View Full Version : Forum Film
So here's a crazy idea. Film Riot is gearing up towards filming their movie "Tell" and they say they're going to go through all aspects of putting it together.
So would anyone be interested in making a collaborative effort film from the forum members?
So the idea as far as I have it thought out is to follow along with what the Film Riot guys have done for the week and try to complete that portion of the film.
For example their episode talks about writing and then we as a forum try to write something together.
Could we also figure out a way to have different people film scenes/parts of the movie.
I also thought a fun title for the film would be "Told" as in the Film Riot guys are "Telling" and we are the "Told."
So does this have any chance of working and who's interested?
rabidbadger
07-01-2009, 06:33 PM
I think it's a hilarious, wonderful idea. Maybe it could be like "Exquisite Corpse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exquisite_corpse)" except with the film making process.
ryanconnolly
07-02-2009, 06:09 AM
So here's a crazy idea. Film Riot is gearing up towards filming their movie "Tell" and they say they're going to go through all aspects of putting it together.
So would anyone be interested in making a collaborative effort film from the forum members?
So the idea as far as I have it thought out is to follow along with what the Film Riot guys have done for the week and try to complete that portion of the film.
For example their episode talks about writing and then we as a forum try to write something together.
Could we also figure out a way to have different people film scenes/parts of the movie.
I also thought a fun title for the film would be "Told" as in the Film Riot guys are "Telling" and we are the "Told."
So does this have any chance of working and who's interested?
HAHA! Very nice. I hope this happens.
scoobydiesel
07-02-2009, 12:17 PM
I would love to see this happen, Maybe everyone film different scenes and then toss all the footage up on torrent and see what everyone edits?
Put it in whatever order you want and see what everyone can come up with.
Of course we need some type of script/idea like a journey thats always the easiest thing to do IMO.
But I'm on board to try this.
cole-w
07-02-2009, 08:48 PM
Sounds like a cool idea to me, I'd love to help.
rabidbadger
07-02-2009, 09:16 PM
THis could be very very difficult, but very very fun.
az0madman
07-02-2009, 10:29 PM
Awesome idea. It could be done in the style of Pulp Fiction or Crash where we all have multiple stories but they all connect through various means, like we can use an easily replicated object where everyone is after it but it eventually ends up in someone else's hands. Something like that anyways, to alleviate the fact that we're all over the world.
rabidbadger
07-02-2009, 10:53 PM
Awesome idea. It could be done in the style of Pulp Fiction or Crash where we all have multiple stories but they all connect through various means, like we can use an easily replicated object where everyone is after it but it eventually ends up in someone else's hands. Something like that anyways, to alleviate the fact that we're all over the world.
THAT is an awesome Idea. Or like Mystery Train by Jim Jarmusch
sabasteonshane
07-03-2009, 01:35 AM
Well B, it seems like you got a following. Good deal, Ill be ready to start as soon as i get back from the Disney Internship. Also, i did get some networking done. If we need people from the area then i am sure i can muster the work force from Michael and fellow characters.
Well B, I'm B. Sabasteon and I have work on films before.
Anyway, @ryanconnolly This week we got our preview of PMS and next week sounds like we're learning effects from it. When will the process of showing us the making of "Tell" begin? Also do you think the idea of being able to follow what you've done during the week. For example if you talk about writing a script will we be able to write a script during that week?
Currently we have 6 collaborators by my count. Any chance we could get a shout out during the show to get more involvement?
It could be done in the style of Pulp Fiction or CrashI love the movie both these films and think it's a perfect example of what I was originally thinking. The key to making this work in my mind is getting a good script idea we can all contribute to.
we can use an easily replicated objectAlso a great idea and perhaps we can start brainstorming that now ahead of time.
Thanks for all the post everyone I'm very excited about this endeavor.
sabasteonshane
07-03-2009, 11:31 AM
Well, first things first, we should choose a genre. Will it the same genre as "Tell"? Or a different one? Will each person editing the footage chose a genre or their own genre? Otherwise, i suggest a pole of some sort to get a collective answer. However, would this produce a consistent string of adaptations that will feel the same once they are put up? I hope i am not off here, and correct me if i am wrong, but is it the plan to have everyone film and share footage to make more than one version of the film?
