PSU-PC/PS2: VCC Movie. Feedback Q&A. PART 2 IS UP! YOUTUBE A

[Freshellent]

EDIT: Youtube Version Added!

Hey there PSOW,it's been a little while since I've had something really worth while to present.

This is just a repost from the screenshot thread,the purpose for this is much like the title implys.

I had a lot of fun working on this project. Here's a few screens of it while it was in progress,the following wasn't staged,I swear.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd266/Einhart5/psu20071218_145448_000.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd266/Einhart5/psu20071218_145500_001.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd266/Einhart5/psu20071218_145505_002.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd266/Einhart5/psu20071218_145509_003.jpg


Deja's a nice guy no? Actually,we should be grateful that he helped us so much during this project. While it was VCC people and efforts,the script was written by him. We're incredibly happy with the finished product.

Some screens and possibly spoilers.
[spoiler-box]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/zenith5/psu20071224_002206_000.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/zenith5/psu20071224_012822_001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/zenith5/psu20071224_014247_002.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Siertes/PSU/moapic.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Siertes/PSU/parpic.jpg[/spoiler-box]


VCC members have been hard at work on a project that's been going on for a few months now. It's been well worth the effort and I'm proud to present to you folks here at PSOW,part 1.

We got a decently developed story,if this is a success you can expect that we'll continue to make more. There is plenty of people you might recognize as well.

VCC:The Movie Part 1 (http://www.stage6.com/user/Siertes/video/2047958/Vmoviep1) <---Stage6 format btw.
VCC:The Movie Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC7J2MnBK_g)<---Youtube format.

It's about 8 Minutes long,and only part 1. Part 2 should be up sometime next week.

Enjoy! If you have some feedback or questions post em' here! I'll do my best to answer them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here at VCC we run at Microsoft time,so you'll have to excuse the lateness and really bad time estimates.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd266/Einhart5/untitled-2.jpg

Regardless,this is the premire of the mildly anticipated Part 2 of the VCC Movie.


--->VCC:The Movie Part 2 (http://www.stage6.com/user/Trezto/video/2120129/VCC-THE-MOVIE:-PART-2) <---Stage6 format.

--->VCC:The Movie Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZb1MAVNxsI) <---Youtube format.

(Click the user to see part 2 of 2)


It's about 16 Minutes long,your going to need to put aside some time to finish it.



Be sure to stay after the credits for a special thanks,and some shout outs.

Let us know what you think! Hopefully you enjoy the movie as much as we enjoyed making it. Again,a special thanks to those who came out to help us,and our patient editors.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Icespike on 2008-01-10 19:05 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Icespike on 2008-01-11 00:16 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Icespike on 2008-01-23 15:01 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Icespike on 2008-01-23 15:06 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Icespike on 2008-02-02 16:52 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Icespike on 2008-02-02 16:55 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Icespike on 2008-02-02 16:55 ]</font>

[-Hyacia-]

xD How silly. Good work though~ probally took some time to get everything sort out eh? Though the music kinda threw me off here and there. But, I guess thats to be expected since its just music over the game anywho. Remind me when you release part two. I usually don't check much of anything besides trade unless I'm told to xD

[Travis IV]

pretty good stuff guys, was wonderin what your were doin in uni. 11 all the time billy , good work to all of you

[Libram]

Pretty good, although you might want to fix the link for the Youtube version.

[ShinAnt]

Seem like the Youtube link was acting wonky last night.
But it seems to be working as of now.

Enjoy Folks.

