Filmmaking IS HELL!

[the dead one]

The Ups and Downs of Micro-budget Horror Filmmaking:
Confession of a Dreamer Stuck in filmmaking HELL!

The one thing that we all share is our passion for horror films, that is one of the many common threads we share (Ouch! Pun alert). Another is the ‘Mad Desire’ to make our very own horror film, I say mad because you have to be to a certain extent!!!

It’s a tough fucking hustle that’s for Goddamned sure.

There are so many creative outlets that I wanted to explore as I grew up, I was fortunate enough to land jobs here and there in the commercial art field. But I have always wanted to make a horror film. In 1997 I had met some like-minded individuals who were way fucking into the idea and it was infectious, but it never went anywhere…what a bite in the ass!

Fast forward a few years down the road, I rekindle an old friendship with a very talented fellow artist. One night while sitting around smoking cigarettes and drinking our Asses off, bitching about our station in life, eventually this led to a conversation of filmmaking.

I had brought up the idea of shooting some kind of horror film on the cheap, my friend immediately warmed up to the idea. I figured he had to be as insane as I was, that or drunk.

With the advent of the digital age at hand the time couldn’t be any righter, we agreed that digital video was the cheapest way to get a movie shot. I was inspired by the web sites that were devoted to the new micro-budget horror market. So I shopped around and decided to go with the Mini-DV Format, as it is very PC friendly, plus it was cost effective.

The one great thing was that just about everyone involved in the project had something to bring to the table. I had a guy who worked as a sound engineer, another was involved in the field of constuction. the lighting equipment consisted mainly of stuff we purchased from places like home depot, plus I was going to create the make-up effects.

I began to rent and or purchase as many shot on video horror features, this was homework and hell at the same time. I wanted to scout the competition, after viewing dozens and dozens of video features I began to realize that even though the intentions behind some of these were good ones, there were many that showed very little effort behind them.

But despite working in the parameters of a low budget or not, even the mavericks like Romero and Raimi rose above their own limitations. The way I see it, if you're going make the attempt at shooting your own feature, you should want to give it your 100% absolute best!

York Entertainment and companies like Brain damage films were actually distributing titles that ranged from the completely horrendous to the abysmal. Stuff like ‘Ax-Em, Carnage: the Legend of Quilt face, the Zombie Chronicles and a complete pain parade of flicks. Did it dissuade me? Fuck no!

The majority of what I had seen...Oh, my God! They were mainly border line 'Back Yard' productions at best. Ax-Em actually takes up space on video store shelves? Amazing!


This only fueled my desire even more to shoot a feature, but one thing had to be clear from the beginning. Whatever we were going to shoot, it had to have a good script and be technically sound. I wanted to create a more story and character driven film.

The overall problem I see today with a majority of the micro-budget filmmakers is simply this; so many of them profess their influences of the more popular genre legends like Romero, Carpenter, Hooper, Craven and Raimi.

What they lack is the same effort that guys like Romero or Carpenter had put forth behind the camera. When I see a film, whether it’s Night of the Living Dead, Evil Dead or Halloween, I don’t just watch them, I devour them.

Mesmerized by the graceful camera movements from shot to shot, tight editing and good directing. Being drawn to the technical aspects of these films gives you a real perspective on the mechanics, along with the headaches and problems that come with filmmaking. You really DO suffer for your art!

We spent many nights and weekends doing test shoots and casting, I was staying up all hours every other night working on the script. Unfortunately, after several disagreements, script re-writes, creative differences and fall-outs the project never got off the ground. The whole thing died on the fucking vine, thank God for alcohol!

Once more I had taken up residence in Filmmaking Hell, with no crew or cast. You have to learn to separate out, In other words, don’t confuse or mix business with friendship. Another lesson is that keep your project within the logistics of your budgets…whatever they may be.

You can’t shoot a western without horses, if you take my meaning!

When I look back at those days and nights, I am actually glad that the film didn’t get made, I wasn’t esthetically ready as I thought I was. You really can learn from your mistakes.

Today I am in the early stages of a new script, the idea may have faded temporarily, but it never really died. My intention here today is to get everybody to share in their dreams of making that great horror film, we all dream.

So if you’re going to dream…Dream BIG!

So come on lets cry in our beers together, why drink alone?

Lets talk people!

[zombievictim]

I finished my script about a week ago and next weekend me and the cast go shopping for their outfits. I only have a few hundred dollars for a budget but I don't care. I only need money for clothes, props and blood.

The story is pretty simple a group of people get trapped in a basement and one by one they are taken into the "workshop" and killed in gruesome ways.

I wanted to have it set in a place where I could really bloody the place up and have it available at all times. I'll let others know about the movie as we start filming.

[XCoRyX]

me and my partner/friend finished our layout for upcoming short this past wednesday. We have the cast locked in and the story too,its just a matter of locking in 2 events taking place in the film (shooting scene at a show when my friends band plays around here again and doing backstage scene, as well as a party scene so we're waiting on next party announcement from the friends house whom we're shooting at).

Other then that,everythings going slick and ready to go...should be filiming VERY shortly.

[the dead one]

Congratulations to the both of you guys, sounds to me like you pretty much got your shit together. I do have a few questions, the 1st is for Zombie. Your plot sounds like some pretty straightforward genre familiar stuff, which is cool. I'm not quite clear what the main antagonist and or 'thing' is that's doing the killing, you got me curious.

As far as the availability of your location, take full advantage of the location. Especially if it is a NOTLD type situation, the farmhouse location that Romero and his crew shot on was a condemned house, so they could do what ever they wanted to the place. It was bulldozed shortly after the production, I believe it's a turf farm now.

Good luck, on obtaining a location to go crazy in!

Hey, XcoRyX!

I remember your wanting to get involved with making a film, from our prior e-mail talk a year ago. Sounds like you got this one locked in to me, so can you give us a little insight about the plot?

One last question, what format are you guys shooting in Film or Digital Video?

I want to hear up dates on your projects, when you have the time. I think it's great that the film bug has gotten under your skin too!

Thanks for sharing...Guerilla Filmmaking kicks ass!

[XCoRyX]

Well back then when we emailed I was working on another short that to this day is STILL incomplete....I have 3 scenes done and casting is such a bitch. After i'm done this idea now I will try and go back and finish it somehow or incorporate it into some other movie I plan on doing. It has cameos from some fellow filmmakers and a florida TV show host of some horror-theme college access-esque show. Really would like to finish it,and plan on sometime down the line. But now that I have a partner to collaborate and do stuff with i'll do this new idea first.

[Kanadian_kev]

Making the film is usually hell, but once you get through it, it is so rewarding! I've made a few shorts, and each one gets better and better. They also get harder and harder to shoot, because I always try to 'top' the previous one.

The last one took place outside in the coldest day of the winter, and every single thing went wrong. The car broke down, the camera ate a Mini-Dv tape, nobody could feel their feet, the camera stopped working. In the end, I got the tape fixed at some shop and was ready to start editing. The final movie was nothing like I had planned, it was impossible to get certain shots so we skipped them. As long as you have shot stuff, you can always make it into something through editing, Roger Corman used to say that. Anyways, my little movie got into the local festival, didn't win anyting, but it was pretty good for only two nights of filming in extreme weather conditions.

My next one's gonna be half an hour long, and hopefully it will go alot more smoothly. There are no special effects and only two small exterior shots (winter is upon us). I've found it helpful to record myself reading the dialogue in the script, then playing it back and trying visualize whether it achieves what it's supposed to. With the right actors and locations, I have no doubt that this should win me SOMETHING!

[XCoRyX]

yeah. Always good to try and top a previous effort, if not then you'll never advance and thats something you should always desire.

i'm currently hoping we can get things done quickly in time to get this short into TromaDance.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
Making the film is usually hell, but once you get through it, it is so rewarding! I've made a few shorts, and each one gets better and better. They also get harder and harder to shoot, because I always try to 'top' the previous one.

The last one took place outside in the coldest day of the winter, and every single thing went wrong. The car broke down, the camera ate a Mini-Dv tape, nobody could feel their feet, the camera stopped working. In the end, I got the tape fixed at some shop and was ready to start editing. The final movie was nothing like I had planned, it was impossible to get certain shots so we skipped them. As long as you have shot stuff, you can always make it into something through editing, Roger Corman used to say that. Anyways, my little movie got into the local festival, didn't win anyting, but it was pretty good for only two nights of filming in extreme weather conditions.

My next one's gonna be half an hour long, and hopefully it will go alot more smoothly. There are no special effects and only two small exterior shots (winter is upon us). I've found it helpful to record myself reading the dialogue in the script, then playing it back and trying visualize whether it achieves what it's supposed to. With the right actors and locations, I have no doubt that this should win me SOMETHING!

Kev,

First off, thanks for posting on this thread. I have no doubt that sharing our experiences and thoughts on filmmaking could be very beneficial. Setting out to make a film, regardless of the format can be a pretty daunting task, but I agree with you 250% that in the end it is worth the effort.

I like your idea on visualization in regards to recording the dialogue, I have read somewhere its best to read the script aloud back to yourself, to see if it feels and sounds right.

One thing that I am is very critical of my own work, if something doesn’t seem or feel right in the script I re-work it. Making the necessary changes to enhance or improve your script, refining and polishing it. Just the same, you sound pretty confident in your filmmaking so I wish you all the best man!

One word of concern though, in future I would not recommend trying to shoot a movie in extreme cold or heat, mainly because the Mini-DV Digital Cameras are pretty sensitive to varying temperature. Plus it could cause irreparable damage to the camera, trust me on this bro. Check out the manual for things of this nature, there is a chapter on the do’s and don’ts with your camera.

I am currently shooting with a Cannon ZR-20 Mini-DV camera; let me share a tale of horror with you. A few years back when in I was trying to get my first feature off the ground, (still trying of course) I had trusted my then friend and sound guy with the camera.

What a colossal error in judgment on my part, in short when he returned the camera, it was damaged because he had left the camera near a magnetic field (BIG speakers) hence it had to be repaired. Word to the wise, that is another lesson learned through one of filmmaking’s various ups and downs.

Film is an art form, I have always believed very strongly in that ideology. Because it is a visual medium first and foremost, telling a story through a series of images. Film can entertain, but at the same time it can enlighten and enrich its audiences.

When a filmmaker or any artist for that matter chooses to speak his or her mind by tackling topical subject matter. It is the risk of exposure, being unafraid to speak out on social, political and religious subject matter. Most personal is most universal.

One of the most exciting things about the history of the horror genre is how certain filmmakers were willing to take risks. George Romero is the quintessential maverick of this business, standing along sides of filmmakers like Roger Cormen; ‘Night of the Living Dead’ is a true landmark in every sense of the word, because the film itself was unlike its contemporaries of that time period.

This was clearly more then just another horror film; there was so much going on in NOTLD. The undercurrent of the cold war paranoia, gun control and political unrest to the breakdown of society is what really struck a cord with its audiences.

That is the beauty of what a film can be, the real tragedy today is that the current direction of the ‘Horror Film’ in the hands of the major studios are completely devoid of any real substance. Hopefully that will change with the young up and coming independent filmmakers of today.

A majority of guerilla filmmakers really raised the bar and made the difference back then, Wes Cravens ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ was another example of touching upon the duality of man and civilization as a whole, on one hand you have the typical all American family (they represent Civilization) and on the other we have a family of savage cannibals (uncivilized and brutal).

When you peel away the layers there really isn’t that much of a difference between the two factions. Which made for a pretty unsettling revelation, you just don’t see stuff like that anymore in horror films.

Don’t get me wrong; I do enjoy the mindless fun of ‘B-Films and ‘Popcorn Flicks’ as much as the next guy or gal. There is nothing wrong with seeing films that are pure good time entertainment, like Jurassic Park or the Fast and the Furious it’s all a good time.

But every once in a while you should have the clarity to ‘Break Out’ of the cage, so to speak. Horror can invoke our fear of death, sickness or disease. The supernatural aspects of some horror films also brings about issues of spirituality and religion, making us question our own reality and place in the universe.

Horror should get under the skin of its audience, never unwavering in its goal to challenge our beliefs and inner fears that shake us to our very core.

I am in the early stages of a screenplay that involves Vampirism, a subject that has always fascinated me. Now as much as I would love to, I can’t give away the details involved with the script. Bottom line, I couldn’t be happier with what I have come up with.

Again, I want to thank everyone here who has taken the time to share your feelings and experiences in the world of filmmaking!

Keep this topic alive…peace~

[spacemonkey]

I agree it isnt easy, specially when you have a cast of many characters like in my movie!

But as I wrote the screenplay I thought of a smart way to shoot the film! Since it is sometimes hard to get everyone together to shoot a film, I deviced a way to get everyone separated at an early point in the film, this way when we have to shoot a certain scene we dont need every fucking body there, we just shoot what we can with who is available.

Still, it aint easy, specially when everyone is giving ideas all the time "lets shoot it like this" or "lets shoot it like that" or "how about if I say this" or "wouldnt it be funny if we did that" sometimes it really gets on my nerves since Im the director. But a film is something that a lot of people contribute on and it isnt easy.

AS the director, I just listen and if it works for the movie, Ill be like Fine lets do it!

Anyhows, since I mostly film after I get home from work sometimes you dont even feel like doing it, cause youd rather relax. But once everyone gets into place, they dress up like the characters and you start imagining the scenes...well, your adrenaline starts pumping and you get excited about doin it.

So, its been fun and a bit of a sacrafice (going to sleep late and all that) but its been a cool experience so far...I really hope that we can finish it by the 29th of oct! Thats when our party is going to be!

And we still have to edit the thing! That part has me nervous, but we got the program and well be doing it soon!

Anyhows, I agree, dead one it aint easy...but its fun at the same time. It kind of reminds me of Leif Jonkers Darkness.

Im having a hell of a time getting the night sequences lit the right way so they show up on film. But its working out! We bought these huge light bulbs and they are working just fine. Most of the time my brother just stands behind me and holds the light close to the scene, its really working believe it or not!

[the dead one]

Originally posted by spacemonkey
I agree it isnt easy, specially when you have a cast of many characters like in my movie!

But as I wrote the screenplay I thought of a smart way to shoot the film! Since it is sometimes hard to get everyone together to shoot a film, I deviced a way to get everyone separated at an early point in the film, this way when we have to shoot a certain scene we dont need every fucking body there, we just shoot what we can with who is available.

Still, it aint easy, specially when everyone is giving ideas all the time "lets shoot it like this" or "lets shoot it like that" or "how about if I say this" or "wouldnt it be funny if we did that" sometimes it really gets on my nerves since Im the director. But a film is something that a lot of people contribute on and it isnt easy.

AS the director, I just listen and if it works for the movie, Ill be like Fine lets do it!

Anyhows, since I mostly film after I get home from work sometimes you dont even feel like doing it, cause youd rather relax. But once everyone gets into place, they dress up like the characters and you start imagining the scenes...well, your adrenaline starts pumping and you get excited about doin it.

So, its been fun and a bit of a sacrafice (going to sleep late and all that) but its been a cool experience so far...I really hope that we can finish it by the 29th of oct! Thats when our party is going to be!

And we still have to edit the thing! That part has me nervous, but we got the program and well be doing it soon!

Anyhows, I agree, dead one it aint easy...but its fun at the same time. It kind of reminds me of Leif Jonkers Darkness.

Im having a hell of a time getting the night sequences lit the right way so they show up on film. But its working out! We bought these huge light bulbs and they are working just fine. Most of the time my brother just stands behind me and holds the light close to the scene, its really working believe it or not!



Hey Spacemonkey!

This is really exciting to see that you’re also working on a project, doing your own thing can be pretty satisfying. Being the writer and director puts you in the drivers seat, there’s nothing like having the creative control and freedom of your own production!

Being the Romero aficionado that I am (like you didn’t know) George is known for his being open to ideas and suggestions from his cast and crew.

Which is a theory I happen to agree with, It is important to open up to your collaborators when working on the set, however I agree with you a million percent when it comes to some of your crew getting a bit out of hand with "lets shoot it like this" or "lets shoot it like that" or "how about if I say this" or "wouldn’t it be funny if we did that"!

Oh my god! Is it me or do we have more and more in common bro? When I was working on my 1st aborted film, there was this old friend of mine, I won’t mention his name because that wouldn’t be professional (But I am damned tempted!) who constantly drove me crazy saying shit like “this will make a great out-take”.

Half the time I wanted to ram his head into a wall, don’t get me wrong he meant well and all that. But he did get on my nerves, when we were casting he wanted HIS girlfriend / fiancé to be in the production. Which didn’t go over with me, or his other friends who were also involved in the production.

A bitter irony: This guy was involved in the art field but...
he would complain when we would play with lighting and color temperature, bitching about the ‘Blue’ lighting…Yep, filmmaking sure has its interesting moments!

Made me kinda' wonder what the HELL did this guy learn in art school anyway??? Yikes!

One night when I was sitting at home watching test footage and cast rehearsals, I had the lead and my friend sitting side by sides in chairs acting out a driving scene. The lead character ‘Dan’ is getting flack from the obnoxious friend ‘Todd’, claiming, “He needs to get laid”.

Re-watching the footage I realized how it just wasn’t working, because when you see the guy playing ‘Todd’ beside my lead playing ‘Dan’ delivering the line it wasn’t believable. Trust me, the lead looks like he is more then capable of getting women…not the guy playing ‘Todd’ even though he does have his fiancé! There is no way in hell an audience would buy it and neither would I.

So, it was one of those tough decisions every filmmaker has to come to terms with. That’s why it’s important to separate out business from friendship, even though it is never an easy thing to do, but you have to be a professional about it. But my friend and me parted ways; unfortunately it wasn’t as amicable a split as it should have been.

The upside is still having this footage of take after take, watching my old friend as the character ‘Todd’ who is getting slapped in the kisser for making sexual overtures to a female extra in the ‘party scene’. He turns to the camera yelling “you’re doing this on purpose “ at me while I am behind the camera. Looking back at the footage today…he was right! Aint I a stinker! LOL!

I also understand how tough it is to get motivated, especially when you’re holding down a job busting your ass, while trying like all hell to keep your production moving forward.

Then again it is great to find something to get you psyched, it might help to throw on a horror film before the cast and crew arrive, just to get the blood pumping (no pun intended). It might make for a great motivational tool, if you know what I mean.

Sounds to me like you got all your ducks in a row, the lighting that you’re working with sounds like flood or spotlight fixtures, which can get the job done.

Finding the right placement of lighting is crucial to each scene, using make shift reflective boards can be pretty effective too. If the camera has the capability of switching color to black and white, it can help you with finding the right light sources in a shot. It works for me.

What software program are you using for film editing? I work with premier mainly, but would kill to get my hands on a avid! Heh, heh! You got to let me know when you have a work-print or a completed one.

You are right Space, filmmaking can be tough, but its fun at the same time. It’s a rush like no other when you’re getting shots off, being with like-minded people having a blast making a movie…there is noting like it!

Leif Jonker’s ‘Darkness’ seems to have had an effect on the both of us; Space it has always been my pleasure to turn you on to a guerilla film like ‘Darkness’. I am glad I did and hope that it has inspired you in some ways man.

I feel getting involved in filmmaking is worth the risk; we have nothing else to lose. Keep me posted man! Hoping you make your deadline date of October 29th!

You’ve always been good company on the board’s spacemonkey, the very best!

A good fn soul…

Stay cool and keep shooting!

The Dead One~

[spacemonkey]

LOL! The problem with your friend...I have a similar problem with a friend of mine, hes a good guy and has good intentions and he is my prop guy and he comes up with some cool things to get the visual gags we have to do, but man the guy is such a fucking drag!

A lot has to do with his personality wich I understand. Sometimes he will over complicate things, even though a scene could be shot in a lot quicker and simpler manner, but I guess its cool to have him on board inspite of his constant discussing and over compliacting things.

But overall we are having a blast! Im using a sony DV camera. Its working out great cause the camera it self has some really great effects like slow mo (wich we used on the scenes in wich the corrupt officers are smoking weed on their car) black and white and so forth. We even used the black and white to shoot a sequence that was a flashback of the "Ice Scream Killer" making his ice cream with human eyes and fingers and ears. It was a cool scene to shoot, we lit it with some candles that the character lit on the scene to make it spookier looking and it worked like a charm.

We also shot a sequence of a news reporter talking about the murders on tv. We shot it against a wall and prepared everything to look like a newsroom! I loved how it turned out, to give it a funny touch, my friend who played the reporter put on a funny as hell costume with wig and everything, so he looks like a skinny version of Will Ferrel on Anchorman, I told him that to finish the scene he should throw his pen at the camera just like in the Saturday Night Live sketches and he did and it was so fucking funny!

Today we are supposed to shoot some scenes involving the beginning of the movie (we are shooting out of sequence) where the band is playing their songs and they decide to send one of them (the first victim) to buy some beers. Ill let you know how it turns out!

Hey I agree about Jonkers Darkness, in all honesty that film really really inspires me like crazy and I thank you a whole lot for sending me that copy of it! I love it! In fact I remember that on my review for it I wrote something like "watching this type of film makes me want to get up from my ass and make my own movie!" wich I have! So thats a cool thing! Thanx again dude.

Ill try and post some pics of my friends and me shooting the flick if I can get my friends to lend me a camara. Ill keep you posted!

[the dead one]

Originally posted by spacemonkey
LOL! The problem with your friend...I have a similar problem with a friend of mine, hes a good guy and has good intentions and he is my prop guy and he comes up with some cool things to get the visual gags we have to do, but man the guy is such a fucking drag!

A lot has to do with his personality wich I understand. Sometimes he will over complicate things, even though a scene could be shot in a lot quicker and simpler manner, but I guess its cool to have him on board inspite of his constant discussing and over compliacting things.

But overall we are having a blast! Im using a sony DV camera. Its great cause the camera it self has some really great effects like slow mo (wich we used on the scenes in wich the corrupt officers are smoking weed on their car) black and white and so forth. We even used the black and white to shoot a sequence that was a flashback of the "Ice Scream Killer" making his ice cream with human eyes and fingers and ears. It was a cool scene to shoot, we lit it with some candles that the character lit on the scene to make it spookier looking and it worked like a charm.

We also shot a sequence of a news reporter talking about the murders on tv. We shot it against a wall and prepared everything to look like a newsroom! I loved how it turned out, to give it a funny touch, my friend who played the reporter put on a funny as hell costume with wig and everything, so he looks like a skinny version of Will Ferrel on Anchorman, I told him that to finish the scene he should throw his pen at the camera just like in the Saturday Night Live sketches and he did and it was so fucking funny!

Today we are supposed to shoot some scenes involving the beginning of the movie (we are shooting out of sequence) where the band is playing their songs and they decide to send one of them (the first victim) to buy some beers. Ill let you know how it turns out!

Hey I agree about Jonkers Darkness, in all honesty that film really really inspires me like crazy and I thank you a whole lot for sending me that copy of it! I love it! In fact I remember that on my review for it I wrote something like "watching this type of film makes me want to get up from my ass and make my own movie!" wich I have! So thats a cool thing! Thanx again dude.

Ill try and post some pics of my friends and me shooting the flick if I can get my friends to lend me a camara. Ill keep you posted!


What’s up Space?

Regarding the whole 'Darkness' thing. You and me may not have grown up with each other like child hood buddys and all that shit, but that doesn't mean theres anything wrong with helping out another human being, and if I some how inadvertently inspired you by passing the flick along, then to me, it was damn well worth it all-IMHO. Hey, that’s just the way I operate. Anytime I can be of help, I got your back dude!

It does sound like your having a kick-ass time working on the film, and the comments In regards to your own problematic friend was hysterical. And here I thought I was alone on that topic.

The ‘News Reporter’ scene sounds killer; the reference to your buddy in the bad wig and the “Anchor Man” bit had me cracking up! This reminds me about how John Landis once described Chilly ‘Billy’ Cardille in ‘Night of the Living Dead’, referring to him as the ‘Bad News’ guy!!!

However, before I go any further, there is one small item about the title…I do dig the shit out of it, “The Ice Scream Killer" and the whole making his ice cream with human eyes and fingers and ears, great stuff…but, have you ever seen the B-Horror flick ‘Ice Cream Man’ with Clint Howard? Now, I am not trying to rain on your parade and all dude, but unless this is a tribute your shooting…oh shit!

There are stunning similarities in what you’ve described, you see, Clint Howard plays this deranged Ice Cream Man named Gregory who is praying on the local kids. He was in a 'Mental Hospital' due to a childhood trama.

The opening is done in ‘flashback’ where we witnesses the local Ice Cream Man being shot on the job, in his truck in front of the children! Poor little Gregory as a kid is left sitting on the curb with tears in his eyes. His mother rushes to his side, as he asks “Who will bring the Ice Cream now?” Does this sound like a sick flick? You bet your ass!

There are references to the old story about the ‘Pied Piper’ as well. Anyway, this film also utilizes numerous flash backs to move the story along. There is one scene where 2 police officers (played by of all people, Jan-Michael Vincent and Lee Majors the 2nd!) approach the Ice Cream Man and begin questioning him while he proceeds to serve one Lee Majors the 2nd an Ice Cream cone with an ‘Eye Ball’ in it.

They show Gregory mixing this sickening confection of the Eye Ball and Ice Cream! But, they didn’t use candles in the shot like you did. Just trying to give you the heads up on this.

Here is the video box art:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/630397872X.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg


Man, I feel like a total DICK now! :(

Just the same I wouldn’t let this deter me in any way, as I don’t know all the specifics involved in your script. Damn it! Why have I been cursed with this obsessive knowledge of Horror films? Fuck it dude, KEEP on doing what YOU are doing! Stay in touch and I am really looking forward to your continued progress, right HERE on this thread! Post those pictures if and when you can, best of luck with the rest of the shoot in the days ahead! :D



Most of all...Keep Shooting!

