Antman's Short Film Contest #20 - Open Genre (3 required elements)

[Bif]

Contest #20...Open Genre

three things that must be found in the movie.

Required elements:
1) Prop - Phone
2) Foley - Sound of water (anything from water drops to a river/waterfall)
3) Character Action - Driving (anything from a bike, a car...to a firefighter toy car!)

OFFICIAL RULES:
1) Can't be longer than 5 minutes
2) Shouldn't be rated over PG-13, unless specifically mentioned in the contest's individual thread.
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. Their entry will be considered 'non competitive' to make it fair on others.
5) a) Use of copyrighted material/songs : as long as it's not the center point/plot of the story, it's allowed. Otherwise user will be disqualified. Example : the coca-cola can/SONY tv . somewhere in the movie isn't considered as a copyrighted infringement.
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.


Deadline: Midnight of Feb 27th wherever you happen to be in the world (For this one I'm making the deadline like they are specified for contests on dvinfo.net. It works for them and we can see how it works for us).

That gives all the rest of this weekend, 2 full weeks to shoot and edit, and included are the two FULL WEEKENDS for editing. Judging usually doesn't take too long once all entries are in.

Need two to three volunteers to judge. Please PM me so as to not "clutter" this thread up too much.

OK...Get rolling and HAVE SOME FUN!

Bruce Foreman

[paperkut12]

Cool. Lets hopefully keep the more than 1/2 entries thing going.

[drapeama]

Cool. Lets hopefully keep the more than 1/2 entries thing going.

The last one attracted enough people to make it interesting. I hope by choosing the original idea (an open genre with three required element to be found in it) that it'll be wide open enough to get even more people to try, at least, to make something for this one.
I chosen elements/action that can be inserted easily in almost any story, so come on guys, let's make something. The important thing isn't to win this contest, but to participate and learn from your entry how to make something even better next time.

EDIT: Thanks for taking the lead Bruce, much appreciated.

[charlie_tango]

three things that must be found in the movie.

Having only these three item to be in the movie without a genre will certainly get more people in I think.

[drapeama]

Cool. Lets hopefully keep the more than 1/2 entries thing going.

I'm sure there will be more.

[Vishus]

I like the "Midnight for everyone" addition!

Not a big deal, but for the next contest, we should clean up the cut and paste that we are using for the rules. (Shigeta's channel has twice been replaced, the contest isn't two weeks anymore.) Not a big deal, either way. ;)

I'll see if/who I can round up to help with this one!

[Timbit]

Thinking cap time! :)

[Playing]

Great idea. Excuses will be more difficult to come by than actually creating an entry.

[drapeama]

Great idea. Excuses will be more difficult to come by than actually creating an entry.

ahaha, for the purpose, I think I'll try to work on both, just in case! lol

[Bif]

I still need 2 or 3 individuals to help judge. Please PM me.

Bruce Foreman

[Daniel Rutter]

Hey guys... sorry for my lateness. I've been without internet for a few days, and kinda busy planning a short film with a friend.
I'm going to let Bruce take the reigns on this contest as I'm incredibly busy. If Bruce is ok with this?

I might be able to enter in this as well. We shall see what becomes of the idea!

- Dan

[Bif]

Yup, I can handle this one and the next one (#21). Past that I may find myself with a developing defensive handgun class schedule to teach.

Good to hear from you, I thought you might have have been experiencing internet problems.

Bruce Foreman

[Daniel Rutter]

Yep... In about a month I will be moving into a new place with fixed internet. No more wireless for me!

Good luck everyone... lets try and get more involved!!!

[drapeama]

Good luck everyone... lets try and get more involved!!!
Good luck to you at your new place!
...and yeah, I hope we'll have more people to get in the upcoming contests!

[Daniel Rutter]

Thanks Draps. Looking forward to a better internet connection and less restrictions. It means I can actually watch the films published on here in HD :D

[Timbit]

It means I can actually watch the films published on here in HD :D
HD.... What's that? :p

[Shaunp007]

I worked for a couple hours today on filming for this contest. Here is a screenshot. http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3854/mvi07390000602.jpg

[paperkut12]

So how's everyone coming along? It's good to see you getting in on the action Shaunp.

Me? I'm still trying to figure out an passable audio solution while I wait for my audio gear to arrive so I can shoot something.

[Timbit]

So how's everyone coming along?
Grr... Still trying to think of a working script...


It's good to see you getting in on the action Shaunp.
Agreed! Looking good too! :)


I'm still trying to figure out an passable audio solution while I wait for my audio gear to arrive so I can shoot something.
Same as well, only I don't have audio gear coming to wait for! :o

[GeorgeMaier]

I think I will actually enter this one... I'm on half term so have a full week (even if I do have to squeeze in some coursework).

Ideas are already colliding in my head! I shall see if I get enough to write a script, and if so, I will make it!

[Bif]

Anything you attempt, regardless of how it turns out, has a beneficial effect. Good to see you here and good luck.

