Antman's Short Film Contest #18 - "Plotline"

[Daniel Rutter]

http://i56.tinypic.com/mv6xht.jpg

It's that time again, and now things will change.

The theme for this will be "Plot line".

Our plot line will start like this: "Man gets a phone call from the president... who sends him on a secret mission" (Suggested by RockDonkey). The SPECIAL ITEM is Chewing gum. The special item must feature in the film at some point, for it to be deemed entry into the festival.

Basically, that is where you start. Whether you focus on the phone call, or whatever... you choose the mission, you write the dialog.

EXAMPLE: "Man gets a phone call from the president, who sends him on a secret mission in which he is required to spy on his neighbors who are suspected of being enemy agents trying to steal national secrets. The national secret is a recipe for experimental Hubba Bubba chewing gum, dubbed 'the bestest tasting gum on the planet'..."

The point is, you can make it as serious... or absurd as you like. The genre is up to you. Feel free to use the example as a basis for your entry.

This orta shake things up a bit.

Judges:

Daniel Rutter
Bif
RockDonkey

Deadline will be 5pm, Monday 6th December UTC. Countdown To Deadline (http://www.7is7.com/otto/countdown.html?year=2010&month=12&date=6&hrs=17&ts=12&tz=UTC&min=0&sec=0&lang=en&show=dhm&mode=r&cdir=down&bgcolor=%23CCFFFF&fgcolor=%23000000&title=Countdown%20To). Yes, you have been given 3 weeks instead of the usual 2. This is partly an experiment to see if it will indeed improve the amount of entries we have (as people have said in the past that 2 weeks is not enough).

RULES:
1) Can't be longer than 5 minutes
2) Shouldn't be rated over PG-13 (Unless changed by the moderator)
3) Video should be posted on vimeo official page ONLY (Videos may be accepted from Youtube, only at the moderators discretion). Videos for the current theme will not be available to view until the contest deadline > managed by Daniel, creator of the official page. The group page is here: http://www.vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival
4) The winner will have the choice: Be a judge on the next theme, and not compete (or have his entry considered "Non - Competitive"), OR, Forfeit the opportunity to be a judge, and be freely able to enter the next theme with a chance to win.
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.
NEW RULE: 7) Entry must be related to the theme/plotline outlined, and include the 'special item' before it will be considered for entry in the festival.

[AJUK]

Wow that's a very specific logline! What happens if you live in a country with a prime minister?
Can it be a company president?
Can it be a representative of the government?

That's certainly good news on the three week deadline, that should help those of us with day jobs!

[AJUK]

Incidentally, Hubba Bubba is a real gum brand, doesn't that violate rule 5? ;)

[Fade to inferno]

This is gunna be hard for me

[Daniel Rutter]

It was an example guys, but if you decide to use it... change the brand to something fictional (think: Tarantino's 'Red Apples').

President, could be any kind of president. You take the log line as you read it, and do something with it :)

Fade, how is it going to be hard?

[Fade to inferno]

lol just not used to the new method, will need to adapt. My imagination is crippled haha. I'll figure something tho no worries

[Daniel Rutter]

I'll figure something tho no worries
I really hope the three week window will give you a chance to enter.

The idea of the logline is to make it less likely that you guys can't find an idea. You have the beginnings of a plot, you just have to finish it. The openness of it means that every entry will be unique.

EDIT: RockDonkey chose to be one of the judges for this theme, so... let's welcome him in as our guest judge.

[RockDonkey]

Okay a word from one of the judges.
This kind of theme makes it a bit more a director's competition and a bit less a writer's. Still room for strong writers to make the difference of course...

The first two obvious solutions that the director has to solve is HOW TO REVEAL to the viewer THAT THE PRESIDENT TALKS IN THE OTHER END and secondly HOW TO USE THE CHEWING GUM.

