I know it's probably getting annoying seeing "_______: a film by Mark Christmas" but I think that is the best way to introduce a film on this website.

This is a twenty minute short film I did over the course of about two and a half years. It was an idea that spawned from war films like "Full Metal Jacket" and "Saving Private Ryan" and events happening in my own life. It's called "Salvation" and you might even recognize the actors from previous films.

I did it when I was about 14-16 and it's a very personal project. I was hoping that perhaps some of you might want to check it out and see my earlier work.

It is in three parts and is very short. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughtful opinion on acting, effects, camera work, etc...

Part One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMaoJnjakrY

Part Two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwBrT_d-zkg&feature=related

Part Three: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36dDYqAHKRM&feature=related

Thanks!

i havent watched yet...just wanted to say
i like the way you introduce your films...shows you have some pride in it...it kinda becomes a brand...

besides....not everyone can get away with...

"a (name here) joint..."

or

"the 4th film by (name here)"

when i get my short film done...i have to decide weahter i like your approach....or (a Levi Jackson film) or figure something else more catchy...

I appreciate that. It makes more sense and feels proper.

I'm going to include a few of my film's posters. These are pictures I took in the same field we shot the movie with the lead actor, Kevin Gismondi.



This is my personal favorite. I LOVE this picture and am very proud of it. I designated this the "official" movie poster.



This was inspired by Tony Scott's "Man on Fire."



I like the color of the grass in this picture.

Here are screenshots:



Andrew Menter as a war photographer.



Kevin Gismondi.



Kevin Gismondi.

Once again, let me know what you think!

Well it definitely has the expected flaws in believability that come along with making a film starring teenagers...but I can definitely tell that it really helped you develop your storytelling skills, which is a great asset now that you have access to more believably accurate actors.

I see you are a fan of detonationfilms, I assume?

I'm a huge fan of detonationfilms. What a perfect site. Really allowed me to explore what was possible with short films in today's day and age.

With any film I do, or did, I am focused more on story, effects, camera work, editing and direction than I am on acting. There will ALWAYS be a level of disbelief when you have teenagers acting in big roles, but it's a risk you have to take in order to get practice.

I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a ***** to make but a lot of fun.

Here are ALL of the film's trailers and teasers.

I would really appreciate input on these as well as, like I've said many times in my forum posts, I love the marketing aspect of moviemaking. They are all very short.

Thanks!

TRAILER 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01tYIbaiLJI

TRAILER 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_erYaztOx0&feature=related

TRAILER 3 (My favorite): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtoxHoOaEqw

TEASER 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9TUSxIRrUM (No, I did not film this one.)

TEASER 2 (****ty version): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A851CNyiRj4

I actually like Trailer 1 the best. I really love that shot of the lips and teeth, and I think the overall tone is a better fit for the content.
I think you could do without a lot of the text that you included, but then again I don't think I've ever been a fan of explanatory text in trailers. Also, good use of The Doors


If I remember correctly, that Teaser 1 footage is from the beginning of Breaking Dawn?

Also you've got me thinking about how to composite an epic warzone jungle landscape shot for you to overlay the words "Vietnamese-Combodian Border February, 1969" at the very beginning. :P

Thanks man. That's actually my brother's lips and teeth. He is the crazy soldier that gets shot in the very beginning and loses his mind.

I guess the teaser 1 footage is from Breaking Dawn? Its unique film so I'm sure it's one a kind.

You can make people believe they are anywhere with overlayed words. Trust me.

quote:

Originally posted by MarkChristmas:
You can make people believe they are anywhere with overlayed words. Trust me.

o_O

AHAHAHAHHAHHAHA

exactly

great job