The Shepherd HD (Full Film) on Vimeo

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6. The Snitching Heart

by Via Optima

3 months ago

5. The Snitching Heart Teaser

by Via Optima

4 months ago

4. The Beach

by Via Optima

4 months ago

3. Synchronicity

by Via Optima

9 months ago

2. The Shepherd HD (Full Film)

by Via Optima

1 year ago

1. The Shepherd HD Teaser

by Via Optima

1 year ago

The Shepherd is a 20 minute long short film written, directed, produced, etc. by two eighteen year-olds: John Merizalde and David Torcivia. Fresh out of high school from Atlanta, Georgia, we are preparing to study film and broadcast at college. This is our first serious attempt at a truly professional (in an indie way) film.

The film is a psychological thriller (inspired by 1984) and was shot on a Canon HV30 at 24p 1/48 with no external lens or adapters. Color correction, special effects, and editing was performed in Sony Vegas and Adobe After Effects. Friends and family are used as actors in the film. The film is shot on location throughout the Atlanta area. This is a no budget project meaning we spent less than $80 on the entire film. The film took about a month and a half to complete.

We are looking for exposure, comments, criticisms and the likes. Feel free to download and distribute the film to all you know. All we ask is a mention and link back to our website: viaoptimafilm.com. The download link is to the right and down - you must be registered to download.

One last note, if you live in the Atlanta area and would be interested in collaborating, helping, or just chatting, feel free to contact us (admin@viaoptimafilm.com). We are looking for financial backing for our next movie (a full-length feature) that will filmed sometime within the next year.

Thanks and enjoy!

CONTENT WARNING: The film contains some violence and brief strong language.

Didn't get the film? Try watching it again, everything should click as you watch it the second time.

Vimeo changes the contrast and brightness of video in the encoding process. We tried to compensate and brighten the video to give the original feel. If you find it too dark, sorry but we just guessed. Try downloading it instead (though you'll probably find that too light).

Credits

82 Likes

danartri
14 days ago
Justin Klemish
21 days ago
Trey Cook
29 days ago
JON ZOMBIE
2 months ago
Zach Stamey
2 months ago
WestBridge cinema
4 months ago
John Walsh
4 months ago
Disdausdebil
4 months ago
Tanel Teemusk
4 months ago
Ravi Govind
4 months ago
See all 82 likes

Tags

J. Peyton Spencer 1 year ago

Very Impressive guys! I'm downloading it now. I like it a lot! It looks (picture clairity) very clean and nice. I had fun watching it. Acting a little rough, love the color correction and I can't believe you made it for near $80!!!! Awesome!
Via Optima 1 year ago

Thanks for the kind words!
Jeffrey de Wit 1 year ago

Seriously, this is awesome! Watched it with much pleasure, you kept my attention with it for the whole time. Understanding it was something else, but in the end all the pieces fellt on their place. CC, shots and edit are more then perfect and you really inspired me! Good Work!
Via Optima 1 year ago

Glad you enjoyed it!
Steve Wilson 1 year ago

Worth the wait guys, well done.
Via Optima 1 year ago

Thanks!
menno van ginkel 1 year ago

well done you guys!
the hv30 is a nice camera,, too bad of the grainy footage in dark scenes.
Color Correction, SFX and edit are very nice!
and a month and a half is little time for such great short!
too bad i do not live in atlanta, otherwise i would love to collaborate with you guys.
Via Optima 1 year ago

We did our best to limit the gain but without manual control we our powerless.

Thanks!
Peter Quiambao Jr. 1 year ago

Ever hear of the cell phone trick? It's a way of turning off the gain on an HV20/HV30 camera while still having full control of the aperture.

dvxuser.com/jason/hv20/
Via Optima 1 year ago

Thanks for the link! We did something similar to this in order to compensate but this guide is exactly what we needed.
Mark Jacinto 1 year ago

Excellent score, script, and editing. Sure it was a little too dark, and since the voices were recorded in post...they didn't always sync up. But congratulations on a solid film.
Via Optima 1 year ago

Thanks for the kind comments. We did our best to resync audio but - especially in the hospital scene - it didn't always come out correct. Thanks again!
michael baca 1 year ago

good job guys
Via Optima 1 year ago

Thanks!
Ivan Mbakop 1 year ago

Hello guys... I really would like to communicate with you directly, but your website has a little problem, please do respond with another way of getting in touch with you. I am in Atlanta and would like to talk about an interesting project.

