Friday, April 11, 2008

Next Stop, Open Frame

The film is now finished and submitted for the Open Frame Film Festival. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we are extremely proud of what we have accomplished. Congrats everyone! Only one more week until we have the audience screening we've been waiting for. Thank you everyone for all your support.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Post-Prod

This production has been blessed thus far. We are now in post-production, and tech problems have been faced. We are thankful that the problems so far have been quickly dealt with. Picture editing went smoothly with only a few technical bumps with a stubborn external hard drive. Our picture editor was patient, and that helped quite a bit. The sound editor is now adjusting necessary elements and sweetening the sound. A friend and crew member is creating a score that will make this endeavor even better. Things are looking great so far, and we are anticipating the premiere at Open Frame.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Through the Monitor


Monitor
Originally uploaded by aussie259772

Setting up one of our jib shots.

Directing


Directing
Originally uploaded by aussie259772

Stephen giving directions to the actors.

Lighting


Stand Ins
Originally uploaded by aussie259772

Micah and Rachel act as stand-ins for the actors.

Gathered


Gathering
Originally uploaded by aussie259772

Setting up for Jeremy's single shot.

Ladder


Ladder
Originally uploaded by aussie259772

Chad and Brian on the dangerously teetering ladder.

Setting Up


Original set up
Originally uploaded by aussie259772

Starting to get lights set for shooting.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

That's a wrap!

After two long, cold nights of filming, we finished shooting for Questionable Behavior. Thursday we all arrived around 7 p.m., but didn't wrap for the night until 6 a.m. Most of us were unprepared for the weather conditions, despite helpful tips on how to stay warm. It was mostly experimenting, making the set ups longer and leaving expectations hopeful, yet cautious.

Lots of volunteers came and went, offering encouragement, exuding excitement, but ultimately expressing sympathy on the long night ahead of those obligated - yet happily so! - to stay the entire time.

After the first few rough shots as we all test the waters and inevitably make some mistakes, the night picks up quickly. The actors become more comfortable, and although the lights still take a long time, the shot list is more defined, and Stephen develops a stronger sense of exactly what he wants.

As the night progressed, the film was further given a professional feel with the addition of the jib and the dolly. Watching the shots through the monitor renewed my excitement, despite the cold and futile feeling of the long hours ahead.

Friday we arrived a bit later, and although the shot list was significantly shorter, the night was still long. Weather conditions were against us. Bone-chilling winds made the shoot uncomfortable, but mostly were a problem because of the amount of lights we lost due to extra powerful gusts. Crew then needed to attend to all the lights, decreasing the hands for help in other areas. And of course, it affected the sound. (I can't really elaborate. I don't know much about audio.) Thankfully, the snowfall didn't start until literally two minutes after we cut for the last scene.

We wrapped at 4 a.m. and left for home around 5. The editing process has already begun.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Shooting Commences

All through the night last night in freezing weather in the midst of a classic Ohio Cornfield, a dedicated cast and crew of students toiled for the sake of film.

Photos below. More later!

Through the Viewfinder


Setting Up 4
Originally uploaded by redbaerd
Chad Terpstra (DP) of Cinevera Pictures checks the shot.

Rehearsing


Rhehearsing
Originally uploaded by redbaerd
The officer and the drunk fumble for control of the scene while director, Stephen looks on.

Rehearsal in the Monitor


Setting Up 3
Originally uploaded by redbaerd

Before Shooting Starts


Setting Up 2
Originally uploaded by redbaerd
Stephen rehearses actors Jake & Jeremy while lights and camera get set.

Setting Up


Setting Up 1
Originally uploaded by redbaerd
Getting set for the first take of the night -- a wide shot from across the road.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Some Updates

Jeremy Lewis and Jake Miller were selected to play the roles of the drunk man and police officer.

The filming location is in a rural area out past East Canton and Paris township by Edgewater Golf Course. Part of the film might be filmed on the golf course, as well.

We may or may not hire a professional Director of Photography. Factors influencing the decision include cost, weather conditions for the shooting date, and availability.

We have found a light kit, generator, and jib to use for relatively low prices.

The police uniform will be bought (hopefully) from Mr. Fun's Costumes and Magic Emporium in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. After, the costume will be donated to the Malone College Theatre Department.

Negotiations are taking place regarding a police car on location. Hopes are still high.

Filming dates are still March 20th and 21st.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Casting Call specifics

CASTING CALL FOR MYSTERIOUS COMEDY SHORT
The Malone College Communication Arts department sponsored film is casting for an 8-minute short film. The film, "Questionable Behavior," will be included in the Open Frame Student Film Contest, and it will also be submitted to other film festivals.

ABOUT THE SHORT
Mr. Trimble, a young inebriated man is driving down an abandoned country road late at night. Officer Healey, the middle-aged officer on duty, pulls Trimble over and confronts him. Witty dialogue leads to suspicions about the driver's true intent. What happens when Healey realizes that Trimble is hiding something?

ROLES TO BE CAST
Driver/Mr. Trimble: a 25-50 year old male. No other specific requirements.
Cop/Officer Healey: a 25-50 year old male. No other specific requirements.

TIME REQUIREMENT
Casting call: Saturday, February 23, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Shooting dates: March 20-21, midnight - 6 a.m. or until finished

TO AUDITION
Bring with you a headshot, a resume, and a demo reel (if available) to the memorial chapel in the Johnson Center on Malone's campus. The address is 2600 Cleveland Avenue, Canton, OH 44709.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

About

The Malone College Communication Arts Department is sponsoring a student film production this year to be included in the Open Frame Student Film Contest and to be submitted to other film festivals.

This year's sponsored film, Questionable Behavior, was written by Dan Walton, will be produced by Aaron Freeman, Alyssa Salsburey, Alyssa Pearson and Audrey Sackman, and will be directed by Stephen Thomas.

Questionable Behavior is an 8 minute mysterious comedy.

We'll be keeping a production log here, so check back for updates.

Casting Call

The Malone College Open Frame Film Festival announces an open casting call for a short film, non-profit endeavor, entitled “Questionable Behavior,” a mysterious midnight comedy. The call will be for the two lead characters, both male, 25-50 years old. Prospective applicants need to be available for two full nights. Tentative filming dates are March 20-21, 2008.

The casting will be held in the chapel in the Johnson Center on Malone’s campus on Saturday, February 23, 2008. Candidates should show up at 3 p.m., and auditions will last until 5 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Applicants should bring with them a head shot, a demo reel (if available), and a resume. Questions may be emailed to openframe08@gmail.com.