No Neutral Ground was a short film I directed in 2008 as a student at Chapman University. The film focuses on two American snipers in Afghanistan. Shot on Arri SR 3, Super 16mm film camera.
КОМЕНТАРІ: 2 100
@director2bobРік тому
You should win an award for best short film. That was so intense. I am blown away.
@cafecorali4 роки тому
I'm normally one of those who would nitpick unrealistic sniper's behavior to death, but I am very pleasantly surprised at this movie. It is way more realistic and accurate than most Hollywood blockbuster sniping scenes. A spotter with a normal short range scope, a sniper who uses his secondary on close range and not walking around looking through his long range scope while walking... this is good stuff. Would love to see this as a full length movie. Of course if it were too realistic, no one would watch it as a movie except maybe for gamers and veterans but I think for a movie audience, the realism and accuracy is spot on in the right direction. Just the other day i saw a snipe short that at first looked good, but once the sniper asked his spotter to range the target, and the spotter pulled out a kestrel, shook it in front of his head like a cocktail mixer and said "500 yards away" :D :D :D So this clip right here is a blessing to watch ;) Loved it!
@flashpointbravo2 роки тому
I cruise UKposts everyday and I just now had this pop up. Outstanding film! Please continue!
@1DRIPSTER2 роки тому
Excellent! I love these military short films.
@beardo527 років тому
I enjoyed watching your film short, It's always fun to see what people can create. Don't worry too much about procedural errors, that level of detail comes it time. Good Job, keep it up !
@theroraseasala1216Рік тому
Beautiful motivation 💪👌may God bless you
@dgelectricalegineering828 років тому
the film was freaking awesome. The camera shot especially the one facing in the sky while the snipers were running. Ive never seen a shot like that. The acting was so good it surprised me. Usually these short films have terrible actors. Yours film is by far one of the best ive seen on youtube.
@mouhamedgamal3859Рік тому
مغارة الدم
@sasanka6959Рік тому
පලයන් යන්න
@JJAkerman-nx9xc11 місяців тому
What makes this (well written, produced and acted) film so emotive is the juxtaposition of compassion/empathy versus survival.
@newestmovie75692 роки тому
your work really makes me want to watch it again, thank you for your work
@BadsouvikBadsouvik2 роки тому
Hii bro
@MrMartianinvader8 років тому
This is actually a pretty sweet film! There are a few slip-ups, some small (camo, gear, etc) and some larger (the reaction to sniper fire, letting the guy go - though that has actually happened in real-life: Bravo Two Zero, Operation Red Wings) but overall it was very good. One nice thing is that the portrayal of "silenced" gunfire is pretty accurate; more hard thumps and less squeaky puffs. A little bit of feedback is maybe less orange? I don't like how many war films seem to think that combat has to be monochrome for some reason. The Thin Red Line is a good example of the type of cinematography that I like in a war film, less monochrome and shaky cam, and more sharp, hard, almost piercing colour and steady camera work that leaves a haunting and unique "style" (is that the right word? I don't know much about shooting films myself!) combined with an amazing score. Kokoda: 39th Battalion is another great example. Keep up the good work, hope you make it big someday!
@BadsouvikBadsouvik2 роки тому
Subscribe🙏 kora diya chi tmi koro
@Rod1Malkin8 років тому
well done!!! I started watching assuming it was a clip from a big budget show, got caught up immediately... then was surprised was a student film. Bravo!
@lupoinmaremma2 роки тому
congratulations, high quality on every level, i hope you go on this work greeting from Italia
@paladinsix92853 роки тому
I am an Infantry veteran with 28 years total service, slightly more than 5 years in theater. In my opinion, this is very well done for a Student film. I could nit pick a lot of small details. I might, later, add some Constructive Criticism. In general, the camera work, pacing, tension, are all reasonably good. Kudos for Not over indulging in gratuitous violence, and using camera work to avoid needing special effects to depict the impact of bullets. The facial expressions and body language of the Sniper and the Observer convey very well the consequences of killing a person, even an enemy, and in the line of duty. I hope these people continue to hone their craft. This is a promising example of what they have already learned.
@captainscarlett13 роки тому
You must have joined when you were 12. BS.
