Antman's Short Film Contest #11 - Doomed / open genre

[Shigeta]

Well, I feel kind of bad submitting a theme after winning a contest by default... but the contest must go on.

I've been trying to think of a theme all day. It's hard to think of one with a lot of possibilities without being too specific.

How about "Doomed" (open genre)?

I think it works for (dark) comedies or serious shorts, and there are plenty of possibilities for either.

See you next contest!

-Jergling


Judges:
~Dr. T
~Ratfink
~CornReaper
The backup judge, in the event of a stalemate is KingDucky


RULES
Reminder of the Rules:
1) Can't be longer than 5 minutes
2) Shouldn't be rated over PG-13
3) Video should be posted on vimeo official page ONLY. Videos for the current theme will not be available to view until the contest deadline > managed by Shigeta, creator of the official page.
4) The winner can enter the next competition.
5.) Usage of copyright/trademarks:
a) Usage of copyrighted objects, images or trademarks is permissible so long as they are not central to the plot of the short. Usage beyond this such as green screen backdrops, fake commercial of a real product, etc. requires release from the copyright/trademark holder.
b) Use of copyrighted music both in lyrics, score or performance, other than such that is recorded incidentally during normal filming, without a release will result in the video being disqualified.
6) Entries must be made specifically for the theme submitted to, within the 2 weeks deadline. All entries made before the announcement of the theme will be disqualified.


Join the Official Group here (http://www.vimeo.com/groups/hdshorts) and add the video to it. To do this, upload the video and in the settings you can submit it to the group after you have joined.


DEADLINE IS August 2nd at 3 P.M Pacific Standard Time (-8 GMT)

[Fade to inferno]

wow great theme idea Jergling!

[Jergling]

wow great theme idea Jergling!

Glad you think so. Good luck everybody!

[KingDucky]

Gahahahahah. Wish I could enter!!!
Great idea though :)

[Dr. T]

Yes, great theme. There is a strong possibility I may be entering this one considering the script I've been working on fits perfectly with this theme. Can Huey come back to reclaim his spot on the judges panel?

[drapeama]

Be sure to read the rules. Post #1 updated, so there won't be anymore confusion : short must be done within the deadline, everything else made before won't be accepted.

[Maxwell]

Great, Doomed Theme. Sitting here thinking "Kid selling Lemonade"... LOL.

[Daniel Rutter]

Doomed... it seems that these sorts of themes are harder to understand than others.

I'll see if I can find the time/idea to enter... but I highly doubt I'll get either. Good luck to the entrants, looking forward to seeing your submissions.

[Fade to inferno]

For the sake of tradition :hv20-smilie77:
DOOM

–noun
1.
fate or destiny, esp. adverse fate; unavoidable ill fortune: In exile and poverty, he met his doom.
2.
ruin; death: to fall to one's doom.
3.
a judgment, decision, or sentence, esp. an unfavorable one: The judge pronounced the defendant's doom.
4.
the Last Judgment, at the end of the world.
5.
Obsolete . a statute, enactment, or legal judgment.

[drapeama]

Thanks for the specifications Fade.
(you should change your signature, you won the #9)

[booter]

Sure, but you forgot, first person shooter ;)

But i guess there's already been a movie based on it....

[Fade to inferno]

Thanks for the specifications Fade.
(you should change your signature, you won the #9)

hahaha i'm really confused about that. look at the archive thread and technically I'm #10 (the videos for nostalgia theme is missing) and uniqueness is number #11 according to the archive thread but yet according to the thread i was #9 and Jergling was number #10. not sure which one is correct

[drapeama]

technically I'm #10 (the videos for nostalgia theme is missing)

Thanks! It's now updated. Sorry guys! I'll make sure it won't happen again.
Also, may i request you to tag "hv20.com" or "antman's contest" because i had some difficulties to find these on vimeo only with the title.

[Timbit]

May I point out a slight typo? In the last rule, it's "whitin" instead of "within". :p

This theme sounds interesting! I'm going to try again! :D

[Playing]

Great theme. I'm in.

[Palmer S.]

I might enter...not sure yet. I was working on the script for a short that I'm eager to get made, but it doesn't sound like it would fit the criteria of this contest, so I'd have to come up with something altogether different first. Good luck to everyone!

[cornreaper]

I think I might have a go at this one. Enough playing with my $900 toy, it's time to produce.

[drapeama]

...it's time to produce.

Yep! i just hope now i'll have somebody to help me...again...

[Jergling]

I had an idea when I was going to sleep last night. It involves some major CGI scenes, though. Just in case I go through with the plot idea, I'm rendering out the most complex part overnight.

My idea involves the Earth being destroyed. There's a nuclear satellite and warhead that would theoretically appear in three shots, two of which are full CGI, and the other of which is composited with video.

Even if I don't go through with this plot, it's still good practice :hv20-smilie77:

[drapeama]

Sounds interesting! Can't wait to see this!
What are you using for the CGI? Last time i did some it was with Corel Bryce 5, not the most user friendly and easy tool for 3D CGI but once you got how it works, i've been able to do something pretty cool.
Check for "drapeama" on youtube, there's a complete 3D CGI short i've made with the music of Aliens. Once you got some 3D models to play with it can be very interesting.

[Maxwell]

Hey Jergling thanks for the idea... just kidding.

[Jergling]

That's some nice animation, Drapeama. I liked the explosion parts, those look complicated.

I'm using Blender 3D, which doesn't handle explosions/destruction quite as well as AE or Bryce, but is great for editing and animating. Interestingly, the shot I'm working on right now looks a lot like some of yours, only I can't get the shading on the Earth quite right.

I'm getting excited. Am I allowed to post a freeze-frame, or does that violate the sanctity of the contest?

[drapeama]

I liked the explosion parts, those look complicated. I'm using Blender 3D, which doesn't handle explosions/destruction quite as well as AE or Bryce.
Am I allowed to post a freeze-frame, or does that violate the sanctity of the contest?

1) Not that complicated, if you're used to After Effects, and it's mostly done in AE.
2) You'd be better not to do it. Keep it for the final result! :hv20-smilie77:

[drapeama]

Is there anybody that has done something? Or working on something, except Jergling...

[Maxwell]

Oh yea I just got my idea. Hopefully I will be able to finish in time.

[Timbit]

Is there anybody that has done something? Or working on something, except Jergling...

I wrote my script last night, so hopefully I'll get the time to film it... I just found out that I have to work tomorrow after a very quiet week, and then two all-day 4-H meetings next week... I'm going to try really hard this time though!!!! :hv20-smilie03:

[cornreaper]

Script 90% done. Just need to round up a couple of actors.

[Fade to inferno]

gunna start writing script on saturday. hopefully film monday. I have a pretty good idea too

[KingDucky]

I think more people would enter if there was a prize incentive. I'll help out. Whoever wins will get whatever's left in my paypal!

Get filming!:hv20-smilie77:

[Fade to inferno]

my idea of a prize would be a quick link banner at the very top of the forum page, much like the ads, that takes you to the winning film. Get some views and (hopefully) respect and recognition. Thats all i want. =)

[KingDucky]

my idea of a prize would be a quick link banner at the very top of the forum page, much like the ads, that takes you to the winning film. Get some views and (hopefully) respect and recognition. Thats all i want. =)

Yea that too. We should definitely do that. But my mysterious amount of cash might also sway people to compete.:hv20-smilie81:

[cornreaper]

Will you cover the Paypal fee? :hv20-smilie81:

[KingDucky]

Yep.:hv20-smilie77:

[Palmer S.]

I'm writing my script as we speak. I plan to have it up a day or two before the deadline, so I can get some feedback before the judging.

[KingDucky]

No more cash prize.:hv20-smilie119:

[Timbit]

No more cash prize.:hv20-smilie119:

You spent it??? :hv20-smilie03:

[KingDucky]

Nah. It was only 0.73 cents too start off with. That's why it was a secret amount.:hv20-smilie84:

[Bif]

I'm writing my script as we speak. I plan to have it up a day or two before the deadline, so I can get some feedback before the judging.

Not supposed to be available for viewing before Shigeta makes it available for judging, viewing, and feedback/comments.

[Bif]

I think more people would enter if there was a prize incentive. I'll help out. Whoever wins will get whatever's left in my paypal!



Nah. It was only 0.73 cents too start off with. That's why it was a secret amount.:hv20-smilie84:

Well, there goes my vacation to Vegas...

Actually the only prize incentive we need is the fun of doing it and occasional bragging rights.