Also, i had been giving editing some thought. More specifically, each set of film crews has their own equipment, i use a sony hdr-ux1. I use my creative Zen to get a second bit of audio for my v-logs, just in case. The point is we should look at what everyone will be using and perhaps set a standard. As much as i would like to use HD, is everyone able to do it? Or will we be mostly shooting in SD? Given the file size, torrenting might take forever. Not to mention the consistent change in quality from cut to cut. Personally, i would enjoy the challenge of crafting something creative from a pile of raw footage.
All in all, it would be nice to start a celtx file and have it passed around for a while, complete with story boards. Each person could film parts they do well, or all of it. Then when it came time for editing, the director would have a bunch of scenes to pick and choose from.
Finally, i see this as an epic event, and a monumental test of over the internet film making. Since i move around quite a bit, i would love to start learning how to make a film when you cant personally be there.
spzshipfilms
07-03-2009, 04:07 PM
I'm up for this if we can do it with a couple of producers at the top. It would really help with quick decisions and so on.
I would love doing another production. Done 2 shorts, a music video, a documentary and edited a bunch of other stuff. I got 10 years experience in Photoshop and I've got good experience in After Effects.
As for the technical side I know we need a story or script before we really can go into that. When that is there a producer can figure out what's needed and so on.
I'm sitting with Celtex up ready as soon as a idea that would fit this pops up in my head.
I will probably be filming with the D90.
sabasteonshane
07-04-2009, 09:31 PM
I would not mind being a producer, what do you say Aden? Do you want to be the other producer?
rabidbadger
07-04-2009, 09:37 PM
I wanna be a writer, but really, more a "script editor" really, because everyone involved will be a writer to some extent.
scoobydiesel
07-04-2009, 09:48 PM
I think we need the script first...then break it into as many pieces as we can so that each person has a scene to film.
As for the final edit I still think we should find a place to host all the footage so everyone could edit the way they see fit.
Maybe someone doesnt like the scene in which Badger slices the guys neck open and so they leave that outta their version yet i love that scene so i keep it.
Sounds cool to me anyways :D
rabidbadger
07-04-2009, 10:27 PM
Well, if I film anything it will most probably be just things that tie other peoples scenes together for continuity, establishing shots, etc...
Maybe narrarate, if the final product calls for it, or just make the "meanwhile, in Las Vegas" placards, or something.
First thing we need is at least ONE "symbolic" thing we all have, or can buy cheap if we don't, that ties everything together. Something we all have, or can get, that is the same brand, color, etc...
My other thought is to have the film Seriously based on the "phone." Cell phone, landline, texting, ...
That way, someone filming in an apartment in Manhattan can have their actors interact with someone else filming in a convertable on a highway in Oregon. etc.
And if we all gonna be on the phone a third of the time, the "phone" should be a KEY point in the plot, beyond just a communication device among all the parties involved...
Maybe a "mystery" caller that sends the other groups on a hunt for stuff all over the world, looking for some sort of puzzle pieces that he needs, and rewards or threatens the "hunters" to deliver to him/her/it...
Just thinking out loud, and considering the perameters of such a project...
rabidbadger
07-04-2009, 10:34 PM
As for the final edit I still think we should find a place to host all the footage so everyone could edit the way they see fit.
Or we could just all get Dropbox (https://www.getdropbox.com), maybe? Or something similar. That way we can use it for scripts, graphics, credits, as well as film.
rabidbadger
07-04-2009, 10:38 PM
Kinda thinking along the lines of It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057193/), except with technology and violence... and maybe zombies.
az0madman
07-04-2009, 11:09 PM
I agree that we need our object first, or at least the overarching story, before we branch out to the different scenes. I figure that each director would create a story they're comfortable with shooting that would fit in with the overarching story and we would all figure out how to make one cohesive script.
The item should be available online if we decide on something. Best way to ensure that the item bought is the same.
I like the phone idea, a way to interact with characters that aren't physically there. Could make for some good transition scenes.
In terms of shooting and editing, I think we should shoot in SD mostly for the file size (especially if we're using raw footage). Plus, this opens it up to people who might not have an HD camera. It might also help to think about how we'll be shooting since I'm sure we all have different equipment and styles, so we'd need to incorporate that factor when creating the script.