[Sgt_Shligger]

A critique in fanworks? I don't think it's real.
[spoiler-box]
It seemed like I was playing an RPG that had no gameplay http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif Seemed to be on the level of a PSYOU "Cutscene" that only has text. The real thing that sets this apart is music and lack of TEXT BAWKZES. I think that was a great idea. The most prominent issue I noticed was the lack of cut-in-chat variety. For example, when Dragwind was hitting on the attendant, a sneer face would've been more fitting. Also, try not to throw in too many comedic scenes that only break up the plot. Dragwind's and your scene was humorous but it still had something to do with the plot. The other scene between... Beast girl and Blue haired girl made a semi-amusing (I'm slow to laugh) fecal joke but it didn't really do much for the video as a whole. Try to make body language match facial expressions a bit more. The only other issue I that comes to mind is the lack of AKSHUN but this is only the first episode. I didn't notice any video editing issues so keep up the good work (whoever is doing it.)
[/spoiler-box]

[Siertes]

On 2008-01-11 15:38, Sgt_Shligger wrote:
A critique in fanworks? I don't think it's real.
[spoiler-box]
It seemed like I was playing an RPG that had no gameplay http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif Seemed to be on the level of a PSYOU "Cutscene" that only has text. The real thing that sets this apart is music and lack of TEXT BAWKZES. I think that was a great idea. The most prominent issue I noticed was the lack of cut-in-chat variety. For example, when Dragwind was hitting on the attendant, a sneer face would've been more fitting. Also, try not to throw in too many comedic scenes that only break up the plot. Dragwind's and your scene was humorous but it still had something to do with the plot. The other scene between... Beast girl and Blue haired girl made a semi-amusing (I'm slow to laugh) fecal joke but it didn't really do much for the video as a whole. Try to make body language match facial expressions a bit more. The only other issue I that comes to mind is the lack of AKSHUN but this is only the first episode. I didn't notice any video editing issues so keep up the good work (whoever is doing it.)
[/spoiler-box]



Ahhh! The type of worthwhile criticism that's actually good to hear. I really agree on the aspect of face chat variety. That was more a bit of laziness on my part. Something I wanted to do early on, but abandoned it cause I just didn't feel like dealing with it. Your other points are also appreciated, though not things I myself have a response to http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[Freshellent]

Ah,I was hoping Shligger would put his input in. I'm glad. We'll definately keep it in mind. Honestly,it's very much appreciated. I wonder what you folks will think of part 2...

[Deja]

Trust me, when I write things, things get a LITTLE crazy. Too many comedic jokes is just a part of me. I NEED HELP MAN! But I have faith that Einhart and the gang will kick it up a notch in the action department on part 2.

Anyways, Shligger is one of the best critics on Fan Arts. I'd hit it.

[Sgt_Shligger]

Well thanks a lot, I do my best http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/blush.gif

Since you do plan on throwing in more jokes try integrating them within scenes instead of just throwing them in. Use them sparingly or discretely. By discretely, I mean having people chatting from a distance or in moving around in the scenes background while the main characters act. The people in back could be doing something completely off but you'd have to keep an eye out of catch it. Using this method you won't break up the plot but rather distract your audience from it http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sgt_Shligger on 2008-01-12 22:07 ]</font>

[VanHalen]

Great video guys. I really liked the cut-in chat faces at the bottom also the way the characters spoke to each other on their phone things. Atalanta's face was golden when Chiyo mentioned the feces thing.

[Ultie]

great story and great editing. was just great =O

[Dragwind]

AKSHUN? I'm sure you'll love the next part then. Or at least, I hope.

[Sgt_Shligger]

I've got a question. How much of this is actually planned out? Do you guys have a few episodes already made? Are scripts already written? I'd be more then happy to review a script myself (if you guys would allow and would want me to do so.)

[Freshellent]

On 2008-01-13 21:04, Sgt_Shligger wrote:
I've got a question. How much of this is actually planned out? Do you guys have a few episodes already made? Are scripts already written? I'd be more then happy to review a script myself (if you guys would allow and would want me to do so.)


Actually,we've already finished the product and are in the process of editing. Since it was our first project,we felt more comfortable with someone else handling the lines. The "idea" itself was collective,but 90% of the lines delivered are that of Deja's.

It's possible that we're going to make more movies in the future. From the looks of it,people are enjoying it so far. It's likely the next one will continue with the story we've created. With that being said,I'll prolly send you a copy of the script when they actually DO happen.