As one of the judges, let me already hint that I will love solutions THAT MAKES IT FEEL REAL this time. Why? Because a call from a president feels impossible and unrealistic. So if you can make us viewers believe that this call could actually happen, I think you might be close to creating something special. By that I'm not saying that I'm not open for other ways to be positively surprised. Humor can always turn everything around.

[Timbit]

Now this makes it easier! :) Just copy/pasted it to Word so that I have the guideline to work on.

[KingDucky]

Hmmm...........................


Man gets a phone call from the president

Can it be..a child?

[RockDonkey]

Well, there's a perfect question. Let's see...

It is a question for Daniel. But, as a judge I have not been given directions on how to do my job, so this is how I would react on such a change:

The optimal is to follow the given assignment exactly. By finding a more entertaining way to solve the assignment, you could win and become a hero, so to speak... Why would a child suite you better?

This change isn't a change that would give you any noticeable advantage, so my spontaneous reaction is that I should not give you any minus points for the change. At the same time the nature of the change is quite large because it changes the logline that is supposed to be the same for everyone. So I think that if your film is on the line with another this would matter a little bit. At the same time a child or a man does not make it harder for the viewer to compare the films in the competition, so therefore this shouldn't matter. But I think Daniel wants to be a little bit more strict. Let's see what he says.

There's also the aspect that you as an artist must be given / take the freedom to go out and make the best possible entertaining that you can. If the rules limit your vision then to hell with them rules. It's not like this competition has too many participants, so instead of disqualifying artists I am for a system where the judges take such changes into count and give minus points according to how much they hate the changes.

Does this seem fair and supportive? I think that's the main thing.

[paperkut12]

Hmmm...........................


Can it be..a child?

I dear hope the government doesn't call a child for a secret mission. Is Bush still president? :D

I was first weirded out by the logline, but after thinking about it I know just the way I want to tackle it and make it different..I will try my best to get actors together; that's always the thing.

[KingDucky]

Why would a child suite you better?

I only have access to teenage actors.

[paperkut12]

I only have access to teenage actors.

That shouldn't be a problem. What if the government needs it to be that one kid and no one else must know. Maybe they're using the kid. I don't think you have to take "Man" is being literally that. As long as it's a person.

[KingDucky]

As long as it's a person.

Well there goes my story!


Joking Joking. Gunna get started on a story.

[Daniel Rutter]

Alright, lets clear that one up. I said "Man"... and that could have been taken a sexist, so I will re-iterate. "Man/Woman/Child gets a phonecall....etc".

Use whatever you have at hand.

[KingDucky]

Use whatever you have at hand.

So now we can use body parts?!

[Daniel Rutter]

So now we can use body parts?!
"Random body part gets a phone call from the president to go on a secret mission..."

[KingDucky]

ROFL:hv20-smilie84::hv20-smilie84:

[HueyNRolf]

So it's back to the old three-judge panel. You'll need a reserve, right?

[Daniel Rutter]

Not exactly, unless the occasion calls for it. Thanks for your input though...

[HueyNRolf]

Not exactly, unless the occasion calls for it.

That's true, I guess you can always put out a call for a volunteer if there's a stalemate.
I'd offer to be on standby, but that deadline is 2:00 AM here.

I'll be 1:00 to 4:00 AM for you right?

[Daniel Rutter]

Not sure, I run the contest... I don't enter it. I will be doing a non-competitive entry for this one though... I should have time to throw something together.

[HueyNRolf]

Don't you need to validate the entries, on Vimeo, at the deadline and then get your comments posted ASAP?

[Daniel Rutter]

Don't you need to validate the entries, on Vimeo, at the deadline and then get your comments posted ASAP?
Well.. of course. Whats your point?

[HueyNRolf]

Whats your point?

My point is in response to:

Not sure, I run the contest... I don't enter it.

If you don't know what time that is for you, maybe you should find out?
Like I said, in Western Australia it'll be 1:00 AM. in NSW it's 4:00 AM. If you are out east, more power to you, there's dedication.

