Antman's Film Contest #26: Noir

[AJUK]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GvcacYKZDMY/Tewisk2RbEI/AAAAAAAAAxg/qWanzjI_Gxo/Winners3.jpg

Following on from the Horror contest we have decided to base the next contest around another film genre. This time it is Noir, one of the most celebrated of genres and certainly one which should offer some great opportunities for creative cinematography.

The Theme is "NOIR"

There are no specifically required elements for the films, other than that they conform to a clear interpretation of film noir or at the very least the dictionary definition of the word "noir".

So you could also legitimately choose to make a film about darkness or a film about blackness or even a movie about milkless coffee. It could be a very open brief really if you approached it with that in mind.

For the genre of film-noir its worth pointing out that you don't have to make a period movie or a black-and-white movie or even a detective movie for it to be a film-noir, films as diverse as Bladerunner, Se7en and Redrock West can all be considered to be film-noir.

You are free to make whatever story, whatever type of video you wish as long as it respects the following rules:

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 drapeama, Vishus or AJUK, moderators 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 deadline. All entries made before the announcement of the theme will be disqualified.
7) Users judging the contests, officials judges or not, should use the template available in this post (http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?43072-Official-Contests-Judges&p=400925&viewfull=1#post400925) to post their reviews. Of course, only the officials judges' reviews will be considered to decide on a winner.

Contest deadline is Sunday 24th July 2011 Midnight UTC. Which translates to roughly 3 weeks for this one.

Get on it ladies and gentlemen!

Submit your entries to the following group ONLY: http://www.vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival (http://www.vimeo.com/groups/antmansfilmfestival)

But wait... there's more! I am donating a prize for this competition, and as this is expected to be a theme that generates some interesting cinematography and lighting, what could be a more fitting prize than a piece of lighting gear?

http://www.cameratonic.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/412x400/0e0bec52cf473a4bc6c08f7a354a735e/c/n/cn_126_led_camera_camcorder_video_hot_shoe_lamp_li ght_3.jpg

The prize is a brand new 126 LED light like this, complete with camera/hotshoe mount, diffuser filters and battery adaptors so you can use it with regular batteries or camera battery blocks. A great prize for anyone looking to build up their kit and this light will be delivered directly from the manufacturers to the winner. The winner can also choose to have the cash equivalent instread.

[paperkut12]

Thank you for whoever chose this theme. I love it. I'm working on my idea already.

And that's awfully nice of you to provide a prize for the contest. Kudos to you, AJUK!

[Brendan_pr]

i would love to have one of those lights! :) i'll try my hardest to cook up something good

[drapeama]

i would love to have one of those lights! :) i'll try my hardest to cook up something good

Just thought the same! lol

Thanks John for putting the next them up. By the time we announce the winner, having the next theme up allow people to start working and there's no "tension" while we wait on an announcement of a winner. Great move! And Great theme!

[Daniel Rutter]

Well, I've wanted to do something like this for a while... so maybe I'll do something. We'll see eh??

[drapeama]

Well, I've wanted to do something like this for a while... so maybe I'll do something. We'll see eh??

I'd like if you'd enter this contest Dan. I'll try to make something myself, but I'll have to make some research on the subject before...

[Daniel Rutter]

but I'll have to make some research on the subject before...
Same here buddy. Might crack out the new camera for this one :)

[AJUK]

I'll second that, it would be great to see an entry from you Dan, maybe it's time for another outing for your hitman character? :)

[Daniel Rutter]

maybe it's time for another outing for your hitman character?
Thats a very good idea. Been a while since I've seen him... will have to contact him and see how he's doing ;)

[HueyNRolf]

With respect, I suggest that contest organizers figure out how to conclude this contest. The last one is still flapping in the wind. Considering you demand deadlines form the contestants, it's just not good enough, that there's no plan to determine the winner.

[AJUK]

With respect, I suggest that contest organizers figure out how to conclude this contest. The last one is still flapping in the wind. Considering you demand deadlines form the contestants, it's just not good enough, that there's no plan to determine the winner.

Don't worry Huey, a plan is in place for that. Watch the #25 thread for details. :)

[HueyNRolf]

As soon as you can please. Mal's LED flashlight hangs in the balance :hv20-smilie03:

[AJUK]

As soon as you can please. Mal's LED flashlight hangs in the balance :hv20-smilie03:

A flashlight is all good, but I'm holding out for that sweet watch of yours Huey :)

[HueyNRolf]

A flashlight is all good, but I'm holding out for that sweet watch of yours Huey :)

I think your light trumps that watch. Looks like it might be sitting on my desk for quite some time :hv20-smilie87:

[Playing]

Hi all. Sending this from my cellphone. Still living out of a suitcase but can start thinking so long. Noir is a perfect theme.

[drapeama]

Same here buddy. Might crack out the new camera for this one :)
Glad I'm not alone!
That would be great! I plan to do the same here myself.

I'll second that, it would be great to see an entry from you Dan, maybe it's time for another outing for your hitman character? :)
Of course it would be great. Dan has a lot of potential, I'd be interested to watch the progress!
That hitman character...that would be fun to watch him again.

[paperkut12]

I have a feeling this is going to bring out a bunch of great entries.

[drapeama]

I have a feeling this is going to bring out a bunch of great entries.

I hope so. We'll see!

Edit: Even if it can be more than just that: Just to help, Film-Noir on wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_noir).
Another interesting, even if only in french, but the title list remains the same: Néo-Noir (http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_noir#N.C3.A9o-noir) and Tech-Noir (http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_noir#Technoir.5Br.C3.A9f..C2.A0n.C3.A9cessair e.5D). Interesting movement.

It's only on wikipedia, but it can give a good idea and help people.

[Shaunp007]

Hey guys I'm back in country (US). Man I missed jumping on here every couple hours or so and seeing whats happening. I've been hanging out in a place that has little to no internet (afghanistan). I'm happy to be back WOOT! I missed having a cold beer most of all!

[darthpaully]

It's interesting that the winner can opt for the "cash equivalent", I'm not sure if anyone noticed that at the bottom, but that is VERY cool. I already have a 160 LED light, so this option would keep me, or others who have one of these LED's, still interested in the prize.

Very thoughtful guys, I hope to get an entry in this time... I could always use a wad of cash equivalent!

[Timbit]

Mmm! :) Now I must determine what "Noir" really means, and how I can develop something.. :)

Sadly, it might be rushed like my last entry, as I'm still in hay (will it never end???), and my older sister is leaving me in favour of a cattle show for half a week, so I'll be doing the bulk of chores by my lonesome! :p

I think I need a recall on an old story character of mine from the post 2000's.... :o

[drapeama]

Now I must determine what "Noir" really means

Check in post #18, I've linked some interesting articles from wikipedia.

[Brendan_pr]

well even know i am more of a non-narrative/experimental kind of guy i took it upon myself to write a straight narrative this time. whether or not i will actually be able to pull it off is a different matter :P. my past films i wanted to leave the viewer asking questions but this time i am challenging myself to tie all loose ends

wish me luck and good luck to the rest of you! :)

[drapeama]

Looking for your entry Brendan.
I'll try to make something too, I'll be off by next wednesday so I'll have a couple days off to concentrate on that.

[paperkut12]

Looking forward Brenden. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for me filming Monday. I really want to get in on this bad.

