BALLiSTIC - (a Sci-Fi | Action short film)

[@kevin1868-w9s]

First of anything on KZbin where I dragged my couch to my monitor, turned my speakers on full blast and made myself a bowl of popcorn to watch this masterpiece. Great job Ryan and the rest of the crew! Yall did wonderfully. Looking forward to the future of Film Riot.

[@challalrashid1817]

Film pornfilm. Xix fiñm x.

[@Byynx]

Never use a monitor or a smartphone to watch a movie !!!

[@ak17ooo83]

Love the cinematography, tone and especially the pacing. It feels like a real movie that could've been maybe 40 minutes, but it was only 15.

[@DJLsbVapes]

Hahaha, at the end “Are you actually reading this” you rock man, and so far one of my sources of inspiration, can’t wait to see more 🎥

[@leslassiter6378]

You actually read it, lol.

[@vantagepointwithkeli]

After 3 years I still think this is Ryan's best film. It feels complete. The editing is also really really good. Thanks Film Riot.

[@crushedcrystalstudios]

@TOGOMEDIA Muzik ????

[@NikolaiPike]

17:13 Damn right I read all the credits! Nothing shall be left unseen!!! Love you too Ryan. Beautiful movie. Stunning from start to finish.

[@whitefantom]

Same here, and I caught that line, too. :-)

[@ayodeleawolalu]

Are you actually reading this. Damn right I am!!! LOL

[@MichaelPari]

lmao me too

[@JasonBubbenmoyer]

Me too! Also why was there a snake wrangler in the credits? Did I miss a snake in the short? Was there a scene with one that was cut? Or are we talking 'snake' as in a bundle of audio cables?

[@wes-hil]

Forgot I was watching this on youtube. Absolutely insane. Everything was so professional. The acting was great, the cinematography, lighting, and storyline were just superb. I felt so drawn in, especially into the flashbacks, they lasted the perfect amount of time to make you forget about the "now" then spit you right back out. Amazing well done to everyone that took part in creating this.

[@shane8109]

It looked good, sounded good, the effects and color was great! Looked like a hollywood film. It just lacked anything that gave me any emotional attachment. I love you work and will continue to watch film riot

[@ElliotRuddy]

I felt the exact same.

[@MathiasLienTV]

I’m so glad that everyone isn’t jerking Ryan off in the comment section because this film gave me absolutely nothing. I didn’t care about anyone in the film. Good action needs to be earned with story and character development. I get that Ryan most likely knows what kind of film he is making, you can’t please everyone, that’s fair. But when the comment section is filled with people saying «great story», that’s somewhat provoking

[@skygeorge3638]

THANK YOU! I now watched it a few times, because i thought i didn't get the story... But it is just very weak in my opinion. The main character ends up in pretty much the same position as she was at the beginning. Then there was a lot of action (wich was very well made! - but it's just cool shots that didn't add anything to the story really) And flashbacks. And Ryan already answerd me this question on facebook, but i still keep saying it: Does the "A-story" really need those flashbacks? And the Mother character was kinda unrealistic (what mother would leave her daughter (with a gun) while there's an unknown man in the house?) Like I said before: Maybe i just don't see the genius of Ryan yet or i'm just dumb, but i still don't think its a good story... ps.: This is NOT hate. this is just honest critique.

[@scott_pinzon]

Hi SkyGeorge, your comment does read like honest critique but I respectfully disagree. I found the story emotionally affecting, and [SPOILER ALERT] the adult lady's anguish in her action sequences were fully enriched by the revelation that in her initial experience with firearms, she accidentally shot her own mother. IMHO, there is some weakness around WTH is going on in the world building logistics: why are these people apparently locked into their own house? What is the deal with the countdown on the phone, which apparently determines the length of your life yet is somehow resettable? It's not a perfect film but for a budget film I thoroughly enjoyed it, and frankly thought it beats half the Netflix originals.

[@richardadesmond]

Yeah, exactly, lacked enough context to know what is happening and why it all matters, doesn't escalate. The setup with the mother is pretty much meaningless to the overall story. Had this been about her sacrificing herself in some way and struggling to do that, then the flashback might make sense being there.

[@jeffr7752]

Ryan, it's 2021 and I just saw BALLiSTIC after all these years. Needless to say that this was superb. I'll definitely check out the making video. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@blabblo7324]

went into the lounge, middle of the day pulled the curtains, popped this onto the chromecast, and marvelled at it in glorious 4k.

[@he.smile_]

My favorite notification of 2018.

[@jereseilo9714]

Agree

[@bogashyam4743]

Me to

[@D4Darious]

You definitely nailed mood, tone and atmospher Ry-guy!

[@AldinPereira]

D4Darious yeah it's visually capturing... Me sub to U♥

[@awesomeminingwizard]

Hey it’s Darius Britt! I’m scrolling through and I’m like hey I know you!

[@ShadowManV3]

YO its Darious

[@MrNobody-jl3jg]

D4Darious foooo!!!

