Your thoughts on LossFest so far?
- Thread starter Richard J. Johnson
- Start date
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
This has come up in the past many times as I'm sure you know. I agree wholeheartedly. Time to spread the praise! Even if it's just symbolic, it would be a start. :thumbup:
pia12254
Well-known member
I agree with you guys, Michael and Zak! Being able to nominate people in a few specific categories (Best Cinematography, Score, Actor, etc.) would be awesome! There is so much that goes into these films but the Director seems to be the one that stands to gain the most from a generic "Top 3" finish. I'm not saying it is bad by any means but it would be AWESOME to have films be recognized for great achievement in a specific area.
My $.02.
My $.02.
Lawsuit_Boy
Veteran
This feels like a GREAT fest to me so far. It's the first one I've ever entered (tried for Lovefest but didn't finish).
I've been pretty impressed with an assortment of the films and I truly appreciate EVERY film for what they set out to do.
I'm getting fatigued though. I'm closing in on 50 views/votes/comments, and I've been tending to write good to fairly lengthy comments for each. Phew! This is tough work! *takes a nap*
I've been pretty impressed with an assortment of the films and I truly appreciate EVERY film for what they set out to do.
I'm getting fatigued though. I'm closing in on 50 views/votes/comments, and I've been tending to write good to fairly lengthy comments for each. Phew! This is tough work! *takes a nap*
Lawsuit_Boy
Veteran
I'm definitely on board with this. Even if they aren't given any prizes (and that's understandable since it's all donations), I think that superior quality work in specific areas should be recognized. I think it would make the festival feel more "whole."
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Rodney V. Smith
DVXFest Promo Guru
I just finished watching them all and now I'm going backward and trying to comment on the ones I missed. But I hear you on the exhaustion: trying to give a good solid review is tiring, as well as trying to respond to reviews on you rown movie and answer questions. I'm getting there though.
Lawsuit_Boy
Veteran
Yeah, it can be exhausting. Honestly though, I feel fine with it. I love giving people feedback on their work so it has been a joy for me. I try to give as much as I can without ending up with a page full of stuff that they've probably already heard before. I think I'm doing a good job with my critiques. I just hope everyone gets a chance to read them with all of the chaos going on around here.
But I'm going to make another pass at each film just to see if my viewing experience has changed at all before I make a final vote. The feedback will remain, but the vote won't be final for me until I see them all twice.
But I'm going to make another pass at each film just to see if my viewing experience has changed at all before I make a final vote. The feedback will remain, but the vote won't be final for me until I see them all twice.
Chris Messineo
Veteran
I have about a dozen more to watch and review. It's been a lot of fun.
Once I'm done, I want to read the other threads and see what other have thought about the films.
Once I'm done, I want to read the other threads and see what other have thought about the films.
Mark Harris
Pain in the ass
There used to be different categories in the past and no one voted because it was too complicated. The score was a composite of all of them.
But maybe we should make an unofficial poll for these?
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Good idea. Maybe decide on the categories here?
Either way, make it public! Otherwise most filmmakers will just vote for their cast/crew. In some cases that would be fine, but not in all. :evil:
Mickey Munday
Well-known member
i've only watched about 14 of them so far and i noticed a good amount of them seem to not really nail the theme. probably half of them have bad audio, i just got finished looking at one where the ADR is really bad and the dialogue isnt even really matching the characters lip movement. i'm sure these will get better as i go along, so far i think the last few fests have been better though in terms of story which is where i put most of my attention when watching these.
CallaghanFilms
Veteran
I am working my way through the films as we speak - and if I can be frank...
On the technical side (IE cinematography, lighting, staging, and so on and so forth) I think, overall, the batting averages are quite high this time around. The acting across the board is also respectable for the most part and much, much more than merely adequate in some cases. There are still some (really) amateurish performances...but the "the camera likes you" to "WTF were the casting dept snorting" ratio has made a major swing for...well, for the respectable for LossFest. In other words, the "look" of the entrees by and large is "there", good and proper.
However...
The writing IMHO has slipped a bit for this particular rodeo. Again, I have not seen them all yet - so, yes, I am generalizing based on those I have seen. That being said, I am screening them and trying to spot "My Favorite Bit of Dialogue" for each film (to post in its title thread)...and I am finding myself re-watching some of them two or three times just find a line that snaps, crackles OR pops. On a few I gave up the ghost entirely, and left my comment card blank.