[Shaunp007]

i'll try my hardest to cook up something good


I'll try to make something too,


I really want to get in on this bad.


it might be rushed like my last entry,


Might crack out the new camera for this one

Well that looks like 5 possible entries. Throw me in to, which makes 6. I wrote some narration last night and I want to start filming tomorrow. I don't have a lot to do in the coming weeks (except work) so I should be able to get it together. Lets encourage eachother to get this done! :)

[drapeama]

Well that looks like 5 possible entries. Throw me in to, which makes 6.

I hope it'll happen then! I'd like to see what everyone could come up with. Maybe Vishus will enter this one, and probably win again! ;)

[paperkut12]

Maybe Vishus will enter this one, and probably win again! ;)

He better not! (kidding)

[drapeama]

He better not! (kidding)

What about I enter and win? ;) (edit: I want that LED pannel! It's going to be mine! :hv20-smilie34:) [kidding]
Seriously, I'll have to update Vishus' banner...and I don't know how everything will enter on it lol

[Shaunp007]

I want that LED pannel! It's going to be mine!

Whats this about an LED panel ? sorry I've sorta been out of the loop on whats gone on since mid-June. (EDIT:nvm, I decided to be not-lazy and actually checked the first post...awesome panel!) :)

[drapeama]

(EDIT:nvm, I decided to be not-lazy and actually checked the first post...awesome panel!) :)

Do a search, noob! ;)
Seriously, that's a great move from AJUK to give away this led light kit, it worth between 50-60$ easily, if it's not more. That's a great prize!

[KingDucky]

Prizes=entrys.:hv20-smilie77:

I still want your watch Huey:hv20-smilie68:

[drapeama]

Prizes=entrys.:hv20-smilie77:
I still want your watch Huey:hv20-smilie68:

So you're in too? Or waiting on a contest where Huey will give the watch?

[Timbit]

I'm in--if I have the time and can think of something that one guy can do... :o

[Playing]

I am back home, but have not looked at my work schedule yet. I refuse to look until until Sunday. I have shot a clip while traveling that I like for the Noir theme and now I have to come up with a script to match the clip and twist my friends arm to act in it.

[KingDucky]

So you're in too? Or waiting on a contest where Huey will give the watch?
I'm possibly in, gotta ask some friends to help. We'll see...:hv20-smilie81:

[drapeama]

I am back home, [...] now I have to come up with a script to match the clip and twist my friends arm to act in it.


I'm possibly in, gotta ask some friends to help. We'll see...:hv20-smilie81:

Looks you both have the same problem!
I'll probably do something on my own, again, so we'll see how it goes.

[Playing]

Drapes, you have no more space in your signature for more wins :)
I've got a plot in my head and I have the lights. What I don't know is how to do Noir with my white walls.

[drapeama]

Drapes, you have no more space in your signature for more wins :)
Hey! It's like going shopping at IKEA with the girlfriend in a smart©: she'll always be able to find more space to put everything in! (trust me, I don't have a smart but..)
I have an idea, but I seriously doubt I'll win this one!

[drapeama]

I'm in--if I have the time and can think of something that one guy can do... :o

Man, one day we should meet, team up and shoot something together...where are you in ontario? I mean, Ottawa/Trois-Rivières is ~3h30 in car.

[AJUK]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eTZFVo5DR9I/TOA8P9uWpsI/AAAAAAAAAAU/4DWn6m1aHJY/s1600/film_noir_0013.jpg

So by now I expect many of you will be well underway with your entries. Here's a link to a great flickr set showing some examples of film-noir style lighting to give you some ideas for shots: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=strobist+lighting102+assignment+filmnoir&m=tags&z=t

Also here is another useful link to a lighting tutorial for film-noir:

http://youtu.be/w1gMxT2R9z4

Don't forget that there is only two weeks left to get your entry finished and be in with a chance of winning a brand new LED portable lighting rig. Time to get filming :)

[drapeama]

Here's a link to a great flickr set showing some examples of film-noir style lighting [...]
Don't forget that there is only two weeks left to get your entry finished and be in with a chance of winning a brand new LED portable lighting rig. Time to get filming :)

Thanks for the links John, and I didn't forgot that you're giving away that great Led light...I'd like to win it so much!
I'll start shooting it later this week.

[paperkut12]

I supposedly have 3 actors for tomorrow (that is if they all come through) and my script should be done by today. I'm not too stoked on my idea, but given the time I have for my actors it'll have to do and hopefully it fits the Noir theme well.

[Vishus]

I'm looking forward to a bunch of great entries! I won't have the time to put anything together myself for this one, but I know a lot of cool stuff can come out of a theme like this!

[drapeama]

I'm looking forward to a bunch of great entries! I won't have the time to put anything together myself for this one, but I know a lot of cool stuff can come out of a theme like this!

1) Yeah, I'm pretty sure that we'll get great shorts for this one!
2) That's bad, I would have liked to watch what you could do for this theme!

[Vishus]

Speaking of Noir: Sunday Cracker's entry for the Halloween Contest would have been perfect here too!
http://vimeo.com/groups/65126/videos/15931047

[paperkut12]

One of my actors flaked out on me. Really frustrating because I'm dying to film something, anything. Now I have to come up with a new idea or rework what I have.

And yes, Sunday Cracker's entry was indeed perfect for this. I actually went back and watched it before.

[drapeama]

One of my actors flaked out on me. Really frustrating because I'm dying to film something, anything. Now I have to come up with a new idea or rework what I have.

Well, why don't you write something that involves mostly you? That way you'll be able to shoot something.
I've done it for contest #3 and I won...you're skilled enough to come with something good!

I'll start mine later this week for sure, let's hope everything will work fine this time.

[paperkut12]

Well, why don't you write something that involves mostly you? That way you'll be able to shoot something.
I've done it for contest #3 and I won...you're skilled enough to come with something good.

I hope so. That's what I plan to do most likely. Good luck on your entry, I'm sure it will be great.

[Playing]

Speaking of Noir: Sunday Cracker's entry for the Halloween Contest would have been perfect here too! http://vimeo.com/groups/65126/videos/15931047
Yea: "I really have to start writing this stuff down."

[drapeama]

Yea: "I really have to start writing this stuff down."

So you plan to enter? That would be great, I'd like to see what you can do with such a theme.

[Playing]

So you plan to enter?
I have an idea but now I have to see if I can make it and make sense and look good.

For those that haven't watched it lately: "I really have to start writing this stuff down.", is my favorite line from Ben Cognito.

[AJUK]

Time for a sequel perhaps? "Ben Cognito rides again" :)

[drapeama]

Hey guys, I've updated the first post to add a link to the Official Judges page, where is located the "official" template for judging.
So, being an official judge or not, you can use this template to post your review. Of course, only the officials judges' reviews will be considered to decide on a winner, but it would be great to hear your criticism.
Also, I've used the meeting planner on UTC.com to do that (location should be ok according to all judges):

[Brendan_pr]

well, my script is done :). but i am still trying to sort out who is going to play what. i am kind of limited when it comes to finding actors lately and i really have no clue who is going to play the male lead. i am determined to get this done by the deadline so i will find someone!! unfortunately the acting might have to be sub-par because of it, but we'll see

[drapeama]

Good to ear you're entering this one Branden!

Hey Vishus, you're version of the banner is pretty cool, mind sending me the .psd of it so I'll be able to update others so we'll have all the same version? Or we could use yours when we reach 5 times winning and keep the others like it is right now? PM me about it.

