Rory Kelly Haunts Us

A really random Rory Kelly sighting on YouTube... While the video does
have less to do with R. Kelly than the title implies, the clips brings
back the "rush" of being in his class. The person that posted the
video obviously has issues with his CSULB experience.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ASs9IXnq2ns&mode=related&search=

Still no peep from Rory on my letter of recommendation to AFI...
holding my breath... turning blue...

Sam

Dreams

Another dream that is somewhat strange and surreal. I've been into zombie movies for a little bit even though apocalyptic visions are not high on my list of likes. In this dream I (or the character through which I see everything) is hurled into some dark alley with a handful of others that I don't specifically remember faces - a guy or two, a woman, a girl. We're all trying to navigate these back alleys of brick and shadow and we're trying to figure out who's a zombie and who's not. At this point the zombies are slow moving and they don't seem to be interested in sucking brains or anything. In one case we approached a security gate with a few zombies dragging there feet on the other end chasing a man. The man approaches the gate and begs for us to help him but we can't get the gate open and for one reason or another we kind of thought he was one of them and didn't try our hardest to get him out. So the dream is a bit spotty as I'm forgetting what happened. I do remember joining an older man and his wife on a roof and we look out over this nondescript plaza of this nondescript town and see that there are a lot more zombies than we thought. Once in a while we saw them chase a regular person but for some reason our interest was in the city hall of sorts that looked like an old museum of sorts. To be continued.... explosions, fight with construction worker.

Been wondering the same thing over and over again - why am I not writing? So why not kill a few words here. But instead of complaining about what's preventing me from commiting to the page or debating philosphical BS about what writing's all about (like I'm starting to do now) I'll just shoot the shit about whatever. Saw Blood Diamond today. Been waiting to get that DVD from my Blockbuster cue. I'm a fan of Edward Zwick's films - Legends of the Fall is a favorite as it makes me want to head on out to the mountains of Montana and rough it with the brothers I've never had. I must say that when I heard Leonardo Decaprio's South African accented voice in the trailer I was skeptical about him pulling off a convincing character. But I think he nailed it. There are things that bothered me, like the coicidence of Solomon's son becoming a rebel under the same man that enslaved Solomon. It would
have been easier to swallow if his son was recruited at same time Solomon got captured. A small issue

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Been wondering the same thing over and over again - why am I not writing? So why not kill a few words here. But instead of complaining about what's preventing me from commiting to the page or debating philosphical BS about what writing's all about (like I'm starting to do now) I'll just shoot the shit about whatever. Saw Blood Diamond today. Been waiting to get that DVD from my Blockbuster cue. I'm a fan of Edward Zwick's films - Legends of the Fall is a favorite as it makes me want to head on out to the mountains of Montana and rough it with the brothers I've never had. I must say that when I heard Leonardo Decaprio's South African accented voice in the trailer I was skeptical about him pulling off a convincing character. But I think he nailed it. There are things that bothered me, like the coicidence of Solomon's son becoming a rebel under the same man that enslaved Solomon. It would
have been easier to swallow if his son was recruited at same time Solomon got captured. A small issue

This message was sent using PIX-FLIX Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures with your wireless phone visit

www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getpix.

To learn how you can record videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getflix.

To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime� Player. Note: During the download
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On Writing

According to Stephen King in his book, "On Writing":

- Art is not the life-support system to life, it's the other way
around. He says this in the context of having your writing desk in the
corner of a room rather than in the center.
- Creating a good story is like digging up a fossil - you try and
uncover something that already exists as complete as you can with your
set of tools.
- To be a good writer, you must read a lot and write a lot.

I suppose I should write out more key points as I re-read the book
("On Writing" is one of the few books I'm reading a 2nd time). More to
come I'm sure.

Sam

Newport Beach to Feel the "Effect"

If you missed the DGA showing of “The Richter Effect,” now is your chance to catch it at the Newport Beach Film Festival. The short film will show in the Cal State University Long Beach Showcase 4/26/2007 at 7:30 pm in the Edwards Island Cinemas - Cox Theater. As always I want to thank my cast and crew for making the film happen and I’m glad to see that collaborative energy propel us unto bigger and brighter endeavors, together.

