Tearing Apart My Old Short Film

[@MattMarra94]

Losses is actually what really pushed me into making my first short film, I was like 17 and this film made me realize I could do this too. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for this film.

[@filmriot]

That’s so great to hear! Very glad it inspired you, that’s always the hope.

[@Ma20102]

I love that Ryan is as critical of the movies he makes. It makes me realize that, when it comes to art, every artist is their own harshest critic.

[@masterlifeandlove6757]

Ma20102 an artists work is never done. Always something else to do 😥

[@BloodyMunchkin]

Ryan laughing to tears is what keeps me alive.

[@Skully]

Losses remake? Maybe?

[@RobotRebelCinema]

Hell yea, that would be dope.

[@CK-ceekay]

Even just a scene to show how he'd do it properly

[@TheBaesment]

Now that’s an idea!

[@SylarzProductionz]

We gotta keep liking this till Ryan sees it!

[@HUCRECELL]

I just think about that idea, that will be awasome.

[@RudyAyoub]

"Why does he look like he just came from abercrombie and fitch" im fucking DEAD

[@woodwayfilms]

I started watching this channel when losses came out so it’s nice to see how much the channel has grown

[@RobotRebelCinema]

Haha Same

[@jasonwalton6311]

I completely disagree. I can understand your thoughts on the camera movement and having more detail or depth in the background. But for a no-budget/ low budget film, this was great. I remember when you released this film, and this was a major accomplishment, and had great DIY lesson for the film riot community. I still aspire to create an action sequence like this. So, if this is crap to you, my future in film is screwed..lol.

[@filmriot]

Thanks man. I don’t think it’s crap. Just being hard on myself in hopes others can learn from it.

[@bhanulakshman7963]

Oh man u red my mind. I have kinda same feeling though.

[@dennishp]

When Ryan criticizes his short film and im like "Man, that was a great short film. I didnt see any flaws" And i realize, "He is the boss." Thanks Film Riot for sharing some of your Film making techniques. Shoutout From Davao, Philippines

[@JohnSullivanFilms]

To this day. I’d love to see a Losses 2. Like after all these years. With all the resources you guys have. And with all the experience. I am sure you could make something amazing! But everyone has to come back! Everyone that has been featured in film riot over the years. Like an Avengers Endgame type of film.

[@maxpalombella11]

The sign of a great film maker. Looking back at his work and going WHHHHHHYYYYY. Remember when Losses and it is so cool to see how far those Connolly boys have come! Congrats!

[@AustinThomasFilms]

I cracked up at you getting cracked up by it! Seriously though, my favorite part of Losses has always been that fist fight between Josh and the other guy, I still think it's pretty good.

[@Comedyschule]

me too

[@JohnSullivanFilms]

Do a sequel! It's been requested since you released this years ago. Lol.

[@calvinmusquez9162]

You should remake losses as a demonstration of how much you’ve grown as a filmmaker. I think it’d be a cool demonstration.

[@WatchThatFirstStep]

There were some good critiques of Losses, however, the overall review wasn't particularly fair. Or objective. For instance, Ryan hated the camera shake; he shot the scenes and now appears to come from the stance of what he would've done differently. Whereas when I initially watched Losses I thought the hand-held camera movement was purposeful, adding to the unsteadiness of the situation and conveying a balance of control and chaos during the gunfire and fighting scenes. Losses incorporated film techniques Film Riot taught prior to it's release and inspired even more lessons after. Viewers can dissect parts of the short film and find referencing material on the channel to learn how to do it themselves. Was there room for improvement? Yes. But that's the case for all works. What I liked about Losses was the very clear message: Hey! You can do this too!

[@joe.mccord]

Ryan cracking himself up was the best. A pure genuine soul this man. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and experience with us through the years brother!

[@Diecast-007]

Your the best ryan, you are soooo down to earth, tearing down your own film, which I understand what your saying about it but I loved it and still do, but your own growth and the way you see this now but you make it so fun bro. Your fantastic

[@dmattei760]

The fact that you just referenced "Touched by an Angel", lol. Someday losses will be on the Hallmark Channel for all to see.

