No Neutral Ground (2008)

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.

[@director2bob]

You should win an award for best short film. That was so intense. I am blown away.

[@cafecorali]

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!

[@flashpointbravo]

I cruise KZbin everyday and I just now had this pop up. Outstanding film! Please continue!

[@1DRIPSTER]

Excellent! I love these military short films.

[@Bizarro88]

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,

[@sairraj8040]

+Nick Erickson Good Job Nick!

[@JoshBoss92]

+Nick Erickson Pretty good for a project! Did you manage to talk to any vets to see how snipers worked in country?

[@bobsullivan5714]

+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.

[@isair81]

+Nick Erickson I don't know much about film-making (okay, so basically nothing) but this looks impressive as hell!

[@im.azeembhatti]

+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

[@beardo52]

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 !

[@theroraseasala1216]

Beautiful motivation 💪👌may God bless you

[@JJAkerman-nx9xc]

What makes this (well written, produced and acted) film so emotive is the juxtaposition of compassion/empathy versus survival.

[@Goblinjimmscave]

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

[@Rod1Malkin]

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!

[@dgelectricalegineering82]

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.

[@mouhamedgamal3859]

مغارة الدم

[@sasanka6959]

පලයන් යන්න

[@woofna1948]

Great job on the film. No score and less talk = more tension and the silence speaks volumes all by itself.

[@Sionnach1601]

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-bw9bn9rb3m]

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.

[@JSmooove]

what's up with his grip @5:34 ???

[@aerex6810]

Some people hold things different than others.

[@Cirphrank]

Left-handed.

[@waleednaqvi]

I have subscribed your channel and looking forward for more videos like this. Awesome story and direction. Love it. :)

[@paladinsix9285]

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.

[@captainscarlett1]

You must have joined when you were 12. BS.

[@miketaiwanwalkcity6355]

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?

[@newestmovie7569]

your work really makes me want to watch it again, thank you for your work

[@BadsouvikBadsouvik]

Hii bro

[@MrMartianinvader]

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!

[@BadsouvikBadsouvik]

Subscribe🙏 kora diya chi tmi koro

[@nickdragon3266]

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

[@godsplaninteriordecor7309]

Can't get tired of this film

[@lupoinmaremma]

congratulations, high quality on every level, i hope you go on this work greeting from Italia

[@johnhenderson2930]

Thank you for sharing your passion with us. I really enjoyed your efforts here. Really, thank you.

[@jsw060943]

Fine piece of work. Good story, beautifully filmed. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[@Shack263]

I love these shots at 5:02. The composition is really good and the sequence is readable. It also feels unique.

[@masolino616]

The quality is so high, good job !

[@barbelmeister]

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.

[@killplayer0148]

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!

[@jamesgordon1949]

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..

[@Sionnach1601]

I know!! It's so good, that I too thought it was MEGA budget!!

[@kzanonymscatalyst2196]

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.

[@uniform72]

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!

[@cocaina93]

Short, psychological and well played. Well done.

[@Dadaaaally]

Jjhh

[@MrCk1234567890]

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-ot2px]

Thx for this message

[@etildawanniang761]

Because he fixed silent

[@rockstarJDP]

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.

[@tac-cobserver3788]

"you run, you will only die tired" Cool short movie, Awesome 🤙

[@sgtcojonez]

That was pretty good. I thought up until the end that this was an scene from a feature length movie.

[@eltonkastri3624]

Nick thats its story of my life. Thanks man.

[@johnc6738]

Never leave an enemy alive at your back

[@SheWhoPlays2]

Never disband a standing army

[@afghanistantv3075]

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

[@afghanistantv3075]

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.

[@tayyibkvlogs]

@@SheWhoPlays2 So why you are leaving Afghanistan, coz you are coward, Long live Pakistan, Long live Afghanistan , Long live Islam

[@kartikeyarathore9704]

@@tayyibkvlogs World's problem are not America's problem

[@rugponggrachangpun2709]

Nice film, good picture, well scenario. For me, there could have been a question left, why the snippers leave the man left?

[@southernstyle228]

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.

[@miketaiwanwalkcity6355]

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?

[@brysontheghostgaming9218]

this was awesome amazing and intense shows how one decision can have a big outcome

[@ryanrobison7250]

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.

[@rollinmckim4719]

Decades from now....... We will hear instead of Big Foot....... Monsters in Guillie Suits. THANK GOD FOR THESE HEROES !!!!

[@dwaynehagle7445]

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.

[@akrapovix6614]

Wow. This is a masterpiece.

[@andrewbright5603]

Hey excellent job--- I bet you learned a lot and that's what is important for your next film...keep at it!

[@aussiewatchman8112]

That was fantastic. Hate that wobbly camera work style it had on a few occasions but amazing all the same.

[@vasilebratu9487]

Gcgvcr

[@jeredatwister]

qual o nome do filme?

[@amaiah4dad]

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

[@mindpoacher5041]

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.

[@thetemplar8695]

Agreed. Former sniper and sniper team leader. Good focus on the basics and possibly the mindset.

[@josephtorres6740]

Well done need more!

[@cankfy]

Güzel bir kısa film olmuş. Teşekkürler. 🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷

[@maskaleynne]

Finally learned a valuable lesson....never leave anyone alive.

