Hi
There are two new sketches on YouTube. Bit unusual for us in that one is longer than our normal "gone in sixty seconds" fashion
L Pill http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw1xr8GSn2I
The other is a short 40 second drama for a competition, where I'm trialing some new (for me, anyway) production techniques for a longer project.
Dying? http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6kdn1zqBo-4
Hope you like.
L Pill
Loved it! Great build up and I really wasn't expecting the ending!
"Mmm Minty!"
Dying
Lol, I didn't see the ending coming with this one either, brilliant!
Definitely a lot more going on in these films, more laughs and sophistication. I really like them. I applaud the resemblence to Bernard Hill as Yosser Hughes in the first one, with that upside down moustache!
I really liked it - and like Jude said, I wasn't expecting the ending. Great work 
Yeah surprise ending on both, 2nd sketch was very funny!
2 more great sketches from the slaggs!
Cheers
I've had a pretty bad week and was very nervous about putting these up. The comments are appreciated. Cheers.
Time for the old honesty pill. *gulp*. Let's not BS, I'm going to be straight with you.
He's okay but SlagB is no Anthony Hopkins, the other fella is pretty good though, well...better than SlagB.
I'm no director 
, but I'll add my two cents anyway 
Some of the close-ups look at little cheesy. I'd use a single camera shot floating between the two as they talk and shake the camera (Saving Private Ryan stylee) so it may not be original technique but it would be a visual recognition for the viewer to know the situation these men are in, setting the mood. The cameraman (you, I'm guessing) should act like a third person and when ever you need a close-up, don't cutaway but lean in and have a look at what their doing. (If it's not clear now by now I don't like cheesy, overacted close-ups, they make films look more amateur)
Try and find old achieve war footage to edit in and have them react to bombs blowing up. It'll just give it of a more completed feel. The sound effects are quite good, I'll give you that.
I'm guessing you're using Windows Movie Maker? The effects on there always look really digital and cheap, I'm sure if you look you'll be able to find a cheap/trial/free special effects filter program thing(?)
The scenery I know it all comes down to budgetary, but I would've suggested you lay on some grass in your garden or something and have a tight shot of their faces and the grass to hide any modern buildings(what am I saying, this is Wales!?)
The script was good, although the old taking the pill too early joke has been done many times. But it was still good and had it's moments with nice Slagg Bros touches. As I always say, I can see more room for jokes, but I have no idea on your circumstances with budget, time, ect.
Dying, is quite good. Nice 'n simple. I liked it.
It's hard to be critical of something that has already been produced and I hope I haven't been too harsh. I have a tendency to say, "This is how I would do it." which I'm not sure is helpful, but I hope it is and gives you ideas for future productions. I think it's only fair I give you an honest opinion as I'm sure you'll agree, we all need it.
Yeah overall, I liked them. It's great to see the Slaggs any time, we should appreciate you whilst we can, before you sell out and front some Saturday night crappy Ant n Dec style quiz
Yep, for me it's a learning process re: direction.
LOL re: Anthony Hopkins, SlagB doesn't even get close to Charlotte Church.
The close-ups are hiding a multitude of sins that I'm trying to keep from the viewer. Pulling back reveals ultra-cheap backdrops and props, so I'm juggling with hiding backgrounds against getting in so close. Most cut to: close-ups are dictated by lack of wide angle lense (and 4:3 aspect) to include 2 faces that up-close. If I'd tried squeezing them into shot at the same time, it would have resembled the gay version of Last Tango In Paris and that would have probably scarred you mentally. Outside would have been really nice (it was written for outdoors) but we had to film it where the t'other one works.
Cuts to explosions. Nice idea and I wish I'd thought of it. Also the floating camera shots, (A la S Private Ryan), another excellent suggestion. I was honestly pleased to get the direction crit tho, Leevil. Camera (and lights) is next on our shopping list.
Ah, you see this is where my lack of experience with a camera fails me.
I need to get the feel of a camera and practice with shots before I start handing out advice. I did have a nice little camera, but had to sell it, to fund my addiction (of paying bills)
But I still stick by trying to find an alternative for Windows Movie Maker, even if you edit the shots together in there and then use another program to add affects.
I forgot to add, I liked the way you got the most out of that gun by using it twice It makes me think the films were made around the gun .
I really like the first one. Mmmmmm...minty. That was cool. Well done mate.
Quote: Leevil @ July 20, 2007, 10:41 PMAh, you see this is where my lack of experience with a camera fails me. I need to get the feel of a camera before I start handing out advice.
Not in the least, Leevil, you're right to point it out. If it doesn't look right, it doesn't look right. Your direction advice was really good and I wished I'd thought of the suggestions myself. But I've stored them away for next time.
Quote: Leevil @ July 20, 2007, 10:41 PMBut I still stick by trying to find an alternative for Windows Movie Maker, even if you edit the shots in there and use another program to add affects.
I use Adobe Premiere (badly, I hasten to add). I'm trying to find the WMM equivalent of aging with lines and flashes for it. I found WMM had the ability to make my totally shite camera look even worse. >_< Plus it's export facility was not the best.
Quote: Leevil @ July 20, 2007, 10:41 PMI forgot to add, I liked the way you got the most out of that gun by using it twice
Cheap props strike again. Yes, they were too, good spot. They were two death related sketches for 4Laughs. The upload system cocked up and failed to enter them.
Quote: SlagA @ July 21, 2007, 11:45 AMI use Adobe Premiere (badly, I hasten to add).
I'll get it myself (free trial of course 
) to see what your working with. Too much of a headache.
I did find this - http://www.download.com/Adobe-After-Effects/3000-2186_4-10709097.html?tag=lst-0-7
If you can do an internet penis enlargement scam and invest in a Mac with iMovie or preferably Final Cut you will notice a huge difference in the quality of your editing. IMO you have made your equipment situation a strength - if it is low -tech, then build on the quirkiness and postmodern style. It's impossible to aim for League of Gentleman - style cinematography without a huge budget. The fact that you're out there doing it I think deserves a lot of respect and I like the films. It's all good.
Bravo! (I'm feeling a little French today)
L.Pill was really great, lot's of funny one-liners, and good to see you guys working on longer stuff too. It's hard to keep someone's attention after a sketch goes over the 2 minute mark but I thought this one just flew by as there were so many good jokes in there.