SNEAK PEAK 4:00 Clip from Trapped

[Mr.Zombie]

Thanks for your opinion, while I disagree with you and personally think you are an asshole who just chimed in to be a dick, your opinion is your opinion. As far as the writing, the film takes place in a small rural city in Maryland, and if you lived there then you would know this is exactly how people talk in this town. The acting, exactly fits the tension of the moment and scene. I am originally from Maryland actually, Was born in towson. Lived there for most of my life. People in Maryland talk like this? From what i remember people in Maryland do not talk like they were saying badly written lines that sound totally unnatural. Ok Hun. You really make yourself look bad insulting and name-calling, it can't possibly help you.

[Debbieangel]

I forgot to ask you something about the camera angle..when I was watching I felt like I had to back away from the screen a bit like I was invading the actors personal space? maybe a bit too close? I am just asking..you guys know I don't put a filmmakers work down but as a viewer thats the way I felt when watching it! Keep those zomb films coming you guys!

[DjfunkmasterG]

I opted for the hand held approach and a closer angle on the actors. On a PC screen it does get in your face, but on a TV or movie screen, where we have watched the dailies it looks much better. It wasn't really meant for anything smaller than a 27" TV No offense guys and I'm not looking to flame, just offering an opinion that you asked for. I just couldn't get into it. I watched it twice and I just didn't care for the acting or the dialogue. I found it to be generic. I had a problem with the lighting too, although that could be just my pc. Plus no zombs. The lighting is meant to be dark, it is a movie theater after all. As far as the no zombies... well that you will just have to wait for I will unleash a zombie clip soon. As far as acting and dialog... It seems most people have a problem with the scene because it is just a scene taken out of context. Probably wasn't exactly the best clip to release without delving into more detail of how and why they are in the place they are in at that moment, but I assure you the acting in this is 100 times better than Deadlands: The Rising.

[deadwrtr]

No offense guys and I'm not looking to flame, just offering an opinion that you asked for. I just couldn't get into it. I watched it twice and I just didn't care for the acting or the dialogue. I found it to be generic. I had a problem with the lighting too, although that could be just my pc. Plus no zombs. *** Now don't take offense... you asked for it, I'm giving it. I have to agree with the dialogue issue too. It appeared forced with a couple of the male characters. If it is a high stress situation, it doesn't seem to me that those people would respond in the manner they did. White hat guy, especially. And the male lead. If they truly are under stress, personality traits tend to come to the surface. While taking the lead and formulating a plan works well in a movie, if your intention was to get across reality, no one is that level headed, especially in a crisis, unless they deal with crisis every day of their lives. I'm guessing this isn't the case. I'm not sure what their background/daily job responsibilities in the movie include, but somehow I doubt it includes "cannabalistic psycho's" trying to eat them. Irrational behavior is commonplace in real life stress. That's human behavior, and would add a bit more realism to the scene. Of course, I'm speaking as a member of the audience who is being asked to believe that these people are able to come up with a plan, one that works, on the fly... That being said, the woman who said "I'm not expendable" was absolutely awesome, a totally believeable performace. I could feel what she was trying to put across. Also the other female actor. Perhaps a bit forced, but levelheaded as some women seem to be in tense situations. Unlike the 2 guys, they seemed to be discussing a bad series of plays of their last football game. The guy with red on him didn't seem to have a whole lot to say... It's understood that this is just a clip, and not much can be gleaned from it (other than already knowing the backstory), but you guys were a little harsh with Mr. Zombie. He gave you his critique and things started getting blown out of proportion. I'm not saying he did it tactfully, but the name calling and sniping didn't cement righteousness in either account. I'm not sure if his decision to jump in on this particular thread had insidious intentions or not, but you did ask for critiques... Now people here, especially new ones reading these posts are going to be gun shy about posting their honest opinion. Internet forums are not always the best place to get one's complete intention/and or meaning across, since you are relying on your eyes only to formulate an opinion of what someone is trying to parlay, devoid of the body language and sound that accompanies interpersonal communication. Thus the smilies that often adorn posts to indicate sarcasm, happiness, distaste, whatever. One last thing. The whole "director making the film for himself and not the audience" has always seemed a little weak to me. While I can see putting your heart and soul into making a film, it would seem all for naught if your only intention is to finish it then place it on a shelf in the closet. Saying you're making a film for yourself is selfish. Admit it, you're a talented guy and you enjoy it when other people enjoy your work. I wish I had the same kind of vision.

[ngm231]

f***ing classic man loved it.

