WORTH WATCHING

1

Unfortunately you guys spoiled the big reveal with the still you chose. An amazing short either way. I'll be watching these filmmakers too.

Gabriel Cox on Oct 8, 2014

2

I don't know, knowing what comes after that, and all there is in this, I don't think it shows too much. Did it get you to watch the short and want to know more? I chose it because I think it's more intriguing than it is revealing, and if I hadn't used it, trying to get people to watch a short called "Bag Man" might've been a bit more challenging. It's an amazing short, I just want to bring as much attention to it as possible.

Alex Billington on Oct 8, 2014

3

I can understand that. I know it's difficult to catch people's interest especially online. On their Vimeo, personal website and within the film itself, the filmmakers intentionally don't reveal the contents of the bag (until, of course, they do) and I think that is a great storytelling device that they used to add another layer of mystery surrounding the the boys journey. I know the experience would have been more engaging for me had I not known that a futuristic weapon was inside the bag, especially since the film itself doesn't hint at any kind of sci-fi(ish) experience up until that point. I think there are engaging visuals throughout the story that could lend themselves to luring in an audience. As a filmmaker though, I tend to be a snob about reveals of any kind, so please take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Gabriel Cox on Oct 8, 2014

4

I'm a snob too, but it's a give and take here. Promotion versus story. Do I want more people to see this film and take a liking to it? Or do I want to keep it secret and keep the experience pure? I'm usually for the latter, but considering this is a 15 minute short I wanted to help these guys. They're career is going to blow up after this and when they release their first film, I won't spoil that. But even hiding the fact that it's sci-fi almost made me skip the email entirely, and if that would've happened... No one would be watching this and talking about it right now.

Alex Billington on Oct 9, 2014

5

That makes total sense. I guess, especially in the world of short films, it's more of a grey area. Either way, thanks for putting a spotlight on the film! I now have new filmmakers to keep track of thanks to your post. No doubt it'll be a quickly advancing career for them.

Gabriel Cox on Oct 9, 2014

6

I was going to say the same thing. A bit irksome, but I see Alex's intention.

Zen on Oct 8, 2014

7

Beautifully shot. Really captures the mood of a chilly dreary upstate NY day, and the reveal is totally out of left field, but amazing. The bursting into ashes effect is awesome.

TheOct8pus on Oct 8, 2014

8

Man AB! THIS WAS FANTASTIC. Thank you for giving us these kind of experiences here on FirstShowing.

DAVIDPD on Oct 8, 2014

9

Made no sense. Too bad because it was shot brilliantly.

Armitall on Oct 8, 2014

10

It was good but... is it to be continued? Also, the comment about the fantastic VFX was a bit of a spoiler (along with the headline pic). But I need a prequel and a sequel...which, I guess, would warrant a feature length film. So nice work!

Jonathan on Oct 8, 2014

11

I like that that there were 2 bag men.

Carpola on Oct 9, 2014

12

Nicolas Karakatsanis is a master of cinematography. Totally makes sense that he DP'd this as all his movies look incredible. (Bullhead and Cub being two damn good examples.)

Matt Stuertz on Oct 9, 2014

13

Why the hell does every director now have to use such shaky camera shots? I don't expect or want every shot to be a steady cam shot but damn, hand held does NOT need to look like it was shot by an epileptic!.

TravisaurusRex on Oct 13, 2014

14

I made it through I guess thats saying something. FX good but thats just money.

ff on Oct 21, 2014

15

Very enjoyable and impressive work by the makers. Thanks for posting.

Payne by name on Oct 23, 2014