Ought2bCommitted
Veteran
I second that emotion. Damn you Jack!!!
"We Are Not Alone" - Reyo-San Pictures
- Thread starter Kaz
- Start date
Ought2bCommitted
Veteran
Really nice work, again! Very impressive!!!
It was really interesting as an artist to see what both you and Jack came up with.
-Robert
It was really interesting as an artist to see what both you and Jack came up with.
-Robert
Kaz
Well-known member
Now that this fest is winding down, thought I'd dust off this thread and clear out cobwebs. As you know, this film is an allegory to hurricane Katrina.
But I'd like to show the effort made to go beyond just the alien invasion=hurricane thing with the script.
For those interested, here is a quick point by point analysis of plot and dialogue and how it relates to the overall reality of what happened:
"It's said that life turns on a dime. I couldn't agree more."
This obviously refers to the event itself. Our lives were changed forever.
"It was three weeks ago when news of the invasion hit. Some people thought it was a hoax. By the time they realized it wasn't...it was too late and there was nowhere to run."
We've had so many hurricane near-misses over the decades that many people (including myself) simply stopped worrying and would wait until the last minute to leave.
For the many who waited too long or decided to stay for Katrina, they had nowhere to go.
The UFO drawing story/"...I never understood why people like her refused to believe. Maybe they just didn't want to. Now, they have no choice."
New Orleans is built in what they call a "fish bowl" - A whole city sitting below sea level. A levee system was built to combat this.
Problem is, they only built it strong enough to handle a Category 3 hurricane. Many people thought this was good enough. They were wrong.
The looters
This one's pretty self-explanatory. My thinly veiled social commentary on a moment I'm still embarrassed for. Here we are at the end of the world and someone's stealing a vaccuum...
"It's amazing how much my life has changed...how much I'VE changed...since that day, on that single dime."
One day, I was standing in line to get a toll tag and a girl behind me was approached by someone she knew.
The friend asked how she made out for the hurricane and the girl proceeded to tell her how she lost her Father, two best friends, a neighbor, her dog and her home.
She said it so cold and matter-of-factly that you knew she was just a shell of the person she used to be. Very sad.
Daniel leaves Kate/Kate's death
The same girl told how she had called her Father when everyone was evacuating and asked that he join her.
Her Father refused, saying that his home is here and that's where he's staying. She begged and begged him to go with her, but her Father told her to leave without him. She did.
It was the last time they would ever speak.
"I've lost so much: My family, my friends, my home...more than god has any right to take from me. Often I'd wonder, if doesn't care, why should I?"
After folks were let back into the city to live and rebuild there was a spike in depression & suicide. Living in this place, dealing with the trash & debris,
lost mementos and valuables, no work or money, talking to nothing but people who were as bad off or worse than you...depression started going around like a flu.
To add to the problem, we still have a limited supply of medical help.
"But just when I thought I was all alone, that my world had come to its end, something...remarkable happened. I found a weakness to exploit and people like me who were willing to say, "Life may turn on a dime, but payback's a real *****."
This is all about the relief effort and the victims who have worked so hard to get their life back.
I'm still amazed at the outpouring of support Katrina victims received from ordinary individuals just looking to help however they can.
When I was in Houston, I can't count the times I was stopped in a parking lot because someone saw my Louisiana license plate and offered a place to stay or work or whatever. Inspiring.
And lastly,
dropping the dime in the bucket
Symbolizing those around the world that helped by giving to charity.
And there you go.
If you got this far... Thanks for reading.
But I'd like to show the effort made to go beyond just the alien invasion=hurricane thing with the script.
For those interested, here is a quick point by point analysis of plot and dialogue and how it relates to the overall reality of what happened:
"It's said that life turns on a dime. I couldn't agree more."
This obviously refers to the event itself. Our lives were changed forever.
"It was three weeks ago when news of the invasion hit. Some people thought it was a hoax. By the time they realized it wasn't...it was too late and there was nowhere to run."
We've had so many hurricane near-misses over the decades that many people (including myself) simply stopped worrying and would wait until the last minute to leave.
For the many who waited too long or decided to stay for Katrina, they had nowhere to go.
The UFO drawing story/"...I never understood why people like her refused to believe. Maybe they just didn't want to. Now, they have no choice."
New Orleans is built in what they call a "fish bowl" - A whole city sitting below sea level. A levee system was built to combat this.
