For A Limited Time.

I’ve been really hesitant to do this, but after many many requests I feel it is due time.

I’ve put 3x online. However there is a catch. I’ve created an iPod ready version of the “Charlies Cut” and posted it to Sendspace.com

What does this mean?

Firstly, you must download the file and watch it in either Quicktime or iTunes (or an iPod). It will not stream as this is not a streaming video site (for reasons I don’t really want to bore you with)

Secondly, it’s for a limited time only. Sendspace will host the file as long as people keep downloading it. After 7 days on inactivity (that is to say it doesn’t receive any downloads for a period of 7 days) the file dies. This is the important bit: Once it dies, I don’t plan on uploading it publicly again. That is to say, until we get a website or something really up and running.

The reason I’m doing this is because I’ve had so many requests from people to see the film who haven’t had a chance yet and this was the best way to do it. This way you get a really high quality version of the film, and I don’t really have to worry about the problems inherent with the streaming video services.

However remember, this is the Charlies Cut not the final Definitive Cut that will be coming out on DVD soon. Please, if you like the film support it and buy a copy of the DVD when it comes out.

Having said that, share the film with your friends. We want people to watch it, after all that’s what film is all about. Just don’t be a dick, and make sure credit is given where credit is due.

Enjoy!

Download “3x – The Charlies Cut”

PS. If you are having trouble watching the video, you will require the latest version of Quicktime/iTunes which can be found here. I realize for all you windows users out there its kind of a pain, but all the more reason to buy a mac. Plus, encoding for Windows Media is a bitch.

A Small Update.

Hello everyone. Just wanted to give you a small update of the goings on.

DVD production continues (albeit slowly) for the 3x DVD. With Adam working full time in Hespeler he hasn’t had as much time as he would like to do some work. However with a day off tomorrow, and no other plans he hopes to accomplish a fair chunk.

Also, 3x is having another public screening! Ed Video of Guelph will be holding a Teen Screening on July 14th at St. Georges Square. More details will follow. See their site for more information.

That is all for now. Time for some dinner, and naturally, funnel cake – the official dessert of Moving Pictures (at least it is now).

3x: The Facebook Group.

Just thought that it should be worth mentioning that 3x is currently on the Facebook. Some of you may have come to this site from here, others may not be aware that it even exists. Either way be sure to check it out as it will have all sorts of information regarding DVD release and discussion of the film etc.

3x: The Facebook Group.

The Soundtrack: Web Edition

As a little treat (mostly to make up for the lack of updates during our last production) I decided to put together a preview of our upcoming soundtrack.

We’ve included mp3s of every song featured in the film. Now, the official soundtrack we will be putting out with the DVDs will feature the full version of each song, the 3x version of each song, songs that were originally intended to appear on in the film (from the original script) among other things.

However since we wanted to keep that version worth while, I’ve only put the regular album edits of each track we had in the final cut of the film.

So sit back and enjoy the 3x soundtrack.

Click the album cover to download.

How Many Versions?

So how many versions of 3x are actually in existance. Quite a few actually. However there are currently only 3 “official” versions. (Yes, its a very odd coincidence that there are three cuts of 3x). To help you understand what these are I’ve broken it down for everyone.

THE PRESENTATION CUT - This is known as The Presentation Cut as it was the one that we first presented to the class on our “showing” day, April 11th 2007. It was a very successful showing, which resulted in the conclusion to send it to Charlies. However it was deemed somewhat confusing, and also too long for the 15 mintue requirement for the Charlies. As such, we had to go back and start recutting. This cut would also be presented to numerous other classes (including Douglas’ Grade 10 University English class) which would help us determine the changes that needed to be made. One major feature that it included was the full 2 minute credit sequence which had to be (severely) trimmed for Charlies.

(There also exists a version of the film that contains no sound as I forgot to include the soundtrack on the DVD timeline. Whoops!)

Runtime: 19 minutes.

THE THEATRICAL or CHARLIES CUT - The Theatrical cut has become the most viewed version of the film as it was first shown at The Charlie awards (where it subsequently took first place) and at various other events including the Waterloo Region English Awards and The Eastwood Arts Awards. This version contained numerous changes to help clairity, speed up the movement of the film, and other general changes. One major change was the inclusion of dialogue during the planning scene to help clear up the fact that they were plotting to escape, not murder Malcolm. A full list of changes will be released when we put out the DVD.

Also, it should be noted that there were 2 different Charlie cuts finished. The final version differs slightly from the first one that was completed. Most of the changes were purely aesthetic, changing text placement, sound levels and the like. This first version will most likely not be released as there is really no need to since the changes are so minimal.

Runtime: 14 minutes.

