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Topic: Art's Point of View - **WARNING** 4th message down contains some spoliers
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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posted
I am reserving this space to talk about a short film called 'Art's Point of View' from writer/director Alex Marquez of Rear Window Productions. I mentioned a little bit about this short and the feature film it was paired with called 'Welcome to September' in an earlier post. I thought both films were excellent, and it ended up that I knew a few of the people in the short. The main character who plays Art - Jeremy Mitchell, had auditioned for the Blackout's Box stage show when I was trying to put that together over a year ago. Small world after all huh?
I first saw 'Art's Point of View' at the West Palm Beach Film Festival, quite accidentally, I might add, when a yoga class and film shoot that I was doing at 7am on a friday (after a 4am Blackout's Box LIVE show) went terribly wrong, so I was in a bit of a fowl mood even though I was on the beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach. I was not yet awake yet knew that I wouldn't be going to sleep, and I was not in my beach appreciation mode nor was I wearing my beach gear. I was hot and cranky caring around a bunch of cameras and tripods (the ones for cameras... not a bunch of three legged dogs).
That's when I remembered that one of my close friends - Keith Forman (or as the locals call him - the Goat), had told me he had a small part in a film that was playing at the festival that day, and so I gave him a ring and we headed off towards West Palm with glee.
I am glad to say that I was very impressed with both films, so much so, that I just spent the last 9 hours trying to encode it and get it online here for Alex, so that more people can be exposed to this great little 12 minute flick. He came by the other day to bring me a DV master copy, and we had some very good conversation and obviously share a lot of vibes and ideas, so we are going to work on some future projects together. But that's future talk, and this is now, and you have got to see this little film. It's great.
Quicktime is a HUGE pain in the ass but it just is of an immensly better quality than windows media player stuff.
This film is going to be the first in a new section on the site called Blackout's Treasure Box - other artists' work that I greatly admire. I originally didn't want to do that because I don't want this site to be another ebaums world or fark or any of the other other 50 million clone sites that just all gather the same material. The Treasure Box, however, are just things that I think NEED to be seen or that greatly inspire or make me laugh or think...'outside fo the box' as they say.
You can not ask to be in the Treasure Box, but you are welcome to send things for consideration. A lot of bands, singers, writers, and film makers have been sending me stuff lately and I encourage anyone to post any good links on the Box O Links forum. This movie, was just something where once again...it clicked so much with me (and you'll understand why when you see it), that I felt an absolute need to help this film maker get it out there.
I have massive updating and material for the site that needs to be put up but I have some horrible sore throat cold thingymajizgum yuckyness from dealing with a month of hellish psychotic breakdowns from family members (more on that later). That's another reason why this film resonated so strongly with me on several levels.
Another thing that is great is that this short was shot on a digital video camera at a cost of about $1000... or $5000 if you count the cost of the camera, and it really looks excellent and professionally done. I can't tell you how many CRAPPY short films and student films I see or I go to audition for a great sounding script and then find out on the set that the director has no idea what the hell he's doing. Alex has got his shit together and knows what he's doing, and good people have surrounded him, and it shows in this short film.
The film was beautifully shot with just one Canon XL2, and a whole lot of friendship and free help. I wanted to make sure the online version looked as good as the DVD did so I have spent a of time tweaking and encoding and testing and ect ect. Quicktime encoding is DREADFULLY slow.. let me tell you, but wait till you see the quality of the broadband stream, it literaly is just as good and clear as anything on apple.com's movie trailer site and almost as good as the DVD. For some reason, Windows Media player will just NOT let me make big widescreen 16x9 files. It always puts them in a square and letterboxes them no matter how hard I try...however, it is a hell of a lot quicker and easier to get a streaming windows file going than a quicktime. I literally spent all night encoding... seeing nasty artifacts, re-encoding, seeing it was too big and at too high of a datarate to stream... and on and on... but anyway, that is all techy talk to be reserved for the production box (of which I will probably throw a copy of this thread over to), but I think you are going to be pretty impressed with both the quality and the content of this little film. It packs quite a wallop to the brain...with many layers, messages, and things to ponder for being only 12 or 13 minutes long!
It's a great time for film makers, and finally the tools we need are coming out. When they get true 1920 x 1080 HD digital cameras under $5000... cinema is going to radically change and we will be able to find new directors, writers, and actors in great films all over the place because they will finally be able to shoot on something that looks like real film projected on a screen does, and they won't have to have 10 jugerbillion dollars or the other extreme of grandmas shitty camcorder.
