Frequently Asked Questions about 405

What sort of computers did you use?
	The film was created using PC's running Windows NT. Here are the specs: Dual Celeron 300 mhz dual processors (overclocked to 450 mhz), 384 MB ram, 24 gig storage, DPS Perception Pentium II 450 mhz processor, 512 MB of ram, 4 gig storage Pentium III 500 mhz processor, 256 MB of ram, 24 gig storage, DPS Perception

What software did you use to make 405?

LightWave 3D by Newtek was used for all of the 3D animation (the plane, the car, the environment). Digital Fusion by Eyeon Software was used for compositing the CG and the live action footage together. Adobe Photoshop was used extensively for creating maps for 3D objects. Adobe Premiere was the editing software on which the entire piece was edited. Illusion was used to create some of the smoke effects.

Why can't I get the movie to play on my computer?
	We are now using the Windows Media 8 format which should be widely compatible with most Widows MediaPlayer versions. Some browsers do not recognise the .WMV format and act as if the link is invalid. It this is the case, try right clicking on the link and saving the file to your hard drive before watching. If you are still having trouble try visiting The Windows Media Player help page.

I heard a lot of ugly rumors about you guys and this movie. Are they true?
	Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Anyone who had anything, even remotely, involved with this short film is listed in our credits secton. All of the effects, shooting, sound, editing, compositing where done solely by the two filmmakers.

How long did this movie take to make?
	The entire production took about 3 1/2 months. We shot all the footage on a weekend and did an hour of pick-ups a few weeks later. All of the post production and visual effects were done after working at our day jobs in the late night hours and on weekends.

What kind of training do you have? Did you have to go to school to learn this?
	We are both self taught in the realm of visual effects. Bruce has spent the last 5 years in the industry and Jeremy the last 3. Jeremy has a degree in film production from California State University of Long Beach and Bruce studied Industrial Design at the University of Kansas.

I want to do Visual Effects! How do I learn to do this?

There are a lot of people wanting to get into this career right now. There are lots of schools that will teach you how to use these digital tools. Another way is to buy the software yourself and make that investment count by learning it inside and out. Spend 6 months teaching yourself everything you can learn. There are lots of resources and tutorials on-line for 3D programs like LightWave, Maya, and 3D Studio MAX. Make up and create shots and sequences that interest you and put together a demo reel on VHS tape. This, not a resume, is what you need to get a job at an effects house.

What kind of camera did you use?
	We used the Canon Optura. It is a single CCD Digital Video camera.

I found something wrong with your movie. Did you know...?

Yes, we are painfully aware of a few things in 405 that given more time we would have fixed. Among them the odometer not changing and Ange's car being in park were two things that slipped by us on the shoot. Unfortunately, given the nature of movie making, this film is finished and you'll have to wait for the special edition years down the road for us to fix those annoying glitches. Thanks to everyone for scrutinizing 405 so closely though. Visit the Ooops feature in the features section.

Can I stream or make this film available for download from my site?
	Sorry, but at this point we have to say no. However, we gladly welcome any links to www.405themovie.com from your site.

Do you guys need mirror sites? I have a huge server with a ton of bandwidth.
	Yes! Yes! Please send your info to webmaster@405themovie.com

You guys should set up your own company. When are you going to do that?
	We're way ahead of you. Our company is called Strange Engine Productions. We've been developing our own projects as well as creating visual effects for those projects and also for outside clientele.

Can you guys do the visual effects for my movie for free?
	As much as we would love to help out our fellow filmmakers we just don't have the time to do visual effects for free. However, we are currently accepting visual effects work for hire. So if you are considering a reasonable budget we'd be happy to hear from you. Please contact info@405themovie.com

I sent you guys an e-mail awhile ago and I never heard back. Are you guys too "Hollywood" now to return messages?

Just the opposite, my friend. We try very hard to answer everyone's questions but you have to know, we get hundreds of e-mails every week. We just can't possibly answer them all. That's one reason for this FAQ. Also please know that if the e-mail was just a general "liked the film, good luck" thing, thanks a ton. We never in our wildest imaginations thought that there would be so many of you that liked 405. You all are one of the biggest reasons we are getting the opportunities that we have. So, thanks.