Short Film - Dealt in Spades

H

Helferc

Member
Here is a short film that me and my friend worked on over my winter break. Give me as much feedback as possible and thanks for watching.

Plot: A clandestine meeting and sinister plot disguised by a game of cards.

Genre: Spy/Drama/Suspense/Live-Action

Rated: PG-13

Starring:
Craig Helfer as The Resident

Marc Carpenito as The Visitor

Runtime: 7:22

Here's the Link to the movie. You can download it off the site but it is streaming so.
http://arbitraryproductions.blip.tv/#613519
 
i like it man. If there wqs a distraction, Id say the low light quality of the camera, but hey maybe it was from the host's quality. Music and lighting did make for a dreary atmosphere.
 
The lighting was an issue and it doesn't help that my camera has terrible low light. Thanks for the comments guys.
 
excellent work, the lighting was a bit off, and composition could have been a little better for the majority of the dialogue, but besides that it was good. im looking forward to seeing more of your work.
 
Four Stars - Awesome Short!

Four Stars - Awesome Short!

Hi Helferc,

Ditto above, But right off with the intro, I knew I was going to enjoy the movie. Nice job on editing, pacing, and camera work. At 3:00, consider including a few Over The Shoulder shots (not all POVs). At 5:12, the camera framing is amiss (rule of thirds, needs more nose room).

I enjoyed the acting and the script - not overdone as so often happens with indies.

The set design could use some work - the colored tablecloth and napkins didn't seem to fit in with the otherwise drab scenery.

The music selection and mix definitely was one of the strongest elements of the movie - excellent job! (I'll refrain from discussing copyright issues)

The audio was checkered - I'm picky about audio. At 0:50, the audio level was 20dB too loud when the talent removed the bottle from the cabinet. At 4:52, the voice was unintelligible.

At 5:18 where he pulls the gun, add a few seconds to the scene before/after he shoots (maybe adding a subtle expression after the shot). Also, have the actor give a slight recoil of his hand to simulate the shot (nice foley effect of the shot). At 5:49 (after the blackout), consider using the same camera POV camera perspective - from the audience's perspective, it seemed odd to cut back into the scene with that camera angle; then after re-establishing and the actor moves, cut to the new perspective. Tighten up the action from 5:55-6:10; 15 seconds was too long for the post-action scene (anti-climatic).

Beginning at 6:30, the script, acting, pacing, camera angles led to a terrific close! In total, while the lighting was problematic, you've made a fantastic short which I recommend to others.

Cudos, Michael
 
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