National Film Challenge

So, I figured I better write about the National Film Challenge, even thoug it is one of those contests that seems to be both over and never over at the same time. Currently, 17 films (at least I think it's 17) are on their website and are currently being voted on until Jan. 12th, 2009. VOTE.

My film, Comfort Zone, did not make the top 17, but I am still holding out hope for some kind of recognition, say "best use of prop," but at this stage it is pretty unlikely. Though I was quite please with our end product, the process of making the film was one of my toughest experinces. For the contest, I worked with a Richmond based group, a group I had worked with two times earlier, and we called ourselves Persistent Cough Productions. I had good feelings going into the competition because the group had clicked together very well the year before for NFC 2008, where our submission Cheeks had actually been selected as a top 15 film. See below.



And for NFC 2009, we had an even bigger crew of individuals committed to working in the competition. We even had members of the Plaid Connection commit to helping out. (another Richmond based group who actuall won the Richmond 48 Hour Film Project) They're film for the 48 Hour Project, entitled God Given Talent was amazing and certainly deserved to win.

Anyway, I felt experienced, felt I had a good group, and felt like we had a decent chance to make something special. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, and they never do in these types of competitions. In fact, I think each time I do them they continue to get harder and harder. The main problem we had was that two members decided to assume power roles (ie. director and producer) and then proceeded to treat the project as if it was a hollywood production. Instead of being a group of like minded individuals unified by a shared passion, it was you need to do what I say. It was bad news, and what was worse was they were not present at the home location and were trying to micromanage from a distance. Needless to say, we spent the whole night being awake and disagreeing.

There was mutiny, there was quiting, there was yelling, there was alot of crap, but out of it all we were able to regroup. The plus and curse of a 72 hour competition. had it been any other competition I am sure we would have quit. I ended up writing up a rough script of an idea that I thought could work, and we went with that. The script continued to evolve throughout the process of production, but the film still did not make much sense until around 3pm the day the film was required to be mailed. My buddy Chris put together the music and the self help tape, which I think, really just brought togeher the story, the mood, and the characters.

His music really helped me to set the pacing in the editing. With the editing complete at about 7:30pm, we brought the laptop into the car so that we could burn the dvd while on our way to the Fed Ex place. And yes, you better believed we shipped that dvd off at 7:55, just before the 8:00pm close time of the store. It really feels good to deliver something at the very last second...

After it was all argued and done, I really liked the movie that we made. I think it is even better than a couple of the movies selected in the top 17 (of course not nearly as good as a lot of the others selected). But of course, the judges always have their personal preference, which always seems to have an air of mystery to it. But here is the film in all its Youtube greatness:



Some Trivia!

NFC 2009 was actually my 8th timed competition ( (4) 24 hour, 2 (48 hour), 2 (72 hour)).

The Photo Show Vid

Well, I did succeed in creating a video for my buddy Gordon. I think it turned out rather well for not really having any knowledge of what the event would be like. I discovered pretty quickly that filming pictures hanging on a wall is a lot more difficult than originally thought. The glare of the lights being the most difficult of concerns. I rather enjoy the mixture of video and photography, as well as the movement vs. the all too often still frame. My favorite shot being the close up pan across the horse painting, which really caught the texture of the piece. But here I go trying to throw some deepness into my thrown together video. Anyway, the show was a success for my friend Gordon , and he did indeed sell one picture. So good for him!

First Demo Reel

So, I finally made my first demo reel, as part of an attempt to make myself more marketable. By this summer, I am hoping to relocate and start a videography company in Richmond...but you know, covering Va in general. Granted, the demo reel is a bit long, and only showcases my experimental/creative film making talents; I felt for the first reel I would just have fun with it. I didn't want to get caught up with worrying too much about the professional end, plus I am guessing that I am still a bit light in that respect. Anyways, enjoy this music video (set to the tune of MGMT - Kids) and look for a more professional reel in 2009.



Another first, is for my friend Gordon Stillman who will be having his very first photo show at the Crittenden Studio in Richmond. I am hoping to go check it out, as well as bring my Sony HVR to record this grand event. Just a short little vid to test out my professional credibility, as well as make something for my friend to enjoy...we'll see how it goes. It is good to practice at events like these, with no pressure to make a product for a customer.