We really appreciate your input guys. Please feel free to pick at anything you see. This is our first product,we're doing our best to put out...the best. We really can't improve if you folks don't speak up.

Shligger,I really appreciate you taking an interest in this project. The next movie will be up soon.

Stay tuned!

[Freshellent]

BUMP!

Part 2 is up,enjoy!

[Deja]

Wow very nice, came out great. I really like the Moatoob battle scenes for some reason.

[Shadwitz]

I gotta say, I'm glad Sier/Zer0 managed to grab me and Ein doing the double SUV in the colony bit. That was totally by coincidence that I hadn't shot my fist already, lol.

I know there's a few kinks in how the video runs at times, but seeing as I can't even figure out Sony Vegas, I really can't complain.

Here's a fun treat for everyone. When the original script came out, I didn't have a lot of lines, really. After Siertes came up with the idea of me shouting out to the other planets, there was about a week where I had to keep running up to an open colony HQ to be filmed for yet another scene. I felt like such a movie star.

Course, now that I have a new computer and Fraps, there's even more people able to take videos.

[MaximusLight]

Where's the cookies I was promised?
D:


(good job)

[Billy960]

For those who liked the music used in the movie all of it can be found here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IE7B1BBN
Includes all music used in both parts of the movie plus a bonus track http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Billy960 on 2008-01-24 11:01 ]</font>

[Sgt_Shligger]

I'll be honest, I liked the first one a lot more. There wasn't a lot keeping me from just "walking away" or just clicking a new video.

Cons: The fight scenes were way too long. They took up at least three quarters of the video. The worst part was few of the fight scenes used a more "dynamic" camera. The fight on Moatoob had to be the best one. You used a first person camera to film which makes the fight look a Hell of a lot better then plain ol' gameplay, behind-the-character footage. I'd avoid most if not all fight scenes if the camera is just going to follow the character, especially for an extended period of time. Also try and shorten those fight scenes.

Another issue I noticed ties in with the last one: next to no plot. Nothing was really "happening." A random team of Guardians exterminates a moderately sized monster infestation as well as Falkis. It seemed like the video's central purpose was to show off equipment instead of telling a story (unless this is labeled part two but isn't linked to the first video).
Along these lines, there was also next to no dialogue to even hint at plot.

To the [wo]man that wrote the credits: [spoiler-box]A small bit of those lines were uncalled for. You probably know the one[s] I'm referring to so I won't be reiterating them. In the future don't use a medium of art to deliver a personal attack. It's childish. [/spoiler-box]

Minor issues include lack of cut-in-chat facial expression variety when dialogue was used.

Secondly, video had little "hiccups," subliminal-message-ish but unintentionally added. They weren't prolonged belches of "wrong scene." They'd be better compared to sneezing when you totally didn't expect to sneeze. No warning gasp for air, just a quick, small sneeze.

Here are some things that I liked. I'll go into detail about things that I may not have liked as well (since a lot of the video's pros and cons tie into one another).

Moatoob fight scene was well done on almost any part that wasn't following a character [from behind!]. Almost any fight with a "dynamic" camera was at least semi-nice to look at. But for future, make sure that fight scenes are always nice to look at and a lot less common. When watching a movie or TV show, you wait through a lot of dialogue, plot progression and character development which will all lead up to scenes the audience wants to watch ("sensual, fighting, special effects, and the like). Make it so that when a fight scene comes up, it's a treat. Don't stuff the video full of these, it makes them boring and redundant.

"Special effects" were also nice. Having the monitor with Shadow (I think) on it was a nice touch though her poses seemed odd. I'd recommend putting the radio camera in a place where it looks like there's equipment (maybe by computers or in a modern or hightech player room).

When dialogue and characters were actually chatting and conversing, it was nice to see the poses. The drawback is that most of you guys seemed to be using fairly high graphic settings to film. Emotes got "choppy" at times. I'd recommend filming at a low resolution, something like 800x600 or 640x480, archaic as the latter may be http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif.