[@isaiahkazarovich]

I remember watching “Losses” in high school and thinking, “Man, I hope I can be as good as this one day!” Haha I still love the short. I love even more that Ryan was willing to point out the places he would improve it now that he is more experienced. An episode like this one really helps pin-point those little details that separate a professional short from an amateur one.

[@connornyhan]

I still kinda like Losses.

[@connornyhan]

For what it was, it was okay.

[@filmriot]

Thanks man!

[@d4mdcykey]

@@filmriot ~ Despite your thorough roasting, I STILL really really like this Short, man. In hindsight, yes, shortcomings and flaws, but as others have mentioned in these comments, this Short is one of the very first ones that got me absolutely hooked on the entire genre on KZbin. At the time, I thought it was one of the best examples of action I had seen and sent the link to a shit ton of people; it will always have a solid spot in my memory.

[@Randuski]

Yes!!!!! Please do more of these 😁😁 I've wanted you to do this for so long. I always love your critiques 👍🏻

[@ryangelder3240]

In a way, this made me realize that we truly are our own biggest critic. A lot of the things you mentioned I would've never noticed or even thought twice about. It's inspiring in a way to know that everyone picks their work apart to this degree. Great video Ryan.

[@RajveerDhanak]

Despite really enjoying this video, I still love Losses. It inspired me to make my first action film, and it continues to inspire me today (even after watching it a million times). :')

[@MeerkatChris]

I still remember back when this first released, and obsessing over all of the BTS stuff you guys did for it. Believe me, as much as it hasn't aged particularly great, this was an inspiring little short film at the time to us younger film making wannabes!

[@johnathangarcia6129]

That scene of the guy walking out the door and getting hit right away was too funny 😂

[@emilyriskas6606]

I think this was the first short I ever saw of Ryan. It’s crazy to see how far he’s come!

[@bit-lq2iu]

6:44 Man I just love your laugh Ryan Even though that convenient moment was there, I still enjoyed losses :D

[@filmriot]

Thanks!

[@bit-lq2iu]

No problem man

[@AlexPower]

This is not that old,but I hear you! I hate watching my old stuff and all the mistakes.

[@FULLofJOHN]

I totally remember this film when it was new! Glad to be an OG fan.

[@johnd2631]

Ryan - you are light years ahead of me right now. I was extremely focused during the short and never saw the things you mentioned. Just thought it was A+ great in my book. Much better than a number of Hollywood films that I fell asleep in. It was a great story and worked for me. Nicely done.

[@NewVillagePictures]

I still think a sequel to this would be so dope. It doesn’t have to be long or terribly complex, but especially since Josh has a beard now and is ripped, it would be such a cool story. He has been on the run ever since, some Jason Bourne mixed with your amazing skill now in filmmaking!

[@stephenbloom2058]

Your personal growth and talent has been interesting to watch over the years. Losses was the first of film riot that I found on youtube, all those years ago. You should be immensely proud that even after your present critique....it showed folk can tell stories and share your processes with limited experience and $$$'s. I think this 'film' still holds up as fun entertainment, as it did then. Keep presenting to the beginner that they can do more without all the great toys you have today....AND maybe you can give us some short, cheap humor pieces we all grew up with as you all grew up.... My best to your future big-time success....I'll be watching.

[@LeviMorganFilms]

Film riot is literally my favorite KZbin channel! They literally taught me everything I know about filmmaking. I now do freelance videography and am gearing up to shoot my first feature all because of you guys! You inspired me to create a KZbin channel and document my progress as a filmmaker and hopefully do you somebody else what you guys did for me. If would love some support/advice. Thanks so much.

[@dannymendiola]

This is really illuminating for the many many people who are very critical of their own work, because 90% of all the critiques mentioned in the video I would've never ever noticed if they weren't pointed out. It's always interesting how the creator and the audience experience things so differently

[@jw_film]

It's always good to look back honestly at what you've shot and to see how far you've come. Thanks for sharing Ryan.

[@unexplainedoccurrences]

Great video... Your honesty, and the fact that I've made so many of those "mistakes" myself, had me laughing along with you because I could relate to it so much. I think this video alone is something all film makers of every level should watch, to help them avoid the pitfalls, then they should watch "Ballistic" to see how far you have come, it's a brilliant film. Great video, thanks Ryan.