@miketaiwanwalkcity63552 роки тому
Have you seen a reaction like the bad guy who says nothing and continues smoking? And why the sniper doesn't kill that bad guy too?
@waleednaqvi5 років тому
I have subscribed your channel and looking forward for more videos like this. Awesome story and direction. Love it. :)
@Bizarro888 років тому
Hi everyone, I really appreciate all the feedback and hope this short film has been enjoyable. Please understand that any inaccuracy or lack of realism (and I'm sure it's full of those) is not meant to be disrespectful to anyone. With my experiences now in the world and the film industry I notice many imperfections looking back, or small things here and there I could have done differently. But I'm still very proud of what my collaborators and I were able to achieve back when we were students. Some of us had a habit of embarking on ambitious projects we weren't always prepared for, and we learned a lot that way. It was my first time shooting on 16mm film which was a terrific experience. I'm thankful I got a chance to do so before shooting digital became a more common standard for learning filmmakers. Most rewarding was the relationships I forged and strengthened on this one project. Many of the crew from this film are now working on major motion pictures in the industry and we still keep in touch, hang out, and work together. Once again, I sincerely appreciate everyone who took the time to watch this short film as it is still my long term passion to direct movies. Best,
@sairraj80408 років тому
+Nick Erickson Good Job Nick!
@JoshBoss928 років тому
+Nick Erickson Pretty good for a project! Did you manage to talk to any vets to see how snipers worked in country?
@bobsullivan57148 років тому
+Nick Erickson Using this short production as a reference I don't see how you could miss. I was very impressed with what you were able to get out of 12 minutes. This film illustrated a powerful contrast between sensitive idealism and the pragmatic reality of the modern battlefield. At the end of the day people in extreme circumstances are still who they are. Very fine work on the part of yourself, the actors, and your supporting crew.
@isair818 років тому
+Nick Erickson I don't know much about film-making (okay, so basically nothing) but this looks impressive as hell!
@im.azeembhatti8 років тому
+Nick Erickson i must say you did a great Job, just a little bit of over acting from Jihadie's side :p, but i really appreciated for this fantastic work. i have some-other topics, if you still work on this kind of project may be we come-up with great work
@Sionnach16013 роки тому
Speaking on the production standards, it is absolutely excellent. It is also FAR better than a LOT of MEGA budget mainstream films of today. Just goest to show that the grammatical rules of film making i.e. story, filming, lighting, directing, acting and editing are still as valid now as they were a hundred years ago. The human being hasn't changed at all; at least nowhere near to the extent that modernity would like to have us believe. This looks like a GREAT film, and I even thought that it WAS big budget. Very well done.
@user-bw9bn9rb3m3 роки тому
Не согласен. Идеальную прямую можно провести по линейке.Но эта идеальная линия не будет не только художественной ценностью, но даже произведением искусства. так и этот фильм. На чьей стороне мораль мораль в фильме? Не известно, потому что нет сюжета в принципе.также и свет - съемка подобрана под освещение, нет ни полумрака, ни ночи, ни осадков. Операторская съемка хорошая.
@Goblinjimmscave3 роки тому
In terms of production value, scene setting, and acting. Well fuckin done man.Honestly wouldve thought this to be in cinemas or on netflix mate
@killplayer01488 років тому
I've been looking for great short films ( is it called like that in english???) for many years but I've never seen such an amazing one before! Maybe the reason for that is that I live in Germany ;)...But please go on making films like that because it everytime is nice to watch such great videos!
@nickdragon32665 років тому
It was a great short film .. the film story , the effect and the camera position was good are completely awesome .. hope you can a full action film like this .. i like this .. great job Nick
@Shack2636 місяців тому
I love these shots at 5:02. The composition is really good and the sequence is readable. It also feels unique.
@woofna19483 роки тому
Great job on the film. No score and less talk = more tension and the silence speaks volumes all by itself.
@barbelmeister8 років тому
You should be pleased with that. For a student made film I thought the filming (angles/lighting) was spot on. I hope you do well with it as a career option.
@jsw0609438 років тому
Fine piece of work. Good story, beautifully filmed. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
@jamesgordon19493 роки тому
Jeese...I just went to IMDB to see if I could find any information on “this movie”... Didn’t know it was a short film... bravo man..
@Sionnach16013 роки тому
I know!! It's so good, that I too thought it was MEGA budget!!