Music was alright. The metal was little out of place after all the previous fight scenes lacking in any sort of metal. To add to audio try including some small sound effects for characters. For example, when Shiro yelled "I finally get to do something" (or something), it would be nice to see how a proper facial expression paired with a yell (I think the command is !6, I never use it). The sound in dialogue scenes still seemed a little bland. I'm not sure where you're getting the music, seems like quasi-generic RPG dialogue cutscene music. Not that there is anything wrong with that but a new soundtrack wouldn't hurt. On a side note to this, I do like how you guys are avoiding songs with lyrics. Lyrics would really ruin a great deal of the scenes in my opinion.

Finally, video editing, aside from some hiccups, was smooth enough. Again, try using a lower resolution to obtain smoother results.

Forgive me if I came off as rude, condescending, or just mean. I try to avoid it without sacrificing my opinion.

[Billy960]

I am not sure why there where those glitches but they only appeared in the final version so they are probably conversion errors. Since there were multiple people working this with videos all being passed to one person for the final version each section was converted at least twice. This also means that if we filmed at a low resolution the product would look pretty bad.

The combat portion was rather long simply because we wanted to include as many VCC members as possible. I tried to show everyone doing own attack or small group attack along with showing everyone fighting as a team.

As for the plot...

[spoiler-box]
The movie is supposed to be one large movie so it should be directly connected to the end of part A but due to time constraints we decided to split it. We tried to make it clear as possible that the movie was about us giving the guardians a Christmas message(it probably would have made more sense if we actually had it done before Christmas). We wanted what we were doing to be kind of mysterious so people wouldn't know exactly what we were doing when were were setting up the beacons. Then the idea would be clear at the end when we set them off and it displayed a Merry Christmas message... but I guess that didn't happen lol.
[/spoiler-box]

As for that line in the credits its an inside joke that several 360 players and other members of a certain forum will understand.

[Zorafim]

I've been playing this game for, what, about a year now? And you've somehow made the game look fresh and new, something I'd show off to friends. It's a nice piece of art, it's a shame I couldn't help.

I've gotta start getting in to the VCC group... I'm an honorary member by now, right? Right?
Right?

[Shadwitz]

Well, party with us more, then!

[Syl]

All I gotta say guys is good job (especially the editors, wouldn't be possible without you three).

I had fun working with all of you and your VCC admnistrato are proud of everyone who worked with us in making the film ;_;

Can't wait for our next project http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[Freshellent]

On 2008-01-23 15:41, MaximusLight wrote:
Where's the cookies I was promised?
D:


(good job)



Did you ever hear that line about the cake? Yeah. That.

I'm honestly not suprised that Shligger said the things he did,though I wonder who he's talking about when he mentions Shiro.

That aside,it's been noted and definately going to be put into consideration for the next movie. You can expect the plot to be more developed,centered around fewer characters.

I might comment the credits have a much deeper meaning that I can expect for you to understand,as an outsider. It was more of a thing for us,it's every line has strong meaning and directly relates us to one another as a team. However,I can respect the feeling you have. Just understand,the credits,this time had a much more inside meaning.

Your critisim is welcome and asked for on every project,and taken seriously. What I retaliate with is not defensive,mearly infromative. I promise people that stick around will witness more from VCC,expect a better project next time. We're very proud of what we've done. You can be sure that with your help and support it will be better.

Oh,before I forget. Music is really,really freakin' hard to get for this sort of thing. We only have so much to pull from,considering none of us had the time to MAKE music. (I'm not certain we could have without REALLY pouring time into this.)

The "generic" RPG feel is what we are going for actually,the still character portraits are simply there so that you may identify who's saying what at the time. It takes considerable effort to get shots they way you mention sometimes,although I'd like to try them more next project. I can't stress enough on how much of a time constraint we were on. This was supposed to be done on Christmas.

What should be noted is that this started out as a simple idea to show off much like you've seen in tons and tons of other vids relating to PSU. This was not speed runs,it was (Mostly) coregraphed fights. You can expect us to come up with something better next time. You could say,Moatoob's combat is the current favorite. We'll be sure to look into it more.

