Dex's First "Major" Short Film Production

[Dex]

I was a little nervous about posting here because of the ridiculously high standards for the Huddle but here goes nothing. So I knew this semester would be my final project class and I would need to make a short film/documentary/animation etc. for the class. Documentaries and animation just isn't my style so I decided to make a short film. I begin writing the script 6 months ago and finished it a couple months later. I sent a draft to PhillyB for analysis but he blew me off. (dick) Here is quick synopsis below.

 

A career criminal begins rethinking what he wants out of life and decides he wants out of a dangerous criminal organization. However his decision to leave has unforeseen consequences that affect not just him but the people he cares about. It is a drama with 7 'major' speaking parts.

 

The reason I say "major" is because I went all out on my equipment for this. Not just for this film but this is the career I want to pursue and I want to start a portfolio that displays my talents. I held a casting session at my school and ending up with a very solid cast, most of which are from my school's theater department. I went around to local businesses and got permission to film at bars, restaurants and other places. I truly am grateful for the support I've gotten from the community.

 

Now by no means am I a pro yet. I'm still an amateur in regards to the directing and editing department. I've already begun filming and am about halfway through. The expected final running time should be around 20-25 minutes long. Here is the introduction I quickly threw together for class.

 

This is a very RAW clip. The editing, text, color correction, audio etc. are not final so please go easy. There are a couple of rough transitions as well as some rogue frames.

 

I'll continue to post updates as well as information and will be checking back daily for advice and suggestions. I appreciate any help I can get. This is my dream and I fully intend to pursue a career in film. Also I may be getting a summer internship at ESPN in Bristol so cross your fingers for me.

 

 

EDIT!!!!

 

 

 

Here's the post beta. Going to sit down with my professor next week and he's going to help me with the final editing. But he said he was blown away. Please don't post this on social media. Just if you want to watch it give me some notes on what I can do for final editing and also improve on for the future. Thanks.

 

Also I know the audio levels and syncing is a problem which I will be fixing.

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofy4e85S3ag

[Dex]

Little behind the scenes today!

 

 

[CarolinaNCSU]

In no way am I a film person or even artistic in nature...but I'm not understanding the sad music in the intro while a hitman (?) type guy is burying a body. Why would he give a poo? 

[Dex]

In no way am I a film person or even artistic in nature...but I'm not understanding the sad music in the intro while a hitman (?) type guy is burying a body. Why would he give a poo? 

Read the summary in bold.

[CarolinaNCSU]

Read the summary in bold.

 

Well that may have helped me. Solid then, can't wait to see the finished product. Good luck with the potential ESPN gig too. 

[bigskypanthersguy]

I'll give it a gander sometime tomorrow...film's an interest of mine too, though I'm not taking classes for it and it's not probably a career choice unless something amazing happens.  

[The Huddler]

Good luck with your future Dex, and dont stop pursuing what you want man! All the way to the top!!

[MichaelNewtonII]

looks pretty good.

[bLACKpANTHER]

Okay, Im an art director- mainly web and print but i have done a little film direction and will give my 2 cents. This is probably stuff that you cannot go back and change at this point but just take it as me trying to help, not be a d!ck...

 

I thought the opening scenes of the character digging were good, the movement on the camera made it seem like you were a person in the woods watching him. The still shots of the river needed to be at different angles- more dramatic. I would have gotten down right on top of the water like this

[Bronn]

I thought it was good for what it was...

The only thing I'd nitpick was the camera motion at the very beginning... the first and second time you're filming behind him...

The first time wasn't too bad, but the motion was too waveform for my liking... The second sequence was just all over the place for me... Even if you're walking up behind someone, there is some fluidity to the motion... It seemed too forced to me...

[Dex]

I thought it was good for what it was...

The only thing I'd nitpick was the camera motion at the very beginning... the first and second time you're filming behind him...

The first time wasn't too bad, but the motion was too waveform for my liking... The second sequence was just all over the place for me... Even if you're walking up behind someone, there is some fluidity to the motion... It seemed too forced to me...

That is me tripping over every rock and twig known to man in those woods. It wasn't intentional. 

[PhillyB]

didn't mean to blow you off. i actually just came across it in my inbox yesterday and felt bad for never getting back to you, i've been juggling school, grad school application, kid, and a full-time home renovation for the past few months and i've unintentionally let a lot of things slip.

looks like you did fine without me

[8 0 5]

Don't like the actor chosen for the part. Would've gone with a 30 year old guy or a black guy.

Didn't like the font for the intro names. Just my opinion.

And if you ever need anyone to choose the music for you, I'm an aspiring music supervisor. I try to work with people doing independent stuff and I feel like I could put together a great soundtrack for any film.

[Dex]

Don't like the actor chosen for the part. Would've gone with a 30 year old guy or a black guy.

Didn't like the font for the intro names. Just my opinion.

And if you ever need anyone to choose the music for you, I'm an aspiring music supervisor. I try to work with people doing independent stuff and I feel like I could put together a great soundtrack for any film.

He was the best at the audition. I'd hold judgement on him until you see the whole thing. Also as I said above I used my schools theater department so no 30 year old men. Also I though about the lead chracter being black but it just didn't work. I appreciate your profession but if there's at least one thing I do well it's pick an excellent soundtrack. As I said above the font was just for a template. A buddy of mine who is a graphic designer is doing my font as well as other things.