As for story, might as well start tossing out ideas. Though how long do we plan on having each scene? 5 minutes? More or less?
az0madman
07-04-2009, 11:20 PM
Maybe a "mystery" caller that sends the other groups on a hunt for stuff all over the world, looking for some sort of puzzle pieces that he needs, and rewards or threatens the "hunters" to deliver to him/her/it...
We could make Geocaching: The Movie! ...or not. :(
It's a good idea though, yours, not mine. It falls into a good format where each story can be as creative as it wants but it'd share a larger goal with the others.
rabidbadger
07-04-2009, 11:21 PM
I agree that we need our object first, or at least the overarching story, before we branch out to the different scenes. I figure that each director would create a story they're comfortable with shooting that would fit in with the overarching story and we would all figure out how to make one cohesive script.
The item should be available online if we decide on something. Best way to ensure that the item bought is the same.
I like the phone idea, a way to interact with characters that aren't physically there. Could make for some good transition scenes.
In terms of shooting and editing, I think we should shoot in SD mostly for the file size (especially if we're using raw footage). Plus, this opens it up to people who might not have an HD camera. It might also help to think about how we'll be shooting since I'm sure we all have different equipment and styles, so we'd need to incorporate that factor when creating the script.
As for story, might as well start tossing out ideas. Though how long do we plan on having each scene? 5 minutes? More or less?
Yep, yep, and yep.
SD ideally, because even though I won't be shooting scenes, that's all I got if I do establishing, continuity, etc shots.
I agree with you agreeing with me ;) about the "phone" thing... if we do that, we don't really need an "item" especially if we do a "scavenger hunt" kinda plot.
If we go with the "Mystery Caller" needs bits and pieces of a broken amulet, or something, then I can just sculpt one, and snail mail the bits to all the "directors"... maybe.
Somehow, I think the Worldwide Hunt scenario is the Best idea that would work with all of us all over the place.
Thinking along the lines of Indiana Jones meets X-Files meets Mad Mad etc World...
Comedy, mystery, and mysticism...
I'm bored to tears on the 4th of July, nothing going on, so kinda jonesing to start an outline.
Should I bother with that yet, or wait til others kick in some ideas?
az0madman
07-04-2009, 11:35 PM
Haha, well, I'd say wait for some more ideas. Better to have options, especially when so many creative types are involved.
cole-w
07-04-2009, 11:53 PM
I realize this is in someways a vary cliche' thing to do, but what if it's never established what the item is?...maybe the audience just knows that they are looking for something, and it is important for them to find it.
I don't know, just throwing stuff out there.
(ps, I like the cell phone thing.)
rabidbadger
07-05-2009, 12:02 AM
Haha, well, I'd say wait for some more ideas. Better to have options, especially when so many creative types are involved.
Actually, it's because so many are involved that a "benevolent dictator" should take some control. Not saying it should be me, just I'm all enthusiastic right now, and have been involved with projects before that involved people from all over the world. Know the pitfalls to avoid.
rabidbadger
07-05-2009, 12:03 AM
I realize this is in someways a vary cliche' thing to do, but what if it's never established what the item is?...maybe the audience just knows that they are looking for something, and it is important for them to find it.
I don't know, just throwing stuff out there.
(ps, I like the cell phone thing.)
We could get really Meta, too.
Make a movie about people all over the world trying to make a movie together. haha. (kinda).
az0madman
07-05-2009, 12:13 AM
Actually, it's because so many are involved that a "benevolent dictator" should take some control. Not saying it should be me, just I'm all enthusiastic right now, and have been involved with projects before that involved people from all over the world. Know the pitfalls to avoid.
Haha, true. It would be nice to have one of these forum projects to actually get off the ground. It wouldn't hurt to do the outline or develop the idea more to sell people on the idea. I just don't want to settle yet.
rabidbadger
07-05-2009, 12:15 AM
So does this have any chance of working and who's interested?