On a more somber note...I'm trying to get an acting crew together. Got an idea I wanna "roll with" and have some fun. New T2i to "play" with...

[KingDucky]

Well, there goes my vacation to Vegas...

Hehehe:hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie87:

[Palmer S.]

Not supposed to be available for viewing before Shigeta makes it available for judging, viewing, and feedback/comments.

I see...was not aware of that. Thanks for the heads up. It gives me more time to perfect the short anyway...

[Timbit]

Well, there goes my vacation to Vegas...

Heh, heh!



Actually the only prize incentive we need is the fun of doing it and occasional bragging rights.

Yep! :hv20-smilie77:

Prizes are nice, but who'll fund them? :hv20-smilie51:



On a more somber note...I'm trying to get an acting crew together. Got an idea I wanna "roll with" and have some fun. New T2i to "play" with...

I'd act, but... since we're both at almost either end of North America, it'd be kinda hard... :hv20-smilie03: Have fun with your T2i!

[Toaster]

Might enter sense ill be getting my hv20 next friday :P

[Palmer S.]

Might enter sense ill be getting my hv20 next friday :P

Well, you'll have to work pretty quickly then, eh Mr. Toaster? I'm already freaking out about the complexity of the story I came up with and whether or not I can fit it in less than five minutes, let alone whether or not I can finish it in time.

[drapeama]

Well, you'll have to work pretty quickly then

Did one (all alone) once in a 4 hours of shooting or so, then 2 days of editing while working so i guess with 3 days off i'd be able to do something good.

[Playing]

Got my script idea. Now I am going to a party to try and recruit 3 “Actors”.

[Palmer S.]

Did one (all alone) once in a 4 hours of shooting or so, then 2 days of editing while working so i guess with 3 days off i'd be able to do something good.

I'm not doubting that it can be done. I was just giving Toaster a hard time is all. I still don't have my script finished, so I'm really more worried about whether or not I can finish in time.

[Jergling]

I still have no script (just a vague plot outline), but I have plenty of willing cast and crew. I figure the VFX parts will take the most time anyway.

Toaster, if you only have one week with the camera, make sure you have your script and shot list already prepared.

[HueyNRolf]

Yes, great theme. There is a strong possibility I may be entering this one considering the script I've been working on fits perfectly with this theme. Can Huey come back to reclaim his spot on the judges panel?

Sure.

[Timbit]

Hi Huey! How was your trip? Or are you still on it...

MODERATOR NOTE
Heya its shig

Just for future reference, keep private convo's well.. Private. PM's are a great way! Don't be sorry, no need. Just so ya know.

[HueyNRolf]

We got back on Friday, Timbit.
Had a fantastic time, as always, thanks.

[Maxwell]

Lawrence and Fade to Inferno. You guys better not steal my idea. That we talked about in the chat.

[Fade to inferno]

Lawrence and Fade to Inferno. You guys better not steal my idea. That we talked about in the chat.

No worries, man. I have my own ideas believe it or not ;)

(back on topic)

anyone start shooting? whats everyone's shooting schedule look like?

[drapeama]

...anyone start shooting? whats everyone's shooting schedule look like?

For now, i have a little idea...three days possible...but it's nothing sure.
Might work on a previous theme instead.

[Timbit]

I'm hoping to get something, though my week is starting to look busier than I thought...

[Maxwell]

Wait the deadline is next monday?

[Fade to inferno]

it appears so.

[drapeama]

DEADLINE IS August 2nd at 3 P.M Pacific Standard Time (-8 GMT)


Wait the deadline is next monday?

I thought it was clear from the beginning lol!

[Timbit]

Why Monday instead of Sunday? I'm happy with the delay, just wondering... :p

[drapeama]

Why Monday instead of Sunday?

Ask Shig....he's the one that posted the date in the beginning of the thread.

[Timbit]

Done!

[Royer Films]

I'm guessing it's a mistake...but really - Monday would be better than Sunday. That would give people another weekend day to shoot when more people are available to help.

[drapeama]

That would give people another weekend day to shoot when more people are available to help.

That's a good point. We'll see if Shig wants to change the deadline for upcoming contests.

[drapeama]

We'll see if Shig wants to change the deadline for upcoming contests.

As i'm in charge while Shig is away, i'd personally say that the deadline should be set to monday instead of sunday. That way it'll give people the whole weekend to work on their project.
Unless Shig disaprove it, the upcoming contest's deadline will be set to Monday ever two weeks at 3 P.M Pacific Standard Time (-8 GMT).

[Shigeta]

I concur. Thanks for taking lead drapes!

[Bif]

Got a small crew together and had a planning session last night. Rude 'n crude storyboard/script is roughed out and shooting begins this afternoon. Feels good to be doing SOMETHING!

[Fade to inferno]

Rude 'n crude storyboard/script is roughed out and shooting begins this afternoon.

uh oh, now i'm not so certain i'll be taking my ribbon ;).

[Maxwell]

I concur. Thanks for taking lead drapes!

Can we make it 3 weeks? :hv20-smilie79:

[Shigeta]

Not for now Max

[Palmer S.]

God, I really want to enter this one! But my outline is so paper thin...and I'm still not sure how to expand it properly without, you know, overdoing it. I'll let ya know if I can make it work, but if not, I'll be in on the next contest for sure!

[drapeama]

Can we make it 3 weeks?


Not for now Max

Could we make an annual contest? :hv20-smilie84: lol

[Fade to inferno]

Could we make an annual contest? :hv20-smilie84: lol

nah thats wayy too short period of time. Lets just make it every leap year.

[drapeama]

Lets just make it every leap year.

...by the time 1080p will be obsolete and everybody will be shooting 4k...our HD Short contest will be like shooting video with cell phones...

[Palmer S.]

Can anyone help me out? My microphone jack is broken on the HV40, and I obviously need audio to participate in the competition. I have another camera, which has a decent on-board microphone I can use secondhand, as if it were a microphone, but it likely wouldn't be the highest quality...any tips on solving this problem? I really want to enter...

[Timbit]

I'm starting to wonder if my script will suffice with the competition! :hv20-smilie03: It's random-but a tragic random-I will warn you... :hv20-smilie68:

[Jergling]

Sounds like Bif is really moving along. He's already got a crew while most of us are still writing scripts! Speaking of which, I'm writing my script now.

Palmer, it's really sad when a vital component of a camera (or anything, really) breaks. If you have a laptop with audio-in, you could use that as a stand-in recorder until you get your jack fixed. Alternatively, you could make a non-verbal short, but if you're already set on a script, that might be hard to adapt.

Timbit, working with a simpler, more direct script is usually a good path to take in time-limited film contests. Don't worry about your script unless there's a major flaw in the underlying story (, I know I'm not).

As for the Monday thing, I had thought it was always on Monday. Anyway, it's good that it's on Monday now, because the extra weekend-day gained for editing is worth it. I'm really excited this time, seeing how many others are entering.

[HueyNRolf]

I'd like to throw my 'AY' in for the Monday deadline. Two full weekends for shooting might get a few more entries in. In fact, why not make it Wednesday from the next one on? That gives you a couple of days in post after the second weekend.

It sure would be nice to get more participants.

[Shigeta]

Drapes call since he's in charge.

[Palmer S.]

Palmer, it's really sad when a vital component of a camera (or anything, really) breaks. If you have a laptop with audio-in, you could use that as a stand-in recorder until you get your jack fixed. Alternatively, you could make a non-verbal short, but if you're already set on a script, that might be hard to adapt.

Thanks for the tip Jergling, but I'm not sure it'll work. The only laptop I own is an Acer Aspire One, or in simpler terms, a netbook; which, you may or may not be aware, netbooks are incredibly noisy, which does not bode well for sound quality. And yes, I'd probably use the secondary camera as a microphone (even if it's not that great) before I'd completely rewrite it as a silent film. Thanks again though.

[HueyNRolf]

I'd probably use the secondary camera as a microphone (even if it's not that great)

That might work. What camera is it? Does it have a mic in?

[drapeama]

In fact, why not make it Wednesday from the next one on?


Drapes call since he's in charge.

Eh...me...:hv20-smilie119:

Seriously, Why not? It will be more like two week and a half but...
Two Complete Week (14days) to shoot and then judging and announcing the winner, it could help for sure.
But by doing this we don't follow the first restriction antman wanted the participant to follow...then, why not making it monthly? 30 days to shoot something (as many of us work full time 40hrs/week) that would give people at least 4 weekend and then announcing it the 30th day, no matter what days it is in the week.

Just saying...

