A beautifully shot film that’s authentic and has integrity. Authenticity is important as far as the look of the film.

This is a very powerful film. It is gripping, moving, and explores in-depth the scourge of youth violence, particularly in urban areas, and the forces that drive it. The message of growth and reconcilation comes through strongly at the end, leaving the viewer with a feeling of hope that violence can be harnessed to make this a more peaceful society. 

FADE TO BLACK -The Trigger Effect

The Boston Herald

James Verniere

Film Critic

 From –James Verniere, of the Boston Herald in an email to bill.single@gmail.com

Mr. Singleton,

 Just a note to tell you how impressed I was by your and Mr. Bailey’s film “Fade to Black: the trigger effect.” as David Klieler says on your website, it has that lived in quality that gives it complete credibility.

But it also has something else. While I have some reservations about the screenplay, you tell the story amazingly well with the camera, and some of the performances are terrific. Filmmaking is in large part the art of telling a story with pictures, and you and your colleagues have a talent for visual storytelling that should be cultivated and will be rewarded. I don’t know what the next step is for someone like you. But you can be very proud indeed with what you have done on this budget, and I’d like to encourage you and your colleagues to continue to nurture your talent and allow it to grow.

 So many young filmmakers have the fancy degree, but they don’t have anything to say. You and your team have the skills and a passion that will inform and enrich any kind of film you make. I’d love to see you make a Boston-based romantic comedy, for example.

Good luck and thanks for the screener.

James Verniere

From: “Wildcard Pictures”

Subject: WILDsound Film Festival – FEEDBACK of your film

FADE TO BLACK

Took a hard look at this film. It’s got a lot of special things in it.

The main problem with this film is that it’s too BUSY. TOO busy in that it’s giving us too many storylines and plots. The filmmaking style doesn’t work either. Jump cuts, flashy camera angles. It’s too much.

“…That said, there are some genuine moments in this film. Amazing moments actually”.

To clarify that last point, storytelling is all about PLOT, THEME and CHARACTER. You’ve given us a story that’s important plus very universal and catchy. You’ve given us characters who are real human beings that most of us know.

ALL THAT SAID –

I think this film could work online.

Thanks,

WILDsound