[DjfunkmasterG]

*** Now don't take offense... you asked for it, I'm giving it. No problem, but allow me to address each point with a response. I have to agree with the dialogue issue too. It appeared forced with a couple of the male characters. If it is a high stress situation, it doesn't seem to me that those people would respond in the manner they did. White hat guy, especially. And the male lead. If they truly are under stress, personality traits tend to come to the surface. While taking the lead and formulating a plan works well in a movie, if your intention was to get across reality, no one is that level headed, especially in a crisis, unless they deal with crisis every day of their lives. I'm guessing this isn't the case. I'm not sure what their background/daily job responsibilities in the movie include, but somehow I doubt it includes "cannabalistic psycho's" trying to eat them. Irrational behavior is commonplace in real life stress. That's human behavior, and would add a bit more realism to the scene. The clip you watched occurs near the end of the film (last 10-15 minutes) so the multiple freak outs you are looking for would have occurred way before this has happened. Not too mention I noted earlier that I wrote this in a way that is much different that the Romero stuff you are all used too. These people are actually trying to work together, instead of being at each others throats. You all see the world as we know it everyday... people being selfish, people being all about themselves. While elements of that exists I took to another level in that heated discussion exist but in the end you have to remain cool calm and collective in order for a solution to present it self. They really have no further reason to freak out... they are inside a building which is locked up tight... think the mall in Dawn of the Dead, so to be really freaked is pointless. Of course, I'm speaking as a member of the audience who is being asked to believe that these people are able to come up with a plan, one that works, on the fly... I think you guys are reading way too much into a 4 minute clip. No one came up with a plan yet in the clip and we don't know when they will and if it will work. What you didn't see prior to this clip is they just have found out what is happening to them, so now they are trying to figure out what to do. [QUOTE]That being said, the woman who said "I'm not expendable" was absolutely awesome, a totally believeable performace. I could feel what she was trying to put across. Also the other female actor. Perhaps a bit forced, but levelheaded as some women seem to be in tense situations. Unlike the 2 guys, they seemed to be discussing a bad series of plays of their last football game.[/QUOTE} You are actually almost hitting the nail on the head. The guys are supposed to represent the men who want to be the heros but end up clouding their own judgement with ego, while the woman sit and listen to them discuss the problem one becomes physically and emotionally agitated to the point she freaks out and has had enough. The plan is for them to work together, but when they found out the info that they did it put a new spin on the situation. That girl who did freak is Ashley Young... she is amazing. I love watching that clip just for her freak out session. The guy with red on him didn't seem to have a whole lot to say... Thats Jack... he is the quiet type. It's understood that this is just a clip, and not much can be gleaned from it (other than already knowing the backstory), but you guys were a little harsh with Mr. Zombie. He gave you his critique and things started getting blown out of proportion. I'm not saying he did it tactfully, but the name calling and sniping didn't cement righteousness in either account. I'm not sure if his decision to jump in on this particular thread had insidious intentions or not, but you did ask for critiques... Now people here, especially new ones reading these posts are going to be gun shy about posting their honest opinion. Internet forums are not always the best place to get one's complete intention/and or meaning across, since you are relying on your eyes only to formulate an opinion of what someone is trying to parlay, devoid of the body language and sound the accompanies interpersonal communication. Thus the smilies that often adorn posts to indicate sarcasm, happiness, distaste, whatever. One last thing. The whole "director making the film for himself and not the audience" has always seemed a little weak to me. While I can see putting your heart and soul into making a film, it would seem all for naught if your only intention is to finish it then place it on a shelf in the closet. Saying you're making a film for yourself is selfish. Admit it, you're a talented guy and you enjoy it when other people enjoy your work. I wish I had the same kind of vision. Mr. Zombies tact wasn't exactly the best, had he been more informative in his distaste for the clip I most likely would not have jumped down his throat. As far as making the film for myself... well I am. This is not a sequel to Deadlands, and has no real built in fan base other than Living Dead fans. When I wrote this it was the zombie story I felt like telling at the time, but the final audience was never a part of the equation, beacuse with zombie film fans you can't please all of them. Some want excessive gore... which I don't do because i find it to be tacky, so I keep the gore toned down, but come up with gags that are more pain based that blood based. Plus, my idea of a zombie story and the audience's idea are probably nowhere close to each other. At this level of filmmaking you are making the film for yourself, they way you see it and if it gets distribution or a release you hope people dig it, but this was never made for zombie film fans. The biggest reason is because of the DEMON's reference and I have already listened to those complaints from a few people for some time now. When I found out I could use an actual 10 theater cineplex I was like yes... I could have a DAWN/DEMONS/ROTLD film wrapped up in one story. Now Deadlands was made for zombie film fans because I tried to include all the items you never see in zombie films... like, Traffic Jams, Resuce shelters... things like that. Trapped... is just my way of taking the above 3 films, splashing a bit of Die Hard style dialog in the script (happens in an earlier clip) and seeing what the final outcome is. I made it very clear to the investors that I will only shoot this one way and I am not looking for mass audience approval or their ok because, some people are going to hate it because it is just another low budget flick, and others will hate it because it is another zombie film etc etc etc. I see the film one way and that is how I want to shoot it. As far as peoples opinions... if the feedback was like yours, which has specific points, then it helps me understand what the testee is seeing, but critique like Mr. Zombies is just pointless and has the potential of instigating trouble. Anyway, got to run... Thanks for the feedback.