OK folks. I could use one more volunteer as a judge. If there is none coming forth I do have a "backup plan", but I would rather we go with volunteers.

Bruce Foreman

[Bif]

...And we have an entry uploaded already. Looks like some folks are busy!

[drapeama]

How's everyone going for this one?

[Shaunp007]

How's everyone going for this one?

I was doing pretty good. I shot at least 80% of the film and have about 50% of that cut and graded. My problem is that I shot some scenes outside on Saturday when there was no snow...and now we have 3" of snow that probably won't go away by Saturday (when I plan to shoot the remainder of the outdoors scene). So I have no idea what to do about it. It would be very noticeable I would guess.

[drapeama]

It would be very noticeable I would guess.
You can always re-shoot all the exterior scenes on Saturday.
I plan to start shooting tomorow, would give me 3 whole day to shoot/edit something, as I've been sick for ~1 week ½...
I plan to try a different editing style this time, curious about the results.

[paperkut12]

Not going good for me. I don't have no proper sound just yet so I refuse to make something with $hit sound, so that kind of messing things up for me. Have to see if I can come up with an idea that goes around that..Hm.

[Bif]

Dub in narration? Except for ambient sound, of course. Ambient sound can be brought down so it doesn't compete much with that narration.

Bruce Foreman

[paperkut12]

Dub in narration?

I've been thinking about it. I think I'll figure out something to submit, I just want to avoid any "voice of god" V.O or anything.

[drapeama]

Dub in narration?
I just want to avoid any "voice of god" V.O or anything.

I think Bruce's right: Just play the clip and record with a mic until your get the best sync.
BTW, Sergio Leone did that in many movies he made with Clint Eastwood...and Eastwood never enjoyed that.

[Shaunp007]

I must be a noob but what is "voice of god"? I hope you are not talking about narration...because I have narrated the beginning of my film...I hope it doesn't get poo poo'd because of that! lol. What else do you do if you have one character that is by himself and don't want them to seem crazy and talk out loud to himself?

[Timbit]

I'm still trying to come up with an idea.. I've been doing the work for my sister at the dairy farm plus my own, so I'm physically and mentally drained right now... :(

[Bif]

I must be a noob but what is "voice of god"? I hope you are not talking about narration...because I have narrated the beginning of my film...I hope it doesn't get poo poo'd because of that!

Don't worry about it. What you do stands on it's own merits and not what others call it. Narration can add a lot if done right.

Good luck.

Bruce Foreman

[paperkut12]

I must be a noob but what is "voice of god"?

What Bif said. I don't mind it, but I see people who complain about it. I work a lot by myself so I will probably end up with narration too if anything.

[Shaunp007]

I guess I come at it like this. In a 5 minute limit movie there is no way to show people what happened to my character before the viewer meets them. If the character is alone in a house and you need to express what has happened before hand, narration only makes sense. If you had a second character, a dialog would replace the narration of course.

[paperkut12]

That's understandable. I wouldn't knock anyone for using it!

[Shaunp007]

Quick question on the deadline. I have heard that vimeo takes awhile to upload movies to its site. Does the video have to been submitted to Vimeo by midnight, or totally processed by midnight. Because if it has to be totally processed, something we can't control, I may have to submit it sunday afternoon to get it processed. Does anyone have any info on this limitation?

[Timbit]

Does the video have to been submitted to Vimeo by midnight, or totally processed by midnight.
Submitted. As long as it's there to be approved, it's passable. Now if Vimeo pulls some processing stunts, judging might take a while... :p

[Bif]

Quick question on the deadline. I have heard that vimeo takes awhile to upload movies to its site. Does the video have to been submitted to Vimeo by midnight, or totally processed by midnight. Because if it has to be totally processed, something we can't control, I may have to submit it sunday afternoon to get it processed. Does anyone have any info on this limitation?

If it's submitted by the deadline (in your time zone) but still processing by vimeo I'm not going to worry about that. If it's there and processed when the judges are ready to go to work, it will be judged.

Does that take care of your concern? Should, so get to work and get it finished.

Bruce Foreman

Still could use one more volunteer judge.

[Shaunp007]

Thanks for the clarification. That answers my question. I will get it done. I have cleared my weekend schedule to finish the movie (except for the date I promised to take my wife on!)

[Timbit]

Still could use one more volunteer judge.
If I don't get anything done, I can volunteer. :)

[drapeama]

I don't get anything done, I can volunteer. :)

Same here. I'm available.

[Royer Films]

If our entry is already uploaded, when should we make it available for public viewing?

[Daniel Rutter]

Can you guys please stop passwording your videos! I'd like to watch them without stepping on Bruce's toes and approving them for him.
Also, CharlieTango... in order for your film to be added to the Antman Archive, you need to de-privatize your video from the last contest. Can you please do something about this?

[Bif]

Daniel...I suppose I could run out and get some steel toed boots! Doesn't bother me if you approve any of them.

Folks: We have 3 judges.

Vishus, Timbit, and Drapeama, thanks to you guys for stepping up to the plate one this.

