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LETTERS FROM VIEWERS

(Names and addresses are removed for privacy)

 

 

From Ryan, Valencia --

A friend turned me on to your movie and I gotta tell ya...FREAKIN' BRILLIANT! From the cheesiness of using toys to the insanity of firing live rockets, I loved every minute. My roomie recently shot something similiar based on a cheesy script I wrote. Its an alien story with his two little girls, 4 and 7. Of course ours has a load of digital effects which I've barely started on, so it won't be done for months. But seeing "Agent 12" really got my enthusiasm up and I think that its great that not only did ya make a really fun piece, but you were able to do it as a father-son project.

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From Matt W., Chatsworth --

Great job on the film.  My son and I loved it. 

We live in the neighborhood...  We never heard the explosions.

Where did you build the set for the inside of the robot?  Was that in the garage too?  Good editing job.  Did the wife do the storyboard?

Congratulations on this project.

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From Eric,  location unknown --

Help!  The fate of the free world is at stake and only agent 12 can save us!

(ok, so maybe not but...)

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed Agent 12, it kept me laughing at the
creativity and originality throughout... Hmmm, think I'll go have some celery!

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From Rob, location unknown --

I just wanted to let you know that I was very impressed with the Agent 12 movie.  It was an amaizing family project.  Too bad more families don't do more things together like this.  The world would be a much better place if they did.
 

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From Maximus11z, Riverside --

boy that movie kicks! u should sumit it  to a festival .......this is mike an independent film maker from riverside california......... my website is under construction  will be on line soon.....;;;;;;;;.well keep up the good work body

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From Mr. R. S, Esq., location unknown --

I caught your story on the NEWS, and would like to congratulate you ... YOU did an outstanding job with your movie ... keep up the good work.

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From Brian, Chatsworth --

hey angus,

its brian... you probabally dont remember me but i went to skool with u in 6th grade. well i just wanted to say hey and great job on the movie. cya round.

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From Kevin B, location unknown --

Hi, Im in a band and was on tour, backstage a fan told me about your site, so I thought Id check it out. It was really cool, and I liked it alot, I downloaded it, and showing to everyone I know. I cant wait for part 2. Your a great actor too! All you guys did a great job, If its okay, can I put a link to your site from my bands site? Well take care...
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From Miefxinc, location unknown --

Great job Agent 12 keep up the good work. I can't wait to see the sequel.

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From Steve G., Woodland Hills --

What major fun! Man, these things are a long way from the silent super-8's I used to
make. You must've blown up half the neighborhood. If I were 12, I'd want you as a dad.

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From Avery, Chatsworth --

Hey, Angus --
It's Avery.  My folks happened to see what you've been up to on the 10:00 PM Fox Channel 11 News back on 12/17, & just now shared it with me.  That was really cool!!! 
 
So could you please fill me in on your next project, & if you happen to have any space available for another actor... here I am.
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From Maglium, location unknown --

Kudos to everybody on the film. I first heard about the film/company on FOX news here in L.A. They
had a good segment on the subject, which prompted me to download the piece. Very cool.

I'm curious about something in the film. The part where the bad guy swings the two short pipes
around; might I ask about the origin of this technique? Thanks.

Brian Silverman (Dr. Vengeance) answers:

Hi-   Thanks for watching the film!   This is Brian.   The technique I was doing is called a "figure-8".  It can be used with most every martial arts weapon.   I have been practicing "Hawaiian Kempo" karate, and am currently a Jr. Blackbelt (due to my age-14)

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From Rick Detorie, creator/artist of the "One Big Happy" comic strip --

Bob and Angus,

Everything about the film is very, very impressive -- the special effects, music, sound effects, and especially the acting.  That backward flip from the floor to a standing position knocked me out of my seat.  That WAS a special effect, wasn't it?

(Answer: No, actually that was a martial arts move called a "kip-up" and it was real!)

And can I borrow that "go-cart" someday?  I'd love to take it up Lincoln Blvd. to Albertson's......?

Cheers,

One Big Happy
Rick Detorie
 

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From KM in Nashville --

Looks like you're having some big fun.

 
I have "Rowdy Red" video business in Nashville.
Our motto is "no matter what it costs, there's got to be a way to do it for less"
We practically live at the Family Dollar Store.

 
Two weeks ago we did an audio/video location shoot.
(We actually record live audio - close mic - multi-channel - using a
gang of minidisc recorders - then sync 'em later).
There were 29 people in the cast and crew.

 
After paying the performers, buying the T-shirts, building the dolly, and
throwing down for 6 cases of soda & 25 pizzas, we managed to come out for less than a grand.

 
So...there is a way to do it for less !
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From Carl E., location unknown --
 

I accidently came across your short film when reading one of your posts on rec.video.desktop (chroma green paint formula).
 
I just wanted to take a moment to compliment you on what a great job you and the others involved in this short film did.
 
