As Wayne Campbell once said, "we have crossed all of the t's and dotted all of the......lowercase j's?"
Because as of this moment, with the assistance of my lovely, gifted and loyal editor, Anne, Zachary and the Laws of Gravity is, at last, complete. It's been a wild ride, and I am elated to say that I am extremely proud of the final product. Up next, is the screening! The event will take place next Friday night, April 25th at 7Pm in the UCF Visual Arts Main Auditorium, Please be prompt as our film will be OPENING the showcase! I hope to see you all there!
It's been some journey...
"Crickets and Snaggles to all!"
--Phil Atlas
Director, ZATLOG
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Weekend Update with Amy Poehler and Phil Atlas?...
So it's been an extremely productive weekend. (As it sort of had to be since everything is due Wednesday!) :) The minor color correction was completed, the score was completed and finalized (and will be added to the mix tomorrow), and the sound effects were at last materialized (by Mr. Briz).
Working with Nick this past week has been great. We seem to be pretty in-sync when it comes to the sounds that should be used (and how to go about using them). It's been quite a challenge to create a sound scape representing Zachary's "wheel-turning thought process" which segues into the fantasy sequence(s). The danger is not making it sound cartoon-ish, but the problem is, when dealing with scientific sounds like Bunsen burners, bubbles, electricity and fire, most of the sounds simply have that cartoon-ish "womp-womp-womp" quality about them . So it has proven to be quite a challenge indeed for Nick and myself. Nick did a template version and we found that it came off as rather frightening and isolated and possibly too dark for the film, so Nick is re-working some things to make it sound more innocent, child-like and whimsical. Nick has expertly ventured into more consistent sounds that aren't necessarily scientific per-se, but can be (subconsciously) associated with science, like turning bicycle wheels, and other unexpected sounds that create a cacophonous soundtrack. It's actually been an huge learning experience and a major challenge to complete.
The sound mix is close to complete and there are some things that unfortunately cannot be rectified. Mostly, there are certain steadicam shots that are rather noisy because of the camera movement. The sounds of the camera creaking are audible in both the boom version and the field recorder version of the captured production sound, but it's nothing too distracting. C'est la vie!
We're getting close to the end, so we got's 'ta step it up!
For weekend update, I'm Phil Atlas. <-- No? Too soon?
Working with Nick this past week has been great. We seem to be pretty in-sync when it comes to the sounds that should be used (and how to go about using them). It's been quite a challenge to create a sound scape representing Zachary's "wheel-turning thought process" which segues into the fantasy sequence(s). The danger is not making it sound cartoon-ish, but the problem is, when dealing with scientific sounds like Bunsen burners, bubbles, electricity and fire, most of the sounds simply have that cartoon-ish "womp-womp-womp" quality about them . So it has proven to be quite a challenge indeed for Nick and myself. Nick did a template version and we found that it came off as rather frightening and isolated and possibly too dark for the film, so Nick is re-working some things to make it sound more innocent, child-like and whimsical. Nick has expertly ventured into more consistent sounds that aren't necessarily scientific per-se, but can be (subconsciously) associated with science, like turning bicycle wheels, and other unexpected sounds that create a cacophonous soundtrack. It's actually been an huge learning experience and a major challenge to complete.
The sound mix is close to complete and there are some things that unfortunately cannot be rectified. Mostly, there are certain steadicam shots that are rather noisy because of the camera movement. The sounds of the camera creaking are audible in both the boom version and the field recorder version of the captured production sound, but it's nothing too distracting. C'est la vie!
We're getting close to the end, so we got's 'ta step it up!
For weekend update, I'm Phil Atlas. <-- No? Too soon?
Friday, April 11, 2008
it's almost THAT Wednesday already?!
I will have to completely agree with Kristen (K-Bake) in asking, where, in fact has the semester gone?! Seriously though. Can the films really be due on Wednesday? Wow.
But in any case, after numerous test screenings and several cuts, the movie is on its way to completion. Some minor color correction is being done today (namely to brighten all of the darker (nighttime) portions which look very dark when projected). I am meeting with Hannah (the composer) tomorrow to finalize the score, and will be meeting several times throughout the weekend with Nick B. to finalize the sound effects and will then be working to finish up the sound.
After that, we'll be pretty much done. I am very proud of this film and am so proud of this year's batch of films from the D3 class, there are some fantastic shorts, and it feels great to be apart of it all.
Once again to my fantastic crew, I say thank you, and I hope you all can make it on the 25th, to see all of your hard work up on the screen in-front of an audience. More specifically I want to re-express my gratitude to the 3 people who helped Zachary soar: (wow, that was sorta corny but still) Michelle (Cracky/Mabel), Georginia (George-e/Gin-e) and Brandon (BLT/B-Rand), you guys made this happen right along side of me every step of the way and our movie is just about "Done, Son!" :)
I will be updating throughout the weekend (and up through Wednesday: the due date) with the progress of everything.