'The Richter Effect' will appear in the following in the order shown:
Program CSULB Showcase

'The TV Broke' Contact - Gerson Sanginitto  sanginitto@hotmail.com
'One Sister' Contact - Michelle Gevoian  mwridir@earthlink.net
'Bee Golden' Contact - Ryan Silveira  rsilveira@gmail.com
'West of Glory' Contact - Daniel Kinsbursky  offhollywoodprod@aol.com
'Brooklyn' Contact - Sonyo Estavillo  sonyo_estavillo@hotmail.com
'The Unobtrusive Plot' Contact - Gregory Crosby  LBMovieMaker@hotmail.com
'The Richter Effect' Contact - Sam Yano  sky@skysyndicate.com
'Each Other' Contact - Roger Melvin  jmelvinjr@hotmail.com
'Orizuru' Contact - Junya Sakino  div-pictures@swissinfo.org

 

Ad Infinitum,

 

 

Sam K. Yano
Director, “The Richter Effect”

 

 

CREDITS AND THANK YOUS:

 

CAST

 

Sean P. Lavin, Father                

- My brother in arms, from the beginning to our undiscovered end.

 

Lezli Alley, Mother                    

- Lezli swooped in and saved me in the last moments of casting, meeting and beating my expectations for her role.

 

Connor Webb, Danny                

- Connor kept the production light with his charming smile and curious nature – he reminded me of why I never want to grow up.

 

Brooke DeBetties, Melissa                    

- Professional through and through, talented as well as dedicated beyond her years – a rare find to live and learn by.

 

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Adam Amberden                                   

- He managed to hit every curve ball I threw at him during production. And he just makes me laugh by being himself. Thanks Adam!

 

CINEMATOGRAPHY BY

Matt Dow

- Another homerun hitter. He backed all my plays no matter how ridiculous – Matt is the ultimate “Fixer” because he just made things work without even breaking a sweat.

 

ASSISTANT CAMERA

Anne Caballero

- When comes to camera positioning and framing, you either got it or you don’t – Anne’s got it… and then some!

 

GAFFER

 

José Sanchez

- Mister suave! When Sanchez speaks everything is just smooth and cool. Like a warming shot of tequila.

 

Archie Arenas

- When Archie smiles, it could be good or it could be bad, but at least you’ll know you can laugh about it later.

 

GRIPS

 

Michael Rossetti

- There ain’t anyone that knows their production stuff like the Rossetti – he’s scary that way. Nuff said.

 

Lester Corpuz

- Mister nice. You just can’t go wrong with this guy – calm, collected – I dare anyone to claim that they don’t like Lester. Lester’s cool.  

 

SOUND

ReyRonald Pineda

- Yeah… um, if there’s anyone I can easily blame for things going wrong on set, Rey would be the perfect scapegoat. But the guy has a heart of gold and he’s a really good friend. So I can only blame myself for liking the guy too much. Thanks Rey.

 

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Glenda Sherrell

- Always there with a winning enthusiasm. Thanks Glenda!

 

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS

David Philip Miller – Thanks David!

Nicholas Pasqua – Nice guy. Thanks Nick!

Miho Shindo – I ended up marrying this PA.

 

MAKE-UP

Jennifer Kroll

- What is “The Richter Effect”? Well great performances framed by great makeup.

 

CATERING

Diane Timmons

IT Catering

- The food was good – Diane took good care of us and you know there’s nothing better than a hot meal after working your butt off.

 

EDITING BY

Sam K. Yano

- I wouldn’t trust my baby with anyone else.

 

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Rory Kelly

- The man, the myth, the legend. The god-father of my film production education.

