A 30 Second Spot (Commercial)

Recently, I took a break from the blog to work on a submission for the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl Competition. When I found out about it, I had a month to conceive an idea, write it out, work through all the pre-production work, shoot, edit, and submit it. 
At first I was thinking of something more action packed than comedy. But the first idea wasn't really fleshing out. So after a few more days of thinking about the idea it finally hit me. I wrote out the script and began to story-board the whole commercial as I would have liked to see it in its final cut. This helped me get an idea of what the shots I wanted to accomplish and what was going to be needed in terms of equipment, cast, and location. Although for a 30 second commercial it took over five hours to actually story-board.
Then I began on focusing on finding locations. I needed an Art Gallery. Thankfully, downtown Wyandotte has a couple and I was able to get permission to film on a Friday night at River's Edge Gallery.  Saturday night was planned to shoot at my apartment. 
Now that locations were squared away, it was time to start making the shot sheets and diagramming out how I wanted each shot to be set up. In addition to that I began working on call sheets for my cast and crew. Call sheets are used to inform the cast and crew of a film production times, locations, and other important facts like, wardrobe and make-up times. Once all these documents were created, I sent them to my cast an crew.
Now came the fun part of actually shooting the thing. We met at the Gallery at 7PM on a Friday night. We were able to have the place to ourselves with a nice little corner on the second floor. This is when the shot sheets come handy because you start to refer to them to make sure that you got every angle you wanted for your work.
Friday night we worked for about four and a half hours, which compared to my other film shoots I have done before was really nothing.
The following night we met at 5. I had spent the entire day reordering my apartment to make it look more like a creative studio. That night we spent about an hour and a half prepping wardrobe and make-up. From there we worked until about 10 or so.
The next process was probably the most difficult of all the processes which was editing. I have editing all my work in the past and my previous employer had me working as an Assistant Editor. So I thought that this time around, being a thirty second piece, would be a bit easier than the twenty minute capstone project or my fifteen minute documentary. This was not the case. The commercial we had shot could have stood alone on itself as a short film between two to five minutes. I had to condense that all into thirty seconds. This means that I had to sacrifice some of the shots we had chosen. The spot needed a certain pacing. I struggled a bit with trying to find that pacing but then found the perfect track to edit the piece to. 
I worked with each scene separately, the artist working on his canvas and the art gallery. Once I had an idea of where exactly each portion of the spot was going, I stitched them together making the music flow between the scenes so it felt as if there was no real hesitation. 

After a week of working on the cut, I felt that I was comfortable enough to submit it to the contest. The final video was entitled Tasteful Art and you can view it by clicking HERE! 

The contest is at first put through a Jury that will pick five finalists, then the five finalists are open to the public for voting on whom will be the one shown during the Super Bowl. I will keep you all posted on the progress of the commercial through the contest!

I would also like to thank my cast and crew for their tremendous hard work and patience with me through this process.

Peter York: Artist 

Connor Kovoch: Mr. Hungry, Assistant Director

Liz Katsarelas: Extra, Assistant Camera

Adam E Pillon: Extra, Assistant Camera/Audio

Nicole Diegel: Extra, Production Assistant

Sam Crosby: Extra, Boom Operator

Corey Whitaker: Production Assistant

Monica Muzzin: Extra

Corey Kovoch: Writer, Producer, Director, Editor

Special Thanks to:

Jeremy Hansen of River's Edge Art Gallery, Art Hansen, Anna Lisa Fedor, Cheryl Knapp, and all of our friends and family who supported us through the process!

Answer This! (Christopher Farah, 2010)

Answer This! is not only a Michigan made movie but a movie shot almost entirely in Ann Arbor. The film tells the comedic story of a graduate student, Paul (Christopher Gorham) at The University of Michigan, as he has a quarter life crisis while working on his graduate doctorate and is struck with writers block. To help himself get past it, he with a friend, James (Nelson Franklin), decide to part-take in a city wide pub trivia competition. In addition to this there is a girl, Naomi (Arielle Kebbel) and the name of his father, Dr. Elliot Tarson (Ralph Williams), to live up to. All together the film was okay. The film was heartfelt and quite funny but some aspects of the film kept it from being stronger.