Thanks
(Excellent Job) especially on a shoe string budget. the few errors on there are understandable and do not take away from the compelling story telling.
Via Optima 1 year ago

damn our websites been hacked. well, you can always communicate with us at admin@viaoptimafilm.com.

and also, we our kind of releasing this online to get feedback on errors and such, before we release it to film festivals. we'd love to get all the feedback we can. actually, we're already changing a bit of the score right now. but thank you very much.
grokgod 1 year ago

too dark for me to watch, don't understand why. maybe it's me but I have no problem with any other videos.
Upping or watching. Check your compression specs.
Via Optima 1 year ago

This was compressed using Eugenia's guide on Sony Vegas compression.
grokgod 1 year ago

okay it gets brighter but the beginning is hard to follow because of the lighting issues, good effort considering your equipment,
Via Optima 1 year ago

Thanks. We constantly work to try and find a balance between the darkening effect of Vimeo and the different settings of people's monitors. I'm sorry this combination didn't work out for you. Try downloading it and watching it on your monitor. You will see how much Vimeo's flash encoding changes the image. Hope this helps!
Aqua Surf Productions 1 year ago

good video angles ;) the story doesnt make much sense for me though. and i think there's too many refrences to The Matrix. But still great movie :D keep it up!
Via Optima 1 year ago

That's funny since I have only seen a small part of the Matrix but I apparently referenced it constantly. I hear it constantly. Thanks for your comments!
cameron boden 1 year ago

all of your camera angles are great, and so is some of your lighting as well as color correction. however, there are several scenes which are underexposed (the intro), and several which are overexposed (the hospital scene).. understandable if its due to uploading issues on vimeo, but you should really figure out how to fix those because you put so much work into your project, and it isnt being showcased here at it's full potential. other than that, and some post-audio mismatches, you guys did a great job (especially for being 18 and this being your first short film) and you've got some definate talent. looking forward to your next project, and good luck with the festivals.
Via Optima 1 year ago

You're are right about both lighting issues. Much of the darkness of the intro is because of poor lighting but the blown-out look of the hospital is entirely due to Vimeo's compression.

Thanks for offering your help.
ffwa films 1 year ago

well played. id say work on getting better audio on site to avoid dubs.

kudos
David Torcivia 1 year ago

Well, we were unable to record audio in the hospital room because we weren't supposed to be there. As such, we had to be quiet and were forced to redub the scene.

One audio clip was corrupted in recording (the one with the SWAT guy). And the stuff with the interrogator and Adam was in a highly echoey (sp?) environment though it turned out well in the end.

Thanks!
Paul Tarlevs 1 year ago

Hey. What settings on the hv30 did you use? I know you used 24p but what program ae was it? Cinema Mode or TV Mode. If TV mode, then what shutter speed and did you mess with the exposure?

One more thing. What are the best settings for the best film like look?

Thanks
Via Optima 1 year ago

We did not film in cinema mode for a few reasons. While cinema mode does give a nice color curve, it limits your control of shutter speed and exposure. As such we filmed in 24p in Shutter priority mode. The shutter was set at 1/48 and we controlled the exposure manually using the exposure lock. Using a trick where you point at a bright object, let the camera auto-expose, lock the exposure, point the camera away, and then manually ramp up the exposure we were able to mostly control the gain of our image as well giving us almost full manual control. Oh, we also used the neutral color setting so we would have the most latitude to color correct with.

In my opinion and experience, these settings should give you the best film like look.

Good Luck!
Paul Tarlevs 1 year ago

So you lock the exposure right away or do you lock it when you se that it is at 1/48 and f1.8?
Via Optima 1 year ago

The shutter speed does not matter. When using the exposure lock, it does not say what the f stop is so you just have to kind of blindly guess - unless I am missing something in which case I would LOVE to learn about it.