Billy has already covered the intended plot,so I won't bother with that. Only that I will remind you it will be much more involved next time.

Also,I'd like to point out the vid was supposed to be 1 straight movie,not too parts. But with school/work/time we had to break it into 2 parts,it might be why a bit of confusion comes up.

Thanks for watching again,till next time.

[Shadwitz]

Keep in mind here, that we had at least 10-15 (never did count) separate players, who had one or more characters in the movie. There were lots of problems relating to time zones, work, and being able to all be on at the same time. With some of the players being in the EU, that threw an even bigger monkey wrench into things. With only three real filmers/editors, we had to work with what we could get.

But thanks for the crits. Rest assured this is not our only movie project we will make.

[Billy960]

lol if you count all the random people we invited for the final scene its more like 40. Those people did a really good job too, no spamming or anything(well at least when I was filming for the movie).

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Billy960 on 2008-01-23 22:36 ]</font>

[Zorafim]

On 2008-01-23 20:46, Icespike wrote:
Oh,before I forget. Music is really,really freakin' hard to get for this sort of thing.


http://ssh.ne.jp/

Um, it's a rock band that does mostly videogame music. I'm sure you can pull something out of that.
I know I've got more stuff in here somewhere...

[Shadwitz]

SSH... I remember that name, they did a rock mix of Fighting of the Spirit that was amazing. Thanks for the link, Lev.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Shadwitz on 2008-01-24 11:15 ]</font>

[Sgt_Shligger]

Shiro? I think I got Shiro Ryu mixed up with that shirtless, blond tough-guy style character. Aside from that, keep working and I'll keep watching.

[Syl]

On 2008-01-24 10:12, Zorafim wrote:

On 2008-01-23 20:46, Icespike wrote:
Oh,before I forget. Music is really,really freakin' hard to get for this sort of thing.


http://ssh.ne.jp/

Um, it's a rock band that does mostly videogame music. I'm sure you can pull something out of that.
I know I've got more stuff in here somewhere...



I like their cover of Holy Orders http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[Sierhiet]

Really enjoyed the quality. Humor was so-so for me, but other then that I enjoyed it. Probably already answered this in the thread, but I'd love to know what program you use to make the video look so official. Was alot better looking then Sega's actual cutscenes. Really great job.

[Billy960]

We used Son Vegas to do all the editing and (obviously) the DivX codec to encode everything. Use Stage6 for uploads since they have no restrictions other than it has to be a .divx file. We are going to put it on youtube.com since not many people want d/l DivX or something.

[Freshellent]

Youtube Version of Part2 is up. Enjoy you DivX haters!

[EphekZ]

That was pretty good, great editing yadda yadda.

[DamonKatu]

heh, I admit this is cool, Exspecially the reference to RvB's Donut (the red cast) XD

(Hay, I wounder if...)

[Radiata]

Kickass job guys, really impressive editing. <3

[Micki_Monday]

LOL!! Siertes shoulda told me you guys posted this sooner!

I really like what everyone did http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif
Alot of the camera angles were really good, and the headshot and video editing was awsome! The writting made me giggle alot too (ragnus reskin lol)!

Making stuff like this from a game is fun and fun to watch, so I totally applaud the effort (and you can see a lil of me at the end hee-hee!).
But omg.. I can't believe Siertes said that about Lee.. I just died laughing!

So when are we gonna see a sequel huh huh?? The VCC Strikes Back?

[Freshellent]

Woah,I was kinda suprised to see this bumped actually.

VCC is currently brainstorming the next project. If it is a complete movie,or a simple clip is undecided. We have a lot of ideas floating around just now,and we're open to requests.

But,because of the time of year it is,people are working again and are going back to school. It's likely you folks won't see something till a little later. More likely this summer.

Thanks again for the support! Stay tuned folks,I'll keep you all updated.

[Billy960]

Unfortunately the website we like to use to upload the full quality version of our videos, Stage6, is shutting down this Thursday. If anyone knows of another website that allows you to upload full quality videos (hopefully for free) please let us know.