[@aviralbissa3931]

UNSOUND was the epic one too brother....liked the both..the movie and making.... great work

[@TheTMax]

Dude, are you serious?! After 30 seconds in, I forgot this was on KZbin and wasn't a real movie! Amazing job. I've been following your channel for about a year now and only checked out the tutorials and advice videos. Now I get the pleasure of binge watching your short films 😄

[@televszn]

This is a real movie son!

[@TheTMax]

@@televszn Facts!

[@chadwin]

Very beautiful cinematography and worth the wait! Production value and sound were on point! After reading through the comments, it sounds like it ties into Proximity and Sentinel somehow, so that's cool! I'm not sure I get the story right off the bat, but I love the flashbacks and just overall pacing and style of it! Bravo!

[@Iamz123]

Has anyone else been waiting all day, just constantly reloading the FIlm Riot channel just to make sure your notifications didn’t fail? No? Just me? Hmm… Damn.

[@CineFuryProductions]

H&H Productions lmao you’re not alone.

[@Iamz123]

Thank god, I though I was iNSANE

[@cjkalandek996]

Well, your trailer did not lie. This short film really does blur the line between Independent and Hollywood films. You should be making feature length films.

[@HasanStudios]

Cj Kalandek i agree

[@lorenzomorganjr.6585]

I agree.

[@TrumptPking]

agree

[@ompatilebutale3908]

Agree

[@smithngoffinc]

I... AGREE

[@kebenanndavid3724]

Poor girl with the red shoes . She fought hard , deserves to be freed . Great work guys 👏🙌❣

[@marwan1414]

SENTiNEL had the hand thing with the countdown PROXiMITY had the one with the weird numbers on the ankles And BALLiSTIC had both. Also in the end the girl got captured, exactly how the guys from PROXiMITY were captured in the beginning So I guess it would make sense if stage 1 is SENTiNEL, stage 2 is BALLiSTIC, and stage 3 is PROXiMITY

[@filmjkk]

yeah, it was pretty obvious that Proximity is third stage as the bad guys are wearing the black t-shirts and the head sack thing was exactly the same worn for all the victims in Proximity.

[@MaxRovensky]

It’s all part of LiCU - Lowercase i Cinematic Universe

[@Ghostfighter3000]

Endix I think your right

[@nbpfilms177]

This movie gave me chills. Not because it was scary or anything, but because I have been watching Film Riot for years now. It's incredible to see how far you and your crew have come Ryan, and I am VERY impressed. I have learned so much from your channel from how to get stable shots to VFX and SFX. I'm so glad to be able to say that you are my biggest inspiration. Gj -Nico

[@randomyoutuber463]

Nico's Films still don’t have a good story or villains

[@RudyAyoub]

17:15 "ARE YOU ACTUALLY READING THIS?" lol Ryan love u

[@RudyAyoub]

I doubt many will haha

[@1Latettaja1]

@@RudyAyoub Wow, what the hell? This is one place where I didn't expect to see you at.

[@leslassiter6378]

Which means that you actually read it, lol.

[@garygrasser]

Outstanding work from Josh Tessier, Frank Ceglia .Steve Fuller, Todd Tucker and the whole Stunt Crew. The grenade finale was AWESOME!!

[@mutcholokoW]

Just finished watching and holy shit, Ryan! Seriously, congratulations for this, and I'm excited to watch your first feature on the movies

[@Fate_Media]

My guess is, sentinel came first. The guy in that woke up and then had to fight off the space ship so I assume first in the story. And then it has to be ballistic next as it’s during stage two. That leaves proximity which makes sense to be last as you become the hunter. And as the main character sort of stopped the cycle in that, it makes sense to be last. I watched the flashbacks again but I can’t see a direct link to the main story. My best guess at the overall thing is that aliens bombed earth (as seen in the flashbacks) and then they force the remaining humans into some game. They choose the hunters and they have to kill the other people. The other people have to survive through each stage to stay alive altogether. That is what I made of it anyway.

[@AlexLusth]

the tech in proximity looks way older then this though, that almost feels like a prototype version to me. I think they are in chronological order.

[@Bowske]

interesting point. well observed, sir. :)

You might be right because she gets the bag on her head like in Proximity

[@micahctv7546]

Flood Productions I thought that this would be first since it’s in a desert, caused by the nuke going off, and proximity and sentinel both have vegetation, making me think that they are the second and third, but then I went to the short films playlist on his channel and I saw that they re arranged the videos. Proximity used to be on the bottom and sentinel was somewhere in the middle. But now all 3 of these are on the top, in this order: Sentinel, Ballistic, Proximity. So now I’m on board with this.

[@Google-Account12]

Well it's not really desert. There are transmission towers in the background.

[@DillyBatProductions]

You always know some shits about to go down when the car has no licence plate! 😂

[@krishsoni9163]

Watch my short action film kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6a6lXShf9-JnsU

[@thevighkings]

I love this so much. The acting is incredible and thanks for sharing all the behind the scenes stuff as well. My favourite short film by far!