Tim: If you can get an entry in, I'll judge in your place.

...And I agree with Daniel, let's not password protect our entries. I don't think we have a problem with anyone "sneaking in" and peeking early.

Bruce Foreman

[Timbit]

Tim: If you can get an entry in, I'll judge in your place.
Okay.

...And I agree with Daniel, let's not password protect our entries.
Agreed. I just stay away from the page until I'm either uploading my entry, or once the videos are released.

[drapeama]

Folks: We have 3 judges: Vishus, Timbit, and Drapeama.

...let's not password protect our entries. I don't think we have a problem with anyone "sneaking in" and peeking early.

1) Three Canadians! lol
2) I did the same, it was more because of someone "out of HV20.com".

[Almohada]

How do I see the films? Don't think I will be able to make it into this entry with school and all in the way...

[Bif]

Almohada, welcome to the contest forums.

The entries for the current contest should be visible here http://www.vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival/videos once the deadline is past and all entries have been "approved" and made ready for viewing and for the judges to do their work on.

The deadline for this one is midnight (in each contestant's time zone) Feb 27th. So the deadlines for all will be "staggered" over a 24 hour period.

You can see previous entries in the thread "Film Archive" here: http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?36367-FILM-ARCHIVE-Antman-s-Short-Film-Contest-ALL-PREVIOUS-ENTRIES-IN-ONE-THREAD!

There will be a contest announced and run approximately every 3 weeks so get ready to jump in and have some fun. You can work with just about any video cam you have, there is no "gear snobbery" here, and with the feedback we usually get this is kind of like "FREE FILM SCHOOL".

Bruce Foreman

[Shaunp007]

What is the link in Vimeo to make sure that my video goes to the right spot? Sorry...im a noob, never posted in the contest before. Im just finishing up on short film. Thanks in advance!

Do I just upload to the HV20.com vimeo group?

[Timbit]

http://www.vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival

[Timbit]

I finally came up with an idea, but time doesn't allow me to do it. :( I'll probably shoot it though, and upload it to the footage section for comments. :p

[Shaunp007]

http://www.vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival

Thanks Tim

[Shaunp007]

Film submitted! (11:30pm) (now to see tomorrow if vimeo and my computer were able to chat). I'm really happy, cause this is my first film I have ever finished for a contest!

[paperkut12]

Film submitted! (11:30pm) (now to see tomorrow if vimeo and my computer were able to chat). I'm really happy, cause this is my first film I have ever finished for a contest!

Congrats dude! Can't wait to see it.

[Bif]

Film submitted! (11:30pm) (now to see tomorrow if vimeo and my computer were able to chat). I'm really happy, cause this is my first film I have ever finished for a contest!

It got uploaded. Looks like it's being "processed".

We have two so far. Hope we see some more.

Bruce Foreman

[Shaunp007]

Vimeo made my video look pretty dark. I don't really want to complain, but it did'nt look that way in my NLE. oh well.

[Vishus]

My Thoughts on the two entries:

1. Nick Royer's "The Fever":
Well shot, the lighting was nice. Audio was nice and clear. Nice twist on the story! At first I was getting the spy flick vibe, then I thought it might have been going to buy booze for under-agers. Funny end twist! The cuts were sometimes a little jarring, but not a deal breaker. Acting was pretty good until the payoff. I understand that he was supposed to be happy about it, but the underlying smile made it obvious that he knew that he was delivering silly lines. Also, I would have turned the hose down so that it wasn't such a direct stream outside the window. This is something I notice only because it was only from one angle. A little long for the story told, but I was entertained!

2. Shaun Pontsler's Entry:
Looks fantastic. Some great angles and lighting. The VO was a little hard to hear sometimes, but not bad! I think the VO just need a little more confidence. You set up a great atmosphere. Story kept me interested even though it was something we had seen. I definitely wanted to keep watching everything to see how it all played out. It was a little confusing how the guy had such a big gun, but then wasn't prepared enough to dress properly for the snow. I also don't see why he got out of his car and started walking into the woods. Also, the digital blood hurt more than it helped. Normally, I wouldn't say so much, but there wasn't much wrong with this one, so I though I'd point out the only things that needed working on. A really solid little short!

Two solid entries this time, but my vote goes to Shaun!

[paperkut12]

The Fever: Was hoping it kept going in one single shot, but either way the ending made me laugh. Sound was good and the shot was nice. I should have caught on by the title ha. Overall, fun little submission.

Shaun P: Thought it looked great, some great shots. You caught some nice desolation feeling in those outside shots. The radio guy didn't really seem serious enough and he kinda stumbled up. I don't get why he was going into the woods either. Very nice first submission though, hope to see more.

My imaginary vote would go to Shaun P.

[Shaunp007]

It was a little confusing how the guy had such a big gun, but then wasn't prepared enough to dress properly for the snow. I also don't see why he got out of his car and started walking into the woods.