Problem is, they only built it strong enough to handle a Category 3 hurricane. Many people thought this was good enough. They were wrong.
The looters
This one's pretty self-explanatory. My thinly veiled social commentary on a moment I'm still embarrassed for. Here we are at the end of the world and someone's stealing a vaccuum...
"It's amazing how much my life has changed...how much I'VE changed...since that day, on that single dime."
One day, I was standing in line to get a toll tag and a girl behind me was approached by someone she knew.
The friend asked how she made out for the hurricane and the girl proceeded to tell her how she lost her Father, two best friends, a neighbor, her dog and her home.
She said it so cold and matter-of-factly that you knew she was just a shell of the person she used to be. Very sad.
Daniel leaves Kate/Kate's death
The same girl told how she had called her Father when everyone was evacuating and asked that he join her.
Her Father refused, saying that his home is here and that's where he's staying. She begged and begged him to go with her, but her Father told her to leave without him. She did.
It was the last time they would ever speak.
"I've lost so much: My family, my friends, my home...more than god has any right to take from me. Often I'd wonder, if doesn't care, why should I?"
After folks were let back into the city to live and rebuild there was a spike in depression & suicide. Living in this place, dealing with the trash & debris,
lost mementos and valuables, no work or money, talking to nothing but people who were as bad off or worse than you...depression started going around like a flu.
To add to the problem, we still have a limited supply of medical help.
"But just when I thought I was all alone, that my world had come to its end, something...remarkable happened. I found a weakness to exploit and people like me who were willing to say, "Life may turn on a dime, but payback's a real *****."
This is all about the relief effort and the victims who have worked so hard to get their life back.
I'm still amazed at the outpouring of support Katrina victims received from ordinary individuals just looking to help however they can.
When I was in Houston, I can't count the times I was stopped in a parking lot because someone saw my Louisiana license plate and offered a place to stay or work or whatever. Inspiring.
And lastly,
dropping the dime in the bucket
Symbolizing those around the world that helped by giving to charity.
And there you go.
If you got this far... Thanks for reading.
Last edited:
EditPhish
Well-known member
Kaz, thanks so much for sharing that. You already know I'm a big fan of your short, but it's great to hear your thinking behind the story.
I hope you have already registered a domain and are planning a website for this film when the voting/fest is over... I can tell you that it will catch on like wild-fire. My whole family loved it. My mom watched today and was very impressed... moved to tears during the "leave me!" scene. She was so in awe of your talent that she barked it wasn't fair you were allowed to join the contest with your skills (being MY mom of course, LOL)... none the less, she already wants a link to show to her friends at work.
Take a bow man, for a job SO well done
I hope you have already registered a domain and are planning a website for this film when the voting/fest is over... I can tell you that it will catch on like wild-fire. My whole family loved it. My mom watched today and was very impressed... moved to tears during the "leave me!" scene. She was so in awe of your talent that she barked it wasn't fair you were allowed to join the contest with your skills (being MY mom of course, LOL)... none the less, she already wants a link to show to her friends at work.
Take a bow man, for a job SO well done
Barry_Green
Moderator
Kaz -- first-class job. This is absolutely one of my top two. Between you and JDanStan, I think the top prizes are definitely going to end up in New Orleans.
Amazing work. Well done.
And while it was 20 seconds too long, frankly I wouldn't mind seeing another 94 minutes of this.
Amazing work. Well done.
And while it was 20 seconds too long, frankly I wouldn't mind seeing another 94 minutes of this.
Brandon Rice
Distributed Producer
Yep, I will add to the praise. Excellent short Kaz. It stands up perfectly in nearly every area. I won't be surprised if you pick up the prize bro. Props to you!
Kaz
Well-known member
Argh! I finally get a response from the resident guru and the 20 seconds thing rears it's ugly head again! I r-e-a-l-l-y hope most people know by now that I made a 6 minute version and it was accidentally trashed on Jarred's end.
Anyway, so glad you liked it.
And EditPhish, again I thank you for the kind words and it's so cool that it moved your family in that way. Hearing that makes all the work worthwhile.
Thanks to you too, Briceman!
CallaghanFilms
Veteran
We Are Not Alone...
Visually, I enjoyed this short. As I recently stated, there
is not a runaway winner across the board in this fest. There
are standout films in individual categories, however. The
standout film in the field of special effects is indisputably
We Are Not Alone.