[@SilasWilloughby]

I have a new favorite cinematic universe!

[@MaxRovensky]

Silas Willoughby there’s no post credit scene though :(

[@SilasWilloughby]

Max true 😂

[@DEXKLANDEV]

Ryan I will be honest with you... You are the authentic reason why I am a filmmaker today. You have inspired thousands of people around the world. The reward coming your way will shock you, believe me brother. I will say thank you. God bless you and your entire team. Peace✌

[@calliecalliej.6431]

Kept me hanging on every scene and every action! Storyline, acting, set, choice of location, effects, cinematography....everything makes this well worth the watch! Awesome job!

[@Bodhi1satva]

Wish it was a regular full length movie after seeing this

[@kimberlyweldon9684]

Me too

[@ryanzhao4771]

Feels like there is no beginning and ending, just a scene from a long film. There are a lot of things not explained in this short, and hopefully they will be clarified in the other shorts in this cinematic universe.

[@LouiseJames]

Note the infinity necklace!

[@playboss7684]

he just want to show what the effect he use... they sell it...

[@benjaminalyk]

Oh my god that was incredible. I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL UNIVERSE YOU HAVE CREATED, RYAN!

[@he.smile_]

Ryan, I think you just made your breakthrough short film

[@he.smile_]

(I'm writing this halfway through)

[@CoffeewithCrew]

I agree

[@he.smile_]

(Update : I was right)

[@daverizz]

Yeah. That was awesome. Legit.

[@jackedtoeproductions3284]

does anyone know if there is a channel that posts videos so that they can receive a larger audience

[@XtraReal677]

This isn’t a short film, this is Masterpiece!

[@theemperor2017]

Trophy piece!

[@richardadesmond]

Looked great, story needed a fair bit of work.

[@fullframevisuals]

Damn, Ryan, this is truly amazing. You have managed to compress an extremly compelling story in these short 17 minutes, with beautiful cinematography and grading, stunning visual effects and amazing performances. Props to the actors as well, this was high-level acting, the goodbye between mother and daughter literally made me cry, which is unusual considering the little time we spent with these characters! Yes, there are minor flaws, as many other have pointed out, but I want to focus on this: Thanks for showing us what is possible to achieve with your kind of dedication. It is amazing to see the little empire you built with Film Riot over the years and it's extremly inspiring how far the entire crew has come! Love from Germany!

[@vegardpedersen]

Awesome movie Ryan!!!! At the end when we saw "Starting the Stage 3", I thought we were in the middle of the movie. It did not feel like 17 minutes at all because of the action. Very entertaining! :-)

[@darrylsmith3102]

Very VERY! Good. i like that you show Human Bodies flying around due to explosions. Definitely something Hollywood directors can learn from you. REALISM. Nice, Excellent work.

[@dragandragan]

REALiSM

[@QuinnFilmsBTS]

Wow this film is AMAZING!!!! if you told me this was some 200 million dollar Hollywood action movie I would believe you. Really well done!

[@nikhilchandra9258]

Plus side : the production values, stunts, effects, action. They are on par with Hollywood films made on hundreds of millions of dollars. Negatives : For a film almost 16 minutes long, it lacked an emotional depth. I didn't cheer when the bad guys died. I didn't feel like on the edge of my seat to cheer for Dana to survive. The techniques and effects are top notch, but the story needs to connect more.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

You gotta be kidding. dude. "Lacked emotional depth"?! You didnt feel anything when the little girl shot her mom by mistake? Check your pulse if youre alive

[@nikhilchandra9258]

calm down. I just said what I felt honestly. To be more clear, its a brilliant film and directed so well. In the short film realm, it has raised the benchmark of production. But Ryan could have done with a better writer. To begin with, I didn't know why the bad guys were trying to kill Dana? What was the motive of the characters behind their actions? And to answer your question, we know so little about mom and her daughter. There was a lack of character development there which would have enabled us to feel more for them rather than just watching whats going on. Who was the stranger, who was Nate? Okay, there was some sort of apocalypse, but what were the stakes? What is the cause and effect at play here? All I am saying is that 17 minutes were good enough for a significant character development to give more space to a normal audience who havent seen Proximity or Sentinel (I havent seen both as well as i just came to this channel) If you are going to be hostile to anyone who gives their honest opinion , good luck with that attitude.

[@whathappenswhen4767]

nikhil, dude that exactly what i thought. I was actually kinda cheering for the bad guys, cus i didn't like the protagonist.

[@exxeshauffen]

Agreed. I was getting bored towards the end.

[@medicalmaniacs4694]

Nikhil Chandra My opinion differs a little I have rooted for the girl but when she was hit like 3 times, I haven't felt a damn thing. It felt so mechanical rather than being emotional. the countdown timer did work as a driving force for the action scenes So when she killed those guys, it didn't feel real and Deep What i wanted to say is that those hits which she took doesn't feel real

[@psychokrusherstudios1457]

I like the black mirror vibe and the fact that is connected to sentinel and proximity, good job, congrats...

