Wednesday 30 November 2011
Thursday 24 November 2011
And Starring...
Here's a pic I found of the one and only helping out on the set of a teenage help hotline commercial through Calling the Shots. I was camera assistant but they needed a couple more cameos so I was back in school for the day.
Sunday 13 November 2011
Philip Bloom
His Website couldn't be more helpful. Check out his stuff for any sort of camera help!
http://philipbloom.net/
http://philipbloom.net/
Wednesday 9 November 2011
I'll Be There
I shot a music video a couple weeks back and I'm onto the process of mixing animation with live film. Thanks to Jimmy Wheeler the video is close to done.
Check out the comparison between my drawings and what Jimmy is animating.
Animation Stills
Check out the comparison between my drawings and what Jimmy is animating.
Animation Stills
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Steve McCurry
Stumbled across Steve McCurry's art exhibit in London yesterday. His stuff is truly the best photography I've seen when it comes to portraits and color. Check his stuff out if you get the chance:
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Sunday 13 March 2011
Location Recces
The last two days before the shoot have been all about practice.
I've never been fortunate enough to have people put time aside to get all the minor issues out of the way before the shoot to save time for the actual shoot.
In the end, this will save a lot of time. Yesterday Mike, Adelle, Caitlin, Tom and I all went to Caitlin's house to run through all the shots needed in Will's bedroom and Audrey's house.
Mike and I would discuss the shots while Adelle wrote down the shots we finalized. Tom would be a stand in with Caitlin and also get an idea of lighting for the shoot. Caitlin made sure we marked down all shots and got the schedule ready for the shoot.
The whole trial was just what we needed. As the director, it was nice to be more involved in the camera and shots unlike Just Squeeze. Mike and I could take time to see what would cut well together and any other issues we could work out.
Then having Adelle break down the script and make the shot lists on the spot saves me hours of having to think in detail every shot. Where as it's all written down and makes sense quickly.
I was also glad to see how different Adelle and Caitlin's jobs are when they started working together. I was worried at first that one of them would feel obsolete on production but each one knows specifically what to do throughout the shoot. Caitlin also solved the problem of how she can be used to her best potential on production days and she'll accommodate actors off screen and prepare schedules for the following days.
Today Mike, Adelle, Caitlin and I went to the field to see what's possible for the snow scene. This will be the trickiest day of shooting. We basically have to figure out how to make a small square (50 ft. area?) look like a blizzard filling the whole field. Mike, as usual, came up with great ideas that should help things along. He thought that a lot of it could be burnt out if we film towards the sun. That way, the grass will look bleached white but also gives a dream feel to the scene. Also, if we put netting down, that it can catch the snow used in the foreground but also have flour in it. Also Will's pajamas might need to be brown instead. If there is a flash of green, then we can remove the color green, so if we change the pajamas then it won't take the color out of Will's attire.
The whole day is a gamble to be honest. If the weather is cloudy, that'd be perfect (besides a surprise snow storm, obviously) because depending on the sun, we have to film around how it moves throughout the day. Same with the shots, we can't plan until the day when runners are setting up otherwise it'll all change due to weather. So besides the 19th, every day is looking more planned than anything I've ever shot.
TOMORROW SHOOTING AHH!
I've never been fortunate enough to have people put time aside to get all the minor issues out of the way before the shoot to save time for the actual shoot.
In the end, this will save a lot of time. Yesterday Mike, Adelle, Caitlin, Tom and I all went to Caitlin's house to run through all the shots needed in Will's bedroom and Audrey's house.
Mike and I would discuss the shots while Adelle wrote down the shots we finalized. Tom would be a stand in with Caitlin and also get an idea of lighting for the shoot. Caitlin made sure we marked down all shots and got the schedule ready for the shoot.
The whole trial was just what we needed. As the director, it was nice to be more involved in the camera and shots unlike Just Squeeze. Mike and I could take time to see what would cut well together and any other issues we could work out.
Then having Adelle break down the script and make the shot lists on the spot saves me hours of having to think in detail every shot. Where as it's all written down and makes sense quickly.
I was also glad to see how different Adelle and Caitlin's jobs are when they started working together. I was worried at first that one of them would feel obsolete on production but each one knows specifically what to do throughout the shoot. Caitlin also solved the problem of how she can be used to her best potential on production days and she'll accommodate actors off screen and prepare schedules for the following days.
Today Mike, Adelle, Caitlin and I went to the field to see what's possible for the snow scene. This will be the trickiest day of shooting. We basically have to figure out how to make a small square (50 ft. area?) look like a blizzard filling the whole field. Mike, as usual, came up with great ideas that should help things along. He thought that a lot of it could be burnt out if we film towards the sun. That way, the grass will look bleached white but also gives a dream feel to the scene. Also, if we put netting down, that it can catch the snow used in the foreground but also have flour in it. Also Will's pajamas might need to be brown instead. If there is a flash of green, then we can remove the color green, so if we change the pajamas then it won't take the color out of Will's attire.