[spacemonkey]

Holy schnikees! I remember that flick, I remember the cover, but I have never seen it! I swear I didnt have this movie in mind as we came up with our movie. Its fucked up how similar they are!

Thanks for the heads up on this one, its crazy, I have seen the cover many times at the video store, I know Clint Howard is in it, and I remember the ice cream with the eye ball image...but for some reason it never came to mind when we came up with our script.

Though I knew that our movies premise and idea was not totally original (it is a slasher after all) I didnt expect similarities to other films to be this close!

And theres a scene with two cops? And an eye ball ice cream? And flashbacks to the killer? Goddamn, this is fucked up! But dont feel bad for pointing this out, actually it shows that our idea wasnt really all that bad if some one actually spent millions of dollars in making a feature film out of an idea similar to ours.

[zombievictim]

Well its been a week and I'm happy to say that a new face has been added to my cast of all males. I actually got a female who can act and isn't bad to look at! Oh yes and she's doing it for free (which was easy because she was a friend). So my cast is NOW complete.

I was able to get my hands on some pretty cool fake limbs. I got a severed arm and severed leg. I was also able to get a few prop weapons; a hatchet, an axe, butcher knife, and a meat cleaver. My fake blood is already mixed and ready to go. I have three jugs full of it.

Filming was supposed to start the 7th but that didn't happen because of the set. The "workshop" set and the basement set were not finished. I am happy to say that they have just been finished.

Filming will start Octobor 21st and I can't wait. As the writer/director this is a very exciting experience for me. I'll post some "behind the scenes" pics soon after we start filming.

[the dead one]

Good to see that your production is moving forward ‘Zombie’, congratulations!

Now that you’ve got your casting out of the way, all that remains is for the shooting to commence. A few tips I’d like to depart about the usage of ‘Fake’ limbs; when working with a meager budget it isn’t easy. But at the same time the chance to create organic effects can be an exciting prospect, still the risk of the FX that you use can come off poor or down right cheesy.

So one way to compensate for low tech FX, is primarily in the film and editing stages, my advice is to study some of the better ‘Low budget’ features. Don Coscarelli said it best;” even on a low budget film, if you’re working with organic effects all it really takes is good choreography, good acting, along with good editing .”


I have come to notice that in low budget horror, if you allow the shot to linger on a fake limb or what have you: it is too obvious, which adds up to poor execution.

Look at what Raimi accomplished on ‘Evil Dead’, they weren’t the most ‘High Tech’ effects. Still they were simple but effective…which goes back to the Don Coscarelli theory.

Just a few tips to help with your production, you still haven’t told us what format you are shooting in...is it film or video? Now that you have the "workshop" set and the basement finished it will be a matter of time when you commence shooting your blood-drenched opus!!!

Look forward to further updates, all the best to a 'Blood-Drenched' horror fest.:D

I think its really FN great that so many people here are out shooting thier own 'Horror Film' having a kick ass time and having a alot of fun doing it!

You guys ARE the BEST!:D :cool:

[adamjohnson]

Man, this all makes me wish i had friends to shoot stuff with.

But alas.....

[Kanadian_kev]

I'm trying to stay away from casting my friends (they'd be better working as my crew), so I've started asking people in the theatre department at my University. I've casted my lead actor for my next film, The Wandering Eye. I've got like 30,000$ worth of equipment booked (through the University too) for one week in February, will be shooting on DVC. Hopefully it goes more smoothly than my last one. One of my main problems I have is music, I always end up stealing music, making my stuff impossible to show at any 'real' festivals outside the little local one. So last night I rented a synthesizer, and so far I'm pretty happy! What do you guys do for sound in your movies?

[spacemonkey]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
So last night I rented a synthesizer, and so far I'm pretty happy! What do you guys do for sound in your movies?

Luckily, the punk band that appears in my movie will help me out with the music for the movie. One of them knows a lot about synthesizers so he will be doing the music for most of the film. But I will also use some popular songs for the flick. Were using a song from Blondie "Heart of Glass" for a scene in wich a transvestite gets butchered (pure gold on film!) were also using Beastie Boys "sabotage" for a scene in wich these two dirty cops are getting off their car and running...but most of the flick will be with original music.

Ill be using Macintosh's "IMovie" to edit my flick. Hopefully, everything will work out. I was reading up on how the program works on the net and it looks really user friendly and easy to use. This will certainly be a learning experience for me since its the first time that Ill be using the program. This is the reason why Im leaving two whole weeks for the editing process.

Ill be shooting stuff today with the WHOLE cast present. It should be exciting, Ill keep you guys posted on what happens today.

[the dead one]

1st off, keep at it Spacemonkey...your on a roll dude!~

Hey Kev. Excellent post!

Your obviously have your priorities very straight, regarding your approach to filmmaking. Casting is a decision that could make or break your entire production, when I had set out to work on my 1st project I was ecstatic, like a kid, my mind was racing with so many ideas and possibilities. Thanks to my impetuous nature and inexperience, I made so many damned mistakes; one of them was in ‘Casting’ decisions.

Its better to seek out local ‘Theater’ as struggling actors will (in most cases) work on a low budget for free, just to have something under their belts, like an artist building his portfolio. Working with friends can be good and bad, I can say this from experience. Like I have said before one must learn to separate out, because things don’t always pan out.

The most common factor in making a no-budgeter, is that most likely your friends are working for FREE, which does help when you really cant afford to pay them. But there are times when things can go wrong due to a number of reasons, so when you have to say to your best bud ‘We should recast so and so’ or ‘Your not getting the nuances from your lead performer the way you see them in your head’…your in trouble brother, your in trouble!

You can find potential actors in lots of places. Placing ads in the newspaper, or a local entertainment magazine if your city has one. Post flyers up around high schools, college campuses, and/or local theaters. Go to some plays and get in touch with the actors you liked. Don’t be afraid to ask other local filmmakers for recommendations.


I’ll wrap up the subject of casting with this: One thing to keep in mind and this is for all involved here making a film, make sure that if your not paying your actors, keep them fed! Yep, this is a gesture that shows your appreciation. Always have food and drink on the set. Ask beforehand what kinds of snacks and drinks your cast and crew would like to have on the set and do the best you can to accommodate everyone. Take lunch breaks on the longer days. Always have a cooler on set with lots of waters and a few cokes or juices as well…keep them up and happy!


Ok? OK! Now on to the topic of sound in filmmaking....

Wired for sound! Audio is another element that DOES play a crucial role in YOUR film!


A shotgun microphone (mounted on a boom) is more realistic in terms of capturing sound. If you work with a digital video camera with a built in microphone, then invest in an exterior or shotgun mic! Consider the room or area your working within and the acoustics, it will make things easier in the postproduction sound edits department. Another recommended item is getting an ADR, this means additional dialogue recorder.


The term used to describe the process of re-recording actors' dialouge in a controlled environment (i.e. a sound studio) during post-production. During the ADR process, actors are called back to the studio to lip-sync lines recording during principle photography in time with a projection of scenes and/or a rough cut of the film.

The main reason for re-recording lines is to obtain clean sound, however ADR is also sometimes used to subtly adjust an actor's performance in a scene (by having them deliver the same line with slightly different inflection). It can also be used to add new non-sync dialogue to aid the story (i.e. record a line, which is then “delivered” while the actor, has their back to camera

ADR is used extensively on big budget films, since it is almost impossible to get clean sound on a set where several hundred people may be working, but is also extremely valuable for independent film where you don't have full control of the location (and therefore may end up with unwanted background noise in your sound).

Music is another topic that I will cover tomorrow…

hey its late and I’m freaking beat! :p

Keep Shooting Schmoes! :D

[spacemonkey]

Ok so, phew! Last night we shot till 3 in the a.m. and Ill be damned if it wasnt a grueling shoot! Tough, tough, but we did it! All my friends are preatty committed to finishing this, surprisingly, my brother (the dude playing the killer) was kind of tired and was the first one to actually blow a fuse and sort of started doing things half assed. Actually we were all tired, but we had to take advantage of the fact that we were all there that night and we had to shoot as much as we could.

So we shot my death (I had to replace someone who didnt show up) and it was bloody as hell. We had a cool make up appliance placed on my neck. And lots of fake blood. I took a sip of fake blood and spat it out, what a bloody mess! But it looked cool on the movie. Sure to be a shocker!

Then, we the two cops duke it out with the killer and the tied him up (Reservoir Dogs style) and beat him up cut his ear and his toungue out. We used a fake tongue and it looked awesome.

Anyhows, Im about two days away from finishing everything and calling it a wrap! At least as far as principal photography is concerned. Then comes the editing process.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by spacemonkey
Ok so, phew! Last night we shot till 3 in the a.m. and Ill be damned if it wasnt a grueling shoot! Tough, tough, but we did it! All my friends are preatty committed to finishing this, surprisingly, my brother (the dude playing the killer) was kind of tired and was the first one to actually blow a fuse and sort of started doing things half assed. Actually we were all tired, but we had to take advantage of the fact that we were all there that night and we had to shoot as much as we could.

So we shot my death (I had to replace someone who didnt show up) and it was bloody as hell. We had a cool make up appliance placed on my neck. And lots of fake blood. I took a sip of fake blood and spat it out, what a bloody mess! But it looked cool on the movie. Sure to be a shocker!

Then, we the two cops duke it out with the killer and the tied him up (Reservoir Dogs style) and beat him up cut his ear and his toungue out. We used a fake tongue and it looked awesome.

Anyhows, Im about two days away from finishing everything and calling it a wrap! At least as far as principal photography is concerned. Then comes the editing process.


Good evening Space!

You must be pretty jacked being so close to finishing your opus, but shooting till 3AM? Grueling isn’t the word pal, so how many scenes did you have to get through last night? I can ONLY imagine what you had to deal with brother, my condolences. BUT in the end it’s worth it!

The “No Show” situation can be a royal pain in the ass, but you handled it like a pro, took charge and got to “Die in a Horror Movie”. Hey, what were you using for fake blood Kayro Syrup and red dye?

You got me curious on that one, I was just flashing on some of the scenes from ‘Darkness’ and you know as well as I do, how much the freaking blood just flowed rivers…especially the finale!

I can imagine what you must have got on film…gallons of the RED stuff! heh, heh, heh! (Depraved maniacal laughter, wringing my hands.) Now, you gotta’ hook me up with a copy of your flick right?

I think that it’s really cool that you’re having a great time in the process, because your posts are brimming with such enthusiasm. It’s a great feeling to be able to create and learn from the experience, doing your own thing, your way, your vision realized. Good for you bro! Just keep me up to date on the editing process, this thread gives me something to look forward to.

At my end, I am still in the early part of the screenplay, however I have been scouting exterior locations, taking pictures of each one, creating a visual storyboard. This is a method that helps me in terms of visualization, plus it is inspirational to the writing process.

Now, I am not trying to sound like a pretentious dick head but I can’t reveal too much. Protecting my ass so to speak, basically it’s a ‘Vampire’ film, but it doesn’t follow the current trend that is too dammed predominate today.

I have always wanted to do something primal, a naturalistic approach to create a unique vampire movie. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed ‘Blade’ and random others.

But with so many filmmakers taking creative license, twisting and bending the rules, it seems that they have lost sight of what a vampire really is. So, I’ll leave it at that…for now!

Oh, shit...I forgot about covering music to film..Tomorrow I swear.

Well Its late...sooo be cool space and keep going.

Laters~:D

[Tarman]

I had just recently finished up my first feature titled Unfortunate. We basically shot everything on the weekends and put in some long hours. We shot on an XL-1 and then used a Sony for the final pick up shots. Luckily I stumbled upon a couple people with the cameras so they lent them out and It didnt cost me anything to borrow or rent them. We had some real nice kills. Some were cut aways and others were seen in full. 9 people all together. Ranging from Handsaw to the throat to suffocation to pliers to the teeth and some other nice kills. Dont want to spill the beans on the others. Everyone who helped went above and beyond and I couldnt have asked for more.


Were starting to piece it together now. We got about 10 minutes worth thrown together and 3 trailers. Eventually Im going to drop some pics and possibly a trailer here sometime soon. Its looking real dirty and gritty and the trailers have been getting good responses.

[zombievictim]

Before I started shooting I wanted to get a few set up shots and use the shots for a teaser trailer. I've been working my ass off getting everything ready and finally shooting begins as scheduled on October 21st and I can't wait. Oh yes and I will make sure to put up pics ASAP

[Kanadian_kev]

On a side note: This weekend we're filming a different movie. It's a five minute gangster movie-within-a-movie which I didn't write, but will help shoot/light/etc. We're shooting on an Arriflex Sr-1 16 millimeter camera. Has anybody worked with real film stock? It really really forces you to get it right when so much money is at stake, but damn does it look good! I'll probably wind up lugging lights around and taking light readings, not getting too much work with the camera, but I'm still looking forward to it!

While we have the equipment rented out to us, I might shoot a little horror flick on Super 8 stock, since I own a camera but no light meter or lights. I've got one roll just sitting around, and there's been this bus parked in my neighborhood for years which I'd like to shoot in, so it has to be really really short. Here's the plan:

The last passenger on a bus has fallen asleep. Suddenly the bus jerks to a stop, waking him up. The driver (we only see his arm) points to him and shouts: "This is you." Super 8 is silent film, so dialogue will be recorded later a la ghetto ADR. The passenger wipes the window to see, but doesn't recognize the street. He asks the driver: "What bus am I on?" The driver answers: "88" The passenger says: "88? I could have sworn I got on a 62" The driver says: "Sorry, but this is the last stop of the night."

So the passenger gets off the bus into this strange new world. He remembers something crumpled up in his hand and opens it up. It's a bus transfer, one for a 62...

[spacemonkey]

Hey Dead,

Yeah, that night was really tough. And bloody as hell, after we finished shooting it I had to mop up a lot of the blood and there were stains every fucking where, but I managed to clean everything up ok.

For fake blood were using this blood that they sell over at a party shop thats closed to my house, its called "Bottle of Fake Blood" and its working just fine. Its sticky as heck! But looks really good.

This movie were making is something Im doing with my friends, just for fun. Its nothing professional, but were having a heck of a good time. I show little snippets of the movie to some of my friends and they allways crack up, wich is my main purpoise. Cause I want it to be fun since its a movie were going to be showing at the party.

Anyhows, Im probably going to be shooting some more scenes tonight, Ive got two more things to shoot and Ill be through. Basically we need to shoot the beginning of the movie with the whole band practicing their songs in the house, I left it for last because I need everyone to be there. And the death of the only babe in the whole movie.

Ill see if I can send you a copy, but as for now, Im kinda worried about the editing process, I hope I can manage to edit it by my deadline!

For my next movie, Im going to do something more serious. Something that really cooks. You could say Im just warming up with this one.

By the way, good luck with your new movie project! A new fresh take on vampirism would be much appreciated in this world! Dont forget to keep us posted on your progress we will help each other out.

[the dead one]

Guys I am completely floored by the amount of effort that all of you are putting out on your films in progress. It really is an exciting time!

There are so many things I want to say to each and every one of you; the filmmaking bug is taking off like wild fire here. If I remember correctly Tarman we have touched base back on the review thread for your Kansas homeboy Leif Jonker (Darkness) so I see that you’ve followed in his footsteps, good for you dude! Also the Cannon XL-1 is a great piece of equipment to shoot with, plus it has been widely used by many of today’s guerilla filmmakers. I dig the title of your film ‘Unfortunate’ it sounds very evocative, so keep on keeping on. Look forward to hear up dates from you, take care and good luck with your endeavor.

Zombie victim, you have always been in my cool book and I wish you all the best. So keep busting your ass and make the best horror film possible, I’m sure your going to have a great time working on your project. Cant wait to see those pictures and trailer!

Go for it dude!!! Whoooo!

Kanadian Kev, I see that you’re shooting in 16 mm film stock. That is very impressive and admirable; I have never had the opportunity to shoot in film except for a film study course back in high school. Shooting on film puts you in a situation where you cant afford to waste a minute of footage, that means a lot of rehearsals to get the shots dead on target. With money at stake I can totally understand where you’re coming from, so I would like to help by suggesting this: when J.R. Bookwalter was in pre-production on his feature debut of the ‘Dead Next Door’ he was shooting his opus on super-8 film. To save money on film along with time and effort, he got a VHS camera and did actually test shots as visual storyboards. This technique could be a big help for you as well, so if you can find some one with a video camera this would be the way to go before shooting on film. I hope that this tip was of help to you, so all the best to you too!

Now, for my bro Spacemonkey!

Thanks for the update and info on your blood bath sounds like you had quite a mess on your hands…LOL! Professional or not, I know that you have been probably putting forth your best effort. Regardless, your top drawer so don’t sweat the editing progress as you will discover that it is in this stage of the game where you will have an abundance of control over your film.

I do hope that you can get a copy to me, not trying to be pushy but I consider you’re a good friend as we have so much in common. You know how I love those raw gritty flicks serious or otherwise...

Anyway, keep up the good work, as I know your putting your heart into this baby! Please stay in touch and hope all goes well with the rest of the film. Thanks for your comments on my current effort as I will be posting very soon on my ‘Vampire’ movie, a fresh perspective is needed, indeed!

Keep shooting schmoes…the best is yet to come.

Peace~:) :cool:

[the dead one]

Sound is often the most difficult thing to get right. So you're not alone schmoes. The human eye can detect flaws easily whereas the ears are a different matter. Sound and music as we all know is a very crucial matter, being an element that makes or breaks a film.

However, if you end up with poor sound it can be fixed and this is done with digital sound editing software. With the digital age of filmmaking and music software made available, your best bet is to find the one that suits your needs...as well as affordable budget


Make sure to get the right tools for the job, the first thing is to make sure you get a GOOD and dependable microphone. The ones that come with some cameras are usually not the very best, so you need to hire or borrow a professional one.

Music is and always has been very important to films; imagine a 007 film without the awesome power of a 'John Barry' score. His work is legendary, his powerful booming brass sections and emotion driven symphony orchestrations were a staple to the early 007 epics as well as some of the contemporary Bond films. David Arnold is the man behind the modern Bonds and his work harkens back to the grand days of Mr. Barry!

Can you even imagine films like Halloween, The Fog, Escape From New York or Vampires without John Carpenters own scores?

'Jaws' or 'Star Wars' without John Williams? HELL NO!

I have been a major lover of great film scores since childhood; music is a big part of what made so many films unforgettable. Powerful scores made films like ‘Halloween’ that much more intense. Without the right score it may have not had the same emotional impact, so you can understand the importance of the balance of visuals and music combined.

Try checking out a local band for example or find some one who can donate a synthesizer. There are some web sites that have unlicensed music made available, with the right software you can experiment with slowing down beats, speeding them up to get the right sound to suit your own film.

Just make sure that your not swiping original scores or copyrighted music to avoid the possible legal hassle. I have a CD that is made up of sounds that were created in friend’s studio, (he works as a sound man for bar bands) we played around with various tones and effects and the results were pretty damned cool. Remember, it’s your baby! Try to achieve the right feel and tone that could actually make your movie that much better!

[spacemonkey]

Hey Dead! We shot part of the film yesterday and Im happy to announce that it went soooo well. I was surprised how cool everything flowed yesterday. Everyone cooperated really well (even my hard headed friend!)

We finally got the girls we needed for the movie and they showed up and did their bit, tomorrow we kill them (on the movie). But last night we shot some of the dialogue that was going on in the house party that takes place before the killer gets there.

My brothers punk band played and we filmed it with everyone around them partying and it was awesome! They really are a cool band so that helped matters! So anyhows after they played they did their dialogue about going to buy some beers and then they point to one of my friends to go buy it to the gas station nearby. The dude proceeds to tell them that he would rather not go walking because theres a killer on the loose and then proceeds whole "ice cream killer" backstory. Then they decide to send one of the chicks to go buy it (the first victim). She goes and we see some cool shots from the killers point of view lurking behind her in the trees.

Wow, but Im happy we got the scenes with the band playing cause its kinda hard to get everyone there at the same time! So anyhows, we did and it was a success.

Heres another tidbit of good info: I was missing the cable necesary to transfer the data from the camara to the computer! This had me so worried cause I knew I would have to spend about 80 bucks in buying a cable and we were low on cash, so guess what happens? My fucking next door neighbor starts asking us what were doing and all, and Im like "were making a movie" and then I explained that we needed the cable....so he goes on to tell me that he's got that exact same camara and that he can lend us the cable! So when he shows me it I was so freaking happy!

Anyhows, not only that but we also got ourselfs a good editor. He is a friend of mine called Pablo who is a graphic artists and it just so happens that hes worked with Final Cut (thats the editing program that we are now going to use) and he said hed offer himself to help us with the whole editing process, so that was like two major problems out of the way right there! Whew!

So after those two problems were solved, I felt more optimistic about everything and really gave me that little extra oomph! that I needed. It looks like this project will meet its deadline! Cool!

Today we film another death and then its just a matter of filming a couple of shots that connect certain things together and well be done.

Hey Dead one man, thanx for all the tips and the back up that I need to finish this! Its really appreciated dude!

[Tarman]

Yep we chated awhile back on Leif's Darkness. Thanks the dead one

He had really inspired me way back when I first seen the movie along with some Todd Sheets flicks.

Im gonna try to have some pics posted Sat or Sunday so you guys can take a look at some of the first couple days of shooting

I have a band called Stemm who was generous to send down some music and I got them playing over the trailers. Very nice and it goes together real good.

The farm we shot at was a very bad ass location so you will see the pics and they layout of the land.

Just bought an XL-1 lastnight off ebay for $1600 so I cant wait to get my hands on it sometime next week. I think week by week Im going to start purchasing stuff I need so rather then relying on other people I will have everything I need.

Im starting to put together 2 scripts and one of them is a zombie flick I'd like to shoot sometime next summer.

[spacemonkey]

Hey Tarman, good idea on not relying on anyone else, it can sometimes get a bit frustrating. Me, I have friends who help out and all, but if I had it my way (and I will soon) my perfect working evironment would be me having everything I need to edit/shoot the flick and then just having the cast do their thing.

As it is, since this is my first project, Im learning as I go, but the best way to go is to do things yourself. Call people up who are supposed to be on the shoot that day, get the equipment necesary, the props necesary all those things set up and not wait for the last moment.

Good luck Tar!

[Tarman]

Thanks spacemonkey

You shooting a short or a feature?

Do you guys have a film coalition that meets throughout the week. Thats how I really got everything off the ground. Once a week on Weds everyone meets on the backside of a coffee shop and they have hour classes/meetings. You get a bit of everything. Actors, Directors, AD, Compossers etc . Thats how I landed my cast and crew. I just posted on their website and then had them read for the parts

I met someone locally at the meeting who was making a feature named Blake Fitzpatrick and helped out on set. He flew out Mr. Kaufman and I got to meet him. He was very cool and signed my Toxic Avenger 4 box and gave out some magazines. Damn was he funny as hell. The almighty Tom S was also suppose to have a small acting role but I dont know if he made it out. They have him listed in the credits so I missed out on meeting him.


Here's a short run down on my flick Unfortunate

A homeless guy makes his way through the downtown bottoms and approaches anyone in small #'s whether it be people lost, hookers, business owners, people who live in lofts downtown etc. Anyone who disrespects him gets what they deserve in his eyes which is death. If he doesnt feel their worthy of him killing them then he dumps them off on his family which is just as whacked out as him. Obviousely he's really not homeless because he takes his victims up to the farm they live on because no one can hear them scream and they can do whatever they want to their victims.Based on the two houses being on a dead end and sitting on 150+ acres. Once they get to the farm thats where the cat and mouse games kick in and then we meet Big Dan, Sissy, Brownbag and Richard but he likes it when the ladies call him Dick. He's a little kid who's just as twisted as the rest of the family.The hobo is the mean spirited one and his name is Uncle Eugene.

I think you guys we'll get a kick out of the digs the characters are wearing especially Big Dan and Sissy. I had to step in and play the part of Brownbag and Im damn intimidating. 6'6 260lbs and doesnt say a word.

[zombievictim]

Since filming doesn't begin til the 21st I've been board as hell so I decided why waste time that can be very useful. So I made the opening credits for the movie. There still in progress and I want them to fit with a song that fits really well with my story. The problem is I'm doing most of the stuff myself so I don't have enough people to give credit to so since you guys helped me out with some ideas I was wondering If I could use your names on the credits. I really don't feel like having Tyler Nichols ten times in the opening credits.

[the dead one]

Vampires have always been with us since the dawn of time. The vampire is figure of popular folklore, legend and fiction. Many cultures have their own version of vampires and what they represent; The Vampire has become one of the most enduring figures in horror cinema. The very first vampire movie, Frederich Murnaus' Nosferatu was made in 1922, a black and white silent masterpiece that contains unforgettable images that is still as evocative and haunting today as they were back in ‘22’. Thanks to one Max Schreck, whose almost rat like stature and chilling physical attributes gave life to; Count Graf Orlok.

The film was thick with an atmosphere of dread, the creepy unforgettable imagery of Orlok’s spider like shadow ascending the stairwell wall is engraved in cinema history, the film owed greatly to the literary work of Abraham "Bram" Stoker (1847-1912), Irish writer, best known for his vampire novel Dracula (1897).

http://daily.greencine.com/archives/nosferatu.jpg

The classical vampire was a creature undead, a force of evil that rose nightly from its grave to drink the blood of the living. There were certain drawbacks to the existence of these creatures of the night, if they were exposed to the rays of the sun, they would instantly decompose into a miasma of putrid decay. Vampires have a strong aversion to garlic, they cast no reflection in mirrors or water. Holy water would cause its skin to blister and peel, they feared the sign of the Cross as it represents the purity of gods light and holiness. All those who die from the bite of a vampire, will return as a vampire, unless destroyed first!

The most common method to destroy a vampire is by a wooden stake driven deep into its heart. In certain cultures they would decapitate the head, burying it in a separate from the body. The rules that applied in folklore and film, continued to remain intact for many years. Various actors have brought the vampire to life on the silver screen over the course of many years, which have transcended generations of filmgoers and horror aficionados.

