'The Search For the Golden Joe: Act One'

[MadSammyboy]

Hey, HV20 peoples... I FINALLY got my first short-film-thing, shot with my HV20, finished. I'd love to share it with you, since I've learned so much from this forum. Here it is:

http://www.vimeo.com/1741269

I'd love some feedback from you guys. I've definitely learned a lot, but the process of making this little film has DEFINITELY shown me how much I STILL have to learn. Please critique this as you see fit. I know there are still framerate issues (deinterlacing, anyone?), and I have much to learn regarding the audio.

Anyhow, don't be kind, don't be brutal, just be honest! And thanks in advance for watching!

[Kevhead]

nice work guys! great acting and timing!!!!! more please!!!!!!!!!!

[MadSammyboy]

Thanks a lot, Kevhead. We really appreciate your compliments and support.

[Kyser]

I think this could be tightened up quite a bit with editing. I would also like to see some more variety in your shots. Maybe lock the camera down on occasion.

That being said... I liked some of the characters and found it amusing.
Your opening title kicks ass! Can you make me one?

You know some of your issues as you mentioned in your opening post. Learn from this one and keep going. There is definitely talent there. Keep at it!

Cheers,

Mike

[MadSammyboy]

Thanks for the input, Kyser! This is what I need more of.

Yeah, the camera work was pretty rough, and I did the best I could, but I definitely learned some lessons about when to break out the ol' tripod and so forth...

I appreciate your comments. As for the opening graphic, it's really easy to do in After Effects, and I'm happy to make one for you, if you like. PM me if you're interested!

[Kyser]

Keep at it! Like I said, you definitely have talent. Can't wait to see what you do next.

I've PM'd you about the opening graphic! Thanks a lot.

Cheers,

Mike

[barrel assassin]

I think I just pooped myself from laughing so much. Writing is definitely a strong point for you. I love when the dad hands the kid a machete and the voice over argument in the dining room. Oh, the 80's style training montage is a terrific touch as well. I can't wait for act two.

[MadSammyboy]

Thanks for your compliments, brother... I really appreciate them. I'm ever-so-glad someone caught our homage to cheesy 80's-style montages, too... I originally was going to record the music in those scenes with a real guitar, but found the 'digital guitar' I ended up using to sound a lot more like the crummy 'stadium-rock' sound from so many of those types of movies.

Anyhow, I'm really excited that you enjoyed it. Act two will be coming soon!

[Mega93]

The opening graphic is created from Andrew Kramer's After Effects tutorial available at Videocopilot.net I think that when you use a tutorial you should atleast try and customize it atleast a little, which you've failed to do. Like, it doesn't have to be those preset-grungy-wall-textures, it might just as well be shiny white metal, or a cloud tunnel.

I thought the movie was ok, though the sound was somewhat annoying.

[MadSammyboy]

Yeah, I definitely have a lot to learn about thee audio side of this stuff. I was actually sort of happy with the way it turned out, because some of the raw audio was pretty rough, but I'm trying to learn as I go.

The one thing I DID do to customize the intro was add the little spin at the end, and change the light color... I didn't want it to look EXACTLY like Kramer's, but eventually I'll make one that's better. I was just learning After Effects when I made that one... at least I did my own music (you can tell 'cause it sucks, ha, ha).

Anyhow, thanks for watching it and commenting!