The fx are very impressive to say the least. The possible
exception to this would be the silhouette of the alien himself,
which I found to be a bit too much Little Shop of Horrors-like
(which may, in turn seem out of place to die hard fans of
the genre.) The beautifully-done alien ships themselves
more than made up for this IMO.
It goes without saying, a big congrats on the best-in-show
effects is in order..my hats off to you for this accomplishment.
Also, the production value was, all in all, quite high.
The story itself I had issues with, I must admit. I know that
the unfathomable plot point of the lead leaving his not-yet-dead
pregnant wife behind has been discussed at length. It bothers
me so much, though, that I must also add my thoughts...
I noticed that he was "leaving her in the dust" even before she
falls to the ground. Once she was down, no man would have
even thought about leaving her behind. If anything, he would have
made a distraction to the aliens, sacrificing himself for a chance for
her to live. Or, if the wife's prognosis was truly dire, he would have
at least tried to carry her away in order to save their unborn child.
As a father, I can say this is unquestionably true.
I had the film cold screened by others (all of whom were told nothing
at all about it before hand.) They each mentioned the pregnant wife
first and foremost...then began their respective high praise on the fx.
I see that you have a style all your own, and again I commend you on
the visual journey that you've taken the viewer on. Hopefully this is the
first of many such travels that we the audience get to embark on.
Cheers
my man.
Visually, I enjoyed this short. As I recently stated, there
is not a runaway winner across the board in this fest. There
are standout films in individual categories, however. The
standout film in the field of special effects is indisputably
We Are Not Alone.
The fx are very impressive to say the least. The possible
exception to this would be the silhouette of the alien himself,
which I found to be a bit too much Little Shop of Horrors-like
(which may, in turn seem out of place to die hard fans of
the genre.) The beautifully-done alien ships themselves
more than made up for this IMO.
It goes without saying, a big congrats on the best-in-show
effects is in order..my hats off to you for this accomplishment.
Also, the production value was, all in all, quite high.
The story itself I had issues with, I must admit. I know that
the unfathomable plot point of the lead leaving his not-yet-dead
pregnant wife behind has been discussed at length. It bothers
me so much, though, that I must also add my thoughts...
I noticed that he was "leaving her in the dust" even before she
falls to the ground. Once she was down, no man would have
even thought about leaving her behind. If anything, he would have
made a distraction to the aliens, sacrificing himself for a chance for
her to live. Or, if the wife's prognosis was truly dire, he would have
at least tried to carry her away in order to save their unborn child.
As a father, I can say this is unquestionably true.
I had the film cold screened by others (all of whom were told nothing
at all about it before hand.) They each mentioned the pregnant wife
first and foremost...then began their respective high praise on the fx.
I see that you have a style all your own, and again I commend you on
the visual journey that you've taken the viewer on. Hopefully this is the
first of many such travels that we the audience get to embark on.
Cheers
Last edited:
CallaghanFilms
Veteran
One other thing to get off my chest...
Edit:
Out of respect to Kaz,
I am deleting this additional post
due to a misunderstanding on my
part.
-Callaghan
Edit:
Out of respect to Kaz,
I am deleting this additional post
due to a misunderstanding on my
part.
-Callaghan
Last edited:
CallaghanFilms
Veteran
Edit:
I also decided to erase this thread.
-Callaghan
I also decided to erase this thread.
-Callaghan
Last edited:
Kaz
Well-known member
Well I can tell you it had nothing to do with confidence. Everyone was told they could upload their 6 minute and DVD version right off the bat and that's what I did. Frankly, I didn't think I was risking anything. My files were clearly marked. It's unfortunate that it happened, but I don't think I should be penalized for something beyond my control.
I will upload the 6 minute version to my site. Check it out. I guarantee you won't come away with the impression that you saw a different film.
We all sweated blood & time into our entries, how would you feel if yours was DQ'ed on a technicality?
I will upload the 6 minute version to my site. Check it out. I guarantee you won't come away with the impression that you saw a different film.
We all sweated blood & time into our entries, how would you feel if yours was DQ'ed on a technicality?
CallaghanFilms
Veteran
Thank you for responding, Kaz.
I never suggested that anyone's film should be DQ'ed.
As I said in my review, your film led me on a "visual journey",
and I'll add to that...I enjoyed the ride.