So, I guess I lock it after setting the shutter speed and after the exposure gets close to what I want.
Chad Matthews 1 year ago

Amazing.
Ryan Reede 1 year ago

that was really good -- the music was awesome what program did you produce the music in?
Via Optima 1 year ago

The music was made in Pro Tools by the man who played the interrogator.
Kevin Hosford 1 year ago

Looks GREAT.
One little question.
How did you go about getting permission for using a large open space like that....
Via Optima 1 year ago

We, ahem, gave ourselves permission to film in the otherwise abandoned factory.
Berislav Petrovic 1 year ago

film is great. it looks like its made in hollywood. Great job guys. I am hoping to do something good as u.

Btw, I've noticed some tiny mistake in the credits. The year you entered at the end (MMXIII) is wrong, unless you really made this in 2013!!! You were looking for a 2007. right? Its MMIIIX!
Via Optima 1 year ago

We realized this after the final render, we just never fixed it on Vimeo. We meant to type MMVIII for 2008 actually... Nice catch.
Eric Sever 1 year ago

Great film!
It could have used some better lighting at times and the only voice I really noticed that didn't sync up was the nurse.
[Better than anything I've completed, that's for sure.]
All in all, this was a really great production!
If you guys lived out in Southern California, I'd really want to work with you!
I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Keep up the good work!
Paul Tarlevs 1 year ago

I have a suggestion. I think you should shoot 1/60 shutter because 1/48 has a lot of blur while 1/60 has a standard hollywood motion blur.
Via Optima 1 year ago

Sorry to disagree but we filmed at 24p meaning we needed a shutter speed of 1/48 to achieve a shutter angle of 180 degrees which is standard for hollywood cinematography. If we had shot at 30p then 1/60 would have given us the standard blur.

Some people don't like the motion blur at 1/48 24p but I really do. It's simply a matter of opinion.
Paul Tarlevs 1 year ago

Oh and two more questions. How/what did you colour grade with and how did you make the titles blur in and out?

And what microphone did you use?
Via Optima 1 year ago

Color grading was done in After Effects as was the title sequence. What do you mean by blur in and blur out?

The microphone was an Audio Technica 897 (AT897) in addition to a Sennheiser G2 wireless lavs and some studio mics.
Paul Tarlevs 1 year ago

And what font did you use for The Shepherd?
Via Optima 1 year ago

The font is called "The Roots" and you can download it free from here: dafont.com/the-roots.font
SEBI 1 year ago

Amazing job guys!
What microphone(s) did you use for sync?
Via Optima 1 year ago

Thanks. I am not sure what the sync microphone was as it is owned by the guy who played the interrogator. He has a recording studio he runs out of his basement and consequently some pretty nice audio equipment. I believe it was a large diaphragm microphone if that is any help. Sorry I can't be more specific.
Kenrick Fagan 1 year ago

Wow that is so professional, like it big time.
Jay Lewis 11 months ago

Okay, I loved that.
Jacque Lewis 11 months ago

Very well done, I thought the camera could have been more dynamic during the warehouse scene (at the beginning) and I didn't really care for the sound effects used.

other than that, Great Job...

I'm going to have to get one of those hv30s. lol
Park Reilly 10 months ago

Very impressive production values, titles especially were spot on. You've created a compelling alternate world with the use of just a few effects and excellent locations. I find it hard to be believe you haven't seen the matrix and and I think you'll be disapointed how similar some sequences play. Consider a tripod for your next film or go all out with the handheld work (Neil Blomkamp's "Alive in Joburg" might be an inspiration for gritty handheld work).
David Torcivia 10 months ago

Thanks Park. I have since seen the matrix and recognize the similarity of the projects. We alternated between tripod and handheld for the film in order to emphasize the confusion and constantly changing reality of the characters. Thanks for the tip though and I will definitely check out "Alive in Joburg."
Park Reilly 10 months ago

Wow you are totally correct about the tripod thing, that'll teach me to give advice. I guess its just the handheld shots that stick out in my mind, which means they must be working well.
Joseph Stracuzzi 9 months ago

Enjoyed it, how was the score compiled?