[MikePizzoff]

Eh...me...:hv20-smilie119:

Seriously, Why not? It will be more like two week and a half but...
Two Complete Week (14days) to shoot and then judging and announcing the winner, it could help for sure.
But by doing this we don't follow the first restriction antman wanted the participant to follow...then, why not making it monthly? 30 days to shoot something (as many of us work full time 40hrs/week) that would give people at least 4 weekend and then announcing it the 30th day, no matter what days it is in the week.

Just saying...

Yeah, 30 days would be awful, IMO. Too long of a wait, especially for those who would be skipping the current contest and waiting for the next one. I think 2 weeks is plenty of time for a 5 minute short.

[Fade to inferno]

hey drape just thought i'd give you some feedback on the deadline discussion.

I strongly believe that a biweekly contest is sufficient. But i would not oppose the deadline being monday or tuesday. If it goes beyond three weeks thats when i think it would be too long. I think the point of these contests to really get out and do something despite all the distractions and responsibilities. and to improvise to the best of your ability.

Cuz i mean honestly i didn't think i could make that good of a short in two weeks and i felt i did an adequate job and it forced me to think on my feet. so i like the biweekly deadlines.


Furthermore may i suggest a poll to figure out everyones thoughts and majority thinking? like a poll for the deadline being changed to monday or some weekday rather than on sunday

[Bif]

uh oh, now i'm not so certain i'll be taking my ribbon ;).

Taking the ribbon isn't what it's all about.

It's about doing something and seeing how well you can translate your vision to one of these "shorts". See what you accomplish and learn from it.

All you guys with "paper thin" scripts and worrying about how your work will appear when finished, just do something and see what you wind up with. Submit it and see what happens. Remember, we are our own worst critics.

The five minute time limit: One mistake is to try to show/tell too much. Cut it down and in the edit make the pace fast unless the purpose is to "linger" on a special moment. The first year I participated in these "challenges" over on dvinfo.net there was a three minute time limit. It was amazing how many learned to tell a short story in three minutes (they would give us a pass on an extra 20 seconds or so for end titles and credits).

[Palmer S.]

That might work. What camera is it? Does it have a mic in?

Sadly not. It's just a $200 Samsung SC-MX20, so it doesn't have all the bells and whistles you'd hope for. It does have a better on board microphone then most however, so as long as I'm aware of the surrounding noise, it should be fine. It won't be what you'd call 'good' sound quality, but it'll be at least passable.

[Bif]

Sounds like Bif is really moving along. He's already got a crew while most of us are still writing scripts! Speaking of which, I'm writing my script now.


Well my crew of 5 suddenly turned into 3. Shot some today and have that on the timeline. I was going to do the whole thing with only the T2i but it started raining so I broke out the 7D and did 2 sequences with that in between rain showers.

I don't really write much of a script, I did once but we had 30 days on that one (The Devil's Due on my pages on vimeo
http://www.vimeo.com/1262033), for these I do good to rough out a crude storyboard with simple dialog alongside the frame sketch. Gives my actors a bit of a feel for what were trying to do.



As for the Monday thing, I had thought it was always on Monday. Anyway, it's good that it's on Monday now, because the extra weekend-day gained for editing is worth it. I'm really excited this time, seeing how many others are entering.

I also like the Monday deadline, it may inject some more participation in this "challenge" setup. And it needs to stay at two weeks. Those who like more time should get in on the dvinfo.net challenges but those are so far apart they should still have fun in this one.

Good luck everyone...Stay with it!

[1]

The five minute time limit:...

Aye, I still think 5 minutes is too long. Three sounds better.
I'd have gone for 1.5 minutes (90 seconds) myself.

[HueyNRolf]

Sadly not. It's just a $200 Samsung SC-MX20, so it doesn't have all the bells and whistles you'd hope for. It does have a better on board microphone then most however, so as long as I'm aware of the surrounding noise, it should be fine. It won't be what you'd call 'good' sound quality, but it'll be at least passable.

Does it have manual gain control?

[Shigeta]

Wait, PS, you're going to use the ONBOARD mic?

[HueyNRolf]

Wait, PS, you're going to use the ONBOARD mic?

I think so, but if he can get the cam close enough, it could work out. It's certainly small enough to conceal out of shot.

You could even boom it off a monopod.

[HueyNRolf]

Did anyone realize that when you click on the contest-banner sigs, you get the old contest and not the current one?

[1]

Haha, that's why I said not to use the contests as a link, as you need to update it every two weeks! :)

[HueyNRolf]

OK, Mal. My banner sig links to the current contest now. I'll update it to keep it current every two weeks.

[Timbit]

Well, it was a nice thought... :hv20-smilie119: I bought Adobe Premiere Elements 8, and have yet to get it to open (I think the problem is the number of cores or the SSE2 requirement that I found out about when I got it) to edit anything. Then yesterday I went to try my trial version of Vegas, and found that it had expired. :mad:

So! Does anyone know of free video editors to download? I've tried Windows Movie Maker (the computer didn't come with it), but couldn't get it to download.

[drapeama]

Does anyone know of free video editors to download?

Not free, but already tried Ulead Video Studio in the past, works well, but it's basic. Media Studio is a bit more "pro".
Ulead Video Studio (http://www.videohelp.com/tools/Ulead_Videostudio)
Ulead Media Studio Pro (http://www.videohelp.com/tools/Ulead_MediaStudio_Pro)

[Bif]

So! Does anyone know of free video editors to download? I've tried Windows Movie Maker (the computer didn't come with it), but couldn't get it to download.

Give this a try. Looks like it has basic functions and some transitions.

And it's free...

http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Multimedia_and_Graphics/Video_and_Animation_Tools/VideoPad_Video_Editor_Download.html

[drapeama]

I've tried Windows Movie Maker (the computer didn't come with it), but couldn't get it to download.
Windows Movie Maker:
Version 2.6 for Vista (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=d6ba5972-328e-4df7-8f9d-068fc0f80cfc&displaylang=en) (Already in Vista)
Version 2.1 for XP (http://download.cnet.com/Windows-Movie-Maker-Windows-XP/3000-13631_4-10165075.html)

[MikePizzoff]

Then yesterday I went to try my trial version of Vegas, and found that it had expired. :mad:

So! Does anyone know of free video editors to download? I've tried Windows Movie Maker (the computer didn't come with it), but couldn't get it to download.

When I used to work with Vegas, every time the trial would expire I would just delete all files (except project files, of course) off my computer, then re-install the same exact trial version I had (always keep that file around) and it would start the trial all over. After a period of time I discovered and alternate, and far easier, solution: set back the time on your computer. If you set it back to before your trial was supposed to end or before you even installed it, it worked fine every time for me.

[drapeama]

After a period of time I discovered and alternate, and far easier, solution: set back the time on your computer.

Do you feel more comfortable doing this than using cracked software?
Where's the difference: you don't pay for the software you're using after all...

Maybe it's just me...

[Palmer S.]

Does it have manual gain control?

Not that I'm aware of, though it does have a windscreen feature built in, which should help with some of the background noise.


Wait, PS, you're going to use the ONBOARD mic?

I have no choice Sig. If you'd read my other posts on here, you'd see that the mic in on my HV40 is busted, so it's either go silent or use the back up standard def camera as a microphone. It's better than the on-board that you get with the HV40, but I still wish I could take advantage of my rode...really irked. :hv20-smilie119:

[Shigeta]

Wait, there use your netbook and record to audacity. Just keep the 'book away from the mic since you said it has noise.

[Palmer S.]

Wait, there use your netbook and record to audacity. Just keep the 'book away from the mic since you said it has noise.

Won't work. The cord that plugs into the mic is insanely short, and since the accident that broke the input, whenever I try to hook up an extension it doesn't work properly. It won't record any sound. Like I said, it's a rather complex situation I got myself into...:hv20-smilie15:

[drapeama]

The cord that plugs into the mic is insanely short, [...] whenever I try to hook up an extension it doesn't work properly.
If you're good at DIY, try to cut the wire and solder and extension directly = longer cable.
Not that complicated, two wires, well isolated with electrical tape /shrink tube and you're done.

[Palmer S.]

If you're good at DIY, try to cut the wire and solder and extension directly = longer cable.
Not that complicated, two wires, well isolated with electrical tape /shrink tube and you're done.

No thanks; I'm so bad at this stuff that I'm bound to screw that up. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[Palmer S.]

Aye, I still think 5 minutes is too long. Three sounds better.
I'd have gone for 1.5 minutes (90 seconds) myself.

