The Book

[erkman27]

Hello everyone! I'd love you to check out the trailer for the upcoming independent feature film "The Book."  I'm very excited about this film because it was not only my first foret into film but it is the only production, thus far, that I've been able to both act in and be behind the camera.  Most of the footage you'll see in the trailer was my work!!  The movie was filmed in and around the St. Louis area and is currently in post production.  I have no clue what the runtime will be but I'll let you know when I do.  The film is currently in post production and will hopefully have an official premiere sometime in the Spring of 2007.  There are a couple places to watch the trailers: 1) official site: www.myspace.com/thebookfilm  2) YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-lCu_CPblw: Please feel free to watch it on either site but make sure to leave comments/feedback. Thanks!!                           -Erik A. Williams

[diestler]

It kind of depends on your market for this one?  Do you want to self-distribute straight to video?  Play festivals?  What?

Generally, the look is pretty decent, your DP seems to have done a good job.

The trailer is way too long (kind of like the post that Hank recently asked for advice on) - there's way too much going on in the trailer.  I think you have enough good footage in the trailer to make a fantastic trailer which will make the audience interested in seeing the film.  This current version doesn't really do that IMO.  There needs to be much quicker cuts - this almost plays like a short film, not a trailer.  In addition, the gunshot FX need some work, if you are going for realism (which it appears you are) - the FX are not real enough.

My recommendation (if you want people who you don't know to be interested in this film) is have a trailer editor recut the trailer.  I think it could look fantastic - there is definitely potential here - I just don't think whoever cut the trailer did the footage justice.

Just one man's opinion - anyone else?

[erkman27]

Thank you Diestler for the comments on both the films I posted.  I agree with you on the trailer needing some re-editing.  The director, Ben Hall, is also the editor and although he has directed other films before, this is the first time he's actually released a trailer for one of his films.  I'm sure he appreciates all the advice he can get!  I will definitely pass your comments and others to him.  Thanks again!