[KingDucky]

Alright guys this contest is 10% Luck, 20% Skill, 15% Concentrated Power of Will, 5% Pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to...enter the contest!:hv20-smilie77:

[HueyNRolf]

Dear Bruce Foreman,

I did read your post addressed to me and I'm sorry for not replying sooner. I've been working for a change. I'll write a reply soon, please give me a few hours, I need to sleep.

Regards,
-H

[Daniel Rutter]

Alright guys this contest is 10% Luck, 20% Skill, 15% Concentrated Power of Will, 5% Pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to...enter the contest!
The man listens to Fort Minor! Nice!

[Timbit]

Wrote my first draft last night. Now I need to work in the dialog (always the hardest part, as my brain goes faster than my pen!), scout my limited locations and resources, and get to work! :D

[Playing]

Hi Daniel, just a quick note to say thank you for putting me on the poster. I've never been on a poster before.

I've been busy with a very, very orthodox Jewish wedding and a concert. Having lots of fun and learning a lot.

Will catch up with the contest again one of these days. Best regards to all, Kurt.

[Bif]

please give me a few hours, I need to sleep.


Definitely understand "need to sleep". I stayed up way too late night before last, watching "Last Of The Mohicans" on Blu-ray.

The cat pleaded with me to come to bed at midnight, I didn't heed her.

Should have. It's getting pretty bad when a cat starts nagging you to come to bed.

It's happening right now..."Meow, meow, meow."

Good night, all. (Sheesh)

[Daniel Rutter]

Hi Daniel, just a quick note to say thank you for putting me on the poster. I've never been on a poster before.

I've been busy with a very, very orthodox Jewish wedding and a concert. Having lots of fun and learning a lot.

Will catch up with the contest again one of these days. Best regards to all, Kurt.
No problems buddy.

Hope to see you back in soon! :)

[soilborn]

This is gunna be hard for me

Thats what she said.

[paperkut12]

Thats what she said.

I'm sure you were holding that one back. Great first post...

:p

[Fade to inferno]

lol god damn it. soilborn is my friend matt. i Told him about hv20.com and he's going to enter the antman contest.

[Timbit]

Welcome aboard, soilborn! :)

[drapeama]

I think i'd be able to work on something this week.

[KingDucky]

Draps back!

[Timbit]

Draps back!
Yay! :D

So how are we all doing? I'm done my script other than for a few changes to make with the dialogue. Now I'm just waiting for the snow to dissipate a bit more... ;)

[Fade to inferno]

still in the brainstorming stage. but i think i have a good idea =)

[Timbit]

still in the brainstorming stage. but i think i have a good idea =)
Go for it! :D

[Daniel Rutter]

And... I may be able to do something for a non-compet. entry as well. All depends on how long it takes me to get these last few projects I've worked on this week done...

[BenHughesStudios]

Can I still enter this if the title/focus of the story involves doritos?

I'd still be able to include the major plotline, and the gum though.

pleaaaaase?

[RockDonkey]

Yeah, just give the artist in you the freedom to go wherever he wants. We're waiting.

[HueyNRolf]

Can I still enter this if the title/focus of the story involves doritos?

According to the rules:

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.

[BenHughesStudios]

According to the rules:

I'm getting mixed answers here. Can the creator of the contest respond?

I wouldn't really consider it copyright infringement. it's really more like free advertising.

I'm just going to buy a bunch of doritos bags, and use them in the video. You may wonder why I don't just buy unnamed chips. You'll see why when i finish the movie.
It's not going to be like an advertisement though, I promise you that.

[HueyNRolf]

You wrote:


Can I still enter this if the title/focus of the story involves doritos?

This was discussed some months back and the outcome was that incidental use is acceptable and difficult to avoid. You interpret the rules anyway you like. Do as you please, I was just trying to help you.

[Daniel Rutter]

I don't usually say this, but Huey is right.