In Universal Pictures ‘Dracula’ (1931) Bela Lugosi brought a subtle eroticism to the role, at the same time a great presence of foreboding menace, which became the template for others to follow.

http://people.uncw.edu/pasulkad/Undead/bela-lugosi-2.gif

In 1957's ' the Return of Dracula' the Count flees Transylvania to begin a new chain of domination in small town America, Carlton California. Which features a tremendous performance by Francis Lederer as Count Dracula who assumes the identity of Bellac Gordal, an artist fleeing communist Hungarian to Southern California to live with his American cousins, who he is meeting for the 1st time. This makes it easy for Dracula to assume his identity; this is a vampire film that relied on mood and atmosphere. Plus it followed the classic vampire film formula. Crosses, Holy Water, Stakes, Sunlight are all STILL classic conventional methods in dealing with a vampire.

This film in some ways can be considered a landmark in its own right, because the idea of the legendary Count Dracula residing in Middle America hadn’t been done, at least not to my knowledge.

Britain's Hammer Films legendary ‘Horror of Dracula’ (1958) cast Christopher Lee in the role of the suave but evil vampire of legend. His performance has made a lasting impression on audiences, bringing him a legion of fans for generations to come. Chris was a charismatic in the role of Dracula, Lee was a dark romantic and fearsome presence. Lee Brings a level of true sophistication to the role as the “king of vampires” and continued the role in the sequels that followed.

http://www.teleport-city.com/gfx/movies/screencaps/horror/horror_of_dracula04.jpg

Before Lee's Dracula hit the big screen, the Spanish and Mexican filmmakers brought about their own take on vampires in 1957’s ‘El Vampiro’, which starred one German Robles as the evil Count De Lavud. It has been documented that Christopher Lee actually modeled his Dracula after Robles Count Lavud. Roble is formidable and canny as the mysterious Count Lavud. The Mexicans utilized mood and atmosphere in their vampire films, which does work and harkens back to the Universal Films of old.

http://www.fantastico.uma.es/2002/ciclos/elvampiro.jpg

In the Philippines, filmmaker Gerardo de Leon tossed his hat into the arena of the undead. With films like The Blood Drinkers (1966) and again with Curse of the Vampires (1971), the vampire lore is very intact here; both films have heavy religious symbolism, with strong emphasis in the power of Christ and faith. The basic rules of vampirism apply in both films, never deviating from the traditional vampire lore. But in the ‘Blood Drinkers’ the vamps got staked with giant crosses as opposed to wooden stakes. De Leon utilized a technique called Sepia tone colors, which were used to heighten the atmosphere along with swirling fog and mist.

http://www.dvddrive-in.com/images/a-d/blooddrinkers2.jpg


Vampires take a giant leap forward into contemporary times and into the progressive 70’s~

http://lastdriveinontheleft.com/Pictures3/cyv7.jpg
Modern day Los Angeles is the stage for bringing the vampire into the next century. Count Yorga: Vampire (1970), played by the great veteran Robert Quarry. He was charming, sophisticated and debonair, and a deadly force to be reckoned with.

Count Yorga was another film that stayed true to the esthetics of vampirism. A sequel was rushed out by AIP based on the success of the 1st Yorga film, so in 1971 ‘The Return of Count Yorga’ followed. The one fact about the Count is that he like so many of his predecessors, has outlived centuries, giving him time to absorb wisdom from some of the most potent minds that have ever lived. Giving Yorga the edge over the minds of mere mortals, vampires haven’t lived this long by being fools.

Quarry would once again play a vampire called Khorda in 1972’s ‘The Deathmaster’; he was a manson-esque like guru, decked out in long robes and long hair to boot. He appears saintly to these lost hippies, which reflects the end of the flower power generation and the beginning of the lost one. The Deathmaster is a b-film, yet it is Robert Quarry who elevated the material into a chilling memorable modern day vampire entry.


Meanwhile, Dan Curtis creator of Dark Shadows (Barnabas Collins TV’s 1st Vampire) Surprised film lovers and critics alike with another modern day Vampire. Enter Karl Kolchak a reporter who uncovers a series of murders that seem to have been committed by a REAL vampire in ‘The Night Stalker (1972) which really put ABC's "Movie of the Week" on the map. It pulled in an unheard of 54 share, (meaning over half the audience in the United States were watching the program, meaning the public still is fascinated with VAMPIRES). Story by Richard Matheson and produced by Dan Curtis, directed by John Llewellyn Moxey.


http://www.houseofhorrors.com/blacula.jpg

With the “Blackploitation” era at the other end of the spectrum, audiences were introduced to the 1st African American modern day bloodsucker. “Blacula” (1972) was born! Produced by Samuel Z. Arkoff ‘s AIP pictures, it became an over-night hit. William Marshall (Who brings a lot of weight with his booming presence and class.) portrays the tragic and tortured soul called Mamuwalde; an African prince in 1780 becomes the victim of Count Dracula. He is cursed with the name ‘Blacula’ and is entombed for 200 years only to awaken to modern day LA.

A sequel followed in 1973 with ‘Scream Blacula, Scream’!


Soon the 80’s were upon us and Vampires were still alive and well, with films like Fright Night, The Lost Boys, Near Dark and Vamp took center stage. But these films had a more humorous sensibility about them, yet these vampire films still kept the basic rules of vampirism in tact for the most part. However, we did discover in Fright Night that having a cross wasn’t enough when facing off against the undead; you have to have faith for it to work. Another traditional point remains, never invite a vampire into your home, it renders you powerless.

Then it happened!

Maybe Bob Dylan was right, “the times they are a changing”.

Taking creative license with the mythos, Ann Rice changes everything with ‘Interview With a Vampire’. Crucifixes have no effect, the stake through the heart were the imaginings of a demented Irish writer. But sunlight is still a factor of vampire Lore, yet there are overtones of homosexuality amongst the vampire community.Somewhere along the line, the Vampire lore was being twisted and rearranged.

Lestat represented the vain and selfish narcissistic side, while Louis although a vampire subsisting on rats and chickens was desperately trying to cling to some semblance of his human dignity. He was a person of conscious, knowing deep within him that sooner or later, the thirst for blood always wins out. Because he is a vampire, doomed to live out a life alone for all eternity. Which is sad because "hey, this guy represents everyone who at one time or another in his or her life, a despondent and lost soul".


Vampires continue to endure with 1995’s ‘The Addiction’ and 1994’s Nadja, both ultra-hip, post-modern vampire tale set in contemporary New York City. The rules of the vampire legend did apply, with subtle changes. It wasn’t long before the next generation of vampire films came about, new slants of vampire nations and other factions at war with each other, as in ‘Underworld’.

Elder vamps just want to co-exist with humans in ‘Blade’ while half bloods consider vampires as the top of the food chain, with the whole of humanity as their food. Once again certain rules still apply, sunlight, garlic and silver stakes can exterminate the undead. With the era of the Goth-age, vampires are cool, hip and leathery and hung out in their own clubs, with blood drenched rave parties. The one-thing vampires seem to have in common with humans in ‘Blade’, their propensity to turn on each other, in a fight for some pointless supremacy. Makes you wonder if there really is any difference between Vampires and us.

John Carpenter’s ‘Vampires’ is another entry that took some creative license, as crosses are pointless, garlic is a joke! However, wooden stakes and crossbows can still get the job done. There seems to be no end to the evolution of the vampire in present day cinema.

http://xibo.com/images/blade.jpg

In 1997, a very under the radar vampire film was making waves within the indie community. Maverick New York Filmmaker Larry Fessenden won the ‘Someone To Watch Award’ with his tale of addiction and self-destruction ‘Habit’. The Vampire was a metaphor for lust, pain and addiction. Finally a vampire film that undermined expectation. A Brilliant take on the vampire mythos under New York’s autumn nights. Habit was a film of reality versus fiction.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1572523557.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

Mainstreamed and revamped, the vampire lore has undergone radical changes, making it seem like a cool romantic, Goth and leathery world of intrigue. It has gotten to the point that contemporary filmmakers in tinsel town have forgotten what a vampire really is, embracing the commercialistic aspect of “being a vampire is COOL!”

I reject this ideology all together. It seems to me being a Vampire wouldn’t be romantic, cool, Goth or leathery. It would be a horrible lonely existence, living like a transient feeding off of society’s lost and forgotten souls. Keeping a low profile, not to bring attention to its own existence. "Taking the vampire back to formula" so to speak, my intention is to create a film grounded in our own reality.

The Premise:

The world is a dangerous place; we face ugly truths everyday, so to deny the possibility of anything can be VERY dangerous. This is a story about friendship, loneliness, the cold bleak isolation of the suburbs...and 'Vampires'.



Coming soon!

[Kanadian_kev]

We're almost finished our 16mm film, tomorrow we do the final scene. I can't decide what we're running into more: problems or good situations.

First of all, there is a serious lack of communication. One of the crewmembers created a shot list, which is of course important on any film. But it's all in his head. This is a huge problem, because nobody knows what he's trying to do. I'm trying to picture it, and I can't, and we shoot it, and then end up painting ourselves into a corner. Learn to draw, films are pictures that move, that's why we call them movies.

Also, some of us have come up with some excellent excellent ideas that have some how wound up scrapped. We're shooting inside a warehouse, and three of us had come up with this great shot of the 'bad' guy and the 'good' guy (who's tied up) on either side of this huge pillar in the foreground. The pillar almost creates a split screen effect. As the bad guy approaches the good guy, we tracked the camera around the pillar. It slowly added more and more space as the bad guy walked, but didn't look like he was really moving because of the tracking. I swear it was a creative shot that definitely should have been used.

Right now everything is shot in what I say is: "Hollywood Style." It's just a medium and a close-up (way too close though, like a TV soap opera) of every action and every body, nothing even as creative as a basic match-cut, and definitely no tracking shots.

I did all the makeup for this film, and that has been one of the successful aspects. Our 'tenderized' good guy tied to a chair looks gruesome. I'm still in training for makeup, but the scars on his face are nice. I used Ben Nye's Nose and Scar Wax to create some nice effects. Apply spirit gum till tacky, oil fingers, smear wax to build up skin, cut into wax with paperclip, paint it to look real, fill with blood. He also has a horrible black eye and bruised cheek bone. The wife (also beaten) has a strangulation effect on her neck, it's all red where a hand would be and her veins are all bulging and purple.

We were in need of a whole bunch of extras, and didn't have anybody besides the crew and main actors. We weren't too sure how to solve it. Then one of our actors went outside and returned with about 10 guys on bicycles. They were all strangers, but they signed wavers, ate donuts, and did a good job filling the screen. Totally saved the scene.

The actors we have are very talented people, that's another major plus. They have gone past the point of being actors and have become essential crewmembers. Everybody seems to be way too focussed on the technical aspect of using film. There is hardly any interacting with the actors other than 'walk here, and say your lines.'

What do you think is more important? Lighting ratios, depth of field (the lense you shoot with) and production value (how expensive it looks), or the actors telling a story in a brilliant and believable way? First and foremost we should be telling a story, not lighting one.

[spacemonkey]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
What do you think is more important? Lighting ratios, depth of field (the lense you shoot with) and production value (how expensive it looks), or the actors telling a story in a brilliant and believable way? First and foremost we should be telling a story, not lighting one.

I think all of those things are important Kev, you need a good story or else you get a movie that people wont identify with, you need a budget, you need the actors giving believable performances....and without a doubt the film has to be lit correctly or else it wont show up on film.

You ever seen The Dead Next Door? That movie was fun and energetic, but in certain scenes it was lit so bad that you couldnt even see the actors or their faces! So yeah, I say special consideration should be taken to lighting your film properly, after all you want your audience to be able to see the film.

[spacemonkey]

Originally posted by Tarman
Thanks spacemonkey

You shooting a short or a feature?


Well my movie is a little film (about 45-50 minutes) that Im shooting with a bunch of my friends so we can invite even more friends to come over and watch it at my place on Oct. the 29th, wich is Spacemonkeys Big Halloween Bash. As youve seen in my previous posts, it hasnt been easy, but its been fun as well.

Hey Tarman, on my previous post I said something about "not relying on everyone else" and Im afraid that didnt come out the way I wanted.

What I meant to say was that you have to "take the bull by the horns" if your the director. You have to make the necesary calls to remind people, call whoever you need to get your shots done. After all, making a movie is something that a lot of people are involved in. Like in a good chess game you have to move the chess pieces so that you make the best play.

[Tarman]

Well I can see my friend never got around to posted the pics so I'll try to have them within the next couple nights but doubtful tonight because of the unrated showing of Land of the Dead

Yeah I knew what you were saying spacemonkey as far as not relying on other people but I was mainly talking about people with cameras and equipment needed because I would rather have it in my hands rather then working around someome else's schedule or going round and round to actually get whats needed. I wrote, directed, and produced so at this stage I think If from hear on out I need anything I'll just buy it.

I couldnt sleep lastnight and I came up with some good ideas for a sequal to Unfortunate so I think the follow up will be Called Unfortunate-Happy Holidays or Tis the Season and all the havoc that goes down will be on Christmas Eve and fall over to Christmas Day. 1 family gets an enexspected visit on the eve of Christmas and their worst nightmare becomes reality.

I stopped in at a place called Hollywood movie and magazines Sat night and talked to the manager and he said he would do whatever he could to help. They have a special section for local artists and rent out the flicks and show them in the shop on the tv so I was pretty excited to hear about that. I think once I get the trailers transfered over to the discs, Im going to take them up there so people who walk in can take it free of charge and maybe I can get some buzz going and get my stuff out there.

the dead one- I think its been a long time since I really seen a vampire movie I really dug so what do you think was the last good vampire flick and do you plan on adding anything new to the scene?

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Tarman
the dead one- I think its been a long time since I really seen a vampire movie I really dug so what do you think was the last good vampire flick and do you plan on adding anything new to the scene?

The Last GOOD 'Vampire' film---"Habit" (1997)
Larry Fessenden wrote, directed and stars as Sam a world-weary alcoholic. Broken up with his girlfriend, his father has recently passed away. One night at a halloween party he finds temporary solace in the arms of Anna, a mysterious woman who may or may not be a vampire, she draws him away from his friends and into a web of addiction and madness under in New York’s autumn nights.

Larry's film "Habit" defies the basic conventions horror, undermining expectation. Ever since I discovered this gem, it has had a major impact on me. Habit was very inspirational as it was unlike any 'Vampire' film I had ever seen in years.

The other question that remains, do I plan on adding anything new to the scene?

Let me start with a quote from the Arrows review for HOTD2:

Quote: The Arrow-

Is it me or am I officially getting sick of Zombie movies? I feel like I’ve been seeing way too many of them now of late. Lets bring back the vampires man.

It’s funny that the Arrow had mentioned getting sick of Zombie Movies, because a few months back I was considering shooting a Zombie Movie. Sure I could have jumped on the bandwagon of shot on video indie Zombie flicks, but for several reasons I decided against this idea.

As an aspiring filmmaker I feel that unless you have something 'New' to infuse into the Zombie lore, it would be pointless for me on a personal level to do a straightforward one at this stage of the game. Because the current landscape is overwhelmed with Zombie knock offs. I have a strong suspicion that the Zombie trend will very soon, eventually cool off, as genre fans will seek version elsewhere seeking something new.

Actually, when I was trying to get my 1st film off the ground, which was about a supernatural evil force. I had already begun work on the synopsis for the Vampire story, planning to shoot it down the road.

Of all the forms of malevolent creatures to grace the silver screen, the vampire is the most fascinating of them all. Growing up on horror as kid, Vampires always scared me the most, mainly be cause the idea of vampires actually existing seemed not only possible but probably true.

My intention is to get back to basics, not to redefine Vampires, but to show that they could possibly exist TODAY. The backdrop is the depressing suburbs, utilizing local locations in an around Levittown Pa. and Parts of Morrisville Pa. there is a depressive quality of life in the burbs. Drugs, murder, you name it.

It is even harder for the dreamer or the misfit to exist in the burbs, lonely outcasts with nothing to look forward to.

I also plan to address the problems of personal responsibility, because you cant ignore a problem and stick your head in the sand. Lets put it this way, if you knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that your next-door neighbor murdered a local resident in your own hometown, it rests on your conscious.

If you turned a blind eye and he or she takes another life, the blood is on your hands as well as the person who commits murder. Each an every one of us has a responsibility to do the right thing...even if the murderer was someone we love and care about a great deal.

I want to reaffirm that Vampires are to be feared, not over romanticized. Vampires arent COOL…they are the undead, who must feed to survive. somewhere along the line a majority of filmmakers have forgotten this.

I will keep you guys posted on my progress.

Keep shooting schmoes and keep your dreams alive!

[DWhots]

The worst things about making your own movie, is the DOWN TIME. The time when everything stops, no money, busy with work (blah, the real world) and anything along those lines. Making the movie is a blast, working out shots, story, lighting all that jazz. I eat it up, but the down time is a killer.
I am about 80% done my first short, more like a practice piece really, called The Backdoor Murders. The story was actually created during a night of drinking, talk of horror films came about, our gangster pic wasn't working out so one of my friends said. "Wouldn't it be funny to do a slasher film where the killer cuts asses and that's how you die." We laughed at the idea, but laughed even more when my other pal, said, "it would be funnier if the killer was a pissed off Rubber Woman." The next day, I thought nothing of the idea, just drunk talk. But when my buddies came by my work and told me what they had done, it was on.
They went to a porn shop, bought the doll and were ready to make the movie. I was told, lets start tonight. No story, no script, no cast, nothing but a drunkin idea. But, me being me, I said sure, be there a ten. For four days straight we 'filmed', had a blast doing it, laughed more than I have laughed in a long time.
The basic story for the short is this.
Bo, our hero is caught by his girlfriend Dedee messing around with the blow up. She freaks and throws the thing out and then takes off. Bo, searches for the doll but it is missing. He talks to Ducky, a long time friend about what has happened. Ducky freaks out when he learns his friend has been sleeping with rubber. All this starts a chain reaction that leads the doll to come alive and kill all those that stand in it's and Bo's way.

Really stupid idea I know, but it's fun as hell. But I am now in the dreaded DOWN TIME, waiting to finish it, but everyone involved is busy with new jobs and the like.
And plans for a new short are starting up, a ghost story about ghosts hunters driven to murder by the ghosts they are hunting.

I hate the down time.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by DWhots
The worst things about making your own movie, is the DOWN TIME. The time when everything stops, no money, busy with work (blah, the real world) and anything along those lines.

Making the movie is a blast, working out shots, story, lighting all that jazz. I eat it up, but the down time is a killer.

I am about 80% done my first short, more like a practice piece really, called The Backdoor Murders. I am now in the dreaded DOWN TIME, waiting to finish it, but everyone involved is busy with new jobs and the like.

plans for a new short are starting up, a ghost story about ghosts hunters driven to murder by the ghosts they are hunting.

I hate the down time.


Hey "D"!

Welcome to the ranks man, your film sounds pretty FN wild to me, but more power to ya’. The Backdoor Murders.... LOL!
At least your working with free flowing ideas and having someone you can share an exchange of ideas is a BIG plus!

Even Romero and his crew use to spend many nights back in 1967 in their old Latent Image offices sitting on the floor, smoking cigarettes, drinking beers kicking around story concepts and ideas...this was the early beginnings that lead to 'Night of the Living Dead'!

So, you’re in good company...hold on tight!

And don’t down any Idea as stupid, especially when they are your own. Originality counts more then you may know, I mean the idea of a Slasher being a real "Bite in the Ass" is funny shit to me.:)

Doing shorts is a good way to start; I am pursuing a feature Length film at the present time. I do have a suggestion about making the best of "Down Time".

When Romero was shooting 'Dawn of the Dead' back in the winter of 77, this presented various problems for the entire cast and crew. They had to suspend production with the Christmas Holiday around the bend. The holiday decorations in the entrie mall would had to have been taken down then put back up, which would have cost them loss of production time on the set. Cant say I blame them.

So since shooting wouldn't resume until January, George the 'workaholic' would spend his down time in a productive fashion by editing the majority of footage he had shot; this kept the production on DOTD moving forward.

If you have the means, then try getting some more editing time in, because in the long run it could pay off for you.


Keep shooting, all the best to you on your future films!

Later~ TDO

[Tarman]

Here are some stills from my movie shoot day 2.

http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us001.jpg
http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us002.jpg
http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us003.jpg
http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us004.jpg

[spacemonkey]

Originally posted by DWhots
The worst things about making your own movie, is the DOWN TIME. The time when everything stops, no money, busy with work (blah, the real world) and anything along those lines. Making the movie is a blast, working out shots, story, lighting all that jazz. I eat it up, but the down time is a killer.
I am about 80% done my first short, more like a practice piece really, called The Backdoor Murders. The story was actually created during a night of drinking, talk of horror films came about, our gangster pic wasn't working out so one of my friends said. "Wouldn't it be funny to do a slasher film where the killer cuts asses and that's how you die." We laughed at the idea, but laughed even more when my other pal, said, "it would be funnier if the killer was a pissed off Rubber Woman." The next day, I thought nothing of the idea, just drunk talk. But when my buddies came by my work and told me what they had done, it was on.
They went to a porn shop, bought the doll and were ready to make the movie. I was told, lets start tonight. No story, no script, no cast, nothing but a drunkin idea. But, me being me, I said sure, be there a ten. For four days straight we 'filmed', had a blast doing it, laughed more than I have laughed in a long time.
The basic story for the short is this.
Bo, our hero is caught by his girlfriend Dedee messing around with the blow up. She freaks and throws the thing out and then takes off. Bo, searches for the doll but it is missing. He talks to Ducky, a long time friend about what has happened. Ducky freaks out when he learns his friend has been sleeping with rubber. All this starts a chain reaction that leads the doll to come alive and kill all those that stand in it's and Bo's way.

Really stupid idea I know, but it's fun as hell. But I am now in the dreaded DOWN TIME, waiting to finish it, but everyone involved is busy with new jobs and the like.
And plans for a new short are starting up, a ghost story about ghosts hunters driven to murder by the ghosts they are hunting.

I hate the down time.

Hey Dwhots, I hear ya about the down time. Its the time when the project sort of falls on a dead zone. Im going through one of those this week. But hopefully the movie will start back up tonight. We shoot the last scenes tonight and I think were going to call it a wrap. Whooo wish me luck.

Its funny cause your movie idea came about the same way that my movie idea came about, just a bunch of friends drinking and coming up with a funny horror related idea. We spent a whole night drinking and saying "wouldnt it be funny if we made a movie in wich.." and we did a little brain storming and wham! We filmed the thing and much like you we are laughing our asses off when we watch the dailies of what we have done.

Wish me luck tonight!

[the dead one]

Update: My (Vampire) film~

Well, last weekend I was out scouting locations taking photographs to create a photo-story board along with drawings. I want to create a strict palette of colors that will reflect the mood and atmosphere of the overall production.

During the script and pre-production stages of the project, I work up drawings and photos and so forth, anything that keeps the ball rolling right into the 1st day of shooting. This is something that I believe will work in my favor, visualizing moments in the story keep things fresh and lively.

My main goal is to create a character and story driven genre film that will undermine all of those facets fans come to expect in with the current direction of vampire films, at the same time remaining faithful to the folklore of vampirism.

Now, like most of you here I have a few abandoned scripts that I’d like to forget about. But, it is important for each and every of us to learn from our mistakes. How else can we move forward, until we realize where we fucked up, right? So, I went back over all of them, in short I could admit my stuff had heart but each story lacked something in them.

Writing a script is a tough process, to develope a story and keep it moving in a direction that reaches a satisfying conclusion. You have to work hard at it and believe in what your doing or things do fall apart. But If you have the determination and the drive, nothing will stop you or get in your way!

My 1st screenplay was a complete disaster, it sucked; the 2nd was like “ok, a little better here, but still misses the bull’s-eye kid”! By the 3rd screenplay I was learning what to do and what not to do. A basic rule is ‘Never write what you cant shoot’, and keep it simple!!!

In my past writings, I would try to infuse my own personal life’s experiences in the stories I had created. But after careful evaluation of the other scripts I found I wasn’t being honest to myself. In other words, when I created the main character, I would always see myself in the role. But I tended to embellish a bit and kept changing things around with the character to the point it was no longer a personal archetype, because that was my main goal. My own sort of '28 Up'.

I didn’t want to create just another exploitation horror film, but a film that reflects my own personal point of view. To show that evil can creep into the everyday, unnoticed. As there are elemental forces all around us, yet we don’t even realize it. Or maybe we don’t want to acknowledge the possibility, the unknown is what we all fear, fear of death, fear of many things in life for whatever reason. Fear is probably the most potent of all emotions, as I think most would attend to agree.

The subject of vampires has always fascinated me, like death incarnate. The two are linked, as vampires seem to represent death itself moving amongst us, evil ever present in the events of the everyday. I think the vast majority of society is or seems to be sleepwalking, unaware of what could be going on around them, in essence ignoring the problem. Making it easier for evil to flourish in our own society. This is one of the various themes which I intend to explore in my film.

Belief is also a powerful human essence, which can bring about opening our selves up to the possibility of other worldly forces as well as spiritual and religious issues. How we handle becoming aware of certain truths is a test of ones own character, and that interests me greatly. I think that that evil comes in many forms and if we don’t take time out to be more aware of this possibility, that’s a pretty scary thing to consider.

Lets put it this way, if you asked the average Joe on the street:

Do you believe in vampires? They'd probably laugh in your face and suggest getting help. I think the better question is:

Can anyone prove that they dont exist?

What IF vampires DO exist? :eek:

Well, enough of my rambling on…Its late and I am outta’ here!

Sleep tight...

I will keep updating throughout the course of my project-

Keep on, keeping on guy’s…peace~:cool:

[Kanadian_kev]

But, it is important for each and every of us to learn from our mistakes. How else can we move forward, until we realize where we fucked up, right?

