rig them, and choreograph them.

I greatly appreciate your comments and am taking notes from everyone. I'm currently working on a longer version of the film that I will have available after the voting, so this input is very helpful.

RobertE
 
Absolutely Robert, thanks for asking.

First, if the guy had the wind knocked out of him, have the c/u on his face as he is "out" and then yank him away just as soon as he gains awareness. I just checked out the clip... the guy IS breathing rather heavily here. Not sucking wind as would be the case if he had the wind knocked out of him.

I really don't mind the camera on him that long IF there was some action by him. I tell you, if that was me and that had happened and I was aware, I'd first get up and leave! Then, if I couldn't because my legs were bound, show him struggle and look to his legs. (again, this would be a very nature response). Then maybe do a c/u of his legs bound if you wanted. But the shot on his face as he is dragged away is great! You want and need to get back to that. (like you did. Just TOO much time of him doing nothing/not reacting. Even if he was stunned, I bet ANYONE would not just lie there and not look at what just did this. Especially when you are already concerned because your dog just disappeared.)

And Boy do I understand lengthy set-ups for a bit shot! Just check out my bloody ceiling post in my thread!!!

The energy of the tug... The first time she is tugged under, someone is underwater yanking her under, right? It shows as a very forceful pull under water. It looks great!

The second and final time she is yanked under, I would love to have seen that same intensity or more as she is taken away for good. (It is a small picky point and I only bring it up becuase so much of your film looks great. I just wanted her to fight for her last breath and lose the battle.)

I have to head out for the evening. I'd be happy to further clarify or examine your film if you like. PM me or leave a message here or on my thread.

Thanks for wanting the explanation of my comments. I hope that you find them useful, even if it is to say, "what does that guy know!" :grin:

We are all growing to be better filmmakers and everyone has an opinion. It is up to you to take them in and weed them out!

Enjoy!

Ted
 
New screen shots posted.

Thank you all for viewing the movie!

And thank you to those that have given me feedback. I really appreciate it! Isn't this the best fun ever!
 
Acting: Solid enough, like Rob’s performance.
Script: Killer plant’s whats not to like? Pikey but great.:thumbup:
Direction: So nice ideas floating around here.
Music: Suited the piece some nice stabs.
Editing: Not bad, some a tiny bit choppy.
Lighting: Nice use of natural lighting.
Loved: Opening shot, wow! The dog boy he can run. The name - ‘Nugget’ :) priceless! The drag man, ouch! “Clothing optional” line. Track across the pool, the growing vines, (Ace!), how long she held her breath for (that was a cut right?), FBI cap (simple), ‘Floratac’ again another great name, who’s thinking of these? The hook, the Doctor getting dragged away.
Hated: The quick pan, would have worked better off legs. The title font, that Peters had his full-length white coat on in the field.
Overall: Killer plants, I love it! :dankk2:

J.P.

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS ON BROKEN CIRCLE (WE NEED EM!)
 
jpbankesmercer said:
Acting: Solid enough, like Rob’s performance.
Script: Killer plant’s whats not to like? Pikey but great.:thumbup:
Direction: So nice ideas floating around here.
Music: Suited the piece some nice stabs.
Editing: Not bad, some a tiny bit choppy.
Lighting: Nice use of natural lighting.
Loved: Opening shot, wow! The dog boy he can run. The name - ‘Nugget’ :) priceless! The drag man, ouch! “Clothing optional” line. Track across the pool, the growing vines, (Ace!), how long she held her breath for (that was a cut right?), FBI cap (simple), ‘Floratac’ again another great name, who’s thinking of these? The hook, the Doctor getting dragged away.
Hated: The quick pan, would have worked better off legs. The title font, that Peters had his full-length white coat on in the field.
Overall: Killer plants, I love it! :dankk2:

J.P.
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JP,

Thank you so much for the summary review. Very much to the point. I like that. I'm finding it difficult to do enough reviews, with a life and work, so I really appreciate it.

So what does 'Pikey' mean? And yeah, killer plants gone wild! I like the line "Plants eating animals... that's a twist".

Thank you again.
 
Robert, Congratulations on your work and your film!

Best of luck to you and I look forward to what you do next!

Ted
 
TheatreGuy said:
Robert, Congratulations on your work and your film!

Best of luck to you and I look forward to what you do next!

Ted
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And likewise! I can't wait to see what you've got next. Even if it isn't a DVXUser 'fest'. Keep us posted!

This is exciting! Voting ends tonight, I'm shooting some pick up shots this afternoon for "Hellebore" and my Birthday is on Sunday! I'm finishing the "Director's Cut", putting it on DVD as a gift to myself... and everyone else that worked on it!
 
Ok. As a horror film, this one was quite the cheese-fest. But, when I say that, I say it in a good way. Cardboard acting. Special "carnivore" plant effets and plant-monster costumed actor. Wooden g-men and scientists.

Here's what I would do:

1. CC the whole thing to low-contrast black and white.
2. Build a good theremin score with orchestra.
3. Add in a few cheesy sound effects.

Mix well.

And voila!!! You got yourself a FINE B-HORROR MOVIE homage.

I'm telling you, it would play great.

If you need help with the score attribute, let me know.

I'm dead serious, here. Really.


John G.
 
cinealma said:
I'm dead serious, here. Really.

John G.
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Really? I can't tell. What did you think of the film? Favorite shots? Acting? It was produced as an homage to B-movie horror films but without the cheese (I'm lactose intolerant). What could be improved?

And black and white? What about the pretty colors of the pool? And the cool greens in the woods?

Thank you for your input. But, I don't know what to make of it?
 
Just finally getting the time to copy the notes I compiled in a Word doc while watching the shorts:

Serious hottie alert. Wishing the female who drowned in the pool had more of a role! J This started out really promising, but began to slow for me by not having quicker paced editing. For example, when the guy hit the ground after his feet were pulled out from under him, it just doesn’t seem realistic that he’d sit there for several beats with that look on his face waiting to be pulled. He should have hit the dirt, and a half beat later been yanked across the floor of the jungle … which did look good, BTW, and nice camera tracking. Speaking of camera, the cinematography in this was probably the strongest attribute, along with some exceptional lighting in spots (I don’t think lighting water scenes is easy, yet you make it look easy). The opening crane shot was also quite pro. However, the acting was probably the weakest, along with the script/dialogue, IMO.
 
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