Lady X: Episode 22 released! at DVinfo.net

John Locke · November 8th, 2003, 08:06 AM

PART 2

A woman in black forces a retired locksmith to overcome his painful past in a psychological journey that takes him from a graveyard to a cathedral.

Watch Episode 22 now! Go to http://www.ladyxfilms.com and click the "Current Episode" link.

The Lady X Crew

================
Episode 22 Details:

Directed by: Jami Jokinen
Produced by: Jami Jokinen and Mike Pohjola
Director of Photography: Ken Tanaka
Written by: Mike Pohjola

Principal Cast: Olli Martin (The old man); Tonja Goldblatt (His wife/Lady X); Venla Kuitunen (Library ghost); Various jackdaws (Jackdaws)

Audio production: Jami Jokinen
Music: Composed and performed by Jami Jokinen

Grip: JD Sorvari

Ghost's costume: Tytti Mulo
Ghost's hair: Mira Ahlroth

Keith Loh · November 8th, 2003, 02:52 PM

I'm not entirely sure what the backstory is of this locksmith. The description refers to the 'painful past' of the man but aside from the visit to the cemetary and the icons in his home (was it his home?) You spend some time establishing the location where he gets the box but to me it isn't clear what you were trying to get across there. I wasn't quite sure what to make of his 'mission' or his goal. I enjoy trying to puzzle it out, however.

The presentation, cinematography, are obviously the class of the series thus far. Your music, especially the strings in the second part of the episode were powerful.

John, Ken, I really think the two episodes should be presented as one episode. Seeing them separated out is disjointing when they are obviously edited as one.

Ed Smith · November 8th, 2003, 04:19 PM

By far the best ladyx film technically in all departments. However the storyline, although OK seemed very slow.

The effects were outstanding. How they manged to get the animals to behave how they did was quite amazing, they must of had alot of patiences.

It all worked very well, but as Keith has said I did not understand what the mission was - was it spirtural?

Thanks again lady X,

Ed

Dylan Couper · November 8th, 2003, 06:29 PM

Again, to echo my thoughts from the Ep 21 thread, it left me somewhat confused. The charm of the mood and photography wore out early on in this part, as it was more of the same (as good as it is), and left me a little bored, waiting for something to happen. This may just be me, as I have a short attention span, but coupled to the fact that I didn't "get it" as the people above me also felt, I have to stand by my previous comments that the only weakness to your episode is the story. If it wasn't for that, I'd say we were looking at the Best Of Show.

EDIT: One thing that I have to point out, that despite any complaints I have about the story, the movie overall was very enjoyable, I did like watching it.

Peter Sieben · November 9th, 2003, 09:34 AM

The visuals and audio/music of part 1 and 2 are great and the mood works very well. I also was a bit confused by the storyline that is hard to discover. But another perspective could be that this short movie stimulates your own imagination. You could think about the relation with the lady in black, the black birds, visiting old locations, the music box, etc. No doubt it could be discussed how much of a storyline must be obvious to the viewers, to give them enough to imagine about.

Having watched both parts 2 times, I conclude for myself that I really enjoyed this Lady X episode. Great work!

Peter Sieben

Dan Holly · November 9th, 2003, 09:38 PM

You know, I was kind of disappointed with part one, then to top it off I made the mistake of coming here and reading the reviews first for part 2 before watching it.

Then, I was a little bored and negative until Lady X appeared in part 2.....

From that second on, it dawned on me how powerful the whole thing really was.

This would not be my choice for #1, but it's up close to the top.

Jami Jokinen · November 10th, 2003, 02:05 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Peter Sieben : But another perspective could be that this short movie stimulates your own imagination. You could think about the relation with the lady in black, the black birds, visiting old locations, the music box, etc. >>>

Thank you Peter,

You're the first one to say this aloud. This is excactly what we're talking about.

There is a simple, straight storyline. And there are more subtle layers, small things in different pictures and sounds. But the real thing should be your own experience, your own way of explaining things.

Forcing yourself to think, imagine and to fill the unexplained gaps of the story makes the difference.

I'm very pleased that our episode has had this kind of impact also.

Despite the very subjective POV of the old man, the episode can be explained in multiple ways in relevance to the LadyX concept and her mission, aka "the real world".

PS. after reading your comments again, I realized something; many of you are trying to UNDERSTAND. Please don't.

There just isn't one explanation. Make one yourselves.

Jami Jokinen · November 10th, 2003, 02:07 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Dylan Couper : One thing that I have to point out, that despite any complaints I have about the story, -->>>

Dylan,

I didn't take it as a complaint, but as a critical discussion. And that is something I'm always thankful for.

Vu Nguyen · November 19th, 2003, 01:02 PM

Jami, would you share your lightning technique to achieve that pretty images? Specially those indoor shots. I love every single frame of it.

Jami Jokinen · November 20th, 2003, 12:44 AM

As much as I would like to share real setup tips with you, there aren't any.