No thanks! I need those five minutes to make the narrative work...I can do three minutes, don't get me wrong, but on this occasion in particular, the extra time will be really beneficial to the finished product. :hv20-smilie72:

[1]

...the extra time will be really beneficial to the finished product.

I doubt it very much. To YOU maybe as the filmmaker, hardly ever to the viewer though. 90 seconds is a LONG time...

[Palmer S.]

I doubt it very much. To YOU maybe as the filmmaker, hardly ever to the viewer though. 90 seconds is a LONG time...

A little quick to make conclusions, don't you think? I haven't even told you what my short is about, yet you already doubt my saying it benefits from a longer running time. For all you know, I could have concocted the most complex short narrative known to man (not saying I did, but I could have).

[1]

I'll be VERY happy to be proven wrong!

Show us!

:hv20-smilie77:

[Palmer S.]

I'll be VERY happy to be proven wrong!

Show us!

:hv20-smilie77:

Fair enough...now I just gotta hope I can...lol.

[Timbit]

Give this a try. Looks like it has basic functions and some transitions.

And it's free...

Thanks, Bif! I downloaded it, and hopefully it works! :D



Windows Movie Maker:
Version 2.6 for Vista (Already in Vista)
Version 2.1 for XP

Drapes, every time I try to download it (if I even get that far! :p), I get so far and then it asks me for a Live/Hotmail profile, but when I try to create on it comes up with an error... :(



When I used to work with Vegas, every time the trial would expire I would just delete all files (except project files, of course) off my computer, then re-install the same exact trial version I had (always keep that file around) and it would start the trial all over. After a period of time I discovered and alternate, and far easier, solution: set back the time on your computer. If you set it back to before your trial was supposed to end or before you even installed it, it worked fine every time for me.

I thought of that, but my conscience and morals told me it was wrong. I may just end up saving some more money (as I'm pretty much broke right now, hence the "free" request) and order the full version from B&H. Only about $100 CDN without tax and shipping...

[Maxwell]

Where has Antman been? I mean it his contest idea.

[MikePizzoff]

Do you feel more comfortable doing this than using cracked software?
Where's the difference: you don't pay for the software you're using after all...

Maybe it's just me...

I do feel more comfortable, actually. Cracking software is illegal. Setting back the time on your computer is a work-around that the developers left in the program; they could have easily made sure their software wasn't able to do that.

I can understand somebody not being comfortable doing this, though. Just a suggestion!

[Bif]

I doubt it very much. To YOU maybe as the filmmaker, hardly ever to the viewer though. 90 seconds is a LONG time...

If he has strong enough visuals, and what is presented is necessary to the story, and the story is interesting and compelling enough to keep the viewer with it length doesn't matter that much.

But on the other hand people who aren't used to something like a 3 minute maximum often make the mistake of trying show or include too much.

He may need 5 minutes. I've done a couple where having 5 minutes was a big help, the one I'm doing for the current contest looks like it's going to come in at 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when finished.

[Playing]

Hi everybody.
No actors, so I am back to a one man show.
Having fun shooting in a howling gale.

[drapeama]

No actors, so I am back to a one man show.

Story of my part-time filmmaking career! :hv20-smilie01:

[Bif]

I do feel more comfortable, actually. Cracking software is illegal. Setting back the time on your computer is a work-around that the developers left in the program; they could have easily made sure their software wasn't able to do that.

I can understand somebody not being comfortable doing this, though. Just a suggestion!

I'm trying to teach my grandson the value of integrity. Some of his friends use pirated software, download pirated versions of movies, etc. He sees that I pay the price for what I use, and that I am generally taken for my word and respected for living the concept, "My Integrity Is Not Negotiable".

I hope he will follow that route.

Whether or not software developers leave a "loophole" in the program (calling a "work-around is a rationalization) I understand a trial version to be just that. I have the trial version of Vegas Movie Studio 10 Platinum on both of my editing computers right now and will either purchase the retail version after the trial period or totally discontinue trying to use it and subsequently uninstall.

But I recognize the intent of Sony to give me the trial period to make up my mind and either discontinue use or purchase.

[Bif]

Hi everybody.
No actors, so I am back to a one man show.
Having fun shooting in a howling gale.

Been there...

...Done that...

...So where's my tee shirt?

Bound to have to do it again sometime.

But I'm gonna have to see yours. Are you actually filming in that howling gale?

Friend and I shot a video for a challenge (topic was night) and we decided to show night shooting with laser sighted pistols. The night we both had free a "Blue Norther" howled in while we were getting started. Even with a Deadcat windmuff on the mic, the audio picked up some of the gusty winds (real wind sounds, not just
"rumbling" across the mic surface), and the winds were so strong they kept blowing lights over. Most of my lighting kit was damaged that night and a few times one or another of us just barely caught the mic stand before it hit the ground.

But we sure had fun. Finished video submitted is here:

http://www.uwolchallenge.com/challenge6/BIF_UC6_shotsinthedark.mov

[Shigeta]

As you guys know, I'm departing tomorrow. The torch is officially handed completely over to drapes while I'm on my trip. Don't think he's just a replacement. We're both "co-captaining" this thing so even as I return, any questions you guys have should be directed to either drapes or I. I trust his decisions and you should not hesitate to ask anything of him.

Thanks guys, I'll see you all in three weeks.

[drapeama]

I trust his decisions and you should not hesitate to ask anything of him.

Thanks!

[Jergling]

Won't work. The cord that plugs into the mic is insanely short, and since the accident that broke the input, whenever I try to hook up an extension it doesn't work properly. It won't record any sound. Like I said, it's a rather complex situation I got myself into...:hv20-smilie15:

Wait, so the cord is broken too? How many parts of your audio system are nonfunctional?

[Playing]

Are you actually filming in that howling gale?]

Yes :)

Shig enjoy your trip.

[Palmer S.]

Wait, so the cord is broken too? How many parts of your audio system are nonfunctional?

The cord isn't broken, it's the extension cord that doesn't want to work, but only when plugged into the computer. If I were to plug it into another camera or audio recording device, it'd work just fine.

[Jergling]

That's strange (about the extension cord). If the tip isn't bent, it's probably a rip in the internal cord somewhere, and those are really hard to find and repair. At least extension cords are cheap at Radio Shack.

Anyway, I finally finished my script. I've been really tired and keep forgetting to do things. The script involves severly and intentionally breaking the fourth wall, something that I recently had a *ahem* "soapbox" about on another thread. I'm interested to see if it works out, but if it doesn't, I can always edit it out.

[Bif]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bif
Are you actually filming in that howling gale?]


Yes :)



I think we're in for some interesting films this go around.

I just finished editing Wed evening's "take". Just about 3 scenes to film tonight, and one or two locations to grab a few seconds of and I'm ready to polish it up. Actually been able to edit in each days take.

[Brendan_pr]

I will be entering this :hv20-smilie81:

[Bif]

While the 7D will be my "go to" cam for "serious" stuff, I've been using a T2i I haven't had much opportunity to "put through it's paces" yet for the current "Doomed" theme short. Because I like to work "in close" to the actors most of the time I've been using a 24mm f2.8 prime on it and being in close has saved the audio for me on this one.

With only 3 of us, and two of them prime actors, I had no one to really watch the ZoomH2 and somehow things got confused and it was often not in record when it should have been or recording beautifully in between takes. Audio from it was perfect but what I needed was not there.

So if you have a limited crew, let the audio record for sequences of scene "takes" where you can leave it in the same position. I was trying to have it switched to record "take" by "take" and it's too easy to mess up unless you have a dedicated sound person who can really concentrate on it.

What saved me was putting a Rode SVM on the top shoe of the Hoodcrane, plugged into the mic jack on the camera. There's a lot of rhetoric about the audio of these DSLRs being "crap" and I have to call BS on that. Yes, it's a PITA to not have control over the audio but that didn't seem to really hurt anything on this project. Because I was operating close to the actors most of the time, the quality mic got good dialog nice and clear. The Zoom audio would have been clearer and cleaner because I had it even closer.

On the next project I'll leave the H2 on and recording continuously except where I have to reposition it. By clearly announcing scene and "take" for each filming "take", I can always find and select the segments I need, exporting each to a WAV file using Audacity, and of course I'll continue to have a quality mic plugged into the camera but that may be with an extension cord and positioned close to the actors also. I've learned the value of backup here.

Just thought I'd pass this on.

