This is another piece of exciting news I have had recently.
A couple of weeks ago I recieved a call from a writer in London called Don McVey who was looking for a director for his feature film script, The Kelpie. He had sent the script out to a number of other directors who had taken an interest in it. I read the script and called him back immediately - I loved the story - it is based on the Kelpies, a supernatural race on the Isle of Skye and a family that live there.
We spoke on the phone at length about the project and I explained my ideas about it. He loved my vision of the project so after a while called my back and offered me the job.
He has several influential people on board, including actor Ford Kiernan who has a cast role as well as having offered help from his production company, Effingee. Angela Murray, a producer has also offered her services on the project. It will be very exciting to work with such talented and experienced people.
I will be meeting Ford, Don and Angela at Ford's house this coming Friday to discuss the next stages.
With this and 'The Secret Commonwealth' going on - I hope to be very busy and involved with film projects over the coming time.
I will keep the blog updated as things develop.
Saturday 26 June 2010
2 Seconds
As editor, I have very little to blog about to do with my experience of the end of year shoot so far.
I was brought on as stand-in boom op for the first day of shooting. The day went well and everything needed was shot. A minor slip-up held us back slightly at the beginning of the day but we soon caught up.
I will begin capturing tapes on Monday and will begin the edit soon after.
I was brought on as stand-in boom op for the first day of shooting. The day went well and everything needed was shot. A minor slip-up held us back slightly at the beginning of the day but we soon caught up.
I will begin capturing tapes on Monday and will begin the edit soon after.
EIFF 2010 - The Film Part
A Spanking in Paradise (Feature)
Now paradise this was not! An Edinburgh based film, the story of a brothel owner who employs his newly qualified lawyer nephew to work for him while he waits for his American Visa to be processed. I believe the tone was confused - it was supposed to be a comedy, however the subject matter was too serious to be funny yet it was too light hearted to be serious. The script, in my opinion, was badly written, full of constant swearing and one-sided phonecalls. It was also visually poor, bad camerawork and average lighting, and what can I say about the performances - altogether, not great with a few, again, average performances.
All in all, not a film I would recommend.
International Shorts 2: Little Earthquakes
This was a collection of international short films - to my surprise - I enjoyed every one of these films - however one in particular stood out.
A film called Echo by the Polish Film School told the story of a boy who descended from cold control into madness after he murders a young girl. I felt everything was right about this film, the pace, the tone, the writing, the cinematography, the performances - a really strong piece of work! The cinematography was bleak, mirroring the bleak landscape and situation of the film, it was paced slowly, no quick, fashionably dramatic cuts made popular by American cinema - it fitted the film, long, drawn out thoughts. The writing and the performances were terrific, the script was truly captured the destruction of the boy's mind - his descent. The performances are also truly worthy of special mention, in particular the final scene where the boy must confront the parents of the murdered girl. There is a deadly silence, unspoken shock between the boy and the girl's mother - no reaction from either until the boy releases all of his feelings in one uncontrolled scream.
Now paradise this was not! An Edinburgh based film, the story of a brothel owner who employs his newly qualified lawyer nephew to work for him while he waits for his American Visa to be processed. I believe the tone was confused - it was supposed to be a comedy, however the subject matter was too serious to be funny yet it was too light hearted to be serious. The script, in my opinion, was badly written, full of constant swearing and one-sided phonecalls. It was also visually poor, bad camerawork and average lighting, and what can I say about the performances - altogether, not great with a few, again, average performances.
All in all, not a film I would recommend.
International Shorts 2: Little Earthquakes
This was a collection of international short films - to my surprise - I enjoyed every one of these films - however one in particular stood out.
A film called Echo by the Polish Film School told the story of a boy who descended from cold control into madness after he murders a young girl. I felt everything was right about this film, the pace, the tone, the writing, the cinematography, the performances - a really strong piece of work! The cinematography was bleak, mirroring the bleak landscape and situation of the film, it was paced slowly, no quick, fashionably dramatic cuts made popular by American cinema - it fitted the film, long, drawn out thoughts. The writing and the performances were terrific, the script was truly captured the destruction of the boy's mind - his descent. The performances are also truly worthy of special mention, in particular the final scene where the boy must confront the parents of the murdered girl. There is a deadly silence, unspoken shock between the boy and the girl's mother - no reaction from either until the boy releases all of his feelings in one uncontrolled scream.
Wednesday 23 June 2010
EIFF 2010 - The Filmless Part
Edinburgh Film Festival has been the experience of a lifetime.... not only have I seen a vast range of different, unique and fascinating films - there have been a number of fantastic networking opportunities and the chance to meet a lot of fascinating people also.
On the first afternoon of the festival, I had arranged to meet up with the world class cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey, with whom my friend has been working with for the last few months and whom I had spoken to before through Facebook. I met up with him at his Edinburgh flat where, over lunch, we had a fascninating discussion about his work - it was truly inspiring to be around someone so talented and successful for that length of time!