As the Gorillaz say, "I'm useless, but not for long, the future, it's coming on it's coming on it's coming on..."
OK... update, I have got the super mega high quality one working and streaming now.. yaya..but the little ones still look crappy.
Sir Vag Sah, or Herbert... I require graphical assistance if thou can.. to make the html frame of the theater for the 16x9 panel to be in. Like the sites on apple's quicktime trailer section.
Have a superbly excellent day, and please post what you think after you give it a view! I am now going to spit up some nasty green slime from my throat. The strange snot artforms I am hacking up are quite lovely.
- Michael -
[ 05-11-2005, 04:14 AM: Message edited by: Blackout ]
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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posted
Ok here it is, check it out and let us know what you think. Note, you are going to need a fast broadband connection for this one of at least 168k per second. If you have a slow connection.. prepare for the choppies. It is worthless to even attempt video for a dialup modem.
http://blackout.com/artspointofview.html
On one of the next couple shows I will have the director and some of the cast on.
Enjoy...
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Aeternal
Box Newbie
Member # 1184
Member Rated:
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First off, That's really awesome of you giving your bandwidth and exposure to him as well as other future artists. I've recently REALLY gotten into amatuer filmmaking and production, although I have no equipment and experience in the field it's something I would love to explore. That's a big reason why I can appreciate a film such as this. The director does a great job of putting a professional feel to the movie, with the cinematography and excellent cast. I thought the actors really did a good job in making the seperation between Themselves and the lead (Art). It's like you have this static character with all these diverse personalities surrounding him!
You said it was shot on an XL2? I believe 28 Days Later was also shot on an XL2. It's great that digital video is getting more popular and finding it's way even into mainstream movies! I've been following DV for a couple months now and it seems like a good cheap alternative to spending money on a 16mm camera and film.
Anyways, my multitasking right now is probably fucking up the fluidity of this thread. Hell i don't even know what i'm saying anymore. Bottom line is... I love the Indie section you're creating and you're right about this guy. He know's his shit. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make it big down the road. Hell if napolean dynamite can make it.. right??
Posts: 4 | Registered: May 2005
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Herbert
Ghostly lover of hats and elephants & Official Blackout's Box Archivist
Member # 628
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That was an awesome short film ![[Smile]](smile.gif) Five stars!
As Blackout has already said, the whole look of the film is very professional looking. The actors were great (and the girl was hot ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) ).
Having the main character realizing the truth was remenicient of "The Last Action Hero," though this had way more style. Calling the audience "sick" for being the voyeurs that we are really was a nice touch.
On a side note, sitting in that chair for the sunrise at the very beginning must have been a pain in the ass ![[Laugh]](graemlins/laughface.gif)
[edit: I don't know what anyone sees in Napoleon Dynamite ![[Confused]](confused.gif) Even all these quotes I hear people repeating weren't really laughable ]
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http://HerbertFilby.com
Posts: 1516 | From: PA | Registered: Sep 2003
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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Aeternal, welcome to the site (someone get him a film basket). I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. I can only take credit for the encoding work but I hope to be working on some future collaborative projects with Alex soon. The bandwidth once agin is provided by my awesome sponsor Host.net (the huge second logo at the start ![[Eye brow raise]](graemlins/eyebrowraise.gif) ) because Randy has believed in me for so many years, and things are finally started to come together and I am meeting the right people and you are going to be seeing a lot more quality stuff, so keep spreading the word and keep checking, and once again welxcome to the boards and I wish you luck on your film making quest.
Oh ohh.. Herbert made a spoiler... I have to add spiler to the title of the thread now.
- Blackout -
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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onepairofpant
BLACKOUT.COM SPAM stopper uni pant NINJA!
Member # 835
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somewhat enjoyable but like what the fuck
im sick! you're sick whats wrong with you, all these suburban kids and the whole "emo" scene, usually just a bunch over priviledged usually white kids with a payed for everything, car, decent looks, hot girlfriend, why shouldn't you be happy! do you need more of a reason to be? to make your petty little problems seem like there meaningful?
Posts: 345 | From: Queens, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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???
Ummm...
Dude.
Did you even GET IT at all? What the hell are you talking about with EMO? What does this film have to do with EMO?
Sir, are you smoking the crack rock?
Hector: I think he's smoking acid.