So true, but it's amazing how many people CAN'T learn from their mistakes. One huge problem is falling in love with your own writing. You've spent so much time and put so much of yourself into the writing that you can't look at it from an objective POV anymore. You really do have to look back at what you wrote with a completely fresh state of mind and seriously ask: Does this work or not?

I think it's the same with editing (the film, that is). It's best if the side of you that directs isn't the side of you that edits and chooses what to add or remove too. Sometimes, because you directed the shot, you just can't bring yourself to say: "This really doesn't fit."

To show that evil can creep into the everyday, unnoticed.

That's a good theme, stick with it! Horror movies are all about picking a real life fear, something that makes us feel vulnerable, and using it. HP Lovecraft said that the greatest fear is that of the unknown, and most horror movies use this. To me, the movie Halloween plays on that fear, but also on a stronger one: Responsibility. We've all had to look after other people's children at some time, and we fear that something might happen while they're under our responsibility. I seriously think this was the single idea that began the legend. Its original title was Babysitter Murders wasn't it?

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
I think it's the same with editing (the film, that is). It's best if the side of you that directs isn't the side of you that edits and chooses what to add or remove too. Sometimes, because you directed the shot, you just can't bring yourself to say: "This really doesn't fit."

That's a good theme, stick with it! Horror movies are all about picking a real life fear, something that makes us feel vulnerable, and using it. HP Lovecraft said that the greatest fear is that of the unknown, and most horror movies use this. To me, the movie Halloween plays on that fear, but also on a stronger one: Responsibility.

We've all had to look after other people's children at some time, and we fear that something might happen while they're under our responsibility. I seriously think this was the single idea that began the legend. Its original title was Babysitter Murders wasn't it?


I believe in shooting as much footage as possible, this gives you leverage prior to the editing stage. The more footage you have to play with in final edit, the better off you’ll be. It has been said that essentially there is two versions of your film: the one you write/direct and the one that you edit, it is the editing stages where the film comes together.

One of the toughest things a director as an editor must face is having to cut or lose a scene, there are many possible things that factor into making those tough choices. A scene of no real significance can slow the pacing, therefore is ax worthy, which makes perfect sense to me.

On the other hand, the hardest thing to do is to lose a scene that you may really love. But the scene might not be all that necessary to the films story, perhaps the length of scene ends up being a problem so its has to go. They call this “Killing your babies” in the editing world.

Some directors have actually shot certain scenes in their films, knowing from the start were probably going to end up on the chopping block or had no real intention of using in the first place. Weird, I know. But interesting just the same.


Generating fear in your target audience is not an easy task, in that is where the challenge lies. John Carpenters ‘Halloween’ is a great example to explore when it comes to raw primal fear. There are various factors that contributed to the films success, having the basic story, the 1st draft was written by Debra Hill as “The Babysitter Murders” as you have pointed out. Carpenter did a second pass and low and behold “Halloween” was born.
It was simplicity itself, classic storytelling and knowing what real fear can be.

Its funny you mentioned the theme of ‘personal responsibility’, which is one of the many themes I am exploring. If we chose to ignore a problem, that doesn’t make it go away as things can only get worse. So we “Like it or not” have to deal with it, there is no other real option and that’s what it comes down to.

[dan draven]

Conflict, its in everyday life and no one can stop it. It can only be explored as long as others are willing to work on it as well. Sometimes the only solution is to just be there untill the time is right and then let what will happen, happen.

[spacemonkey]

Hey deadone, I think your cooking up something special! Your putting a lot of effort into it and Im sure thats going to pay off once the camara starts rolling.

Also, about the editing process and "killing your babies", Im going through something like that right now. I shot as much as I could, even some extra ad libs...

I have a scene that I really dont know how to fit in the film. And its actually the first scene we shot with a news anchor talking about the murderer and going on and on....Im thinking of just using a few key sequences from that scene in a few short flashes through out the film. Kind of like those news reports scenes in Paul Verhovens "Robocop".

But yeah its interesting to see how sometimes, some things just dont work because they stop the flow of the story and you gotta cut em out!

By the way, I finished filming the movie already, thanks to the dedication and hard work of my cast and crew and myself. We wrapped it up last saturday. Tomorrow I'll start editing it with my buddy Pablo. I hope I can finish it for saturdays Halloween party...im kinda nervous here! I hope it gets done.....I feel like a real director all nervous days before his movie opens and hes still editing the thing. :D

click here for a look of my bro as the "Ice Scream Killer" taking a break in between shooting. (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/spacemonkey_fg/icescreamkiller1.jpg)

More cast and crew, thats me with the dark blue shirt with flowers and a goatee in the middle. (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/spacemonkey_fg/directorandcast.jpg)

I love this pic! (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/spacemonkey_fg/CastIceScreamKiller.jpg)

[zombievictim]

Well production has ben pushed back on my horror movie because of "creative" differences with some of the cast members. So I figure mine as well take my time and do this right. SO production might not start for another three or four weeks. In that time I will need a solid re-write of the script taking out some of the characters. I originally had five now its only going to be three.

Anyways, something that I'm also adding, to make it longer and to have more character development, is flashbacks. I'm going to have them reflect on why they are in such a predicament. This also allows me to really give a good motive which probably has been done before or at least not in anything I've seen (or I just can't think of anything thats done it)

Before I forget, my actor who was going to be my Lurid (killer) left because he felt that he didn't want to be a mindless killer. So I decided, since I'm providing the voice for him anyway, that I'm going to be Lurid.

I'm not going to release the film to the general public (meaning my hometown because this won't reach any further than that) till next Halloween. But don't worry I'll be putting up pictures, clips, and very shortly a trailer, for these boards.

Hope your guy's films are going more smoothly than mine :D

Best Regards
Zombievictim

[zombievictim]

EDIT

[zombievictim]

BELOW

Plot: David, Paul, and Steven wake up trapped in a dark, gloomy basement. Shock collars around their necks bind them from reaching each other. From a speaker hanging out of their reach, Lurid speaks to them. Lurid is a serial killer gaining a reputation from the news. One by one they try to figure out why they are there…before they are taken into “The Workshop” where God can’t save you, and the Devil watches in glee.

*Now I know this sounds a little "sawish" but trust me its no where near the same. The only similarities are that people wake up in a dark gloomy setting. Thats it. I hope this plot rundown helps you understand what I'm hoping to achieve.

[Tarman]

Thursday night I picked up the shirts I had made up for cast and crew. Black shirts with Red lettering.
Front reads Unfortunate and back reads production company name I started. I'll have pics posted of the shirts along with alot more from various days we filmed. I'll also get some pics up of the Farm and a layout of the land.

Sunday I picked up the camera and couldnt be more excited to have it in my hands. Its time to roll on to the next project which will be a sequal to Unfortunate then something completely different that Im not trying to rush because I feel it could be something special. It's a touchy subject and Im still in the process of researching it and throwing out some ideas.

My question to you guys is, is there a boundary you wont cross with gore and violence? Plots that people find offensive or kill scenes that really gross people out. I've hinted to some people about the plot and some of the more violent scenes and I've gotten mixed reactons. Some say do it and others say dont because it doesnt sit well with them. Have you guys ran into anything like this before or questioned how far you are willing to go on some of the more violent scene's and how much you are wanting to show?

[Kanadian_kev]

With me, I always want everything to be about as violent as possible, unless it's one of those Blairwitchy occasions when 'less is more'. The other consideration is realism, I would never pull a Peter Jackson in my stuff, but I'd come close. Blood can squirt, guts can be pulled out, heads can be chopped off, etc. I know there are people who go galavanting and complaining about violence, but I just don't care for that attitude. They can shut my movie off and watch Kicking and Screaming for all I care. Audiences have been enjoying violence litterally forever, I say crank it up! The violent stuff is like a free ride in horror filmmaking. It's hard to fuck up, I mean, you show a guy get his tooth pulled out and the fans are going to love it and remember it. Exploitations take advantage of this free ride, and even THOSE sometimes work.

I want to generate a specific crowd, and that crowd loves the violence in a good horror flick. It's a fairly large crowd, but as you get closer to that 'too-gross' factor, you are aiming for a different crowd, the ones who own Pink Flamingos on DVD. I go for the larger crowd myself.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Tarman
My question to you guys is, is there a boundary you wont cross with gore and violence? Plots that people find offensive or kill scenes that really gross people out. I've hinted to some people about the plot and some of the more violent scenes and I've gotten mixed reactons. Some say do it and others say dont because it doesnt sit well with them. Have you guys ran into anything like this before or questioned how far you are willing to go on some of the more violent scene's and how much you are wanting to show?


This is a good topic to explore Tarman.

I have always felt that “Horror” has a visceral quality in general; During the early 60’s “Drive-In Era” the screens were filled with exploitation horror, these bloody and violent films being made by guys like Herschel Gordon Lewis with gory classics like Color Me Blood Red, The Gruesome Twosome and A Taste Of Blood.

Gordon’s FX were crude and cheap looking, but at the same time sick stuff! He seemed more interested in shocking his audiences and went out of his way to “Gross” them out.

Did HGL go to far? I’d say more or less, it was gratuitous violent filmmaking with NO real story to tell. Blood at the Drive-In equaled dollars$$$!!!

Now along comes one George A. Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’ in the latter half of the 60’s, which really pushed the envelope in terms of gore.

Cannibalism was a pretty gruesome subject matter to explore, and Romero was pretty bold to have a film in which the unburied dead are coming back to life only to crave human flesh. But there is a political undercurrent in NOTLD, with real intensity and powerful human drama.

The most memorable moment from the film is the ghouls eating the barbecued remains of Tom and Judy, following the tuck explosion. Unforgettable images of extremities being fought over amongst the hordes of flesh eaters.

Flash forward to 1978 and ‘Dawn of the Dead’ hits the mainstream audiences with even more intense and more realistic gore, all thanks to the master himself Tom Savini also known as “The King of Splatter”. But, just like NOTLD Dawn had its own social political statement as well.

If you compare what Herschel Gordon Lewis presented on the screen as opposed to George Romero, they are different in terms of style and content. The Gore in NOTLD was a necessary evil because it is part of the fabric within the story; some of your more conservative types blew a gasket when NOTLD was released, short of calling them bastards.

Some critics were appalled at the violence and the shocking gore, screaming this guy went to far. One could argue that it’s a matter of being subjective, on the other hand Take a film like ‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Here is a film that really pushed the button hard, and had scenes that could even make the most ardent horror fan wince.

Let's not forget the explosion of extremely brutal and bloody films from the Italian filmmakers in the 70's as well.

The way I see it, the final decision is that of the filmmaker alone. Content is solely a matter of the story itself, are showcasing violent and brutal images necessary to the story? Or are you the filmmaker just being gratuitous for the sake of being gratuitous?

Look at it this way, ever since NOTLD every young up and coming filmmaker was trying to push the envelope with “Blood and Guts”. Everyone seems to have a different point of view when it comes to this topic. I say to each his own. As there are so many “Gory” films in existence.

In the words of the Emperor “Do what must be done”

Later!

By the way, congratulations on the cool crew shirts. :D :cool:

[dan draven]

Originally posted by the dead one
I believe in shooting as much footage as possible, this gives you leverage prior to the editing stage. The more footage you have to play with in final edit, the better off you’ll be. It has been said that essentially there is two versions of your film: the one you write/direct and the one that you edit, it is the editing stages where the film comes together.

One of the toughest things a director as an editor must face is having to cut or lose a scene, there are many possible things that factor into making those tough choices. A scene of no real significance can slow the pacing, therefore is ax worthy, which makes perfect sense to me.

On the other hand, the hardest thing to do is to lose a scene that you may really love. But the scene might not be all that necessary to the films story, perhaps the length of scene ends up being a problem so its has to go. They call this “Killing your babies” in the editing world.

Some directors have actually shot certain scenes in their films, knowing from the start were probably going to end up on the chopping block or had no real intention of using in the first place. Weird, I know. But interesting just the same.


Generating fear in your target audience is not an easy task, in that is where the challenge lies. John Carpenters ‘Halloween’ is a great example to explore when it comes to raw primal fear. There are various factors that contributed to the films success, having the basic story, the 1st draft was written by Debra Hill as “The Babysitter Murders” as you have pointed out. Carpenter did a second pass and low and behold “Halloween” was born.
It was simplicity itself, classic storytelling and knowing what real fear can be.

Its funny you mentioned the theme of ‘personal responsibility’, which is one of the many themes I am exploring. If we chose to ignore a problem, that doesn’t make it go away as things can only get worse. So we “Like it or not” have to deal with it, there is no other real option and that’s what it comes down to.

Hey buddy check your e-mail.

[spacemonkey]

Did anyone check out the links I posted for pics of my movie? We took those pics in between takes, but they are part of my cast.

[zombievictim]

Those look like some cool little pics. Your cast looks like fun:D

[zombievictim]

Here's a pic of my poster. Hope you like it. (sorry bout the quality, it doesn't transfer on to the internet well)


http://manofthemovies21.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/poster2.jpg

[Tarman]

Spacemonkey-Looks like you guys had a good time shooting-Seeing the pics remind me of A Beastie Boys Video or something

In answering my question it really depends on the script and the director for how far you want to push it but if Im shooting a movie with a family thats been taken hostage, then I want to go balls out and show the nasty side of the people who are holding them up and the I dont give a shit attitude that people have. No Pg13.
I kinda look at it like I owe it to myself and the fans of horror movies to go the gory bloody route but not over do it.

I really think alot of HGL flicks pused the envelope and one that really comes to mind is Two Thousand Maniacs. I think the flick was ahead of its time and then came Blood Feast which I really hate but it falls under the same catagory. I agree that George then picked it up and ran with it but has anyone since?

What I plan on doing with the sequal is really building up the main characters who's house is invaded and then really showing the ugly side of Big Dan, Sissy, Eugene. I want you to really hate these characters after you see the hell they put this family through and also show that anybody can turn on you at any given time, Friends, family etc. If you have the gun to your head and have the option of it either being you or the loved one next to you what do you choose and thats what I would like to explore.

I think this time around No remorse on any of the family members and no bodies safe. The blood flows in the second go around.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by spacemonkey
Did anyone check out the links I posted for pics of my movie? We took those pics in between takes, but they are part of my cast.


I would NEVER ignore a friend 'Spacemonkey', Besides with so many guys posting here it is overwhelming to keep up with it...

I dig what I am seeing from each and every one of you!!! :cool:


By the way I agree with the 'Tarman' the guy in the 2nd photo on the very end looks like the guy from the 'Beastie Boys' video "SABATOGE"! LMFAOROTF SHIT!!:D

The guy in the middle looks like one of the "Hanson Brothers" from 'Slapshot' (comedy about a hockey team) Personally you guys look like some crazy mofos having a "KILLER" time! ;)

[the dead one]

Hey 'Zombie' you might want to try and re-post your poster, I am dying to see what you've cooked up dude. :D

P.S. I got your PM thanks dude, look forward to seeing your movie!!!:D


Oh, Tarman...love this shot:

http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us004.jpg

:D :D :D

Keep up the good work schmoes!

And keep those cameras rolling, all the best to you guys!:)

[zombievictim]

Sorry didn't realize the pic didn't work. The original file was too big so I had to lower the quality to fit it. So it looks kinda cheap.

[the dead one]

It's a pretty cool poster so far 'Zombie'!

I have a few suggestions you may want to consider to give it that kind of creepy, edgey look you seem to be going for.

instead of having that small pool of 'Blood' inside the room, use MORE GORE!!!

Have the walls blood spattered, then have a trail leaking outside the door and into the lower frame forming the word 'Below' in gory 'Blood Red'.

Just a suggestion. :)

[Tarman]

Maybe even a foot sticking out as if someone is standing behind the door holding it open

Thanks- the dead one on the pic

Thats my character Brownbag. I'll be posting more pics this weekend. You couldnt see it in the picture but Big Dan was the second pic and he has puppy dog slippers on. Very off the wall characters but you'll see after this weekend.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Tarman
Maybe even a foot sticking out as if someone is standing behind the door holding it open

Thanks- the dead one on the pic

Thats my character Brownbag. I'll be posting more pics this weekend. You couldnt see it in the picture but Big Dan was the second pic and he has puppy dog slippers on. Very off the wall characters but you'll see after this weekend.

Good evening Tarman, by the way you can call me 'Dead' ;)

I think that all of the off the wall stuff is cool shite! Keep posting more pix when available. Keep up the good work!




Zombie, hope I was of help in some way. For the record trust me when I say, layout and composition is something I am more then familiar with.

I speak from the heart bro, I am not trying to sound like some pretentious know it all but I do have a background in the art field, so I don’t mind lending my experience and knowledge of design.

Also, being a firm believer in feeding another’s dreams, goals and ambitions. Thats one of the cool things about being here, being able to share info and ideas to help each other out. :D

One last tip on your poster:

If you keep the design simple it could have more of an impact, I would stick with the blood splattered walls just behind the door. With the blood pouring out to form the word 'Below', like I recommended earlier.

Keep it simple and leave out the axe! Because you already have an open door, just beyond it a room, the walls splattered with blood everywhere. You've already established to the viewer the horrific nature of the film.

The suggestion by Tarman of the foot behind the door is a good one, but it could end up as over-kill, trust me you wont need it...the key is simplicity. Some of the best posters keep it understated but effective!

The posters job is to tell the tale, to sell the viewer on the film by the image on that poster alone. Check out the 'Classic Horror Movie Posters' of the glory days of horror, like the Evil Dead!

The original poster is an example of what I mean when I say telling the tale in one shot:

http://images.art.com/images/-/The-Evil-Dead-Style-A--C10133031.jpeg

The layout and compositon is simple, but it works. Everything is clearly stated by the overall action of whats happening in the picture, creating and image filled with dread and inescapable doom!

Even more examples of less is MORE style:

http://www.cyber-cinema.com/reprint/friday13th113475.jpg

http://images.art.com/images/-/The-Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre--C10031845.jpeg

The greatest genre posters were paintings done by artists that told a story, and they sure as HELL DON'T make them like that anymore!

I HATE current trend the WB cast "head shots" posters today!
They just aren't REAL horror movie posters...

Well, I look forward to everyones progress, take care!

[Tarman]

Gotcha Dead-Im gonna be checking out The Habit here pretty soon. Kinda curious since Ive looked over a million times. Agree on the posters these days. The poster for Unfortuante just shows Eugene down in the bottoms pushing a shopping cart down the street with the hood of his coat pulled up over his head. I think it looks pretty slick.

ZV-I was also thinking that maybe even shutting the door more and just showing a hand sticking out and maybe blood leaking through the bottom of the door. I think what you have is cool though. Might do away with the axe though.

Whats one director that you guys really admire and would love to sit down with and pick their brain?

I think for me at this moment Id have to say Neil Marshall. I really dug Dog Soliders and Loved The Descent. I expect big things from him and would love to have a sit down and pick his brain. I'd also like to chat more with Peter and Michael who made Undead. Great guys and also very nice. THey got a lot of love for the genre.

[zombievictim]

Originally posted by the dead one

http://images.art.com/images/-/The-Evil-Dead-Style-A--C10133031.jpeg


I actually have that poster in my bedroom. That as well as Nightmare on Elm Street, Seven, Usual Suspects and Resevoir Dogs

[adamjohnson]

Ah-hem.

Ya know, I'm a farily good poster maker if I do say so myself....

Im just sayin.

[the dead one]

Hey, Adam...I was just reading your post when I spotted that you're ONE of the few people I know that appriciate the film 'Unbreakable'.

A great film that is without a doubt a MAJOR fav of mine, just thought I'd let you know that!:D

By the way, I would love to see your posters and stuff if you're up for it. :)

Zombie, that Evil Dead poster is a sweet one to own dude. I have tons of posters in my studio bedroom, one too many that I dont have the space to showcase them all. :rolleyes:

I do have an actual 'Movie Poster Frame' that I kinda snatched from an old theater around my way, the place was in the middle of being torn down. I keep changing the posters in the frame from time to time. :D

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Tarman
Whats one director that you guys really admire and would love to sit down with and pick their brain?



That's easy...the man himself, GEORGE A. ROMERO...
no question!

[zombievictim]

This is a new one. I took your suggestions Dead but no severed foot, I thought that would be too much like Saw. Again sorry about the color loss but this won't allow me to put the good quality one on here because its too big.

[zombievictim]

Sorry the other one wasn't the correct one

[the dead one]

Originally posted by zombievictim
Sorry the other one wasn't the correct one

No need to apoligize...Besides, you're a good dude!

I like the changes so far, its looking good.

the words: "Fear the WORSHOP" should be a little bolder as they tend to fade into the brick wall-facing. I meant to ask you, "What software program you're using?" Maybe you might want to move the top heading around to see what effect will come out of it.

The picture minus the axe was a good decision, the blood effect on the poster seems to be clumped together and needs to be even more effective...



Take this image from 'Akira' as an example:

http://www.northarc.com/images/akira/Akira.bloody.JPG

Note the way the blood is strewn about the walls and floor in this image, this technique can be accomplished by playing around with any photoshop progarms capabilities. Just focus on this image minus the figure in it, hopefully this will inspire you.

Use what you can learn from this image, make it work to your advantage. Every creator, professional or student needs a springboard. It helps baby!!! :cool:

As for your poster, "Below" in the blood text does the job nicely here! Keep working the image like a piece of clay, dont be affraid to keep messaging the material to achive the effect that will give the poster image the best visual impact.:D

[zombievictim]

I'm using Macromedia Fireworks to make my creations:D

[the dead one]

Gotcha, Zombie! :D

I will be around tonight so if you do anything else with the poster let me know...OK?

[zombievictim]

Well I've been toying with it (with people surrounding me because I just happen to be at a halloween party with forty other people) and I've come up with a few things. I'm still trying things out so nothings complete yet but I'll definitely let you know when I have a new creation

[zombievictim]

Here's another one. I added some stuff around Below. Tell me what ya think:D

[the dead one]

I like what I am seeing Zombie, work on the blood spatter in the room. You're in the ball park with this one, I like the frame filled with the words betryal, decite, hate, vengance!

The BLOOD!!!!! The CARNAGE!!! :D

KEEP GOING DUDE!:D

[adamjohnson]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by the dead one
[B]Hey, Adam...I was just reading your post when I spotted that you're ONE of the few people I know that appriciate the film 'Unbreakable'.

A great film that is without a doubt a MAJOR fav of mine, just thought I'd let you know that!:D

By the way, I would love to see your posters and stuff if you're up for it. :)

[/QUOTE

Most of my stuff can be found at my photobucket.

Johnson's Bucket (http://photobucket.com/albums/b14/AdamtheJohnson/)

That sound you just heard is everyones jaw collectively hitting the floor.

[the dead one]

Bogart in Casablanca:

Louie...I think that this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

[zombievictim]

Sorry Dead but I had to take off the blood creating the word's "Below"

[zombievictim]

Sorry didn't load

[the dead one]

I think you've pretty much nailed it here, looks pretty tight!
The poster works for me...
Bravo on a job well done... :D

[zombievictim]

Originally posted by the dead one
I think you've pretty much nailed it here, looks pretty tight!
The poster works for me...
Bravo on a job well done... :D

I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the suggestions

[the dead one]

Originally posted by zombievictim
I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the suggestions

Anytime dude...anytime! :)

[adamjohnson]

So Ill try to do some concepts in a few days. Im hella busy right now. (And I have to read through this massive f-ing thread!)

[spacemonkey]

Originally posted by the dead one
Bogart in Casablanca:

Louie...I think that this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

These are old reposts, you may have seen them already, BUT I am having NEW work being scanned as we speak, that I will be showcasing VERY soon!

Work that has been published and a few hopeful projects I have on the back burner...you know how that is.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/countchocula0000/Deadone1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/countchocula0000/Deadone3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/countchocula0000/Deadone6.jpg

Whoa dead, did you draw those? They kick fucking ass dude!

Im also an artist, I like to draw horror comics! I should show you some of my stuff. I didnt know you also drew cool shit! Its like you say we have a lot of things in common! Heres a pic of a page from one of my comics:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/spacemonkey_fg/vampirenation.jpg

So about my movie, I finished it! I did a title sequence I did the ending credits. I put the music in there and it turned out to be ultra fun. Everyone laughed like crazy, everyone had the coolest costumes in the universe and there were like 100 people as audience.

I was sooo nervous when it was about to go on! But everything went smoothly, people dug it and saluted me and my friends afterwards.

I did notice how somethings didnt work and how others worked perfectly. Ive learned a lot with this production and want to make yet another for next halloween...but even better! 100 times better.

All in all, I would say that the effort was worth it and that I would do it again! Im going to try and post some pics from the premier.

[Tarman]

more pics, enjoy


http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us005.jpg
http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us006.jpg
http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us007.jpg
http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us008.jpg
http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us009.jpg
http://www.zype.org/images/forum/us010.jpg

[zombievictim]

Those are some pretty cool pics Tarman:D

[Tarman]

Thanks ZV

Stemm's Cd Release Party is Nov,12 and there going to be sportin the shirts Unfortuante. I sent a box up lastweek and there going to take some pics and send them down and I'll post them. Im using there song On the Surface for the trailer and ending credits.

I think I might do a special features section on the Dvd of the band and a possible video.

MOre pics will be on the way along with the cover for the DVD/Poster. I'll try to get some pics that show some of the more violent scenes.

How'd the shirt look? It was a little harder to read the back of the shirt so I'll try to get another pic posted

[zombievictim]

The pics were actually pretty cool. When you described them I thought you wouldn't be able to get them as cool as you made em sound but you did so be proud.

[Tarman]

Thanks ZV-First time having some shirts made up so I was a little worried myself but I think they turned out pretty good and everyone has liked them so far. Ive basically just been giving them out to whoever has wanted them. Ive gotta get some more made up because Im running low.

You started filming yet ZV?