Seamus has been our guide for most of the week!
That evening, Seamus invited myself, my friend Sian and other friend Matthew (who has produced a number of my film projects) to a drinks reception at the Hilton hotel in Edinburgh which we were told actor Brian Cox would be attending.
That evening we arrived amongst many talented individuals, filmmakers and actors alike. My networking senses most definitely tingling. Everyone was very warm and friendly with fascinating conversation. After an introduction by Seamus, I got to have a long an in depth conversation with Brian Cox - After complaining briefly about the cost of living in New York and the state of the film industry in general... he began asking about some of the projects I was working on -I described the idea of 'The Secret Commonwealth' - he loved the sound of the project and asked if I would send him more info as he would potentially be interested in taking a part in the project - of course at this, I jumped at the opportunity - handing over cards and email addresses etc. I had said from the start of this project that this very man would be perfect for one of the lead roles - Little did I know I would be meeting him very soon after that! I also had an interesting discussion with actor, Rhys Ifans about his recent work and his involvement in the festival - I found him friendly if not a little whacky! Although I did not get a chance to speak to him properly - I was also introduced to director Ken Russell who although appeared to have been suffering from ill health at the time, talked at length about the film festival.
The next day saw another introduction to a favourite actress of mine, Tilda Swinton. She was holding an event for a charity she runs called '8 1/2'. Because Seamus had just been working on a film with her, he introduced us and we got a chance to have a brief chat.
All in all, the week has been very exciting and busy, as well as the odd moment relaxing in the hot hot sun!
Seamus has been our guide for most of the week!
That evening, Seamus invited myself, my friend Sian and other friend Matthew (who has produced a number of my film projects) to a drinks reception at the Hilton hotel in Edinburgh which we were told actor Brian Cox would be attending.
That evening we arrived amongst many talented individuals, filmmakers and actors alike. My networking senses most definitely tingling. Everyone was very warm and friendly with fascinating conversation. After an introduction by Seamus, I got to have a long an in depth conversation with Brian Cox - After complaining briefly about the cost of living in New York and the state of the film industry in general... he began asking about some of the projects I was working on -I described the idea of 'The Secret Commonwealth' - he loved the sound of the project and asked if I would send him more info as he would potentially be interested in taking a part in the project - of course at this, I jumped at the opportunity - handing over cards and email addresses etc. I had said from the start of this project that this very man would be perfect for one of the lead roles - Little did I know I would be meeting him very soon after that! I also had an interesting discussion with actor, Rhys Ifans about his recent work and his involvement in the festival - I found him friendly if not a little whacky! Although I did not get a chance to speak to him properly - I was also introduced to director Ken Russell who although appeared to have been suffering from ill health at the time, talked at length about the film festival.
The next day saw another introduction to a favourite actress of mine, Tilda Swinton. She was holding an event for a charity she runs called '8 1/2'. Because Seamus had just been working on a film with her, he introduced us and we got a chance to have a brief chat.
All in all, the week has been very exciting and busy, as well as the odd moment relaxing in the hot hot sun!
Sunday 13 June 2010
Milk
This was one of the most powerful films I have seen in a long time.'Milk', directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Sean Penn, is a fascinating and moving look at the life of one of the leading gay rights activists of all time.
The film has a slight mock-documentary look about it - in that I mean that it is not full of distracting special effects and in-your-face fancy cinematography - the film is solely about the story and about the performances. It stirs up the full range of emotions in you... happiness, sadness, pride, sentimentality and occassionally presents the odd bit of humour. Penn's performance is outstanding (deservedly winning 'Best Performance' Oscar), he is powerful, emotional and most of all, extremely believable. His performance is only raised by the stunning supporting cast performances, notably James Franco as Penn's lover.
This is a film for everyone - no matter how you feel about the issue at hand, you will truly be touched by this story.
There is really not much more to say about this incredible piece of cinema other than, that if you have not seen it, SEE IT!
Thursday 3 June 2010
A little bit of reflection
I thought it about time I reflected on some film work I am doing outwith the Academy.
Currently, I am working on two projects - I am set to direct a historical fantasy independent feature film called 'The Secret Commonwealth' which is in the development stages with Workshop Productions, a production company based in the north of England, also I am still working on some short promotional pieces (commercials for broadcast on PBS WLiW21 in the States and web promotions) for internationally acclaimed singer, Fiona Kennedy's new music show called 'Highland Heartbeat'.
Currently, I am working on two projects - I am set to direct a historical fantasy independent feature film called 'The Secret Commonwealth' which is in the development stages with Workshop Productions, a production company based in the north of England, also I am still working on some short promotional pieces (commercials for broadcast on PBS WLiW21 in the States and web promotions) for internationally acclaimed singer, Fiona Kennedy's new music show called 'Highland Heartbeat'.