I used plain 600 and 800 W redheads with only one, small softbox in front of one of them. I played with the lights until I was satisfied, just trusting my own eye. No lighting theory, no guide books.

If I would have to analyze which light were used on which sets and their position, I just couldn'r remember.

I know this is a silly way to work, but as a director/DP with no experience in lighting before this project, this was the only way I could do it.

Rob Lohman · November 24th, 2003, 09:30 AM

Did you guys do any post-production effects etc.? As someone
else pointed out: how did you handle the "animals"?

Jami Jokinen · November 24th, 2003, 10:52 PM

All the "animals" (including myself) were photographed in their natural surroundings and without interfering their normal behaviour.

There's one exeption though. In the second wide picture of the cathedral in the beginning of ep 21, some of the jackdaws that fly past the belltower are not jackdaws. In fact they are just small black spots moved by Premiere's "move" tool.

They are very tiny, and I don't even remember if they are visible in the Quicktime version or not.

Paul Bettner · December 27th, 2003, 10:48 PM

I just got a chance to watch these two episodes (22 and 21) and I must say, this is the some of the *best* looking XL1 footage I have ever seen. Incredible cinematography and excellent composition.

Jami, you have created some very beautiful work utilizing a limited medium to it's fullest extent. Congradulations.

As for the other comments, I suppose I also feel that the layered metaphor in these pieces was a bit to thick for my tastes and tough for me to decipher... I'm all for films that make me think and feel, but if the imagery and metaphor are too obscure, than the point can be lost and the piece can fail to be entertaining, despite it's beauty. Then again, my take on film making is that the intent is to entertain above all else, though I'm sure not everyone agrees with me there :-)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that for me, personally, your episodes would have been that much more powerful if the story had been more clear. As it stands though, they are well done and much appreciated :-).

paulb

Boyd Ostroff · December 28th, 2003, 09:19 AM

I recently watched these too, and they completely blew me away. Absolutely beautifully done. Personally I did not find it "too obscure" at all, and in fact it was refreshing to see that someone took a little liberty with the "spy movie" genre of the Lady X series (although I also enjoyed many of those as well).

Bravo Jami!

November 8th, 2003, 02:52 PM	#2
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	I'm not entirely sure what the backstory is of this locksmith. The description refers to the 'painful past' of the man but aside from the visit to the cemetary and the icons in his home (was it his home?) You spend some time establishing the location where he gets the box but to me it isn't clear what you were trying to get across there. I wasn't quite sure what to make of his 'mission' or his goal. I enjoy trying to puzzle it out, however. The presentation, cinematography, are obviously the class of the series thus far. Your music, especially the strings in the second part of the episode were powerful. John, Ken, I really think the two episodes should be presented as one episode. Seeing them separated out is disjointing when they are obviously edited as one. __________________ -- Visit http://www.KeithLoh.com \| stuff about living in Vancouver \| My Flickr photo gallery

November 8th, 2003, 04:19 PM	#3
Ed Smith Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 1,545	By far the best ladyx film technically in all departments. However the storyline, although OK seemed very slow. The effects were outstanding. How they manged to get the animals to behave how they did was quite amazing, they must of had alot of patiences. It all worked very well, but as Keith has said I did not understand what the mission was - was it spirtural? Thanks again lady X, Ed __________________ Ed Smith Hampshire, UK Good things come to those who wait My Skiing web www.Frostytour.co.uk For quick answers Search dvinfo.net \| The best in the business: dvinfo.net Sponsors

November 8th, 2003, 06:29 PM	#4
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Again, to echo my thoughts from the Ep 21 thread, it left me somewhat confused. The charm of the mood and photography wore out early on in this part, as it was more of the same (as good as it is), and left me a little bored, waiting for something to happen. This may just be me, as I have a short attention span, but coupled to the fact that I didn't "get it" as the people above me also felt, I have to stand by my previous comments that the only weakness to your episode is the story. If it wasn't for that, I'd say we were looking at the Best Of Show. EDIT: One thing that I have to point out, that despite any complaints I have about the story, the movie overall was very enjoyable, I did like watching it. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

November 9th, 2003, 09:34 AM	#5
Peter Sieben Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 345	The visuals and audio/music of part 1 and 2 are great and the mood works very well. I also was a bit confused by the storyline that is hard to discover. But another perspective could be that this short movie stimulates your own imagination. You could think about the relation with the lady in black, the black birds, visiting old locations, the music box, etc. No doubt it could be discussed how much of a storyline must be obvious to the viewers, to give them enough to imagine about. Having watched both parts 2 times, I conclude for myself that I really enjoyed this Lady X episode. Great work! Peter Sieben __________________ Peter / Orphic Film www.orphicfilm.nl and www.myspace.com/orphicfilm