One troubling aspect of the film was that it felts a bit too loaded. There were many scenes and exchanges between characters which felt out of nowhere and almost unnecessary. One such scene is when Paul and Naomi are in the library, though it has a quick laugh, it was entirely unnecessary. Other scenes that felt unneeded were the montage sequences, which featured little of the characters actually doing anything of importance and just featuring shots of U of M and Ann Arbor landmarks. It almost seemed as if these montages where being used to almost show off the university and Ann Arbor. Don’t get me wrong I love Ann Arbor (I lived there for three years) and am a fan of U of M, but I felt like it was going a bit overboard with some of the montage sequences that featured random shots of the city; and though it was cool to see many places I have been to in the city, it distracted away from the story.  As for the montages that included important plot development, they were also interfered by shots that were unrelated to the scene. Most of these montages could have been cut, or written into an actual scene that helped develop the characters rather than hinting at it.

In addition to the film being too heavy, the plot of the film felt forced. The overwhelming plot lines are distinctly featured but in the end they all seemed shoved together rather than coming together naturally. This could be shown by some of the decisions Paul makes through out the film. Though some could be natural, some are out of left field with no real explanation as to how he came up with his reasoning for that decision. Also some of the plot turns almost come out of nowhere and given little explanation as to how or why they happened, in addition to being pointless, and really doing nothing for the characters in the end.

Though the film felt as if the plot was a bit lacking, it still was a cute and quirky flick that had multiple points for a good laugh. The relationships between all the characters were fun and unique. The relationship between James and Paul was always a good laugh especially when talking about the trivial nature of their hobby. Another aspect of the film I really liked was the thought that though you may be living in a great place, there is an entire world out there that you should explore. It showed that you should never settle for the easiest choices and that you should adventure and find what it is that you love. These life lessons were the major heart behind the film.  The idea that you should never tie yourself down and live one day at a time was a great theme behind various characters.

Not only was the theme a great part of the film, it was also sprinkled with clever one-liners that would sometimes catch you off guard and give you a good chuckle or in some cases a hardy laugh. The characters of James and Ice (Even Jones) were two that brought the most laughs being almost the odd couple of Paul’s trivia team. In addition to those characters, there were also the scenes featuring other teams of trivia night including the stereotypical frat guys, the group of super nice guys who are just in it to have fun and have a pint or two, and the biker group calling themselves “Bikers for Obama.” Overall the film does have plenty of laughs but this also can be handed to the acting involved.

One great part of the film was the acting. The various characters of the film, from the Professor (Williams) to the struggling graduate student (Gorham) where excellently acted. Ralph Williams plays the part of Professor Elliot Tarson who is energetic and bubbly. His charm rubs off on the characters around him as he connects with him and even though has a very short screen presence most certainly steals those scenes that he’s in. He is that professor that everyone had in college that is very likeable to be around, making class more fun than a chore. Arielle Kebbel plays the smart and quirky love interest. Her flirtatious style and mannerisms makes her a perfect fit for the role of Naomi by the way she innocently plays the strings to enter Paul’s heart. Christopher Gorham plays the role of troubled Paul who really embodies the spirit of a quarter-life-crisis graduate student. His uncertainty in life but passion for the game is well shown in his face when he is on screen.

Answer This! had its strong and weak points. Overall I felt like there was a lot that could be taken out of the film, including some of the montages that seemed empty and pointless at times, almost going out of their way at times. The story seemed like the different plot lines where forced together at the end and was not the natural conclusion some would want. Though the film had these plot issues, it still told the theme of living one day at a time with heart. The film was funny giving me laughs from the different characters portrayed in the film. These laughs wouldn’t have been had if it not were for the top-notch acting given by the actors in the film. Overall I felt like Answer This! was an okay film. 

Answer This! Official Website

Let the Right One In (Tomas Alfredson, 2008)

Let the Right One In is easily one of the most overlooked films in 2008. Not only does it tell a beautifully unique story but also is directed and put together exceptionally well. The film tells the story of Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), a young boy who is struggling to stand up to bullies at his school. One day he meets his new neighbor, Eli (Lina Leandersson), and begins a relationship with her that is unique and captivating. Many parts of the film were superbly done. The acting is one of those aspects.

