Movie fight sequences. Almost more unrealistic then falling in love at first sight. In following up my post on setting last week, this week I was thrown into a new setting of my own. Karate.
Now, I’ve always wanted to learn how to do karate, but was more interested in theatre and dancing and various lots of other things. Well, thanks to poking from a few friends, I finally joined. And do I feel like a newbie there. I have to retrain my brain and body from everything it’s used to doing. For example, whenever I go forward to do a punch, I guess my back leg bends are something, and my Sensei keeps calling it a courtesy, and threatens to curtsey himself every time I come by if I don’t stop it. Wow, I am so not a good fighter, lol. Definitely going to take a bit to get used to it, but I am starting to enjoy it… once my body stops complaining about the aches that is.
Anyways, one thing I’m learning is that it takes a LOT of energy to fight, and since it does, you really want to just go in, take the guy out, movie on. Not theatrical, but practical. Now, we all know movie fight scenes have to be elaborate and al, but seriously, ten minutes or even longer for a fight? How do these characters keep going? Realistically, someone’s got to give out a lot sooner than that.
Now I’m not saying movie fights are bad, they are really fun to watch, just… very unpractical. Most of them are very overdone… cept this beauty.
Movie fight sequences. Almost more unrealistic then falling in love at first sight. In following up my post on setting last week, this week I was thrown into a new setting of my own. Karate.
Now, I’ve always wanted to learn how to do karate, but was more interested in theatre and dancing and various lots of other things. Well, thanks to poking from a few friends, I finally joined. And do I feel like a newbie there. I have to retrain my brain and body from everything it’s used to doing. For example, whenever I go forward to do a punch, I guess my back leg bends are something, and my Sensei keeps calling it a courtesy, and threatens to curtsey himself every time I come by if I don’t stop it. Wow, I am so not a good fighter, lol. Definitely going to take a bit to get used to it, but I am starting to enjoy it… once my body stops complaining about the aches that is.
Anyways, one thing I’m learning is that it takes a LOT of energy to fight, and since it does, you really want to just go in, take the guy out, movie on. Not theatrical, but practical. Now, we all know movie fight scenes have to be elaborate and al, but seriously, ten minutes or even longer for a fight? How do these characters keep going? Realistically, someone’s got to give out a lot sooner than that.
Now I’m not saying movie fights are bad, they are really fun to watch, just… very unpractical. Most of them are very overdone… cept this beauty.
Go in, get job done, go out, hehehe.
So, besides Indy, are there any movie fights that are both entertaining, yet somewhat realistic?
Jiust shoot and get the enemy gone. hehehe.
So, besides Indy, are there any movie fights that are both entertaining, yet somewhat realistic?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Setting
Ever notice how in a lot stories the hero has to go on a great adventure through some kind of wilderness or jungle? I had my own adventure out in the wilderness for a camping /rock climbing trip the past few weekends. (Joshua Tree National Park, great place, good climbing rocks!) And during the trip, I had my own physical and spiritual challenges to work through and grow from. Now I understand why some stories use natural settings as places to grow characters!Setting is very important to not only the story, but to the character. Every person has a natural environment they excel in, and it’s often times where they live. In the Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins is quite comfy in peaceful Hobbiton. But, if he had stayed there, there would have first of all, been no story of course, and second, not much character growth. The journey through the wilderness of Middle Earth forced him to change his character traits to survive in this new place.
A good story telling tool is to take your characters out of the environment they are used to or comfortable in and put them in the exact opposite to see how they will change to adapt and excel, or fail. That doesn’t mean everyone has to go into the wilderness to have that happen. It would not try George of the Jungle much to just put him in another jungle, out if you put him in the city, he has to learn how to survive in that place. Some other examples include a football player in a dance class and a spoiled rich girl in a poor house. Ways of changing a character’s setting often aren’t just locations, but ideas or circumstances.
They also don’t have to be placed in a setting they hate to grow them. Maybe they want to be there, but didn’t realize the challenges that would come with it. An example of this is Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. She wanted a pirate adventure… but the reality was a lot different than her romanticized idea.
