archived-videos The End of the World - Short Film

I thought that had some very strong points. The beginning was hilarious. I instantly found the three characters funny and unique. They had great adlib/line-readings, and the chemistry is clear (you guys are friends).

The camera work was good as well as the editing.

The idea was cool. I would personally expand on these characters and create a webseries of some kind. Make it strong though...these characters and actors deserve it.

I thought the lighting was pretty weak. There were some well lit scenes...but then others were dim, soft and flat. I think this could benefit from some solid lighting. Also, shots like the dude in the doorway...there is no excuse for that soft a shot...at one point an entire shot was totally out of focus...if you're going to go adlibby, you have to be absolute sure you catch focus on your one shot. Lighting a scene propely will help this...as well as pushing in on the subjects final mark and catching focus before ever shot.

The audio on vocals were good. I thought, however, there could be more music...a few times there were music, it added to the scenes. You don't always need it, but a little more would be nice (ie. the end scene was improved by musical moodies). :) I also think more sound design could be added in general....but whatever, not biggie with this kind of project.

I think at the 60% - 75% mark of the film...it got weak and lost focus, and then came back at the 75% marker. It was so strong in the beginning, I was sad to see the energy and genuine humor go out the window...but hey...it did come back, so...

Keep it up. Shoot another one ASAP and get it out to the ether.
 
Last edited:
Not bad. Really had a Kevin Smith type vibe to it. Though, I would've cut to the different characters when they spoke. There was one scene where there was a close up on Onsey (the third guy) just before they did meth (classic BTW) where it was just him on screen doing reactionary shots and speaking a little. If you cut between each actor or revert to a master shot, it'd look more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Overall, pretty good.
 
Ya Lord...I agree. Make sure you get more coverage...that one shot was too long (and particulary not well lit to boot!). :)
 
It was great for a student film. Some pointers for future projects;

1) Your audio is over modulated. Keep it at around -14 to -20 db - the exact numbers are different depending where you check.
2) your camera angles are a little off - set the camera up at eye level for you basic dialogue shots if it has no emotional, or situational connotation
3) blank walls - noooo blank walls - the repeated shot at 3:50 frames in a wall, and its pretty awkward
4) your tripod isn't centered correctly - like on a 180 degree plane, it's always a little off, door frames are always measured to be 90 degree cuts, the couch looks like its on a hill, etc.
5) all your close ups and mid shots on the couch have your figures center frame, shot for the rule of thirds; you can break it sometimes, but not consistently.
6) avoid night shots if you don't have lights, shoot at dawn or dusk... and even then hold your breath and hope it works

Overall, it was pretty good for a student production, I would have personally picked up the pace. Its really hard to make a movie like this - adlibbing, because its such a pain to cut around the dialogue without losing content. Nice edits though,
 
I can easily say this was the funniest no budget film I've ever seen. Granted I haven't seen too many but I've seen some bad ones. The snuggie and the line "we couldn've turned our swag on" made it for me.
 
I thought that was really funny. I liked the acting, and the characters had really good chemistry. The only criticism I have, like others stated, is the length of some of the shots. I would have gone to a 3-shot of them on the couch a few times during that scene. But I thought overall it was very good, keep up the good work!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top