First I appreciate the detailed comments and help. I agree 100% with both Vishus and Paperkut's comments. About the walking into the woods... Originally my character was leaving a message on his wifes phone (who is most likely dead). He tells her that since Fort Wayne is going to be "disinfected" that he is going to hold up in a cabin that he and his friends built. I had to axe it because of the 5 min time limit and I did'nt want to cut anything else. It would have made it 5'30". Cut on the editing room floor i guess. Also yeah the blood looked sorta weird but I had just come off the scene of the desolate highway which I painted all the cars out and it was late last night and I had to submit it.

Thanks for your comments, I do greatly appreciate them.

[Vishus]

I had just come off the scene of the desolate highway which I painted all the cars out and it was late last night and I had to submit it.

You did what now? That's impressive. I am off to rewatch to see that part again!

[Shaunp007]

You did what now? That's impressive. I am off to rewatch to see that part again!

I took live footage of a major 4 lane highway, you can tell because the plants in the bottom right corner are shaking in the wind. I did a mix of clone stamping and looping small clips when there were no cars in a certain areas of the highway, in after effects.

[Timbit]

Thanks Tim
You're welcome. :)

My comments on the entries:

The Fever
I found the single shot a little boring after a while, and would have liked to see some different angles if the other voice was to be left in seclusion. The audio and lighting were excellent, though like Vishus I would have liked to see a better rain stimulation (maybe next time have someone hold the hose and flip it back and forth quickly so that it's more uniform all the way across. A spray nozzle works best). Cuts were a little rough, but a very well-done entry otherwise!

ShaunP (HV20.com Film Contest #20)
Wow.
I was kept entertained all the way to the end, the undertone of desolation was well done. Angles, POV, were all very impressive! Pretty much what Vishus said about the radio announcer and the blood is all that I find at fault. And yes, the gun was kind of large, as I would have preferred a shotgun or smaller rifle.
Great short!

My vote goes to Shaun!

[paperkut12]

I did a mix of clone stamping and looping small clips when there were no cars in a certain areas of the highway, in after effects.

I don't know what that means, but the shot was nice! hah..

[Shaunp007]

I don't know what that means, but the shot was nice! hah..

Easy than the alternative...

-(PHONE)-
"Hello this is the Mayor's office, Mayor speaking"
"Yeah, Hi...can you perhaps do me a favor and shut down Highway 469 for like...10 minutes?"
"(click)"
"Umm...hello...Mayor?"

[Bif]

While we only had 2 entries both were well worth the time to watch. We have some talent here and while many of the members here are still in school, I can't think of a better outside interest than learning film making. I consider both of these film makers WINNERS for completing an entry and submitting.

Congratulations to Shaun, 3 judges made it unanimous.

SHAUNP
On Shaun's entry I found only one minor thing, a "jump cut" in the car. He had to stop the camera for some reason (happens) and restarted it from the same position. Very minor but noticeable and a bit "jarring" to the viewer if noticed.

If I absolutely have to do that I'll slip a "dissolve" in between the clips, but this can be interpreted by the viewer as a passage of time. A better method is to use "cutaways", in this case a short external view of the car should have worked perfectly.

I'm guilty myself of not shooting enough potential "cutaway" shots, they can literally be lifesavers in a project.

All in all this entry was VERY WELL DONE! A variety of views, excellent visual with the garage door opening and the narration was just right.

THE FEVER
Nick's entry also had excellent acting, built up the suspense until we literally get the bucket of cold water "shocker". Lighting was pretty good but I have to echo the others remarks concerning the simulated rain and the adherence to one single viewpoint which also had multiple "jump cuts".

You need to always find a way to significantly change camera position/angle or insert short "cutaway" views to avoid that. If you have to stop the camera when filming the driver from the passenger side, move to the back seat and have the driver either turn back to face whoever is supposed to be there, or alternatively have the driver turn head to the right and film it (tight if no second party is shown) in profile, then switch back to the first angle. I know this would have been tough with the rain needing to be simulated and I don't want to come across as being unnecessarily critical.

I will always try to come up with suggested solutions when I comment on something that might not have worked as it should.

Having said all that, I found this to be a very entertaining short with a neat twist, acted first low key (to make us wonder what it was about) and then energetically for the ending.

I liked it.

One suggestion for all who don't do it already. When you submit to vimeo, take the time to list the equipment you used in the "description". We are not "equipment snobs" but there will be an intense curiosity on the part of some who drop by to watch the entries concerning what was used.

Next contest will be announced and a thread started in a few minutes.

Bruce Foreman

[Bif]

Contest #21

A couple weeks ago Mal offered a suggestion (he was willing to run Contest #20 with it) so when Daniel asked me to give him some relief, I had already taken and used Drapeama's idea. Now we'll go for Mal's idea.

Hang on folks...

- Pick any thread from HV20.com and make a movie about it. Can be a ANY genre, can be an animation, slide show, movie.
- User names can (and are encouraged to) be used in the submissions
- Main criteria and judging should be on how well the thread's gist/essence/heart was adapted.

