From Maze to Labyrinth

August has arrived and things have changed pace. Whilst 'Lord of Pain' gets committed to DvD and the web by Matt Plummer, I am now busy writing like a crazy man. All throughout the process of bringing 'Lord of Pain' to fruition I have been scribbling down ideas for other projects, from the most basic scene to larger scale concepts.

I really enjoy the story development stage of a project, taking maybe the smallest seed of an idea and discovering the right way to help it grow. The main new project I am working on is a film I first had the idea for a year or so ago. It's quite different from what I've made before and I'm taking delight in that. The story will be complete this week and the 1st draft of the script will follow soon after, ready to be honed and polished (there I go again with the creative duster). I generally write all my ideas and scripts by hand at first, as I like the immediacy of scribbling and doodling initial ideas down, before going on to format them on the computer. I'm also really pleased to have Peter Johnston working with me once again on some of the films design elements for the project.

Until next time...
Daniel

It's ALIVE!!!!

Lord of Pain is complete!

We have now had 3 screenings, all in close succession, and the response so far has been great. I'm delighted so many cast, crew and collaborators have got to see the film in a group and the screening in my local cinema was a thrilling experience. Although the format we shot Lord of Pain on is very much suited to Tv it all held up remarkably well on the big screen. There is something so magical about the darkened theatre...wonderful!

So what now? Well I have a final sound mixing session for the film and I'm pondering some excellent advice given to me so I might make a minor tweak to the film before posting it online and committing it to the final DvD. I'm eager to get the DvD to the cast and crew asap so they have the film to promote their skills they lent to the project.

Then? I have ideas a plenty as to what I'd like to do but Amelia and I will spend time to get Lord of Pain seen as much as possible whilst I develop several new ideas further. I have a short film idea (well, several as usual but one main one) I'd love to make next and the feature scripts are coming together (design in process), but who knows? One thing is for certain, I'll be filming sooner rather than later...

I'm off for some fresh air and to no doubt noodle with ideas,

Let there be Rock!

Daniel

With respect..

This week saw the passing of a true hero of mine, the Special Make-Up and Effects Master Stan Winston. It's the first time I've been compelled to write about a personal issue in my blog but I cannot emphasize enough the impact Stan's work has had on my love for both special effects and movie making in general.

Where Stan was different in his work was the fact that he created characters not just monsters or effects. All his designs were driven by what was best for the film, not just to create a striking design for the sake of it. Stan's body of work includes some of the most iconic film characters of the past 30 years : Terminator, Predator, Edward Scissorhands, Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, Iron man...the list could go on and on.

So for two thirds of my life Stan's work has inspired and amazed me and his passing leaves a great void in the film community. In a world where more and more films turn to computer generated imagery, Stan bridged the gap by always choosing the right combination of computer and physical effects to help best tell the story, something more of the film world would be best served to observe.

Stan Winston, an inspiration, a legend!

Daniel

Heading for Venus...

Yes, this week it's the final countdown for 'Lord of Pain'. 

All the sound is prepared and will be rough mixed this week, and if that all goes well we'll do the final mix on Monday June 16th. After I've delivered the final sound and score to Shane this week I'll be working through the final colour grading.

I was delighted that film composer Sid Barnhoorn scored a couple of the movies scenes and I feel very lucky to have collaborated with Paul Houseman, Sean Beeson and Sid on bringing the world of Udo to fruition. Naturally the score is a mix of pan pipes, de-tuned piano and penny whistles...Ok, even I can't joke about that ;-)

I've been working through a good creative spell recently and have begun the process of getting concept art for a couple of projects off the ground. I will of course be updating progress as it happens. 

Keep On Keepin' On

Daniel

A Spectrum of Wonder!

It's been a busy time since my last post, allow me to get you up to speed.

Juggling! I think that's the most appropriate description for the past month really. For those who don't know the post-production process, the best way I can describe it is it feels like juggling. Slowly but surely more and more balls are thrown into the performance until your hands are a blur and you hold your breath for the finish, trying not to drop a ball.

So in film terms the balls are, film editing, visual effects, title graphics, color correction, color grading, sound design, sound effects recording, additional dialogue recording, music scoring, final mixing, dvd content...you get the picture. The great news is we are very close to completing all these elements.

Amelia, my co-producer on both Fused and Lord of Pain, has begun arranging screenings. When for you ask? Screening dates and specific venues will be announced soon, with London and Burgess Hill being the main locations.

Time for me to get back working on the films sound but I'll be posting again very soon.

Now, where did I leave that ball with 'The End' written on it......?

All the best

Daniel

Back in the saddle..again!

After a very successful run in the West End show, 'The History Boys', Daniel Fine has stepped back into Udo's wellingtons. I took Dan to meet up with Shane and we spent a couple of hours recording some ADR, including one of my favourite  moments in the film, and Dan got to see the final cut of the film for the first time. 

So the music is going great, Matt Plummer continues to send me terrific VFX work, Shane is busy working on the sound mix and I'm collaborating with a really talented artist on the titles. It's a busy, busy fun time but naturally I'm looking forward to completing the film and moving on. I have so many ideas and want to spend sometime developing them. I've been writing throughout making 'Lord of Pain' and I can't wait to be back on a set again.

Keep on Keepin' on,

Daniel

"Let there be rock!"

Just a quick update today..

I'm delighted to announce that the 'Lord of Pain' score has been brought to life by composer Paul Houseman along with  Shane Van Leeuwen. It's very exciting to work with these fine musicians and I'm delighted with the results so far. Work on the score will be complete on May 17th.

More will follow soon,

All the best

Daniel