Oh, looks like my next batch of films is downloaded. :beer:Here's to these proving me wrong. Then I'll be the first to say, "Callaghan has his head waaaaay up his ass."
On the technical side (IE cinematography, lighting, staging, and so on and so forth) I think, overall, the batting averages are quite high this time around. The acting across the board is also respectable for the most part and much, much more than merely adequate in some cases. There are still some (really) amateurish performances...but the "the camera likes you" to "WTF were the casting dept snorting" ratio has made a major swing for...well, for the respectable for LossFest. In other words, the "look" of the entrees by and large is "there", good and proper.
However...
The writing IMHO has slipped a bit for this particular rodeo. Again, I have not seen them all yet - so, yes, I am generalizing based on those I have seen. That being said, I am screening them and trying to spot "My Favorite Bit of Dialogue" for each film (to post in its title thread)...and I am finding myself re-watching some of them two or three times just find a line that snaps, crackles OR pops. On a few I gave up the ghost entirely, and left my comment card blank.
Oh, looks like my next batch of films is downloaded. :beer:Here's to these proving me wrong. Then I'll be the first to say, "Callaghan has his head waaaaay up his ass."
Rodney V. Smith
DVXFest Promo Guru
I'd like to vote (shameless self promotion here) for the "Flost in a Macy's Day Parade" line from Falling Up....
:dankk2:
alex whitmer
Veteran
Haven't read through all (any) of the comments here, so maybe this has been mentioned ...
The performances are way up from last fest. Seems the importance of casting finally got a front burner.
a
www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
The performances are way up from last fest. Seems the importance of casting finally got a front burner.
a
www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
Blaine
Mr. Hollywood
I have three folders that the films go into: Good, Average, Bad. I've been doing it this way since DramaFest. I watch the film, give it a rating, put it in a folder (try to review it online) then move to the next.
I've watched about half the films and I'm getting about the same amount of Good Films. Right now, I have 8 and one of those is exhibition only. (ps I didn't rate Mark Harris' exhibition movie as it was impossible to do since it is currently such a work in progress) The Average folder has a larger percentage than in the past and this seems to be because I'm putting fewer in the Bad Folder.
Based on the way I've watched the films, I don't expect to see anymore in my Good folder unless a real dark horse raises its head. As has been stated, I haven't seen any that just blow me away with the wow factor, but there have been some good ones. There IS one I think stands above the rest and I'll wait to see how it does in the end.
I'm not necessarily seeing more Good films in this fest, but I AM seeing less Bad films.
I've seen some definite improvement in some filmmakers while some are still struggling. Some of the guys that should be at the top of their game haven't hit that wow factor yet, so I'm a bit disappointed there. Other filmmakers seem to be plugging along in a "blue collar" fashion...making decent movies but not really showing much new.
When I watch the movies I look for the whole experience. I could really care less what camera is being used as long as they're "making pretty pictures." In fact, since I downloaded the folders of films and haven't read any of the threads, I have no idea who's using what camera, beyond the experience of knowing what their preference is or what they've used in the past.
I want to see good acting with age appropriate actors. In the past we've had movies with high school kids playing 30s something business men. Boy, did I used to harp on that one. I don't see much of that any more. So now, it's more the acting chops I'm seeing and can judge on.
If the story sucks you've lost me. I want a good story and when it's done I want to understand in some way what I've just seen. Throw me some curves all the better but tell a good story.
Acting and story are MOST important to me. And please don't forget the sound. I hate a bad sounding movie. There are several composers on the site that love to participate, get to know them and get them on board. It makes a world of difference.
Pretty pictures are nice but if that's all it is, it seems a waste.
Overall, the floor seems to be rising which is a good thing. The ceiling hasn't really risen much, but I'm sure sometime someone will hit it out of the park again, if not in this festival, perhaps the next or the one after that. I'll keep watching, waiting for that to happen. But in the meantime, I'll be happy that I'm not seeing nearly as many BAD movies as I used to which tells me the talent is growing around here.
I've watched about half the films and I'm getting about the same amount of Good Films. Right now, I have 8 and one of those is exhibition only. (ps I didn't rate Mark Harris' exhibition movie as it was impossible to do since it is currently such a work in progress) The Average folder has a larger percentage than in the past and this seems to be because I'm putting fewer in the Bad Folder.