[@johnpaulcorton3205]

Ryan! It's time for you to make your feature film. Amazing!!!

[@jackedtoeproductions3284]

he really should

[@lachanhuddy6117]

Utterly brilliant. Relentless, gorgeous, brutal, impeccable, immersive, expertly crafted, superbly acted - there is nothing here to impeach. I knew Ryan Connolly was good. But THIS good? He's a master. So is everyone else who put their hand to this. I'm floored. 11/10 to everyone - EVERYONE - involved. Wow.

[@filmriot]

Thanks so much! Thrilled you dug it so much.

[@kilkennyvfx]

WOW! Really well made! I was engaged into the story the whole time. Nice work! :) and beautiful cinematography and sound.

[@WorldWideWong]

Anybody else getting a strong "PROXiMITY" vibe from this film?

[@krisfire]

World Wide Wong shared universe!?

[@DarkSoul-nz7xf]

It is a shared universe.

[@CineFuryProductions]

Yes I think the worlds have to be intertwined in some way. It was awesome either way though.

[@Jordan-xh7ds]

My thought is that “PROXiMITY” was the phase one that was shown on the screen at the end.

[@corygreaves1227]

I was about to flip my sh*t if I saw Todd at the end

[@NomadOverNormal]

Good film. I couldn't tell it was shot on a Canon until the end credits when you mentioned it. Great job, Chase. The VFX were on point, and nothing ever seemed cheesy as far as I can tell. Everything seemed rather photo-real. So great job Kramer and team! The video was visually very solid. A lot of amazing set pieces that revolved around showing off a certain special effect. The story fell rather flat, which in this case I do forgive. Clearly its meant to be a VFX showcase of sorts. The action chase scene has been the same story since 2008 KZbin. I wish we knew why she was being chased, and why I should care about the numbers. I'm assuming she dies when she hits zero, but I'm not sure the relationship between her and the iphone 100. Or what motives the guys have for killing her. The flashback scenes were all solid, but they didnt tie together for me in any way. I was more interested in that story line, but they felt like two different films entirely for me. I actually have purchased almost every behind the scenes package you've sold from your films, and I'm excited to buy this one as well. A lot of things I'm curious about. Good movie, you did a great job with VFX and making a show piece out of it. I'd really like for you to scale down a bit and tell a real story. This film feels like the most polished version of a typical KZbin filmmaker script. I don't mean it as an insult, even though I can imagine that hurting a bit. This was the same action scene as Proximity and I felt with 13 more minutes of running time I've learned nothing more about the characters than I did in the 4-5 minute proximity film. I'm excited to see whats next. As a fellow filmmaker that's directed a few Narratives in the last 1-2 years, I ask for the next piece to show directing ability. People in a room with conflict. Understanding and fleshing out characters that have impact on us. Ballistic is a great movie though. A fun watch, and I'm sure theres a lot of great tutorials to make out of this movie.

[@marcuswarren1320]

I just watched this again for the first time in years. Yep. This needs to be expanded to feature length. There's certainly enough of the untold story to flesh out, and this portion of the story is already shot and edited. You are ahead of the game.

[@morrisonben]

For those struggling to understand the story; this is what I *think* its about: Correct me if Im wrong but I believe they're in a time where nuclear warfare is something that is common or expected and the flashbacks are of a mother and her daughter as the blast went off - They end up fighting over a bunker and in the end only the daughter survives. The woman running from the dudes in the car graveyard is the daughter that survived the blast and ended up in some kind of program that risks her life and she managed to escape. This story is somehow linked with SENTiNEL and PROXiMITY (hence the lower case i's) but that I still dont understand. Personally I think its really well written, it just takes some thinking to understand. I cant wait for the next short! :)

[@filmriot]

Yep!

[@morrisonben]

Film Riot Yay! Now how is it linked to the other shorts? Or will all be revealed in the next one? ;)

[@cspectorcapguninc]

Wait... if they are all connected... then PROXiMITY was phase 1 due to the ankle bracelets and SENTiNEL was the start of stage 2 due to the countdown clock on the wrist.

[@triggeredcheese1260]

So that's right? It sums it up for me too!

[@randomyoutuber463]

Qilt don’t know if the story is original

[@ScottSullivanTV]

BALLiSTIC Explained/Theories Dana completed Phase 2 in this film. I'm assuming Phase 1 is what Justin went through in SENTiNEL. Phase 2 is what older Dana went through (as seen in the film). Phase 3 is was what happens in PROXiMITY with the anklets. But, Todd's character from PROXiMITY came back as one of the baddies, AND Justin plays one of the baddies, so is that Phase 4?

[@CineFuryProductions]

Scott Sullivan Ryan and team should know they did something right when you have fan theories circulating. This theory is interesting and I’m gonna rewatch them all now lol

[@OfficialTornadoboy]

Scott Sullivan I think phase 3 is what Todd when through, only cause she has a bag over her head like in Proximity and the guys I believe were wearing similar outfits

[@ScottSullivanTV]

Tornadoboy - But they couldn’t remember anything about what happened or how they got there.