Last fall I began to learn about video editing, and as a way of learning , my son and some of his friends helped me out in making a music video as a suprise for my wifes birthday.  It was a spoof of one of her favorite shows the Sopranos. The video is called "Kid Soprano".
 
I was really happy with my first attempt at this, so we did another one with a Christmas theme called "Christmas Song Stories"
 
While neither of these movies compare to what you have accomplished, Here is link to the 2 videos mentioned above if you want to check them out. The links will take you to individual pages that has still captures and the "making of " stories.  Scroll all the way to the bottom and you will see the download section for the movies.
 
http://12.211.182.170:8080/carl/kid_soprano.htm
 
http://12.211.182.170:8080/carl/CHRISTMAS_SONG_STORIES.htm
 
I can't imagine the amount of time you have put in to making Agent 12.  The special effects you incorporated were wonderful.
 
I'm just learning to do some some special effects but it's been a struggle.  I have'nt even attempted any chroma keying, thats kind of my next step.  Were working on a new project called "Kid Rapper" Haven't done any of the filming yet (waiting for my son to go on summer break) but I have been working on some of the animation and fx portions.  Here is a link to a trailer
 
http://12.211.182.170:8080/carl/final_KRtrailer30s.wmv

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From Jason, UK --

Hello, just saw the agent 12 short film, i thought it was great, i have been looking for a movie just like this on the net for a few days, yours fits what i was looking for the best. I am just starting a media course next month (july) we have a month to make a short film such as Agent12, i was wondering if you had the time if you could just tell me a few things about how it was made?
 
Id like to know what software u used, we have a range of sorftware to use at the college including adobe premiere 6.5, vegas 4 and an Ulead programme, which programme did you use, and if you didnt use one of the above which would you recommend?
 
Could you tell me if you know of a good source of information of where i can find out how to use blue screens so that i can get some of the effects that you got in Agent 12, such as when he was on the F12 and there was a background? also any information/websites you have on using minitures, i only have a fairly cheap digital camcorder, its a sony TRV19 so ill do what i can with it, but just to let you know that your film was a great inspiration and i think it will help a lot - thanx - Jason

Bob answers:  Be glad to help, Jason -- I'll send you a response by e-mail.  Good luck!

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From Mike D, Orange Country --


Heya All;
You guys are doing a great job. My son and I love the agent 12 movie and I
have been telling everyone about it.

ANYWAY!!! ok, you got the planes, the helicopters, the fastest go cart in
the world (which my 6yo son wants really badly!!) but you do not have BOATS
yet. Shouldn't Agent 12 be driving a really fast boat that is fueled by 60%
nitromethane ?

I build and race radio controlled nitro powered boats. Attatched is a JPEG
of one of my boats, a tunnel boat that I race.

 

I am a member of North
American Model Boat Association (NAMBA) http://www.namba.com and live in
Orange County. NAMBA here in So.Cal is District 19, http://www.namba19.com .
We race locally at Legg Lake in So. El Monte off the 605 and 60 at Rosemead
Blvd.

So, two things come to mind; first is, if mounting a camera to a radio
controlled boat or shooting video of a boat doing about 60mph sounds like
something you may be interested in, do call!!!! I like the project, and I am
sure your not paying anyone for the help. It is all fun and learning.

 

Bob answers:  You sound like a good guy to know, Mike!  We'll have to have a boat in the next one!

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From Kyle, Cleveland, Ohio

Hello,

My name is Kyle, I'm 14 and I'm from cleveland, ohio.  I stumbled acrossed your site while on a film making forum and I must say I am impressed.  I just loved your sets, props, martial arts, and pyros.  Very well done.  But I have a few questions about pyrotechnics for you.

What do you use for pyros?  How do you make it safe to blow up with the actor near it.  I have to try to convince my dad on this one so try the clearify as much as possible.

 Any reply is appreciated.

 

Bob answers:

Hi, Kyle –

Thanks for writing.  Glad you enjoyed the site.

As a dad myself, I can appreciate your father’s concern.  And he is right.  If at all possible, I would encourage you to use our free stock footage for your pyro effects rather than doing your own.  They are much safer and just as effective.  If you are interested in filmmaking, the editing techniques you will learn while doing this are very important ones to know.

If you do decide to create your own effects, have your father actually do them.  This will put him in charge and he can ensure they are safe.  Do not use firecrackers – they are noisy and do not photograph well.  We ourselves use our own mixtures, but you can get good results with flash paper, fountains, and smoke charges if you have them available and they are legal in your area.   Remember to keep them small.  If you make them too large you will lose the picture in glare and smoke.  Sound effects are more important than visuals in the final product.  A bottle cap of fountain mix, ignited by your father with an Estes rocket ignition system, will be more than enough.  You’ll be amazed at how little you need.  Nonetheless, keep a fire extinguisher and a hose standing by.