[deadwrtr]

[QUOTE=DjfunkmasterG;120674]No problem, but allow me to address each point with a response. They really have no further reason to freak out... they are inside a building which is locked up tight... think the mall in Dawn of the Dead, so to be really freaked is pointless. **** Like I said, a four minute clip does not a movie make. Thanks for illuminating your thought process a bit more. **** You are actually almost hitting the nail on the head. The guys are supposed to represent the men who want to be the heros but end up clouding their own judgement with ego, while the woman sit and listen to them discuss the problem one becomes physically and emotionally agitated to the point she freaks out and has had enough. The plan is for them to work together, but when they found out the info that they did it put a new spin on the situation. **** Well, in that respect then, your vision was perfect. **** That girl who did freak is Ashley Young... she is amazing. I love watching that clip just for her freak out session. **** Has she had any previous acting experience? If not, she ought to consider it. **** Thats Jack... he is the quiet type. **** He's the guy everyone keeps watching out of the corner of their eye, just to be sure... **** I made it very clear to the investors that I will only shoot this one way and I am not looking for mass audience approval or their ok because, some people are going to hate it because it is just another low budget flick, and others will hate it because it is another zombie film etc etc etc. I see the film one way and that is how I want to shoot it. **** It's nice they are giving you such leeway. Most investors are concerned with how much money the movie is going to net them, not the director's artistic vision. Better hang onto that company, my guess is they're the exception, not the rule.

[LouCipherr]

The whole "director making the film for himself and not the audience" has always seemed a little weak to me. While I can see putting your heart and soul into making a film, it would seem all for naught if your only intention is to finish it then place it on a shelf in the closet. Saying you're making a film for yourself is selfish. Admit it, you're a talented guy and you enjoy it when other people enjoy your work. I wish I had the same kind of vision. First, thanks for the comments deadwrtr. We much appreciate any feedback given with honest intentions and done in a tactful way. The issue with Mr. Zombie was a bit more than just slagging him for his comments. His intentions were a bit suspect. It was a planned manuver as one could plainly see from the stated facts. However, this isn't about him, and he's received enough attention. On the subject of the above comment - while it may be selfish to "make a movie for yourself" it is indeed how most artists and people with creative talent function. Here's the question to ask yourself: do artists paint paintings for other people or themselves? Do real musicians (not flavors of the month forced on us by MTV and popular radio) write music for themselves or others? I was in a semi-professional touring band for over 9 years. We wrote and recorded many pieces of original music - and it was most certainly not written with the listener in mind. We wrote music to satisfy our own internal need to express our emotions through our music or instruments. Along those lines, I see making movies the same way a painter paints a picture of a musician creates a piece of music. It's an extension of themselves and it's a selfish expression of their emotions or their vision. Your comment that it's selfish is indeed 100% correct, but I do not think that is a weak argument as that is how it really is. Now, having people enjoy the music, art, or movie you create is a fantastic bonus - and yes, one does have hopes that others like it, however, it's not the driving force of that creativity. Another way to think about it - if there was one person left on the planet and no one else, and this person was a full-fledged artist or musician - do you think he'd stop creating because there was no one left to hear his music or see his art? I somehow doubt it. I know I wouldn't. There is a need inside creative people that needs an outlet. It doesn't need an audience, it just needs to come to fruition one way or another. Hence, why I honestly believe all creativity - be it movies, music, art, etc. - is always a selfish act. The listeners ear is just a bonus. On that note, thanks very much for your comments deadwtr. You explained yourself very well in your post, and your comments had merit. That's the way it should be done.

[MinionZombie]

Just to chime in with a quick observation, or an example even, in terms of the 'who is it made for' issue, Tarantino himself has said of his own films he makes what he wants to see...the fact that other people like it too is a bonus for him. I think that's the case with a lot of writer/directors - they're writing the movie, ergo it's their vision and obviously they're going to write something they want to write, and not only that, but direct it as well. Jobbing directors is something else, they come on to a project to do someone else's vision and inject as much of themselves as they can within a confined remit...or they're just there for the cash. And think about it another way, the sort of people who end up becoming writer/directors and other such creative people are doing it to be do the stuff they liked to see - I don't mean copying, but being a part of something that means something to them ... and that something is the stuff they like, so that then skips on to making the movie you want to make. But there are people who write movies for audiences, but those sorts of movies are generally not that intelligent and not that substantial, and usually a comedy or a romcom...although within those genres, there are people creating quality and there are people writing specifically what they want. Unless you really need the cash, or if you're forced to, why else would you write/direct something you didn't like or want to do? Ergo - it's for the self up front...you might have a bunch of ideas, but you choose the one that: A) You want to do the most B) You think will go down best So it's a subtle and complex mix... What am I ultimately saying? Everyone's wrong except me!