@godsplaninteriordecor73093 роки тому
Can't get tired of this film
@Addision2 дні тому
Hahaha I'm repeated watched it.4 times becaused this kind of movie I loved to watching
@johnhenderson29307 років тому
Thank you for sharing your passion with us. I really enjoyed your efforts here. Really, thank you.
@cocaina937 років тому
Short, psychological and well played. Well done.
@Dadaaaally3 роки тому
Jjhh
@MrCk12345678903 роки тому
To everyone saying “this isn’t a normal reaction to a sniper”: When your boy gets dropped by a shot from a half mile away that you couldn’t even hear, maybe you run, or maybe you take one last drag of that cigarette while you wait for the next one to send you home alongside him. Another man has crawled into a nest you’ll never see, is deciding your fate. War is hell. A lot of men don’t care if they die. A soldier makes these decisions. Thank you for the expert armchair comment section
@CR-ot2px3 роки тому
Thx for this message
@etildawanniang7613 роки тому
Because he fixed silent
@rockstarJDP3 роки тому
I figured it was cause that guy was an informant for the US, he led them to the target, hence the title of the film. He knew he wasn't going to get hit.
@masolino6165 років тому
The quality is so high, good job !
@sgtcojonez8 років тому
That was pretty good. I thought up until the end that this was an scene from a feature length movie.
@uniform728 років тому
good job guys! Make some more films....looking forward to see done of your new stuff. those that aren't doing shit are always criticizing those that are. Keep up the good work!
@aussiewatchman81122 роки тому
That was fantastic. Hate that wobbly camera work style it had on a few occasions but amazing all the same.
@vasilebratu94872 роки тому
Gcgvcr
@kzanonymscatalyst21965 років тому
Initially I thought this was a two-hour long movie, but someone has put a clip of 12 minutes here. At the end, I understood this video is a short movie. well done.
@amaiah4dad7 років тому
actually a good short! very well done !, I came across this `trolling` and as I love action movies, thought hmmmmm`, this looks a good film I missed in the pictures etc !, pleasantly surprised that its a short film !, compared to other shorts out there that aren't as good as this one !, only wish this director made more and made them as wide spread, as im sure he would be recognised instantly!!!!! well done mate!! ( im just an avid fan of action movies and I thought this was one I hadn't seen!!!!) thanks for putting it on you tube
@mindpoacher50418 років тому
Nick…. really good short, being a former recon marine I see a lot of inaccuracies. But it's a student film…shorts are most the time very hard to make in the sense of a beginning middle and end all in 15 minutes or less. But it will make you a very strong writer and film maker. It's better to learn your mistakes on small projects than on a big one. Stay focused , stay humble ,always look to where you can improve and learn. And always congrat yourself on what you've done and the journey will be a blast.
@thetemplar86952 роки тому
Agreed. Former sniper and sniper team leader. Good focus on the basics and possibly the mindset.
@tac-cobserver3788Рік тому
"you run, you will only die tired" Cool short movie, Awesome 🤙
@johnc67383 роки тому
Never leave an enemy alive at your back
@SheWhoPlays23 роки тому
Never disband a standing army
@afghanistantv30752 роки тому
Mr. John We Afghans not enemy for American people not only for America for all world we love Live. But YOU KNOW MR JOHN ENEMY FOR AMERICAN IST PAKISTAN BUT U DON'T HAVE BALLS TO Talke about Pakistan
@afghanistantv30752 роки тому
U lost everything because your enemy is Pakistan Mr John we Afghans know u teke the osma for Sudan in down with help Pakistan. Shet politicians.
@tayyibkvlogs2 роки тому
@@SheWhoPlays2 So why you are leaving Afghanistan, coz you are coward, Long live Pakistan, Long live Afghanistan , Long live Islam
@kartikeyarathore97042 роки тому
@@tayyibkvlogs World's problem are not America's problem
@stemart16416 років тому
Good fun watch. Thanks. Nice Aussie outback. I heard a crow early on in the piece.
@EskrimaTiger8 років тому
You do realize that after a sniper drops his target, that man's comrades usually respond with a shitload of return fire, maybe some mortars, then a really pissed off and jacked up fire team is sent to hunt down the snipers.Simply returning to their tent while smoking a cigarette is not a normal reaction.