Based on the way I've watched the films, I don't expect to see anymore in my Good folder unless a real dark horse raises its head. As has been stated, I haven't seen any that just blow me away with the wow factor, but there have been some good ones. There IS one I think stands above the rest and I'll wait to see how it does in the end.
I'm not necessarily seeing more Good films in this fest, but I AM seeing less Bad films.
I've seen some definite improvement in some filmmakers while some are still struggling. Some of the guys that should be at the top of their game haven't hit that wow factor yet, so I'm a bit disappointed there. Other filmmakers seem to be plugging along in a "blue collar" fashion...making decent movies but not really showing much new.
When I watch the movies I look for the whole experience. I could really care less what camera is being used as long as they're "making pretty pictures." In fact, since I downloaded the folders of films and haven't read any of the threads, I have no idea who's using what camera, beyond the experience of knowing what their preference is or what they've used in the past.
I want to see good acting with age appropriate actors. In the past we've had movies with high school kids playing 30s something business men. Boy, did I used to harp on that one. I don't see much of that any more. So now, it's more the acting chops I'm seeing and can judge on.
If the story sucks you've lost me. I want a good story and when it's done I want to understand in some way what I've just seen. Throw me some curves all the better but tell a good story.
Acting and story are MOST important to me. And please don't forget the sound. I hate a bad sounding movie. There are several composers on the site that love to participate, get to know them and get them on board. It makes a world of difference.
Pretty pictures are nice but if that's all it is, it seems a waste.
Overall, the floor seems to be rising which is a good thing. The ceiling hasn't really risen much, but I'm sure sometime someone will hit it out of the park again, if not in this festival, perhaps the next or the one after that. I'll keep watching, waiting for that to happen. But in the meantime, I'll be happy that I'm not seeing nearly as many BAD movies as I used to which tells me the talent is growing around here.
Jason Ramsey
Admin
If you guys wanted to do a poll or whatever for unofficial awards that would be cool. Or, if you want to all pm me your write-in suggestions then I can announce any that get enough worth recognizing them for...
and maybe wil be able to do a little something special for them as well. but, at the very least it would be nice to at least give acknowledgment.
Later,
Jason
and maybe wil be able to do a little something special for them as well. but, at the very least it would be nice to at least give acknowledgment.
Later,
Jason
CallaghanFilms
Veteran
Blaine, my man-
You and I have discussed that very topic on more than one occasion...
It should be no surprise that I concur whole-soulily (whole-heartedly is so overdone).
Darkline
Veteran
To excuse my 'hit and run' tactic here, let me just say I will hopefully get round to viewing more films, but right now I've only had a chance to watch just over half of them and unfort I dont have time to comment on all of them. So I thought I would group my top 5 and thoughts here instead. sorry...
My top 5 (of the 'in competition' shorts) :
1) Collections Vol 4:Mint in Box
This was just effortless, funny, and probably the most engaging short of the bunch. A simple but brilliantly executed premise that pulls you in from the off. Great dialogue, pacing, beats, a convincing lead... technically sound. I think my pick of the lot. it just worked as a package for me like no other did.
2) Acceptance
With the slight reservation of the familiar ending (for my taste), I thought this was great film-making. It reminded me a lot of dogma, maybe 'festen'. Editing was top notch and of all the films on show that tried for that naturalisitc indie feel, I thought this nailed it most effectively; it also created a character you cared about in a short space of time. Really good to see some european cinema in here. This felt like the opening to a feature and was very cinematic without being contrived. I believed every moment of it.
3) Placebo
Just a great film all around. Well, shot, written, lit. Everything seemed to work and was again one of the most all round entertaining films. If I was to nit-pick it was perhaps too flashy in places, and I'd have liked a more conclusive final shot (what happened to the guy?). This aside, there was so much in this short to admire I cant even list them. Great work, very pro.