[drapeama]

SO I started shooting some scenes with a guy from the job, who'll be my main actor in it with me. So far it's lookin' good.

[Playing]

I am struggling with this one. I want to do the theme justice and I have an idea but things are just not flowing. Grrr.

[Playing]

OK. Stopped struggling and finished it. I'm in.
How's everyone else doing?

[Vishus]

OK. Stopped struggling and finished it. I'm in.

The return of Playing! Excellent!

[Shaunp007]

How's everyone else doing?

Filming tonight!

[drapeama]

Filming tonight!

I've shot 1/3 of it. I'll probably end the rest this weekend with my friend.

[Playing]

Filming tonight!

I've shot 1/3 of it. I'll probably end the rest this weekend with my friend.
Great. Hope we get a lot of entries. It's a perfect theme.

Now I can of course feel the hot breath of Huey down my neck, reminding me of audio and I can hear Marc's voice suggesting color correction.

[drapeama]

Now I can of course feel the hot breath of Huey down my neck, reminding me of audio and I can hear Marc's voice suggesting color correction.

Don't forget that I could suggest details about cinematography too! ((kidding!)...am I like that?)

[Playing]

...am I like that?
Only in the most positive way :)

[drapeama]

Only in the most positive way :)

Good to hear!

[AJUK]

Only a week to go until the submissions deadline, so if you haven't already, nows the time to get cracking on your entry. :)

If you are still looking for inspiration, heres a link to one of the all-time classic film-noir movies... DOA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fMDJ6pwSfo

Here is a compliation of great noir moments:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKrQVeA1_MM&feature=youtu.be

And here is another 'how to' video on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J97VnLw7PM8

[Timbit]

Man, one day we should meet, team up and shoot something together...where are you in ontario? I mean, Ottawa/Trois-Rivières is ~3h30 in car.
I'm 1hr. 30 min. north of Toronto...

I'm going to try really hard to get something done... hectic week coming up.. :(

[homestar_kevin]

SAD. I don't think I'll be getting one into this.

But I did do this tiny, random screen test and am debating entering the next one with an animation

Have to figure out some better settings and photo file formats to use, but I think I really do want to do it


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXX5gIpOOEs

[paperkut12]

But I did do this tiny, random screen test and am debating entering the next one with an animation

That would be cool. I thought about doing a little something with clay, but then I realized it's veryy time consuming. I'd like to try it eventually.

[drapeama]

SAD. I don't think I'll be getting one into this.

Bouhh...too bad. It would have been nice to see your work!
I was supposed to shoot the rest of the short, but me and my actor were working, not on the same schedule (day and night) and the other day, 40°C bright sunny day: he went boating, he had the chance so...

We're supposed to finish the short later this week, working only tomorow night and friday night after, we'll have 3 evening to complete the shooting and then we'll be done. I'll try to have this done by the end of the week...do I really have any choice?

[homestar_kevin]

That would be cool. I thought about doing a little something with clay, but then I realized it's veryy time consuming. I'd like to try it eventually.

Yeah it's insanely time consuming. The worst part is that it's just as time consuming and tedious in post as it is during production hahaha.

It's very rewarding though.

I was in a 48hour film festival in february where is did animations. That was intense and took up so much of our time, but it was worth it.

I've been wanting to do some stuff for awhile and would try and make it in on this one if I weren't leave for San Diego on Wednesday.


Next Month Drapeama!

I look forward to seeing everyone shorts, this is going to be a fun one

[drapeama]

I look forward to seeing everyone shorts, this is going to be a fun one
I hope we'll get more entries this time. It would be fun to compare 6-7 entries and it would certainly be more entertaining to decide on a winner then.

[Playing]

Mine is ready to upload (With fixed sound and color correction :)) Now I can't wait to see the competition.

[paperkut12]

I'm trying to think of a last minute entry to do.

[Playing]

I'm trying to think of a last minute entry to do.
Please do. I found it hard to get my idea to gel, but once it started flowing it went quick. After all the time limit is 5 min.

[Playing]

I hope that this deadly silence means that everybody is furiously working on their video.

[Shaunp007]

:chirp chirp:

[dc7ks]

uploading my entry! First time entering! woot!

[Playing]

uploading my entry! First time entering! woot!
Congratulations.

[Vishus]

uploading my entry! First time entering! woot!

Excellent. I look forward to checking it out!

[drapeama]

Damn, everyone is uploading their entry and I still have to color correct and edit it...hope I'll be able to make it on time...

[dc7ks]

finished uploading it. Hopefully I did everything right so that it'll show up in the group on sunday without a problem!

[Playing]

Hopefully I did everything right so that it'll show up in the group on sunday without a problem!
If you look under "settings", "add to" and it shows as pending, you are good.

Mine is also up.

[AJUK]

I hope that this deadly silence means that everybody is furiously working on their video.

We've had a couple of entried uploaded already. It's looking like this will be a good competition. I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with :)

[AJUK]

I have sent vimeo message "receipts" to the filmmakers that have submitted so far. If you have uploaded but don't think your film has been submitted to the group correctly, then pm me and I can check it for you.

[drapeama]

I'll have to cut on my sleep time, finalizing the color correction at the moment, rendering the files is almost done....I'll start to edit tonight and tomorow...and should be able to put something together for the deadline, tomorow midnight in my case.
The sound bugs me but I think I'll be able to do something...hope so though.

[Vishus]

you're doing your colour correction before your edit???

[drapeama]

you're doing your colour correction before your edit???

Call me crazy but I did it that way for all the contest and it worked out quite well I think!
I just open two viewer in After Effect, color correct/match both clip so all the clip are very similar, I render the video and I edit with the "final look".

[paperkut12]

Can't wait to see everyones entries. I was going to do a little quick something over the weekend, but seeing the deadline I think it's too soon.

[drapeama]

I was going to do a little quick something over the weekend, but seeing the deadline I think it's too soon.

Sounds familiar...again...lol

[Shaunp007]

I just need to set the record straight. I'm definately showing my ignorance here. The deadline is 12 midnight Sunday UTC. Living in the US, I just subtract 4 hours to get Eastern Standard EST. So would that put the deadline for me at 8pm Sunday evening, or 8pm Saturday evening? I may just be losing my mind due to the heat...I don't know. Sorry to waste time with dumb questions like this. I'm planning on doing some filming tonight and wrapping it up tomorrow. I am doing a very simple story, so it should not take too much. Looking forward to watching everyone's entries! Have a great weekend guys!

[Playing]

Good to see everyone's woken up :)
Thanks AJUK for the message.

Looking forward to all entries.

[paperkut12]

Sounds familiar...again...lol

haha. I really tried this time, seriously. It just fell apart again. It's the next one, I'm sure. lol

[drapeama]

I really tried this time, seriously. [..] It's the next one, I'm sure.

We'll see! As soon as we'll have the next them up, we'll see! ;)

[Timbit]

Grrr...............

[Playing]

Grrr...............

I take it that means you are depriving us of a contribution from you? Pity, I always enjoy what you come up with.

[drapeama]

I'm finalizing the edit, who else is doing something? Except from the two videos already uploaded?

[Playing]

I'm finalizing the edit,
Glad you are in Marc.

[drapeama]

Glad you are in Marc.

Only some sound effects to records, place and arrange and I should be able to upload it before the deadline.


Edit: Charlie didn't helped me for this one. The reason? She wanted so much to be able to judge my entry and criticise it. I've done it alone with my friend.

[drapeama]

Well, uploading to the group right now. Should be up before the deadline. AJUK and/or Vishus will take the lead as I'm working tonight. I'll post my NC-review later in the evening.
Good luck to everyone!

Anyone has an idea for the next contest? PM me, AJUK or Vishus about it.

[drapeama]

All right guys, my non-official reviews:

Crossfade - Playing

Detailed comments on: Crossfade

Story: Interesting concept, but maybe not enough content for the lenght of the short? The idea of the same guy talking to himself, himself being another personality at the same time was interesting. The concept was good, but maybe not well enough executed in some other aspects.

Cinematography: The cinematography was simple, maybe too much. A single shot for the main actor talking to himself, being two different personality would have required at least two different camera angle. Other than this, the boat sequences were well shot and were looking great.

Post-Production: Not much of post work here. The only thing that required a bit of work in post was the paint job for the crossfade in the forum screenshot on the computer's monitor. Except that...

Sound: It wasn't bad, but I had some hard times to understand the dialog during the "main" conversation. Other than this, the sound was ok.

Production Design: The lighting during the conversation was well done! It shown what it had to shown and it created a good ambiance and mood, just like we would have expected. Maybe a little work in post to "crush" the colors would have give another look to the short.

Story: 13/20
Cinematography: 10/20
Post-production: 6/20
Sound: 11/20
Production Design: 15/20
Overall 55/100

Judges Summary Review: Not bad, but I was hopping for more. Maybe the idea was too simple to make a short of that lenght about it?



Prom Date - dc7ks

Detailed comments on: Prom Date

Story: Well, me and charlie are a bit confused about it: we don't understand it from the same point of view. As there's a gun in it, I think he's more a hitman explaining that only one girl is "allowed" to go to the prom night, and at the end, he's the one that's been "marked" by one of the girl or something...charlie thinks he only has to decide when one of the girl arrives before he even decided...
It's a bit confusing, from what I've understand, it's good, not bad at all. A good concept but maybe not clear enough in the execution and the way the action has been described.

Cinematography: Simple, but good. The camera angles shown what they had to shown, without showing too much or not enough. Remembers me the first short I've done: I had to set up all the scenes on a tripod because I was alone to do it.

Post-Production: The vignetting and the black & white effect were good, but a little flat to me: a bit more punched and crushed blacks as well as the vignetting would have helped a lot to sell the short better.

Sound: Not bad, but here again I had some hard times to understand all the dialog. Maybe it's because I'm french Native speaker, but I think it sounded "muffled" a bit. Other than this, no glitches in the sound nor technical issue, not from what I've heard when I watched it.

Production Design: The props, costume and the stills helped a lot to the short: as it takes place in a small environement, you well managed to place/insert all these elements and use it in your favor. Well done.

Story: 10/20
Cinematography: 11/20
Post-production: 12/20
Sound: 13/20
Production Design: 16/20
Overall 62/100

Judges Summary Review: Good job, for a first entry! Well done. Just like in many of us cases, it still needs some improvement on certain aspects, but you've shown you were able to do something with almost nothing, which can be very helpful in a future project.



Glad you guys did something for this round and hope you'll come back for another contest. I'll check with my partners and I think we should go with an easier theme for the next one. Something very easy to do for everyone, because it's not everyone that is able to do or achieve the same levels of videos: not talking about skills, but more about gear and people to help.
Let's see how it goes!
Thanks everyone that invested their time in this contest!

[HueyNRolf]

You're a day early, draps, no?

[HueyNRolf]

Deadline in 20 hours.

[drapeama]

You're a day early, draps, no?

Deadline in 20 hours.
No, read it here:

Contest deadline is Sunday 24th July 2011 Midnight UTC. .
As sunday starts at 00h01 on saturday night, the deadline is now over. I'm reading 00h11 here and the date on my cell phone is July 24th. According to the UTC time conversion, the deadline in my zone was 8pm.
Check it here (http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_UTC.aspx).

[HueyNRolf]

Maybe it's just me, but 'midnight' occurs at the end of the day, not the beginning. Although what you're saying is logically sound, I've just never considered it.

SInce 'midnight' falls right on the line, I guess either interpretation is reasonable.

[drapeama]

SInce 'midnight' falls right on the line, I guess either interpretation is reasonable.I think I'm right Huey, according to this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24-hour_clock#Midnight_00:00_and_24:00) and the fact I've been working with 24h schedules for the last 4 years.

In the 24-hour time notation, the day begins at midnight (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight), 00:00, and the last minute of the day begins at 23:59.

[HueyNRolf]

I think I'm right Huey, according to this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24-hour_clock#Midnight_00:00_and_24:00) and the fact I've been working with 24h schedules for the last 4 years.

No worries, Draps. It's all good, must be just me who got confused. This happens a lot as I get older.

[HueyNRolf]

BTW, I really liked your entry.
That really captured the noir spirit. Just the audio on the speech part could've been better. But, everything else was so good that this detail is easy to forgive. Well done!

[drapeama]

No worries, Draps. It's all good, must be just me who got confused. This happens a lot as I get older.
:hv20-smilie24: Seriously, I've been confused too, 4 years ago. Now it's just perfectly normal: Week starts on sunday, everyday starts at 00h00 and ends 23h59. You'll get used to it.

BTW, I really liked your entry.
That really captured the noir spirit. Just the audio on the speech part could've been better. But, everything else was so good that this detail is easy to forgive. Well done!
Thanks for the comments. As for the audio, I've used a Lav plugged on the Zoom, hidden in my vest. But as we were shooting on a 3rd level, without air conditioning and because the temperature was around 35°C without humidity...we used a fan. Bad idea for sound, but other than this we wouldn't have been able to shoot anything so it was hot and "closed" in the appartment. So I had to clean the dialog a bit, which wasn't the best job I did. Also, I quite ran out of time to do it: finished to shoot it on wednesday, started to edit it on thursday...deadline was yesterday 8pm for me...I tried to do the best within the short period of time I had...at least I've been able to put something together that's viewable.

It's been a good experience to shoot it with the T2i, I've been able to work in very low-light with the Technicolor CineStyle preset and it's been a piece of cake to "color correct" to B&W then and match all the clip together. Also, Charlie didn't help in order to be able to criticise and judge the entries as an official judge. She just sent me the judgement in french, I'll translate it and she'll post it tomorow morning. Can't wait to read the other reviews.

I'm a bit disapointed that there's been only three entries so far...hope the next contest will attract more people. It's been a funny one to do, I had fun shooting with Joseph and I think he did too!

[dc7ks]

Thanks for the comments! Now I know how to improve in the future!

[AJUK]

Ok, looks like there has been a little confusion as to the exact end time for the competition. I think the majority of people would probably have assumed that midnight sunday means the end of the day, not the beginning, so in order to keep things fair for everyone, and to maximise the time for everyone to get their films finished and uploaded, the final submissions deadline for the competition is TONIGHT, Sunday 24th at 11.59pm

If you are currently uploading your video to Vimeo then fret not. You are still in the running for the competition. :)

[drapeama]

Well, we'll have to clarify it in the next theme: deadline is July 25th 00:00 or July 24th 23:59...
For me it was clear, as I'm used to work on 24h schedules...anyway, Any other videos are still welcome...(if I new the deadline was tomorow I would have worked a bit more on mine...:hv20-smilie36:...anyway, life happens...)

[Daniel Rutter]

Anyone has an idea for the next contest?
I sent you an idea on Facebook mate, you may wanna take a look at your inboxes :)

[HueyNRolf]

Maybe a good idea to avoid using 'midnight' in future.

I used to have this problem with using 'this vs next,' I would say 'I'll see you next Friday' on Wednesday. For me the 'next Friday' would occur two days later. But some people would consider this to mean the Friday of the following week. How can it be this Friday when today is Wednesday? Isn't the first Friday which occurs after the Wednesday we are in 'next Friday?'

[drapeama]

Maybe a good idea to avoid using 'midnight' in future.

I'll check with AJUK and Vishus but I think it should only be more clear: using 00:00 or 23:59 and posting the link to the wikipedia with all the infos on the 24h time format.

[Playing]

Cinematography: The cinematography was simple, maybe too much. A single shot for the main actor talking to himself, being two different personality would have required at least two different camera angle. Other than this, the boat sequences were well shot and were looking great.
Thanks Marc for taking the time to comment.

I have considered 2 camera angles and also different color tones for the 2 personalities and decided it would actually take away rather than add value. I wanted the light and face only to make the difference. I chose simplicity deliberately here.

On a fun note: I picked up the new theme on my cellphone while in Switzerland. I already had footage I liked, but to comply with the rules, I went back to shoot what I needed within the timeframe of the contest. All I was traveling with was the bare camera and a monopod.
The monopod worked very well, both as a stadicam and as a filter against vibrations.

[Playing]

Just watched the other 2 entries and will post some comments after the official judges.
It's nice that we have 3 completely different entries so far.

[Playing]

Regarding the deadline: Sunday Midnight.
I suspect a poll would show that most people take it to mean Sunday night, changing to Monday morning.
Like 00:00 AM, 00:00 PM, 12:00 AM and 12:00 PM, it is ambiguous.

[AJUK]

The deadline has been re-confirmed as Sunday 11.59pm just to avoid any more confusion :) So there is still time for anyone finishing off their entry. Get those films in!

DEADLINE IS TONIGHT - SUNDAY 24th July 11.59pm

[HueyNRolf]

The deadline has been re-confirmed as Sunday 11.59pm just to avoid any more confusion :) So there is still time for anyone finishing off their entry. Get those films in!

DEADLINE IS TONIGHT - SUNDAY 24th July 11.59pm

GMT

[Playing]

I'm going to go ahead and do nothing.
One ambition consumes me wholly, to do nothing, very slowly.

[AJUK]

Yes GMT, I knew I was missing something! :)

[Vishus]

Hey guys! I am back from Montreal. We had a quick weekend vacation. I agree that the deadline should be end of day Sundays. I know we like to cram things in at the end, and a full weekend really helps! I am hoping we see another entry or two now that we have bought 24 hours more!

[drapeama]

Would it be more clear to have the next deadline set to Monday, and having the day starting at 00:00 it would leave people up to sunday night at 23:59 to upload their entries?
This (http://www.worldtimezone.com/index24.html) gives a complete hours comparison between each timezone.
Also, people should double check themself with the UTC/GMT (http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_UTC.aspx)to be sure of the deadline.

We'll try to have it clearly written so we won't do the same mistake for the next theme!

[drapeama]

I sent you an idea on Facebook mate, you may wanna take a look at your inboxes :)

Never got it Dan...

[Playing]

Would it be more clear to have the next deadline set to Monday, and having the day starting at 00:00 it would leave people up to sunday night at 23:59 to upload their entries?
That makes sense.

You might also specify a window for uploading, maybe the last 3 days.
Edit: Maybe not as some might need to upload early as they don't have a chance later.

[drapeama]

That makes sense.

You might also specify a window for uploading, maybe the last 3 days.
Edit: Maybe not as some might need to upload early as they don't have a chance later.
I'll check that with my partners then. The idea isn't bad, but as you just said, if they can't do it later...So far, people have uploaded their entries before the deadline and there hasn't been any problem. I think people are fair with that.

[AJUK]

Having the deadline be the end of sunday night gives the most time for people to finish and upload their entries, that was the intention with this competition. The more time the better, especially as some folks only really have weekends to work on their entries.

I do hope we get some more entries. :)

[drapeama]

Having the deadline be the end of sunday night gives the most time for people to finish and upload their entries, that was the intention with this competition. The more time the better, especially as some folks only really have weekends to work on their entries.

I'll be the first to agree! As many of us have full-time job, working on weekends allow more people to do something. If only I new that yesterday...it would have gave me another 10-12 hours more to work on mine!
But let's just write it clearly for the next theme. Maybe we should add the links to wikipedia and the UTC in the first post along with the deadline, so it'll be easier for everyone?

[Playing]

The more time the better, especially as some folks only really have weekends to work on their entries.
3 Weeks works for me. My work is seasonal and unpredictable so I am far more likely to start if I know I have a chance to finish. I am sure this applies to people like Tim and students with exams equally. Another advantage to a Sunday deadline is that the Vimeo HD upload limit resets on Saturday.

[paperkut12]

Took an early look and I think Drapes plays that Badass out-for-revenge role darn well!

[drapeama]

Took an early look and I think Drapes plays that Badass out-for-revenge role darn well!

Thanks for the comments.
I don't particulary like to watch myself so I don't like my performance much.
But on the other hand, I've been surprised by Joseph's performance. He didn't talked much, but he played the slowly-diying one quite well.

[AJUK]

So despite some confusion over what time of day midnight is, we ended up with three strong entries for contest #26.

The contest is now closed. We are just waiting on the reviews and scores from Vishus and Corben T. In the meantime here are my scores and reviews for the three entries.

Crossfade - Playing

Detailed comments on: Crossfade

Story: This takes the concept of ‘Noir’ as darkness and explores the idea of a man who has a split personality, and not just another side to him, but an actual functioning ‘other’ who has taken him over for extended periods and even been away on holiday without him knowing. This is a really interesting concept and great work from Playing for coming up with such an out of the box idea.
Cinematography: Simple cinematography, with a stylised lighting setup featuring strong shadows, obviously a nod to the traditions of film noir. The simple setup allowed the actor space to move within the frame and create the illusion of two characters through peformance alone. The harsh shadows nicely created a veil of mystery across the main characters face.

Post-Production: The use of natural colours and hard cuts worked well to create the sense of normality the film needed in order to offset the risky concept and execution. I like that Playing has taken a careful approach to the editing of this one, and that the film doesn’t use crossfades extensively, despite the title.

Sound: The sound was generally clear, although the shots of the boat engine suffered from a lot of background noise, these shots might have been more effective if the audio had been replaced.

Production Design: The simple setup and the plain costume helped to underline the story, I liked the fact that the character was dressed in black, again fitting the theme, and that the simple shadows suggested a location without specifying too much. The abstract closeups of engine machinery work well to suggest the sense of something working hard beneath the surface, and the idea of using a boat to suggest both the literal journey and the concept of man as ‘vessel’ was a nice concept.

Story: 14/20
Cinematography: 13/20
Post-production: 7/20
Sound: 10/20
Production Design: 16/20
Overall 60/100

Judges Summary Review: A nice simple idea, well executed. I liked this entry a lot.




Prom Date - dc7ks

Detailed comments on: Prom Date

Story: I like the simple setup, and the clever play on the Film-Noir femme fatale archetype, this film was a great example of taking the various staples of Film-Noir and applying them to a high-school students life. The twist at the end was also nicely done, and I certainly didn’t see it coming!

Cinematography: Nice and simple, crisp black and white photography, great use of light and shade, and some really nicely referenced classic noir camera setups. Great work, and especially as you were both shooting and starring in this film. I especially love the tilt up to the character at the table, I assume you were performing the tilt and moving the camera for that move? Great job.

Post-Production: The added vignette was a little overdone, but the editing was well paced and the montage sequences were another great touch of added film-noir style. I also loved the simple typewriter font in the titles.

Sound: Nice and simple sound setup, with good execution, the use of voiceover was a really great touch and is definitely a huge part of giving this film a noir feel.

Production Design: Great use of simple prop choice and careful placement, you really created a lot of atmosphere and the clever use of the gun that appears to signify the entry of the character into his ‘inner world’ of imagined film noir was a nice touch.

Story: 16/20
Cinematography: 14/20
Post-production: 13/20
Sound: 12/20
Production Design: 15/20
Overall 70/100

Judges Summary Review: A superb first entry, and hopefully a sign of things to come from Michael. I loved the simple way he wove various film-noir elements into the film, and the way he evoked a sense of the classic noir movies in this simple take of a tragic high-school love triangle.


The Godfather Part II: Revenge - Drapeau

Detailed comments on: Godfather Part II: Revenge

Story: I was a bit confused by the title of this one, as it seemed to suggest some kind of homage to the classic Coppola movie. However, once it got going it had a nice hitman feel, in fact the main character is clearly based on the agent from the ‘hitman’ videogame series, right down to his silver gun. This was a nice touch, and I must admit I missed it at first. The film centers around revenge for an unspecified mistake the hitman has made in the past, although I would have liked to know more about what this event was. The hitman enters his house and fails to spot a waiting assailant until after he has drunk poisoned water. Then the mysterious revenge killer points out he made some mistakes, places a photograph of a child on the floor and leaves. A nice simple scene that could easily have formed part of a longer film, but strangely empty without the surrounding story. If this was supposed to be linked to the Godfather then I didn’t really get any references to the movies other than the title, so perhaps I missed something there that would have given this more impact? As it stands it felt a bit like part of something rather than a stand-alone film.

Cinematography: The photography on this one was very dark, it felt muddy rather than crisp, with very little range of contrast and many scenes featured an extremely limited tonal range. There were several nice dolly’s and panning shots in the film, although one or two of them had judder, especially the track along the side of the car as the revenge killer walks to the rear. There were several nice shots that played with the depth in the scene, and the control of focus was good, along with a nice candlelight effect in the apartment. A few shots cross the line badly, but it’s not a big issue.

Post-Production: The previously mentioned dark footage was what really let this film down. Playing with the levels in post might have helped with this. There was also a very noticeable film-grain effect applied over the footage, which I found a bit distracting. Several of the shots were obviously day-for-night, and although this was a nice nod to the noir-films of the past, it needed more work to balance out the shots, especially the night sky which changed brightness a lot during the flashback sequence.

Sound: Great use of music to set up the tone, and I liked the chirping crickets on in the background, although they had vanished when he opens the door? The gun ‘clicks’ were a bit weak and probably needed to be more obvious for such an important effect. The main problem area was the dialogue, which sounded very muted and low, and was very difficult to make out at first. You should probably have re-recorded the dialogue to improve this.

Production Design: Overall the production design was good, there were a few little touches that felt at odds with the hitman character, the trinkets hanging off his rearview mirror, the candles in his house, the prominent ‘wieder’ gym equipment... especially as he didn’t look like he worked out – in fact the gym equipment fitted more with the revenge guy than the hitman – which made it feel like the hitmans apartment belonged to the other guy! I definitely didn’t get the idea that this film was happening in the distant past like most of The Godfather.

Story: 11/20
Cinematography: 15/20
Post-production: 14/20
Sound: 12/20
Production Design: 15/20
Overall 67/100

Judges Summary Review: A slightly confusing storyline and some very muted cinematography and audio really let down this one, I don’t think it was really up to your usual standards.

[drapeama]

The Godfather Part II: Revenge - Drapeau
Judges Summary Review: A slightly confusing storyline and some very muted cinematography and audio really let down this one, I don’t think it was really up to your usual standards.

1) To clarify this, as it wasn't clear enough despite the clothes and the same picture: I tried to link the 2 other previous shorts (exception of the music video) with this one and "continue" the story in a film-noir style. The same "godfather" caracther out for revenge, with the same picture of the kid being killed by a hitman (hired by someone else)...and it goes on...Anyway...It was part of the story I started with The Godfather from the Trailer contest #19, and The Last Goodbye from contest #24, which explained a bit the story while being related to the theme. I tries the same thing here: continuing the story while being related to the theme: in this case, film-noir.
2) About the cinematography, I did what I've been able to match the schedule of my friend, and I ran out of time to shoot everything. The "flashback" scene has been shot between 8pm and 9:30pm, hence the difference in the sky. Other than this, it's been shot quite fast because we were doing it before/after working.
3) The sound, yeah! I've used a lav mic, because I didn't have anyone to "boom" the sound: had to clean it up a bit because we were shooting in an appartment on a 3rd floor, without AC and there was a fan to blow some air otherwise we would have die shooting this. I wish I could have done a better job, but at least I've been able to put something up.
4) I agree, usually I polish my entries a lot more than this, but I've ran out of time, didn't have any help except from my friend and I really wanted to do something for this contest, so it ended up as you watched!


Hope it's not that bad!

[Playing]

Hi AJUK, thanks for your very precise comments. I am glad you liked it.
I spent a lot of time removing some yellow embroidery from the hat. It's amazing how difficult it is to find clothing without any labels or logos.

[AJUK]

1) To clarify this... ...It was part of the story I started with The Godfather from the Trailer contest #19, and The Last Goodbye from contest #24, which explained a bit the story while being related to the theme. I tries the same thing here: continuing the story while being related to the theme: in this case, film-noir.

Sorry I didn't get that :) I could only think of the Coppola Godfather trilogy, so I didn't realise your film was part II of your earlier short film. It definitely makes more sense now.

[drapeama]

Sorry I didn't get that :) [..] It definitely makes more sense now.
1) No prob, it's not like it's been a big blockbuster!
2) Hopefully! I think it follow the others quite well, when you know it's related.

[Vishus]

Crossfade - Playing

Story: I found I didn't really get it on the first watch. But on rematch the next day, my take on it was that the character was having his "Meet Tyler Durden" moment. It is an interesting concept, and a great way to deal with our often dealt-with lack of people on our short films. I liked the acting, even if I had to rewind a bit here and there to understand the accent sometimes (my problem, not yours). I wasn't sure why the confident character switched to English? I think it helped differentiate the two. I liked the subtle switches you made in your performance. Even without speaking, I could tell the characters were different. I really didn't get the bit with the forum in the background though!

Cinematography: The lighting captured the theme of noir very well. The best of the three submissions. What did you shoot with? The low-light stuff looked nice and sharp, no real noise (that I could see). The insert shots of the boat machinery were really interesting. I know why you did it, but I did find myself wanting a few more angles/shots of the two characters. Maybe even just punching in would have worked? Anyway, artist preferences aside, it looked good!

Post-Production: Missing punctuation on your on-screen titles. 3:36 a bit of an abrupt edit. I like the colour tone. Not sure if it was done in post, or just with white-balance in camera, but it evokes a black and white feel without going there. I think having the confused version of you on the right at the beginning threw me off a bit, since that is where the confident version is for the rest of the short.

Sound: The music up front was very appropriate for the theme, though it didn't really move up and down with the revelation/story. The audio was nice and clean to my ears for the whole thing. The inserts were louder, but not too bad!

Production Design: Obviously sparse, but it worked for this. The one plant and the shadow it cast, worked for me.

Story: 12/20
Cinematography: 12/20
Post-production: 10/20
Sound: 15/20
Production Design: 10/20

Overall 59/100
Summary Review: A gutsy attempt! I don't like having to re-watch something to "get it", but on rewatch, I wondered why I didn't get it in the first place. :) Really appropriate Noir lighting and soundtrack for the most part!


Prom Date - Michael Chiu

Story: I was entertained, but totally don't get the gun being in there. Nice and short, which I always appreciate.

Cinematography: Most of this was framed and shot well. Good use of close-ups. At 0:15 you could knock off a few more frames at the beginning of your edit, so we don't catch you looking at the camera. ;)

Post-Production: You should de-interlace the footage you used for the insert shots! Once we went black and white, why was the guitar still in colour? The vignette was a little over-powering for most of it. I think this also could have benefitted a bit from adjusting your levels. Darker blacks, brighter whites, just to give it a little more flavour!

Sound: VO was a little hot in some spots, but I could understand everything. Could be a simple as moving the mic further away from the mouth. A little bit of room tone as the edits happened, but nothing too major!

Production Design: Not much to say here, the room was sparse with white walls and ceiling. I don't fault you for this though, as we often have to use what we have!

Story: 11/20
Cinematography: 14/20
Post-production: 10/20
Sound: 8/20
Production Design: 8/20

Overall 51/100

Judges Summary Review: I think this was entertaining, even though most of our required feedback is mostly about technical stuff, I enjoyed this!


The Godfather Part II - Marc-Alexandre Drapeau

Story: I though you had a good amount of story here! We've seen this done before, but you executed this very well. There was no need to connect this to the other ones you did, as it stands alone quite well!

Cinematography: Excellent camera moves and framing for the majority of the shots. 0:46 Is that person in the background on purpose? Some nice subtle use of your slider. The exterior shots when the Godfather is explaining things are really nice.

Post-Production: Probably a creative decision, but I did find a bunch of it very dark and very grainy. Your credits are long for the length of the short, but not too far. Could have been edited a little tighter up front. All nice shots of him walking to the apartment, but we didn't need coverage of all of it to be included.

Sound: The footsteps are out of sync (and too fast) for the most part, this was very distracting. The music was nice and appropriate for the piece. I could tell you did a lot of sound work in post, just the sync is off for some of it!

Production Design: 1:58 the boy band picture in the background threw me off a bit, since at first glance I thought there were people in the background. The rest seemed appropriate and fit in well.


Story: 13/20
Cinematography: 18/20
Post-production: 13/20
Sound: 12/20
Production Design: 12/20

Overall 68/100

Judges Summary Review: Entertaining, and beautifully shot. Your actors did well. Joseph did all his physical bits very well, but could have done better on line delivery. Draps, you felt really natural delivering your charachter's lines. Good Job!


My choice: I choose The Godfather Part II as my winner for this round.

All solid entries guys!

[Playing]

Hi Vishus, thanks to you also for taking the time to comment.


I really didn't get the bit with the forum in the background though!
I realize this is the weakest part of the video. The idea is that, while half asleep, memories of the other personality are breaking through, making contact between the two possible.


The lighting captured the theme of noir very well. The best of the three submissions. What did you shoot with? The low-light stuff looked nice and sharp, no real noise (that I could see).
It was shot during the day with drawn curtains. To get the shadows I wanted, I put a 300 Watt tungsten spotlight about arms-length from my face and a second one under the plant. I used daylight filters on the two lights and manual white-balance.

[AJUK]

Ok, just waiting on our final Judge, this time it is Charlie_Tango and then we should have a winner. :)

[charlie_tango]

Ok, just waiting on our final Judge, this time it is Charlie_Tango and then we should have a winner. :)

All right, better late than never! Sorry I've been busy outside the town this weekend. Here's my review:

Crossfade- Playing

Detailed comments on:
Story: I think the story lacks a bit of depth, the idea of the same character talking to two different personality is interesting, but could have been more worked. It might be a little long to my taste.

Cinematography: The idea of the film-noir is well expressed: it really did it when he was talking with himself with half of the face in the dark.
Other than this, some scenes with the machinery in the boat were well shot, but nothing that "wowed" me. I've seen better work in the past coming from him.

Post-Production: The edit is well done, the music choice help a lot and the mix is good.

Sound: The choice of the music was well made, but in some scenes I found the music to be louder than expected and I had some difficulties to understand the dialog, which wasn't loud enough.

Production Design: Looks like he didn't put as much effort as in the previous entries, which I found a bit disapointing. I would have expected a little more work, but nice entry!

Story: 08/20
Cinematography: 16/20
Post-production: 15/20
Sound:09/20
Production Design: 12/20
Overall 60/100
Judges Summary Review: Good and simple idea, but maybe not for a short with that lenght. Nice entry though.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prom Date - Michael Chiu

Detailed comments on:
Story: I never thought of such idea to set the "with who to go to the prom ball" problem...: Let's eliminate the one that won't go with me! For a first video it was well done! The intention and the ability to improve is there, there's some talent for sure! One thing I really like: he didn't tried to stretch it and make it too long with that story. The fact that it's short makes it more credible/believable.

Cinematography: The shots are simple and the lighting is basic, but the basics are there. There's some shot that are shaky a bit, but nothing to disturb.

Post-Production: The big part of the post-work was the color-to-B&W, the "lighting strike" effect when it changes from color to B&W. The vignetting effect was great to put the focus on the center of the frame. The edit is simple, but well executed, there's some nice transitions. But in my taste, there's some overlay transition that are too long.

Sound: That's the part I'm really not sure: it sounds ok, I couldn't tell anything wrong...it just sounds good! But I'm not an expert!

Production Design: I would have liked a better choice in the props: it looks like "I took what I had on hand" despite the fact that there was more time allowed than usual.

Story: 12/20
Cinematography: 10/20
Post-production: 18/20
Sound:14/20
Production Design: 10/20
Overall 64/100
Judges Summary Review: A nice entry! It shows some talent and some skills that only needs some practice to improve and becomes better. Thanks for entering!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Godfather part II: Revenge - Drapeama

Detailed comments on:
Story: Again, he bet on the ambiance of the film to create a story. We can feel the heat all the long of the video. It's some deja-vu but a well done one! The story is simple and connects well with the previous work he did in the other shorts. I liked the idea of the slow death with the poisonned alcool and the way he shown the flash-back to explain the non-working gun. My biggest criticism is that he's stayed in his comfort zone: I would liked to have seen him doing something different this time. But I must admit that the "film-noir" ambiance has been well rendered in it.


Cinematography: The shots are almost all well executed, some are shaky but I guess it was intended? There's one shot with the slider that looks like a little beginning of an earthquake, maybe the lens was zoomed while operating the slider? I'm glad you used the slider for these shots, the result looks great! The close-up shot of Joseph entering with the blurred city lights in the backgroung is just delicious! The "bokeh" is particular in that sequence. The lighting in the final scene could have been more "contrasty" on the face of Joseph, but it looked good even that way. The global lighting was good, some scenes were grainier, some other darker...but all in all it looked good!