[@vasuvasu4121]

correct

[@stemart1641]

Good fun watch. Thanks. Nice Aussie outback. I heard a crow early on in the piece.

[@robertotroillio1599]

Nesses casos não pode ter misericórdia porque é você ou seu inimigo

[@lemmon1997]

라이언일병구하기를 보고 많은 고민을 했습니다. 적군병사를 살려주는것이 맞을까? 아니면 사살하는것이 맞을까?

[@SONGSTICKS]

Very well produced, hard hitting short film.

[@EskrimaTiger]

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.

[@arnoldel1474]

+EskrimaTiger that is one of the reasons why this is a shit movie. Not realistic at al.

[@MrAngry3232]

+Arnold El It was filmed by students at university dip shit! It is pretty damn good!!

[@arnoldel1474]

WJ Cooke if you find this good, then you probably dont know enything about snipers en how they work

[@MrAngry3232]

*****+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

[@MrAngry3232]

+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.

[@e_o7736]

whos watching this 2020 like me

[@dhillan7140]

Crunchy

[@sayligupta9506]

Hii anyone seeing this video after 10 years

[@JOKER-su6px]

me😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@vickysahu9579]

Yes

[@ernestwatson8493]

I'm impressed,very impressed.

[@ColTravis]

Excellent short film! Keep up the good work.

[@BrentoyyGG]

I was 3 years old when this film is made

[@bambino100011]

Now I wish this was a full on 2 hour movie

[@BikerDaveBlade]

Thank you for sharing

[@Mycomania69]

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.

[@Mikeca300]

Good movie! I wish it was longer.

[@Atarigaming1]

شو اسم الفلم

[@saiijax]

This was awesome man good job!

[@ranggamaulanaaa4326]

WormE y

[@anomalyp8584]

This is golden!

[@stuartkcalvin]

Nice piece, thanks.

[@ENOT_ISMAEL]

Como se llama la película completa de este video??

[@perpetualconfusion5885]

This is beautiful nice work

[@soldtobediers]

First Casualty of War... is Dignity. -former recondo sgt. ''rock'' 82nd abn. 1718

[@LodymeVlog23]

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💚❤️💙

[@avrahamgoldberg9731]

I noticed echoes of Saving Private Ryan and Lone Survivor in this film. Nice.

[@biomatengu1511]

I love this,It's so amazing.

[@larrylmo6199]

Bio mateng

[@6346n]

Well done! I expect to see more.

[@CriticalGamingYT143]

I thought it's a movies short clip really nice

[@user-cw1xo5lf9f]

The first 6th and the other hand

[@pakistanipatrioticsongs1468]

For the best Pakistani patriotic songs please subscribe my channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4mrqn2DZ9CXpNU

[@jamesherman1350]

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.

[@rajeevprabhu6722]

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.

[@rickyryanray2677]

“What do you think that guy did?” Just moments after you see someone beaten and shot right at the doorstep of his tent....

[@mithupradhan3961]

I love this movie,,,

[@kevinphillips150]

The only thing either sniper should feel, after eliminating a target, is recoil.

[@JohnAdams-mu7xd]

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-mu7xd]

@In the process damn well said brotha

[@bibekgadal9193]

Awesome....work!! Just speechless

[@JSB103]

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.

[@stephenkagirijr6088]

😂😂😂

[@mr.mubin__3741]

i

[@HsingSun]

@2:13, what was this, shot one, not other?

[@AirPurifier724]

again, I watch this movie

[@michaelndunasibanda5329]

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

[@TheFinalRevelation1]

Excellent

[@bithmanyiethmalual3814]

Am appreciating u so much

[@juliocesarlima3383]

Qual o nome do filme?

[@mikemul3893]

yeah, sometimes you are the Dragon, n. e. d.

[@ASHISHKUMAR-od5fk]

Fabulous short

[@kuppullani7173]

Что за фильм?

[@11skyy11]

9:26-9:50 "No need to run...you will only die tired".

[@spooky4124]

Pretty nice, mate!

[@mandeepbhowmick5219]

COD🔥

[@somebloke3869]

Hard to hear, perhaps subtitles so the snipers can still talk quietly.

[@Jaydon05]

Wow! Awesome short film!

[@Cri-sti]

"If you don't let them die, they not gonna let you live" - Anonymous

[@Shah-uf4yv]

If u don't kill them they won't kill u.. But if u kill them they will not let u live...... USA has been defeated,..because they messed with wrong people......far more better than films.

[@miketaiwanwalkcity6355]

Good quotes

[@bigchazgaming6302]

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...

[@keerthigiridhargoud313]

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-qo8xe9is2c]

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.

[@daltonwilliams8272]

@@user-qo8xe9is2c my thoughts immediately when he doesn't duck and run

[@KendallPhillips89]

He knew he was had

[@sweetmariz2870]

He know that he is not in danger its obvios😊

[@georgii9567]

War, war never changes.

[@Eflatmajor7sharp11]

Gripping. Senseless. Excellent.

[@user-mq2pg3kv8w]

شنو اسم الفلم 🤷🏼‍♀️؟

[@user-kn2qj3jd8k]

فہٰاطہٰمه فہٰاطہٰمه حتى انا اريد اسم الفيلمً

[@user-zy7gd5fr1v]

فاطمه لازم تحبين هيج افلام