Broken Tracks

This is a fairly strong effort from a talented High School team. Strengths lie in the cinematography, which for the most part, produced a range of highly effective shots; and in the performances of our two leads, who strike up a decent amount of chemistry. Initially, I was OK with the age appropriateness of the casting - it didn't seem too far of a stretch that one of them was a sheriff. However, when the criminal mentioned his wife and then it transpired the sheriff also had a family you lost me a bit. Could you have told a similar story where these two found themselves chained together without the police/criminal angle? Something to think about for another time. There were some solid dialogue scenes, especially walking along the tracks and the passing of time was well played. That said, the leaves, the leaves, oh the rustling of the leaves! So noisy! I imagine you had many feet tracking along that shot. An external mic on a boom would have helped here, or recording a stationary wild track that you could have synced. Just drowned out the dialogue in places. Story-wise, it's a simple unlikely buddy flick but I couldn't help but wonder if their relationship had developed enough or if they'd been through enough to lead to the ending that transpired.

Overall though, a well-made 48HR film. Shame about the DQ - late or was your film too long?

What a fabulous sound track! Making use of the railway tracks really gave it a great look throughout. Well done.

Superbly shot Flynn, especially the opening, some really gorgeous shot choices and editing. George Stephens you shine on camera mate! Shame you got disq but a great effort guys!!!

Shot composition is really unique, especially the drone birds eye view, and the wide shot of them walking through the trees, Really cool : )

A real shame about the DQ guys! This was a solid effort.

What went well:
Great performances by all, always a delight to see Charlie performing and George was excellent too. Loved the eccentric character too :) Very well chosen location to make this film feel authentic, and there's something about a story of right and wrong, ethics, and choices taking place on train tracks--great work. The original soundtrack was also rally good.

What could be improved/next steps:
For me, I think the only thing that wasn't quite so clear, was the driver for the sheriff's emotional transformation and eventual change of heart. What led him to change his mind? It was nice to see the change, I just wanted a little more depth to that moment. Again, sorry about the DQ, I hope you guys come back next year because I'm sure what you make will be even better!