Ultimatum

Waubonsie Valley

Seven Day Challenge

Entry Description

A supernatural being is contacted by a secret agency in a time of war

Judge 1

Positives: Cinematography and the use of color correction worked together well to make this feel extremely cinematic. The aspect ratio as well also conveys a sense of technical knowledge as well as aid in the overall very polished feel of the film. Your actors were great! They all felt as though they were experienced with acting, rather than just random students reading lines. Seeing as they were secret agents, they felt much older than high school students in their performance, and sold their professionalism well. The interaction between Charles and the being also showcased the great acting of both the boys - they did an awesome job of playing the tension off one another - and the editing between them in that scene really enhanced the intensity. (The VFX for the supernatural powers also were really cool and well done!)

Improvements: I wish there was more of a clue given as to what was on the flash drive. I feel like there needed to be more motivation for the villain to kill the secret agent - it felt a bit too extreme since we didn't have a ton of information to support it. I also didn't understand what the being was capable of. Obviously we see an example of his power when he uses it against Charles, but I wish we had more information as to why he was the only one able to save the world and how exactly he would be able to do it. It would have also been nice to more clearly establish the current state of earth.

Judge 2

Positives: The filmmakers employ excellent use of location to heighten the tension of the narrative. The visual effects of "red energy" are well done and used in the service of the narrative.

Improvements: The final scene of the film is heavy on dialogue and light on action. Is there a way we could show conflict without telling it? Could we cut to images of destruction, the world in chaos? Seeing the consequences of a scene can help to raise the stakes. The static in the audio could be taken out by using room tone or remixing the audio tracks.

Judge 3

Positives:

Improvements:

Judge 4

Positives: Very good lighting and use of special effects. They are perfectly placed, and help tell the story. I like the camera movement in the story, it is not distracting and makes you feel like you are there for the conversation.

Improvements: Music in the start is distracting because it battles the dialogue. You can use some closer shots of the actors. This will help give viewers a sense of emotion. I am not sure who the "guy" is, and so I am confused on why he is the expert or go to person. You need to try to make that clearer to your audience.