The whole day is a gamble to be honest. If the weather is cloudy, that'd be perfect (besides a surprise snow storm, obviously) because depending on the sun, we have to film around how it moves throughout the day. Same with the shots, we can't plan until the day when runners are setting up otherwise it'll all change due to weather. So besides the 19th, every day is looking more planned than anything I've ever shot.
TOMORROW SHOOTING AHH!
Thursday 10 March 2011
Getting There
Today was another shopping day to get all the minor props. A lot of the focus was on the warehouse scene. Caitlin thought it'd be a good idea to have open boxes of sweets to show more of the factory.
Later that day we went to the tv studio where we are going to film the sweets factory and Tom lit spotlights on boxes to give the scene more depth of field.
Thankfully earlier in the day Tom, Caitlin and I went to the scrap store to get the final pieces for the conveyor belt and the rest of the scenes.
The other step was getting hair dye for "D Day", when three of the five actors get their hair dyed.
Conner, who plays Will may dye his hair darker to bring a darker edge to his character, while Kate as Audrey will take her hair a shade darker to contrast her bright red clothing. Then, my personal favorite, Danann as Cary will dye his hair a Jim-Carrey-as-the-Riddler Orange. So excited to see it done! He's taking the biggest step by bleaching his hair first then dying it orange to bring out the brightest color possible.
Later that day we went to the tv studio where we are going to film the sweets factory and Tom lit spotlights on boxes to give the scene more depth of field.
Thankfully earlier in the day Tom, Caitlin and I went to the scrap store to get the final pieces for the conveyor belt and the rest of the scenes.
The other step was getting hair dye for "D Day", when three of the five actors get their hair dyed.
Conner, who plays Will may dye his hair darker to bring a darker edge to his character, while Kate as Audrey will take her hair a shade darker to contrast her bright red clothing. Then, my personal favorite, Danann as Cary will dye his hair a Jim-Carrey-as-the-Riddler Orange. So excited to see it done! He's taking the biggest step by bleaching his hair first then dying it orange to bring out the brightest color possible.
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Sunday 6 March 2011
Friday 4 March 2011
No more Warehouse
Mike, Tom, Dan, Caitlin and I went back to the warehouse to grasp how to light the area.
Things after off rough when we saw that there was no way to cover the lights, the place was full of windows that were way off the ground. This would cause the background to consistently change.
The entrance where we wanted to film would be used all day, so we had to change the location to a raised section of the warehouse. Workers would be laminating (causing a lot of noise) throughout the day.
Then we found out we'd only have the location on some random date for four hours. This just wouldn't work. Nothing was in our favor to film at this location. Although we found some great equipment on the top half of the warehouse, I made the decision to have the interesting warehouse gear sent to the tv studio instead of taking the conveyor belt to the warehouse to film.
This worked out perfectly, as Caitlin had already booked the tv studio for two days for our green screen stuff. Now we have as much access as we want in the tv studio, Tom can build the conveyor belt behind the studio and lift it right onto set, and we can control everything.
Plus, the van that we were going to pay 30 pounds for to ship the warehouse equipment said it would be an additional 200 pounds, which is obviously ridiculous. So we ended up saving a bunch of money on a moving van as well.
As time gets closer to the film dates, it's obvious that more cuts like this will be made to make everything easier and so I'm glad we came to this decision two weeks before filming instead of two days.
Things after off rough when we saw that there was no way to cover the lights, the place was full of windows that were way off the ground. This would cause the background to consistently change.
The entrance where we wanted to film would be used all day, so we had to change the location to a raised section of the warehouse. Workers would be laminating (causing a lot of noise) throughout the day.
Then we found out we'd only have the location on some random date for four hours. This just wouldn't work. Nothing was in our favor to film at this location. Although we found some great equipment on the top half of the warehouse, I made the decision to have the interesting warehouse gear sent to the tv studio instead of taking the conveyor belt to the warehouse to film.
This worked out perfectly, as Caitlin had already booked the tv studio for two days for our green screen stuff. Now we have as much access as we want in the tv studio, Tom can build the conveyor belt behind the studio and lift it right onto set, and we can control everything.
Plus, the van that we were going to pay 30 pounds for to ship the warehouse equipment said it would be an additional 200 pounds, which is obviously ridiculous. So we ended up saving a bunch of money on a moving van as well.
As time gets closer to the film dates, it's obvious that more cuts like this will be made to make everything easier and so I'm glad we came to this decision two weeks before filming instead of two days.
Thursday 24 February 2011
Just Squeeze
Directed my first film where I didn't write the script. What a great experience! Got to work with two actors from Will and the Worry Dolls and cross off a life goal of making a zombie film.