[@ZachTigue]

Scott Sullivan I think she was heading to the PROXiMITY plot line from here.

[@thomaszinicola7610]

This is actually a really awesome theory

[@rbb27898]

Congratulations Ryan! Can’t wait to see a feature from you in the future. You’re a huge inspiration and I wish you the best. With love from Ireland 🇮🇪 x

[@IndigoRootsBand]

jeepers kreppers that kept me in suspense the whole time..now I can't sleep!

[@filmriot]

Thanks for watching!

[@SpilledPaintProductions]

Jesus, you guys are such an inspiration. Best short yet. I hope to someday come close to this excellence. Film Riot Forever!

[@GY6vids]

Well Done!!! So many try to make a short film...few succeed. I'm impressed and just wanted to let you know that what I just watched requires a TON OF TIME and Patience. WELL DONE! -Andrew GY6vids

[@CarDetailing4Life]

This is the only short film that I want to see what happens next.

[@danilo_z]

HOW did I miss this for almost 3 years? DAMN, son, this was amazing!

[@RayleafMedia]

I've been a film riot fan since the beginning of the channel, but I have to agree with the others. That this one is a top notch short film, almost like a clip from Hollywood big productions, from the cinematography, directing, editing and all that kind of stuff. But the STORY, the connection I can't feel it. There are lots of questions that until the end of the film haven't been answered. Even the "title" itself is puzzling, except the fact there are guns and stunts. Still, will be forever fan of Film Riot and the crew! Cheers!

[@askeen8796]

Im very upset about that cliff hanger. I loved this too much. I need a feature length!

[@tagunprice9762]

Sentinel is stage 1. Proximity is stage 3. just look at their cloths and the bag they put on her head at the end.

[@noahanthonysarabia]

Dude I never thought of it like that! That makes sense why in Proximity they have numbers on their ankles too @@tagunprice9762

[@randomyoutuber463]

Ninja Dominator yet there is no story

[@ProductionCrate]

YEEAAHHHHHBABY!!!!

[@TheDownUnderDudes]

Better 4 years later than never, I guess. 😅 "Mr. Connelly, we've got Netflix on line one, they would like to speak with you about making a movie..." 😍🏆🔥

[@MaxRovensky]

PROXiMITY, SENTiNEL, BALLiSTIC - are all part of LiCU - Lowercase i Cinematic Universe

[@maboyles90]

Max I hope this becomes a thing. Long live the LiCU!

[@BrittPot]

ok

[@velhu2988]

The performances in the flashback story are some of the best i've seen on youtube, and the action is great

[@echoproductions7919]

Ok, this was related to PROXiMITY and SENTiNEL right? The arm, and the leg?

[@JosueLemus]

Yes I believe that, cool I'm not the only one.. they have to be related..

[@sauce8277]

Echo Productions Yup

[@SilasWilloughby]

Josue Lemus they must be

[@SilasWilloughby]

Ankit Kulkarni I don’t know, I would think so. But maybe he wants to save it for a feature...

[@busterscrugs]

I love when the creator shoots/renders the video in an actual cinematic aspect ratio instead of just adding black bars in post. The amount of shorts I watch on my 21:9 that are letterboxed because of this is ridiculous lol

[@shamgartruth1449]

With indies pumping out this type of quality, excitement and excellent story craft, it should be an inspiration. Holly Wood is no longer the de facto deities of film. Bravo!

[@DullTorpedoFilms]

Ryan is an expert at making films in which a lack of contextual information improves the quality of the story. Although I think Proximity was superior, this was a fantastic entry and kept me gripped from start to finish. I'm left with lots of questions to ask, but in a good way, as in I'll come back to these stories to try to piece together the overall story. It's very rare to find a storyteller with a talent for such a technique these days.

[@InceptiveDOP]

New Movies: VFX, Explosions, Fighting, etc. Old Movies: Storytellers IMO older movies I remember Because of the story and relationship built with characters. Now a days it’s just 90% VFX and forget what the movies about! Film Riot good job man. Nothings perfect and that what you have to appreciate. If you guys sharpen up your story....this will go from 1 - 100 real quick

[@TheGeorgeD13]

Inceptive Studios, not even remotely true. You must've not lived though these "older movies." 99% of the movies made back then were just like what you say about "new movies." You're completely full of it.

