FEATURE: Teaser and blog for Viking feature titled Maldon

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Nathan Pardee

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Hello everyone, I am currently working on marketing a feature screenplay titled Maldon. I directed and shot a concept short to headline a fundraiser for a cinematic teaser trailer for the feature. Below is a link to the synopsis, and our blog with the video.


Synopsis


In 991 A.D, the Vikings, led by King Olaf Tryggvason, launch a coastal invasion of Anglo-Saxon England. Their next target is the town of Maldon, which is protected by Lord Byrhtnoth, an old enemy of the raiding Northmen. The story centers around Byrhtnoth’s most loyal retainer, Godric.

When the Vikings finally attack, Byrhtnoth makes a critical tactical error based on pride and hubris, leading to his death and Maldon’s occupation. Rather than fulfill his vow and die next to his liege lord, Godric flees in the heat of battle so he can survive and claim vengeance. Looked down upon by his fellow warriors and the local chieftains, Godric wanders the land an outcast and a marked coward.

The only way for him to honor his broken oath is to stay true to a new vow - Kill King Olaf Tryggvason.







Here you can find our tumblr blog which will be consistently updated with Concept Art, Tech info, Color Correction showcases, and more.


www.maldonmovie.tumblr.com


We shot this clip on the C300 with a 50mm Makro Compact Prime on my old beat up 503hdv Manfrotto tripod. Edited and graded in Adobe Premiere CS5. The Sony F3 is normally my pick for a camera in this price range because of its 4:4:4 S-Log out capability. However, I was very impressed with the C300's internal codec. I had plenty of leeway with my color and had no problem enhancing a New York City Alley to look like an ancient stone structure.


Follow us, reblog, and if you are really interested, go ahead and throw a couple bucks at our fundraiser (can be reached at www.MaldonMovie.com)


But most importantly, I would love to hear some feedback on the short and the concept in general.


Best,


Nathan
 
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I love the concept. It's simple yet there's a lot of material you can explore there, especially with is being looked down upon by everyone else and how that effects his actions.

As for the teaser, overall I thought it was good. The cinematography was great, love the color. The voice over, music, and text were all great. For some reason though, it didn't have quite the "punch" I wished it did. Can't really put my finger on why, if I think of something i'll let you know.

Good luck with the film ! I definitely would love to see it.
 
About the teaser...

For something taking place over 1000 years ago, the use of what appears to be a modern day two sided whetstone in sharpening the sword would not allow me to focus on anything else.
 
I watched the teaser again, and I think I have to agree with Crafters of Light about the wetstone. It really does seem out of place and doesn't fit with the time period or the mood you're trying to set. Also even though it's just a teaser with no dialogue, I have concerns about that actor being able to pull off the role you are going for. It might sound stupid, but I don't particularly get a "viking" kind of vibe from him. That of course could all change depending on his performance.
 
Cinematography, audio and color are quite nice, but as others already said, the prop department still hangs way behind.
That cloak fabric looks way to thin for hand spun wool or linen, you can actually that it was sewn with a machine. And yeah, that wetstone...
That may sound like nickpicking, but as it was already said, you need to get that Viking vibe.
Raw, gritty, cold and dirty. Soak your talents and props in dirt.

My ct2 Frank
 
All valid concerns that I too had, before doing some research.


1. The whetstone - Double sided whetstones have been used since the Roman Empire. The rocks that they are carved from have a natural seam, as seen here in a natural cut of Belgian Coticule - http://www.fendrihan.com/images/BEL107-Belgian-Coticule.jpg


2. The actor - He is in fact not a Viking... The Vikings are his enemy. Godric is of the Englisc (English), and the Englisc, in that time period, were just entering a fashion where beards were in fact trimmed shorter. There is nothing suggesting that all warriors had beards whatsoever. However, just to ease people into the setting, when we shoot more he will have more of a gruffness about him. If he were indeed a Viking, then yes, a big hearty beard would be totally necessary

3. The cloak - While in a couple shots under close scrutiny you can pick out the stitching, it is not so hard to believe that the Englisc could produce work this fine. They were excellent craftsmen, and there is nothing out of place about a fine stitched or embroidered cloak set on the shoulders of the nobility.

Consider the Roman Empire and their level of sophistication in terms of craftsmanship. Now consider that the Englisc were far more capable in things such as weapon and armor crafting.

I think in the context of the larger film, when you see the Englisc as a group, and the Vikings as a very different entity, these little details won't come up.


But I am actually surprised anyone commented about the whetstone... That was not something I expected anyone to really touch on!

Thanks for watching,

-Nate
 
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It's not always about historical accuracy, but merely the perception of historical accuracy to the audience. It's about getting the "vibe" right. Sure it's possible that they could have had whetstones of that quality back then, but the audience won't know that. All they will know is that it feels out of place.
 
Right, just like gore in films isn't AT ALL what real gore looks like. I worked in a morgue for 2 years and I can say that if you went for realism then the average viewer would say it looked "Fake". If it takes the viewer out of the film then you should think about what your trying to do with the film... Is it to educate people on the actual nature of materials produced and in use at the time your film is set in, or is it to draw them into the story? Again, there was a lot of stuff that was great about the teaser. Did you get permission for the Botch song BTW? I know your not using it for sale but it does fall in a grey area with the rasing of funds, they are now in Minus the bear and I have a contact with their management. If you'd like to be put in touch with them I can arrange it, just PM me.-Adam
 
I love viking movies! Why do they always have to be the bad guys?

As filmmakers looking for feedback from other filmmakers, we are faced with the difficult task of separating valid criticisms from personal style differences. Even though I may have perfectly reasonable explanations for my choices, I know that I won't be able to explain them to every person who watches my film. The film has to stand on its own without clarification from me. If the same criticism surfaces multiple times then I realize that I have to address it.

In this case, I agree that the props stand out as not being accurate. It may be perfectly but that stone looks like something I could find at Bed, Bath and Beyond. As the viewer it takes me out of everything that happens after that. Also, I can buy that actor as the coward but I can't see him ultimately becoming the hero. His chin is too weak.

I hope the feedback on this forum helps you to make the best film you possibly can. Good luck. Keep us posted.
 
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