@arnoldel14748 років тому
+EskrimaTiger that is one of the reasons why this is a shit movie. Not realistic at al.
@MrAngry32328 років тому
+Arnold El It was filmed by students at university dip shit! It is pretty damn good!!
@arnoldel14748 років тому
WJ Cooke if you find this good, then you probably dont know enything about snipers en how they work
@MrAngry32328 років тому
*****+Arnold EI It is called dramatic license. I am by no means an expert on snipers like you guys clearly think you are but I have watched a movie called Sniper from the 90s. Don't know if it is the same one. But, that has some stinkers. In the opening sequence, the range for the shot is confirmed as 650 yards. Moments before the shot, AFTER he had his target centered in his scope, he swings the muzzle of the rifle at least 10 degrees. At 650 yards a change of only a single degree in the angle of the muzzle to the target would mean that the target would have to move 11.34 yards laterally in order for the shot to hit. If he actually had to swing his rifle ten degrees in the span of a second in order to keep his target in view, that would mean the target was sprinting at a speed of 340.32 feet per second, or about 232 miles per hour, and had covered 113.44 yards during that time. Absolutely impossible. So by your standards Sniper 1993 is a poor source for a sniper movie. Once again it is a movie! We want to be entertained
@MrAngry32328 років тому
+Brian W No problem :) I had seen the movie before and remembered its inaccuracy. For someone who is okay at maths I was able to quickly jot down some numbers for you to illustrate just how inaccurate the move is. Glad I could put 20mins to good use and teach you something.
@rugponggrachangpun27093 роки тому
Nice film, good picture, well scenario. For me, there could have been a question left, why the snippers leave the man left?
@cankfy5 років тому
Güzel bir kısa film olmuş. Teşekkürler. 🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷
@rajeevprabhu67226 років тому
Excellent production. I liked the color grading, warm touch with a touch of fire in it.+ Neat camera work. Have made excellent use of the grass and dry forest (fitting it into Afghanistan!). The property is well used. Most probably from the 'Hindi /Urdu language, the pale military costumes and looks + their shabby (non professional) behavior the villains are not Taliban but Pakistani Rangers aiding the terrorists...!! Excellent work.
@brysontheghostgaming92187 років тому
this was awesome amazing and intense shows how one decision can have a big outcome
@ryanrobison72503 роки тому
Delta Force is a triangle in forward. It's a Trinity in sight. It's a clarer view. It's dignity. It's empowered. The Delta project took 10 years of experienced engineering. 2 years of in flight experience and a call when you answered made The American war in Pakistan and Iran successful complete. Dedication, determination, success against the enemy, hard will, determination to win, to never give back to hold town to never let down and win. That is the Iraqi way. The I will always win in battle battle for me is the go back. The determined effort to remind those you served, we do have something in common. Inexperience, married for gawkers, dangerous lies, sad, unspoken mistakes. These all go grave illnesses. This disassociated life we live is in volvul of the Christ. The living one. The me in you Iraqi. I am part Creed and part Humm. I have gravity part. We don't know how to share a secret. We don't know how to share a fact. Who did we steal from. Why did it there. Who was it there? These things are for investigation. Going to church in the 1990's wasn't going to comment your life on the Christ. I am proud to tell you I don't give a fucking care if I see you today or tomorrow. Christ you are the Jesus in my heart and I know you're watching me. I took your job with heart and prave. I love you soul. Good night.
@rollinmckim47194 роки тому
Decades from now....... We will hear instead of Big Foot....... Monsters in Guillie Suits. THANK GOD FOR THESE HEROES !!!!
@Mikeca3002 роки тому
Good movie! I wish it was longer.
@southernstyle2287 років тому
Great little short film. The ethics of war is what I get out of this. I'm a veteran and I enjoyed it. These are the type of situations that PTSD is caused from.
@miketaiwanwalkcity63552 роки тому
Have you seen a reaction like the bad guy who says nothing and continues smoking? And why the sniper doesn't kill that bad guy too?
@ernestwatson84937 років тому
I'm impressed,very impressed.
@BrentoyyGG5 років тому
I was 3 years old when this film is made
@dwaynehagle74453 роки тому
Very well done .War sucks ask those that have been there.Admire the ones who survive,Pray for the families of those who gave their lives.