[@InceptiveDOP]

George Daugherty it’s my opinion. And this conversation would be a walk in the park for me. You seem like you know a lot. How much films or projects have you created? Can’t seem to find anything of yours.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

It's not a matter of what you have made. That's irrelevant to this discussion. I've been watching movies for over 50 years, man. I've lived through that so-called golden era that you put on a pedestal. I've watched a LOT of movies then. Most movies were mediocre like most movies are today. People like to pretend things have changed a lot for the worst, but in reality, very little has changed. I'd argue today is the better age to live in. But we only highlight the great films of the past. In 30-50 years from now, people will be saying the same thing about today and saying that today had great storytelling and now it's all shit in the future. Why? Because only the great films will stand the test of time. I hate to use this phrase, but back in my day, I would say I saw 5-10 great films a year. Today, I would say that I saw 10-20 great films a year. The main reason for that increase is because more movies are being made nowadays. You can say it's your opinion all you want, but that doesn't make it true. Putting the past on a pedestal is not only stupid, but also dangerous.

[@InceptiveDOP]

George Daugherty You have an opinion also. It’s not a fact lol. I’m a filmmaker and after tens of thousands of hours filming I can tell you that the new era not only learned from the past but were inspired by it. You can’t be in the bleachers telling Lebron how to play ball because if he put you on the court you would have a whole different perspective. From my standpoint and a filmmaker in the field I’m going to have a complete different outlook. I love having opinionated conversations but not being patronized by someone who’s never even produced one film but thinks they understand it b cause they watch a lot of it. You got balls I’ll give you that but if we had a convo in person your head would start spinning if I had to break down what makes a film to you. Anyhow have a great day!

[@SeekingMediaProductions]

The action choreography is improved from previous outings, but the storytelling is an issue. Flashbacks are only effective if they clearly connect the present and past storylines. I like the production that went into this (Cinematography, Stunts, Practical/VFX, and Sound), and even though the script needed more polishing, the direction is pretty much solid.

[@justinlorence8151]

They were clearly connected. The lessons her mother taught her in the moments before the explosion clearly correlated to her actions in the present. She used the experience in the past to fuel her actions in the present. She learned from her mistake as a child that cost her mothers life and learned not to hesitate thus saving herself.

[@JulianClarkFilms]

Justin Lorence except she failed at the end. So character starts in danger, runs from danger, almost overcomes it, but ends up back at square one. Not much plot happening here. But it’s an action short so it makes up for that with stunts etc. Would love to see what Ryan could do with a great screenplay.

[@erictheviking6773]

Most short films try to have character development or a backstory shoehorned in and it fails. I thought this one was decent so that’s quite a feat.

[@justinlorence8151]

Julian, its okay for a character not to win and still learn something in a story. Also I would argue she does win, the main antagonists are the hunters and she defeats all of them. The ending is more of a cliffhanger to get you asking questions and start theorizing about what this whole Universe is.

[@justinlorence8151]

Also its a 17minute action short, the character development is as simple as, she made a mistake as a kid that got her mom killed, she uses her mom's last words to save herself in the future. If Ryan had the budget to make a trilogy of features about this universe I am sure everything would have more context.

[@gordonslightandsoundllc5878]

Someone want to explain the ending? Are there other chapters to watch? Well done, I was totally into what was happening, now I’m just aggravated. What was the clock thing? What did that mean? Who were the people after her? Why was she in the trunk? Who was the guy driving and why did he have her, where was he going? What is the story?

[@CJDExplains]

Very nice job everyone. The pacing was pretty amazing on this one.

[@MikeOzmun]

Well, Film Riot was fun while it lasted. If you want to see content from the Conollys from here on out, you'll need a ticket at the megaplex.

[@MikeOzmun]

Meaning, your work should be on a bigger screen than my computer monitor.

[@ChristopherFraser2]

I don't understand why people can't seem to understand the story😂 Extremely well done, and probably my favorite short films of all time if I'm being honest!

[@rajeshwarsharma1716]

Can you please summarize the plot?

[@Srpremil]

@@rajeshwarsharma1716 The story is pretty simple but at the same time, they missed to add some visual clues to help it. It is a near future era where people needs time to survive and that is the roots of confrontation between citizens. There is also this parallel story of the protagonist origin with her mother struggling to get her to safety. The blurry part is that you don't really know the motive behind the kidnappers and attackers cause she is dealing with kidnappers and attackers at the same time.

[@mariataylor4397]

Rajeshwar Sharma yes that would be practical

[@rajeshwarsharma1716]

@@Srpremil thanks.

[@Srpremil]

@@rajeshwarsharma1716You're welcome brother

[@chandarkuniversesince2020]

This is not short film. This is feature film..... 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 super super What your hard work. hats off you director and team 🙏

[@Hazzardworks]

I feel like Ryan is has built an entire world with these short films. The lingering shots on her legs kept me thinking of PROXiMITY. I love that you left it ambiguous... it didn't feel like a cop-out. But now... A feature. Please? Pretty please? GODDAMMIT RYAN, PLEEEAAASSEEE?!

[@salvadormiranda4766]

Hazzardworks I was thinking the same, maybe proximity was the stage one

[@FILMLANDSTUDIOS]

Sentinel was stage one, ballistic stage 2 and proximity is stage 3! Think about it in the end when she gets captured the men are wearing the same clothes as in proximity!?

[@RodNaugler]

Also, its the same marks on their legs in both films.