The advantage with this is that, inevitably, members will be mentioned in the film contest entries, and we can use that to drive more members to
the contest forum, and possibly get a bigger participation next time.

That's it.

This is one you could have an awful lot of fun with. Any thread, anywhere on HV20, use of usernames is encouraged so we could see some interesting "portrayals" (wonder how I'll be shown...Gasp!)

Deadline is midnight March 20th in your timezone. So this gives everyone 1 day short of 3 weeks.

Lights!

Sound!

Camera!

ACTION!

I'll start a new thread for #21 and hopefully a mod with the right privilege level will "approve" it.

[drapeama]

Folks: We have 3 judges...Vishus, Timbit, and Drapeama.

I was just wondering...Who decided to replace me without letting me know?
...and after people are wondering...anyway...

[paperkut12]

I was just wondering...Who decided to replace me without letting me know?
...and after people are wondering...anyway...

I think it was that both Vishus and Timbit voted for Shaunp's entry. I guess Bif decided to go ahead with the next contest, or maybe he forgot.

[drapeama]

I guess Bif decided to go ahead with the next contest, or maybe he forgot.
Doesn't matter, I just won't volunteer again.

[RockDonkey]

Hello both contestant. Both of your films have a boldness to them that I like a lot. Simple with a clear visual style. I was in a lazy mood today so in both cases I fell off the story a little. My point is that you next time could think about the rule: "tell it so that a kid would understand". That's something that I don't give a lalalala about here myself, but...

[Shaunp007]

I just had a chance to watch Nick's "The Fever". Kinda kept me wondering the whole time what he was gonna buy or what store... My favorite part was when he said, "My mom already gave me cash for it...she doesn't know what I'm buying though.." lol...funny. If I have any comments to help the film it may have been nice to start the movie out with a wide shot of your car in a parking lot, or some other camera angle inside the car during the dialog just to keep the pace lively.

[Bif]

I was just wondering...Who decided to replace me without letting me know?
...and after people are wondering...anyway...

I screwed up. I scanned rapidly through the last part of the thread and miscounted judging posts. Somehow I thought I saw yours but in going back over sure enough it's only Vishus and Timbit, two votes but both the same.

Paperkut cast an "imaginary" vote but that stood out clearly.

Marc, honestly I thought I saw a judging post by you but I was trying to get many things done so quickly I just went too fast. It's my fault entirely.

But no one replaced you, I would not do that to anyone.

I've mentioned before that I have a lot of "crap" going on right now. My daughter's husband has terminal cancer and has just decided to take no more chemo. I have become a part time "caretaker" for an 89 year old neighbor (a lady whose cat I took in a year ago, and which cat now has a rapidly growing tumor that is inoperable), and my 21 year old grandson is taking a lot of attention from me to keep him in school.

I apologize to you for this oversight, please don't fail to volunteer again. This group and contest needs you very much.

I guess it's a good thing Vishus and Timbit agreed.

I am very sorry,

Bruce Foreman

[Royer Films]

Thank you all for the comments! We had a great time making this film. ShaunP - I really enjoyed your film - great job! I'm glad we at least got to finish the film to submit something. We were planning on shooting some exteriors of the car and more angles inside the car, but an actual thunder-storm came in about half-way thru filming. Since our 'rain' was comprised of a metal ladder with a metal pole sticking out about 15 feet with water shooting out the end of it, we had to strike due to the lightning. But fortunately we were able to still make something watchable - and we had a great time doing it. Thanks for watching!

[drapeama]

I am very sorry

No need to feel that way. You're human. It can happen to anyone.
...anyway I think I'm more loosing interest in this contest, and in so many other things actually, so don't feel sorry about that. I don't even care about it myself.
Good luck with the next contest Bruce.

[Timbit]

But fortunately we were able to still make something watchable - and we had a great time doing it.
That's the main part! :)

[Shaunp007]

Just wanted to thank everyone again who watched my short. I took all your advice to heart and am fixing most, if not all, of your concerns. Bruce, ever since you brought notice to that jump cut, it bothers me a lot when I watch it! I definately will not willingly make that mistake again.

Thanks again for your helpful comments.

[Bif]

It was a little confusing how the guy had such a big gun,


That gun is not really big. Looked to me to be an M4 carbine, a variant of the AR-15 in .223 that has rapidly become one of most popular sporting rifles and potential home defense rifles in the U.S. Everything shown with it in Shaun's film was logical and reasonable.

In the kind of emergency shown in this entry, the carbine may be the only firearm at hand, it may be that way in a lot of households, but it's handy, lightweight, and accurate.

I have one, and it's a load of fun to shoot.

Bruce Foreman

[Shaunp007]

Looked to me to be an M4 carbine, a variant of the AR-15 in .223 that has rapidly become one of most popular sporting rifles and potential home defense rifles in the U.S.

Good eyes, thats exactly what it is. We have the M4 and a tactical 12 gauge for home defense. The M4 is fun and easy to shoot and its really accurate as well.