Final stretch people. It's time to run like E.T. and snaggle along! ;)
But in any case, after numerous test screenings and several cuts, the movie is on its way to completion. Some minor color correction is being done today (namely to brighten all of the darker (nighttime) portions which look very dark when projected). I am meeting with Hannah (the composer) tomorrow to finalize the score, and will be meeting several times throughout the weekend with Nick B. to finalize the sound effects and will then be working to finish up the sound.
After that, we'll be pretty much done. I am very proud of this film and am so proud of this year's batch of films from the D3 class, there are some fantastic shorts, and it feels great to be apart of it all.
Once again to my fantastic crew, I say thank you, and I hope you all can make it on the 25th, to see all of your hard work up on the screen in-front of an audience. More specifically I want to re-express my gratitude to the 3 people who helped Zachary soar: (wow, that was sorta corny but still) Michelle (Cracky/Mabel), Georginia (George-e/Gin-e) and Brandon (BLT/B-Rand), you guys made this happen right along side of me every step of the way and our movie is just about "Done, Son!" :)
I will be updating throughout the weekend (and up through Wednesday: the due date) with the progress of everything.
Final stretch people. It's time to run like E.T. and snaggle along! ;)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
It's been a while (Quick Update)
Hey All,
It's been a super long time since the last (Thank-You) Post. I guess we all needed to recuperate (as much as we possibly could!). Since the last post, a great deal has happened, namely the welcoming of our genius editor, Anne Seabright.
Anne graciously accepted the proposal to chop ZATLOG, and the film, I am delighted to say, is coming along wonderfully. I screened the first 4.5 minutes or so in D3 class before Spring Break and received excellent feedback (both good and bad) that I needed to hear. It really helped me put my finger on certain elements that were not working. So thanks (to those who were there) for the awesome comments, it REALLY helped!
Additionally, the animator and compositor now have all of the scenes they needed in order for them to make their respective magic happen. So I am really excited to see their finished products.
Lastly, the composer, is working full speed and should have the final track completed within the next week. So holler!
Tomorrow, I will be screening my final rough cut for Film Production Management class, and then, based on the feedback and comments we receive from the students in that class, we will begin restructuring and entering the final stages.
So here goes nothin'....
It's been a super long time since the last (Thank-You) Post. I guess we all needed to recuperate (as much as we possibly could!). Since the last post, a great deal has happened, namely the welcoming of our genius editor, Anne Seabright.
Anne graciously accepted the proposal to chop ZATLOG, and the film, I am delighted to say, is coming along wonderfully. I screened the first 4.5 minutes or so in D3 class before Spring Break and received excellent feedback (both good and bad) that I needed to hear. It really helped me put my finger on certain elements that were not working. So thanks (to those who were there) for the awesome comments, it REALLY helped!
Additionally, the animator and compositor now have all of the scenes they needed in order for them to make their respective magic happen. So I am really excited to see their finished products.
Lastly, the composer, is working full speed and should have the final track completed within the next week. So holler!
Tomorrow, I will be screening my final rough cut for Film Production Management class, and then, based on the feedback and comments we receive from the students in that class, we will begin restructuring and entering the final stages.
So here goes nothin'....
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
New title: "Zachary and the Amazing Crew"
To the Incredible ZATLOG crew,
I have re-written this posting several times already. I truly believe that the reason I am having such difficulty writing it is because I cannot find the right words to describe how grateful I am for everyone who helped out during pre-production and production of "Zachary and the Laws of Gravity".
Re-examining my crew list, I was pretty overwhelmed to find that over 40 people were involved in some aspect of this production. I have never before been around a more talented and dedicated group of people.
This was my first time working with many of you and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to have met you all and to have collaborated with you all in some way.
Some people had their doubts about this endeavor and to them I simply say…crickets. :)
This project was by far the biggest production I had ever undertaken, and I can genuinely say that it would not have been as successful a shoot if it wasn’t for all of you guys.
This short truly has been such a labor of love, and I thank you all wholeheartedly for being a part of it. Thank You!
Sincerely,
Philip Atlas
Director, ZATLOG
I have re-written this posting several times already. I truly believe that the reason I am having such difficulty writing it is because I cannot find the right words to describe how grateful I am for everyone who helped out during pre-production and production of "Zachary and the Laws of Gravity".
Re-examining my crew list, I was pretty overwhelmed to find that over 40 people were involved in some aspect of this production. I have never before been around a more talented and dedicated group of people.
This was my first time working with many of you and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to have met you all and to have collaborated with you all in some way.
Some people had their doubts about this endeavor and to them I simply say…crickets. :)
This project was by far the biggest production I had ever undertaken, and I can genuinely say that it would not have been as successful a shoot if it wasn’t for all of you guys.
This short truly has been such a labor of love, and I thank you all wholeheartedly for being a part of it. Thank You!
Sincerely,
Philip Atlas
Director, ZATLOG
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Stick a fork in it... we're done!
Here it is team... the final call sheet! It has been more than amazing working with each of you. Enjoy the last call sheet and we shall see you campers in the morning!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Please, hold your tears back.
As each and everyone of you know, we are close to the end of our ZATLOG production. In case you didn't get the call sheet, here is another copy right here! Enjoy the slide show below posted by Michelle!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