[@xanderpost3542]

You’re on to something

[@RodNaugler]

My kids say sentinel is part 1...

[@kisherefilm]

Such a good film... watched it back many times! Ryan and his bro have given me massive inspiration over the last 5 years.

[@BrianMakesFilms]

This is definitely still my favorite movie you guys have ever made. Making films like this is why I got into filmmaking in the first place. Someday I'll get there.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

Ryan Connelly is better than Hollywood when it comes to films and Ideas.

[@sinosqi]

daaamnnn Andrew Kramer is lit

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

AMAZING !! Great story, acting, stunt work and direction. Kick ass action, and it kept me wondering what was happening throughout. Major props to the actors Hannah Ward (adult Dana), Kambry Musser (younger Dana) and Rachel Hendrix (Mother Sam).They added real depth to these characters that I haven't seen in a movie in quite a while. I was tearing up towards the end! I can't wait to see what happens in "Stage 3" :D Great job everyone!!!

[@filmriot]

Thank you! So glad you dug it!!!

[@exxeshauffen]

What was the story?

[@exxeshauffen]

Film Riot I still love you guys, not the way you think though... I'm talking sex.

[@viljamipaimen7703]

Dan Lord So has there been a stage 1?

[@Ben-fq1lj]

l loved ballistic and appreciate all the hard work that went into it. I'll have to watch it again, but I still think proximity despite not being the best production value compared to ballistic, was my favorite short Ryan's done. I think what made proximity work well, despite not much to go off of, was that the beginning was slower and gave us more time to digest and contemplate what was going on. In ballistic, while it makes sense after pausing, thinking, and rewinding, the initial watching of the movie was hard to keep up with; doable, but I wanted to stop and rewind. Again amazing job Ryan, this was hollywood level! If you listen to your fans educational criticism, you will no doubt continue to grow and make amazing content, I'm sure of this!

[@timothyparsons4072]

love the mood, and really nailed tone, and not that I'm here to judge, just thought you might like the feedback. I love the action scenes and the amazing editing through them, but I really didn't care about the character in the actions scenes, I hope I'm out numbered here and that most people connected to the character. I just felt like it was action without reason, there wasn't really story to the action, and I didn't understand the importance of the flashback scenes except that it was her moms "keep moving" that inspired her to survive at the end, during "bad guy monologue". I think tho it was paced amazinigly, it felt like a 5 min film and I loved the bomb explosive scenes, fucking amazing. I hope you aren't discouraged by this comment or think that this is everyones opinion, its just mine. anyway HUGE FAN and will support you in anything. Def impressed by the filmmaking in this one.

[@crossnetworkllc]

No, you are absolutely correct in your assessment. I literally was more invested in the comments below than the characters.

[@DrRussell]

My sentiments exactly. The production was so good yet I did not feel a connection with the character. It’s not a gender issue; e.g. watching Ripley in Aliens was gripping and engaging. I wonder if it was because the stakes were too obscure; what was the timer and conjunctival injection issue? Why were the guys shooting at her? Why was she shooting at them? Perhaps the flashbacks could have informed us? I came away feeling stupid; the opposite of dramatic irony I suppose. That said, let me be clear; the production quality was incredible. I am so many orders of magnitude below this level of skill and am fully aware of how poor my videos are.

[@haroldriverofilms]

Amazing short film. The little girl is a great actress. I enjoy watching this film a lot!

[@murasaki1177]

The little girl did a good acting, I am so overwhelmed by your work, FILM RIOT thank you so much for the inspiration.

[@SammyBFilms]

Exiting, and well made. Amazing job guys! Can't wait to see what stage three brings. :-) And even though the 17 minutes flew by, the pacing was on point! Good job!

[@OneCheapEric]

BUT WHAT'S STAGE THREEE!!!!!

[@callmesyr]

CheapAssReviews I'd say : Sentinel = stage 1. Ballistic = stage 2. Proximity = stage 3.

[@jayaddison5332]

I’m guessing the other film PROXiMITY that they made

[@NeologicStudios]

Full-length feature film ;)

[@Filo_Red]

The next stage is using the capital "i"

[@AsherSmithFilms]

fer real!

[@priority-1]

BEAUTIFUL on my 21:9 monitor! Wonderful ... everything ...!

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

In the words of Wheatley from Portal 2: "Oh, nicely done!"

[@adzaaahhh]

Liked this alot, but raises more questions than answers, definitely needs a part 2 at least

[@loop5720]

Adam Sherratt It literally does......And I hope there'll be one

[@Hangs4Fun]

you mean a part 3 ;-) (going by the countdown timer and how it ended Stage 2 and Stage 3 had just began) ;-)

[@CR-hq1uz]

I think this is your best short so far. The dialogue is distinctly you. I'll admit I didn't believe the little girl's performance. The production value & fx are impressive, but one thing to consider is, if you're looking for studios or others with clout to see your work & want to give you a shot, I think they're already used to seeing high production value. What's going to likely make someone want to back you is something that moves them or shakes them to their core emotionally. That's what lasts. High production value and cool vfx are easy to come by & even easier to forget in modern cinema.