Ooooh, just noticed you are in St Louis. Hmmm, Radzack and his creative crew are around there, too. See if you can hook up with them. They are all set up for quality video goodness!
rabidbadger
07-05-2009, 01:01 AM
Hmmm, actually the first thing we need to do before anything is come up with a duration. I'm thinking 15 minutes, MAYBE closer to half hour if things gel really well.
Where you guys thinking anything longer than that?
rabidbadger
07-05-2009, 01:03 AM
Haha, true. It would be nice to have one of these forum projects to actually get off the ground. It wouldn't hurt to do the outline or develop the idea more to sell people on the idea. I just don't want to settle yet.
Cool. Did you have a general plot line or something in mind? I'll work with ya, that is the whole point of this project. :)
cole-w
07-05-2009, 01:15 AM
Hmmm, actually the first thing we need to do before anything is come up with a duration. I'm thinking 15 minutes, MAYBE closer to half hour if things gel really well.
Where you guys thinking anything longer than that?
I would think with this being our first attempt at this, that shorter would be better...
That way it will be more likely to be completed, and maybe lead to bigger things down the road.
Alright first I haven't gotten around to reading all the posts yet and I'm out of town tomorrow but I will as soon as I can.
I just want to jump on and share an idea I just had before I fall a sleep and forget it.
What if the prop or thing that ties us all together is the thing thats already bringing us together. Revision3.
So they have a bunch of how to shows an such but what if we faked a show about the how-tos of killing zombies or something along those lines. Then the movie is something along the lines of us watching the show and then going out and doing what we've learned.
It's late but I think there is something there that can be tweaked and worked with. Adios all and happy 4th.
rabidbadger
07-05-2009, 06:56 AM
Alright first I haven't gotten around to reading all the posts yet and I'm out of town tomorrow but I will as soon as I can.
I just want to jump on and share an idea I just had before I fall a sleep and forget it.
What if the prop or thing that ties us all together is the thing thats already bringing us together. Revision3.
So they have a bunch of how to shows an such but what if we faked a show about the how-tos of killing zombies or something along those lines. Then the movie is something along the lines of us watching the show and then going out and doing what we've learned.
It's late but I think there is something there that can be tweaked and worked with. Adios all and happy 4th.
Hmmm, I was thinking along that line too, if not rev3 then a fictional site, that leads all the disparate filmakers to one place... or something. .... always thinking... Meanwhile. Elvis needs boats.
spzshipfilms
07-05-2009, 08:17 AM
Actually, it's because so many are involved that a "benevolent dictator" should take some control. Not saying it should be me, just I'm all enthusiastic right now, and have been involved with projects before that involved people from all over the world. Know the pitfalls to avoid.
"benevolent dictator" = Producer :D
We all know it's true. As for story I think it's great to have everyone involved but if three of us could get together and make all the small pre-production decisions. rabidbadger and Aden does this sound good?
For length I would say around 5-6 minutes.
I started writing a script for this project like right now. Based on a story I came up with before I went to sleep last night. It has a common item through the whole story and it's a trench coat. It involves someone with multiple personality disorder, so having different actors for the same role isn't a problem.
I'll complete the first draft and get it up here ASAP.
sabasteonshane
07-05-2009, 10:11 PM
good response folks! I must admit, as i write this i am at a gas station using their wi-fi, im on my way home from FL. In anycase, i wanted to see if all of us could write a script, and make story boards, then have everyone take a chunk and film it. Hmm im not doing a good job at explaining at the moment. Something to think about, ill go into further detail when i get so someplace and rest for a while, but be thinking about what your strengths are, and use it to develop scenes for the flick. Ok arms hurting, ill be back later peeps!
rabidbadger
07-05-2009, 10:48 PM
Everyone keeps talking about "producer(s)" which is necessary, but what we need is a director. Not me. Not my strength.
I am best at wise-ass dialogue, so I'll be a writer.
I don't think 5-6 minutes is long enough unless we wanna make a silly trailer type thing. I really want a plot, scenes, acting, suspense, humor, action... That will take at least fifteen minutes.
And also, if 4 or more folks/groups kick in video, they will want more than just a few seconds of their hard work scattered through the movie.
spzshipfilms
07-05-2009, 11:36 PM
I think 5-6 minutes works great to tell a story.