When I feel strongly about something, I say it.
Nothing more was implied.
Cheers
to you, Kaz, and good luck as well.
I never suggested that anyone's film should be DQ'ed.
As I said in my review, your film led me on a "visual journey",
and I'll add to that...I enjoyed the ride.
When I feel strongly about something, I say it.
Nothing more was implied.
Cheers
Kaz
Well-known member
Understood and good luck to you also.
By the way, thank you for this remark:
...Because I had a crew of two (counting myself) and spent a measly $150 on this film ($80 of it food). I was so nervous that I wouldn't even come close to pulling off what I was ultimately able to.
Also, a big "thank you" goes out to my cast who volunteered their time!
By the way, thank you for this remark:
...Because I had a crew of two (counting myself) and spent a measly $150 on this film ($80 of it food). I was so nervous that I wouldn't even come close to pulling off what I was ultimately able to.
Also, a big "thank you" goes out to my cast who volunteered their time!
iSTy
Well-known member
I thought this film looked rather professional even with a budget. Although when they were running through the woods it looked as though it was a 'homemovie'. Didn't feel as though the music was quite right.
And I liked the monster shown through the curtain, made me jump[FONT="].
[/FONT]
And I liked the monster shown through the curtain, made me jump[FONT="].
[/FONT]
macgregor
Veteran
kaz, one question:
When the couple is at home at night, and light goes out, so all lights and TV turn off. Did you make some special efects there or you just took down the main power switch of the house (or whatever it is called in english).
Also, did you make storyboards of the whole film?
Thanks Mr. winner!
When the couple is at home at night, and light goes out, so all lights and TV turn off. Did you make some special efects there or you just took down the main power switch of the house (or whatever it is called in english).
Also, did you make storyboards of the whole film?
Thanks Mr. winner!
Captain KickAss
Carbonite Member
WOW!
Kaz, this film is an inspiration to new and learning filmmakers like myself. This film looked good, sounded, good, had great effects, and told a good story. But what impressed me the most was your credits.
I almost shat myself in disbelief that you could make a film that looked so good with such a less-than-skeleton crew.
Having participated in a couple of so-called "guerilla" filmmaking competitions, such as the 48-Hour Film Project, I have found it disheartening to see the big prizes...time after time...going to teams with massive production units and talent pools...many as big as 100 people for a short film! For myself, a guy who prides himself on $0 filmmaking, and who has yet to direct a film with a crew bigger than 4 people...it is upsetting to see these much larger filmmaking machines recieve rave reviews...while us little guys are shlepped off to the side.
When I first watched your film...I found myself thinking..."Oh great, another big budget film in a shoe-string budget contest...friggin' sandbaggers!"
I liked it...but I didn't want to. I was convinced you were just another sandbagger.
And then I saw the credits, and I was blown away!
I have since watched it six more times, and have even shown it to a few others, and am now proud to say that I loved this film.
Kaz, this film is an inspiration to new and learning filmmakers like myself. This film looked good, sounded, good, had great effects, and told a good story. But what impressed me the most was your credits.
I almost shat myself in disbelief that you could make a film that looked so good with such a less-than-skeleton crew.
Having participated in a couple of so-called "guerilla" filmmaking competitions, such as the 48-Hour Film Project, I have found it disheartening to see the big prizes...time after time...going to teams with massive production units and talent pools...many as big as 100 people for a short film! For myself, a guy who prides himself on $0 filmmaking, and who has yet to direct a film with a crew bigger than 4 people...it is upsetting to see these much larger filmmaking machines recieve rave reviews...while us little guys are shlepped off to the side.
When I first watched your film...I found myself thinking..."Oh great, another big budget film in a shoe-string budget contest...friggin' sandbaggers!"
I liked it...but I didn't want to. I was convinced you were just another sandbagger.
And then I saw the credits, and I was blown away!