 

Restaurant to go with Miho

http://www.mozza-la.com/

REVIEWS

FILM REVIEW
FILM: The Unknown Street
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/11265
RATING: 3.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: This documentary certainly has a heart and the imagery
is tragically beautiful in it's exotic locals and textured reality. It
also represents a unique perspective where the filmmaker himself is
very much a part of his message - the theme of surviving on limited
resources but thriving on altruism and the drive to achieve in
life/film making.
WHAT I SUGGEST: As I've commented on other documentaries, the key to
conveying your message is credibility. You are relying too much on the
sentimentality of your audience (how your audience feels about your
subject) rather than your characters/subjects evoking their own
sentiments.

The imagery you present goes a long way in establishing your
credibility but go one step farther - break the silence of these
people, get that camera up close and personal. Nice work.

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: Hero Hero
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/13970
RATING: 4 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Playful photography and music. The performances and
locations exuded a wonderfully deep sense of New York / Brooklyn
culture.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The boy got lost in the shuffle - he could have
contributed to the end.

Fun film!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

FILM REVIEWS

FILM REVIEW
FILM: Broken Doll Director's Cut
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
8941
RATING: 3 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Great opening graphics and photography give this film a unique style that pays homage to the psychological horror thrillers of old - very Hitchcock.
WHAT I SUGGEST: Ambient sound went in and out and the poor, hollow quality of the camera clicks and spoken words disrupted the experience.

Very curious film!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: THE THING UNDER MY BED
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
10270
RATING: 3 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Great opening shot that establishes a freaky character. There are some genuinely tense moments when the "boogey man" pop in and out of the frame. Kinetic photography.
WHAT I SUGGEST: Some of the shots were too dark to follow the action. The film does well to exploit some moments of surprise but it never mixes up the formula and the film ultimately does nothing satisfying with each time it catches your attention.

Nice make up job - the old man is certainly freaky.

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: POPCORN DREAMS
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
2557
RATING: 4 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Very smooth, cinematic photography with stylized lighting and set design that supported the narrative. Playful music selection.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The end is a bit anticlimactic despite the moral of the story - because the film is so stylized and fantasy centric there is an expectation of a bigger than life ending. But the film's end is more or less a "real-life" irony which seemingly contradicts its look and feel.

Nice film!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: Beans on Wheels - 3
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
29135
RATING: 3 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Quirky film with some funny, almost disturbing, images (and audio). Some shots had a unique look and feel (like when the wheel chair bound woman was rolling through a disaster of a house - good stuff).
WHAT I SUGGEST: The quality of the photography was very inconsistent. Some of the ambient noise became really distracting.

Sad, yes. Funny, yes!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: MY WALLET
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
15693
RATING: 3.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Like a well adapted live action Looney Tunes cartoon. Some great comical timing and action, interesting shot selection, and some funny impromptu moments.
WHAT I SUGGEST: As great as some of action camera work was, the quality was inconsistent and most of the sound was not clear or the levels were uneven.

Great work! Looks like this film was fun to make.

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: creasy
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
20493
RATING: 4 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Fantastic photography - well lit and composed. The performances were sincere and hit the right dramatic tone. I can appreciate the angle of the story - not the typical anti-pharmaceutical big-business scenario but of someone caught in between.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The main speech verged on melodrama simply because it ran too long and pushed in too close when the true intimacy between the character and audience should have been during the last shot of Creasy visiting the grave.

Great looking film!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

BUDDHA AND THE HECKLER - RESPONSE TO A REVIEW OF GUNPLAY

SKYGUY: Who said anything about GUNPLAY being a "gangsta" flick? I said this film was based on the writings of Dashiell Hammett - look it up. It sounded like you had something intelligent to say about some of the shots and editing but then you tripped up on your own ego and I didn't understand the point you were trying to make - were you trying to say that the use of the guns didn't fulfill your expectations of the ending? The ending was suppose to be somewhat comical, if not, unexpected. So let me tell you a story in response to your attitude towards my film and me:

When Buddha was speaking to a group of people one day, a heckler interrupted him with a barrage of disrespectful insults. This continued for days until finally Buddha ask the man a simple question in the form of a short anecdote: If you were to give someone a gift and they were to refuse to accept that gift, then to whom does that gift belong? The heckler responded by saying that the unaccepted gift would belong to the person giving the gift. Then Buddha asked: Then if you were to give me your insults and I were to refuse to accept those insults, then to whom do those insults belong? The heckler could not respond.