[Playing]

Bif, I watched your shooting video. Wind about the same here.
Had to hang a weight from the tripod or it would have blown over.
I think you will like my spinning adaptor :)

[Brendan_pr]

So both my own mom and best friend fell through on me today... LOL. I have almost everything filmed and color corrected, just need the scenes they are in to complete the story :(

[Brendan_pr]

Won't be able to film until sunday afternoon and will have to edit those scenes that night, wish me luck :P

[Playing]

I am done. Now I should upload it before I find all the mistakes and start to change it again.

[Palmer S.]

Won't be able to film until sunday afternoon and will have to edit those scenes that night, wish me luck :P

Good luck. I'm of a similar situation at the moment, as the idea I'd come up with was just too complicated to fit into five minutes. I'm thinking of taking it and expanding it to feature length, but in the meantime I've had to come up with a completely new concept, which if I hurry, I can have filmed today and spend the weekend editing. But that's if I'm lucky. :hv20-smilie77:

[Fade to inferno]

If i use a products name (just mentioning it verbally) i.e mentioning the simpsons, the movie timemachine, iphone. is it considered copyright infringement? clearly it won't be key to the plot, however, it is put there intentionally.

[Palmer S.]

If i use a products name (just mentioning it verbally) i.e mentioning the simpsons, the movie timemachine, iphone. is it considered copyright infringement? clearly it won't be key to the plot, however, it is put there intentionally.

Might want to get the okay from someone of a higher power, but I wouldn't think so. You're only mentioning it, not showing it? That should be fine..

[paperkut12]

If i use a products name (just mentioning it verbally) i.e mentioning the simpsons, the movie timemachine, iphone. is it considered copyright infringement? clearly it won't be key to the plot, however, it is put there intentionally.

I don't think there's any issue here since it isn't key to the plot and it'd just be mentioned; which isn't bad in itself.

[Playing]

OK – Uploading now. Can’t leave it too late in case the Seacom cable gets eaten by a shark.

[HueyNRolf]

Good man, Playing.
I think this one is going to be really good. Many entries this time. I'm looking forward!

[Timbit]

IF I can figure out how to cut a scene all up with this (http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Multimedia_and_Graphics/Video_and_Animation_Tools/VideoPad_Video_Editor_Download.html) free software... I may end up rough-editing in the camera (splitting each clip for the back and forth motions), and then downloading it all to the computer. :mad:

[Jergling]

I'm planning on shooting mine today... I got seriously bogged down in work, and now I have to make up for (a lot of) lost time. Also, I noticed the link to the T2i forums in Timbit's sig, and joined within 30 seconds of following the link. I'm highly optimistic for the future of that site, even in competition with things like C5D. Why did they split the 7D and T2i forums, though? It's essentially the same camera video-wise.

I ordered a 50mm 1.4 USM lens for my T2i. It won't be here in time for me to use it on this contest, but next time I'm hoping to have some pretty cool cinematic stuff.

[Palmer S.]

Script is close to finished (I know, it should have been finished a long time ago, but I was trying to decide which idea I wanted to go with, the simple one, or the really complicated one, but I figured the latter would be too much to squeeze into five minutes; so I'm expanding on that in it's own script to determine whether it'll be a short or a feature) and I'm getting ready to film today. Then I just gotta edit like mad and I should be good to go.

[Bif]

Finished shooting last night. Final editing today and upload when finished.

Had a lot of fun with this one. Looks like we'll have several entries done with the T2i and it's going to be very interesting to see what we're accomplishing with this one.

Good luck everyone...And have fun with it.

[MikePizzoff]

Not to be a jerk, but it sounds to me like you need to practice editing. Editing a few scenes for a 5-minute movie in one night shouldn't need luck. Practice makes speedy!

[Palmer S.]

Who are you talking to MikePizzoff?

[MikePizzoff]

Who are you talking to MikePizzoff?

Woops, I was talking to Brendan_pr. I forgot to quote!

[Timbit]

Things are looking better now. :D My only question is this: If one of the main characters is eating a bag of M&Ms, is that copyright infringement? The shot of the bag is kind of crucial to the ending scene, so... should I change it to some other kind of bag?


Also, I noticed the link to the T2i forums in Timbit's sig, and joined within 30 seconds of following the link. I'm highly optimistic for the future of that site, even in competition with things like C5D. Why did they split the 7D and T2i forums, though? It's essentially the same camera video-wise.

Hehe! It's my way of advertising sites that I like. :) And the 7D forum is still in the ground basically, so I'm trying to get more members and site publicity for the owner (I'm a mod on it, but can't find my mod-ly tools yet... :(). And yes, video-wise the cameras are very close, but it's kind of like, "Would you park your $50,000 Cadillac in the same spot of the garage with your Chey Volt?"
"Hmm, not really. They'd each have their own spot."

Did you get what I was saying? Maybe not. I'm confused now! :D Basically it's so that you can focus just on the specific camera and it's problems. And observations. :D

[Bif]

Things are looking better now. :D My only question is this: If one of the main characters is eating a bag of M&Ms, is that copyright infringement? The shot of the bag is kind of crucial to the ending scene, so... should I change it to some other kind of bag?


That should be considered incidental and not copyright infringement. Showing folks "using" products is not like using someone else's music without permission or license. If simply showing a trademarked product in use were a problem we couldn't show our characters driving Fords, Chevs, or any branded vehicle; couldn't show them holding Canon cameras, or Colt GI .45's, drinking Coca Cola...

I think you're OK.

[Bif]

IF I can figure out how to cut a scene all up with this (http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Multimedia_and_Graphics/Video_and_Animation_Tools/VideoPad_Video_Editor_Download.html) free software... I may end up rough-editing in the camera (splitting each clip for the back and forth motions), and then downloading it all to the computer. :mad:

I just took a break and played with that Videopad editor a bit. Get your video files from the camera onto your hard drive then "fire up" Videopad. Use the "Add Media" button to navigate to your video files and mark them, click open and you will have them listed in a media window. Drag 'n drop on the timeline. The first clip will fill the timeline but don't worry about that. The next clip gets dropped all the way to the right and the timeline adjusts.

To trim in and out points on each clip, click on the left end of the clip and drag inward until the video window shows you are where you want, then click on the right end and drag that inward until you have your "out" point.

Alternatively when you click on a clip on the timeline to "mark" it, some additional buttons appear in the left most window to the left of the timeline. One will be "Split". Position your timeline marker (some of us call it the "scrubber") where you want to make the "cut" and click the "Split" button. Mark the segment you want to get rid of and your "delete" key on the keyboard will do that for you.

Looks like a neat little editor.

[Timbit]

Thanks, Bif! I did get it working. :D It is actually quite easy to use once you get it figured out. :p

[Playing]

So this contest will have no default winner. We have to earn our place. Hmmm.

[Timbit]

So this contest will have no default winner. We have to earn our place. Hmmm.

Are you disappointed? :p

[Brendan_pr]

Woops, I was talking to Brendan_pr. I forgot to quote!
That is beside the point, giving yourself extra days to edit and perfect things like audio is always going to be better. Having to crunch it all in one night is not something you should do by choice

[MikePizzoff]

That is beside the point, giving yourself extra days to edit and perfect things like audio is always going to be better. Having to crunch it all in one night is not something you should do by choice

True. Well, just make sure you have a footnote below the video explaining that, if there happens to be something that you simply didn't have time to correct.

[Bif]

Mike,

A word of advice...

...This is supposed to be a friendly place, if you'll read the "Forum Announcements" you'll see that's the way the owner of this site wants it. I got kinda short with another user here just a couple of days ago and wound up apologizing to him for it. The site owner doesn't want us personally criticizing others like what I see happening here and if you can refrain from doing so you will be doing your part to keep this a friendly site.

I like friendly sites so you have my thanks in advance.

[MikePizzoff]

I know it looks like I'm coming off as hostile, but I meant it in the nicest way possible - I was just giving advice.

[Timbit]

We all some point in our lives get the wording wrong or have it sound different than what we really mean. :)

[Bif]

OK, Mike.

I'll buy that. What I try to do is ask myself "Is what I'm typing likely to hit any 'buttons'?" This typed communication doesn't carry any facial expressions, body language, or other 'clues' about what we really mean so I try to refrain as much as possible from anything another can take 'the wrong way'. Smilies and other emoticons are artificial.

In the case where I got "short and abrupt" with the other user, I knew as I typed it would be taken as a direct criticism and I meant it that way. He apologized and I immediately apologized back to him and resolved not to do that again.

We're here to have fun.

[Timbit]

Horror of horrors! I can't import any music!!! I created a clip, but the video editor won't read it! Do I have to dig my guitar out and start jamming?