My motto for my movies are everyone must die and Nobodys safe. In my next movie which is a follow up to Unfortunate there are around ten people that I would like to kill off.


What do you guys think?
To high off a bodycount or just about right? Just to give you a rehash a family encounters unwelcomed guests just before the holiday. I just dont know if I wanna shoot for that many kills or maybe just throw out a few characters.

[zombievictim]

Well Tarman in, I think the other page, I stated that I wasn't able to start filming yet because a few cast members dropped out. Sooo I'm going to hold off for at least another month while I can plow over the script and get a little more funding so I can do some cool shit. I plan on sending the few people on here a copy of the DVD whens its finished so theres no need to fear the film will go on:D

[adamjohnson]

Originally posted by adamjohnson
So Ill try to do some concepts in a few days. Im hella busy right now. (And I have to read through this massive f-ing thread!)

Oh right, I kinda forgot. What with the nervous breakdown and all.

And away I go.

[Kanadian_kev]

Well, I showed my professor my script and the next day he told me: "First of all, I have no idea what it's about." That was a bit discouraging. He also doesn't think I can shoot it in the one week I have the equipment booked out.

Now, I'm tempted to go and write a new and extremely simple script with NOTHING left for the viewer to figure out, but I just can't do that. I like to leave mysteries in my stories, and the more I study other movies, I find their mystery element is so similar to mine and works so well. Why did the shark choose Amity island? Why does Myers want to kill Laurie (In the original film)? Those are the kind of questions he's asking me, saying that they are problems.

The actors love the script so far, they're enthusiastic about acting in it. If I change anything, it ruins the whole story. I'm just gonna stick with it and shoot it, it's not like I've never made a movie before.

[syxxpac]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
Now, I'm tempted to go and write a new and extremely simple script with NOTHING left for the viewer to figure out, but I just can't do that. I like to leave mysteries in my stories, and the more I study other movies, I find their mystery element is so similar to mine and works so well. Why did the shark choose Amity island? Why does Myers want to kill Laurie (In the original film)? Those are the kind of questions he's asking me, saying that they are problems.

The actors love the script so far, they're enthusiastic about acting in it. If I change anything, it ruins the whole story. I'm just gonna stick with it and shoot it, it's not like I've never made a movie before.

Right on, man. Sounds to me like the guy is giving you COMPLAINTS, not criticisms. I've had both before, and the former can be extremely annoying. Go with YOUR story, and if something feels right to you and fits your vision, use it. Besides, you must be doing something right if your actors are excited, so stick with it, bro.

Remember - opinions are like assholes, and some people just like the smell of their own farts.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
Well, I showed my professor my script and the next day he told me: "First of all, I have no idea what it's about." That was a bit discouraging. He also doesn't think I can shoot it in the one week I have the equipment booked out.

Now, I'm tempted to go and write a new and extremely simple script with NOTHING left for the viewer to figure out, but I just can't do that. I like to leave mysteries in my stories, and the more I study other movies, I find their mystery element is so similar to mine and works so well. Why did the shark choose Amity island? Why does Myers want to kill Laurie (In the original film)? Those are the kind of questions he's asking me, saying that they are problems.

The actors love the script so far, they're enthusiastic about acting in it. If I change anything, it ruins the whole story. I'm just gonna stick with it and shoot it, it's not like I've never made a movie before.


Nice to see this thread is still alive and kicking, now as to Kev’s dilemma---

If your confident in your work and ability with the task at hand, then I say ignore this bozo professor, because he sounds like a prize rat bag load. It seems to me you have a firm grasp on what kind of film you’re out to make, I agree with your analogy of ‘Halloween’ as being a very ambiguous piece of cinema and storytelling.

If this jerk doesn’t understand, the problem is HIS and his alone. The “Professor” should be made to stand in the corner---fitted with a very large DUNCE hat!

If your happy with the script and your crew digs it---
in the words of ‘Lugosi’ in Ed Wood---“lets shoot this fucker.” :D

[zombievictim]

Well I'm uber excited because I was able to get a dvd recorder so I will have my movie on dvd with plenty of extras. I'll have behind the scenes stuff (I'm having a friend record everything behind the scenes so It'll have a bunch o crap) I'm also hoping for a gag reel and deleted scenes. Can't wait til January 23rd (filming begins!)

And for those who have read these previously I was hoping to film way back on October but now its official because the cast is a go and the script is near in completion.

Good luck to you other filmmakers. I hope you accomplish everything you could ever wish

[Kanadian_kev]

Thanks for the awesome replies, you guys rock. I should print them and pin them up somewhere to boost the motivation. I heard back from another actor who's words were: "Awesome script! I'm in!" So I'm just gonna stick to my guns, shoot this fucker, and let it play at every festival I can send it to.

[zombievictim]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
Thanks for the awesome replies, you guys rock. I should print them and pin them up somewhere to boost the motivation. I heard back from another actor who's words were: "Awesome script! I'm in!" So I'm just gonna stick to my guns, shoot this fucker, and let it play at every festival I can send it to.

Awesome man. I hope you can get this sold. Just make sure you've got good lighting. That can make or break a film. Trust me, it will determine its success.

But altogether, just have fun with the experience and don't set your hopes to high because even if it turn out great you'll still be stuck in the mindset that "It wasn't good enough to win an award so it must suck"

Just keep jugging away and if, during filming, you come up with an idea that would change your movie from average to great, halt production and rewrite the script. Do whatever you can to make this the best movie you can churn out.

I hope that your able to get everything done how you want it and hopefully it wins at a festival. Make sure to surround yourself by people that will push you to make the greatest movie possible.

I'll be waiting for an advance copy of the movie in my mailbox:D

[Servo]

I come to you fellow Filmmaker Schmoes, a new man.

I am in my third year in the film program at my university. When I first got here, I was a hermit. A hermit with one fellow film enthusiast (though he wasn't a film major like myself) for a suitemate, and only two "film classes" to attend: screenwriting fundamentals and redemptive storytelling. It's amazing looking back on that now, seeing how far I've come since then. That was my first semester. The semester after that I had only attended one film class, and it was writing for feature film. It was then that I got to truly express my ideas and what I had up my sleeve as a storyteller to the head of the department (he was teaching the class). It was this class I began to develope relationships with the first generation of film majors at this school (those who were going to graduate the next year).

The year after that, we obtained two awesome film professors, both of whom were taught by our head of the CTV department. One is a fast-talking McGuyver who is the most organized person on earth who has an endless supply of gadgets and stories he could tell for years and is probably the best below-the-line worker I will ever meet. the other an easy-going executive type who has a lot of experience in television. The fast-talking southerner professor taught my technical classes (lighting and so forth) while the other taught me the dynamics of visual storytelling. It was this semester...I was on my very first film shoot.

The shoot was a collective project for my university's very first Film Production class, and it was a success. The head of the department, who also taught the class, directed it. We used an Arri SR 16MM camera, and it was a music video. It was also the first time we used our studio. Since I was a PA, I just got to sit back, watch in amazement, and give the talent food and water. It was a great achievement for my school, and for all of my friends and I.

I had also started directing shorts with my friends with the school's equipment for a couple of classes (that was fun).

Then the next semester there was a music video class that would also utilize the student body to fill certain positions. This shoot was horrible. It was the first big shoot our school did with a student director, and we were stuck with an AJ-SDX 900P and the director did NO camera reports, and NO sound reports. And even though it was MOS, he had the band ACTUALLY PREFORM. (Tsk.) The lighting was terrible, and the video was laughable (however my friend, who is an awesome editor, was able to edit it and he practically saved the project). This time, I was my friend's PA, who was producing the project (I got to do her paperwork - yay!).

I was taking a directing class that semester, and I did an awesome project called Freakin' Vampires, which was a 30 second mock trailer (but that's a different story...).

Then came summer. I had just got back from an amazing trip to China, and on my way back, that fast-talking southerner professor called me on my cell-phone to tell me that the head of our CTV Department was doing a real film shoot to promote teaching in the state of Florida. This was it - my chance at a real film shoot...and hopefully this time I wasn't going to be a PA.

I was accepted onto the shoot, but as a grip. I had my heart set on 1st or 2nd AC, but the position went to one of my friend's and the director's son (ugh). But I couldn't complain - I made 1600 bucks off the shoot. The only downside was that I was set apart from some really good friends of mine that I had made the previous year. They were all so happy to be above-the-line and hung out with each other all the time, and left us lonely grips to ourselves. I had hoped, that next semester (this semester) when I took film production, I would get that coveted First Assistant Cameraman position.

This past semester. I took film production, and me and three other people signed up for 1st/2nd AC. I was devistated, because my self-doubting consciousness made me think I was the least qualified and so I stepped down from the running and took the role of the sound recordist. During the shoot I watched from afar as my fellow grips got to touch the Arri SR 16MM camera, while I was stuck with a sound recording device with this bitch who had to help me through it and complained behind my back why she should've had the job instead of me (Take the class next time, whore). It wasn't that I wasn't happy for my friends, I was. Because they're talented people and I want them to succeed. But I was afraid that I would never be able to take any kind of role of leadership on a film before I graduated, which is what I desperately wanted.

My dream came true. I got a call from a friend of mine who was producing a video that promotes the CTV Department of my school. Here's a re-enactment.

Producer: "We want you to direct the video."
Me: "...what?"
Producer: "Can you do it?"
Me: "I don't know...I mean...I have physical therapy and stuff...I'm pretty busy..."
Producer: "We can work around it."
Me: "I would love to, but I don't know! Are you sure you don't want someone else? I mean I can direct it if you can't find someone that's better..."
Producer: "I can't think of anyone better."
Me: "Okay I'll do it."

Isn't that pathetic? I was offered the chance of a lifetime (Well, in my college career anyways) and I almost said no. How unprofessional. But it's okay, she's a friend so she understands.

This past weekend we shot the video. And, like I said above, I am a changed man. I had a skeleton crew of about 13 under me, and I shot for two days. I had a blast. I was so nervous going in, but once I got there, it's like it all just came out. Everything I had learned from when I was 14 years old and decided I wanted to make movies, had all been released and utilized on this little project.

It was a dream come true, and a first step in a lot of steps to come. There were some surreal moments, like the Jurassic Park theme all of a sudden blairing while I was fiddling with some lights (Jurassic Park was the movie that sparked my fascination with film), and others. All that I worry about now is that I hope I pulled it off, I hope the dailies look good and I hope my professors are pleased and that nobody's work was in vein and that the project sees the light of day. But I also can't help but to think...what's next? I have three more semesters to go through...what'll happen then?

[Kanadian_kev]

I secured a really cool location yesterday. It's this three story high club called The Empire. It's a very old fashioned looking building, would look awesome on film. They're letting me shoot some scenes in there. Here's a good website for location contracts and other forms:FILMMAKING FORMS (http://www.dependentfilms.net/files.html)

I also tried to make a candy-glass bottle to smash over somebody's head in my film, but all I ended up with was a mess. Since I desperately need that shot and I'm out of sugar, I ordered some real breakaway bottles from a website.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to film a fire poker stabbing right through somebody's back (another shot I desperately need). I took apart the leg of an old tripod and rigged it up to a sort of harness I made. When it's on under a shirt it looks like the leg's poking out of my back. I attached a thread to the extending leg of the tripod and tied the other end up out of frame (like to the ceiling). When I strap on the harness and fall down, the leg 'extends,' like it's sliding out of me. Now if I build it to look like a fire poker, hopefully, it will work.

Anybody have any cool stories on how you achieved a certain effect? Blood, gunshots, stabbings, etc.

[the dead one]

Between having a life and the depression and anxieties of the everyday that come with it, I have still managed to find a way to keep myself motivated. The 1st draft of the screenplay is still in progress, sure it’s slow going, but it’s a labor of love. I have taken my angst and depression and worked these basic human complexities, into the script.

The main characters are very real, flesh and blood people. I am very happy with the over all feel of what I have established. Unlike my previous abandoned scripts, this is a very personal project; it is based on my experiences growing up in a suburb that is a shadow of what it once was.

This is and was my springboard for creating a horror film that was non-fiction crossing over into fiction. The Vampire element is basically a metaphor of despair and hopelessness in the framework of the film. The two main characters Paul Toscanni and Deke Jansen are long time friends, but do have their shared personal differences and issues. Paul being a sort of personal archetype, my own “28 up” is the best way to describe it.

Deke is based on an old friend from my past; I wont give his real name here. But he was that friend who always had an answer for everything. His point of view was no matter how bad things were, to him its just a set back, everything will be ok and positive. Which wasn’t always a consolation when you were in the midst of some real crisis, but still he was a good friend to me and we shared common interest.

Using this technique has been very helpful to me, in terms of writing what you know. When I am not working on the script, I have been going out getting 2nd unit location shots around the area, about a week ago I was getting shots of this closed up ‘car repair shop’, right around the corner from me. The building has a real dark depressing and foreboding quality to it, with gray ruddy decay and I was popping off as many still shots as possible.

Working this way going from script to getting shots in the can helps…one side keeps the other side going.

I mentioned in a previous post that I tend to work up thumbnail storyboards and drawings as well as photos of locations, its helps me keep the ball rolling right up to the 1st day of shooting. I have been in talks with a couple of close friends that work at a local bar; they have quite a bit of pull with the owner.


Obtaining this location is extremely crucial because within the first few minutes of the story, I wanted to introduce the principle characters all at once in a contemporary social setting, a local tavern. Which is perfect, we open on these two guys hanging out at the bar; it’s dead, hardly a soul in the place. Last call as Deke is carrying on, telling an old joke (it is a quirk of his) while his buddy Paul seems distracted and rather inebriated, putting down a series of shots.

The third party in this scene is the Bartender Craig, a big lovable teddy bear kind of character. He is nicknamed Ship because of his size, which started out as a small supporting role that has grown into a much larger part at this stage of the script.

Which is something that tends to happen, I think it is important to constantly message the material; it is a process of evolution. Making sudden changes in the screen writing is to be expected, you should have the ability to open your self up to new ideas.

But it is also important; at least I think it is---to stay faithful to the story. Trying to maintain a balance between the two principles.

Now, don’t let this opening fool you---this may sound derivative of a million other films with a “Bar Scene”. But, in no way is this some Hollywood minded scenario---this aint ‘Cocktail’ or ‘Cheers’. On the contrary, as it is more independent minded production, more akin to Larry Fessenden meets Michael Mann.

Urban horror, Showcasing an edgy commentary on the dark side of life in the suburbs, the effects of decline and decay of a typical small town middle America on the average Joe, riding out the everyday course of events. With an emphasis on friendship, loneliness, pain, loss, addiction and how evil can go unnoticed, even in the everyday.

[Tarman]

Alright boys and girls-The trailer to Unfortunate will be up this weekend. We put the finishing touches on it lastnight and I think it turned out very good. We ended up with two trailers and a teaser but the one Im posting is the stronger of the bunch. Once it hits, give me feedback and let me know what you think. Be on the look out over the weekend.

[zombievictim]

This is one of the scenes from my movies. Since this was originally in final draft form it looks wierd on here so I'll have marks around my dialogue.


INT. BASEMENT - TIMELESS
Suddenly a light flickers on and a door slams shut. DAVID and PAUL are both lying on the floor of the concrete covered room. A third man is in the fetal position across the room. The man appears to be shaking.
Suddenly DAVID coughs and sits up. He squints. He feels the concrete surrounding him and uses it to balance himself as he stands up.
PAUL tries standing but an excruciating pain shoots up his left leg. He grabs his leg and falls over. He slowly reaches down toward his pants and pulls it slowly up over his knee. Blood is covering his knee cap and is gushing out slowly.
[MAN (O.S.)]
Sorry about that...
The dark mysterious voice came from a little speaker hanging above them.
[ MAN (O.S.)]
...but I was out of shock collars
DAVID reaches up towards his throat and pulls the collar from his shirt down. Something is wrapped around his neck. It is loose. His fingers roll across the rope and he feels something metal. It is a lock.
[ PAUL]
Who are you?
[ MAN (O.S.)]
I...am what makes your nightmares come true
[DAVID]
You wouldn’t happen to be wearing a Christmas sweater and a fedora, would you?
The MAN laughs coldly at DAVID’s comment.
[ MAN (O.S.)]
Not quite
[ PAUL]
Then why are we here?
The only other sound that is heard is dripping water. Moments pass and still nothing has come from the speaker.
[ DAVID]
Why are we here!
DAVID screams. PAUL clutches his leg and stares up at the speaker intensely waiting for a reply. Nothing happens.

[the dead one]

Here is an excerpt from an abandoned script from a previous project. So please feel free to leave comments or criticisms,

Thanks!


Script
Working title: 'Back From The Dead'
Copyright 2005


MAIN TITLE SEQUENCE

OPEN on a black screen.

SUPERIMPOSE in dark red letters: Title-

Back From The Dead

Ext. / day / train station
Fading in from darkness, we open at a suburban train station under looming gray skies. The tracks and power lines hum with energy, as they fade into the distant horizon. The train platform is devoid of any activity, the grounds littered with discarded newspapers and trash. A subtle wind kicks up, suddenly a flash of cold steel. Roaring by is the local R7.

Cut to; Int. / day/ train car
Inside the passenger car it is fairly empty, with the exception of a lone individual. He appears to be a young man in his early twenties, seated at the very end of the car. He stares blankly out the passenger window; from his POV we can see an unattractive ferruling landscape rises up to meet the car. The passenger train rocks along the cold steel rails.

Cut to; Ext. / day/ platform
The passenger car pulls away to reveal the ambiguous Young man, left standing at the vacant platform. He is wearing a long black coat, with a black bag slung over his shoulder. We don’t know who he is or what his motives are, he reaches into his coat pocket and produces a pack of cigarettes. Quickly taking out one from the pack, bringing it to his lips.

Then fumbling about into his coat pockets, finding the lighter, he fires it up to satisfy the urge of his nicotine fit. He pauses taking a long drag, exhaling with a small sense of satisfaction while observing his surroundings. Taking full notice of the eerie emptiness of the station.

He spots the stairwell, finishing his cigarette tossing it to the ground. Stepping on the smoldering butt extinguishing it. We can see a dark empty stairway to an underground tunnel way. It leads to the platform on the opposite side of the station. The lone individual stands atop the stairwell; he begins to descend the stairs with some hesitation. Finally reaching the last step he turns to see a narrow dimly lit tunnel.

Pausing momentarily looking directly towards the opposite end of it. Slowly he begins to walk the corridor, his footsteps echo along the tunnel. As he reaches the middle of the tunnel, he suddenly hears an indistinct hollow sound. It Surrounds his very being, stopping him dead in his tracks. Slowly he turns about looking back down the vacant tunnel. He senses a foreboding unseen presence lurking in the claustrophobic confines.


Taking to his feet the pace quickens, moving faster making his way to what appears to be the exit. Turning the bend only to discover another length of corridor. He becomes unhinged and is all the more certain that he is being stalked. His expression says it all, as the fear begins to overtake him. He races through the corridors, trying to reach the safety of the stairwell just ahead. He spots the steps leading above ground, grabbing the rail racing up the stairs.

Finally reaching the top step the young man stops to breath a sigh of relief, catching his very breath. With his back to the wall taking one last looks down at the bottom of the stairwell. The temporary moment of salvation and calm is shattered, he spins around to see what he had already felt was lurking just behind him in the tunnel. {Fast the screen flashes fiery red}

[the dead one]

Id like some feed back on this story synopsis, tell me what you think and don't hold back---be honest!

Thanks in advance schmoes... :D

Dead Mans Party


Tag Line:
“It’s not the dead you have to fear…but the living.”

'Dead Mans Party'
Copyright August 30, 2005

Copyrighted material. The unauthorized copying distribution and or public performance of this work, in part or whole without the expressed written consent is extremely prohibited and is protected by all copyright laws. U.S. Copyright-all rights reserved August 30, 2005- CMI/Icon studio- all rights reserved.

Plot/ Synop-

A group of friends (Nick, Zane, Ed and Derek)
Spend yet another night at a local hangout, when an altercation wtih a drug dealer turns tragic, the hapless group end up saddle with a dead body. Nick (Main Antagonist) is on probation and refuses to accept the responsibility of his actions, convincing his cohorts that by involving the police they will all take the fall.

Reluctantly, they agree to follow along with Nick. After traveling around aimlessly in the night, they find an isolated location which is an old abandoned house off the beaten path. Nick insists that they bury the body behind the house to conceal the crime, putting the whole incident behind them.

After the deed is done, they decide to leave, only to discover that the car has dissappeared. This in turn brings about dissention and mistrust, which begins to swell amongst the ill-fated group. Overcome by grief and guilt it isn’t before long that Ed (Protagonist) threatens to make a run to the police. Trying to convivce Zane and Derek to side against Nick. Once Nick finds out, it does not sit well with him as he has other plans.

Nick is determined to find Ed and kill him, before he can get to the police. What Nick and the others don’t know is that their victim has somehow returned, seeking vengeance, which becomes an explosion of supernatural forces and madness. The body count continues to rise as these friends discover the true nature of their relationships and each other. Fighting to survive at any cost, even that of their own humanity.

Think EVIL DEAD meets RESERVOIR DOGS!

[Tarman]

Sorry guys- We are having problems getting the trailer online. Hopefully we can get it up and running some time this weekend.

For those that are intrested, The 2006 Eerie Horror film Festival will be held Oct 4-8 In Eerie PA and they are seeking independently produced features length and short horror/sci-fi films and screenplays.

a bunch of celebrity actors, directors what not are suppose to be there. Tony Todd, Gunnar Hansen, Lloyd Kaufman etc etc. The President told me that there in talks to get a horror icon director legend that should make everyone's jaws drop. Im thinking George Romero just because it is going down in PA and he might be there for his projects he's got in the works. We are taking Unfortunate there.

[dan draven]

Originally posted by the dead one
Here is an excerpt from an abandoned script from a previous project. So please feel free to leave comments or criticisms,

Thanks!


Script
Working title: 'Back From The Dead'
Copyright 2005


MAIN TITLE SEQUENCE

OPEN on a black screen.

SUPERIMPOSE in dark red letters: Title-

Back From The Dead

Ext. / day / train station
Fading in from darkness, we open at a suburban train station under looming gray skies. The tracks and power lines hum with energy, as they fade into the distant horizon. The train platform is devoid of any activity, the grounds littered with discarded newspapers and trash. A subtle wind kicks up, suddenly a flash of cold steel. Roaring by is the local R7.

Cut to; Int. / day/ train car
Inside the passenger car it is fairly empty, with the exception of a lone individual. He appears to be a young man in his early twenties, seated at the very end of the car. He stares blankly out the passenger window; from his POV we can see an unattractive ferruling landscape rises up to meet the car. The passenger train rocks along the cold steel rails.

Cut to; Ext. / day/ platform
The passenger car pulls away to reveal the ambiguous Young man, left standing at the vacant platform. He is wearing a long black coat, with a black bag slung over his shoulder. We don’t know who he is or what his motives are, he reaches into his coat pocket and produces a pack of cigarettes. Quickly taking out one from the pack, bringing it to his lips.

Then fumbling about into his coat pockets, finding the lighter, he fires it up to satisfy the urge of his nicotine fit. He pauses taking a long drag, exhaling with a small sense of satisfaction while observing his surroundings. Taking full notice of the eerie emptiness of the station.

He spots the stairwell, finishing his cigarette tossing it to the ground. Stepping on the smoldering butt extinguishing it. We can see a dark empty stairway to an underground tunnel way. It leads to the platform on the opposite side of the station. The lone individual stands atop the stairwell; he begins to descend the stairs with some hesitation. Finally reaching the last step he turns to see a narrow dimly lit tunnel.

Pausing momentarily looking directly towards the opposite end of it. Slowly he begins to walk the corridor, his footsteps echo along the tunnel. As he reaches the middle of the tunnel, he suddenly hears an indistinct hollow sound. It Surrounds his very being, stopping him dead in his tracks. Slowly he turns about looking back down the vacant tunnel. He senses a foreboding unseen presence lurking in the claustrophobic confines.


Taking to his feet the pace quickens, moving faster making his way to what appears to be the exit. Turning the bend only to discover another length of corridor. He becomes unhinged and is all the more certain that he is being stalked. His expression says it all, as the fear begins to overtake him. He races through the corridors, trying to reach the safety of the stairwell just ahead. He spots the steps leading above ground, grabbing the rail racing up the stairs.

Finally reaching the top step the young man stops to breath a sigh of relief, catching his very breath. With his back to the wall taking one last looks down at the bottom of the stairwell. The temporary moment of salvation and calm is shattered, he spins around to see what he had already felt was lurking just behind him in the tunnel. {Fast the screen flashes fiery red}

It has a good solid start and could be a great film.

[zombievictim]

I've posted countless times about this movie and throughout January, the movie will be filmed. This also means that throughout January, you will get exclusive behind the scenes pics. The first batch should be up and running in two weeks time.

ZV out!:D

[zombievictim]

I need some advice on how to do something in my movie. I have an idea but I figured I'd ask just in case. The beginning of my movie takes place in a car. My plan is to do what they did on "Frailty" and have it pitch black and have two flashlights in the background acting as headlights.

If there's any other way that would work for a driving sequence, except driving of course. I need any kind of tricks I can use to do this in a realistic way.

Also if anyone knows how to do a good gunshot. My plan right now is to have a flash of light and later in editing add the gun shot. I'll have the blood and wound for the after shot but I really need to know a good way of the actual gun shot itself.

Thanks in advance.

[Kanadian_kev]

Hey zombievictim: I shot an interior car sequence last year and it turned out to be the best part of the film, here's how I did it.

The exterior needed to be pitch black, as you said, so I blacked out my windows. I own a trampoline and used the mat as a tarp draped over the car to black out the windows. You could use any other method though. The tarp worked well because you could easily lift it up at any window to aim a light through.

I had a friend stand beside the car with a light (we used 600 watt I think, but I suppose any light would work). He would occasionally just sweep the light across, creating that 'cars passing' effect.