[@stefansender2634]

Oh, I'm so glad to see my suggestion for Suggestion of the Week actually becoming Suggestion of the Week, I'll be showing this episode to my kids and their kids. Thanks Ryan! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheTitanGen]

Could you do a video explaining what are good ways to put something in your background so its not something like a blank wall?

[@gamedesignwithmichael]

Sat down after work and watched loses and this video on my TV. Was dope. It would be cool if more of these happened.

[@johnpatterson3108]

it is so cool to watch works you been making long time ago, then you can see how better you've become, extra ordinary feeling, was nice to see your emotions. I am wishing more of these moments. I am happy that nordvpn is sponsoring my favorites.

[@TheAdeybob]

even as a non-filmmaker, I thought this self-critique was pretty bloody good.

[@bluegoth7038]

Id love to see more of these!

[@Chandler_Goodrich]

11:02 Does the audience really need to know who Tod was talking to, though? I think explaining that would be unnecessary. I mean, I'm nowhere near as good a storyteller as Ryan, so if anyone could elaborate on that, I'd highly appreciate it.

[@jimkoral3824]

This short actually has very good lighting and color grade. If you had a full-on grip and electric crew grip it would be excellent.

[@kasperstenbom]

I was around when Losses was released! Love it that I’ve been following you guys for such a long time ❤️

[@FilmProductionLLC]

My man, we learned more about how to make a good film from all the mistakes in your film than any other film class.

[@kulmajaba]

Losses actually inspired me to make an action short way back when. Looking back at it it's absolutely terrible, but I learned a whole lot.

[@XtrimStudios]

Lol... Critique or not... Losses is one of my favourite short film you've ever made... I so much love it

[@Magictrickslol]

Despite it being rough, josh went all in man. What a champ.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Great vid Ryan. I liked losses,esp. the kinetic feel of the fight scenes. Todd's acting was amazing too.i agree with you about the camera moving, but I think it really works during the fights.Good job man.👍👍

[@mdc07zilla]

Love this episode. It’s good to acknowledge how far we’ve come. Love your reaction from the dude coming out.

[@fostej99]

This is so strange, I was literally just watching Losses for the billionth time lol

[@Lololoshka223]

omfg SAME!!!

[@kennynguyen2460]

Love your work when it is good, love it even more when it is not and you explore it.

[@ChrisButel]

Hey Ryan. I remember watching Losses when it came out and I love how much you guys have progressed. Love you. Love film riot. Can’t wait to see what’s next. 😊

[@JRinneFilms]

I remember watching Losses years ago and I really liked it :) But even back then I was thinking that you should have ended the film on that really cool cut of Josh pulling the trigger instead of having the last shot of walking :D This was so fun to see you critique your old short-film

[@j4v-cyberpunk-music]

The paper clip is a safety pin needle that the victim used to open the hand cuffs, wich would not be possible with a paper clip, and than uses the sharp pin head to hit the guards arteria at the neck which is a bleeding that is most difficult to stop. Who wrote that script, please?

[@matthewpettipas8233]

Ryan, Losses is great. I wish my work looked half as good as yours man lol. But, I work with what I got, and do my best. Thanks for your channel! It helps me out a lot as a filmmaker.

[@efnick96]

Damn I remember watching it for the first time back then and loving it .You have evolved so much. Keep it up

[@TodessternNews]

Still loved it. The last scene did a really great build up of tension, I loved that scene.

[@zteam1000]

This is honestly really encouraging. I feel like all my ideas will turn out cringey. I just need to realize that I have to be cringey before I can be good.

[@tommology4267]

It'd be really interesting to see you remake this short film, see what you can do with this concept but with the knowledge you have now.

[@BrianMakesFilms]

As a viewer, I didn't notice most of what Ryan hated about it. Good reminder - if audiences are entertained a lot of the technical imperfections we hate as artists are forgiven.

[@ArchIVEDCinema]

This video inspired me so much when it came out! I couldn't wait to go out and make a video exactly like it! Looking back, it is some pretty cheesy action, but I still love it. Plus, the fist fight definetely still holds up!