Doritos are a copyrighted item, therefor breaching our rules. Read the rule stating the copyright information:

Usage of copyrighted objects, images or trademarks is permissible so long as they are not central to the plot of the short.

If they aren't directly involved with the plot (I.E: The movie is about doritos), it's fine to have something like the main character chowing down on a bag... but if he's chowing down on the things, talking about them... and the doritos are involved in the plot, then sorry... we cannot accept your entry.
Still, I look forward to seeing your video (post it in the footage section!) :)

[HueyNRolf]

I don't usually say this, but Huey is right.

There's a first time for everything.
or
'even a broken clock is right twice a day.'

[Bif]

Can I still enter this if the title/focus of the story involves doritos?


If your character picks up a bag of Doritos off the rack, or tosses a few bags into a shopping cart, or casually opens the bag and begins to snack on them, but the focus is on other things, the use is incidental and violates no copyright (normally).

But you have just said the focus of the story involves Doritos.

That is NOT incidental.


I'm getting mixed answers here. Can the creator of the contest respond?

The creator has not been on this forum in quite a while, but I'm sure the moderator will respond.



I wouldn't really consider it copyright infringement. it's really more like free advertising.

It doesn't matter what you consider it. If you are going to feature a branded product prominently you need permission from the trademark/brand/copyright holder. That's "law".

As far as it being "free advertising" that has absolutely no bearing on the issue, if it's not "incidental" our rule still applies.



I'm just going to buy a bunch of doritos bags, and use them in the video. You may wonder why I don't just buy unnamed chips. You'll see why when i finish the movie.
It's not going to be like an advertisement though, I promise you that.

Again, if the title/focus involves Doritos you are probably on "shaky" ground. If you go ahead and the judges determine it violates the rule, don't be surprised if you are disqualified.

The focus of your effort should be on the plotline, character developement, and what you do with those. It should not be dependent on a branded product.

Bruce Foreman

[paperkut12]

Hopefully you could still manage to enter the contest even if the dorito thing is a set back.

[HueyNRolf]

Lets say you wanted to enter the Doritos contest. Then, of course, the title/ focus needs to be about the brand. But what if you were to incorporate the requirements of this contest into the movie?

Et voila, stardom in two contests with the same movie!
Right, BenHughesStudios ?

[BenHughesStudios]

The focus of your effort should be on the plotline, character developement, and what you do with those. It should not be dependent on a branded product.

Bruce Foreman

Oh well. I'm just going to make this movie anyway and just not enter it into this contest. I really like the idea. It's more of a youtube trailer parody type thing than a short film.
It's called "When Doritos Attack."
I got the idea because I've noticed that Doritos advertisements have been EVERYWHERE lately. It's weird.

"In 2009 the Doritos took over the super bowl.
In 2010, doritos took over Youtube and several youtube stars.
At this rate, by 2012, Doritos will have complete control over the entire world. It's up to you to put a stop to this madness." :hv20-smilie84:

[HueyNRolf]

Still doable, just come up with your own brand name. I'd say it would be legit if you parody doritos instead of using it as is.

[RockDonkey]

Yep, use an own made brand name or make a call to the manufacturer. Most likely it takes them ten seconds to say yes, mention your permission in the titles and you're okay. Then if you have a YouTube hitMaybe they'll send you free Boritos for a long time.

[AJUK]

You could do it as a non-competitive entry maybe? It's not like there is a prize anymore, so you're not missing out and you still get the feedback on your work (which is the important thing imo).

[Daniel Rutter]

which is the important thing imo
Agreed. You may enter it as a "Non-Compet" and still have it be commented on.

[drapeama]

Agreed. You may enter it as a "Non-Compet" and still have it be commented on.
Isn't the goal of this contest...: to be comented on your work in order to learn how to do better?

[HueyNRolf]

You can get feedback in the footage forum. Isn't the point of a contest to compete?