Thanks for watching mdduke, and you're right - it should be 1 luv. So BLEEP you and I'll be sure to check your film out  ; )

mdduke | Mar 08, 2007
CUZ this was the worst want to be gangsta flick I have seen in some time. It doesn't look like this is the genre for U, I don't know whether to blame U or the actors for this BLEEP. Any body that knows what a gun is knows that when the barrel is exposed like it was that means the clip is empty. What was the purpose for him taking it out to look at it, was it because U were trying to add suspense? Well let me be the first to tell you all that did was further add to the disappointment of that 5:46 minute waste time. The way you placed all the frames together was not the problem, it was just the concept and story line. Leave the genre to the people that know about gun play CUZ that BLEEP was a motha BLEEPin GUN SHAME. Change the title to "gun lame," it would suit your film better!

1 luv & may God B wit U CUz!

PS if U look at my film U will see doing some comical things with my heater. But best believe I can break that chrome BLEEP down blind folded! The BLEEP I was doing wit my BLEEP was 4 kicks, and not to be taken serious. U need to put your film under comedy CUZ dat BLEEP was a riot!

RESPONSES TO GUNPLAY REVIEWS

SKYGUY: Yes, I tried very hard to telegraph everything - some found it
to be too much and others didn't get it at all. I tried to find that
sweet spot of subtlety without being too abstract about my ideas -
then again, I tend to lean towards the commercial sensibility of
wanting to explicate everything. I learn balance with every film I
make. And I back my actors up 100% - there's always room for
improvement but they did a bang-up job for me on set and on screen.

behindtheart | Mar 09, 2007

The acting was? You tryed to hard telagraphing evreything. So
pradictable. I cant spell . The style it was shot in was nice it had a
look. leave somthing to think about. Paint an abstract and let the
breath find the truth.

__________

SKYGUY: Thanks Hitman_1942! Omitting dialog was a big help in being
able to shoot the coverage I wanted in the time I had. Most don't
realize that the quality of audio, especially dialog, can really make
or break a film. I'll be sure to check out your film. Thanks again for
watching.

Hitman_1942 | Mar 04, 2007

That was actually kinda funny. I liked the animation you did while he
was throwing the gun. I should start making movies where nobody talks
then they won't have to worry about messing up their lines.
Check out The Habit
http://films.thelot.com/films/20947

__________

SKYGUY: Thanks for recognizing the music! That's all scored by Isaac
Agyeman - really nice guy. We worked hard on getting the right sound
going through several themes and styles. I really do like dealing with
cinematography - it plays an important role in telling my stories. But
directing is the grand challenge. Directing is so abstract in the ways
you can approach it that I am drawn by its mystery. Thanks for
watching!

maxtone | Mar 04, 2007
The audio on intro was a little low.
Though I didn't fully understand project - you get an "A+" for the
MUSIC. It was AWESOME! Love those beats.
You had some very FABULOUS shots though. Lighting was good too. You
have a GREAT EYE for details. Just work on the script more. I know it
was challenging without dialogue.
Good luck.

__________

SKYGUY: I like me a good, in depth, story as well. But this was more
of an exercise in plotting and fast action. Hopefully my latest film
and my future films will show more of my strength in story. I've also
started a story writing excersize on my blog should you care to check
it out:
http://community.thelot.com/blogs/skyguy
Thanks for the review!

ouneoas | Mar 04, 2007

Nice job on the shot selection and the music( I really liked it).
There were times where the fast motion to regular motion shots were a
little to much. And I agree with maxtone that your story isn't really
there, not to say thats a bad thing per say, just my preference. All
in all nice job and good luck. Thanks for the review.