I thought the intro "Via Optima Presents" was a bit slow.. had plenty of time to read it and was annoyed waiting. But, that could just be my ADHD haha.

Good stuff.
Joseph Stracuzzi 9 months ago

One more thing...

Audio - for the most part (aside from the dub issues) was clean, but i did notice a fair amount of clipping distortion during the shouting. If these were parts that were dubbed try and compress and limit the signal before reaching unity gain.

cheers!
David Torcivia 9 months ago

The score was written by a friend in his studio using Logic (I think).

Yes, we did have clipping issues and I agree. Those scenes weren't dubbed but rather filmed on location. We had the audio in a bit too hot and got the little bit of clipping. Since we weren't really supposed to be at the site, we didn't feel like it was worth going back after discovering the problem. Couple that along with our hesitance to dub (except for the scene we had to) and we resulted in the little bit of clipping.

Thanks for the tips and comments!
Joseph Stracuzzi 9 months ago

fair enough, any idea what loops/midi sequencers he used? I use logic myself.

For future reference, apparently Adobe Sound Booth CS4 is multi-track and is the shit when it comes to scores, but i have yet to try it for myself.
Tyler Moncrief 7 months ago

This was probably THE BEST SHORT FILM I seen on Vimeo....I REALLY REALLY hope I can get talent like this! Man, This had me mute my tv, and eyes glued to this computer screen

GREAT WORK, Hope to see it in real life one day!!!
David Torcivia 6 months ago

Thanks for your kind comments. Best of luck to you!
Cristian Bonilla 7 months ago

you could remove the grain with, re:vision plugins de:noise
Zibri 7 months ago

Great achievement considering the budget (how did you spend the $80 ? You didn't consider the camera cost though).
I love the first part for lighting and chilling mood..
Congrats!
David Torcivia 6 months ago

Thanks! The $80 was spent on the SWAT officer uniform.
Tracee Lynn 6 months ago

Wow!
Jordan Rosen 6 months ago

the film was great, some moments the shots were gorgeous. I just thought the subway scene could have a cleaner more polished feel to it. Besides, this film was excellent and you are very talented.
David Mackenzie 6 months ago

First of all, congratulations on the professional aspiration. That already puts this ahead of a lot of other shorts. And well done also for the shoestring budget - that really didn't show.

What did show was a few bad edits, but most notably, some less-than-ripe acting, specifically the scene with the nurse: when she's filling the audience in on what we didn't see (what happened to the guy), it's forced exposition to the max, and the delivery doesn't make it too compelling.

Some nice locations, too.
Josh Comeau 5 months ago

great film guys! my only comment would probly be, i would have used more handheld shots in the interrogation scene, especially during the closeups
Disdausdebil 4 months ago

good job! mad probs
Ryan Mechan 4 months ago

Awesome guys I'm in the same boat as you. Starting my first "big" movie aug 1.
Ivan Marah 4 months ago

That was one of the best short movies I've ever seen! I think that you will do well in the filmmaking business. And on description it says you haven't been to film college yet? I can't imagine how good your work will be after you've finished that! Great work!
Nicole Kruex 1 month ago

You boys did an amazing job... I'd love to use this as an example to all the half assers out there that don't try to achieve quality film.

Wow.

I'd pull back on some of the color correction though it was REALLY harsh.
Trey Cook 29 days ago

Congrats on the film and all the attention that are you getting for it; you deserve it. You mentioned if anyone from the Atlanta area would like to collaborate with you guys, to get in contact, so, here I am. I actually am an editor, compositor, and 3D artist living in Chattanooga, TN (2 hrs. from ATL). I too have dabbled with films using the HV30, but my real expertise is in post, and more specifically in vfx. I can create photorealistic 3D models, and fx (particles, 3D compositing, etc.). If you ever need anything or you have a big project (or a small one) shoot me an email. I'd be happy to help out. Again, nice film, and best of luck to you.

Thanks,
Trey Cook
Editor/Compositor/3D Generalist/VFX
treytrumpet1@hotmail.com
Avid, After Effects, XSI, Zbrush