[Daniel Rutter]

Isn't the goal of this contest...: to be comented on your work in order to learn how to do better?
Yes, in a way. It's hard to compete to win, as there's no real prize. But, I think the real prize is receiving criticism and learning from it.

[Bif]

Competive or noncompetitive, avoidance of copyright or trademark infringement is still the same thing. Posting anything with such puts the host service at risk and is to be avoided.

However, if Ben's concept involves "parody" that is "defensible". That is done all the time without consequences and I can see where what he would like to do might fit that category.

Incidental use of something like that also could go a bit further than we have described. It could also fit in a storyline where perhaps the bag becomes a clue, is left at a crime scene, and is linked to a character who is almost "addicted" to the product.

This in much the same way as a cigarette butt found at a crime scene is analyzed and a character in the film is shown almost chain smoking that brand.

Note to BenHughes: This rule against more than incidental use of "branded/copyrighted/trademarked" material is found in every contest venue you'll find. Part of the challenge is to get creative within the rules.

I'd suggest that if your character is merely purchasing, consuming, or even shown carrying a bag in most scenes as long as the story concentrates on other things like the elements of the plotline...Do it and submit. We've tried to outline the concepts here, apply them. If it should be determined to violate copyright/trademark it can be deleted from the vimeo server easily enough.

I'm one of the judges and I feel I'd be able to be open minded and fair on this, and I am sure the others would also.

Bruce Foreman

[Bif]

It's called "When Doritos Attack."
I got the idea because I've noticed that Doritos advertisements have been EVERYWHERE lately. It's weird.

"In 2009 the Doritos took over the super bowl.
In 2010, doritos took over Youtube and several youtube stars.
At this rate, by 2012, Doritos will have complete control over the entire world. It's up to you to put a stop to this madness." :hv20-smilie84:

In my opinion this easily fits the "parody" concept. I wouldn't see a problem with you working this or something like it into the plotline.

Huey is right on this.

Bruce Foreman

[AJUK]

at this rate, by 2012, doritos will have complete control over the entire world. It's up to you to put a stop to this madness." :hv20-smilie84:

this message will self destruct in fifteen seconds... ;)

[Brendan_pr]

why not take a strip of paper, write your own made up brand name and tape it over the Doritos logo? the worse it looks the funnier it's going to be. you can easily get around this with a little imagination, i don't see why you would purposely disqualify yourself for something that isn't even essential in telling the story you want to tell

if you stuck with everything you have now and changed that one thing, people will still get it. don't underestimate your viewers

[Daniel Rutter]

I'm one of the judges and I feel I'd be able to be open minded and fair on this, and I am sure the others would also.
I too am one of the judges, and I agree with Bif. He tends to put it in more words than I can. Thanks Bif.

I think that sorts out the doritos problem. All this talk of Doritos makes me want to eat some now...

[RockDonkey]

Yep! As the third judge I won't hate the films or parts of them, I won't disqualify anything as long as here isn't 20+ films to watch. It is enough to put some minus points when a film has off putting elements in them.

The film are sort of at their best when you can see their maker's soul in them. That's why everybody gains from keeping the discussion of them as civilized as possible.

[Brendan_pr]

how is everyone else doing on their project? i like this extended week of a time, that coupled with me being a bit less busy this time around and it looks like i will get something finished for this one :)

[Timbit]

I've finally got my script done, and am hoping to film this weekend and following week.

[Daniel Rutter]

Well, I may also get something done if I can stop everything else I'm doing for a day or two.

[paperkut12]

Been busy with something else, but hoping to complete something over the weekend and on monday possibly. Really want to get something in for this.

[drapeama]

Working on an idea. Will have 1-2 person to help me on saturday. Should be able to have it shot completely that day. Hope everything will work as planned.

[Daniel Rutter]

Just penned a really clever little idea for this contest, I'll be shooting it this week. Hopefully, it'll get a few laughs.
Possibly the best thing I've written yet, that isn't at all serious...