__________

Thanks Victor! My latest short, "The Richter Effect," has more dialog
and will be showing at the Newport Beach Film Festival. You can catch
the teaser here:
http://www.skysyndicate.com/samdemo/media.htm
Thanks for the kind review!

victorpeceno | Mar 04, 2007

Good music
i miss dialogue but even without it
it is entertainning
good job

__________

SKYGUY: I'm glad the end worked for you - it's been a topic of debate
but I'm happy with the ending I decided to go with. Thanks for
dropping by.

jrhndrsn | Mar 04, 2007
The music throughout the film really carried the suspense. The guns
were used in an unexpected way.

__________

SKYGUY: Why you're welcome! And have another drink on me!

baddsully | Mar 04, 2007
hello. thank you. and good luck.

yeah, i'm drunk on a sunday. and?

RESPONSES TO GUNPLAY REVIEWS

SKYGUY: Thanks for the review behindtheart. The performances actors
definitely more caricatures than "real" peoples - like stylized
comicbook characters. Your film is very unique amongst the other film
on The Lot - defintely worth checking out by others.

behindtheart | Mar 03, 2007

When the film started I was taken back by the acting Then I thought
maybe it's over the top on purpose. I liked that it had a styl and a
pace. And it ende up being a fun film. I think you have potential as a
director. Ive seen a hand full of film on here that I loved Im a vey
hard cell. No one looks at my film its hard to find but if you have a
chace to see somthing very very out of the box that will touch your
spirit please take a look. good luck

__________

SKYGUY: Thanks for checking GUNPLAY out!

schwartzman | Mar 04, 2007

Liked it.

__________

SKYGUY: I totaly agree that stylized dialog would have been great -
I'm big fan of the film "Brick" which was based on Dashiell Hammett's
style of writing but in a contemporary highschool setting. My film was
defintely an excersize in style and for the sake of getting all the
angles and shots I wanted I opted to omit dialog. Thanks cool review
Steven!

steven_scott | Mar 04, 2007
Cool strobe effect. Has that slightly rotoscopic Waking Life look at
times. It'd be cool to see that developed a bit more, to stylize it to
the point of creating a totally new effect. Really, really like the
tilting, ever-shifting camera angles. The acting was a bit cheesy,
especially the girl. Choice of casting is dubious. I can't really
believe these people as gun-wielding bad guys. The perfect choice of
music to keep the energy going, since there's no dialogue. Speaking
of...I would love to see this with just a string of sexy one-liners,
almost like Beat Era poets, passed from one character to another, like
b*tchslaps. Really smart dialogue, though, or else forget it. Overall,
quite enjoyed it.

__________

SKYGUY: I can agree that the action is drawn out but that is
essentially the point of GUNPLAY - the most powerful aspect of a gun
is it's threat of force and not the actual flash-bang. Using that
theme, I tried to think of an interesting paradox that played with
what a gun can do besides just shoot someone.

Timothywen | Mar 04, 2007

Nice, the editting a too drawn out for my taste . but different
strokes for different folks

Mine is hard boiled type. alot of shoot em up type
please see http://films.thelot.com/films/30945

REVIEWS

FILM REVIEW
FILM: Meat Pie
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
14449
RATING: 3.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Music and matching edits did well to create an energized thrill ride - that 1st shot got me to jump. Fast paced, some great action and effects - the campiness made it fun.
WHAT I SUGGEST: I thought the performances didn't need to be as campy as they were. The last few shots were too dark.

An unexpected fun film with some great effects action.

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: Jackson Horn - A Mystery of Errors
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
29868
RATING: 2.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Good production value in some of the scenes. The final scene had some good moments of drama, a sense that something was unfolding.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The performances seemed very rehearsed and story a bit unclear. The music seemly fit the moods from scene to scene but lacked a common theme/thread to bind the whole film.

