Number of posts : 334 Age : 37 Location : The dreaded U.S. Registration date : 2009-03-03
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Fri May 08, 2009 6:13 am
Sounds like a plan. I'd be happy to help write something.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Fri May 08, 2009 9:20 am
I'd be glad to lend a hand.
Harl, can you tell us what program(s) you're using to peice these together so we can get an idea of what's possible please?
Black Heart Registered
Number of posts : 334 Age : 37 Location : The dreaded U.S. Registration date : 2009-03-03
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Fri May 08, 2009 9:24 am
He said yesterday that he was using Windows Movie Maker, don't know if he's using anything else though.
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Fri May 08, 2009 9:28 am
The font was the best I could find, and I tried downloading star wars fonts, but it didn't work. I capitalised it in the wrong places to put emphasis on them, but I suppose it didn't work. Couriers means that we carry things around and Jedi means that we deal with Jedi. Of course, I can change it if you want. I'm happy to continue doing videos for the guild, I guess it gives me purpose. Perhaps I'll teach myself things In the meanwhile, I'll keep working on the teaser. Keep the feedback going folks!
Things to change: - Couriers will be changed to Smuggling - Jedi will be changed to Force-Users - All font will be star-wars-ized - The "Agency" will be removed, leaving the picture alone.
To Redwatch, I'm using only Windows Movie Maker, albeit a quite higher-tier version. Almost everyone has a version I think, I can send you the information, though I believe that you need the clips I have obtained to properly see it. WMM has few effects by the way, so I am slightly limited, but I'm sure I can pull loads of things off. With the new soldier class, I'm sure to get more merc clips, so stay tuned!
P.S. I have found it impossible to put a star wars font into movie maker, though for some reason, it works really well in Word. As such, I'm unable to put a star warsy font on. I'm open to suggestions on what font to use (of what we have). Currently, I'm thinking of Eras Demi - what I used for the guild motto.
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 7:50 am
Hate to double post, but I've made all the changes listed above and have done some further tweaking to the clips and music. I hope you enjoy it!
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 8:55 am
Okay. There's still a lot in that movie that I would change. Sorry, Harl. Here's what I would be thinking for a teaser trailer:
Start with the "may contain footage unsuitable..." disclaimer, then a medium sized TOR logo at the center of a black screen to set it up. Fade down and up again to a short sweeping shot of each of the four environments (perhaps from the concept art? Try it out wit both concept and live footage) keeping to a rhythm lasting the same length of time as each other with fade-up/downs (to black) between each clip.
Switch to a medley of quick action shots of in-game player characters (if its a switch from art stills to game footage this will seem even more exiting, maybe) involving lots of movement but only using one (or two at the most) Jedi/Sith clips to down-play that stuff. Overlaid on top of the action shots and in a Star Wars font something like "WHEREVER THE MISSION" (pause) (new screen flash of text) "WHATEVER THE CONTRACT" (fade down).
(Fade up) Overlaid on top of the slowly walking gun weilding Kel Dor: "IF YOU HAVE CREDITS," (short pause... add beneath) "WE'LL GET YOU RESULTS"
And then a screen of TOR logos and trade marks with a "Find out more at (our url)"
Or something like that. Any input from elsewhere guys?
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 10:14 am
That is quite a bit different to what I currently have on the plate. I could do it, but I'm not sure if thats what everyone else wants so I need more opinions. I did try to keep down the use of Sith clips, but I'm afraid without them, I've got really little to work on, and I think that I've toned it down enough anyway.
What would I put in the disclaimer? Unsuitable for children? There isn't any blood and the action won't scar them. In any case, your ideas are really good. I'll collect everyone elses ideas, particularly SS's, and see what they think. If SS agrees with what you have there, and wants me to do it, I'll do it and we'll work from there
Right now though, what parts of my current movie would you change and say is not right? You've more or less put forward a whole new idea instead of actual feedback.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 11:31 am
Harlequin2 wrote:
What would I put in the disclaimer? Unsuitable for children? There isn't any blood and the action won't scar them.