How's everyone else coming along?

[Timbit]

I was able to shoot a bit yesterday--which makes me happy now--as we got snow this morning. The sun was shining against a backdrop of stormy clouds, which added a dramatic backdrop for the actor (Me... ;) ).

I'm hoping to do more tomorrow.

[Brendan_pr]

mine is coming along quite nicely, will definitely have something for this one. came up with what i feel is a pretty original idea for the plotline and chewing gum :)

doing this one Timbit style haha, going solo is nice sometimes

[Timbit]

doing this one Timbit style
Does that make me famous? :hv20-smilie84:

[Brendan_pr]

Does that make me famous? :hv20-smilie84:

around these parts i'd say so :P

[BenHughesStudios]

yeah i never got around to filming this video. I had several other projects I was working on. I was struggling to get my last minute entry to the Disposable Film Festival in, and get two music videos done for local rappers.

If anyone's interested. Here's some of my work:

http://www.youtube.com/BenHughesStudios

[Fade to inferno]

some of my work:

http://www.youtube.com/BenHughesStudios

hmm the fottage section would have been a more appropriate post

[RockDonkey]

Hey Ben, Mikala Love is a bit on the limit. Some stuff needs a warning even if they aren't precisely illegal.

[Bif]

Are you talking about his "Mikala Love Test Shots"?

I don't see anything "a bit on the limit" on that one unless you are referring to how hauntingly beautiful that model is. Now if you mean we should be warned we are about to see something that will make us drool, then you've got a point.

I wish I had access to a model with that potential.

[RockDonkey]

Exactly. Exceptionally good.

[BenHughesStudios]

Now if you mean we should be warned we are about to see something that will make us drool, then you've got a point.

I wish I had access to a model with that potential.

Haha, the funny thing is that she actually found my work and came to me instead of the other way around.

[Daniel Rutter]

2 days to go guys, how's everyone coming along? I unfortunately haven't been able to film mine because of flooding and non-stop raining in my town.

How's about everyone else?

EDIT: The chap that added a subtitled video to our group will need to re-submit, I made a bugger up and deleted it by accident.

[Brendan_pr]

going to be submitting mine this evening :) also uses subtitles but in a .. different way.. i would imagine LOL

[drapeama]

[...] mine also uses subtitles... but in a .. different way..

Can't way to watch it then!
Made one subtitled (for the Ghost entry) but never had the time to upload it, and since my friend lost weight considerably since, she doesn't really want it on internet! (and i fully understand that!)

[Brendan_pr]

hmmm, seems vimeo does not like the settings i rendered my video as. will have to look into this and reupload

[paperkut12]

I'll have to postpone my return to the contest in which I desperately want to enter, always seems something is in the way. I look forward to the entries, how many so far?

[Daniel Rutter]

There are none as of yet.

[Daniel Rutter]

5 hours 51 minutes to deadline... How many entries can we expect?

(Edited the "51 minutes" typo).

[HueyNRolf]

Can't wait.

Daniel Rutter, waiting in in the wings in Dubbo, NSW, Australia at 4 Am to launch the contest. Should be good! Bring it on!

[Daniel Rutter]

2:30am actually ;)

[HueyNRolf]

Well bless your heart, mate. Looking forward to the contest.

[Bif]

One thing for us to keep in mind is that this close to Christmas, typically participation in most everything may have a tendency to be "down" to just about "non existent".

So we deal with it as it "unfolds". One day at time sort of thing.

Bruce Foreman

[RockDonkey]

Okay Brendan, let me give it a try to comment your short.

Great approach. This craziness in the whole idea that the president would send a person on a secret mission, -you truly go in there. The moves and the sounds fit
together very well, but most importantly they take the viewer into the mind of broken connection somehow. Or a handicap person. You start in the darkness / land
of broken connections and take us out into the real world, but you manage to stay on your path and the intensity is there, even if it becomes lighter to watch. And
exactly! The calls from the president are never real, the only calls that these people make are the one’s to their mum.

