Twinkies *Post-Apocalyptic short*

Z

Znichols

Member
Since watching I am Legend for the first time a few months ago I've been itching to do something post-apocalyptic. Twinkies is the result. I originally wanted to do a zombie film but we didn't have the people or resources for that so we had to settle on something else. In a way, this is kinda my I am Legend fanfilm, only not really occuring in that particular narrative universe. Let's just say it was influenced by it.

It was also an assigment for one of my video production classes that of course I put off til about last minute. Turnaround from shooting to handing it in was about 48 hours but I went back to add a couple of effects.

I wanted to something in a completely different style than what I've previously been working on (an action/comedy/scifi spoof trilogy called The Squirrel Factor, www.thesquirrelfactor.com) Given our time and resources I think it turned out pretty decent.

Some of the camera work isn't as polished as I would have liked but we shot this thing Guerrilla style. The exteriors were two men crew (myself at camera, Kyle out front). We didn't have permission to film in any of the locations we did, nor did we inform the authorities regarding the airsoft shot-gun. So yeah, we shot this one in a hurry.

Don't do that kids, it's a bad idea.

Kyle and I love it. My fiance's review consisted of a resounding "meh," which always makes me feel all warm and toasty inside.

kyel.jpg


Watch it here.

All critiques and comments welcome.

Tech Specs:

Camera: HDR-HC1
NLE: Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0
Color Grading/effects: After Effects Pro 7.0
Other Equipment: Steadicam Merlin
 
znichols, that was pretty good. I liked it. Great the way you pulled it off. It really seemed as if there was nobody else alive. The only problem I saw was the expression of the Z__'s (don't want to spoil for those who have not seen it yet) face. It wasn't convincing at all, unless that was the look you were going for. That would be my only gripe. Again, nice work. Now you got me wanting to do a movie like this.
 
it was very well shot and CC-ed.... i had to look up your camera because it looked so good...

i agree with the other mans face.... not very convincing... kinda humorous... and i know that wasn't the intention.... but other than that, very well done
 
I think the music helped give it that solitary mood. Nice homage!

With the huge depth of field inherent in the smaller-form cameras, I really appreciated the close-ups of the "intense" scene to shorten up the DOF as much as possible.

Also, I didn't know you could get Twinkies with a chocolate base plate and stripes. I guess it's been a while since I hit the Hostess aisle. Those look amazing!
 
That was really cool man, I think the whole thing was great. I kind of agree with zac and lee about the other actor's expression... it just seemed.. off. Not sure what it was exactly. Other than that, I loved it! keep up the good work
 
Woohoo! Glad you guys are digging it.

The only problem I saw was the expression of the Z__'s (don't want to spoil for those who have not seen it yet) face. It wasn't convincing at all, unless that was the look you were going for.
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I'm assuming you are talking about the alien here, ha? I definetly see what you are getting at with that. I wanted the alien to be completely void of emotion, sorta like a robot I guess. At the same time I wanted it to be menacing and scary and that's really where I think I failed. I think we succeeded in creating a strange looking alien thing, not so much menacing or scary. I just wish I had had more time to work on it. I also wish I had had more lighting equipment (all I was working with was one of those clip on utility lights with the reflector bowl you find at wallmart.)

it was very well shot and CC-ed.... i had to look up your camera because it looked so good...
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Thanks! The HC1 isn't the best camera on the block but I pride myself on being able to squeeze out as much quality as possible. It's also much easier outside on a bright day ( dear god it sucks in low-light !)

I think the music helped give it that solitary mood. Nice homage!
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Totally agree. Infact, NIN's Ghost album inspired the mood of the opening sequence. I love that album, really great stuff. Plus you gotta love Reznor for the share alike licensing.
Also, I didn't know you could get Twinkies with a chocolate base plate and stripes. I guess it's been a while since I hit the Hostess aisle. Those look amazing!
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hahaha. Yeah, we tried to get twinkies but the day of everyone was out of the damn things and we had to settle for an off brand. And they were actually really, really disgusting. What do you expect for $ .25 I guess?

the apocalypse is gonna happen, just wait..
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Indeed. I was actually planning on explaining the circumstances of the apocaplyptic event of "Twinkies" in two more 5 ish minute episodes.

That was really cool man, I think the whole thing was great. I kind of agree with zac and lee about the other actor's expression... it just seemed.. off. Not sure what it was exactly. Other than that, I loved it! keep up the good work
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Thanks!

I really enjoyed your shots. I love good Guerrilla style films.
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:dankk2:

Thanks a lot for the comments guys!

-Zach
 
hahah nice touch with the open car door. good sht. you know if your gonna make those two other shorts yet?? im a sucker for these
 
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