THE DEFINITIVE DIRECTORS CUT – Currently being edited. It will combine elements from both versions. The best way to describe it is take the theatrical cut (which featured some changes from the original cut, such as the new flashbacks, better sound mix, etc.) and re-insert some of the scenes that were removed. As this cut is not yet complete there isn’t much to report however we will update everyone once it is completed and include all the changes/additions we made.

One thing is certain, it will contain the longest credits of all versions as it will be sure to include the original 2 minute credits along with full song credits among other things that will need to be added as a result of the Theatrical cut. As such you can expect this credit sequence to be longer.

Runtime: Unknown at this point. We’ll keep you posted.

So there you have it. The official look at the multiple versions of 3x. As I type this I just completed labeling the last of the 7 different DVDs of 3x I had in my CD case. There are more lying around my room somewhere I’m sure.

You can expect to find those 3 versions on your DVD which will be released in the coming months. We’ll keep everyone posted as soon as we have information.

Oh! And be sure to join our Facebook Group to stay up to date!

The Charlies.

Just wanted to make an official announcement that on Thursday April 19th 3x took home first place at the Charlie Awards along with merits for direction, editing, and cinematography. Congratulations to the cast and crew (and all the friends who put up with everything!). All that hard work finally has paid off.

Three of the Finest Student Filmmakers in Waterloo Region
(and the greatest teacher on the face of the planet!)

Surprise Screening.

Well today we were in for quite a surprise. I had been editing in the Radio room first period because I was too lazy to get off my butt and move into the editing room, and so when period 2 rolled around I decided to see how crowded the video editing room was and go move in again.

When I got there I was told by Alex that Douglas was showing his grade 10 class 3x and that Nate was in there as well.

Naturally we ran over to see what was going down.

We were only a few seconds late, and we sat down and watched the film… again.

When the film finished, once again, no one did a thing until the film was completely over.

We then had an incredibly constructive discussion with the whole class. I was shocked with how well this grade 10 class managed to grasp the film and were able to deconstruct it. The most shocking thing was how all the women in the class understood it completely and the only people who had real troubles with it were the boys… who all wanted action movies. When I thought about it I wasn’t all that surprised, but I never thought that these young 15 year olds would fully understand the film.

The general consensus was the class was confused, but not in the same was as Douglas was. They all thought (or at least said that) everything came together in the end and the film was wrapped up.

It also gave us a real fresh look at where the film is flawed and where we need to go back and fix things.

Special thanks to “Mandy” who offered a lot of insight into just what exactly was going on inside of people during the film, even if she hated Paris with a fiery passion.

We also had Charlie selections today. The two films that will be going are 3x and The Day After the Night Before (Martina and Alex’s film). We both have a lot of work to do, but I think it will be a good showing. Congratulations ladies.

Oh and for the record: I do feel bad for Paris.

A Success.

Today we showed the film to the class.

We were all so incredibly nervous. We didn’t know how people were going to react.

When we got to the end credits and no one said a word or made a sound until the film was finally fully completed (and the title rolled up) that’s when I knew we did it. We pulled it off.

Alex and Kay had tears in their eyes. My heart was pounding so hard I thought I may go into cardiac arrest.

We still have a lot of work to do before next week but all in all it was an incredible success.

Congratulations.

Thanks to everyone who made the film a success. We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help.

But alas, I have to run as I’ve got some editing to do…

I will try and post the soundtrack as soon as possible for everyone’s listening pleasure.

Deleted!

Well you won’t believe it. I accidently rebooted my computer with my hard-drive still plugged in and managed to delete ALL of 3x… everything is gone. And to make matters worse I can’t find all the tapes.

Looks like we have a few more re-shoots ahead of us.

Man, what a day.

The Rough Cut.

Well you’ll notice that there hasn’t been an update in a while, and with good reason.

This entire week was dedicated to getting our final rough cut of the film completed. I promised our producer to have the film done by the original due date of April 2nd, to ensure we would be finished by the official due date of April 10th.

And so Wednesday was my full day off for editing which allowed me to get most of the picture cut, and to get all our foley in. That night we went back to do reshoots for the darkroom sequence (funny story about that…) and then the rest of the week was spent getting the rest cut.

And so, here we are on Saturday and we have our entire rough cut complete. Now, admitedly we are missing a few shots, mostly inserts, however if need be we could show this version and be very happy… even if it is 19 minutes.

We also have been discussing how to cut the film down for the upcoming Charlie awards, and I made a decision on what we would do. This version is drastically different from the original but also incredible. I’ll be sure to post it once it’s completed… but that will not be until we finish the actual original version of the film.

I have to get back to work, we still have titles and credits to do, however I will keep everyone up to date with our progress.