@SONGSTICKS8 років тому
Very well produced, hard hitting short film.
@Mycomania696 років тому
I am a long range shooter and very educated in the matter. There was inconsistencies but who cares. You guys made a good quality film that I personally enjoyed. If u "needed" to be realistic it would take away from what actual good content you have because you would spend way to much time with calutations and trying to portray reality. I enjoyed it screw everyone that picked it apart.
@robertotroillio15994 роки тому
Nesses casos não pode ter misericórdia porque é você ou seu inimigo
@josephtorres67403 роки тому
Well done need more!
@BikerDaveBlade8 років тому
Thank you for sharing
@andrewbright56036 років тому
Hey excellent job--- I bet you learned a lot and that's what is important for your next film...keep at it!
@vamshifriendly75685 років тому
I have almost taken it as a hollywood film and started googling it for the full film. Nice attempt Nick. On a lighter note, Afghans dont speak Hindi/Urdu unlike what is shown in the shortfilm.
@jamesherman13502 роки тому
The combat sense are missing some reality, but a great show of how humanity works. For some there is a great struggle. For others, we have lost that struggle and exist only in nightmares.
@rickyryanray26776 років тому
“What do you think that guy did?” Just moments after you see someone beaten and shot right at the doorstep of his tent....
@soldtobediers6 років тому
First Casualty of War... is Dignity. -former recondo sgt. ''rock'' 82nd abn. 1718
@miketaiwanwalkcity63552 роки тому
To veterans: Have you seen a reaction like the bad guy who says nothing and continues smoking? And why the sniper doesn't kill that bad guy too? I don't say it's not realistic because I have no experience of real combat in Afghanistan but I saw people reacting differently according to the stress or the culture
@LodymeVlog232 роки тому
The Sniper Soldiers are really good, even if they are far away, they can kill the enemies but it is still scary for their safety💚❤️💙
@6346n8 років тому
Well done! I expect to see more.
@eltonkastri36246 років тому
Nick thats its story of my life. Thanks man.
@stuartkcalvin3 роки тому
Nice piece, thanks.
@kevinphillips1502 роки тому
The only thing either sniper should feel, after eliminating a target, is recoil.
@JohnAdams-mu7xd2 роки тому
Now I understand why most military personnel barely have a high school diploma. Guy with some brains: "Do you know what that guy did to deserve that bullet?" Other soldier: "Who cares I'm just a mindless order follower if they wanted me to kill children I would, you know because I can't think and need someone else to do it for me durka derrr...."
@JohnAdams-mu7xd2 роки тому
@In the process damn well said brotha
@ColTravis8 років тому
Excellent short film! Keep up the good work.
@TheFinalRevelation15 років тому
Excellent
@CoCojoy4206 місяців тому
Maybe I am wrong but is the most valuable talent of a sniper is intelligence like scouting out a area before a invasion, assination is second
@bambino1000113 роки тому
Now I wish this was a full on 2 hour movie
@akrapovix66147 років тому
Wow. This is a masterpiece.
@bigchazgaming63027 років тому
So his friend gets shot a foot away form him and he just casually lights his cigarette and returns to his tent after standing there for about 15 seconds... come on man...
@keerthigiridhargoud3136 років тому
Big Chaz Gaming ..hey it's not real ha..I'm a army man in india before we go camps and patrolling 1st we tested a dron cams now..just we walk before 30 /40 feet..and we r go an a group like jumbling not an a sheps.🐐..we learn all from my commando in trying days..in traing days only have a opportunity to learn all this..camping.runing.walking.shotting.escaping and trowing bombs firing all is good memories i have in my traing..🇮🇳
@user-qo8xe9is2c6 років тому
I won’t go into my history, but.....”cigarette guy” looks to have sold out his friend, An HVT, to American Intelligence with the understanding he would assume control of the rebels and stay clear of American interests in that area. It also explains that look of recognition he gave in the direction of the squad, and the fact he wasn’t dropped reinforces my assessment. I started watching actually thinking it was a clip of a movie I wasn’t aware of. When I saw the flurry of action after the gunman was dropped and the sniper actually walking upright as he took out his man CQ. Oh, I’m impressed by the camera work as well. But, earlier in the film they wouldn’t be crossing a field in a DZ walking upright.