If it weren’t for the excellent acting displayed in this film, the story and the relationships between all the characters would have been lost. Hedebrant’s portrayal of the bullied and downtrodden kid who just wants to rise up is both sympathetic and disturbing. The audience will sympathize with him in the moments where he is getting picked on, but later in the film be concerned with the idea that he may actually harm someone in his retaliation. Without the keen acting done on Hedebrant’s part, these feelings may have been lost and that extra connection between character and audience could have been a bit harder to solidify. Leandersson’s role as Eli is also just as excellent. She has a mystique about her that keeps the audience wondering whether the relationship between Oskar and her is a positive or negative thing. Her ability to play the role with that air of mystery as well as have cautiousness about her really pulls off the believability of the character. The chemistry between the two of the actors helps this film tremendously as their time on screen together seems natural. The audience is cheering for everything to work out between the two because it seems like a natural fit.

Tomas Alfredson carefully directed the film. With his direction, he carefully plotted out where to take the story and how to reveal things to the audience without completely taking away from the story. How the characters are introduced and how the conflicts evolve are all things that leave the audience wanting to know more. Every scene in the film feels as if it was meticulously planned to get the most out of it, which is a great way to keep the audience enthralled. Another positive to his direction is how he chose keep things hidden from the audience. Some of the scene are left to the imagination of the audience which helps create even more of a mystery behind the characters and their actions in the film. If the film was directed in any other sort of fashion it would have lost the magic that this film has to offer.

It goes hand in hand with the direction but the cinematography is exceptionally done as well. The cinematography is well crafted helping promote the mood of the film. The film gives off an almost cold and distant feel only because of how the shots are set up with the lighting reflecting off the snow and the distance from characters. This could be to help the audience feel more in tune with how Oskar or Eli feels and reflect the environment they are set in.

Let the Right One In is an exceptional film. Both main actors Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson do a fantastic job at making the characters of Oskar and Eli real. Their abilities are well shown and also help the story of troubled boy meets girl an exciting one to watch. In addition to the acting the film is terrifically directed. Tomas Alfredson not only sets a great pace for the film but also gets the most out of every scene that he possibly can. Along with his direction the cinematography helps the audience feel apart of the world that Oskar and Eli live in. All these elements come together to make a truly beautiful film. This is definitely a film that should be seen!

Let the Right One In Official Site 

Pearl Jam Twenty (Cameron Crowe, 2011)

Pearl Jam, one of the most influential bands of the 90s, turns 20 this year. To mark this occasion director Cameron Crowe, best known for his films Say Anything (1989) and Jerry Maguire (1996), has directed a documentary showcasing the band from their small beginning to the status that they now hold.

Pearl Jam had its start in Seattle, Washington, where the grunge scene was starting to take off. Stone Gossard (guitar) and Jeff Ament (bass) played together as part of a few bands, one in particular being Mother Love Bone. After the passing of their lead vocalist, Andrew Wood, Gossard began playing with Mike McCready (lead guitar). The three joined together and began recording demos to find a vocalist and a drummer. The tape soon landed in the hands of Eddie Vedder (vocals), who recorded lyrics to the songs and sent the tape back to the band. Once Vedder joined the band they soon found their drummer and became Mookie Blaylock, but due to legal issues soon became Pearl Jam.

Pearl Jam Twenty tells this story excellently with the use of over 1,200 hours of behind the scenes footage and personal interviews with the band. The film is seamlessly presented with a mix of the interviews and the footage, giving an understanding of how the band grew over the years. Nothing is held back, the highs and the lows are all included, which makes the band more vulnerable but also, shows them as human. Crowe does this delicately and with respect. Going through the bands most difficult times when they felt like they may be over and showing their legal dispute with Ticketmaster. These instances are shown without being forceful and unnatural. Another great part of this documentary was the humor involved. There were multiple times throughout the film that stirred laughs. One scene, in particular, was showing the on stage antics of a young Vedder as he used the stage as his own personal play set. Overall the film was heartfelt and showed the band in a light that many people have not seen.