[Daniel Rutter]

And the contest is officially closed. You can see the entry here
http://vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival/videos/17484892

A very poor turnout yet again. Come on guys!

This verifies two things. The three week time limit changes nothing, and has nothing to do with the amount of entries being received. Nor does literally giving you the story.
This is a golden opportunity to sharpen your skills, using whatever means you can. The last two themes have had some pretty poor turnout, I'm wondering if maybe you guys don't like the way I'm running it. If this is true, please say so. I want to hear your input before I consider putting up the Christmas special!

My comments on the entry will be up shortly.

[Daniel Rutter]

Ok, firstly... obviously Brendan has won by default, so I guess there's nothing more to say there.

I was very surprised with the cinematography here, it looked very nice. Great use of lighting, and some pretty good acting too. The story was a very nice take on the plot/logline... it wasn't cliche'd or 'what you'd expect' at all. Certainly different to some of my ideas.
The use of Black and White at the beginning made it all the more weird and wonderful, well lit and dramatic mixed with the B/W made for a very brooding scene. The transition into colour though, was a wee bit distracting. The very last bit (the phone call) was a laugh out loud moment for me.

Breaking it down:
GOOD
Cinematography
Editing
Acting
Lighting

BAD
Really, I didn't see anything wrong with it.

Good work Brendan, your entry was very much appreciated. Keep those short films coming!

[KingDucky]

We need more advertisement. And a prize. Hate to say it....... People compete for prizes. It's fuels alot. I bet if there was some sort of rewarding prize there would be alot more entries. ;)

[Daniel Rutter]

I bet if there was some sort of rewarding prize there would be alot more entries
Would some kind of donation or fund of some sort be in order here? Is it possible to appoint someone state side to handle prizes, donations and/or anything of the sort?

Would anyone be interested in this?

[Bif]

And the contest is officially closed. You can see the entry here
http://vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival/videos/17484892

A very poor turnout yet again. Come on guys!

Limited pool of people watching this forum, and this particular season. We don't give up, this contest venue has potential.



This verifies two things. The three week time limit changes nothing, and has nothing to do with the amount of entries being received. Nor does literally giving you the story.
This is a golden opportunity to sharpen your skills, using whatever means you can.


Points I've held all along. You gave the longer time frame a chance, others have tried it and I've seen the same result: Little if any bearing on participation.



The last two themes have had some pretty poor turnout, I'm wondering if maybe you guys don't like the way I'm running it. If this is true, please say so. I want to hear your input before I consider putting up the Christmas special!

How it's being run has no bearing on the turnout. You are treating everyone respectfully and you are committed to doing your best. There should really be no complaints on how it is being run. You are trying new ideas and they either work or not. Nothing to do with you or with anyone else who has run it.

Just keep on, sooner or later we'll get more interest. The more people who are drawn to this forum, the larger pool of users to draw from. Only a small percentage ever really get off the "back of their lap" and get an entry in.



My comments on the entry will be up shortly.

And mine will follow shortly. The video is loading in another window right now.

Bruce Foreman

[Bif]

Brendan,

You explored a lot of territory here and really did it well. The "fantasy" visuals were powerful and built a lot of suspense and expectations.

The transition to color imagery was also visually "stated" very strongly and the wrapup brought quite a "chuckle" to me.

The good:

Very powerful imagery, excellent camera work, and music/sounds that went very well with the imagery.

The bad:

None...

Suggestion: Pacing...Dragged some. Tightening up the editing and speeding up the pace...Some...But not too much will draw the viewer more to the edge the seat. Just because you have 5 minutes doesn't mean you HAVE to use it all. My opinion (and like noses we all have one) is that what you had there could have been very effectively and very POWERFULLY with IMPACT been done in 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.

Just for fun, try it and see what YOU think.