The best and safest thing to use (other than our stock) is flash paper or flash cotton, which can be found at magic stores.  It is designed for magician stage effects, and burns with a sudden flash but very little heat and no noise.  A slightly trickier substance is Ninja Smoke, which can be found here: http://www.firefox-fx.com/specialfx.htm but your father will definitely have to be in charge of this.  The company will check to make sure that it is being purchased by a responsible adult.

 Above all, remember that you are not actually trying to blow anything up.  Trust me, if you try it, all you will get is two frames of useless blur and a lot of mess.  All you really want is a puff of smoke or sparks and something to fall apart in an entertaining manner.  If you add a lens flare (or one of our stock fireballs) and some sound effects afterward it will be extremely effective and safe.

Also, we are planning to post some more stock soon which with luck, will be all you need.  Check back in a week or so.  Please have your father write me if he has any questions himself.

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From Daniel, location unknown --

Hi my name is Daniel and I'm also and independent film maker, I just saw AGENT 12 and it was great. I was wondering how you remove the body cables in those high flying shots when editing, I tried using cables painted croma blue but I think there's an easier way . please contact back thanks.
                                                                    -Daniel

Bob answers:

Hi, Daniel!  Glad you liked the film!  Painting the cables blue will help if you are against a blue background.  But cables are always tricky.  We avoided them whenever possible by just having Angus balance on green bricks or roll on a blue carpet. 

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From Alan, location unknown --

this is for the full crew. --- MOST EXCELLENT ---

i usually don't watch full indi films, but i even went thru the credits. i think you do an excellent job in all aspects.

a hint on the model work. when major studios do model work they overcrank(run them faster) the cameras. the formula used to define the speed is

speed = sqr root (modes size / actual size)

ie - for a 1/24 scale model it's sqrt(24/1) or approximately 5 times faster. this results in a camera speed of 24*5 or about 120 frames per second. try changing the the speed in premier to slow it down, and see what the results are. also use a little bit of blur, and dirty up the model.

try more base in the audio. premier 6 has new audio tools.

don't take this as a put down on your work, it isn't. like i said - i watched thru the credits and i don't do that in the theater.

keep up the work!

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From Edward, VA --

I was alerted to your resources page by a team member

of the "Star Wars: Revelations" fan film, and I have

to say ... COOL! It would be totally criminal of me

if I didn't write to thank you for offering the

pyrotechnics on your site.

I'm certain we'll end up using a number of these

clips, and when we do, we'll be putting in a big

"thank you" in the credits.

If you want to see the production in progress, check

out www.panicstruckpro.com and hit the Revelations

page.

Again, thanks, and best of luck in all your endeavors!

==\dub/==

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From Ivor, Surrey, UK --

Hi Bob

I just got the cd- great stuff! I hope you bring out a volume 02 sometime in the future. I watched the agent 12 trailer- its excellent!- action packed and funny ! I think that the play of words in the title is very cIever ie 12 is not only the number of the agent but also his age! I really hope that things work out regarding it. I think that detonation films really deserves that sort of break as you obviously love your work and are not just in it for the money (as your budget priced cd and free downloads prove!!).


I really think that there is a market for your agent 12 programme out there. There has been a recent trend for films at the cinema depicting children as secret agents which have proved very commercial eg-spy kids 1/2/3 , cody banks. Any TV company looking at recent trends should be able to see the vast potential in your programme. A live action TV series version of these type of films on cable or terrestial TV is long overdue. I can't speak for the US of course, but over here in the UK the nearest we have to this is a cartoon series called
James Bond Junior!

Keep up the good work!

Thanks

Ivor

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From Reginaldo, Brazil --

I´m a independent filmmaker from Brazil , and I liked so much your movies and website.
 
the best part of the site is Free stuff, ´cause I have been searching this kind of film explosions, and others special effects for a long time !!!
 
I love to make movies with some special effects, make-up, and so on..
 
My website is www.geocities.com/morbiusfilmes, but only in portuguese , sorry, how you notice, my english is soo bad... :/
 
Now a days, I´m working in some test films envolving monster stop-motion with live action scenes, compositing with 3D effects, bluenscreen footage, like your DV explosions, etc.
 
Do you know more websites with good tests movies and tutorials for this , or more explosions, rays, smoke effects, etc ?
 
Best regards,
 
Reginaldo
Morbius Filmes

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From Sam R.

I want to congratulate you on the
release of 'Return of Agent 12'. The effects were brilliant and the
movie is the best short movie I have ever seen. I loved the storyline
and the movie is an overall 10/10!

From,
Sam
(A long-time fan)

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From Marc V., France

Congratulations for your second movie !
I noticed an important step by step approach in the choice of camera viewing
angles.
The story is more balanced, and humour is present.
Sequences follow the good rhythm and the music is fantastic.
We can see the whole team had good fun while making a great quality movie.
Yours
          Marc