@daltonwilliams82724 роки тому
@@user-qo8xe9is2c my thoughts immediately when he doesn't duck and run
@KendallPhillips893 роки тому
He knew he was had
@sweetmariz28702 роки тому
He know that he is not in danger its obvios😊
@genecoppedge59722 роки тому
We have bunch of film critics. Decisions of war, do you do what you were trained to do in spite of your humanity is screaming at you?
@avrahamgoldberg97312 роки тому
I noticed echoes of Saving Private Ryan and Lone Survivor in this film. Nice.
@ASHISHKUMAR-od5fk6 років тому
Fabulous short
@biomatengu15116 років тому
I love this,It's so amazing.
@larrylmo61994 роки тому
Bio mateng
@CriticalGamingYT1433 роки тому
I thought it's a movies short clip really nice
@user-cw1xo5lf9f3 роки тому
The first 6th and the other hand
@pakistanipatrioticsongs14683 роки тому
For the best Pakistani patriotic songs please subscribe my channel ukposts.info/have/v-deo/nYh5rYCEaaGVz6c.html
@smdr23Рік тому
Good work. Excellent film
@michaelndunasibanda53296 років тому
I like it very much although some of the comments act as if they are pros in the industry , u have to start somewhere hey , this is perfect I jus so wish it was longer
@maskaleynne8 років тому
Finally learned a valuable lesson....never leave anyone alive.
@vasuvasu41213 роки тому
correct
@Jaydon052 роки тому
Wow! Awesome short film!
@charlesrussell17643 роки тому
Most films where a sniper uses a 'scope make the same mistake. You do not close the other eye. It tires the eye looking through the glass. You train your 'bad' eye to ignore what it sees. It does not take long. Same when using night vision monoculars.
@perpetualconfusion58858 років тому
This is beautiful nice work
@bibekgadal91939 років тому
Awesome....work!! Just speechless
@bithmanyiethmalual38143 роки тому
Am appreciating u so much
@blackmetal.Tiktok4 роки тому
I was see'n wery nice words-the men is not deserve to live if he dies for something, the men who just living is deserve to live.
@JSB1038 років тому
That guy in the beginning who watched his friend's brains blown away and just stood there looking around SMOKING must have had a very good insurance policy.
@stephenkagirijr60884 роки тому
😂😂😂
@mr.mubin__37414 роки тому
i
@saiijax8 років тому
This was awesome man good job!
@ranggamaulanaaa43264 роки тому
WormE y
@e_o77365 років тому
whos watching this 2020 like me
@dhillan71405 років тому
Crunchy
@mithupradhan39614 роки тому
I love this movie,,,
@anomalyp85847 років тому
This is golden!
@spooky41247 років тому
Pretty nice, mate!
@mandeepbhowmick52193 роки тому
COD🔥
@kingofwishfulthinking24903 роки тому
Evokes a mixture of Lone Survivor and Mellish from Saving Private Ryan
@stringz2772 роки тому
Good job done MAJOR should not left any enemies behind
@mikemul38937 років тому
yeah, sometimes you are the Dragon, n. e. d.
@expavins49548 років тому
yeah.. i was going to say if he shot the guy when he didnt have a weapon it would definitely be unrealistic. great job
@barryelkins20414 роки тому
Walking tall machine gun man my buddy s breathing his dieing breath o Lord would please just help me see it through
@Eflatmajor7sharp113 роки тому
Gripping. Senseless. Excellent.
@user-fi8vn1vy9g7 років тому
Good film, great job.
@derekbonestroo68776 років тому
Hgenyuh
@DavideDonatiGoogle8 років тому
Nice little movie! But a real sniper never shoot to head :)
@paladinsix92853 роки тому
Not as a Primary, if the torso is visible, and body armor is unlikely. (As depicted in this scene). However, there are circumstances when a Sniper, or Sharpshooter, or Designated Marksman, Might opt for a head shot. Much better than most of the Hollywood Movies about Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11th 2001!
@dobermanpac10645 років тому
Just happened upon this video...regardless of all the comments....it presented a good lesson....There are no friendly's...period
@globaltech49704 роки тому
Hollywood should take note why is it that all these shorts for the most part are way better writing better story than anything Hollywood puts out.