[drapeama]

SHAUNP
That was a great short & first entry! I really enjoyed it. Nice framing, nice lighting and I noticed a slight color correction, nothing "too much" but just enough to give a more "cinematic" feeling. That was great. And the painting of the highway, awesome. It really felt like a big budget production. It was really well done.
Maybe the acting was not as good as the visual & final result, but you did a great job overall! Well deserved.
THE FEVER
That was a nice entry too! You did a good job on the editing, lighting and the sound! It was really well done and was simple at the same time. I must admit that I'm usually not a big fan of comedy, but I really laught at the end.
The only thing that I didn't enjoyed that much was the only-one-shot : I know it takes place in a car, but some close-ups and some shots from the backseat would have made it better. Not that it was annoying or something, but It would have caught the viewer's attention better, keeps him in the story.
That's only my opinion, I just hope it'll help you!

That was some good work guys! Keep it up.

[Timbit]

That was some good work guys!
Much better than I can do! :)

[Shaunp007]

SHAUNP
That was a great short & first entry! I really enjoyed it. Nice framing, nice lighting and I noticed a slight color correction, nothing "too much" but just enough to give a more "cinematic" feeling. That was great. And the painting of the highway, awesome. It really felt like a big budget production. It was really well done.
Maybe the acting was not as good as the visual & final result, but you did a great job overall! Well deserved.

Thanks! It means a lot. I guess when it comes to my acting I won't be winning any awards huh? lol. I agree. I sorta cringe seeing myself on film anyway. I like to be the guy behind the camera setting up the scene, checking lighting, trying different angles and what not.

By the way, the only thing I did in terms of color correction and grading was to first "correct" the shot. Some of the shots from my kitchen had a yellow cast to everything because I filmed it in the morning because the light angle coming in from the side is what I wanted. I did'nt want really a yellow look to everything so I corrected to a white neutral looking picture using After Effects and then graded it in Colorista II by cooling the highlights and slighty warming the midtones. I tried to not be heavy handed in the grading. To make sure like scenes were graded the same way I kept taking screen shots of each shot and putting them next to eachother to compare. Thats about it.

thanks again.

[Bif]

Thanks! It means a lot. I guess when it comes to my acting I won't be winning any awards huh? lol. I agree. I sorta cringe seeing myself on film anyway. I like to be the guy behind the camera setting up the scene, checking lighting, trying different angles and what not.


Actually I found the acting to be appropriate to the film situation. It called for a basically "low key" not overly dramatic portrayal. Had I been directing I would have tried for the same portrayal and look you gave it. And the narration fit perfectly with the tone of it re-enforcing the mood projected by your acting.

Take a "pat on the back", this is the best portrayal of a post apocalyptic situation by someone relatively new at narrative film making that I've seen. The execution of everything you did was smooth, with the exception of that one "jump" cut I mentioned (now I have to go crazy on cutaway shots on my upcoming projects or I'll die of embarrassment if I wind up letting something out with any "jump cuts" cuz I'm as guilty of that as many)

Bruce Foreman

[Bif]

Good eyes, thats exactly what it is. We have the M4 and a tactical 12 gauge for home defense. The M4 is fun and easy to shoot and its really accurate as well.

My grandson has actually shot it more than I have. Around age 14 and 15 our local gun club gave him one of the "youth shooter" free slots in the Texas 3 Gun State Championship for two years running. The second year he "borrowed" both my M4 and Glock 17 (he had his own tac shotgun).

That year the match was very rifle intensive and I think he went through at least 300 rounds of .223 and probably the same in 9mm (I supplied him with ammo). One pistol stage involved shooting 6" steel plates off 2 rotating stars, one of which exposed the plates only through the smile on a clowns face painted on a large plywood flat. Each time you shot a plate off the speed and direction of rotation could change. That was in addition to many other turning and moving targets.

I had enough magazines to hold 98 rounds and he finished that stage with 2 rounds left.

He took first in the "youth shooters" division that year.

But that M4 is pure FUN to use in action format matches like that. I don't do those anymore, at 72 I sure can't "hustle" like the younger competitors do.

(Think I'll get out and run through some defensive drills with a Colt Lightweight Commander this weekend).

Bruce Foreman

[drapeama]

Much better than I can do! :)
You've done more work and made more shorts than I did since June 2009...;)

[...]I corrected to a white neutral looking picture using After Effects and then graded it in Colorista II by cooling the highlights and slighty warming the midtones. I tried to not be heavy handed in the grading. To make sure like scenes were graded the same way I kept taking screen shots of each shot and putting them next to eachother to compare.
As you're using After Effects too, here's what I did for my last short, which had color correction in every single shot: open a new viewer and place it on the side of the original one (see below).
It makes it easier to color correct the scenes, you choose the clip with the right colors on the right and edit on the left untill you get something that match the others. Sure it's not 100% accurate, but that's how I did it for 'The Godfather' and it ended up with nice results.

[Shaunp007]

He took first in the "youth shooters" division that year.

I'd sure be proud of him!