I lit it all with two lights aimed through the windshield and a bounce card at the side side windows during close ups and things. That bounce card was also used for effect by raising and lowering it, creating another sort of 'cars passing' effect.

A neat trick to reduce the light's glare on glass is to spray it with some spray-on deoderant.

For gunshots, I find the easiest thing is to superimpose a flash at the barrel and add the sound. Simple as that.

[Kanadian_kev]

I forgot to add that I also filmed a shitload of just 'driving down the road' and slightly superimposed it over the windshield. Looked very cool.

[zombievictim]

Thanks alot Kanadian_kev. I really needed to get some ideas going and that really helps a lot. :D

[the dead one]

Kanadian kev has brought up some great suggestions, in regards to the car shoot’, he is right about the use of black tarp to block out the windows, it is technique frequently used in low budget productions, along with the light effects. That’s the great thing about guerilla filmmaking, effects can be done on a small scale and more importantly in a cost effective manor.

The gunshots can be done using a strobe effect, basically the actor is pointing the gun at their intended target, off camera the strobe is being held and directed by a crewmember, keeping in time with the actors mimicking the recoil of gunfire. The overall safety of your cast and crew is important when it comes to any script that calls for gunplay; I feel it helps to have someone on your production that is knowledgeable of gun handling…leave the technical things to the experts. The three rules are Safety! Safety! And Safety!

One of the more basic effects utilized in car scenes is to give the vehicle the feeling of motion even though its really in park. filmmakers for years have relied on this standard trick, having crewmembers on opposite sides of the vehicle crouching down, staying out of sight while slightly rocking the vehicle in intervals. Granted it’s an old technique, but done properly it can be effective and makes shoots like this easier to control.

My feeling is that you will have even more control of these complexities, like the gunshots and driving scenes in the final editing stages, when you’re putting the pieces together. My suggestion is to shoot as much footage as possible when you are working on a film, this will give you even more elbowroom in the postproductions stages.

Keep up the good work dudes! :D

[Kanadian_kev]

I've been busy with my film, almost got everything ready! So far I've had tremendous luck with locations, this film's going to have a really eerie vibe to it. The one location I still need is an old house, which is a bit of a problem. I'm not sure who would allow me to shoot a scene of this nature in their house. I mean, there is so much screaming in it, as if the police won't show up. I thought about dubbing the screams in later and stuff, but I'd really rather not.

The other option is to just shoot it at my own house. I'm positive that would be safe, but I just don't want to use my house. It would totally ruin the awesome look of the movie.

Any suggestions?

[the dead one]

Kev, when you say old, are you referring to a house with a Victorian quality or a basic Middle American homestead that looks as if it has fallen to ill repair? From what you’ve said you had a string of luck obtaining your locations so far, now your current problem lies with getting an old house. Would it have to be an abandoned place?

If so, maybe you could look into local realty ads and try to find a place on the cheap that could be rented out for a couple of weeks. if your worried about the screaming factor, then make sure that if you can land a location, make it an isolated one, if possible. One suggestion, if you can find a place, don’t tell the landlords that you’re making a ‘Horror Movie’. Just explain that you’re in the middle of shooting a student film/ documentary in and around your hometown.

These types of situations are not uncommon, many guerilla filmmakers had to rely on bending the truth a tad, doing what ever it takes to get their scenes shot. Within reason if course, I mean don’t do anything illegal that could cause any kind of problems with ‘Johnny Law’. If worse comes to worse, you may consider changing the location in the script to some other kind of location, these are the things that can and will happen when working on a low budget feature.

I do hope that you can work out this problem and keep your production moving forward, don’t let any set back slow you down.

Good Luck!

[Tarman]

Guys, I need some help. Anybody intrested or know how to post a trailer on the net that would post mind on this website? I've had a couple people try and have no luck. I'll get a copy mailed out to you if anyone is interested.

It's the trailer for Unfortunate. It's done and ready to roll but I haven't had any luck getting it posted.

[rodvcpetrie]

THE BACKSTORY...........

A couple of years ago my cousins and I decided to make our own short film. I had owned my camera for a few months at that stage and one of my cousins who visited, wanted to make a short. At first we didn't know what we wanted to do but our inspiration was soon ignited.

THE INSPIRATION..........

I had recently bought a copy of the Evil Dead Book of the Dead Edition DVD. I took one look at it and said "That's what we should have in the movie" so I told my cousin and he was excited about it.

Firstly we tried making the film about a teen watching "The Evil Dead" and there's a knock at the door; once the teen opens he sees the Book of the Dead along with a note. The note read something like, "Bring the Book to 121 Miles Street and you will receive a reward of $5000."

The teen takes the book and to get to this house he must pass through a laneway. While he is walking down he hears someone behind him and he starts running, eventually trips over and a spectre appears, the disappears and he continues on.

When he finally gets to the house, a raspy, demonic voice behind the door says "Put it down." The teen complies and the voice says, "Go home" The teen says, "What about the money!?" and the voice replies, "Back home". So the teen goes home and when he gets to the front door we go to a POV of something that rushes towards him, he turns around and yells at the camera then it cuts to black.

We realised after filming it that the lighting was terrible and no wonder, we only used torches and the light's camera for lighting, so everything was nearly pitch black. This upset us and we abandoned the project. Fast forward to the next afternoon.

A SECOND CHANCE............

We wanted to have one more crack at the short while my cousin was still there (he had to leave the next morning) and because we still wanted to utilise the Book of the Dead DVD.

We just began by writing scenes. The first scene we wrote was a babysitter coming over to watch over three kids. He brings with him The Evil Dead on VHS. The older kid is so excited and so is one of the others but one of them is wary of watching it. So that was what got the ball rolling.

Before I continue I'll tell you what the short was about:

A babysitter is looking after three kids and brings The Evil Dead with him. The babysitters friend eventually arrives to join in on the film. During the movie one kid leavea and his brother follows him outside where they hear a noise coming from the shed, they investigate, finding the Book of the Dead. One of them recites the passage and this awakens the Evil Dead.

THE FILMING..............

We just wrote the next scene, then the next scene and we found we had enough scenes to do a film. Now all we needed to do was wait until night. It turned out to be the best time to make the film as we had the house to ourselves for a few hours or so.

Night came and we were ready. We started filming and everything was going well. The makeup was very, very basic, using powder to make my characters face white for his transformation; my younger cousins went a little overboard with their makeup but we had no time to worry, we just wanted to finish the movie.

About four hours later we had filmed all the scenes. We played back what we filmed on the television and we laughed at the outtakes but it was cool to see everything we had filmed.

THE EDITING PROCESS..............

It only took us four hours to film but it would take a little longer to have it all edited. The problem I began having was which editing program to use as I had been toying with demo versions of various suites.

I couldn't find the best one to use and since my computer wasn't too powerful the capture quality wasn't excellent. It took me about three months (during which time I had to create the gun effects and blood effects, frame by frame and then putting each frame together for the final effect) to find a demo version of PowerDVD, which is what I edited the finished product on.

I had it all edited together and had the effects shots edited in as well as the sound effects. All I needed to do now was create the music which I had no problems in doing whatsoever. I had been using a program called Fruityloops to practice making music so this is what I used.

FINISHED PRODUCT..............

The final product was called Return of the Evil Dead and I was pretty proud of what we had accomplished, however I knew that the quality of the film wasn't spectacular. This didn't deter me though as I knew we could do better next time.

THE NEXT TIME...........

I think it was the following year we wanted to make another short film. We at first wanted to make a sequel to Return of the Evil Dead. I began writing a sequel which I called Last of the Evil Dead and in it the babysitter character had moved to the city and was having nightmares so he decides to return to where the previous films events took place.

He looks inside the house and I had written flashes of what happened in each room as he looks into them. Satisfied he returns home, unaware that the Book of the Dead has somehow made its way into his car.

He returns to his home in the city and decides to throw a party with his girlfriend. The girlfriend finds the book in the car and thinking her boyfriend owns it she places it in the cupboard in his room.

During the party some of his friends who are drunk find the book and recite the passages, resurrecting the Evil Dead again. Then all hell breaks loose once more. That was the first idea for the next film.

NEXT IDEA......................

My cousin was looking in his shed at his home and found a three pronged gardening implement. He called me and told me he was thinking of have this as a weapon in our next film. I liked the idea.

I was thinking of how we could implement this weapon and who would wield such an instrument for death. At first I wrote a script.

THE SCRIPT STAGE............

My first attempt at fleshing out the plot was a story about three friends who have a seance and unwittingly release a dark figure, who I had named The Conjurer and this was the name of the script and this villain wielded the three pronged instrument as his weapon of choice.

At the end of the script the last remaining friend realises how to kill The Conjurer. Everything is undone and he goes back to before his friends arrive. When they do, he decides they'll just watch movies and that was the end. We decided that wasn't the script we were going to go with.

THE SECOND SCRIPT.................

We decided that the villain who wields the three pronged implement would be The Gardener. I drew a little sketch of what I thought he should look like. I decided he would wear a long coat and a wide brimmed hat like Freddy Krueger, and similar to Freddy, I had the Gardener with a huge scar on his face.

So I wrote a script about these two brothers who are passing a football to eachother while walking down the street. One of them is being a smart ass and accidentally kicks to ball into someone's yard. The go to get the ball and are killed by the Gardener.

About a few months later two friends are walking down the street and they stop at the house and talk about the murder. One dares the other to stay a night in the house. One of them accepts with one catch - both of them have to stay so there's a witness for the dare to be completed successfully. Basically they enter and the killer stalks them and at the end one of the friends kills The Gardener - THE END

THE FILMING OF THE GARDENER.............

I visited my cousin this time as we were going to film our second short at his house. We decided to abandon the script and just do it as we thought stuff up.

Before I begin this is what the story became:

A kid is killed by the Gardener. Thirteen years later........

A teen invites his friend and his brother to come over. The two arrive and they are playing a card game, then they get bored with that. Eventually they discover a newspaper article about the murder which happened in the exact same house they're at.

The Gardener returns and kills the two brothers leaving the teen to the final confrontation. Now.....

Our first attempt went okay except my cousin accidentally kept the camera filming even while we were mucking around trying to figure things out. We had no more tape left.

SECOND ATTEMPT:

The second day came and we started all over again. By the way, this time we were using on set blood so I didn't have to painstakingly put it in frame by frame like I did on Return of the Evil Dead.

What really made the film was my cousins older brother who cameoed as this neighbour checking up on what the friend and the two brothers in the story were up to.

It took us that afternoon and that night to film the movie and thats all we needed.

THE EDITING PROCESS.........

When I got home I had all the footage so I went to my computer, captured it all and edited it together within two hours. I thought, "Cool this hasn't taken as long as Return of the Evil Dead to do." Was I wrong.

It took me nearly as long to edit as I wasn't happy with various things and I think it took me a few months to get it all done. However I finally did and unfortunately, while the film was better than Return of the Evil Dead in terms of having proper blood, the movie was still a rough piece of work. Looking back I really prefer Return of the Evil Dead over The Gardener. By the way, the title I preferred for the film was, "In the Garden of Death"

A THIRD SHORT?...................

Mid last year my cousin was surfing a site called PennyArcade and found some spoofs of the Resident Evil games. He thought a cool idea for a film would be a spoof of the Resident Evil games. I also thought this was awesome.

Our goal for this was going to be, to make it about an hour long in length as Return of the Evil Dead went for 12 minutes and The Gardener for about 17.

We worked on a title and then we thought up some funny gags and references for spoofing. We worked on the script, we finally had it written and the next thing to do was find out who was going to play what character. We practiced and decided who'd be who. That was sorted out.

ROAD BUMPS...............

We kept doing rewrites of the script and my cousin decided we'd need to cut certain scenes due to lack of finding enough people for the zombies and as well as the characters we had. We decided we didn't want to make the film and then realise we could of done a movie that was better being done based on the draft of the script we had. So we put it on hold.

ON HOLD, THEN BOOM!............

One of the worst things to happen happened. My harddrive was damaged and all the information, including the script for our desired third film went with it. I'm still not 100% on whether I can get the information back so the idea we had for our third script will have to become for our forth because.........

NEW IDEA..................

Just recently my cousin had been watching Kung Fu Hustle and it inspired him to write a short film about a teen fed up with the local drug dealer and he goes to his house and fights his henchman until he gets to the final guy for the fight. I'm a excited for this as it will be challenging but also fun. I can't really wait until we move forward on that.

So that's what short films I've done and what I plan to do. One day I'd love to do a fan film of Silent Hill.

Sorry for the long post, I hope you've liked what you've read. Catch you guys later.

[Kanadian_kev]

Dead One: "many guerilla filmmakers had to rely on bending the truth a tad"

Yeah, I've done plenty of that. I told someone there was no violence, which was quite a bend. There's no violence in that scene, but there is plenty in others. At least I got that location.

As for the house, I was looking for a 'Middle American' style house, but I decided to totally ditch that scene. It was this really long climax to the story (bad idea already) and it didn't even fit into the script too well. The reason I didn't want to cut it was that it was the first scene I wrote, it was the original idea that got me started, so I figured it HAD to be in there.

But as I wrote the rest of the story, I found that it didn't fit anymore.

I've pretty much got everything lined up now. I just have to rely on a million different things happening at certain times. Basically if one of those things goes wrong I could be fucked, but that's filmmaking.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
Dead One: "many guerilla filmmakers had to rely on bending the truth a tad"

Yeah, I've done plenty of that. I told someone there was no violence, which was quite a bend. There's no violence in that scene, but there is plenty in others. At least I got that location.

As for the house, I was looking for a 'Middle American' style house, but I decided to totally ditch that scene. It was this really long climax to the story (bad idea already) and it didn't even fit into the script too well. The reason I didn't want to cut it was that it was the first scene I wrote, it was the original idea that got me started, so I figured it HAD to be in there.

But as I wrote the rest of the story, I found that it didn't fit anymore.

I've pretty much got everything lined up now. I just have to rely on a million different things happening at certain times. Basically if one of those things goes wrong I could be fucked, but that's filmmaking.



Kev, if there’s one thing you can count on in guerilla filmmaking is the bullshit that goes along with it. Problems and obstacles will always present themselves during any production, even when you least expect it. You can count on it.

Depending on the situation or circumstance you must rely on being able to improvise and really think on your feet. Imagine what it must have been like for Sam Raimi and his crew working on their 1st feature Evil Dead; imagine those long cold nights of shoots. They must have more then their share of headaches, which is just me stating the bleeding obvious. Filmmaking is a tough hustle without question; you really gain a renewed respect those who do this for a living.

Now, as to your problem regarding your production, if you run into any scene that doesn’t fit, your best bet is to lose it. So your on the right track, every filmmaker can easily fall in love with a certain grand scene that they had in mind. But if the scene is of no real significance to what’s going on in the story, then cut it, burn it, nuke it.

Even if this is a scene that had been shot and even it turned out great, but didn’t fit into the story then you’d still be faced with the decision to cut this scene from your film. This is a decision that every filmmaker and director must face in the post production-editing stages, I had brought this subject up before. They call it “killing your babies”, which is understandable because we can easily fall in love with a certain scene or shot, but if it gets in the way of the flow of the story its got to go!

I wish you the best of luck man; keep me posted on your progress.

P.S. Your never fucked…there are just bumps in the road. ;)

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Tarman
Guys, I need some help. Anybody intrested or know how to post a trailer on the net that would post mind on this website? I've had a couple people try and have no luck. I'll get a copy mailed out to you if anyone is interested.

It's the trailer for Unfortunate. It's done and ready to roll but I haven't had any luck getting it posted.

I wish I could help you on that one Tarman.

Have you tried searching the web for any info that might put you on the right track? Let me know how you make out, sorry I couldnt be of more help.

Hang in there dude...

[Kanadian_kev]

I don't even miss the scene any more, I've gotten over it.

I've pretty much cut out the really violent scenes now. They seem to be there solely because of the violence, and I love movie violence, but this movie just doesn't need it any more. This is more of a 'body horror' film, where the 'horror' is inside you a la Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Plus, I have seen these special effects shots take entire days to shoot, and I've written to prevent that. I don't have entire days to shoot one shot, fuck that. A guy gets bottled in the head, that's as violent as it needs to get.

Problem: My lead actress has been terribly sick. I had doubts that she'd be getting better any time soon and I contacted two other actresses. I told the two new ones that I wanted them to audition for this new role coming up soon. Then I find out that my original actress is getting better. I would really really rather use the first actress, I know she's great and can take direction well. Do I take my chances with the first one? Audition the other two just in case and only call back if I need them?

[Tarman]

dead one- Your the first person to reply bro and I still havent had any luck. I had someone I work with take it home and give it a shot but he couldnt figure it out either. He posted on here but he didnt have any luck.

I would really appreciate it if someone see's this post and can help me out. If I can't figure it out, I might just have to send out a copy of the trailer with a Stemm cd for anybody interested.

The script for the sequal is finished and has went out to a few people who helped on the first one. I'm getting postive feedback so far.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Kanadian_kev
I don't even miss the scene any more, I've gotten over it.

I've pretty much cut out the really violent scenes now. They seem to be there solely because of the violence, and I love movie violence, but this movie just doesn't need it any more. This is more of a 'body horror' film, where the 'horror' is inside you a la Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Plus, I have seen these special effects shots take entire days to shoot, and I've written to prevent that. I don't have entire days to shoot one shot, fuck that. A guy gets bottled in the head, that's as violent as it needs to get.

Problem: My lead actress has been terribly sick. I had doubts that she'd be getting better any time soon and I contacted two other actresses. I told the two new ones that I wanted them to audition for this new role coming up soon. Then I find out that my original actress is getting better. I would really really rather use the first actress, I know she's great and can take direction well. Do I take my chances with the first one? Audition the other two just in case and only call back if I need them?


Well it’s a Saturday night, a drink in one hand and a smoke in the other…just fun and games watching horror films. Seriously though, Kev I like the ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ thing. The original film is a powerful one, even today it hasn’t lost a step. Anyway, as to your predicament regarding the young lady. Hey people do get sick. It’s a shame that things like this descend upon us like this, but considering I don’t know all the details to how sick she is, this is a tough call.

Now, on a personal note I just got over being sick myself, I did continue to work but the dammed bug hung in there for almost two FN weeks. Needless to say, I was none to happy about that. The point is, if this girl was your 1st choice and you have a tight, sincere, no bull shit, good working relationship with her. Then shoot around her scenes until she is well enough to come back and try to work it out with her.

However, to be on the safe side you have to cover your ass here as well. So in the mean time it wouldn’t hurt to go with your back up plan…Audition the other two and tell them to wait for a possible call back. In the end, the film must come first.

Thats about the best advice I can give you bro...


Hang in there man... ;)

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Tarman
dead one- Your the first person to reply bro and I still havent had any luck. I had someone I work with take it home and give it a shot but he couldnt figure it out either. He posted on here but he didnt have any luck.

I would really appreciate it if someone see's this post and can help me out. If I can't figure it out, I might just have to send out a copy of the trailer with a Stemm cd for anybody interested.

The script for the sequal is finished and has went out to a few people who helped on the first one. I'm getting postive feedback so far.


Tarman,

That’s one of the points of this thread man, to help each other out. Plus, this is one of the few threads that I can really get into, I love film, period. Because I still believe that film can be a very powerful from of communication. I still reflect on the underground Indy film ‘Darkness’, which was filmed in your neck of the woods you lucky sob. Good to hear about the positive feed back on your sequel script, if it works then stick with it.

The problem getting your trailer on the web, well like I said wish I could help you with that one bro, but it’s not really my thing…yet! Sending copies of the trailer out might not hurt, if you have that much confidence in your film, get it copyrighted and send out your Video CD’s to distributors on the web that deal in low budget and micro budget films.

But always be prepared for any criticisms or rejections as its part of the game, never take it personal as it’s strictly business. Still, keep in mind you have nothing else to lose at this point and all the more to gain.

Keep pushing on, hang loose Tarman…I’m with you bro!

It's guys like you that keep this thread alive! ;)

[Pestilence]

Tarman, does your ISP give you any customary webspace?

If they do, you could use it to make a small promo website for your film, and upload the trailer onto it for people to see.

The easiest way to do it would be converting the trailer in .wmv or .mov format, uploading to the webspace, and just putting a "Get the trailer Here!" link to it...it doesn't necessarily have to be streaming.

[Kanadian_kev]

Problem is fixed, my first actress is all better now and good to go. Now I just have to hope that all these little things happen when they're supposed to happen, and if it all goes as planned I should have quite a film on my hands.

My only problem now is just a lack of rehearsal. I wanted to get more time before the shoot to talk about the characters and rehearse a bit more but I don't think it's happening. Sometimes you can over-rehearse though, which can be bad because spontaneity is usually very good. However, I think I could do with more rehearsing. All I can do is meet up with the actors each day a few hours before we shoot and rehearse what we'll be doing that day. I've actually never tried that before, but I think it will work. Everything will remain fresh in their heads.

I am counting on a lot of things happening: I've got a dozen actors, a bunch of extras, five different locations, my entire crew, 50 grand worth of equipment that might break down at any time, wrestlers, police cars, cargo vans, break-away bottles, the weather, etc... Anything can and will happen, I'll just have to wait and see.

[Tarman]

the dead one-Thanks for the reply. I didnt know if anybody was going to respond. I'm talking about sending out the trailer to those of you on here that wanted to see the trailer and then wanted a 5 song ep of Stemm. Stemm does alot of stuff for the UFC.I've actually helped on a movie that LLoyd Kaufman acted in here in Kansas so I was thinking about giving him a holler. Problem is that this is more of a serious film compared to what gets put out under the Troma label so I dont know about that. I will probably shop it around.

I'm taking it to the Eerie Film Festival in PA in OCT and there will be quite a few distributors as well as some Icon Actors and directors. Tony Todd, LLoyd Kaufman etc. Possibly the almighty Romero as a guest speaker. If any of you guys might consider going then maybe we can meet up at the Festival. If you want more info I can post something on here about the festival. There are quite a few different catagories as far as shorts, feaures, scripts etc. Horror and Sci-FI

Pestilence- Thanks for the reply as well. I have someone looking into it for me and he's going to give it a shot. I dont have a website put together yet so this will probably be the start and hopefully we can get it posted like that. What about a web page on Myspace?

My question for all of you guys....... FUNDING

What have you done to get funding or do you know of any contacts that might be willing to step in and help?Everything for Unfortunate was out of my pocket and I'm looking for some help or just curious on how you went about getting some help.

[Kanadian_kev]

Tarman- My film is pretty much out of my pocket. I'm a film student at the university, so I have access to tons of equipment that I could never afford to rent/buy. The film department is also attached to the theatre department, so that makes it easy for me to find local actors who are willing to work for free. Also, I can get other filmmakers from the school to crew on my film for free too.

The only things that I have actually spent money on are the film stock (or DV/HD tapes, if you use that), a few small props (mostly wardrobe stuff), food for the actors/crew, and a cargo van that I'm renting for the entire shoot.

In the future I do plan on actually getting 'funding' for a feature film though. There's an organization here called National Screen Institute which has funded a lot of graduates from the university. Probably the most famous one is Sean Garrity who directed a pretty successful film called Inertia.

[zombievictim]

Tarman- My budget is also right out of my own pocket.

Now on a sadder note, at least for me, my movie has basically gone down the shitter. This was the one thing I'd been trying to get off the ground since GOD knows when and it is now officially over.

The start date was three weeks ago and that never happened. My main location, became unavailable, and 90% of the movie takes place in that location. Our gore also became unavailable because the supplier tried to rip us off and after I said "Screw it I mine as well buy it". The prostetics turned out to be the wrong stuff. Then, the program I was going to use to edit the movie completely screwed up and got destroyed.

So needless to say...I am pissed. But on a better note, after the months of preparing and not having a movie, I do still have the actors ready. So I have actors, but no set, editing program, gore, and oh yeah, no script! But anyways, thanks to you guys for the tips. I'm still going to use them on my other movie which will be about God knows what.

:(

[Tarman]

I figured the majority of us on here were going straight out of pocket but Im starting to put together a list of places I can approach for possible funding. Based out of Kansas, we have a film Club that's called the IFC where you can get crews and actors so luckily that is there but I will be holding a casting auditon as well. I figure the more people filmed will help down the line for future projects as well.

I looked up state humanitarians but anything they back has to have history for the state. I checked film grants and didnt really see anything that caught my eye. Alot of stuff on there was goverment funds but you have to give out alot of your info along with a bank or credit card #. I aint trusting that even though they say everyone is guaranteed money back.I also looked in to High networth individuals on the net and didn't see anything.


I have high hopes for this script and if the money is there, I think it could really put a dent in the scene as far as independent filmmaking goes.

Sucks to hear about your film ZV- I was kinda wondering how everything was going.

[the dead one]

My approach to funding has always been out of pocket, keeping things within reason. From past experience, the false starts, the bumps in the road and so on. I decided to scale back my thinking because of the problems that I ran into, coming to a realization. One of the principle rules of guerilla filmmaking is this, write what you can shoot and keep it simple.

Unless you have a large amount of cash to throw around, you have to work within the parameters of what you can afford. That’s the most logical choice as I see it, but at the same time keeping in mind, that many mavericks achieved great things, always finding away to rise above the their financial resources. My project is still in the script stages, it is a vampire film in present day. My ultimate goal is to create a film with great authenticity, trying capture a more naturalistic style, like the early films of Scorsese and Cassavetes. The film that had the most profound impact on me was “Habit”, from New York underground filmmaker Larry Fessenden. It was a real inspiration for me.

I will be filming in and around my own hometown, plus I have already collected the equipment and lighting package (Home Depot helps) needed over the past few years. I am writing, producing, directing and storyboarding this project keeping complete control over it. Having a background in comic storytelling is a big plus for me, visualizing my movie from shot to shot. My project will be edited with the ‘Avid’ program, a great piece of software. I am sorry to hear about your project ZV, hopefully you will find a way to get things up and running again. Thankfully you have your actors behind you! Keep us posted, ok?

