Unless one is shooting a documentary or Blair Witch/Cloverfield-style feature (is there an actual term for that?) I’d agree that it would probably be impossible to sell the thing off an HVX.

So you’re saying your 30pg script could actually end up being of feature length?

I watched the HD trailer for Knowing off of apple.com/trailers (I think you know it was shot in RED). While some sequences in low light yielded a nasty amount of grain the rest looked to be of a sellable quality (except for the fact that it looked a bit flat but I think that has a lot more to do with the cinematography).

I might be an idiot but I think with a 35 mm adapter and some good lenses, some decent lighting and set design and a DP that knows what they are doing you can get something pretty good looking with a prosumer camera like the HVX. I still think it comes down to story. And certainly the sort of footage I’ve seen from you and my buddy on that camera makes me a true believer! You give the right people the tools and they’ll get the most out of them.

I’m not a huge tech person, but I just like the idea of putting time into a production that’s shot on a format that might be a little more malleable when it comes to selling or projecting or post or whatever might come of it. To shoot a feature on the HVX seems to guarantee the fact that it will never go anywhere. (Not that I think the chances are THAT much better with the Red. Selling a film is insanely hard to begin with.)

Anyways, not really sure where I’m going to go with the feature at this point. We’ll see. For now, I’m going to focus on this short and make it the best I can!

As for the tunnel…the lighting is just one issue. I actually felt that the climax was a little weak, which is the main reason for changing locations. I will be thinking about it for the future though. It’s much creepier in person than it ever could be on film!

As for the giallo feel…the script itself is more of a play on the Invasion of the Body Snatcher style films, and sort of has an 80’s horror/adventure feel. A little more character driven…taking place over one horrible night. Think The Blob remake and The Stuff meets After Hours and Adventures in Babysitting. Only no Thor mechanics and no babysitting. And no kids. Actually, scratch Adventures in Babysitting.

Stay tuned for future videos, including one where we attempt the old school Douglas Trumbull cloud tank effect! (which was used for the opening title card at the top of this post) Think Close Encounters and Raiders of the Lost Ark.