Use the footage of the disclaimer box stuck on the front of the Bioware developer dispatches. It's a ready-made legal notice that Bioware thinks they need for their footage and easy to grab!
Quote :
Right now though, what parts of my current movie would you change and say is not right? You've more or less put forward a whole new idea instead of actual feedback.
Since you brought it up and there's no delicate way to put this (and you seem amazingly impervious to hints! ), I'll be blunt. I've proposed a new direction for the trailer because I don't think the current one hits the mark. As with any project undertaken on someone's behalf you have to listen to what the client wants. Though I see you trying to do this, I proposed a new direction because I personally think your trailer still falls too wide of the mark on Sureshot's brief.
You were given feedback on your first fix attempt for this trailer but your second attempt shows that although you're trying to mend specific criticisms brought up I think you might be missing the overall point somewhat. Without sounding too pompous , I've spent all of my further education (art, design, graphic design and games design) on projects working to design briefs and it's my experience that instead of trying to bodge and fix an idea that's taken a wrong direction it's better to drop the dead donkey and go back to the drawing board.
I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, Harl. What you're doing is great and of course you should do whatever you like for a fan-flick! But if you want to produce something of a more official nature for the guild I think it would be better to take Sureshot's advice; get some help with ideas and start with a fresh storyboard. Heck, if you knew how many times the Boss has shot down my ideas (and finished artwork!) for the look of this website you'd know (1. I'm well aware I'm far from perfect! and 2.) I'm not trying to be mean - just trying to save you a lot of wasted effort!
Anyway, good luck with your trailer! If you do decide you'd like some help, the offer’s open.
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 1:16 pm
Aha! I see what you mean about the disclaimer, yes, good idea. I'll do that.
Now, I don't think I've missed the mark. The latest brief that SS gave me to work on was this:
Sureshot wrote:
WHAT I LIKE:
The cutscenes are a lot better and more mercernary like now, I especially like the image of the Kel Dor Bounty Hunter emerging through that circle.
Music is a LOT better now.
The 'Hire only the best" comment was a nice touch.
WHAT I'M NOT SO KEEN ON:
The only thing that I feel is really letting it down is the font for the wording used. To me it takes away the feel of it being Star Wars. Is there anyway of using a Star Wars font to narrate the video? Also some of the words are captilised in the wrong places.
I wasn't too keen on the narration content used. For example "Couriers" and "Jedi" seemed a bit out of place, and I don't think it represents the guild for what it truly is.
The last shot of the planet with the blasters on it. I do like that picture and I do want it included but I think it's best if we leave "Blasters For Hire" and "The Agency" off of the promo completely. I'm thinking when we're completely happy with it this will be a nice teaser video, and as we don't have a name it suits it's purpose as just that.
I think I've efficiently fulfilled this. Sureshot said nothing for changing the whole thing, infact, looking at the praise for the better clips, "Only Hire the Best" and the Kel Dor, I can only assume that he likes the current concept I've made. Of course, if he plainly tells me otherwise and says that he likes your idea more, then I will work on your idea.
I don't think you're being pompous or harsh, just expressing what you think is right, which should be held highly considering the education you've recieved. Even so though, the above applies. And I'm always looking for help and feedback, if you have any to give of course
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 1:38 pm
If you want fonts for the vid try dafont.com if you haven't already. I use that for some of my designing.
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 2:22 pm
Ok, I've updated this Commercial. The following changes are: - Change of font for the words - Inclusion of a disclaimer (Kudos to Redwatch for this) - Added Bioware and LucasArts Logo - Added my own Logo, Bearbull Productions
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 4:17 pm
A disclaimer? Seriously? >.> Thats a joke right? Please say its a joke...
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 4:27 pm
No, it's obviously not a joke. It was Redwatch's idea... Perhaps I should have waited to see other people's opinions before going along with it...
