I spent the whole day yesterday putting the finishing touches on my video. Then, for the life of me I could not render it into a size and look that would work for this contest. It would either ne 8.5 meg or 2.2 gig in size. In a last ditch effored I tried to upload my final version on my youtube account, and that was a mistake. It took over two hours to load, well past midnight. For what it's worth, here is my failed entry:

YouTube - Kingdom Of Our Dearly Departed (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg2PFwn8VvE)

"There is a whole horse buried here!" Haha, love it!

I got mine uploaded (uh..this morning) but I had rendering issues with my audio. Seems that any project I work on in FCP with manipulated audio levels when working with several tracks, is ALWAYS buggy. So, my final has some very seriously juvenile audio glitches. I sort of feel your pain, although mine is more of an annoyance than anything else.

Definitely got me thinking about trying Adobe or Vegas though. :D

I think compression is the biggest issue that seems to pop up every challenge. Maybe Meryem will take a look at alternate formats for next year.
I'd love to see H.264 and now that it's supported by the latest version of Flash maybe that's an option for next year.

..not too late to request an extension, hint hint.

You've played before, Oliver, without encountering these issues...wonder what is up?

Oliver,

your images and rack focus' are sweet. A whole horse, amazing.

I have had huge issues this round too.

I am glad you got this up, ask for the extension!!

Well, I'm not sure if I am still in the game. I uploaded my entry and it is just the worst render ever. I paniced just to get something up. I will continue to try and render something better. I just don't get it.

fixed my rendering problem. It's uploaded but I have a feeling that I am out of the game.

I'll swap the files for ya as soon as I see it's up there.

I think when Meryem came up with the challenge it was not only about sharing your work with like minded filmmakers and getting feedback, but also to challenge yourself. I don't think she's going to mind if you upload a file that has better compression which is closer to the original look of your film.

You finished on time, you uploaded on time so i don't think she's going to worry about you uploading the same film but a better quality version.

Done deal Oliver. I replaced your file with the new one.

Kevin,

Can I re-submit mine, please? The video is absolutely identical, but I have improved the render process today. I should have it within half an hour, just need to run some comparisons.

When I get all this tested, I'll put together a simple "1-2-3" guide for those of us using CS3 to generate UWOL videos.

Go for it. It'll be our little secret. :)

I think Meryem will bend for an improved compressed version as long as it's not changed it should be fine.

I'll movie your original into another folder in case she's not happy with me. :)

Thank you very much Kevin.

No sweat Oliver.

Like I said, Meryem created this challenge to help makes us better filmmakers, share feedback with fellow filmmakers around the world and to have fun.

So I don't think she's going to be upset about uploading a better compressed version of your film.

Kevin,

Thanks for that. I've re-uploaded it now. If Meryem allows it, super, if not - it's OK, I'm happy just to have learnt something new today!

I'm still working on the ins and outs of the compression, but it looks like I've nailed it.

Any flaws in the video now are entirely down to my dodgy camerawork and editing, rather than a bad render.

File replaced Mike. :)

I absolutely loved the ingenuity and execution of this challenge film. The storyline was interesting and at the same time caused me to laugh out loud on several occasions.... delightful narration script.

The rack focus was nicely executed and an enjoyable addition.

I can only imagine the environment you were recording the VO in, and wondered to myself how you were captruing the narration on location.... lav? The background noise was a bit of a distraction, but I also know it might have been unavoidable.

Thanks for staying with it... another enjoyable film.

Chris S.

not upset at all...I'm always glad when Mat and Kevin resolve these issues while I'm away...

I have often granted extensions for technical difficulties, not for not finishing, but for wanting to put a layer of polish on the compression, yes.

Remember that if you re-load a file with the same name, it will over-write the first one...so if you're within the deadline, you don't even need to ask.

Meryem,

I never did ask for an extension, I was in too much of a panic. If I get disqualified I will understand. I'm just glad to get some feedback.

Thanks

that's cool, we will just designate yours a non-competitive entry, not the first time we have done this, either. We just want people to learn and have fun. I mean have fun, and learn.

Thanks Meryem.