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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onepairofpant
BLACKOUT.COM SPAM stopper uni pant NINJA!
Member # 835
Member Rated:
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posted
why? cuase I didn't absolutely love it and I mentioned the whole EMO scene to support one sentence?
myself: smacks blkackout
Posts: 345 | From: Queens, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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Well. You have your right to your own interpretation of course, but I don't believe this film had anything to do with bored spoiled EMO kids who want to kill themselves becuse of what you believe to be superficial problems. You obviously hold some contempt or jealousy against these said EMO kids but this movie had nothing to do with a spoiled kid. Look deeper, young padawan. His name was ART.
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Snayk
Box Newbie
Member # 1056
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I loved it. I aswell found a passion for amatuer film making and writing, but I'm only a kid. This kind of film is one of those boosts of inspiration that we don't come across enough. Fantastic
-Dax
Posts: 3 | Registered: Feb 2005
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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Welcome to the Box and the Box's Boards, glad you liked it. Get these two guys some welcome baskets someone.
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Chris -Kracka C-
Keeper of the great CORN
Member # 775
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I have to admit that though there was heart to this film (I can tell that those involved really were into the project) it doesn't strike me as particularly incredible even by short-film standards. First of all, the overall feel of the film, if I can be brutally honest, was a soft-core porn without the soft-core sex. The ending is novel, but I'm not sure it really does what it sets out to do.
I believe that the main anchor that keeps this boat from sailing is the acting. The writing is actually pretty good (especially in the short-film world) but I think any overall message (the overmedication, overconsumption, self-indulgent, voyeuristic nature of modern humans) gets lost in the campiness. The characters are just a bit too much like characitures.
All of that being said, I really appreciate the fact that they made the film though, and that it was hosted on the internet for all to view. As the director grows, I really would like to see more of what he can do down the line (especially in the scope of a full length.)
Chris
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"It gives you different perspectives to think about things." - Blackout
Posts: 1185 | From: Houston, Tx | Registered: Dec 2003
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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posted
BUMP!
And more news:
I have recently completed filming on Alex Marquezes first feature film "FILM CONTEST ?"
Coming to selected theaters this April.
I play Milton Butterfly.
Stay tuned to the same hat channel at the same hat time for more info!
- Blackout -
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
Member Rated:
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by Chris -Kracka C-:
I have to admit that though there was heart to this film (I can tell that those involved really were into the project) it doesn't strike me as particularly incredible even by short-film standards. First of all, the overall feel of the film, if I can be brutally honest, was a soft-core porn without the soft-core sex. The ending is novel, but I'm not sure it really does what it sets out to do.
I believe that the main anchor that keeps this boat from sailing is the acting. The writing is actually pretty good (especially in the short-film world) but I think any overall message (the overmedication, overconsumption, self-indulgent, voyeuristic nature of modern humans) gets lost in the campiness. The characters are just a bit too much like characitures.
All of that being said, I really appreciate the fact that they made the film though, and that it was hosted on the internet for all to view. As the director grows, I really would like to see more of what he can do down the line (especially in the scope of a full length.)
Chris
I think the campiness was SUPPOSED to be that way as a point. if you notice... everything was campy up until a certain point, and the ART character was not very campy. Take a look at again while thinking about this.
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
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posted
Bumpity bump! Low and behold it's over a year later and now Alex's first feature film makes it's world premiere (with yours truly acting in it) so for those of you who can make it, please do:
West Palm Beach International Film Festival
FILM CONTEST?
April, 25 2007 - 9:30P
The Theatre
854 South Conniston Road
West Palm Beach , FL 33405
Cost: Regular Theatre Admission
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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Blackout
Actor Singer Writer Director Visionary Philosopher Magickian Skydiver Digital Hippie and all around Creative Artist
Member # 7
Member Rated:
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posted
bump - the short is now in rotation in Blackout TV 24/7
I would like to put a full color corrected version of FILM CONTEST? but I haven't had the time to do it. I'll keep you all updated and from what I have seen Alex is doing well continuing on making movies.
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You are not your job, your titles, your possessions, your degrees, your lovers, your relationships, your place of residence, your social security number, your ID, your bills, your worries, your bank account, your age or your body. You are the timeless being that created & perceives itself through those things, and you have the power to play or not play that game. When someone asks me "what do you do?" looking for some title to pin me down, I laugh and say "EVERYTHING!" - Blackout
Posts: 7616 | From: New York City | Registered: Jul 2000
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