Great effort!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: TERMINAL
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
13447
RATING: 3 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: A familiar premise is used with a nice variety of sequences to generate a genuine interest is what will ultimately happen. The performances were decent.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The overall production between lightning, camera, and editing needed a little polishing. The film does a great job building up to the end but the end itself flat-lined in originality.

A very hot button issue film!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: SPIRIT RIDE
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/
30212
RATING: 4 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: This film is very lyrical in it's presentation. This is yet another enigma of a film that haunts my sensibilities - its a good thing.
WHAT I SUGGEST: I can't say I fully understood the narrative but the images and music work in concert to evoke a range of emotions that are not soon forgotten.

Very unique amongst the films on The Lot.

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/
20882

THE PARADOX OF A BAD REVIEW

Reviewing is tough and ultimately I am not a film critic but more the film maker. So when I rate a film below the film maker's expectations or desires, I do feel a sense of guilt that I'm hindering their hope and not encouraging their growth. That's why I extend my comments beyond simple compliments because we are all in the attempt to defy odds - a feat that can't be done solo. The "star" rating system is nothing but a shortcut but everyone, including myself, put too much value in just what is measured in that shallow gap of 1-5 stars. So I've decided that if I'm going to rate a film below 3 stars, I will not apply it to the star rating, but I will leave my usual review in hopes that my comments will foster learning and not discouragement.

Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of bad films out there and putting them in their place clears the way for films that deserve attention. But timing and purpose are important in knowing when to drop that hammer.

Thanks for listening! And thanks for all the entertainment.


Sam

FILM REVIEWS

FILM REVIEW
FILM: METH
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/17855
RATING: 4 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: The best trailer I've seen yet! Exciting visuals, truly
professional looking cinematography, decent dramatic performances - I
wouldn't doubt for a second if I was told this was a high budget
Hollywood production.
WHAT I SUGGEST: Great introduction to a dramatic premise, but I can't
help but want a hint of an extra twist of some kind - a lingering
question in the plot beyond the action story.

Awesome film - high octane stuff! Shot on the DVX? You make look like
35mm, not just in color and tonality, but in the way the film moves
and breaths. Sweet!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: la diagonal
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/19476
RATING: 2 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: There is a sense of haunting in the way the camera
seemingly floats about this group of students - I think it's an
inherent feeling one gets with that greenish infrared look.
WHAT I SUGGEST: I wasn't sure why the subtitles were only during parts
of the film. The suspenseful shots in the middle and end didn't quite
catch the sense of surprise it was going for - perhaps because the
camera and edits were too reserved.

Interesting premise, is it based on a true story of some kind?

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882
__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: The Deliverers
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/8878
RATING: 2.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Despite the crazy antics some of the photography and
locations looked great - well composed. The car shots were really well
done as well.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The premise is clear but there doesn't seem to be an
underline narrative or its not apparent in the trailer.

The full film could make for some funny scenarios!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: My Imagination - Music Video
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/10513
RATING: 2.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Well intentioned with a very altruistic message. I can
sense a very personal journey wants to be told.
WHAT I SUGGEST: As sincere as the performances seemed, they were
over-played and too literal.

You have great energy and that goes a long way!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

FILM CUE

Got through a good chunk of film reviews - saw some good ones. Here is my film cue as of tonight:

http://films.thelot.com/films/17855
http://films.thelot.com/films/19476
http://films.thelot.com/films/8878
http://films.thelot.com/films/10513
http://films.thelot.com/films/14449
http://films.thelot.com/films/29868
http://films.thelot.com/films/13447
http://films.thelot.com/films/30212
http://films.thelot.com/films/8941

Thanks for all the entertainment! Look forward to watching more.

FILM REVIEWS

FILM REVIEW
FILM: Trailer - The Abandon House
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/2217
RATING:  4 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Haunting yet enchanting - I have a soft spot for Latin films because they don't just evoke an emotional response (fear, love, anger) they do so with an acute awareness of the heart - I can tell from the subtle lighting and texture that this films aim for that effect.
WHAT I SUGGEST: Even though this is just the trailer, I would want to know a little more about what's going on.

I had to watch Victor's other films to truly appreciate this one - I'd love to see the full film!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882
__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: BUBBLES
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/1044
RATING: 4 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Very cute with interesting cinematography and engaging performances. The twist at the end was a pleasant surprise - great writing.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The mother's acting was a bit over-the-top but with the bubble effects and the general stylization of the look and feel, over-all I think it worked.

Great film - a good performance from the kid actress!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882
__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: mimesis
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/18055
RATING: 3.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: I liked the "life imitates art" theme and how it was executed here - nice variety of recreated scenes that were pretty funny at times.
WHAT I SUGGEST: Take out most of the movie footage from the beginning - perhaps just use the audio from the films. So much more fun could be had if the audience is left to guess what movie scenes are being recreated instead of doing a literal comparison.

Great work!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: I Have Dreams Dammit!
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/26788
RATING:  3 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: The trailer really shows your positive personality and altruistic intent to make a revealing discovery - very genuine in its presentation and intriguing by its topic.
WHAT I SUGGEST: Trailers are tricky and dreams are so amorphous and broad in scope, so the trailer should give hints as to what you might have discovered (expected and unexpected) - it's not enough to just gather information, your interpretation is of key interest.

I'm anxious to know what you discover!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: El Banditos
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/16551
RATING: 3.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Nice use of depth of field - the Lego desert world you created was vivid and felt like it had breadth. I liked how the ending was stylized.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The film left me wanting more than just a robbery and a showdown and more of a justification as to why it was shot with Legos.

Excellent animation set design!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882
__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: Addiction
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/3607
RATING: 3 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Some humorous moments presented with all seriousness.
WHAT I SUGGEST: I hate myself for being such a tightwad but the trailer could offer a little more dimension to the main character's addiction beyond simple torment.

You look like you had fun putting this together - good effort!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

RESPONSES TO GUNPLAY REVIEWS

SKYGUY: Thanks Silvio. I really enjoyed your film, very funny. Best of luck to you too!

mrsilvio   | Mar 03, 2007

Good job on this, pal... Keep up the good work and all the best!

Silvio Pollio aka GUIDO SUPERSTAR

AND

Writer/Producer/Director of "SHUT UP AND SHOOT!"

Starring: Joe Cortese, Tom Sizemore, Gary Busey, John Savage, James Russo, Roddy Piper, Willie Gault, Daniel Baldwin, Debra Wilson and more!

www.justshootit.com

www.myspace.com/silviopollio

__________

SKYGUY: Thanks moviedirector - out all the films I shot, I like the shots in this one the most. You had me at Lego, I'll check your film out.

moviedirector   | Mar 03, 2007

The opening credits were really cool. There were some really cool shots too. Keepup the good work. Please check out my lego animation http://films.thelot.com/films/16551

__________

SKYGUY: Thanks DGroover2k6! The music was done by the very talented Isaac Agyeman who I met at Cal State Long Beach. Yeah, it's primarily an action piece with very little backstory - I used the Hitchcock convention of the McGuffin (the mystery prize that all the characters want).

DGroover2k6   | Mar 03, 2007

Good action, well staged and cool music! Not much in the story department though.

__________

SKYGUY: Anthony, Anthony, Anthony... What have I ever done to you for you to treat me with such disrespect... John Woo's Hong Kong flicks were a big influence on me stylistically - he really spun Noir in exciting new direction. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching - good luck to you.

anthonychirco   | Mar 03, 2007

why would you have john woo in your tags? lol, anyway overall, decent job... good computer graphics, that of course has nothing to do with this competition, but still, good job..
and the intro, with you saying what you told your friend once..what's that all about? just speak straight to the audience!
the beginning kinda confused me, if you're not going to put dialogue just try to make it a little more obvious. keep it up and just spend more time on your next project

__________

SKYGUY: Aren't you just super duper cute! Thanks for watching and thanks for the film recommendations!