Here's the script I wrote for this. It's written as 5-6 minutes as the pages show but depending on how much each crew films that could probably end up being 10 minutes or more.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0EELR4C7
For director I was more thinking that each film crew would appoint that themselves. For this script that means only 4 crews but for a first trial that's plenty since I hope we can do this more then once.
Sort of turning it into a new way of filming kind of our own Dogma-movement.
rabidbadger
07-06-2009, 12:00 AM
I think 5-6 minutes works great to tell a story.
Here's the script I wrote for this. It's written as 5-6 minutes as the pages show but depending on how much each crew films that could probably end up being 10 minutes or more.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0EELR4C7
For director I was more thinking that each film crew would appoint that themselves. For this script that means only 4 crews but for a first trial that's plenty since I hope we can do this more then once.
Sort of turning it into a new way of filming kind of our own Dogma-movement.
Cool, And to be honest, if it aint at least 10 minutes, I'll most probably get bored. I want a real "story" and that just can't happen in 5 minutes.
edit. RAR file aint working for me. Can you link to something more "standard"?
az0madman
07-06-2009, 01:39 AM
Uploaded it as PDF if that's okay:
http://www.astuteobservation.com/misc/The%20Screenplay.pdf
I think 5-6 minutes works great to tell a story.
Here's the script I wrote for this. It's written as 5-6 minutes as the pages show but depending on how much each crew films that could probably end up being 10 minutes or more.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0EELR4C7
For director I was more thinking that each film crew would appoint that themselves. For this script that means only 4 crews but for a first trial that's plenty since I hope we can do this more then once.
Sort of turning it into a new way of filming kind of our own Dogma-movement.
Yours reminds me of The Fall, telling a story and changing around characters as needed. I like the idea but I think it might be too short in that the center of attention are the two characters in the kitchen. The other scenes make a collaboration effort kind of pointless since they would only take a couple of minutes to shoot for each person, if that. Plus, for that particular script, it'd be funnier if two actors stayed the same throughout the story changes.
cole-w
07-06-2009, 05:34 AM
I really like the screenplay you uploaded...I think the only thing that could be better is the end...
It's not that it's a bad ending...I just feel like there is a better ending for it, like maybe...
...
MARK
No.
PAUL
Porno?
MARK
seriously...what's wrong with you?
Camera cuts across table to a now shirtless Paul who has a very confused look on his face.
...
just throwing it out there...
spzshipfilms
07-06-2009, 06:07 AM
I really like the screenplay you uploaded...I think the only thing that could be better is the end...
It's not that it's a bad ending...I just feel like there is a better ending for it, like maybe...
...
MARK
No.
PAUL
Porno?
MARK
seriously...what's wrong with you?
Camera cuts across table to a now shirtless Paul who has a very confused look on his face.
...
just throwing it out there...
Keep on throwing in ideas, comments and changes anything that can make it better. See it went from idea to finished script in 2-3 hours so it's impossible to be perfect or even good.
And yeah your version of the ending; I love it.
spzshipfilms
07-06-2009, 06:43 AM
Uploaded it as PDF if that's okay:
http://www.astuteobservation.com/misc/The%20Screenplay.pdf
Yours reminds me of The Fall, telling a story and changing around characters as needed. I like the idea but I think it might be too short in that the center of attention are the two characters in the kitchen. The other scenes make a collaboration effort kind of pointless since they would only take a couple of minutes to shoot for each person, if that. Plus, for that particular script, it'd be funnier if two actors stayed the same throughout the story changes.
True true.
Do you think it's possible to maybe make those parts bigger? Or go in a completely different direction?
sabasteonshane
07-06-2009, 03:02 PM
Ok so i read the script, and the purposed ending, loved it. Any other script ideas?
az0madman
07-06-2009, 10:28 PM
True true.
Do you think it's possible to maybe make those parts bigger? Or go in a completely different direction?
