UWOL #7 Random Discussion Thread! at DVinfo.net

Carl Middleton · January 27th, 2008, 01:17 AM

I couldn't resist starting a thread, just to say....

WOW!

I didn't know I was going to be in competition against 500+ people. ;)

Is this more than average? It being my first I really don't know, but it seems like it! Seems this UWOL challenge is catching on! I can't wait to get started, I'm dying to know the subject.... *paces around the room for the next 5 days*

Carl

Eric Gulbransen · January 27th, 2008, 01:39 AM

I'm with you Carl. This'll be my first try at not only entering the challenge, but even creating such a project. By the end of the first page of responses/entrants I was thinking "this will be great." The second, "well maybe we'll shoot for mid pack." By the third, "oh lord I'm feeling the back of the bus."

Now that we're well beyond 3 pages I'm thinking I'd be happy just to wave to the bus as it speeds by

Trond Saetre · January 27th, 2008, 04:20 AM

Hi Carl and Eric, and all the other new players, it's very nice to have you with us.
By entering the challenge, you become members of this awesome uwol family/friendship where everyone is treated with the same kindness, regardless of previous experience.
Stay with us, and I'm looking forward to watch your films. Will be nice to learn more about your parts of the world too.

Trond

Carl Middleton · January 27th, 2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trond Saetre

Will be nice to learn more about your parts of the world too.

The main native species of Florida is the "Retiree". This not-so-rare species is known for driving slow in the fast lane, not tipping at restaurants, and occasionally dying in public.

(Seriously, the statistic is sick - over 75% of people in the US who decide to move when they retire, move to Florida) =D

Trond Saetre · January 27th, 2008, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Middleton

The main native species of Florida is the "Retiree".

Hmm, maybe you can make a story of that in one of your future films.

Carl Middleton · January 27th, 2008, 08:53 AM

If the theme fits, I might have to. =D Florida wildlife has been thoroughly featured in plenty of films, and the weather the last month has been depressingly "Bleh". That might be a story worth a shot. ;)

Meryem Ersoz · January 27th, 2008, 11:34 AM

Hi Carl: I would not be put off by the number of people signing up. The first contest had 72 sign-ups, I believe, but posted 25 films...right in line with our average contest production (which is 24). And, when I last looked, we had 50 postings on the sign-up thread but some of that is idle chatter. Our largest turn-out was, (I think, this is all from memory), 32 films for WATER, smallest was 20 listings for NIGHT.

The UWOL team wants to grow this thing, because the more, the merrier. And it's fun to see these visions from all over the world clustered together and to get to know each other through our work and our chit-chat.

Plus, the nature of contests is that players come and go, although ours seems to be pretty sticky. Seeing new players join the fray keeps it fresh. If you look in our film vault, there are also many names of players who play one time and don't return...some of our finest films, in my opinion--not necessarily shared by our outside judges--, have been posted by one-time players like Paul Wags and Bradley Marlow. The UWOL effect is cumulative, made up of our regulars and one-time players alike, all over the world.

So I wouldn't worry about too many players, a) I'm really not seeing it, measured against last year and b) in every contest, there's always a mixture of those who sign-up and those who put up!

Some of our best shooters take the occasional swim!

I did promise theme that could be accomplished anywhere, any time in the world. An easy intro is another reason that I think we are seeing some new faces and names!

Steven Gotz · January 28th, 2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Middleton

The main native species of Florida is the "Retiree".

I resemble that remark. While I have not retired, and the cost of this new house prevents me for doing so for almost another decade, Florida is the place to retire. I live in one of those Active Adult communities for 55+ folks. I like it. It's like living in a resort.

On the other hand, I still tip, drive fast enough to get speeding tickets, and will try to refrain from dying anywhere outside of my own bed, many years from now. ;-)

Carl Middleton · January 28th, 2008, 04:24 PM

As long as you still tip and drive anywheres NEAR speed limit, that's good enough for me.