I just realized how appropriate the title is for this thread...filmmaking is HELL, but what a ride.

To all of you guys Zombie, Kev and tarman...

Keep the faith brothers…

[Kanadian_kev]

I've been shooting every day all day since Sunday now, haven't had time to eat or anything, just shooting shooting shooting. I made a deal with my friend and acquired two cameras, which are really helping me out a lot. So far, I am extremely pleased with the footage.

Today, while shooting at the nightclub I was supposed to have to myself, some guys came in to do a 'laser light show rehearsal.' So in the middle of my shooting, these guys spray fog EVERYWHERE and start shooting lights around the place for half an hour. Half an hour slowed everything down, it took a lot of encouragement to get everybody back into the zone, but the fog stuck around for a bit and added to the look.

So far everybody has showed up on time, I haven't gotten into any sort of trouble, and I've been accomplishing pretty much exactly what I had storyboarded, which NEVER happens to me. If things can keep rolling this smoothly, I have no doubt that this movie will squeeze its way into more than a few local festivals.

[Kanadian_kev]

Here's a link to a photo taken by one of the actors during the shoot: FILMMAKING (http://www.geocities.com/kevinstsi/film.jpg)

That's me on camera setting up to shoot a scene with my lead actor.

[Tarman]

I make a new topic in the general forum but check this out guys. I will be going and I hope you do as well.


he Kansas International Film Festival (KIFF) is accepting entries for its 6th annual festival. Horror movie icon George Romero will be the special guest of the 2006 festival, to be held September 15-21 at the Glenwood Arts Theatre in Overland Park, KS

This year, KIFF is again accepting feature-length films from around the world that don’t have distribution deals and have not premiered in the greater Kansas City area. The categories are:
• Socially conscious documentary films of 55 minutes or longer for its THINK! series,
• Narrative films of 75 minutes or longer in any genre

Entry deadlines are March 31 ($30), April 30 ($40) and May 30 ($75). Visit www.withoutabox.com or www.kansasfilm.com to enter.

The IFC will co-sponsor the appearance of George Romero at KIFF. As a groundbreaking independent filmmaker, Romero directed the 1968 classic, Night of the Living Dead, recreating and redefining the horror film genre while influencing many other great directors including John Carpenter, Wes Craven, and Brian De Palma.

His popularity extends worldwide and his films continue to win incredible support from fans dedicated to his unique art and directorial style. In addition to Night, his films include Dawn of the Dead (1979), Knightriders (1981), Creepshow (1982), and Day of the Dead (1985).

Appearing with Romero will be Tom Savini, the wizard of special effects for many of the films. All KIFF films will be shown at the Glenwood Arts Theatre in Overland Park, KS.

[Kanadian_kev]

Unfortunately my film is about half an hour long, otherwise I'd consider sending it to festivals like KIFF. I can still send it to festivals that accept shorts though, and that's what I'm gonna do.

I'm editing right now, and everything is looking really slick. It's actually a pretty wierd movie, there's nothing I can really compare it to, but it works. I hope that helps it stand out when it comes time to judge, because there's a lot of competition.

[the dead one]

Vampire Screenplay-update:

Well it’s been along time since I have posted on the filmmaking thread, mainly due to my obligations to a pressing comic book project that will be published by the end of this year. However, I have pulled out all the stops to return to my screenplay already in progress. The best part is that I am extremely happy & have come up with a workable script. My biggest problem is keeping my ideas within the logistics of what I can shoot. The main characters are well fleshed out and very believable, as opposed to your garden-variety clichéd cut outs.

Since my last post I have made many changes, including the names of the main characters involved.

Basically, it involves 3 principle characters that are just your average blue-collar guys from the suburbs. Mike, Chris and Dan are long time friends (ages 30’s to 40’s) with no real direction in life. Mike is alone and isolated from his friends lost in his own private hell. He is the more complicated one of the three; he is laid back with a dark quite cool. The brooding loner has always appealed to me, which I feel is the type of flesh and blood character that most audiences can identify with. He is my own personal archetype, so I am seriously considering playing Mike on this film, because I began to realize that the nuances that I put down on paper were all from my own life’s experiences. Therefore, it would be easier for me to play him then to try and cast someone else for the role.

Anyway, the story goes; Dan is a rather intuitive individual who is the closest to Chris. Unlike the other people in his circle, Dan begins to take notice that Chris seems to be displaying odd behavior, and seems to be operating as if he were a ‘Vampire’. Seeking help from an unlikely source in his former friend Mike, he is drawn into the conflict that is about to ensue. Mike has to put aside his personal issues and come to terms with the fact that a former friend has indeed become a vampire! Unlike most micro budget features being shot by other guerilla filmmakers, I am trying to draw a parallel where reality meets fiction. Keeping the story grounded in a stark naturalistic setting, makes things easier in terms of locations within the frame work of the story.

Also, unlike my previous abandoned scripts the story moves at a brisk pace. I had this bad habit of writing longwinded stories that took way to long to get to the real action. Plus I plan to work with a very small crew & extras played by friends to fill in the gaps. If the past has taught me anything, it is to keep things simple but effective, hopefully this will make things a hell of a lot easier this time around. I will be shooting in the Mini-DVD format, moving fast and hard to get the more important aspects of the shoot done in a timely and cost effective manor. Once I have the script completed then I will begin the casting process, I am very happy with the script and the action planned ahead. My biggest influences here are the films Larry Fessedden's 'Habit and Leif Jonekrs Darkness---so the climax of the story will be one for the books!

I’ll be in touch---so keep dreaming and shooting my fellow schmoes!!!


Peace~
:)

[zombievictim]

Wow, congrats DeadOne. That's fucking awesome. I myself haven't really done much as for filmmaking. I've been writing and prepping for whatever project I think feel suits the moment.

As of now, I'm doing an all out battle type of situation involving a bunch of younger people. It's just a way for me to figure out some cool gore gags and perfect squib shots, stuff like that. I only have about 55 pages in the script but it's been moving along nicely.

Each of my friends that I've discussed this story with have been very intrigued and want a part in it. So I pretty much have my casting all done with the help of friends. I'm just trying not to rush into anything because last time I did that everything went down the drain.

I'll keep everyone updated but I'm not promising anything. It'll happen if the time is right and hopefully that time is now...but who knows....

[the dead one]

Thanks Zombie!

Glad to hear that you're working on a new project, I know how difficult it is to keep things going. Hopefully, we will all be able to get our films completed. I actually got a PM from Leif Jonker on my Darkness review---I was completely blown away! See the horror review thread if you get the time, Darkness is a great low budget vampire flick that will make you realize that all things are possible!
I HIGHLY recommend seeing this flick---it rocks hard! :D :cool:

[X-Nightcrawler]

Originally posted by the dead one
Basically, it involves 3 principle characters that are just your average blue-collar guys from the suburbs. Mike, Chris and Dan are long time friends (ages 30’s to 40’s) with no real direction in life. Mike is alone and isolated from his friends lost in his own private hell. He is the more complicated one of the three; he is laid back with a dark quite cool. The brooding loner has always appealed to me, which I feel is the type of flesh and blood character that most audiences can identify with. He is my own personal archetype, so I am seriously considering playing Mike on this film, because I began to realize that the nuances that I put down on paper were all from my own life’s experiences. Therefore, it would be easier for me to play him then to try and cast someone else for the role.

Anyway, the story goes; Dan is a rather intuitive individual who is the closest to Chris. Unlike the other people in his circle, Dan begins to take notice that Chris seems to be displaying odd behavior, and seems to be operating as if he were a ‘Vampire’. Seeking help from an unlikely source in his former friend Mike, he is drawn into the conflict that is about to ensue. Mike has to put aside his personal issues and come to terms with the fact that a former friend has indeed become a vampire! Unlike most micro budget features being shot by other guerilla filmmakers, I am trying to draw a parallel where reality meets fiction. Keeping the story grounded in a stark naturalistic setting, makes things easier in terms of locations within the frame work of the story. Here's my two cents.

As far as the character you're describing, it sounds excellent because broody loners are my favorite characters in any medium, hopefully since you yourself relate to such type, you can make his "quirky" personality realistic (and not stock like "uh . . . he kinda lost his faith in people after losing someone close to him."). At least I'm all for a main character that's of that type, you don't see them very often. Too bad you're not having him be the lead but the vampire.

What I don't like so much is the story premise you're giving me here. I was ready to think that "I suspect he's a vamp-OMG he's a vamp!" is as interesting as a "Goosebumps" episode. What kept me from saying that (. . . saying SAYING that) was what you mentioned in the end, which gives it all the interest. What do you mean a blend of reality and fiction? Something like vampires-in-the-real-world like Romasanta did with werewolves? Because that would be fantastic (Romasanta kicked ass), it really has NEVER been done as far as I know.

So what did you mean with the blending of reality and fiction? *crosses fingers*

[Kanadian_kev]

Hey fellow filmmakers, good to hear everything's going good! I love the vampire genre (except when they're supposed to be 'sexy') and your story sounds awesome. I like how you're mixing the vampire myth into the real world, that's a good approach you don't see often. I've got to see this Darkness movie everybody keeps talking about.

As for my escapades. My half hour movie We've Lost Control got finished but wound up rather complicated. Some people didn't understand it, other people loved it. I think I tried to be too original to the point where it only made perfect sense to me.

A few weeks ago I shot another short film using the black and white Super-8 format for my first time ever. This time I kept it much much simpler, there's no question about what's going on in it. A local company has told me to bring the finished film down for distribution, which I will do once it's done.

It was my first time using this Super-8 camera and I was a bit unsure of how it would turn out. So what I did was shoot the first few takes on video, then shoot only one or two takes on film. This kept the cost very low and I have a digital film just in case the celluloid looks like crap!

[Tarman]

Well Im moving on and planning to shoot my short for the KIFF Film Festival held Sept 16 within the next 2 weeks and the special guest judges are George Romero and Tom Savini. Deadline is Aug 23 and the title of the short is more then likely going to be called Overnight.Within one day, the cities have been turned upside down and everyone is infected. 2 surviors are looking for there way out and have to fight for survival. I'm still trying to find a bunch of extras and Im still waiting to hear back from 4 casting agencies so Im hoping to have it lined up by the middle of this week.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by X-Nightcrawler
Here's my two cents.

As far as the character you're describing, it sounds excellent because broody loners are my favorite characters in any medium, hopefully since you yourself relate to such type, you can make his "quirky" personality realistic (and not stock like "uh . . . he kinda lost his faith in people after losing someone close to him."). At least I'm all for a main character that's of that type, you don't see them very often. Too bad you're not having him be the lead but the vampire.

What I don't like so much is the story premise you're giving me here. I was ready to think that "I suspect he's a vamp-OMG he's a vamp!" is as interesting as a "Goosebumps" episode. What kept me from saying that (. . . saying SAYING that) was what you mentioned in the end, which gives it all the interest. What do you mean a blend of reality and fiction? Something like vampires-in-the-real-world like Romasanta did with werewolves? Because that would be fantastic (Romasanta kicked ass), it really has NEVER been done as far as I know.

So what did you mean with the blending of reality and fiction? *crosses fingers*


I feel that most people can relate to the working class loner, kind of detached. But, the character is generally good hearted, and has a code of honor and principles. He is the type of guy who would stand up for the weak, a person of conscious. Yet, he is not perfect. Mike is and will be a flawed character. So for me, this is a personal piece. This is going to be a challenge for me, because it will be a way for me to vent some of my own personal frustrations through this character. Which is the risk of exposure, and I think that there is an esthetic to that. An artist like any filmmaker always runs the risk of exposure, letting someone else in on your on personal demons. And NO, its not the stock like "uh . . . he kinda lost his faith in people after losing someone close to him." LOL! Thanks for bringing that up, good call. But if such an archetype was written correctly, I see nothing wrong with discovering new truths in old clichés. Mike is the loner of the piece, who is going through a rough patch, which happens to us all at one time or another in this life. Not, the usual cliché of loss in such a context as you so cleverly pointed out X. (That was some hilarious shit man.)

His character’s motivation is to overcome his set of issues and to prevail, but not without loss along the way. He will also have to contend with the real possibility, that there are certain truths in the world. It is our ignorance to them that can be dangerous; I want to depict a sense of realism avoiding all the usual trappings. The premise isn’t as cut and dry as it sounds, although the way I worded it may have something to do with that. Mike has to face and destroy a person whom he has known his entire life. His failure to do so would have severe consequences, which would not be an easy decision to make. The depiction of this situation in most films today makes it seem all too easy to kill and with little believability. I also want the film to reflect the heightened climate of fear that we live in today, tapping into our primal fears of the spread of disease and death. Just not in a direct way, with a big political statement behind it. Because we are dealing with the supernatural.

So when the shit hits the fan, there will be no endless debate or discussion between the characters for long periods of time. I want to keep the story moving at a brisk pace, this is the better way to go in terms of micro-budget features. I’d like to keep the flicks running time under or at 78 minutes, but that will be determined in the post-production phase. Remember, there are 3 versions of your film. The one you write, the one you direct and shoot and finally the one you end up with as the final version in the editing stages. The timeline will have the story take place all in one night, but unfortunately not in one location. Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead took place on one location, over the course of one night. Which is economical in terms of time and money. But, this is guerilla filmmaking at its best, primal and with no rules. Just do the best-damned production with what you have and try to overcome your limitations. And finally, what did I mean with the blending of reality and fiction? My intention is to find a way of bringing the classical vampire into our time, without the updated conventions of today’s current trend. It’s not cool to be a vampire, nor is it leathery Goth romanticism---being one of the undead sucks hard.

So here is my take on it, Vampires have existed amongst us in total secrecy and they are bottom feeders. They DO drink blood; they DO have an aversion to sunlight, holy water and so on. So the basic rules are intact, no modernization of the vampire legends. I can’t reveal a hell of a lot more here for reasons that should be clear, because I have to maintain some secrecy. Trust me on this X; what I have in store is more ambitious then anything I have ever tried to come up with, unlike previous efforts and attempts. BTW there is a brilliant underground film called 'Habit' (1997) by one Larry Fessenden. It is an amazing take on vampires in contemporary times, under New York’s autumn nights. Recommended viewing!

I also want to say it's great to see Zombievictim, Tarman & Kanadian_kev on this thread again, you guys rock-

...keeping my own fingers crossed-;)

[Tarman]

All Right fellas- Wish me luck because tomorrow is the big day. We start filming at 9:30 in the morning and Im looking to bang out several shots and alot of the scenes with the zombies have quite a bit of gore and there will be lots of blood, intestines etc. I have about 15 extras showing up so once I get some pics taken, I will post on here. The newspaper will be out as well checking out the making of.

Side note for The dead one- This dude named Joshua Chapman is coming down from Wichita and he worked with Leif Jonker on Darkness and keeps in touch with him. I will drill him on the movie and let him know we think it kicks all kinds of ass. I can't wait. Zombie carnage my friends. I'm out..... I need to get some sleep because tomorrow will be a long day.

For any of you who will want a copy, let me know. It will be done by Aug 23 for the comp and hopefully Romero will get a kick out of it.

[X-Nightcrawler]

Originally posted by the dead one
I feel that most people can relate to the working class loner, kind of detached. But, the character is generally good hearted, and has a code of honor and principles. He is the type of guy who would stand up for the weak, a person of conscious. Yet, he is not perfect. Mike is and will be a flawed character. So for me, this is a personal piece. This is going to be a challenge for me, because it will be a way for me to vent some of my own personal frustrations through this character. Which is the risk of exposure, and I think that there is an esthetic to that. An artist like any filmmaker always runs the risk of exposure, letting someone else in on your on personal demons. And NO, its not the stock like "uh . . . he kinda lost his faith in people after losing someone close to him." LOL! Thanks for bringing that up, good call. But if such an archetype was written correctly, I see nothing wrong with discovering new truths in old clichés. Mike is the loner of the piece, who is going through a rough patch, which happens to us all at one time or another in this life. Not, the usual cliché of loss in such a context as you so cleverly pointed out X. (That was some hilarious shit man.)

His character’s motivation is to overcome his set of issues and to prevail, but not without loss along the way. He will also have to contend with the real possibility, that there are certain truths in the world. It is our ignorance to them that can be dangerous; I want to depict a sense of realism avoiding all the usual trappings. The premise isn’t as cut and dry as it sounds, although the way I worded it may have something to do with that. Mike has to face and destroy a person whom he has known his entire life. His failure to do so would have severe consequences, which would not be an easy decision to make. The depiction of this situation in most films today makes it seem all too easy to kill and with little believability. I also want the film to reflect the heightened climate of fear that we live in today, tapping into our primal fears of the spread of disease and death. Just not in a direct way, with a big political statement behind it. Because we are dealing with the supernatural.

So when the shit hits the fan, there will be no endless debate or discussion between the characters for long periods of time. I want to keep the story moving at a brisk pace, this is the better way to go in terms of micro-budget features. I’d like to keep the flicks running time under or at 78 minutes, but that will be determined in the post-production phase. Remember, there are 3 versions of your film. The one you write, the one you direct and shoot and finally the one you end up with as the final version in the editing stages. The timeline will have the story take place all in one night, but unfortunately not in one location. Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead took place on one location, over the course of one night. Which is economical in terms of time and money. But, this is guerilla filmmaking at its best, primal and with no rules. Just do the best-damned production with what you have and try to overcome your limitations. And finally, what did I mean with the blending of reality and fiction? My intention is to find a way of bringing the classical vampire into our time, without the updated conventions of today’s current trend. It’s not cool to be a vampire, nor is it leathery Goth romanticism---being one of the undead sucks hard.

So here is my take on it, Vampires have existed amongst us in total secrecy and they are bottom feeders. They DO drink blood; they DO have an aversion to sunlight, holy water and so on. So the basic rules are intact, no modernization of the vampire legends. I can’t reveal a hell of a lot more here for reasons that should be clear, because I have to maintain some secrecy. Trust me on this X; what I have in store is more ambitious then anything I have ever tried to come up with, unlike previous efforts and attempts. BTW there is a brilliant underground film called 'Habit' (1997) by one Larry Fessenden. It is an amazing take on vampires in contemporary times, under New York’s autumn nights. Recommended viewing! Good to hear. On one side, because you seem to have the character's . . . what word to use . . . 'psyche' right. You should have no problem creating a dimensional (if not developed) character if the blueprint is so clear. Just stay clear from clichéd (and not re-explored) developments for this 'it sucks!' style. If it's a basic "It sucks because I can't die and I haven't seen the sun in ever so long!" then it won't work as well. Again, I trust you know where to take it (you're 'well read' on vampire movies, moreso than me, so you'd know more about what's tired and what's not so tired).

Secondly, I thank GOD that you're not going to take the "cool vampire!" route, which is 70% the reason why I don't like the creature (must every bloody teenage vampire act like a complete power-drunk idiot? *looks at Evil Ed in Fright Night*). Detouring from that is always a good idea. Always. It's the most tired form of vampirism depicted in films (and like I said, the most annoying for me personally).

Anyways, good luck on getting it on the air. I'd love to read the script (and if you want, give my opinion) if you'd allow once it's finished.

[Tarman]

The shoot went well and I got in the majority of the shots I wanted. A couple people didnt show for one scene so that was the only thing we didnt get done. The scene with the zombies on the body with the intestines was fucking awesome. A couple of people turned their heads when we started filming the scene so overrall, I was happy with how the day went. We started filming around 9:30Am and finished around 4:15PM or so. We will start the editing the process Monday.

Here's some funny shit that happened while filming-

The Union railroad were patroling the block when we were filming and he called the cops. The guy with the Union Railroad came over and thought because we were filming a scene with a little girl and taking still shots of her, we must have been up to no good but yet he said he didnt see the four zombies made up sitting against the wall waiting for there time to be filmed so he didnt know we were filming a movie. The cop showed up and we laughed about the situation and he was real cool about it. He said his favorite director was David Lynch and he wished us luck and said based on what he saw, he thought Romero would like what we were doing. The photographers were taking pictures of it all.

We had about 11 extras made up as zombies and I plan on going back down and filming some more in the alley. Its a very cool location.

[Tarman]

You guys can check out pics of the shoot and the interview with the paper at

www.yahoo.com then type The Bonner Springs Chieftain
Click on the news section in the left hand corner then scroll down and look for the article about the zombie flick.

Let me know what you think. There are a few pics and one of the body being made up for the instestines scene.

[zombievictim]

Last weekend we went out into the woods with my camera and a bunch of guns. We set up some squibs and did some cool test shots. Not much other than that though. We did get to use a real gun shootout. It was really easy to do.

Remember, this works best at night though other times are fine.

Say you have two groups shooting at each other. They're using stuff as cover fire so you don't see them the entire time. You can set up several flashing lights at one of the sides to simulate guns going off. Then just shoot the side to hell. Do the same to the other side and just mix the shots together. It works EXTREMELY well.

ZV

[zombievictim]

Oh, I almost forgot. You OBVIOUSLY must take all your actors/crew members out of the way when you are shooting the area to hell. I figure'd that was self explanatory but you never know:D

[Tarman]

Finished shooting the short today and we gotta piece the rest of the footage together. Everything went well and the scene where the zombie cop is eating his victim on the passenger side and tearing in to the fingers looked good. Tons of pictures to come. I had about 16 zombies all together and a wide variety of costumes. I'm out. THe sun really played its toll on me. Im dead tired.

[the dead one]

Tarman,

Congratulations dude, this is major news!

I read the article from The Bonner Springs Chieftain, man you’re on a serious role here. Plus the fact that Romero is involved in the contest---freaking awesome!!! Ok, I am officially jealous (LOL!) but in all seriousness dude, you went out and did it, regardless of the obstacles along the way, you made it. Good for you man, the article was interesting and informative. I enjoyed your story involving the guy at the rail yard; thank God the cop was cool with your making a film. So, how did you make out in the contest? Let us know. I for one am very happy for you and wish you continued success in the years to come. Oh, and if your “offer” still stands I would love to see your ‘Zombie Opus’---I definitely want a copy.

Again, congratulations---for following your dream and making it a reality.

Peace~

[Tarman]

Thanks the dead one

I dropped off my film at the IFC and paid the 30 dollar entry fee and now Im just waiting for the viewing date of Sept 16. I have heard several different plans for the showing but I heard they are still planning to show prints of Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Martin and Creepshow plus Tom Savini will be with George so that should be pretty cool.

If you want to see some pics of the zombies, go to www.senfacetional.com and click gallery.Give it a second and then several pics will appear on the background. There are some pics of the zombies on there. The website is SJ's. She did the makeup on the zombies.

My next project goes something like this-2 brothers get stuck at home while there parents go out for the evening for dinner and a movie and the older brother has to watch his younger brother. He tells the younger brother several stories to try and scare him but in the end, everyone knows that you always get whats coming to you. One character is in each story so I would say its something of a Tales from the Darkside meets Tales from the Crypt. I'm shooting for a feature film so we'll see how that turns out. The stories are called-

Open Auditions
Parlor
Change
Broken Home
Sold

[Tarman]

Thanks The Dead One-I might actually take the back burner on the next project and let someone else direct it that can fund the film

Well because of so many entries, my film played on Thursday. There were over 50 entries and I didnt win which is OK. Alot of the entries were more comedy which didnt make sense because of it being a horror film comp but oh well.

I thought the festival was poorly put together and kinda pricy but I did get to meet and talk and get autographs from Romero and Savini which was cool.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Tarman
Thanks The Dead One-I might actually take the back burner on the next project and let someone else direct it that can fund the film

Well because of so many entries, my film played on Thursday. There were over 50 entries and I didnt win which is OK. Alot of the entries were more comedy which didnt make sense because of it being a horror film comp but oh well.

I thought the festival was poorly put together and kinda pricy but I did get to meet and talk and get autographs from Romero and Savini which was cool.

Hey Tarman,

You can call me 'dead'...

Let me say that, regardless of the out come in the competition you have allot to be proud of, win or not. You got off your ass and accomplished more then most people who dream of shooting their own productions. That is a major plus for you, along with the experience you gain knowledge. Still, you got your film into a competition....One of us, one of us! LOL!

Now in regards to the comedy...I agree, it doesn't seem proper to me at all, if it is supposed to be a 'Horror' competition, were NOT looking for the next Mel Brooks. Oh well, what the hell you gonna do? You met George...I am jealous; it is my ultimate dream to meet the man himself, before I die. The backburner route may help, if you can get some kind of financing, all the better. I am writing, producing and directing my project. That means wearing many hats, but I am up for this challenge.

I am still trying to get my Vampire film off the ground. It’s slow going, but I am very happy with the story and concept. I am skating the current modern Goth vamps; it is sort of Leif Jonker’s ‘Darkness’ meets ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and ‘Habit’ combined. Its reality merging with fiction, with a very dark nihilistic tone. Feeding into today’s climate of fear…

I plan on sending copies of my film to all you guys once it is in the bag, I would love feedback from my fellow schmoes. Anyway, it was great to hear from you t-man, just stay in touch and keep at it!!!

PS- I would still love to see your film, if it is possible.

Be :cool: bro~

[Tarman]

Gotcha Dead.

No prob man, just email me your address and I will get you a copy along with a copy of the trailer for Unfortunate which is on You Tube and a copy of Stemms album which you can use for your film as well if youd like. If your worried about copyrights or something, I can give you there email. Dawnofthedeader@yahoo.com is my email.

Yeah I would def like to see how your vampire flick turns out. You havent starting pre production yet have you? What are you planning on shooting it with? The last couple times I hit Video Library up for Habit, it has been out. I dont know if someone has kept it but I would really like to see it after hearing you talk about it. We are def in need of a good vampire flick so come with it. It seems like its been a while since something good has come out for the vampire genre.

