MAKING MOVIES
I've worked on several animated movies and when I was in high school and college shot goofy kung fu movies and stuff but really making a movie ( not that animated films aren't real you synical types) thats a whole new ball of wax that challenges your film making shot creating core. I've been fortunate to have been able to shoot two live action short films and have learned tons from each one. "VIOLET" I got to direct that. And I just finished shooting "TRIFLES" I was DP on that with some-well lets be honest-lots of help from my good friend Peter Sohn who knows his lights.
Trifles is Directed by Pam Walker based off a play that she adapted. SHe directed the stage play and loved the material so much wanted to shoot a short film. So she asked me if I'd DP. I said yes then called my crew from violet right away- Sohn and Patrick James. Pam got a great crew together everyone from Pixar- with the help of Sabine Koch (producer) and the set was run like clockwork by Stacey Hendrickson (first AD). The actors were great and we shot the film over three consecutive weekends.
The story is-in a nutshell- about some farmers wifes who solve a mystery their husbands can't. It's a real good piece and it was fun to shoot, moody and creepy. I dig it. You learn a lot shooting on a set being restrained to three walls, you put to use all you know about creating images when you're actually physically doing it. Its not easy. And I highly recommend it.
So here are some stills I took while on set.
We shot on High Def video with the Panasonic HD 24p and rented a lens package with 5 lenses from 18 mm to an 85 mm and also had the Fisher Dolly. Awesom Awesome Awesome. Made shooting so much fun. You could do almost anything with that awesome machine ( starting to sound like Micheal Bay). I highly recommend dropping the 3g's a day and rent one for your short film. heh heh
Of course this is the movie I'd prefer to shoot. heh heh
Well, maybe next time. I've got an idea for a WW1 short I may be persuaded to do. Looks like its time to sell some stock.
MANDREWS OUT
posted by MANDREWS at 8:09 PM
10 Comments:
Mark,
That's cool. Let me know if the short's going to make the festival rounds ... and if the writer and crew are interested in a little publicity -- even if it's just for a few blogs.
mnmears/Leo
p.s. Congrats if half of what I recently read about John Carter of Mars is true. I can't think of another studio that will create a film as fantastic as Pixar will from the source material.
mnmears------ I sure will. As for the rest i cannot confirm or deny any involvement at any level.
sean-----I second that!
Mandrews out
Congrats Mark! Those stills look really cool. Don't know where you find the time and energy to do all this extra work. It's inspirational man!
Mark!!!
I heard about Violet and always wondered if it was available to watch somewhere in the web.
Since Pixar is venturing into producing live action films, will they make a tradition of showing live action short films before the actual film, that would be neat!
Glad you're directing more films! In an "Colossus" interview you said, if Colossus was to be adapted for film, you would rather have it be live action instead of animation. Is it for the sense of realism?
Take care,
Sant
Mark,
I wasn't seeking any confirmation or denial -- just know that I trust you and the storyteam at Pixar to create screen marvels from even the skimpiest of ideas and the source material here is great.
Also, I just heard about Justin -- my deepest condolences to his family (kin and extended relations at Pixar). You've lost too many talents way too young.
Enjoy the journey ... for some it's far too short.
found this post just in time. I'm in the process of planning a film for next year, reading is really helpful.
I'm just starting the research and working out the art direction. Pre-production is looking to be fun.
I may be picking your brain a bit.
danscanlon----- energy isn't a problem, TIME, thats the trick and it helps when the wife says its cool. I owe her big time.
Sant----- Not available yet. i should put it up on you tube or something huh. As for 'COLOSSUS' to do it justice- ie have the intensity it needs- it has to be live action. Theres no way I'd be able to do a pg13/ R rated version in animation. alas.
Mnmears------I know you weren't I was just funnin' ya. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Yes Justin was to young, everyone is reeling. Live now, live for now, you only live once.
gemini82------Pick away man!
Mandrews out
Hey Mark,
Good sir I've been checking out your blog for some time now, and I must say you're work is inspiring in the greatest sense of the word. I just recently got into storyboarding and your passion for storytelling is contagious.
Live for now indeed.
JL
Awesome, man! I love the bed shot. Very German.
All these behind the scenes type of post makes for very interesting reads.
The last two gun pointing photos are so cliche but always cool. Hahah.
Post a Comment
<< Home