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sat May 09, 2009 5:48 pm
Aliendra wrote:
A disclaimer? Seriously? >.> Thats a joke right? Please say its a joke...
No it's not a joke, Ali. Not to Bioware anyway. And if they feel the need to put a disclaimer at the front of some of their dispatches then why not us? It adds to an overall professional feel and it's harmless. I never thought any one would have a problem with a little disclaimer. I don't really see why it's inclusion would be a big deal.
Put it in or don't, Harl. It's only a suggestion.
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 4:41 am
Actually, I like it on, I agree that it gives a very proffessional feel to it...
Sureshot Chief Operative
Number of posts : 5209 Age : 47 Location : Reading, England Registration date : 2009-02-11
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 6:36 am
Right just to clarify things what I want to happen with this video right now is for people to start giving out ideas, much like Redwatch has. Just going ahead and re-doing the video won't change anything I'm afraid Harly cause we need to structure out a plan before we rush into making it. Thats why it was my suggestion that we all put our heads together and work on a storyboard. Until that is done I won't be allowing anything to be made official.
Redwatch wrote:
Start with the "may contain footage unsuitable..." disclaimer, then a medium sized TOR logo at the center of a black screen to set it up. Fade down and up again to a short sweeping shot of each of the four environments (perhaps from the concept art? Try it out wit both concept and live footage) keeping to a rhythm lasting the same length of time as each other with fade-up/downs (to black) between each clip.
Switch to a medley of quick action shots of in-game player characters (if its a switch from art stills to game footage this will seem even more exiting, maybe) involving lots of movement but only using one (or two at the most) Jedi/Sith clips to down-play that stuff. Overlaid on top of the action shots and in a Star Wars font something like "WHEREVER THE MISSION" (pause) (new screen flash of text) "WHATEVER THE CONTRACT" (fade down).
(Fade up) Overlaid on top of the slowly walking gun weilding Kel Dor: "IF YOU HAVE CREDITS," (short pause... add beneath) "WE'LL GET YOU RESULTS"
I really like this idea, and it's closer to what I'm actually after. I'm not too bothered about a disclaimer though I have to say, but if you wanna include it then go straight ahead Harly.
By the way if you need any fonts I've uploaded the 2 that would best fit here.
Anyway for now, lets get discussing about what the video shoudl include and if you want even set up a scene-by-scene guide. I'll probably work on one some time next week but for now IDEAS ONLY please. I'm sure BH and LW have some good ideas when it comes to the story too.
Lunarwolf Chief Operative
Number of posts : 6401 Age : 45 Location : Southampton, UK Registration date : 2009-02-23
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 6:53 am
I appreciate that you're using footage from the (somewhat limited) videos BioWare have released Harl, and I think you're doing a great job.
If I might suggest something though? As much as the moving images are great looking and dynamic for the video, how about some still images? perhaps SWTOR-specific work (concept mostly) or maybe even other Star Wars images that are appropriate for the time-line? there are simply LOADS of images on wookiepedia, and as you see from the Dev-vids, they use them quite often and they look great among the moving video.
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 7:32 am
Right then, I'll build up from RW's idea. Though I must say, I'm happy with the current font.
After the Disclaimer and logos, I want that quote/guild motto. It's awesome and really represents the guild.
- After Scenes of Fast Action - Title: WHEREVER THE MISSION Clip: Kel Dor walking Title: WHATEVER THE CONTRACT Clip: The PC running on Ord Mantell Title: IF YOU HAVE CREDITS Clip: 4 people around a map Title: WE'LL GET YOU RESULTS Clip: Kel Dor and Jedi fighting, when the weapons clash it cuts Picture: Coruscant with Blasters Title: Only Hire the Best Title: Now Recruiting Tital: Contact us at X Clip: Ship pulling away at Korriban
@ Lunar: I do use still images, though I'm not sure how I can work too many in. Concept art doesn't look very good, especially with the SW Logo, though I'll do some scavenging around Wookie-P...