[@novaphonix8284]

I have seen your other short film Proximity, I have been impressed by the quality of the plots, storylines, acting, and cinematography of your shorts. I hope you keep up the great job, and keep delivering great film shorts!!

[@cnote9958]

Well done! The only problem is....... it’s only 17 mins! I want more,much much more!

[@SebastianSchachner]

I didn't understand it. But the vfx were amazing

[@RayLandStudios]

That was MAGNiFiCENT

[@stranjahtingz]

Holy cow this is so good I would realy want to see this as a huge movie this is so good 😮🎉❤

[@YuriPalma]

Well, first of all let me say that I absolutely loved the short in terms of cinematography, color and directing of the action scenes (expecially the one wiith the grenades, that was amazing), but I'm gonna make some constructive criticism hoping that you'll take it as that and not as hating (because it surely isn't, that was one of the best shorts I've seen on YT). What I found was that the protagonist lacks a bit of backstory, that would make you much more interested in her actions. The flashbacks give little to no information on her, they just provide an explanation on why she decides to act as she does (which is great, because otherwise it would be just meaningless action, but I feel like it's not enough to make me, as a viewer, care for her). For example, the scene in which her mother leaves her in the past, is amazing and heartbreaking if taken on its own, but I really couldn't feel dragged in because the reasons for doing so weren't clear at all (a man in the house that we don't know nothing about, a plane crash that once again we don't know nothing about, and what her mother means by "keep moving"). Then again, it was really entertaining to watch, and I would really love to see what you could do with a great script.

[@echoproductions7919]

The Protagonist was the littel girl form the begiinign if U'm not mistaken.

[@VXDRG]

I agree

[@shirosenshiesq]

Translation: "I don't understand basic story-telling drive, so here is some bitching."

[@azumafilms3839]

I have too agree, you have a WEAK Story with great Action and Special Effects. I you would be better at being a DP or 1st Ac and then maybe a cinematographer on a bigger budget film. What is Story? If you had a better one this would be a FIRST Class Pilot episode that Streaming services would be banging down your door for. The Audience is just thrust into the 10min mark of the film. As a Storyteller I try to hide my hate for 1st ACs who think there Director's and worst yet SCREENPLAY writers. ( No person in their right mind would say words to the little girl if their is a person down stairs rummaging about for fear of that person hearing them ). 😞 85% action 15% story is what I see here. But as far as you leaving scripts alone and concentrating on. VFX and DP stuff you are well on your way.

[@shirosenshiesq]

Fucking lol. I went to check out your content, since you're a master film writer and director, and absolutely nothing on your KZbin account. Maybe come back and critisise when you've got the chops to back it up, wee man.

[@fotoworkshop_stuttgart]

Super good execution. The geek in me Loves the blue flares.

[@MrAbhi0991]

Things i didnt dig: 1. Bad guy's performance 2. Gun she was shooting from, it felt light and cheap when the man in black picked it up 3. Thats it Other than that I loved it. The tone and music is absolutely epic. Did not realise where those 15 mins went

[@filmriot]

For #2 - that is a real gun.

[@MrAbhi0991]

Its not about what it was, it is about what it felt like to us. That is what you taught us using different sounds for different things in foley and more stuff like that. It didnt feel real. Also i just want to point out that i absolutely loved the behind the scenes video. Give us more of those

[@DocBree13]

amazing casting - in particular, both Danas were amazing actors - and they look so much alike!

[@coolcam055]

IT'S HERE BOYS

[@bobjacobs8643]

Ryan: When are you finally gonna make your first 90min movie??? I've been watching you guys since the beginning, saw you grow over the years and I think you're ready.

[@Srpremil]

Checkout this link on a filmmaker reaction to BALLiSTIC kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWq0aZhraJd0iZY

[@jakehuss899]

For the first half I thought the guy with the beard was josh🤣🤣

[@thejuniorseas7683]

DjJAZZYJABBA I was thinking Arris!

[@ZachTigue]

DjJAZZYJABBA lol Josh got murdered with a rock in the Film Riot Cinematic Universe already. If the FRCU doesnt get a t shirt, im gonna be mad

[@damonecox3295]

THAT. WAS. DOPE!!! You killed it! Now I gotta watch the BTS of this cause I have to see if I can get to this level one day. Great job!

[@valleyfilmsuk]

YASSSSSSSSSSSSS Legit shouted this out loud in a supermarket

[@wayneg2139]

Great little flic, makes me want more. Wish it told more about what was going on. Very well acted.

[@EricChesek]

Yeahhh I'm gonna need BTS as soon as possible.

[@iliazbektashmatov8066]

definitely me too.. BTS pls..

[@MichaelPari]

Eric Chesek same

[@jackedtoeproductions3284]

seriously... I wanna know how they did the effects

[@sanjes24]

I just loved the shocked look of the last guy she killed. Great short movie!!