[drapeama]

I can't import any music!!![...] the video editor won't read it.
Try eac3to...read the music file (probably mp3 or any format) and convert it to .wav = i don't think there's any NLE that doesn't support .wav for audio.
Give it a try!

[Palmer S.]

Alright, finished shooting though I'm not terribly happy with the results. I'll be doing some hardcore editing, and if it turns out at least halfway decent, I'll go ahead and upload it.

[paperkut12]

Seems like there will be more entries than usual; this is exciting. Kind of disappointed I couldn't get people together for this one. Either way, looking forward to seeing the films.

[Timbit]

I actually got it to work, but thanks Drape! :)

[MikePizzoff]

Edited and submitted my video this afternoon. I'm excited to see what everyone's come up with; this is a pretty good theme!

[Jergling]

I'm editing now. Mine's coming together pretty well after a hard night of shooting. I was really pressed for time after shooting started about 4 hours late, but I actually got every necessary shot. I had some problems with ISO, though.

If I may make a suggestion: Never shoot with over 800 ISO using the stock T2i lens, It's just too noisy. I seriously regret my decision to use 1600 for most of the scenes. I have heard that high ISOs work very well with fast lenses, though. There are some perfectly clear videos on Vimeo of 1600 and 3200 ISO with the T2i.

[Palmer S.]

Gr...editing is proving much more difficult than I thought. Having to sync up the audio and video from different files is much more difficult that I expected, and it's making it near impossible for me to find the clips I'm looking for. Add that to the fact that our opening scene got taped over by mistake, and you've got a s**t fest!

I might just sit this one out...

[MikePizzoff]

Gr...editing is proving much more difficult than I thought. Having to sync up the audio and video from different files is much more difficult that I expected, and it's making it near impossible for me to find the clips I'm looking for.

Next time you have to film audio on a separate source, try using a make-shift clacker (IE: your hands) and announce what each scene is, that way the audio will be easy to work with.

[Palmer S.]

Next time you have to film audio on a separate source, try using a make-shift clacker (IE: your hands) and announce what each scene is, that way the audio will be easy to work with.

I would, but it wouldn't help, because my HV40 won't record audio at all for some reason. My brother (it was his camera first) didn't take very good care of it...unless there's a setting somewhere that turns off the on-board mics? Anyone know of something like that?

[Jergling]

Palmer, you might want to see if your "Record Audio" option is on. I think the HV series has something like that. Maybe the audio levels are on manual and turned all the way down? It's unlikely that it would be turned off, but it's worth a look...

Things are going well on my end. Editing will be done before bedtime, and I have until 3:30 tomorrow to finish the single VFX shot. I think this one is turning out way better than my last one. It has actual scenes!

Well, I'll be back tomorrow. Good luck to everyone! (Or, if your an actor: Break a leg!)

[Bif]

If I may make a suggestion: Never shoot with over 800 ISO using the stock T2i lens, It's just too noisy. I seriously regret my decision to use 1600 for most of the scenes. I have heard that high ISOs work very well with fast lenses, though. There are some perfectly clear videos on Vimeo of 1600 and 3200 ISO with the T2i.

I actually got into more trouble with noise by working at 800 instead of going to 1600 or even 3200. If things go a bit dark the noise from having to raise the gamma, add brightness, or add gain in post is worse than what little you get from ISO 1600 or 3200.

[Bif]

Gr...editing is proving much more difficult than I thought. Having to sync up the audio and video from different files is much more difficult that I expected, and it's making it near impossible for me to find the clips I'm looking for.

Without a dedicated sound person to insure the H2 was ON when filming and OFF when not, and finding much of the audio didn't get recorded on it (had a Rode SVM on the camera which meant the disaster wasn't TOTAL), on the last night of shooting I just left the dang thing recording and had the same problem as you. Using Audacity I positioned the timeline marker just ahead of the next waveform group and hit play and slowly was able to identify what was what. Each time I identified a "take" I'd "select" it and export that as a WAV file with a filename that told me what it was.

Next time I'll leave it running again only this time announce scene and take number then "Action", I can see the waveform for that word and synch on that by aligning waveforms from the camera audio and the H2 file, then trim IN and OUT points once I have the audio synch'd with no "echo".

Heckuva learning curve, ain't it? Already can't wait for the next one.

[Jergling]

I actually got into more trouble with noise by working at 800 instead of going to 1600 or even 3200. If things go a bit dark the noise from having to raise the gamma, add brightness, or add gain in post is worse than what little you get from ISO 1600 or 3200.

I guess that does make sense... hmmm. I need to check my in-camera gain-control next time I shoot, because I think that's an issue on mine. I wish that I could just lock gain to +/-0db and control only ISO.

I've got a copyright question that I'm just a little on-the-edge about. I want to use a sound effect (a musical "hit") at one point in my video. The sound was published by VALvE (the company that made Half-Life 2 and Left 4 Dead) and it appears in Left 4 Dead 1 and 2, both of which I own. Since I am not profiting from this video, directly advertising for VALvE, or using the audio as a central piece in my video, am I allowed to include it? (I even thank them in the credits :) )

[jaket]

So it looks like I'm in on this one.
I was able to get some people together on Friday and shoot an entry.
Doomed is a great theme.

[Playing]

...once I have the audio synch'd with no "echo".

Hi Bif, may I ask a general audio question here: If you have two microphones pointed in the same direction from different angles (i.e. two cameras on a performance of some sort), do you ever use both audio tracks at the same time in the final render? Does that give a fuller sound or is this not done? Thanks.

[Brendan_pr]

rendering a cut now! turned out pretty much how I wanted so I am happy. There are no swears like I usually have but there is a beer being drank and a cigarette being lit in two different scenes. But neither of which shine them in a positive light, so I hope that doesn't make it not PG-13

[Brendan_pr]

I uploaded it on the group page but I don't know if it is actually part of it. It's still pending, hope it works, have to go to sleep :(

[jaket]

So I was just about to connect my film with the vimeo page when I noticed that the rules on that page don't match the rules posted in this thread.

Should I be concerned? 3min instead of 5 min time limit, PG instead of PG-13 rating?

[Fade to inferno]

So I was just about to connect my film with the vimeo page when I noticed that the rules on that page don't match the rules posted in this thread.

Should I be concerned? 3min instead of 5 min time limit, PG instead of PG-13 rating?



the correct rules are the ones in the thread. 5 min. pg-13.

[Timbit]

I uploaded my video, but it's showing up on my profile and not on the contest page... What do I do?!?!?!?

[jaket]

the correct rules are the ones in the thread. 5 min. pg-13.

Sweet. I would have been disqualified if it wasn't the rules on this thread.

[Playing]

I uploaded my video, but it's showing up on my profile and not on the contest page... What do I do?!?!?!?

Don’t worry, it will show up after the deadline has past.
(Assuming you have uploaded it to the contest page.)

Now the waiting game has started.

[Jergling]

I've been panicking all morning trying to finish my VFX shot. I finally got it, and I'm rendering now. I actually like the way it turned out, even though there are some masking issues. I think I'm going to be the last one to upload, I'm playing it safe and allotting an extra hour for submitting, in case something goes awry. There sure are a lot of entries this time, did everyone had fun with this theme?

[Fade to inferno]

I uploaded my video, but it's showing up on my profile and not on the contest page... What do I do?!?!?!?

the videos aren't released till the deadline silly. u should know this by now.

i'm not even close to done editing. *sigh* don't think ill finish in time.

[Playing]

i'm not even close to done editing. *sigh* don't think ill finish in time.

Don’t give up. If necessary upload it as an unfinished symphony…

[Timbit]

[QUOTE=Fade to inferno;343138]the videos aren't released till the deadline silly. u should know this by now.QUOTE]

Duh... (smacks head) :)

[cornreaper]

Well, here we are and I have absolutely nothing to enter! Just a case of bad timing for me, I've been way too busy the last couple of weeks. I do have a script done, so perhaps I can modify it to fit a future theme...

[Jergling]

I'm finally exporting! I realized that I had until 6:00 Central time (3:00 is for Pacific), so I'm a little less worried about getting my submission in on time now. A word of warning to anyone else who's still working: Don't lose track of time! Leave a lot of spare time at the end for export fixes, uploading problems, and titling.

[Brendan_pr]

Don’t worry, it will show up after the deadline has past.
(Assuming you have uploaded it to the contest page.)

Now the waiting game has started.