4) Chalk Dog
I know people will think I'm mad for picking this as it wasn't great technically by any means, and there are so many WTF moments.... but I just love it. Perhaps it was just refreshing after a string of overly sincere short films, but something seemed honest amongst the madness which is what made it stand out. When he was making the dog run around on the chalk marks in his living room with sinister music - I just couldn't stop laughing. The chalk mark at the end in a semi-dog/human shape. It was just fresh. My pick of the unconventional films here. The line 'Do you know brad's dog?', is wicked. Maybe its just my f*cked up humour :huh:
5) The Puppateer
Final of the top 5 is this all action tense piece. I especially liked the bit with the ninja-type guys at the desk and the repeated cutting. I was thinking 'what's going on?', and then a woman walks into the room and says exactly that. Ok I didnt know what was going on at all... I laughed when that guy spits on his own floor for no reason, and I laughed that a guy looking into a microscope is wearing shades! But this was just fun and very enjoyable to watch. It gets straight into it and doesn't let up. Lots of great moments. I remember the last short you made and this is a significant leap forward in my book.... I wanted to see it all kick off at the end, but maybe in a sequel?
I may refine my choices if I get time to watch the others but my opinon so far is that the films that didn't try so hard for emotional loss are the ones coming out near the top for me. I felt a lot of films tried to prop up emotion cosmetically, with powerful music or lingering shots, rather than any actual narrative drive or character motivation. Sometimes the subext really wasnt clear, or even there.
Some shorts really did achieve it, and thats hard to do. But I think overall I was finding it hard to watch the next 'sincere' short, and I got a bit jaded. Perhaps that is why some of my picks are a bit more light hearted.
Once agian I'm sorry I don't have time to comment on everyone's short, I know how hard is it to even get one made and you all did better than me.... If any of you really wants honest feedback then drop me a pvt and I'll try to watch and give you my thoughts over PM.
good luck to everyone.
My top 5 (of the 'in competition' shorts) :
1) Collections Vol 4:Mint in Box
This was just effortless, funny, and probably the most engaging short of the bunch. A simple but brilliantly executed premise that pulls you in from the off. Great dialogue, pacing, beats, a convincing lead... technically sound. I think my pick of the lot. it just worked as a package for me like no other did.
2) Acceptance
With the slight reservation of the familiar ending (for my taste), I thought this was great film-making. It reminded me a lot of dogma, maybe 'festen'. Editing was top notch and of all the films on show that tried for that naturalisitc indie feel, I thought this nailed it most effectively; it also created a character you cared about in a short space of time. Really good to see some european cinema in here. This felt like the opening to a feature and was very cinematic without being contrived. I believed every moment of it.
3) Placebo
Just a great film all around. Well, shot, written, lit. Everything seemed to work and was again one of the most all round entertaining films. If I was to nit-pick it was perhaps too flashy in places, and I'd have liked a more conclusive final shot (what happened to the guy?). This aside, there was so much in this short to admire I cant even list them. Great work, very pro.
4) Chalk Dog
I know people will think I'm mad for picking this as it wasn't great technically by any means, and there are so many WTF moments.... but I just love it. Perhaps it was just refreshing after a string of overly sincere short films, but something seemed honest amongst the madness which is what made it stand out. When he was making the dog run around on the chalk marks in his living room with sinister music - I just couldn't stop laughing. The chalk mark at the end in a semi-dog/human shape. It was just fresh. My pick of the unconventional films here. The line 'Do you know brad's dog?', is wicked. Maybe its just my f*cked up humour :huh:
5) The Puppateer
Final of the top 5 is this all action tense piece. I especially liked the bit with the ninja-type guys at the desk and the repeated cutting. I was thinking 'what's going on?', and then a woman walks into the room and says exactly that. Ok I didnt know what was going on at all... I laughed when that guy spits on his own floor for no reason, and I laughed that a guy looking into a microscope is wearing shades! But this was just fun and very enjoyable to watch. It gets straight into it and doesn't let up. Lots of great moments. I remember the last short you made and this is a significant leap forward in my book.... I wanted to see it all kick off at the end, but maybe in a sequel?
I may refine my choices if I get time to watch the others but my opinon so far is that the films that didn't try so hard for emotional loss are the ones coming out near the top for me. I felt a lot of films tried to prop up emotion cosmetically, with powerful music or lingering shots, rather than any actual narrative drive or character motivation. Sometimes the subext really wasnt clear, or even there.
Some shorts really did achieve it, and thats hard to do. But I think overall I was finding it hard to watch the next 'sincere' short, and I got a bit jaded. Perhaps that is why some of my picks are a bit more light hearted.
Once agian I'm sorry I don't have time to comment on everyone's short, I know how hard is it to even get one made and you all did better than me.... If any of you really wants honest feedback then drop me a pvt and I'll try to watch and give you my thoughts over PM.
good luck to everyone.
Last edited: