Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

ponder8n

ponder8n

Active member
Here's a short film I did with a DVX100:

http://toppup.com/treasure/movie

If you've got the bandwidth and a Quicktime plugin, this is the best link to view:

http://www.toppup.com/treasure/movie/treasure_mp4.html (65MB)

The gamma is set for TV, so it comes across kind of dark on a computer screen. I used standard F5 settings. The 16x9 version was simply the 4x3 version cropped in FCP. No special lenses or filters were used. I captured in FCP 4.0 and did some color correction.

It's been screened at a couple of festivals.

Would love to hear your thoughts--artistically, styling, storytelling, etc. This was my first short film.

Thanks,
Russell
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Nice message! Good story line. For a first time it is great. Keep making movies! Can't wait to see your next one. The only thing was some of your shots like the the POV out of the treasure I think Are old and a little corny but thats just me. And some of the close ups were not nessasary like the jack close up. I think a Medium shot of him looking in while the tire rolled away might of been better. But that said, it still ROCKED! Good Job! 8)
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

I Loved it.. Touched me

Matt Senatore

Looked great.. What were your settings?
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

I used the "out of the box" Scene 5 settings (24p). I did darken it slightly with the default pedestal. I also diffused the shots and color corrected them in post (using FCP filters).

I got some good depth of field using zoom and macro shots with an open shutter (lots of 1/8 and 1/64 ND use).

Russell
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Russell,

Very impressive. An excellent rendition of an ancient story cast in the modern world. For a first movie, you had many cinematic subtleties that I appreciated. My only criticism is that the music, while beautiful in it's own right, seemed to wear on me after a while. I could see this used, for example, with church youth groups, but the music would need to be punched up a bit. My only content issue is the part where the guy sells the ring. Granted, his wife had died, but that raises other issues and feelings that could detract from the simple message. True, the point is that he was willing to sell EVERYTHING to attain that treasure, but maybe something else could be "that last thing." Other than that, I'm very impressed. By the way, is this available if I wanted to use it to show a church group?

Dave
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Wow, I loved it. Even though the ring part was tough for him to do, it shows that he would do anything to get that treasure. I only touched weddings with the dvx100 and can't wait to make some movies. Thanks for the inspiration.
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

wow.. incredible. I'm not one for the the religion genre but that was very very well done, attention to detail was impeccable and the story was solid. Your future is bright.
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

That was an awesome short! Are you in DFW area? I noticed the Grubbs plate frame on your Infiniti. Really good work!!
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Yes, I'm located in the DFW area. We shot everything in the mid-cities area (Hurst, Euless, Bedford). It also happened to be the two hottest days in Texas in ten years (108 and 109). It was brutal out there, but we survived.

As for Dave, if you're interested in a DVD, please send me an email (spot@toppup.com). I've created a version without titles or credits for you to use.

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts.
Russell
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

I liked it a lot. You did a great job on your first short. I look forward to seeing more of your work !
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Nice job Russell. I was reading through the credits and said, "Wait a minute, I know those names!" I grew up right down the street....Currently reside in Arlington.

I really like this effort and message. I just recently purchased a DVX100A in hopes of completing some short film work myself. Seems like it would be a very rewarding experience. I am becoming a bit burned out on events and wedding shoots. Time to get creative.

Let me know if you ever need some additional help with a project...

Andrew
Crystal Clear Media
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Nice film, and a great message I dare say..

How did you get the partial blur effect in the opening credits,
did you use after effects?

I agree that the music was a bit to simple, for my taste, maybe a little "darker" or sader music would suite better?
Also I would like more tracking and dolly shots, but that's also a matter of taste I guess.
I liked the ending, I was thinking "oh,no not another shortfilm with an irritating open ending,I want to know whats in the box!", and then the text in the end, smooth!

Keep it up!
Ingve
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

The partial blur in the beginning was done in post using FCP. There is a great set of filters called Joe Filters (www.joesfilters.com), and it has this one called spot blur. I used that to create the separate blur.

Russell
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Fantastic! This is your first? Good job.
... Only one comment - after he pawned the ring the next shot is of him on the phone. If you notice... he's still wearing the ring - oops!

With that said, keep at it and good luck.

Dread
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

doh!....stupid continuity!! it'll get ya every time. although i never noticed. someone always does.
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Good work!

I loved the depth of field and rich colours, I showed this to some friends at school, and they were lovin the fact that it was shot on video! Most wouldn't have been able to tell otherwise if it wasn't on DVXuser.com, lol :P
 
Re: Treasure, a short film done on DVX100

Excellent job! I really enjoyed this --- the shots, story, music, all very well done. This is truly inspiring and only makes me want to go out there and shoot with my dvx!
 
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