With 'The Secret Commonwealth', I am feeling very positive - it is a new experience for me and a new way of working - rather that having the utmost control - I have been placed in a professional environment as director - with just that role to perform. The film is essentially for commercial purposes so that also adds another dimension to the project - a real life situation - real pressures, real deadlines and most exctitingly of all, REAL money. The producers of the film (also the managing directors of Workshop Productions), Christopher Abbott and David T Guest have been most supportive through the whole process, giving me control yet also mentoring me through the processes I have not totally come to grips with yet. The film began when Workshop Productions approached me with a provisional offer to distribute my first feature film, 'Kirk', on their DVD label, A1 Pictures, after seeing the trailer online (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfpnLXkAsiE) and reading some of the online reviews written after its win at a film festival in Manchester (http://www.mjsimpson.co.uk/reviews/kirk.html & http://www.amazingmovieshowblog.com/2009/10/kirk-2009.html). We met in November of last year and after discussing the prospect of a release, we realised that the film, in it's current state would need additional work. They then proposed the idea of re-scripting, re-casting and re-shooting the film - of course I jumped at this chance. I did have to be slightly wary to begin with (having had a number of bad experiences in the past - especially a potential film I would be directing with a 'production company' called Palm Tree Films who turned out to be crooks!) although the Academy were very supportive and checked them out - and I'm very glad to say, everything seems fine and is set to go!!!
With 'Highland Heartbeat' - I am creating some short promotional pieces for the show. It is a Scottish music show led by Fiona Kennedy (daughter of Callum Kennedy) and features her and range of other talented singers from around Scotland. The show is narrated by Emmy Award-winning Scottish actor, Brian
Cox. I became involved in the project when the initial show was filmed in the Theatre Royal in 2008. I arranged to do some work experience on the show as a runner but ended up working with the Behind The Scenes camera man and shooting a lot myself. It was a great experience at the time to be involved in such a huge production which was being covered by American TV channel PBS - the show was set to broadcast with them so they came to shoot pledges for the channel as well as interviews with the cast.
A few months after this, I was invited in to watch the edit of the show at the ARC post-production facility in Glasgow (I had previously donw my school work experience at ARC so knew a few people there already). Fiona came in to supervise some of the edit and it was then I grabbed the chance to do a bit of 'networking'.
I had just finished shooting, and was in the process of editing a 40 minute teen drama caled 'When I Grow Up' and was looking for a suitable soundtrack - I asked Fiona in the edit suites if she would mind recording a song we had had written for the film and she agreed. It was after the screening of 'When I Grow Up' and after a few more conversations that she asked if I would be interested in shooting some commercials and promotional material for the show. We arranged to begin shooting in July of 2009, after I was scheduled to finish shooting 'Kirk'.
This was a totally new and exciting experience for me - I had never shot music promos before but was most definitely eager to give it a go. We shot in a recording studio in Glasgow, in the Eden Court theatre in Inverness and at 'The Gathering' festival in Edinburgh - here is an example of one of the resulting pieces - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksss-c4OlFo.
I guess this is where I am now - I will update as things progress.
Monday 31 May 2010
Shampoo
Now, I admit I didn't know what to expect when we were assigned the task of watching, 'Shampoo' - from the DVD box, it appeared to be simply a camp 70s chick flick - however I was definitely wrong.
'Shampoo' actually worked for me on several different levels - it was on one level, a flick but again on the other, quite an emotional character drama which tells the story of George (Warren Beatty), a playboy hairdresser who's philandering lifestyle truly gets the better of him. This film does not have a happy ending, rather it ends on a message - a moral and most likely, a truth.
The film deals with George's lifestyle which, at first, appears glamourous, but soon we see the true effect of his ways on both himself and others - as he tries to deal with all the women in his life while trying to raise funds to open his own hair salon.
The performances are, in my opinion, average on the whole. Warren Beatty gives a credible but not outstanding performance as does Julie Christie as Jackie Shawn, Beatty's lover.
It does, however, have many comic moments and was probably rather outrageous for its time. I made the mistake of not noticing the rating on the DVD box and was surprised to hear some of the graphic references to sex and the amount of swearing! It is of a classic 70s film style - the women are glamourous and the hair is big and brilliant.
The film represents women well, all four lead female character's are strong... in fact stronger than the men - although George is essentially the film's protaganist - he is not in control. The women of the film make the desicions and control the drama.
George's lifestyle is also a reflection of the society and culture of the time - set in 1968 just as Nixon is coming into power - it was a time of free love and lots and lots of sex!
I did enjoy the film - however I feel it could be percieved as rather dated now - I believe it will be remembered more as a snapshot of life at that time rather than a timeless comedy.
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