I was about to ask this same thing, I can't view my video yet so I guess that means it worked :)

EDIT: wait... when I try and refresh and view the video it lets me play it and I have to "add to" the contest again every single time, wtf?

[Brendan_pr]

Seriously, I have no idea what's going on. I uploaded on the GROUP PAGE and now there is absolutely zero evidence that it is even a part of the group. I can view it and I have checked "Antman's Quick & Dirty, Cheap & Cheerful Mini-Film Fest" radio box, but I can still view the video

Have also gotten 4 views so far (hoping they were myself)....

edit: their radio button might just be counter intuitive (un-checks every time instead of staying checked)

[Playing]

..their radio button might just be counter intuitive (un-checks every time instead of staying checked)

It should say "Pending" there.

[Brendan_pr]

OK everything is fine I was just worrying :P

[Palmer S.]

Well, good luck to everyone who's entered, and those who are about to. I'll be sitting this one out due to time constraints, though I will finish editing my would-be entry as I want to write up a blog/thread about all the mistakes an amateur filmmaker can make, in the hopes that never again will anyone f**k up their videos in the massive way that I have today.


:hv20-smilie72:

[Jergling]

Uploadified! Wow, looks like everyone else got theirs in before me.

EDIT: Mine's converting now. I don't know if the mod can add it yet, but don't forget about me, please!

[Timbit]

Wow. There are lots! :D

[Jergling]

I'm panicking now. Shig or Draps, please accept my video! It's all converted and stuff now.

I really shouldn't be worrying about this. *sigh*

[Brendan_pr]

I was panicking earlier too, but I am sure they will take into consideration that they have to accept it in order for it to make the deadline :P

[Brendan_pr]

wow, all the other entries are great! this is going to be hard to judge I bet :)

[Playing]

Yea – There is something great in every entry.

[paperkut12]

Watching now!

[Jergling]

I uploaded at 1 and a half hours ago... I guess Drapeama hasn't been on since 2:00 GMT, so maybe he'll do one more check for submissions. I've been sitting here doing nothing but refreshing this thread for 4 hours :) .

[Timbit]

Just got back from there. :D The judges are going to be busy!

[Brendan_pr]

I like your realistic replicas of western style rifles Timbit :)

[Palmer S.]

Any idea when the winner will be announced?

[paperkut12]

Some great variety; enjoyed the whole lot.

[jaket]

oops, my video was still set to private, I changed it to public just now.

It's "Doomed Billy"

[Brendan_pr]

I could watch it about an hour and a half ago. it was good, very funny :)

[paperkut12]

My unofficial pick would have to go to Doomed Billy. It had great production values, the dialogue was great and cracked (hardyhar) me up. DOOMED was also another I thoroughly enjoyed, my kind of comedy. They all had something to enjoy. I hope I could enter the next contest. We need more entries like this week. AWESOMENESS.

[Maxwell]

Where is Antman? Since this is his contest. Here's my opinion's:

"Drive": I didnt really get the story. The guy's mom or something gets killed?

"Tragic Day": Tim, I liked it but there were like audio issues.

"Cash Flow": I really liked it.

"Doomed" I thought it was really funny.

"Past Due" I liked that one too lol.

"Doomed Billy": Pretty funny.

If we could vote then I would vote for "Cash Flow"

[Timbit]

I haven't seen him since... June or early July.

And thanks, Brendan. ;) What an imagination and good ol' sticks can do with a little sound... :D

[Brendan_pr]

"Drive": I didnt really get the story. The guy's mom or something gets killed?

Seems like you got it to me

[HueyNRolf]

Nice to see so many entries. Good job everyone. I really enjoyed this batch and had a few laughs too.

So here goes.

Drive

Good:
A very reasonable production job, although I wasn't keen on the dramatic color theme switching, might be just my taste.

Not so good:
I had trouble following the story, even after two viewings. If that's intentional (keep your audience guessing), it's a bit of gamble because people can lose interest, as I did. I found it a bit repetitive and lacking in narrative.

A Tragic Day
Good:
An interesting idea here, I'm sure. Good job with the production and playing both characters. Nice job on the music too. I liked that thing with the big white rig.

Not so good:
The ADR is the glaring deal breaker here and I didn't understand the story.

Doomed Billy

Good:
All good here with the camera, audio and editing. The shot where the puppet jumps on the guy's back is good.... clever stuff.

Not so good:
The character was underexposed half of the time. Looks like he had the sun behind him a reflector might have served here.

Cashflow

Good:
I really liked this one. The live performance worked very well to set the mood and it was nicely mixed in with the story. 'The spinning adaptor' very witty.

Not so good:
Nothing

DOOMED

Good:
What a laugh! I'm sure these guys had a lot of fun making this. I liked the 'in joke' (reference to Antman's contest). Great job in post

Not so good:
Some of the jokes were a bit weak, but the strong ones made up for that. The audio is a little noisy in some of the scenes, but not a deal breaker either.

PastDue

Good:

Story telling and production all well done. The filmmaker's performance stood out over the other two.

Not so good:
The audio at the confession scene was weak. The scene where the guy preps the gun is a bit long. Might've been better to use only the part where there's VO.

Conclusion
What a tough call. 'Cashflow', 'Doomed' and PastDue are the strongest. Doomed Billy comes in close too. My vote goes to 'Cashflow.'

[Jergling]

Wow, I uploaded over 8 hours ago, and it still hasn't appeared. Oh well, see you next time...

[Fade to inferno]

hmm this is odd. None of the judges have posted.

[HueyNRolf]

hmm this is odd. None of the judges have posted.

I covered for Dr.T. Waiting on Ratfink and Cornreaper.

[Fade to inferno]

oh gotcha. Hope they post soon. eager to hear the next theme. :D

[Palmer S.]

oh gotcha. Hope they post soon. eager to hear the next theme. :D

You and me both pal. :hv20-smilie84:

I've decided that I'm gonna get serious about the next one. Even if my would-have-been entry for this one was total garbage (I'll be posting it in all it's hideousness later this week) I can only get better. Hopefully. :P

[HueyNRolf]

I haven't seen Ratfink on this thread. I hope he knows he's judging. Cornreaper will probably post soon.

[1]

I think, since there's so many entries, i can offer a small prize to the winner.

[Pshaw!]

Unofficial opinions on everything:


Drive

It's very well-edited and definitely strikes the mood you're going for. However, it just gets confusing and doesn't exactly provide any distinguishable plot. It sets the mood, but doesn't capitalize on it, if that makes any sense.

A Tragic Day

Some individuals scenes looked good (especially the dream), but the story progression was random and there were definitely problems with the sound.

Doomed Billy

It looks like you spent a lot of time on this one. Especially animating Billy. The editing, sound, music, and general production values worked together perfectly to create humor and keep the action flowing at the right pace. "Ever wonder why we call you boys 'crackers?' ...*CRACK*" had me laughing out loud. Covering racism in a purposefully shallow way is the funniest way to do so.


Cashflow

Playing (no pun intended) to the crowd, huh? Another great one. Everything you did was perfect. The pace of the voice overs seemed like well-executed slam poetry. And I mean that in the very best way possible. Music was obviously great, too.


DOOMED

It was funny, but it was just an overload of jokes in a random order. It would have been a lot better if there was some sort of progression. Say, if the situations had gotten more and more ridiculous. Besides some really good jokes, some of it got repetitive. Something I liked - the freeze frames with the "doomed" always came at the right time: right before the viewer thinks, "ugh, I know what's gonna happen and I don't want to see this."

PastDue

If this contest was based on the quality of each frame, this would be a sure winner. Turn on the sound, however, and there are some problems. First off - the general sound quality issues. Probably the worst sounding part is the confessional scene, where the type of buzzing changes as the frame switches from one character to the other. Although the only problem right there is with the audio, the switch between audio and character in frame are synchronized, giving the impression the conversation is not continuous.

This next bit of criticism is going to be hard to explain, but I'll try. Your theme was definitely a powerful one, but it offered no buildup to the conflict of epic proportion between Heaven/Hell or God/Satan. The dialog reminds me of a Shakespeare play in that it's impossible to relate to. Maybe that's a bad example, but it's all I can think of.

Of course that's not to say that a serious short like that isn't the hardest to pull off out of this bunch.

I liked Doomed Billy the most with Cashflow at a close second. Can't exactly explain why one's ahead of the other, just a gut feeling. But hey, that's why I'm not a judge. Mixed feelings about the rest.

[Playing]

Wow, I uploaded over 8 hours ago, and it still hasn't appeared. Oh well, see you next time...

