The fact is that, in accordance with the contest rules, we scouted locations extensively, and found the perfect spot to shoot. We secured the proper permits and committed to that location. We also had auditions and figured out who would get singing parts. This is all completely fine with the organizers of the competition.

We had tossed around some ideas that could work at that location, but the idea that was generated that Friday night was new to all of us. We did not have the story ahead of time.

With regard to the genre that we were given, we all agree that “Road Movie” is somewhat of a stretch. But we found a rough definition to be something like: a story where a journey takes place, and where the characters are transformed in the process. No one gets in a car, but we feel that the essence of that character transformation is faithful to the intent of a road movie. I’ve seen other 48hfp road movies that were just people talking in a car. That doesn’t say road movie to me. (Incidentally, we thought we could make it all the way to the train platform by the end of the film, but then found out we were not allowed to use platforms that weren’t open to travelers. Also, we would have had to be hustling the entire time, which didn’t make sense for the beginning of the story.)

And just to clarify, it was not shot in 72 hours. Although it was a national competition, we had a local drop-off point at 7:30pm on Sunday night. The libretto was written that Friday night and Saturday morning. When I showed up at the composer’s house on Saturday morning, the cast was recording vocals. We went to the set and practiced with a scratch track until 9pm or so (it’s been a while). We rehearsed more on Sunday morning, and did 10 takes between 11am and 1pm. Post work was done that afternoon, and we handed in the film on time. 48 hours.

The version you see on Vimeo does have modifications that were made later, and that’s clear in the description. I fixed some of the color that I wasn’t happy with, and Andrew (the composer) beefed up the music.

I cringe at certain parts (for a variety of reasons), though overall I’m really happy with it. If you hated the film, that’s totally fine, but please know that we worked within the contest rules, and that I simply wouldn’t be happy with something that had been done dishonestly (or just simply wouldn’t have done it in the first place). If you feel otherwise, I’d be interested to know where we went wrong.

For the record, I absolutely loved “Chuck Murray Knows”, the ghost film you referred to. I would have been happy if that one won, it was a riot. It is one of maybe 10 videos that I have permanently saved on my hard drive. You should seek out “Birthmarked for Death”, if you haven’t already seen it. Same group of people.

Alan

regardless, after the initial minute of wow factor of some of the great cinematic qualities (which are impressive) wears off, the film/singing/plot are seriously annoying. duh. i wish the green screen ghost short won instead, a much better film.. (i am not affiliated)

but yeah, go ahead and keep the douchebaggery alive you idiot*s*

Wow.

~Luke