George and Tom signed my Dawn of the Dead Ultimate Edition DVD, Day of the Dead, Land of the Dead poster. George signed it Stay Scared. George really took the time with each person.

[Tarman]

On You Tube, Type Unfortunate, then go to page 11 and its the 11th one down and the video shows the title of it in red. Its just a Teaser Trailer for it. The one I have on disc is completely different. Like I said, it's just a rough teaser put its there for viewing pleasure.

[the dead one]

Tarman you have a PM...:D

[Tarman]

Got your PM and sent one back to ya boss. I'm looking forward to seeing how your Vamp Flick turns out. You gonna hunt out someone to fund it. I finally found someone on my end which is awesome.


I was thinking about dabbling with a vampire film and calling it The Wooden Cross. Just kinda came to me within the past week. The main characters father was a vampire and raped his mother and after the birth of the child, the father came back and finished her off and she kept the secret from him so he wouldnt go after his son. He was raised by a priest who took the child in and the kid grew up discovering his past and what he has now become and his hatred grows for this father and he tracks him down to finally comfront and kill him for what he did to his mother and what he passed off to him. His hunger for blood grows each day and soon he can no longer fight it off. His crucifix is staked off on each end which is used for two purposes, a shield to fend off the vampires and also using it as a stake which paralyzes them and cutting off the head ends the vampires life.

Sound decent or should I toss the idea? What do you think Dead?

[ehartsoe]

Hi guys, I'm Everette Hartsoe, my claim to fame was creating/ writing/drawing the comic book series.. RAZOR back in the 90's
http://razoruncut.com
http://ehartsoe.com

I'm starting a new movie company in Vegas and I'm looking for directors/writers/crew/make-up effects..the whole deal.

I do have $$$ to put upfront cash into finished product..so guys gimme a shout out..if the stuff is good, you should have a deal.

producer@shedevilfilms.com

or ehartsoe@hotmail.com

[X-Nightcrawler]

Originally posted by Tarman
Got your PM and sent one back to ya boss. I'm looking forward to seeing how your Vamp Flick turns out. You gonna hunt out someone to fund it. I finally found someone on my end which is awesome.


I was thinking about dabbling with a vampire film and calling it The Wooden Cross. Just kinda came to me within the past week. The main characters father was a vampire and raped his mother and after the birth of the child, the father came back and finished her off and she kept the secret from him so he wouldnt go after his son. He was raised by a priest who took the child in and the kid grew up discovering his past and what he has now become and his hatred grows for this father and he tracks him down to finally comfront and kill him for what he did to his mother and what he passed off to him. His hunger for blood grows each day and soon he can no longer fight it off. His crucifix is staked off on each end which is used for two purposes, a shield to fend off the vampires and also using it as a stake which paralyzes them and cutting off the head ends the vampires life.

Sound decent or should I toss the idea? What do you think Dead? Well if you care.

I think you have enough creativity in you (I can tell by the whacky crucifix 'powers' you describe) to create a plot and a character that's much better than what you're describing. The whole idea of a character 'coming to terms' (I realize that's not exactly what your lead is doing but it's just a word I though of) with his vampirism/werewolfism/whateverism has been done to death. Not to mention that said thing is coming from his father, who is a vampire and now he wants revenge! *cue fanfare*

In fact, you ever played the Genesis game "D"? It was about a woman called Laura who slowly realized the truth about his father, a vampire who made Laura eat her mother when she was a child. Now Laura is trapped in his father's world and she must stop him (I might be off in some plot points but give me a break, it was like 10 years ago. Either way, I'm not too off). Maybe the difference here is that Laura isn't a vampire herself (I don't think so, not sure) but the backstory seems to be very similar. And that example is just off the top of my head. I also remember a Tales episode which had the whole 'becoming a vampire when coming of age and must look for 'the original' (who turned out to be his best friend or something like that). Wasn't "Teen Wolf" also about suddenly becoming a werewolf and having to 'come to terms' with it? We've also seen the 'righteous' vampire who must fight off his animal urges as his thrist for blood becomes more intense (hell, BloodRayne had that same thing). I know none of these are the exact thing you're doing, but the pond you're trying to fish in is quite empty.

If you still want to keep the concept which isn't exactly the most unique thing, then I'd reccomend you take the universe in a whole different direction, add whacky rules, new stuff. Maybe this vampirism affects people around our lead in different ways like some sort of airborn virus. Like his girlfriend begins transforming into this disgusting bat-like creature. Or his friend becomes a half-vampire that has all their weaknesses and none of their strenghts. What if his father knew that his son might 'awaken' one day and warned some sort of anti-vampire organization to go after him and kill him, so he has to overcome yet another obstacle. Maybe his father wasn't the most monogamic person and did the same thing to others and vampires are dropping dead all over the place.

I'm just saying that if you want a more immediately interesting concept, you should really spice it up with more unique stuff (like your crucifix idea seems to be the more original thing in your story) because as is, it doesn't seem very intriguing.

[Tarman]

Hey Everette-

Welcome to the Boards

I will have to take you up on that offer.

I have script for a feature film that takes place over the holidays. Very mean spirited film with a family that receives unwelcomed guests and the families world is turned upside down.

[Tarman]

Thanks for the input X

Never played the game but it sounded pretty cool. As far as Whacky rules, I was already thinking about doing some on that line. Certains things work while stuff that use to work like garlic, sunlight and just staking the vampire no longer works.

I was thinking about having the lead character take his anger out on anybody he becomes in contact with either turning them or feeding off the victimes leaving them for dead. As rumors begin to spread of the deaths, a group of priests set out to destroy the vampire including the priest that raised the kid.

The vampire that killed his mother ego gets in the way and when he hears word that someone else is doing more destruction then him, he sets out to kill the one who is outdoing him and becomiing the #2 guy and not feared as much.

As far as infecting others, each persons take is different. The blood either causes the person to turn in to a vampire or the body breaks down and causes the person to turn in to a different kind of monster that can only be killed by removing the heart and only comes out in night and runs in backs. These monsters have no remorse and just want to spill blood.

A wealthy man's child is killed by the lead character and a reward is put out for the man's head which brings in a mean group of hitmen that are the best of the best and will do whatever it takes to get there man. They come in from different parts of the world and you have heard nothing but stories of what they have done. The vampire father goes after the hitmen to turn them and build up his army and then go after his son.

Thoughts on that?
Like I said, I'm just starting to put this together and brainstorming some ideas so nothing is final.

[ehartsoe]

Originally posted by Tarman
Hey Everette-

Welcome to the Boards

I will have to take you up on that offer.

I have script for a feature film that takes place over the holidays. Very mean spirited film with a family that receives unwelcomed guests and the families world is turned upside down.

Sounds good, touch base w/ me...I'm ready to SHOOT

[Tarman]

I will drop you a line Everette

More ideas for the vampire flick

The father only feeds on children moving from town to town completely wiping the children out. He's killing two birds with one stone. Feeding and devasting the families losing the children giving him an enjoyment of others pains.

The towns villagers dont take well to outsiders so when the lead rolls in to the towns hunting his father that did the damage, he is considered an outsider and takes the falls for what his father did so he also has to fight off the people who have lost there children. The towns stands up and fights for what they lost.

This is more of a Evil Vs Evil flick. The lead starts to carry more and more traits like his father. Like father like son and everyone knows that when it comes down to it, family is really all you got.

The ending will be an all out battle. Something you would never see coming as far as the outcome.

[X-Nightcrawler]

Anytime. So let's see here.

Originally posted by Tarman
Never played the game but it sounded pretty cool. As far as Whacky rules, I was already thinking about doing some on that line. Certains things work while stuff that use to work like garlic, sunlight and just staking the vampire no longer works. What's the issue here is that it's hard to be original here. You're damned if you use garlic and crosses as a weakness because it's been done to death. But perhaps it's even more tired the whole "Forget what you know about vampires! Crosses, garlic, sunlight, they don't fear that. Won't help!" schtick. It's something of a paradox here so if you're going to do the whole "this doesn't work!" deal, you have to execute it in a non-tired way.

Originally posted by Tarman
I was thinking about having the lead character take his anger out on anybody he becomes in contact with either turning them or feeding off the victimes leaving them for dead. As rumors begin to spread of the deaths, a group of priests set out to destroy the vampire including the priest that raised the kid. Okay now I see you're going to have the angry, stoic main character (angsty vamps aren't cool in my book though; I wanted Louis to get butchered half the time in "Interview") now you're walking a fine line here. You want people to like your main character (and if you don't you should) and just having an angry punk with fangs isn't going to cut it. I reccomend you to try and have the angry character 'take out' his character in better, more interesting ways than "Get out of my way! I'm very fucking angry and have lots of strenght!". I'm a big fan of quirky characters and I think they make them immediately interesting (if done right). What I mean with 'quirky' is to have them have strange habits that accentuate on the character's personality/psyche (for instance, a guy that writes extremely violent stories, prints them and burns them). If done right, you have a unique character *snaps fingers* like that. I really reccomend you to consider accentuating the man's rage in a way that's more unique (and less annoying) than just "Get out of my way! *bite*".

Originally posted by Tarman
The vampire that killed his mother ego gets in the way and when he hears word that someone else is doing more destruction then him, he sets out to kill the one who is outdoing him and becomiing the #2 guy and not feared as much. I like this angle. I mean, if that "someone else that's doing more damange than him" you're talking about the lead character. In a story like the one you're telling where the antagonist is the primordial source for the lead's struggle, I think that everything (or everything very relevant) in the antagonist's 'motives' should be linked to the lead (or else it becomes a needlessly complicated, 'Rube Goldberg' plot). Now, I like the way you're thinking but I don't like the idea of "OMG no! Someone is more evil than me! He has to be stopped!" At least not in the way you're describing it. I mean, if the antagonist had a better reason to want to be the 'most destructive', then go ahead. Anything not as 'bad guy sitting on his evil throne twirling his mustache' as what you're saying up there might work better.

Originally posted by Tarman
As far as infecting others, each persons take is different. The blood either causes the person to turn in to a vampire or the body breaks down and causes the person to turn in to a different kind of monster that can only be killed by removing the heart and only comes out in night and runs in backs. These monsters have no remorse and just want to spill blood. Well my suggestion back there meant that in an entirely involuntary way, he 'infects' people around them (not even wanting to hurt them/infect them) which is something that hasn't been done. Making it really gruesome (like the girlfriend thing, for instance) would make it more interesting.

But okay, the idea of everyone having a different way of assimilating this vampirism is good. But you need to REALLY explore this idea or otherwise no one will notice. Make it really relevant plotwise. I also suggest that the whole 'way of killing' thing is taken in a different route mainly because no one ever even tries to make "How to kill a vampire" unique. Removing the heart seems obvious. Do something even bizzarre ("OMG if we recreate Christ's stigmas on the vampire he dies for good! Quick! make holes in his hands, feet and side!"), that would make it better.

Originally posted by Tarman
A wealthy man's child is killed by the lead character and a reward is put out for the man's head which brings in a mean group of hitmen that are the best of the best and will do whatever it takes to get there man. They come in from different parts of the world and you have heard nothing but stories of what they have done. The vampire father goes after the hitmen to turn them and build up his army and then go after his son. Eh. You're making it needlessly complex here. You could add and add and add plots from here to tomorrow but this idea, for one, seems way obvious and secondly, seems useless. I mean, sure, so this is another repercussion of his rage issues but you already have a thematic struggle that's vastly different from this. It doesn't seem to belong in this story. If you're aching for a very complex plot, make sure every plot thread is contained into your theme (novels are easier because you can be looser but with a 120 page screenplay you need to limit yourself) or else you're going to lose us seconds into the story.

You might notice that I'm really pushing the idea of being original and inventive. What happens is that the heart of this story isn't the most original so unless everything else is, you're going to have a very derivative story at hand.

EDIT: I just noticed you added more stuff on the above post, let me check it out.

Originally posted by Tarman
The father only feeds on children moving from town to town completely wiping the children out. He's killing two birds with one stone. Feeding and devasting the families losing the children giving him an enjoyment of others pains. You're crossing the "LOOK AT HOW EEEEVIL HE IS!!!" line here. What you're describing here makes him look more like he's trying to be evil than him being evil. It comes off silly. No one is going to fear a dude who only kills and feeds on children (although that's always fun). I'm thinking "What a fucking coward." I'm not sure what to suggest instead of this but what I suggest is . . . don't have this angle. I don't even see why you should specify how this guy gets around other than to show how evil our villain is. Not to mention that evil-evil characters are very boring. I'd rather have a villain like Sephiroth from FFVII than a villain like Maleficent who's just evil for being evil. Give him motives, not just 'villainy' quirks.

Originally posted by Tarman
The towns villagers dont take well to outsiders so when the lead rolls in to the towns hunting his father that did the damage, he is considered an outsider and takes the falls for what his father did so he also has to fight off the people who have lost there children. The towns stands up and fights for what they lost. Well . . . okay. This isn't as much an idea as it's just something that happens at some point in the story. We kinda expect this to happen but good that you're taking the villagers as an element to accentuate on vampirism's repercussions.

Originally posted by Tarman
This is more of a Evil Vs Evil flick. The lead starts to carry more and more traits like his father. Like father like son and everyone knows that when it comes down to it, family is really all you got.

The ending will be an all out battle. Something you would never see coming as far as the outcome. I'd rather have a Character Vs Character flick. Again, don't just have them 'be evil' or we'll all be bored.

It's good that you have him slowly becoming his father (could be some sort of macabre subtext for angsty teens) but again, that's way too obvious. I can almost see the ending confrontation going: "You're no different than me! Ahaha!" *main character gasps in sinking realization*

[Tarman]

It wont really be all Evil VS EVIL
it STARTS out with the lead starting to switch sides once he violently forms changing becoming more like his father and starts being compared to him and then it goes from Good Vs Bad to Evil VS EVil.

As far as the faher sitting on his throne-Nah not so much. Sooner or later, they both cross paths and the father finally walks in to what his son did to a houshold of people. First the stories and now the actual proof that he's not the only bad dude on the block anymore.

As far as the killing methods, that' s all still in the open. I'm trying to think of something fresh and make this a fast paced fun story with alot going on it.

I kinda pictured him having flashbacks of his mother being attacked and anytime this happens, he becomes a monster and goes until he is the only one standing.

jI also thought about him steal being able to communicate with his mother and she wants everyone to be punished so she is calling out the shots.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by ehartsoe
Hi guys, I'm Everette Hartsoe, my claim to fame was creating/ writing/drawing the comic book series.. RAZOR back in the 90's

I'm starting a new movie company in Vegas and I'm looking for directors/writers/crew/make-up effects..the whole deal.

I do have $$$ to put upfront cash into finished product..so guys gimme a shout out..if the stuff is good, you should have a deal.



Hey Everette, not that you'll remember me, but I know who you are and met you at the J.J.C in New York at a Comic Con back on 94 or 95. I've worked as an inker for various Indies and Marvel, plus Mutt Studios in Phila, Pa. for friend and art director Bryan Wackwitz, doing spot illustrations for White Wolf. I am more then familiar with your book 'RAZOR' from London Night.

This is a suprise, how long have you been involved in filmmaking? You got me curious...

[ehartsoe]

Originally posted by the dead one
Hey Everette, not that you'll remember me, but I know who you are and met you at the J.J.C in New York at a Comic Con back on 94 or 95. I've worked as an inker for various Indies and Marvel, plus Mutt Studios in Phila, Pa. for friend and art director Bryan Wackwitz, doing spot illustrations for White Wolf. I am more then familiar with your book 'RAZOR' from London Night.

This is a suprise, how long have you been involved in filmmaking? You got me curious...

For the past few years, I guess after 1999 I put out the RAZOR/CROW crossover and thought that would be a good time to walk away from Comic book publishing..since then it was going south..due to Playstation games and internet..so if you can't beat 'em join 'em

in 2003 I went to Las vegas and started working in the adult internet industry, making a few bucks http://shedevildollars.com is one of my companies..So I am back to my love..my comic characters and bringing them to life..So I'm writing my ass off and putting together budgets for 1/2million dollar projects to produce w/ JEFF MOST (THE CROW) my partner

[Tarman]

Sorry Dead-Haven't had a chance to get the care package mailed out yet. Been real busy and sick but I will get it out soon.

I plan on dropping my copy of Unfortunate 2 off this week and hopefully the guy that reads it will back the film. He said he was intrested in funding it so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Any new progress with you guys and your films?

[Kanadian_kev]

I'm planning on shooting a feature, there's no doubt about that. I've been in school for four years writing/directing short films that have been distributed/screened/well received. When school is finished, I won't have anything to do except try to get a feature off the ground.

Most of my other colleagues either stopped filmmaking or are involved in the film industry but on a below-the-line level. I am also involved, but working on other movies isn't going to make me happy no matter how much I get paid. I've got stories to tell, I am serious about writing and directing for a living and it has to happen.

I'm going to shoot an anthology film, like Creepshow or Cat's Eye or the Tales from the Darkside movie. I'm excellent at writing short stories, been doing it my entire life, so I'm going to choose a few of my best ones and go for it. Finding funding for a project like that in this city is going to be almost impossible, but I'll get that movie made somehow.

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Tarman
Sorry Dead-Haven't had a chance to get the care package mailed out yet. Been real busy and sick but I will get it out soon.

Any new progress with you guys and your films?

Tarman, I am still waiting on seeing your film...hint-hint...LOL!:D

ok, here is the final plot description of my project currently underway....

The Dark Place (2007 release date) *working title*

The story setting is a Middle American suburb focusing on Mike, a burned out desolate suburbanite. Cutting himself off from his friends and all social contacts, Mike is struggling with the disintegration of a 23 year marriage on the verge of suicide. What he is about to discover is a dark secret of another world hidden in the underbelly of society, when he encounters a mysterious stranger on a mission determined to rid the world of a plague known as...vampirism.

I am very excited about this project beacuse the story is a personal one for me. The characters are based on real people in the present day of our world, giving this shot on video production a more grittier and almost documentary type feel to it. Reality merging with fiction.

I will do weekly updates to keep all informed of whats happening and I am extremely jacked for this project... :D


"keep your dreams alive and keep shooting guys"


Peace~

[X-Nightcrawler]

Well congratulations on getting your movie under way. Still not a huge fan of the plot but I suppose this is more of a personal thing than anything else (am I right?), which is perfectly understandable. It's almost the definition of 'high art cinema' for a lot of people.

If you want some feedback on the screenplay, I'd be glad to read it. I'm interested in what you can do.

[zombievictim]

Well I finished a little horror short of mine. It's nothing much because I was limited on time and it was for school but it was voted Best Picture among the other 15 movies. I'll post it on here later and it's only about 9 minutes so VERY short.

[a7xfan]

well i am actually a part of a small film company that goes by the name of 'shallow waters entertainment' we have a copyright on that name so dnt nick it :P

but i myself am in the middle of writing a script for a movie we are doin, its a slasher film, im not gonna give much away yet, but ill keep ya posted, i will say the name of the film is sledge( pretty much a working title) ill get back to u if there are any updates

[the dead one]

Originally posted by X-Nightcrawler
Well congratulations on getting your movie under way. Still not a huge fan of the plot but I suppose this is more of a personal thing than anything else (am I right?), which is perfectly understandable. It's almost the definition of 'high art cinema' for a lot of people.

If you want some feedback on the screenplay, I'd be glad to read it. I'm interested in what you can do.

Hey, X been a while so thought I'd check in...

1st off the title is has been changed to 'Forever In Darkness'. The plot on the other hand has been re-worked a bit focusing less on the main characters personal issues. Here is an excerpt from my script:



‘The Dark Place’ aka Forever In Darkness Copyright- CMI 2006/2007

***This is a legally protected copyrighted property***
(so don't even think about it.)

BLACK SCREEN/RED TITLES:

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, But because of those who look on and do nothing.”

FADE IN: EXT.- FIELD- SUNSET

1. EXT. FIELD LANDSCAPE – DAY/ DUSK

The SUNSETS over a picture perfect AUTUMN sky on an open FIELD. Broken beams of scattered light cut sharply through DEAD TREES and brush.

BLACK SCREEN: RED TITLE

FOREVER IN DARKNESS

2. CUT-TO: EXT-SUBURBAN AREA-DUSK

A series of small quaint SHOPS in a normal SMALL TOWN ‘America’ setting, but all is far from normal as the shops are dark and abandoned. Once a thriving community of shops alive with pedestrian activity now closed businesses with REALTY & FOR SALE SIGNS covering boarded up windows.

3. CUT-TO: EXT-FIELD

ELECTRIC TOWERS draped with POWER LINES fade off into the distant horizon as the SUN slowly sets in the sky giving way to DARKNESS. (BLACK SCREEN-STRONG MUSICAL CUE WITH FINALITY)

4. CUT-TO: EXT- BACK LOT--- NIGHT

MAX’S ENTRANCE-SCENE # 1
The towns “ghetto” zone, SOMETHING IS MOVING quickly in the shadows of an alleyway. FOOTSTEPS ECHO as a SHADOWY figure is giving CHASE to another; it is a dark and eerie place, made even more so because it is vacant of any pedestrian activity. The two in-descript individuals are revealed to us: a MAN, DARK and HARD FEATURES, this is MAX; the other is a young WOMAN.


MAX is intense in his relentless pursuit, moving faster through the alley littered with empty CARTONS, GARBAGE CANS and TRASH strewn about. The young woman is just a few yards ahead, RUNNING furiously through the dark shadows, we can’t make out her features as she is bathed in a SILHOUETTE.

5. EXT. CROSS ALLEY - NIGHT

The WOMAN bolts like a shot and RACES through the alley. /HANDHELD CAMERA and or PANAGLIDE, rushing along the narrow alley/ desperate, Max vaults a pile of tumbled trashcans tossed in his way by his intended prey. Fast, the woman disappears around a corner.

6. CUT-TO: EXT-NIGHT- COURTLAND- SCENE # 2

COLE DE CORDA, 32, roguish features, confidant…and a bit too arrogant. Cuts across the BACK LOT, holding his CELL PHONE yelling obscenities, WALKING briskly past closed shops. Stepping off a curb, there is a small open space in between the strip shops, a small vacant alley separates them, as Cole STOPS and continues his tirade.

COLE-

In Courtland FUCKING Township--- Because my FUCKING CAR DIED--- NO WAY! (Beat) FUCK THAT SHIT! Then you bite the bullet and get someone out here to pick my ass up.

-A LOUD THUD-

From Cole’s POV; he spins around, peering down the alley, a few yards away he spots a SHADOWY FIGURE standing over the body of a woman. She appears to be alive but unconscious, lying on the ground besides a dumpster. Max is reaching into his coat, and then produces a SHARP OBJECT. Max raises it with two hands above his head.

COLE-

What the HELL---? No not you--- (drops his cell phone-yelling) HEY!


Cole CHARGES full tilt, displaying incredible agility. Cole blindsides his opponent, TACKLING Max, FALLING with his body weight they both HIT the ground. Cole raises his head to find Max next to him dazed and groggy. Cole lurching to his feet approaches the young women. Carefully, he crouches down beside her and attempts to brush the hair from her face.

Without warning, the WOMAN springs to life, grabbing Cole’s right arm and BITES down hard on his WRIST. Favoring his BLOODY wound, Cole SCREAMS like an animal in agony.

COLE-

AAAAAAAHHH---FUCK! YOU FUCKING BITCH!!


Fast, Max scrambles to his feet SHOVING COLE out of harms way. Cole comes to rest against a corner wall, grasping his right arm breathing heavy and moaning. The woman leaps at Max with animalistic fury, like a cat. Max’s gaze is ominous, making a final desperate maneuver. Max swiftly turns about with his left hand brandishing the SHARP WEAPON, catching her off balance and PLUNGES it into her midsection below the breastbone.

The WOMAN convulses, Max stands over her as she SLUMPS to the ground. Max turns his attention back to Cole only to find he has disappeared from the scene. (Close-on) Max stares out into the night and then quickly vanishes into the shadows of the alleyway.


So, thats a brief glimpse of the opening moments and I welcome all feed back on this..Positive or negative. Fire away...;)

[zombievictim]

I like what you have so far DeadOne. Definitely has a great mood.

I guess I sorta forgot to post in here that I finished filming a small movie of mine. It was a little slasher flick I did to pretty much figure out how to do different things with lighting and such. More of an experimental movie than anything. Should be about 30 minutes in length. I also filmed a fake trailer making fun of "torture porn". I don't know when I can edit it, hopefully soon. Oh and I should have some behind the scenes pics up if my computer doesn't clunk out. Other than that, don't expect to see anything "full length movie" wise for a while.

[the dead one]

Thanks, zombievictim.

It's been a while man, glad to hear from you. I am pretty excited about the script for this project, the weakness that I see when it comes to the majority of the shot on video micro-budget features today, is in that they lack real dedciation to the carft of filmmaking. Poor camera angles and set ups, poor editing, no attetntion to detail or style.

How many interviews have you seen where the filmmaker states his influences are Romero, Carpenter and so on. Yet, It isn't apparent in the final product, like that stinker 'Dark Walker'. If you really want to learn from anybody in terms of style, technique and editing you study Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968)

That is the film to study closely, Romero's work from shot to shot is amazing and the editing is tight 100% professional. Film school in just 95 minutes... ;)

[zombievictim]

I have some screencaps for a movie I'm doing. Some of the pics are from a fake trailer I'm making along with it. Hope you enjoy.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/zombievictim/screenshot7.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/zombievictim/screenshot6.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/zombievictim/screenshot5.jpg

[X-Nightcrawler]

Major interlacing!

. . . I could remove it for you.

[zombievictim]

Originally posted by X-Nightcrawler
Major interlacing!

. . . I could remove it for you.

Oh I figured you would for me since you said you had the ability to months back.

[X-Nightcrawler]

Originally posted by zombievictim
Oh I figured you would for me since you said you had the ability to months back. Neh, too complicated. I'll just tell you how to do it.