I love the idea of completely concentrating on the performances from the actors and how to bring the best out of them. I have been so motivated to direct other work I didn't write that I applied to direct a short film for Bristol's Christian Martin. The script is great and it made me realize, I can direct more because I don't have to spend the time writing the script! I find out this week if I got the job. Hope I get it, I feel there's a lot to it.
I love the idea of completely concentrating on the performances from the actors and how to bring the best out of them. I have been so motivated to direct other work I didn't write that I applied to direct a short film for Bristol's Christian Martin. The script is great and it made me realize, I can direct more because I don't have to spend the time writing the script! I find out this week if I got the job. Hope I get it, I feel there's a lot to it.
Cha-Ching!
One of three big donations from people in the States through Kickstarter for Will and the Worry Dolls
Warehouse Location
Finally have our location for where Will works. The warehouse is an old lamination factory that Tom used to work at. We are going to use the metal garage door to easily unload the conveyor belt, then cover it with cardboard boxes. Here are a couple photos:
Here's the rest of the location to cover in shots. Our biggest issue will be hiding the fact it's anything but sweets, so if we just show the back of machinery and other mechanical-looking stuff should give the sense of the location.
Here's the rest of the location to cover in shots. Our biggest issue will be hiding the fact it's anything but sweets, so if we just show the back of machinery and other mechanical-looking stuff should give the sense of the location.
Monday 7 February 2011
Will and the Worry Dolls Fundraising
If you would like to get a credit in my film "Will and the Worry Dolls" then don't be shy throwing five dollars my way on kickstarter.com
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1410298976/will-and-the-worry-dolls
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1410298976/will-and-the-worry-dolls
Friday 4 February 2011
Final Actors for Will and the Worry Dolls
It's official! We have our cast:
Conner Mckenzy is going to be Will.
Kate Davies will be Audrey
Dannan McAleer will be Cary, additional bright red hair will come shortly.
Alan Medcroft as Donnacha.
James Foster is James, in full Worry Doll clothing.
Conner Mckenzy is going to be Will.
Kate Davies will be Audrey
Dannan McAleer will be Cary, additional bright red hair will come shortly.
Alan Medcroft as Donnacha.
James Foster is James, in full Worry Doll clothing.
Friday 21 January 2011
Auditions 2
Another group of actors came in today for the roles of Will, Cary, and Audrey.
The guy I had written Will for and who had been on board since the beginning had to drop out so I've been looking for every actor to do both the Will and Cary roles for the film.
We had a lot of hopefuls for Audrey this time. 3 out of the 4 auditions were for Audrey and two of them are going to make it hard. Caitlin and I have decided to have 2nd rehearsals because it's been such a tough desicion and have the girls do their lines with people we are considering for Will. At this point, Conner is looking good for Will, because we have found a great Cary today.
Oddly enough, he's an American and brings that Mr. America/ supehero feeling to Cary. He is also so energetic, he comes off mad, which is perfect. So I think he will be perfect for the role of Cary. It starts to get exciting to see actors feel out your script and has given me a lot of hope.
You always worry that it will come out weird when your work is read, but it's great to see that people actually understand what the whole film is all about and the vibe to it.
Sadly, I can't focus on the film too much at the moment because a 6,000 word paper is calling my name.
Location hunting on Sunday but until then, VISUAL CULTURE IS DUE FEB. 1st!
The guy I had written Will for and who had been on board since the beginning had to drop out so I've been looking for every actor to do both the Will and Cary roles for the film.
We had a lot of hopefuls for Audrey this time. 3 out of the 4 auditions were for Audrey and two of them are going to make it hard. Caitlin and I have decided to have 2nd rehearsals because it's been such a tough desicion and have the girls do their lines with people we are considering for Will. At this point, Conner is looking good for Will, because we have found a great Cary today.
Oddly enough, he's an American and brings that Mr. America/ supehero feeling to Cary. He is also so energetic, he comes off mad, which is perfect. So I think he will be perfect for the role of Cary. It starts to get exciting to see actors feel out your script and has given me a lot of hope.
You always worry that it will come out weird when your work is read, but it's great to see that people actually understand what the whole film is all about and the vibe to it.
Sadly, I can't focus on the film too much at the moment because a 6,000 word paper is calling my name.
Location hunting on Sunday but until then, VISUAL CULTURE IS DUE FEB. 1st!
Thursday 20 January 2011
And the Results Are In.
And I got a 1st (a.k.a. an A) for my first semester.
Thank God, as I had put so much time into it. My evaluation paper didn't do as well, so it's kind of knocked me back a bit on getting motivated for my evaluation paper.
Anyways, today has been very productive. After my meeting I went into the retro lounge to have auditions for Chaz's film, "Just Squeeze". He's already signed Conner Mckenzy on board to play the main role of Gary. I had suggested Alan Medcroft, who's playing Donnacha in Will and the Worry Dolls. He came in and NAILED the role of the boozey lad of Danny.