It could still work. I'd say let those parts run some more. Like the main two talk about the new story then the story acts out until it runs into a roadblock. Have each story last for two or three minutes before having the main characters jump in and say it's a bad idea.
sabasteonshane
07-06-2009, 11:00 PM
I wish i was better at story boards, i got some funny pics going through my mind on this script.
spzshipfilms
07-07-2009, 11:02 AM
Here's the Celtx file. Add notes or anything else and send it over. Meanwhile I'll keep writing on this version.
http://web.telia.com/~u40428547/The%20Screenplay.celtx
d3athfly
07-08-2009, 12:50 AM
I really like the draft of the script, and I'd be totally down with shooting some of this (I have a GL2, so SD). I really like the idea of working together to make one cohesive film. I think that a more fleshed out version of the proposed script would work well, because it has multiple genres and different actors for each "cell" to shoot. I really like the blind action heroes as well XD, and I think if we were to do that it could be fleshed out and each 'scene' could have a running time of a minute or two, which would make maybe a 10 min movie if we add more.
spzshipfilms
07-11-2009, 01:31 PM
So I've finally worked out the shorts in the short, if that makes any sense, I got it all on post-its and I'll write it all into the script ASAP.
At this point I'm looking at 10 minutes of script but I hope/think each director will put a touch of themselves into each segment. :)
Meanwhile can we get a official headcount on what people want to do? When it comes to the filming there's going to be 4 crews for this so write what equipment you've got (including audio equipment).
When it comes to post there's editor, foley, music, sound mix and grading. So those that's up for any of that write what equipment/programs.
rabidbadger
07-11-2009, 05:58 PM
Sorry, had family visit from out of state, gotta catch up on what's going on here. Still haven't had time to read the script yet.
spzshipfilms
07-13-2009, 07:51 PM
Here's at least the updated script. There's been a few changes but overall it's about the same. I think the new ending by cole-w works perfectly as well.
http://web.telia.com/~u40428547/The%20Screenplay.pdf
rabidbadger
07-24-2009, 12:37 AM
Darn, been ten days since any activity here. Still happening?
sabasteonshane
08-02-2009, 12:28 AM
as far as i know it is still going to happen, at least on this end. Though i am tied up with work training and getting into school, though once i get a routine done will know when i can get some free time to start production. Though i must ask, from everyone who will work on the film, how does the script look? More specifically, does everyone believe that it is solid and that it is time to move on to perhaps story boards and actual filming?
rabidbadger
08-02-2009, 02:11 AM
looks good, lets start story boarding.
sabasteonshane
08-03-2009, 09:05 PM
Good thats one for yes, anyone else?
Just wanted to say that I'm around but I've been getting updates from sabasteon on this project. I'm all for whatever anyone wants to do.
danhauk
08-03-2009, 10:33 PM
I don't know how I missed this thread, but this is an awesome idea. And the script is pretty clever too. I'm not sure what I could do, but I'd love to help out any way I could. What is this project still in need of people to do?
rabidbadger
08-04-2009, 01:27 AM
I would LOVE to see what DanH could add to this. Great editor and designer. Scoop him up before he gets distracted, haha.
sabasteonshane
08-06-2009, 09:50 PM
As far as shooting goes i believe that by my count we have about 4 of us. I have to say i am caught up in a re shoot of a project this week, however I believe it is safe to say that if no one else we can move on to pre production. I am going to look over the script next week and start boarding it up. :)
rabidbadger
08-11-2009, 09:22 PM
Leo Laporte just recommended this software/service. (http://www.celtx.com/index.html) Seems perfect for the project. Software is free, opensource, crossplatform mac/windows/linux, and the group hosting is cheap.
Something to think about. Cause so far, no movement on this. :(
littlematty
08-13-2009, 12:06 PM
Guys, great idea and would like to get involved. Just reading through the posts it seems people don't know what others are doing. I have used this before to help when you can't get everyone together, http://www.comindwork.com/ It's free to sign up and use for upto 3 projects, but you only need one. Not sure if this is doubling up on what Celtix can do already. Worth investigating because you can assign people tasks, set timelines, share files, etc. If you use this idea, can I get mention in the credits, it may be my only shot at the big time.
sabasteonshane
09-08-2009, 02:32 PM
I am currently Boarding this, after which i will have to upload to flicker or something, i am currently selling my camera, i will be buying on in the spring when taxes and school refunds comes around. Anyways, its going to happen folks, IM me on here with who is still interested and what he/she can do. :) thanks for the continued support guys!