Along with the hours of footage shown, this documentary includes many of the songs that made Pearl Jam famous. At times, these songs are woven together with interviews with the band members. These moments help illustrate either what the song is about or that time in the bands life. In one instance, Vedder talks about the song Black while it is shown from the MTV Unplugged stage. He describes how the song stirs deep emotions inside of him and still does to this day. The other band members comment that these emotions are clearly present when he sings because he puts so much behind the notes.  These instances are done very carefully not getting in the way of the song but almost becoming a natural part of it. Another fascinating part of this film is its look at Pearl Jam’s influences. One case shows Pearl Jam on stage with Neil Young singing Rockin’ in the Free World. These moments are great to see such an influential band playing with other performers who are influential to them.

Pearl Jam 20 is a very well crafted documentary. From the very beginning the film draws the audience in and hold them there for the entire two hours of screen time. The footage shown is both entertaining and poignant showing the mega stardom that Pearl Jam has become but also showing them as very human. The music in the film is crisp and clear and many times mixed with interviews to help illustrate a time in the bands life. This is a truly entertaining film. Crowe’s direction makes the film extremely enjoyable to watch. He tells the story of the band clearly and concisely while paying them the respect they deserve. Whether you are or are not a fan of Pearl Jam, this documentary is not one to be put in your rearview mirror.

Pearl Jam Twenty Official Site 

Funny Games (Michael Haneke, 2007)

Funny Games is a shot by shot remake of an Austrian film by the same name and same director. The film begins with a family of three and their dog. The family, played by Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, and Devon Gearhart, is traveling to their upscale cabin on a lake. They are listening to classical music and are quizzing each other on what it is and who wrote it. This slight development shows that these people are, supposedly, highly educated and worth caring about.

The family arrives in their little town and stop by the neighbors to make sure that their golf game is still on for the next day. Upon talking with their neighbor they deduce that he was acting quite strange, only making slight notice to the stranger standing in the yard with him. Once at their cabin the strangers, Paul and Peter played by Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet, are introduced. They appear innocent enough, asking for some eggs and helping launch the sailboat, but soon their stay becomes extended and uncomfortable.

Understanding where the film was headed made these interactions difficult to watch, especially as the strangers became overwhelmingly hostile without becoming violent by allowing themselves uninvited into the home and taking golf clubs with no permission. The family seems to dismiss certain hints that things are not as they seem. Though high classed and educated, they still fail to pick up on the strange and subtle details that lead to their demise. Their ignorance is one thing that makes this film an unpleasant experience. Throughout, the characters are given ample opportunities to either stop the events from even happening or thwarting their attackers in the first place. Even their dog picked up on the fact that these kids were up to no good. This begins a series of violent acts toward the family that tests the audience’s patience and comfort.

One strong part of the film is how much it leaves to the imagination. A majority of the violence in the film is implied, never shown directly on screen. Making it much more or less brutal depending on what the viewer wants. This makes the film more suspenseful making the viewers wonder about what happened, while at the same time making them fear what will happen next.

The film takes an interesting turn when it becomes self-aware. Multiple points in the film has Paul breaking the forth wall and either making eye contact or fully addressing the audience. This takes the film in an entirely different direction all together and takes away from the terror and suspense of the entire film. These scenes distract away from the overall theme of the film. They possibly could be used by the filmmaker to lighten the mood or feel some sort of empathy for the characters of Paul and Peter. Nevertheless this jump feels forced and unnatural, especially in a film that is deep in the waters of suspense.

Almost all of the actors in the film made the terror believable to a point. Naomi Watts was the one-character audiences could find themselves routing for. She truly looked like she was miserable throughout the entirety of the film and it made it much more believable. Tim Roth’s portrayal was also believable, although his character was undeveloped to a point and that he was unable to show his acting to the abilities he has done in previous films. Both Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet did an excellent portrayal of the nice homicidal maniacs. Their aloof actions were brilliantly mixed with an almost sympathetic side. It was interesting to see how they played such games with the family with no remorse. Devon Gearhart who plays the son of the family was fairly good at looking terrified his lines at times felt bit unnatural and forced.

Overall, Funny Games was an okay film to watch. It was good for letting the audience use their imagination and leaving them in suspense and terror; but a lot of that was lost when they began being addressed by Paul. The characters in the film were all well acted and made the audience feel the heightened sense of urgency through the film. Funny Games is not a film for everyone and it definitely has its slow moments; but if someone is into gripping films this might just be one to check out, at least once.

Funny Games IMDB Site