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 8:04 am
It might sound preposterous at first but I would suggest forgetting about content for a moment and deciding on a mood.
We've all seen teaser trailers before. They're short, they keep text/dialogue to a an absolute minimum and they all tend to lay emphasis on one particular aspect of the movie/game/whatever usually focusing on promoting one feeling. It's all about provoking an emotional response (excitement, suspense, shock, epicness[??], nostalgia etc).
The mood dictates the style which dictates the pace which dictates the content.
There's no reason why we shouldn't be thinking a little bigger and conceive a whole campeign of short related teasers building up to the release. Take ownership of TOR.
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 8:21 am
I think we're aiming for a truely epic teaser trailer, one that will advertise our epicness (yeah, is that a word?) while putting the audience into excitement.
Perhaps this is a good model to work on?
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 8:49 am
Teaser trailers:
In spite of whoever posted your Transformers clip on youtube calling it a "Teaser", I'd say it's a full trailer, not a teaser. Only with a pretty much finished project could you cram all that footage into a trailer like that. It satisfies, it doesn't tease. A true Transformers teaser looks something like this:
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 9:01 am
Hmm... Right. So basically, they work with very little animation and sound to produce some thing that plays at the viewer's imagination, leaving huge gaping holes about what could happen. I see most of the teaser are composed of title screens. I think the mood created is in fact, "more, more!".
However, whats different with B4H and say, Transformers, is that the latter has a story, while the former has little of one, at least at the moment. And there is little on how we can create a story teaser... I'm open to opinions.
PrioryJK Special Agent
Number of posts : 2575 Age : 37 Location : UK Hull Registration date : 2009-05-01
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 9:02 am
Red has a point but I'm not sure how well we can do epic atm Making a much shorter tralier might work better like you guys have suggested but i'd still go shorter than what you suggested, since you've got such limited footage just go with what we have thats relevant? anyway I was thinking
1: The "final"shot of the ship leaving Korriban should be first after disclaimer etc 2:The blasters for hire logo 3: Show the slowlymoving footage of hutta (1 or 2 shots) 4: Show the kel-dor walking across hutta 5: show the Kel-dor fighting the Jedi 6: cut it as their swords clash/flame
This keeps everything ingame almost, it shows the location, the hunt and the kill so it has a running theme,it also leaves you hanging like a real teaser? As for music ID have an "intrigue" theme at the start with the ship building to a cressendo for the fight, maybe leave the contact details off just for now? mean it'll be a teaser and we'll be posting it anyway so the contact details will be near it anyway?
I'm not sure how it'll look but hey
Harlequin2 Veteran Agent
Number of posts : 1887 Age : 30 Registration date : 2009-02-25
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 9:49 am
It's a really good concept - I like!
I've been thinking, perhaps we can put a heart beat track in the background, instead of music? Just a slow "bu-dum"... "bu-dum"... It may work!
Tweaking your idea, the kel dor walking across Hutta could come after the swords clash and then it fades to a backround of black. Between the walking and the background, words can come on, dripping like blood spelling "Blasters for Hire", which then fades.
Black Heart Registered
Number of posts : 334 Age : 37 Location : The dreaded U.S. Registration date : 2009-03-03
Subject: Re: Blasters for Hire Commercial Sun May 10, 2009 2:57 pm
Epicness is cool and all, but you have to remember our motto is "a smaller solution" having a theme expressing magnitude is a bit contradictory, in my opinion. I think we should seek to elicit a sense of efficacy and assurance that we'll get the job done. And as entertaining as Transformer is (By the way, we should still try to get someone in our videos as hot as Megan Fox), I think we should try to emulate one of the best trailers of the past ten years,
Just a suggestion.
Edit: I like Priory's idea and it's probably the best we can do at this stage, my earlier thing will have to wait until the game comes out anyway. Still. Awesome trailer ^. Would any of you mind just working out Priory's idea so we can see how it looks?
Last edited by Black Heart on Sun May 10, 2009 3:04 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Missed the fourth page /facepalm)