As you're using After Effects too, here's what I did for my last short, which had color correction in every single shot: open a new viewer and place it on the side of the original one (see below).
It makes it easier to color correct the scenes, you choose the clip with the right colors on the right and edit on the left untill you get something that match the others. Sure it's not 100% accurate, but that's how I did it for 'The Godfather' and it ended up with nice results.

I did something similiar but I wanted to see all the scenes I did on the inside of the house and see how they look together. I made a comp like 4000x4000 and put the "hero" shot of each shot in the comp next to eachother and then would grade according to what I thought was ok. Im surely no colorist but I'm trying to learn.

Here is what my AE looked like for the interior scenes.
11082

[Timbit]

You've done more work and made more shorts than I did since June 2009... ;)
True... but story/composition has suffered. :) And I am lacking all colour grading/correcting.

[drapeama]

Here is what my AE looked like for the interior scenes.
That's another solution! Give you a "global" idea.

True... but story/composition has suffered. :) And I am lacking all colour grading/correcting.
What software are you using? You can get a nice effect using only the curves in Vegas or Premiere, you only need to play with it a bit and it doesn't require a powerful machine.

[Timbit]

What software are you using?
Well... I have a paid copy of Adobe Premiere Elements 8, but I have yet to get it to run. Right now I'm using a free editor--VideoPad Video Editor. I just tried installing Premiere again today, but it's not finished yet (I forgot to install the second disk... :D ). It's crashed every time (or not loaded) before, but I also haven't had it connected to the internet. Might that be a problem? I have SSE2 support on my computer, so... ?

[drapeama]

Adobe Premiere Elements 8 [...] I just tried installing Premiere again today [...] It's crashed every time (or not loaded) before, but I also haven't had it connected to the internet.

1) You should be able to do something decent out of Element 8.
2) It has nothing to do with the internet connection, unless you're activating it online.
Try to start and unload every app that's not needed to free up some memory and reinstall it, should work.

[Daniel Rutter]

ShaunP, I just checked out your entry... that was amazing! Curiously, those gun shots looks very real and definitely not "typical flashy hollywood b.s". Good work on that. Some very beautiful cinematography. Definitely NOT a waste of a weekend!

The only real thing I didn't like... was the very last line "...at least I have a gun". I felt it was a little cheezy. Still, a great attempt! I look forward to seeing more of your work in future contests!

[Shaunp007]

those gun shots looks very real and definitely not "typical flashy hollywood b.s".

Good eye Daniel they were real shots. We filmed that scene in two parts. First, my buddy ran into the scene and pretended to be shot then he got out of the scene. Then I stopped the cam and I came into the scene and shot in the same direction that he was in earlier. Then in post I combined the shots together, lined them up so when my rifle shot, he recoiled from a hit. Glad you liked the short! Thanks a lot

[Timbit]

You should be able to do something decent out of Element 8.
I would think so... :)


It has nothing to do with the internet connection, unless you're activating it online.
That's what I thought.


Try to start and unload every app that's not needed to free up some memory and reinstall it, should work.

I did that, and just installed the SD features (not HD). Last night I was in the Organizer section (which will load) and found this:

System:
Operating System Name: XP
Operating System Version: 5.1 Service Pack 3
System Architecture: Intel CPU Family:15 Model:2 Stepping:4 with MMX, SSE Integer, SSE FP
Built-in Memory: 1.5GB
Free Memory: 880.4MB

Important Drivers / Plug-ins / Libraries:
Microsoft DirectX Version: 9.0
Apple QuickTime Version: 7.66
Adobe Reader Version: 9.4
Adobe Acrobat Version: Not installed

My HWiNFO32 scan displays these as highlighted:

Features
MMX, SSE, SSE-2, TM1

Would the lack of Adobe Acrobat be a problem too?

[drapeama]

...they were real shots

Lucky you are:
1) To be able to have a real weapon.
2) To be able to fire for real!
Here in Québec, we must:
1) Take a lesson
2) Get a liscence
3) buy the weapon
4) have it registered.
5) It must have a lock on the trigger
6) must be in something that's locked
7) If you carry it, must have the lock on the trigger & in something locked
8) Must be in the trunk of the car when you carry it
9) You must get from point A to point B directly...a real pita.

[drapeama]

Would the lack of Adobe Acrobat be a problem too?

Not supposed to be.

[Timbit]

Here in Québec, we must:
1) Take a lesson
2) Get a liscence
3) buy the weapon
4) have it registered.
5) It must have a lock on the trigger
6) must be in something that's locked
7) If you carry it, must have the lock on the trigger & in something locked
8) Must be in the trunk of the car when you carry it
9) You must get from point A to point B directly...a real pita.
Sounds familiar for here too...


Not supposed to be.
Okay... Hm... :(

[Bif]

Lucky you are:
1) To be able to have a real weapon.
2) To be able to fire for real!

A few of our states are almost as restrictive as what you've posted. The state I live in isn't very restrictive, the only firearm license required in Texas is a Concealed Handgun License for those who wish to "carry".