Bruce Foreman

[Daniel Rutter]

I'd also like to point out that Brandon used the 'Special Item' very effectively, nice work mate!

Very fair review by Bif and RockDonkey.
New contest is up, check it out people!

[Fade to inferno]

A very creative and interesting watch. I liked it a lot.

Great use of Props and art direction. Good use of camerawork. Great editing. Over all great job!


the only thing that I saw could have possibly been improved on (which is completely subjective and possibly unnecessary) is that it may had been just slightly too long. But thats just my personal preference.

again, great job!

and btw are you by any chance a predator fan? ;)

[Bif]

We need more advertisement. And a prize. Hate to say it....... People compete for prizes. It's fuels alot. I bet if there was some sort of rewarding prize there would be alot more entries. ;)

More advertisement: Yup. I "plug" this contest in other forums on this site and when I can on other sites. We can all do this. Gotta keep in mind, not many folks really want to risk their ego by posting something they've done in a contest.

Prizes do...And don't...Draw entries. One of the biggest contests on another site is a Christmas Charity Challenge drawing two contest venues on the same site together into one. The only prize is that the winner gets to choose the charity/cause that gets all the donations. Entrants are asked to donate through PayPal if they wish, non contestants can also donate.

But the winner gets to say where all the money goes, and this is often the biggest contest of the year.

As for the rest of the year, sponsoring vendors offer up some nice prizes but most of the contestants know they are going up against super stiff competition and that they are unlikely to really get close to those prizes...But they enter anyway.

Like "free film school".

Bruce Foreman

[Bif]

Would some kind of donation or fund of some sort be in order here? Is it possible to appoint someone state side to handle prizes, donations and/or anything of the sort?

Would anyone be interested in this?

Prize donations on the "other" site I follow are done by website supporters. I think I remember seeing B&H banners before the site "change" but can't find anything like that now.

If we did get a sponsor to put up a prize now and then we should be able to guarantee some minimum number of contestants to give the kind of "exposure" that would make it worth their while.

I'ts a bit of a "what came first, the chicken or the egg?" kind of proposition. I don't think we're there yet.

Bruce Foreman

[Brendan_pr]

thank you guys for the encouragement! I really like RockDonkey's interpretation and I am happy that I could convey that message which is very close to my original idea




Suggestion: Pacing...Dragged some. Tightening up the editing and speeding up the pace...Some...But not too much will draw the viewer more to the edge the seat. Just because you have 5 minutes doesn't mean you HAVE to use it all. My opinion (and like noses we all have one) is that what you had there could have been very effectively and very POWERFULLY with IMPACT been done in 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.

agreed, I think that I may have gone a little overboard. My thinking was trying to contrast the two worlds in as many ways as possible, I wanted the initial world to seem strikingly chaotic and fast paced in comparison. Also, using SD for the monochrome scenes and HD for the (as RockDonkey put it :)) "real life" scenes. Cutting out scenes is one of the harder things for me to do, I know that I could have cut some things out that aren't as necessary given more time





and btw are you by any chance a predator fan? ;)

oh yes, I like the worlds created in the first two predator movies very much, I was a big fan of them growing up. I wasn't thinking Predator while doing this, but it probably found it's way into how I was making my movements at times. I was trying to invoke the aesthetic of TETSUO: The Iron Man while also trying to not completely rip it off, to be completely honest :P

I made those "hand consoles" (as I like to call them) with a cut in half bottle of dish soap, liquid latex, cheap womans makeup, and a little scrap metal :)

[Pshaw!]

I would have loved to enter this one but I was swamped with college applications (shooting/editing a short film to use as a visual art sample)--so maybe next contest.

[paperkut12]

tI was trying to invoke the aesthetic of TETSUO: The Iron Man while also trying to not completely rip it off, to be completely honest :P

Dude, you did pretty great though cause that's exactly what I thought of when I saw the visual style. Very nice job.