Post-Production: Seems that there's a certain amount of work. The "glow" effect in some scene was nice: especially on the gun in these scenes. I enjoyed the shots with the moon that you added in post, more work but the effect worth it! The back lighting was great in some scenes, the candle and the cast shadows did it well.

Sound: There's a couple of sounds that has been added: some sounds more artificial than others and the dialog doesn't sounds as good as usual, from your previous videos to compare with. It's not as good as usual, but it's not as bad as I've heard on some other videos (not contest videos, but on youtube). There's some sync issues in the sound effects, like when Joseph close the door, the sound doesn't match the visual! And the walk sound: they are totally out of sync with Joseph walking! I seriously thing you could have done a better job on that, as I know the work and attention you put in your shorts usually. The music was good and added to the ambiance, but it doesn't feel as "researched" as usual. Not bad, but not as good as I would have expected from you.

Production Design: The props were good, some nice work in the details: the car in a parkade, the alcool bottle on the table, the picture from the other shorts. It was well done. Nothing exceptional, but well executed.

Story: 16/20
Cinematography: 15/20
Post-production: 16/20
Sound:12/20
Production Design: 16/20
Overall 75/100
Judges Summary Review: All in all, it wasn't bad but I think it could have been better knowing what you're "capable of" ! Nice entry, and I can't wait to see what you'll come up with next time.

Hope everything is ok with my review.

[Playing]

Thanks Charlie. All the judges did a great job giving very detailed reviews.

I enjoyed Prom Date for it's entertainment value. I did not quite understand what happened with the gun that somehow appeared on the table. But the idea, camera angles and ending worked for me. A fun entry.

The Godfather is another entry with amazing attention to details. The only thing I feel was needed is a little extra light in the face to bring life to the eyes. I have always liked black and white movies. Without grain. I don't really see the point of adding grain here as it doesn't add any value. This is just my personal opinion but I'd love to see this short with the perfect quality I am sure the camera produced.
I might of course be wrong and the grain was due to low light.

[paperkut12]

Nice entries everyone; they were all very interesting. Good to see people took advantage of such a good theme.

[drapeama]

Thanks Charlie. All the judges did a great job giving very detailed reviews.

The Godfather is another entry with amazing attention to details. [..] I might of course be wrong and the grain was due to low light.

1) Yep, thanks to the judges, very detailled reviews and constructive as well.
2) Definitively my best work, but the basics were there.
3) Some were because of a lack of lighting so I tried to match them up all together. If I had a little more time, I would have worked a bit more on the lighting but you know: being a one man crew is energy-consuming...so shooting between working hours just drained my energy, and I haven't been able to sleep more than 5hours today, working night schedule...I'll try to do something top notch for the next. This one didn't reached my standards.

[RockDonkey]

Good job everyone who finished a project successfully. I saw them yesterday and thought I'd evaluate them based upon what I remember from them.

The first one is about a guy who plays both parts. Left a cute, surrealistic impression. The biggest moment in that film is when I realized why he keeps changing seats. No idea what the story is about anymore, but the actor has a natural pleasant way to express himself.

The second -the prom thing. It is symbolic and creative. Also feel like the maker uses his genuine way to express himself through his pictures. It ended with a female voice which gave a meaning to everything going on until then. Together with the feel of symbolism that was the highlight.

The third is about "you've made three mistakes" and first I thought the walk into the apartment takes too much time. When I learned that this story is very solid this film really got me excited. Funny thing is towards the end I thought I saw only three mistakes made by the makers. 1. Setup took too long. 2. The candle felt like a conflict. 3. This perfect criminal leaves his fingerprints at the end. Also a logical conflict, but no big screw up.

Fact is I remember the last film best, so that is my favorite. It also has most noir in it, in my opinion. Not that I know exactly what noir is. But this round is a nice one. Every film has its own characteristic "that something" in them.

[dc7ks]

Thanks for all the reviews everyone. Now I'm excited to begin the next contest haha :)

Also about the gun: The gun's presence was supposed to comically signify that my main character was entering the "noir world"

[drapeama]

Thanks for all the reviews everyone. Now I'm excited to begin the next contest haha :)
Glad to hear (read!) that you plan to enter the next contest! Hope to see more entries in the next one though.

[paperkut12]

So Drapes is the winner I presume?

[CorbenT]

'Playing', by Crossfade



Story: 7/20
Cinematography: 8/20
Post-Production: 7/20
Sound: 7/20
Production Design: 7/20

This film showed good use of lighting, but overall did not really stick too well to the theme of noir (some scenes were in colour). However, i did detect a pretty sweet South African accent which is always a plus (good luck against the All Blacks next week :) ). Keep making films and improving your skills, and you will of course get much better.
Overall 36/100

'Prom Date', by Michael Chiu

Story: 16/20
Cinematography: 15/20
Post Production; 14/20
Sound: 15/20
production Design: 14/20

Overall: 74/100

'Prom Date' was an interesting twist on the theme of noir, as it combined tradtional elements of the genre with a new-age humour to it.
Most of us have experienced the agony that comes with school proms/balls/dances (I left the task of choosing a partner too late, and as a result missed out on the opportunity to go).
"Prom Date" also had a strong ending.


'The Godfather Part II: Revenge', by Marc Drapeau

Story: 16/20
Cinematography: 19/20
post production: 18/20
sound: 15/20
production desgn: 17/20

Overall: 85/100

This was my overall favourite film, as it combined a great story, with even better cinematography which stayed true to the noir genre. Excellent acting by both actors. A very professional finish!

[drapeama]

Thanks for your review, a little late, but thanks!
A hard score for playing, but as for the color in the film-noir style, Se7en and Blade Runner are considered neo-noir and tech-noir in the film-noir style: both are color movies. Just saying.

Thanks to everyone that entered and participated, and I hope to see you coming back for the next contest.

[AJUK]

Yep film-noir can be in colour, and also the theme didn't specify a noir genre piece as the only valid entry, so Playing did a piece about darkness and a character dressed in black... That counts :)

[paperkut12]

Also, the more recent movie Brick is considered Noir. I very much enjoyed that movie.

[Timbit]

I take it that means you are depriving us of a contribution from you?
Yep as obvious.. :p

I really enjoyed the entries! Good job everyone and congrats Drapes! :)

[Ivan Fuentes]

Thanks for your review, a little late, but thanks!
The judging is over, then?

I'm sorry, I was really busy the last weeks... I got a lot of work offered, which I usually don't get, so I've been taking advantage of my good luck streak :P.

Too bad... I was looking forward to review the videos, my apologies again!

[Playing]

Now I'm excited to begin the next contest
Hi Michael

A tip, if you are still reading this thread: You can choose a thumbnail for your video at Vimeo. Settings (the gearwheel)/Thumbnails.
You can choose one from the video or upload your own. I think more people will watch if there is an interesting picture to click on.

Hope to see you in the new one.

Kurt

[dc7ks]

Changed the thumbnail. I actually had a good idea for the next one, but probably won't be able to get it done in time since I'm going on vacation won't be back until the end of the contest...sigh...haha

[RockDonkey]

Thumbnail, ha? Didn't know you can do that. Thanks Playing.