SuperDuperKitty | Mar 03, 2007

OMG people check it out

__________

SKYGUY: Thanks BattleSpartan. I dig the style of your film - your method (or lack there of) fascinates me.

BattleSpartan | Mar 03, 2007

interesting I like it

__________

SKYGUY: Thanks for noticing ozan. I shot GUNPLAY on a Canon XL1, chopped it in Avid, processed the color corrections and effects in After Effects with 3D elements rendered from Lightwave 3D and smoke elements from Particle Illusion. Thanks for the compliments and I'll be sure to check your film out.

ozan | Mar 03, 2007

dude, i totally diggid this! Loooked great! love the camera work wat did u film it on?
Check out my low budget, MILLION DOLLAR looking, ONe man show, SPECTACULAR mini short film!

METH - http://films.thelot.com/films/17855

__________

SKYGUY: Thanks! I'll be sure to drop by your film.

yaffe4663 | Mar 03, 2007

Nice!

http://films.thelot.com/films/3607

Avihai

FILM REVIEWS

FILM REVIEW
FILM: E.A.P.
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/2101
RATING: 3.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Very moody cinematography - it did a nice job balancing light and dark even when internet streaming can be brutal on dark films. Very nice set and the absinthe shots were fantastic.
WHAT I SUGGEST: I'm not a big fan of films that rely heavily on voice-overs and in all honesty the voice-over could have been removed from this film and it would have been just as effective.

I liked the creepiness of the oldman's face - great production value.

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: The Sequence
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/30672
RATING: 3 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: Intriguing introduction to a very ambitious question/topic. I liked the graphical and nature elements and would hope they will be more intimately integrated into the feature.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The film seems to touch on such a broad/vast topic (a question that we all ponder) but I'd like to know why I should be interested in watching it through your protagonist.

I hope your film has a really, really good ending!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: CONTROL
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/11559
RATING: 3 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: The main actor has some good moments where his torment came through and while the end wasn't necessarily a big surprise there was sense strength in the main character (I was rooting for him).
WHAT I SUGGEST: The lighting and camera work could use some refinement. It would have been nice to have hints of a back story or subtle hints of personality beyond their involvement of their current situation.

That broken tooth is drama!

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

__________

FILM REVIEW
FILM: Guido Superstar
LINK: http://films.thelot.com/films/25436
RATING: 3.5 / 5

WHAT I LIKED: I actually found this film to be funny - the performance of the caricature was great. Some snappy editing gave it a entertaining style.
WHAT I SUGGEST: The shooting and sound varied in quality which is unfortunate because I was grooving with the premise. Better disco music selection could really electrify this film.

Very fun film - I'd like to see the rest of it.

When the chase is cut short, the guns come out to play! Check out GUNPLAY!
http://films.thelot.com/films/20882

Review Cue

Thank you to all of those that have been supportive of my reviews. I wish I could give a high rating to all the films I watch but it is my firm belief that maintaining the integrity of one's opinion is the only way to encourage a meaningful dialog between people (more importantly to maintain a meaningful dialog between us as filmmakers). But I'm as human as anyone and biases are a part of that - just be assured that I will be as honest and constructive as I can.

Because of the number of review requests I have received, I've created a cue of films that I will be watching. It's not in my interest to "barter" reviews with my film but I do invite everyone to watch, rate, review, and enjoy my film ( http://films.thelot.com/films/20882).

I'll do my best to watch all the films but if I spend too much time on these, the wife will go ballistic! So I ask for your patience.

Here's the cue as of 03/03/2007:

http://films.thelot.com/films/30672
http://films.thelot.com/films/11559
http://films.thelot.com/films/2101
http://films.thelot.com/films/25436
http://films.thelot.com/films/2217
http://films.thelot.com/films/1044
http://films.thelot.com/films/18055
http://films.thelot.com/films/26788
http://films.thelot.com/films/16551
http://films.thelot.com/films/3607
http://films.thelot.com/films/17855
http://films.thelot.com/films/19476
http://films.thelot.com/films/8878
http://films.thelot.com/films/10513