Consider yourself a non-retiree. :D The actual act of no-longer-working, or age for that matter, has nothing to do with it. It's just really a matter of still trying to enjoy life, in my opinion. From what I've heard, you fit in that category! Look forward to seeing more of your stuff in this contest! I filmed down at Coronado Springs in Dec, had a blast :)

Got that gig off dvinfo, as a matter o' fact!

C

Jurgen Geevels · January 28th, 2008, 04:28 PM

I think I can see why night was such an "inpopular" theme, in my oppinion its way too hard with ordinary videocamera's, if you want real night footage.
+ if you live in some far off village there is almost no light which makes it even harder. If you live in the city you have more succes with the theme but since its mostly a "nature" kinda thing (it seems to me) well that explains alot :o

Dale Guthormsen · January 28th, 2008, 06:37 PM

Good evening,

I is really great to see all the new comers to UWOL. It is a great bunch of people, fantastic learning experience, the feed back is gentle, truthful and encourging.

I enjoy seeing all the films from all over the world and have definitely seen things i never would have seen even on TV!!

I am recently retired and definitely not going to florida unless i get an invite down for something (just used to having almost no people around). Wouldn't mind hitting the everglades though.

can't wait to get started!!!

dale

Meryem Ersoz · January 28th, 2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jurgen Geevels

I think I can see why night was such an "inpopular" theme, in my oppinion its way too hard with ordinary videocamera's

i don't know...i think the folks who managed to post a NIGHT film learned more about their cameras than with any other Challenge. of course it was hard! that was the point! we don't call it a Challenge fer nuthin!

but don't worry, that was exceptionally challenging. i may do another hard theme but i'll probably hold off and do something like that every other year. plus, i'm going to announce it in advance that it's going to be hard, like an Advanced Round, for folks who don't mind pushing themselves...i just found it kind of irresistible.

i mean, you people always find a way to complain about the theme! i'm sure this round won't be any different...all part of the fun n games...

Carl Middleton · January 28th, 2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meryem Ersoz

i don't know...i think the folks who managed to post a NIGHT film learned more about their cameras than with any other Challenge. of course it was hard! that was the point! we don't call it a Challenge fer nuthin!

I really wish I'd gotten a shot at it. I found you guys DURING the challenge!

Doh! :)

C

Eric Gulbransen · January 28th, 2008, 10:34 PM

Meryem, don't hold back.

I have battled for years, in a completely different arena, against a vast range of competitors. Sometimes we've won by a mile, sometimes we've lost by a day. I learn the most from losing, or struggling, or even failing to make it to the checker at all.

This is why I am here, and this is why I have entered - to struggle and to learn.

Trond Saetre · January 29th, 2008, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Gulbransen

to struggle and to learn.

Then you have come to the right place. I think every one of us can/will/have learn from these challenges. I have learned a lot since I entered my first challenge a year ago.
And the struggling... that's what you have your uwol family/friends to help you with. :)

January 27th, 2008, 01:17 AM	#1
Carl Middleton Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fernandina Beach, FL Posts: 562	UWOL #7 Random Discussion Thread! I couldn't resist starting a thread, just to say.... WOW! I didn't know I was going to be in competition against 500+ people. ;) Is this more than average? It being my first I really don't know, but it seems like it! Seems this UWOL challenge is catching on! I can't wait to get started, I'm dying to know the subject.... paces around the room for the next 5 days Carl __________________ Carl Middleton Whizkid Mediaworks

January 27th, 2008, 08:53 AM	#6
Carl Middleton Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fernandina Beach, FL Posts: 562	If the theme fits, I might have to. =D Florida wildlife has been thoroughly featured in plenty of films, and the weather the last month has been depressingly "Bleh". That might be a story worth a shot. ;) __________________ Carl Middleton Whizkid Mediaworks