[@dylanhale7300]

I don't know why you're being so damn harsh on yourself. This is still better than most films any average person could do on an average budget. Which is what you were at this time... Remember you only had 3 days on set if I remember right, and you weren't even supposed to have firearms here. You had a borrowed camera you were not familiar with, very little in the way of budget, and yet you still managed to tell a compelling, albeit light story

[@felixxmu1967]

Maybe he's harsh, because he now knows better... the Audience is in for good Entertainment, not as us freaks who watch first the bts and know all the issues and difficulties. I personally (as such a bts freak) found more flaws on the intention/workouts of the fight-sequences... as the sound or the shakycam (witch is for me normally an absolute scenebreaker...). I 've watcht the fistfight over and over and found some 180° issus without reasons (except that it shows the effect to me). But overall and on the first watch I was entertained.... good job Ryan!

[@Antiganos]

The better craftsman doesn't limit critique to any context, nor compare their work to that of anybody else. Instead, they judge their work for what it is, especially with film. You can't pop in to every theater in the world and explain your circumstances, and by being "harsh" on your work and judging it by only it's inherent value, you can gain the most out of it. It's the best way to learn, compare yourself to no limit, and you will find none, compare yourself to others, and you will always be at the same level as them.

[@lewissison6557]

You have to respect a man to recognize his flaws. Respect 100+

[@themovementcreations]

He didn't disturb you today? You are very lucky, and I think he noticed that you needed to have some fun. The is awesome, keep it burning.

[@tss3393]

For as primitive as this may seem now, you can really see how much of a precursor this was to things like PROXiMITY and BALLiSTIC-really, the whole "i" trilogy. You guys have come a long way from this starting point and you should be extremely proud!

[@aguynamedme7760]

ME: I know that if I work hard and keep studying I can make an awesome film like Losses Ryan Connolly: Lets talk about how much losses sucked

[@textman4164]

2:56 a paperclip to get out of the handcuffs

[@JoeShmoeDulay]

LMAOOOOOO when Ryan starts laughing

[@TimeCodeMechanics]

I wanted to Josh to do more action. He was really good. I would've bought a feature length DVD of this.

[@nictheartist]

You guys did a great job considering your age at the time, and the severe lack of budget you had there. Still, fascinating to see how you feel about it now. I always felt the last scene between the two characters needed a camera lock down after the super kinetic fight scene. This is actually the film I found that lead me to your channel.

[@twanduvigneau5809]

Oh boy, who remembers when they released losses!

[@audunystgaard]

Please do more of this

[@projectoriginality79]

Love this video. I even liked losses and would love to see a remake. Also love that Ryan critics his own films. "Bad guys look like they work at the mall" 👌. Adding improvements to the last fight scene, also amazing. Why i love film riot to begin with

[@LawtonMeyer]

I love videos like this, even if it's not a critique just general commentary is always interesting. I think with ballistic because of the resources that went into it and the precision of the crew, etc. any issues are probably more subjective, but maybe in a few years or after your first feature you could do the same thing with that film. Just to keep seeing the progress.

[@DangerousMuteLunatic]

Losses was the shit back when it released, for me at least. Kept thinking about how I wanted to shoot action (then, of course, never actually doing it). I’m working on the first horror short I’ve ever done with actual other people working on it now, and I’m super excited.

[@afilmmakersjournal8256]

Ryan belly laughing at his own work is everything.

[@jacobspeeds]

6:44 i couldnt stop laughing...felt like i was in the same room as ryan and having the conversation lol

[@Flash007b]

Hey, he said the name of the movie! - Peter Griffin

[@I._I.]

I really love this short film. I've learned so much from it

[@arnoldsherrill6305]

I don't blame you for laughing now that you look at the film again ,I can understand your reaction to the mistakes, but when you look around the mistakes what is there is genius .I am speaking for a lot of your fans when I say we can't wait to see what else you and your crew put together ,and please do ballistic stage 3!!!!,we want to be entertained, and see the end of the most amazing series. Thank you again for all your hard work especially your crew and cast including yourself.

[@DavisInDuval]

I loved this when it came out. I watched it multiple times. It's still not bad!

[@bendoleo]

I think the first problem with the movie is that the title did not have an “i” in it

[@HEROLUGOFL]

Jackson Long W

[@thenikhilray99]

iLosses?

