For the past year or so, I’ve been working on an original feature film called Blank Slate (not to be confused with the 2008 TV movie with Eric Stoltz). It is the ultimate in DIY filmmaking - with no budget at all I wrote/directed/produced/cast/starred/edited/etc the whole shebang in my spare time when not at my real job. Basically I got a small team of people together to donate their time & equipment, drew actors from the Marin Actors Workshop (I’m also a client!), and filmed guerilla-style at various locations in the bay area. It has been an insane, difficult, and exciting project, and I am almost at the finish line. I am hoping to have something to show people sometime in march, but for now you can check out the trailer.
The trailer is unofficially rated pg-13 for drug-related content. Comments/suggestions welcome!
Well there really isn’t a whole lot more to it other than what’s there. The film, in a sentence, is about a guy who gets dumped, fired, and (re)meets the girl of his dreams all in the span of about an hour and then the fallout thereof. I considered putting more exposition in there as to who Tara is, but I didnt want the trailer to get bogged down in dialog, I figured it was enough to convey that he luuuurves her.
It certainly isn’t a plot-heavy movie which was one of the challenges of making the trailer for it. A lot of the movie revolves around an aimless period of life for the main character dealing with his vague delusions of grandeur (hence the VO in the second half).
Ok, I’m thinking this deserves some bumpage <not sure how bumpage is handled around here, but I am pretty sure there are folk here more qualified to give input than myself>
In golf i hear that if you hit a tee shot that doesn’t go farther than the women’s tee, you have to play the rest of the hole with your balls hanging out of your pants, and the shot is referred to as a “Balls Out” shot. By extrapolation I suppose “Balls Out” could mean a particularly bad performance, but I’ll take it in the spirit it was offered. Thanks!
The last project I was involved with fell apart half-way through. I have another project in mind, and I have all of the equipment I need. But I don’t like writing at all. So well done, having what it takes to sit down and write your project! (And then gather the people to help you make it.)
So you’re “Dave”? You seem like a likable guy, the kind that audiences find it easy to identify with and root for. You also seem very natural and relaxed for the most part. That line that goes something like “In my head I can do anything, but in reality I can’t do anything” really defines the character and the conflict nicely. The trailer narration sounds very professional, which adds credibility. And the trailer itself has some nice, witty touches. I get the idea the film is going to be kind of sweet and mostly lighthearted, so if that’s the way you want to market it, great.
On the down side, the lighting and sound are inconsistent. Sometimes people’s faces are too “hot” and their voices are hollow and tinny. Having worked on a number of no-budget shorts (I can’t even imagine tackling a feature at this point), I realize it’s an accomplishment that we can even see and hear the actors at all in every shot, but bad lighting and sound are the quickest and clearest signs of low-budget film-making, and no matter how wonderful the script and performances are, some people won’t bother with a film that doesn’t look and sound professional.
Also, the scene in which you meet the lead actress in the kitchen rings a bit false to me, like you’re each waiting for the other to deliver the line so that you can make your previously determined facial expression. Sorry if that comes off a bit harsh, but in the other shots you give the impression of just being yourself, so that moment stood out.
I also wouldn’t mind more of a hint that something is going to happen to the main characters, or at least “Dave,” by the end of the film. It doesn’t have to be huge, but there should be some reason I’m watching this man on this day; otherwise, he’s not going to sustain my interest through a feature-length film.
All in all, you’ve shown some real talent and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of the film based on the trailer. I’m a little bit envious, but I wish you the best of luck on the rest of the project.
TWDuke, thanks so much for taking the time to post those thoughtful comments. I think all of your criticisms are spot on - I’ve actually already set up a meeting with a couple post guys to address the audio/video to see what I can do to clean it up a little. I totally agree with your assessment of the meeting scene. I was hoping that it was quick enough that people wouldnt catch it but since you did I clearly need to use a different take for the final version. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