January 28th, 2008, 04:24 PM	#9
Carl Middleton Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fernandina Beach, FL Posts: 562	As long as you still tip and drive anywheres NEAR speed limit, that's good enough for me. Consider yourself a non-retiree. :D The actual act of no-longer-working, or age for that matter, has nothing to do with it. It's just really a matter of still trying to enjoy life, in my opinion. From what I've heard, you fit in that category! Look forward to seeing more of your stuff in this contest! I filmed down at Coronado Springs in Dec, had a blast :) Got that gig off dvinfo, as a matter o' fact! C __________________ Carl Middleton Whizkid Mediaworks Last edited by Carl Middleton; January 28th, 2008 at 04:37 PM. Reason: clarification :)

January 28th, 2008, 04:28 PM	#10
Jurgen Geevels Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 57	I think I can see why night was such an "inpopular" theme, in my oppinion its way too hard with ordinary videocamera's, if you want real night footage. + if you live in some far off village there is almost no light which makes it even harder. If you live in the city you have more succes with the theme but since its mostly a "nature" kinda thing (it seems to me) well that explains alot :o __________________ XM2, Manfrotto 055XDB 128Lp _Student Film_

January 28th, 2008, 06:37 PM	#11
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	Good evening, I is really great to see all the new comers to UWOL. It is a great bunch of people, fantastic learning experience, the feed back is gentle, truthful and encourging. I enjoy seeing all the films from all over the world and have definitely seen things i never would have seen even on TV!! I am recently retired and definitely not going to florida unless i get an invite down for something (just used to having almost no people around). Wouldn't mind hitting the everglades though. can't wait to get started!!! dale __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen

January 27th, 2008, 01:39 AM	#2
Eric Gulbransen Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 520	I'm with you Carl. This'll be my first try at not only entering the challenge, but even creating such a project. By the end of the first page of responses/entrants I was thinking "this will be great." The second, "well maybe we'll shoot for mid pack." By the third, "oh lord I'm feeling the back of the bus." Now that we're well beyond 3 pages I'm thinking I'd be happy just to wave to the bus as it speeds by

January 27th, 2008, 04:20 AM	#3
Trond Saetre Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 3,375	Hi Carl and Eric, and all the other new players, it's very nice to have you with us. By entering the challenge, you become members of this awesome uwol family/friendship where everyone is treated with the same kindness, regardless of previous experience. Stay with us, and I'm looking forward to watch your films. Will be nice to learn more about your parts of the world too. Trond

January 27th, 2008, 11:34 AM	#7
Meryem Ersoz Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 3,015	Hi Carl: I would not be put off by the number of people signing up. The first contest had 72 sign-ups, I believe, but posted 25 films...right in line with our average contest production (which is 24). And, when I last looked, we had 50 postings on the sign-up thread but some of that is idle chatter. Our largest turn-out was, (I think, this is all from memory), 32 films for WATER, smallest was 20 listings for NIGHT. The UWOL team wants to grow this thing, because the more, the merrier. And it's fun to see these visions from all over the world clustered together and to get to know each other through our work and our chit-chat. Plus, the nature of contests is that players come and go, although ours seems to be pretty sticky. Seeing new players join the fray keeps it fresh. If you look in our film vault, there are also many names of players who play one time and don't return...some of our finest films, in my opinion--not necessarily shared by our outside judges--, have been posted by one-time players like Paul Wags and Bradley Marlow. The UWOL effect is cumulative, made up of our regulars and one-time players alike, all over the world. So I wouldn't worry about too many players, a) I'm really not seeing it, measured against last year and b) in every contest, there's always a mixture of those who sign-up and those who put up! Some of our best shooters take the occasional swim! I did promise theme that could be accomplished anywhere, any time in the world. An easy intro is another reason that I think we are seeing some new faces and names!

January 28th, 2008, 10:34 PM	#14
Eric Gulbransen Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 520	Meryem, don't hold back. I have battled for years, in a completely different arena, against a vast range of competitors. Sometimes we've won by a mile, sometimes we've lost by a day. I learn the most from losing, or struggling, or even failing to make it to the checker at all. This is why I am here, and this is why I have entered - to struggle and to learn.