'First/Last' by Stevanovich FIlms

(Leskovac, Serbia) Second Edit

The reason I chose First/Last is because I've been quite into dystopian literature and art recently and it was the one that clicked the most with me at this particular point in time. The style of the film was inspired by Orwell's 1984 and Fritz Lang's Metropolis. It was shot on Canon's 650d with stock lens, either handheld or on a photographic tripod. We didn't have a steadicam, or lights mainly because it was shot on a zero budget. We shot the film in one day, and all that could possibly go wrong went wrong but somehow, thanks to the passion and dedication of our cast and crew who kept on working without pausing to eat or drink we managed to finish it and submit it in the last second.

Read 'First/Last' HERE

Second Cut Comments... have YOUR say!

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Comments: 0

'First/Last' by Stevanovich FIlms

(Leskovac, Serbia) First Edit

First cut: Producers notes for the filmmakers

  • Missing foley and clean, punchy sound effects
  • What’s the opening with the girl and body about? Do you need it? If not, cut or reduce (as I assume it’s to set the scene?)
  • Music mixed too high
  • Missing radio FX
Comments: 7 (Discussion closed)
  • #1

    Alexander Wood (Thursday, 22 November 2012 18:19)

    Hey Vlastimir, Great location and set up. The grading really suits the tone and atmosphere of the world. Overall I really liked it!
    - I would recommend adding music to the final shot of the radio beside the dead hand, maybe even some sort of shortband radio chatter about the virus.
    - Also if you're not able to add in VFX on Maz's cheeks of the virus, you may want to consider trying to remove the tracking marks.
    Either way great look and feel for no budget!

  • #2

    Staré Yildirim (Wednesday, 28 November 2012 04:58)

    Loved it! Great location, great atmosphere..loved the color (it's a bit dark though)..is it possible to dub the actress by a voice talent? I dont really want to offend anyone, knowing they put their heart in this but she is talking as if she is reading her memorized lines. The actor is good. Would be great if you could do VFX to show the disease. For some reason, if i were to shoot this screenplay, for some reason i dont see the disease first show the signs on the face...but maybe the eyes...or the hands...easy to handle as well in terms of budget concerns. Congratulations.

  • #3

    V.S. (Wednesday, 28 November 2012 13:30)

    Thank you for your comments guys. I love getting feedback and I love answering to it. The problem with VFX is that our VFX guy bailed on us so I am currently trying to add some effects for myself although that is not something I know how to do.
    I certainly will add radio sound effects to the end shot.
    As far as the actress is concerned, she is really a great girl and she came to our aid when our actress also bailed on us, but the thing is that she is not an actress by profession she is a sound designer and a music producer. I am incredibly thankful to her for saving my ass though.
    I'll do my best to improve everything I can.
    Cheers guys!

  • #4

    Lauren (Wednesday, 28 November 2012 18:41)

    Just goes to show that having zero budget means nothing if you have great locations, costumes, and actors. Oh, and talent :) I agree the actress is the weaker of the two (most notably in the car) but that could easily be fixed with some sound work. But she certainly looks the part! When he comes around the corner and she looks at him without her mask... what a moment! This is the best entry to this contest that I've watched (and I've watched most of them). All it really needs is some VFX. Congrats! One note: make that shot of the radio at the end count with some great sound - either a song or radio news report to really end on a memorable note.

  • #5

    V.S. (Thursday, 29 November 2012 00:18)

    Thanks Lauren! Your comment really made my day. :)
    I agree with all of the things that you've said and I've already done it all but the voice replacement.
    Thanks again.

  • #6

    Staré (Saturday, 01 December 2012 07:10)

    I totally agree with the sound fix for the day saver sound designer actress :) well the good news is, she can easily fix this with a voice over talent. Because I agree with Lauren that she's got the looks for the role. That's why i only mentioned the way she speaks..as far as the VFX goes...i was thinking....why dont you cut to her hands (easy to reshoot) and show something happening.. (maybe use an old lady's hand as an instert...well actually even when she is standing there, u can bring an old lady, keep her behind her, and use the arms of her coat and he can hold her hands up...making it more believable by not just showing an insert.. just an idea.. like how i said, i liked this film and im a fan of this genre so i think u played the rules very well especially considering the no budget and u cant trust people etc etc. i hear your pain Vlastimir...

  • #7

    V.S. (Wednesday, 05 December 2012 21:01)

    Hi Stare,
    I've managed to add fome effects for the desease in AE. I couldn't reshoot because the actress is in Australia.
    It'll be uploaded soon so I hope you like it.