[@christopherkosakowskifilms]

RIP to Losses, you roasted it to shreds... Also, I NEED SOMEONE TO CRITIQUE MY SHORT FILMS LOOOOL

[@wrightexe1]

Small Town Cinemas I’ll do it, just tell me which one(s).

[@christopherkosakowskifilms]

wrightanimations Thank you so much! I’d love to hear some advice on how I could improve my most recent work, “The Therapist”.

[@rightree3791]

Hi! I hope you're having a great time! Here's what I thought about your film. 1. Overexposed. There are few scenes overexposed (especially the scenes in the forest) and it caught my intentions. Could have been much nicer if they were not overexposed. 2. Too much noise. I know it's at night and it should be dark, but you can still use some light. That digital noise was little bit too harsh. 3. VFXs. You did quite good job but there are some points you need to improve. At least we don't want to see that oddly feathered masked images. 4. Cinematography. It's quite bland. But I guess it's low budget film so you filmed in just someone's house didn't you? Than it's excusable but it could have been much better. 5. Editing and directing. I don't want to blame actors. I guess they don't do acting as a career(maybe your friends?) But what I miss is that you, as a director and editor, should take their talents out as much as possible. For example, that gagging after drinking potion seems like burping. You could have filmed and edited with much faster pace so we can feel the intense feeling. That was critique so i wrote down some points which can be improved. Disclaimer: i'm not expert, i'm just a douche who loves videos. So take this like viewer's perspective. And as a critique, i had to pin-point the underwhelming parts but i actually liked your film! As myself who's really struggling to finish even a script(yeah it really kills me), i think you are awesome to finish writing, shooting, editing etc. And there are lots of scenes that i liked! That fight scene was quite on point, mate =) it wasn't cheezy at all. So keep up!

[@christopherkosakowskifilms]

Rightree Woah! Thank you so much! I definitely understand some of your suggestions, especially the overexposed nature of certain shots. In terms of cinematography, I would love to hear some specific ideas as to how to create more exciting shots. The suggestion about editing will definitely help me in the future, I never thought about cutting earlier to embrace the feeling of nausea. Those were the points that really stuck out to me, however all of your critiques are awesome to hear, they’ll help me grow as a filmmaker, so thanks again!

[@julianlippkefilms9547]

wrightanimations Hey, would you like to give feedback on my short film as well? It's a german psychological Horror/Mystery and I'd love to hear a seccond opinion from you 😊 No worries: There are subtitles and there is not much spoken word at all.

[@JSHFilms]

This is awesome! So glad you did this video Ryan!! :)

[@Timmmmm42y]

I wish there were more of these online

[@Rand0mguitarcoverS]

Remember when this one came out, it was honestly the best thing I saw at the time and I wanted to make something like it so bad

[@TempestFilms]

Still better than mine lol. I see some problems here that I would know to avoid like the annoying jitter, but overall, yeah better than my stuff.

[@audunystgaard]

Was about to suggest you to do this some time ago. Very informative.

[@744Dragon]

I liked this film good work make another one

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

dude, I don't know a whole lot about filming, but a paper clip was dope! It's movie magic, just go with it. I thought it was dope!

[@MichaelTaylorFilms]

You mention things being shot against a flat background, but what would you do to make it less flat? Add physical props into the scene, lighting? :)

[@ShaggyMummy]

11 seconds in and its already my favorite new series

[@twanduvigneau5809]

Awsome episode Rian! Would love more of 'em! :)

[@caden-reynolds]

Ryan's laugh is so contagious good lord

[@cayetano2240]

losses is very incredible prove of acting and directing my best compliment

[@NakshatraRoy]

Come on! Those shaky camera shots is what ADDED that TENSION!!!

[@Dave-zv3lp]

“HeY gUyS wHaTs GoInG oN hErE??” Classic line.

[@MadMojo]

I am really wanting to try my hand at a short film. What equipment would you recommend having? And how did you get the blood splatter, smoke, etc.

[@theamericanaromantic]

The biggest critique is that there isn't really a story there. I gaurentee if there was an actual story there and not a situation those technical issues would mostly melt away. Either way, respect to anyone who makes film. It's not easy.