I am really sorry to hear this Jergling, did you find out what happened?
I was looking forward to watching your entry.

[HueyNRolf]

Wow, I uploaded over 8 hours ago, and it still hasn't appeared. Oh well, see you next time...

That's a bummer. Why don't you link it from your Vimeo page?

[HueyNRolf]

If I'd have gone to the trouble of getting an entry in by the deadline, I'd be getting a bit frustrated by now.

Something needs to be done. The people who submitted an entry, should get a result in a reasonable timeframe (whatever that is, 12 hours?).

I hope I don't across as pious and I'm not pointing fingers, but how can we get the judges to respond more promptly?

[Daniel Rutter]

Heh... what you need is DEDICATED JUDGES.
Where's Bif when you need him?

[HueyNRolf]

what you need is DEDICATED JUDGES.

I suspect, it has more to do with making sure that the people nominated as judges are willing and available.

[Playing]

Gchrree..the suspense is driving me nuts.

[Timbit]

A Tragic Day
Good:
I liked that thing with the big white rig.

What you can get with a spur-of-the-moment idea...


Not so good:
The ADR is the glaring deal breaker here and I didn't understand the story.

My fault. I was having trouble with the audio, and I should have just re-shot the scenes that were problematic. Adding music to fill in the silence would have helped a bit too.

[Playing]

Adding music to fill in the silence would have helped a bit too.

You could just extend the audio clips so they link without gaps. A continuous background noise would be less disturbing.

I liked what you did with the truck and the tractor. Also the way you acted both roles was very well done.

[Playing]

Thanks HueyNRolf, Pshaw! and everyone else who commented so far. Your feedback means a lot.
I will respond once all the judging is done.

[HueyNRolf]

Tim, you learn a lot by having a go and making mistakes. It's commendable that you attempted an ADR, but next time:

1. Get a clean recording, yours was far too noisy.
2. Record several takes. This gives you more choice when it comes to syncing in post.
3. lay down a roomtone or ambient track in your mix to avoid cold (silent) spots.

[Jergling]

The dialog reminds me of a Shakespeare play


I thought exactly the same thing! I only had this feeling about the final scene, though. It was like a soliloquy.

So, at this point, I'm just waiting for the next contest to start. I'm fine with not being in this one, but I've got two empty weeks of summer and I'm ready to start filling them with the next contest!

[Bif]

Heh... what you need is DEDICATED JUDGES.
Where's Bif when you need him?

If I'm needed in this capacity I'll declare my entry "non competive" and judge. It would really be Drapeama's call as I believe he's in charge while Shigeta is off on his wild travels...

[Fade to inferno]

Drape, I recommend you appoint temporary replacement judges that are available at the moment to decide a winner (like Daniel, and Jergling).I would offer my services but have school and work, won't be available till later tonight. Hope you guys declare a winner soon! and congrats to them

Edit: woops just realized playing is in it lol

[Playing]

Edit: woops just realized playing is in it lol

But thanks for the vote of confidence anyway :)

[Pshaw!]

If we are desperately in need of judges, I took a little too much time to give at least semi-thoughtful reviews on everything. I don't want to say, "My opinions are great! Use them!" but it's an option.

And should we want to use them, I could do a better job justifying my top pick.

[Jergling]

Maybe this contest should be a poll from now on. Then whoever gets here in time becomes a judge.

(P.S. I just got my 50mm 1.4 while writing this! Very excited!)

[paperkut12]

So..none of the judges weighed in on their vote?

[Fade to inferno]

i think they tried doing polls before they decided on judges. Clearly they must have had some kind of problems with doin polls

hmm by chain of command i would say, Huey should be the person to decide what to do next in the occassion that drape isn't on sometime soon.

My solution for preventing this from happening again:
All names mentioned are just used for examples and not nominations or anything.


We should have replacement judges in the occasion that results are not posted withing the 5 hour mark. It is my belief that 5 hours is sufficient time to decide a winner. Example: the deadline is at 3:00. If a judge has not posted their result by 8:00 then the replacement judge is in effect.

Judges & Replacement Judges in the event that results are not posted within 5 hour mark of deadline:
Judge: Huey n Rolf ------- Replacement Judge: King Ducky
Judge: Ratfink -------------Replacement Judge: Fade to inferno
Judge :Corn Reaper ------ Replacement Judge: Bif

Judge In the event of a stalemate: Daniel Rutter.

Another way we could do it is instead of having each person their own assigned replacement judge we could have a chain of replacement judges.

Example: 1. King Ducky
2. Bif
3.F2I
So if one judge does not post within the 5 hour mark then KD steps in. If KD doesnt post within 6 hours then Bif is active judge. and if he doenst post 7 hour mark then f2i steps in.

[Jergling]

I like the chain of command one. That way, there's no debate if two judges don't show. Anyway, I'd say "Let's just move on to the next contest already," but we need Draps and the judges for that too! We need a stand-in mod for the stand-in mod who took over from the original mod... this is getting overly complex.

[Bif]

Or better than a poll or judges it could be done the way it's handled over at dvinfo.net

All who submit an entry do the judging. Just can't vote for their own entry.

[paperkut12]

I say for this one go with a poll that ends at a specific time. That way, we will have a winner for sure and in the event all the contestants aren't around and don't vote.

[1]

...or we could just get some of the main moderators to be judges for this one time (as long as they're willing).

The problem with ALL of these contests is ALWAYS the leadership and their availability and time to organize things properly.
This means we would need at least two or three moderators in this forum alone. It would also mean that those moderators should be
disallowed from entering the contests.

A poll is NOT a good way of solving this, btw.

[HueyNRolf]

It's been over 24 hours now. In the absence of the contest mods, I suggest we declare a winner and move on to the next.

We have only one official judge's vote (mine) which went to Cashflow. There were also two unofficial votes, Maxwell and pshaw. Maxwell voted for Cashflow.

So lets declare Cashflow the winner, give Player a ribbon and let him call the next theme.

What do you think, Mal?

[drapeama]

Hi there
Just to let you know why i haven't been there for the contest...:


...what did i missed?

[paperkut12]

Whoa dude, that sucks. Hope everyone is alright.

Funny how this all happens on the contest theme Doomed...

[Brendan_pr]

My entry also features a car crash :O

good thing you are alright

[HueyNRolf]

Holy crap, Draps. Are you alright man?

Anyway we had a bumper six-entry contest. Two of the judges went AWOL.

[drapeama]

Funny how this all happens on the contest theme Doomed...
Haven't seen it that way!!

Holy crap, Draps. Are you alright man?
Yep it's okay!, My GF was driving the car, probably because of this the accident happened

[Palmer S.]

Glad to hear your okay Draps!

[drapeama]

We have only one official judge's vote (mine) which went to Cashflow. There were also two unofficial votes, Maxwell and pshaw. Maxwell voted for Cashflow.
So lets declare Cashflow the winner, give Player a ribbon and let him call the next theme.

i'm with you Huey.

[Playing]

Hell Drapes I am glad you are OK. HueyNRolf I am of course very happy with your call. As you are the only official judge I think you have the right to do so, but if Mal and Drapes are around now let them have a say too. It’s 4am here and I will stick around for a short while before going back to sleep.

[Palmer S.]

So then Playing, what's the next theme gonna be?

[Maxwell]

Please pick a good theme lol.

[drapeama]

I'm on the laptop now, so i'll be quick:

Drive

Good:
+ what Huey said : Average camera work and sound. Overall well done!

Not so good:
Like Huey said.

A Tragic Day
Good:
Me and huey are thinking the same! I enjoyed the two characters.

Not so good:
The ADR is the glaring deal breaker here. The audio sink the whole short...

Doomed Billy

Good:
All good here ... clever stuff. Nothing to add to what Huey said!!

Not so good:
The character was underexposed half of the time. Looks like he had the sun behind him a reflector might have served here.

Cashflow

Good:
I really liked this one... I completely agree with Huey...THIS was the best one! The final on the bench made me laugh so much!!

Not so good:
Nothing.

DOOMED

Good:
What a laugh! I'm sure these guys had a lot of fun making this. I liked the 'in joke' (reference to Antman's contest). Great job in post

Not so good:
Some of the jokes were a bit weak... maybe a bit long to me...

PastDue

Good:

Story telling and production all well done. The filmmaker's performance stood out over the other two.

Not so good:
The audio. and the "green screen" effect, it was blocky and the color (blue over black) were too different to blend well for the confession scene...maybe it's just me.

Conclusion
What a tough call... My vote goes to 'Cashflow.'