November 9th, 2003, 09:38 PM	#6
Dan Holly Major Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 336	...... You know, I was kind of disappointed with part one, then to top it off I made the mistake of coming here and reading the reviews first for part 2 before watching it. Then, I was a little bored and negative until Lady X appeared in part 2..... From that second on, it dawned on me how powerful the whole thing really was. This would not be my choice for #1, but it's up close to the top. __________________ Dan Holly Anchorage, Alaska

November 8th, 2003, 08:06 AM	#1
John Locke Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TX USA Posts: 2,882	Lady X: Episode 22 released! PART 2 A woman in black forces a retired locksmith to overcome his painful past in a psychological journey that takes him from a graveyard to a cathedral. Watch Episode 22 now! Go to http://www.ladyxfilms.com and click the "Current Episode" link. The Lady X Crew ================ Episode 22 Details: Directed by: Jami Jokinen Produced by: Jami Jokinen and Mike Pohjola Director of Photography: Ken Tanaka Written by: Mike Pohjola Principal Cast: Olli Martin (The old man); Tonja Goldblatt (His wife/Lady X); Venla Kuitunen (Library ghost); Various jackdaws (Jackdaws) Audio production: Jami Jokinen Music: Composed and performed by Jami Jokinen Grip: JD Sorvari Ghost's costume: Tytti Mulo Ghost's hair: Mira Ahlroth __________________ John Locke SursumFilms.com

November 10th, 2003, 02:05 AM	#7
Jami Jokinen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Finland Posts: 103	<<<-- Originally posted by Peter Sieben : But another perspective could be that this short movie stimulates your own imagination. You could think about the relation with the lady in black, the black birds, visiting old locations, the music box, etc. >>> Thank you Peter, You're the first one to say this aloud. This is excactly what we're talking about. There is a simple, straight storyline. And there are more subtle layers, small things in different pictures and sounds. But the real thing should be your own experience, your own way of explaining things. Forcing yourself to think, imagine and to fill the unexplained gaps of the story makes the difference. I'm very pleased that our episode has had this kind of impact also. Despite the very subjective POV of the old man, the episode can be explained in multiple ways in relevance to the LadyX concept and her mission, aka "the real world". PS. after reading your comments again, I realized something; many of you are trying to UNDERSTAND. Please don't. There just isn't one explanation. Make one yourselves.

November 10th, 2003, 02:07 AM	#8
Jami Jokinen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Finland Posts: 103	<<<-- Originally posted by Dylan Couper : One thing that I have to point out, that despite any complaints I have about the story, -->>> Dylan, I didn't take it as a complaint, but as a critical discussion. And that is something I'm always thankful for.

November 19th, 2003, 01:02 PM	#9
Vu Nguyen New Boot Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 5	Jami, would you share your lightning technique to achieve that pretty images? Specially those indoor shots. I love every single frame of it.

November 20th, 2003, 12:44 AM	#10
Jami Jokinen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Finland Posts: 103	As much as I would like to share real setup tips with you, there aren't any. I used plain 600 and 800 W redheads with only one, small softbox in front of one of them. I played with the lights until I was satisfied, just trusting my own eye. No lighting theory, no guide books. If I would have to analyze which light were used on which sets and their position, I just couldn'r remember. I know this is a silly way to work, but as a director/DP with no experience in lighting before this project, this was the only way I could do it.

November 24th, 2003, 09:30 AM	#11
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Did you guys do any post-production effects etc.? As someone else pointed out: how did you handle the "animals"? __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

November 24th, 2003, 10:52 PM	#12
Jami Jokinen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Finland Posts: 103	All the "animals" (including myself) were photographed in their natural surroundings and without interfering their normal behaviour. There's one exeption though. In the second wide picture of the cathedral in the beginning of ep 21, some of the jackdaws that fly past the belltower are not jackdaws. In fact they are just small black spots moved by Premiere's "move" tool. They are very tiny, and I don't even remember if they are visible in the Quicktime version or not.

December 27th, 2003, 10:48 PM	#13
Paul Bettner Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 42	I just got a chance to watch these two episodes (22 and 21) and I must say, this is the some of the best looking XL1 footage I have ever seen. Incredible cinematography and excellent composition. Jami, you have created some very beautiful work utilizing a limited medium to it's fullest extent. Congradulations. As for the other comments, I suppose I also feel that the layered metaphor in these pieces was a bit to thick for my tastes and tough for me to decipher... I'm all for films that make me think and feel, but if the imagery and metaphor are too obscure, than the point can be lost and the piece can fail to be entertaining, despite it's beauty. Then again, my take on film making is that the intent is to entertain above all else, though I'm sure not everyone agrees with me there :-) I guess what I'm trying to say is that for me, personally, your episodes would have been that much more powerful if the story had been more clear. As it stands though, they are well done and much appreciated :-). paulb

December 28th, 2003, 09:19 AM	#14
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	I recently watched these too, and they completely blew me away. Absolutely beautifully done. Personally I did not find it "too obscure" at all, and in fact it was refreshing to see that someone took a little liberty with the "spy movie" genre of the Lady X series (although I also enjoyed many of those as well). Bravo Jami!