Seeing them work together gave me hope that Conner will be a good addition to Will and the Worry Dolls too. The chemistry was hilarious and he'd make a great Will or Cary. Either way, I feel more confident as the cast and crew start to fill in.
Colan Belshaw is a determined 2nd year who's more than happy to do sound on my film, which I'm grateful for. Now, I just need a runner, Audrey, and either Cary or Will, depending on which role Conner fits better.
The second part of the day was planning out locations for "Just Squeeze". We have a huge crypt-like location under the church on Coronation Road. It was eerie being there because a funeral was going on above us. It was nice to understand the area a bit better and talk to John and Chaz to start to communicate with each other better. Some area of the location are too clean and need to be sectioned off to kill the massive echo. Besides that, it's perfect.
I am starting to finally get my head around "Just Squeeze" and my role in the film. It's so much more then directing. From re-writing parts of the script to placement of shots I have a lot of responsibility for this film now. With the last update of the script, I'm excited to become a stronger member of the team.
Thank God, as I had put so much time into it. My evaluation paper didn't do as well, so it's kind of knocked me back a bit on getting motivated for my evaluation paper.
Anyways, today has been very productive. After my meeting I went into the retro lounge to have auditions for Chaz's film, "Just Squeeze". He's already signed Conner Mckenzy on board to play the main role of Gary. I had suggested Alan Medcroft, who's playing Donnacha in Will and the Worry Dolls. He came in and NAILED the role of the boozey lad of Danny.
Seeing them work together gave me hope that Conner will be a good addition to Will and the Worry Dolls too. The chemistry was hilarious and he'd make a great Will or Cary. Either way, I feel more confident as the cast and crew start to fill in.
Colan Belshaw is a determined 2nd year who's more than happy to do sound on my film, which I'm grateful for. Now, I just need a runner, Audrey, and either Cary or Will, depending on which role Conner fits better.
The second part of the day was planning out locations for "Just Squeeze". We have a huge crypt-like location under the church on Coronation Road. It was eerie being there because a funeral was going on above us. It was nice to understand the area a bit better and talk to John and Chaz to start to communicate with each other better. Some area of the location are too clean and need to be sectioned off to kill the massive echo. Besides that, it's perfect.
I am starting to finally get my head around "Just Squeeze" and my role in the film. It's so much more then directing. From re-writing parts of the script to placement of shots I have a lot of responsibility for this film now. With the last update of the script, I'm excited to become a stronger member of the team.
Tuesday 18 January 2011
And... Back Again
After a week of jetlag and a massive hand in I'm back to working on Will and the Worry Dolls.
I had one final draft, just slight changes to make it feel more natural. Today I worked as a butler for Camille Brito's short film and saw a familiar face. Conner Mckenzy auditioned for Chaz Hood's short film, "Just Squeeze" which I'm directing in February. Chaz had nothing but good things to say about him and seeing Connor in Camille's film just proved his abilities again.
He enjoyed the script and wants to audition on the 21st or 27th. I'm excited for this, as he would be perfect for either Will or Cary. Seeing him gave me the hope that this film can come together and be good. It's motivated for a meaningful chat with Caitlin today and start to do more research.
I've already started to look at songs/ chemistry used with a ukulele. I love the ukulele in films and need to have it used at the end when the worry dolls make a band. These two examples are both sweet and lovely. Finishing the film in this tone is exactly what I want. Seeing the trailer for "Blue Valentine" even gave me new ideas on how to finish the film. I think I'll have the ukulele song continue while clips of Audrey and Will play to the song. Then at the end, it's revealed the Worry Dolls are playing the instruments. Look at the clips to get the lovely atmosphere I want:
I had one final draft, just slight changes to make it feel more natural. Today I worked as a butler for Camille Brito's short film and saw a familiar face. Conner Mckenzy auditioned for Chaz Hood's short film, "Just Squeeze" which I'm directing in February. Chaz had nothing but good things to say about him and seeing Connor in Camille's film just proved his abilities again.
He enjoyed the script and wants to audition on the 21st or 27th. I'm excited for this, as he would be perfect for either Will or Cary. Seeing him gave me the hope that this film can come together and be good. It's motivated for a meaningful chat with Caitlin today and start to do more research.
I've already started to look at songs/ chemistry used with a ukulele. I love the ukulele in films and need to have it used at the end when the worry dolls make a band. These two examples are both sweet and lovely. Finishing the film in this tone is exactly what I want. Seeing the trailer for "Blue Valentine" even gave me new ideas on how to finish the film. I think I'll have the ukulele song continue while clips of Audrey and Will play to the song. Then at the end, it's revealed the Worry Dolls are playing the instruments. Look at the clips to get the lovely atmosphere I want:
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