Texas law is "silent" on long guns (except for places where ALL weapons are prohibited) so most can have a rifle or shotgun in the vehicle (used to see rifles in rifle racks on the rear window of pickups all the time until that became an invitation to theft, now they are usually kept out of sight). Texas law on handguns in the vehicle were changed recently to allow that without a Concealed Handgun License, even just going to and from the grocery store (provided the driver has no felony record and is involved in no criminal activity or gang stuff). Just can't get out of the vehicle and walk around with it "on the person" without a CHL.

So yes we are pretty lucky. With that freedom comes a lot of responsibility and necessary restraint. I still teach an occasional Defensive Handgun class which is mostly shooting exercises with some based on actual events I've researched, and I inject a strong "dose" of that responsibility into what I teach.

Bruce Foreman

[HD-tography]

Lucky you are:
1) To be able to have a real weapon.
2) To be able to fire for real!
Here in Québec, we must:
1) Take a lesson
2) Get a liscence
3) buy the weapon
4) have it registered.
5) It must have a lock on the trigger
6) must be in something that's locked
7) If you carry it, must have the lock on the trigger & in something locked
8) Must be in the trunk of the car when you carry it
9) You must get from point A to point B directly...a real pita.

Yes Marc is correct... same everywhere in Canada... but you also forgot to mention we are not allowed to purchase/own/possess nice rifles like the M4... nor handguns (unless specifically licensed for them)... and then the point A to B rule applies for many of them (as in getting a permit saying the approved route you will be transporting the firearm, caught outside of that route and you're carrying an illegal weapon, punishable by law).

Yall Yanks be sure to protect your right to bear arms ya hear!

[drapeama]

(as in getting a permit saying the approved route you will be transporting the firearm, caught outside of that route and you're carrying an illegal weapon, punishable by law).

That's probably the most stupid part of that law. I mean, if you get that licence, it means that you're apt to have a weapon...seems like it's not enough for our government to make money...

[Shaunp007]

The only law im aware of with my M4 (in the US), when transporting, is that the clip and gun should be seperated until I get to where I'm gonna shoot. To solve this I usually just carry the gun in its case (you can't close the case if there is a clip in gun) and I have a seperate bag that contains the clips and ammo.

[Playing]

That's a bit different from when I was a teenager. The swiss army gave you an automatic rifle and the only request they had was that you did not leave it outside the pub if you went for a beer after shooting.

[Timbit]

Quite the thread here... First about the contest, then about an editing problem (or rather, getting it to run!), and now we're onto firearms. :D

[Shaunp007]

Switzerland totally mobilized for WWII in a grand total of 3 days. Really interesting reading about the swiss and their fortifications and tunnels in WWII.

[Shaunp007]

I am fixing my last film and trying to have fun with it. I wanted to have some smoke in that picture of the empty highway. I worked for about an hour tonight just trying some things out. Please pick smoke or no smoke. Please give your first thought about the smoke. During live action it will be billowing ever slighty upward.

[Vishus]

Hard to say without seeing it in motion, but in the still, it looks better with the smoke!

[Shaunp007]

with the smoke!
Thanks. I'm still gonna play around with it. To me there is something still not right with it.

[Playing]

Smoke looks great. I know how difficult this is as I did it with a dust cloud.

[Shaunp007]

Thanks for the help. I am correcting the film and addressing everyone's suggestions. Its great having a community where talented people give good help. I have like 8 or 9 issues I'm correcting and should be done by Sunday or so. I will release the "corrected" version in the footage section. This smoke was not asked for, but it is something I wanted in there since I filmed it but ran out of time before the submission deadline. I like how the road is framed and takes your eye directly to the smoke. There are a few other frames where I tried to use lines, framing or lighting to direct eyes to the subject.

The smoke is from a still frame of an oil fire from the first gulf war. At first it was really dark and black and would not match this scene at all. In after effects I used the "tint" command to lighten it and then cut it out and then feathered it. Animating it will be the easy part...just some use of "liquify" to twist and bloat it just a tad.

[Playing]

Looking forward to seeing that.

[Shaunp007]

The revised version of my film is up and running on Vimeo. I will be placing a link to it in the Footage Section. Here is the short list of items that I fixed.

1. Annoucer Voice stumble
2. Jump cut in the car at the end
3. Why is the character going out to the woods anyway? Now it is explained
4. Character at the end did'nt look like zombie, now he sorta looks different
5. Removed large blood pool that looked fake anyway during shooting scene.
6. Removed blurry shot of me when the radio announcer first comes on, reshot the scene.
7. Mic handling noise in the very beginning
8. Other various mic handling noises...
9. Smoke in the distance special effect in the empty highway scene.

Well thats it. Go the footage section and watch it if you want.
Thanks for all your help

Shaun Pontsler

[Shaunp007]

I should have made mention of the title of the thread where the updated movie can be found..."Alone Special Edition" ..its not really special, I just didn't know what else to call it. I'm not very good with titles.