I have since watched it six more times, and have even shown it to a few others, and am now proud to say that I loved this film.
let me first say that I respect you dude and I'm mostly refuting what you have said because this keeps coming up even though you and Kaz have handled it in a very gentlemanly fashion -- I'm just hoping to kill this weed once and for all.CallaghanFilms said:
OK ... the whole idea with the mpeg2 files is that they ARE the DVD files -- you just submitted them and Jarred doesn't have to track down everything after the contest -- sure most people couldn't even begin to think about a DVD cut at the time of submission but Kaz wasn't one of them. And for Kaz to not think his work had a solid chance of being in the top 10 or 20 he'd have to be delusional or more self depricatiing than woody allen and rodney dangerfield combined. but it wasn't even about that -- we were asked to submit for the contest and the DVD at the same time if possible -- if you don't submit a longer cut or get in touch with jarred it would be assumed that your contest cut is your DVD cut. Most people have or are plannig on doing a longer cut -- if you have it -- why not submit it at the earliest date requested.
THERE'S NO "BLAMING THIS ON THE POWERS THAT BE OR NOT" ------------- IT'S JUST BLAMING IT ON THEM .... PERIOD ..... IT'S NOT A GRAY AREA .... IT'S BLACK AND WHITE ..... KAZ FOLLOWED THE RULES TO A "T", SUBMITTED WHAT HE WAS SUPPOSED TO WHEN HE WAS SUPPOSED TO, THEY POO POOED IT UP.
No suspicion or doubt, required.
the only thing kaz could have possibly done was INSIST that they swap them, but as this is a free party he probably felt inclined to go along with their suggestion that it be left up. he's also a new member -- after going through this tainted experience on what would have otherwise been 100% positive "wow's" and pats on the back, he probably would insist the next go around. YOu got it all wrong -- this 20 seconds aint no blessin' -- its a curse -- why would he wish it on himself?
So it is 100% the powers-that-be's fault and if you ask them they will tell you the exact same thing.
Does it really sound likely that kaz would scratch his head ans say ... "gosh ... I just can't seem to cut 20 second out of this eposidic, voice over driven thing where the narrative is so free and maliable -- man that's just beyond my film making capabilities ... plus this cut has a speciall 20 seconds in it that gauarntees a 1st place -- but if I submit it I'll be DQued .... hmmmm ... what to do what to do ... AHA! I'll submit it like this and then claim i posted a 6 second one .... muhahhhahaaa muhahhhahahh ... that way i can get my special sure fire 20 seconds in even though it will piss people off and take attention away from my film."
If anything Barry and Jarred have disadvantaged him because some people may ding him down a few points out of resentment ... I hope that doesn't happen.
So get it off your chest to barry and jarred if you must - its there fault so there's no way you'll hurt Kaz or get him DQued -- just remember when you are unburdening yourself that it is a free party that benifits us all so maybe thank them while you are at it.
Again, I respect you dude, and I don't mean to flame you, but I just wish once and for all this topic would be a closed subject - its not mysterious or suspicious - its black and white.
CallaghanFilms
Veteran
Jack,
As you said Kaz and I had already settled the matter (both in the thread and via PM.)
However, since the infamous "20 seconds" has come up again, I must again put my 2 cents in...
If it had been merely 20 seconds, i would have not even mentioned it. The version that I saw was precisely 7 minutes, 34 seconds long...which is better than a minute and a half over. (Granted some of that may have been credits...but to be fair, all of us had to be under six minutes including what ever credits we chose to include.)
I'm not trying to beat a dead horse by any means. And I will admit that I apparently did not fully grasp the whole DVD submission situation. Whatever the case, however, I brought up something that weighed heavily on my mind.
In all honesty, I am glad that you did set the record straight. I truly hope that this unfortunate situation never shows its ugly head in future DVXUser Fests.
You know I have nothing but respect for you as well, my man.
:beer:Jack
-and-
:beer:Kaz
Good luck to both you gentlemen.
As you said Kaz and I had already settled the matter (both in the thread and via PM.)
However, since the infamous "20 seconds" has come up again, I must again put my 2 cents in...
If it had been merely 20 seconds, i would have not even mentioned it. The version that I saw was precisely 7 minutes, 34 seconds long...which is better than a minute and a half over. (Granted some of that may have been credits...but to be fair, all of us had to be under six minutes including what ever credits we chose to include.)
I'm not trying to beat a dead horse by any means. And I will admit that I apparently did not fully grasp the whole DVD submission situation. Whatever the case, however, I brought up something that weighed heavily on my mind.
In all honesty, I am glad that you did set the record straight. I truly hope that this unfortunate situation never shows its ugly head in future DVXUser Fests.
You know I have nothing but respect for you as well, my man.
:beer:Jack
-and-
:beer:Kaz
Good luck to both you gentlemen.