Changing a character’s setting could also include not moving them at all. In a screenplay I’m currently working on, a dancer loses her hearing, and must learn to live in the exact same place she’s been, but with her disability changing lots of circumstances.
What are some of your favorite stories that showcase throwing a character into a different setting and why?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Auditions
This year I’m teaching a Jr. High and High school theatre class at a home school co-op. Every actor must do them… quite a few times in their life. I’ve had my share of them, and, like most other actors, both hate em and love em. I mean, they can’t be all bad; it’s a job opportunity. But…
THEY ARE SCARY!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Two or three people, watching you…. and you only. And not only watching, but judging! The pressure, the nerves, and, if you don’t get the part, or even a callback, you feel like a complete and other failure.!
Which is why I had fun yesterday auditioning other people. ;) Lol, just kidding. If any of my theatre peoples are reading, love you guys! Since I know the pressure, I try and not to make my auditions scary. (And I was also glad it wasn’t me auditioning for once!) So I’d figured it was a good topic to blog about.
No matter what side of the table you’re on, it’s a hard thing. It’s usually three minutes and just a few lines to determine what part you should have. Thankfully, for my peoples, they are guaranteed a part by being in the class, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a part they want, or their first choice. Also, it’s just a few minutes to try and judge the person’s character, not just the one they’re acting. If you’re gonna be working with them closely on a project, you try to see if this person has a good attitude.
Now, no matter if you’re working on a film or theatre project, this rule always follows. No matter how good of a story you have, the whole of the project rests on the cast. Sitcoms, for example, are usually incredibly silly writing and plots, yet, some are incredibly funny due to the actor playing the part. That’s why auditions are important, you need to see how a person would do in that part.
Unfortunately, there’s so little time to see each person, or sometimes, you need to cast right then. (big budget movies sometimes spend a year in casting, lucky them.) So, below, I have reminders and tips for both actors and directors about how to have a good, fun, but productive audition. This is especially written for people who know each other closely. Since if you’re an independent filmmaker like me, you usually cast your friends and family, and if things go wrong, you really don’t want those to ruin relationships.
ACTORS
Always expect to wait. Auditions ALWAYS run over time, even if these are the most organized people in the world.
When it’s getting close to your turn, start getting in character, if you know your auditioning for a certain part. That does NOT mean come into the room in character…WHICH YOU SHOULD NEVER DO!
We want to see who YOU are. Who knows, maybe we’ll see the perfect part for you based on your natural personality. Also remember, the people auditioning you are only judging your acting skills, for certain parts, not you. (Unless you go in and act unprofessional or insulting, of course, then don’t expect them to ever call you back for anything.)
You may be a fantastic actor, but, if you’re a 6 foot tall basketball player, there’s no way I’m putting you as one of the seven dwarves. Don’t forget, the audition is not about you at all, it’s finding the right person to play a specific character.
Be prepared for anything. One of my favorite auditing others moments was when I was casting Bubblegum Love. All these girls kept coming in, and I would have them place their foot on the floor, and try their hardest to get out of the imaginary gum I said was there. They were not expecting to do anything like that at all.
Remember when you act, you’re just playing. When we were little, we all played cowboys and Indians, or spaceman, or knights, or princesses… this is no different. Cept, a little more professional and better acting of course. ;)
Once again, point of auditioning, is to get cast for a part in a story. Everyone should want the best people for the job, and it may or may not be you. If you are good friends with the director, don’t expect to get a part just because of that, also don’t expect to not get a part because of that. As a friend or acquaintance, you want their project to turn out good, so if you don’t get the part, don’t hold it against them.
Always say thank you. It’s a privilege to be here.
Most of all, have fun, if you like acting, then play with it and be a good sport. :)
DIRECTORS
Yes some of these are your dear friends and family members, but your project is what this whole shindig is about. Love your friends and family, but remember to treat this as a professional project. You want to cast the right people, to make the overall thing a success.
Try not to scare the auditioners. I know its fun being in control, but be nice. They already nervous enough. ;)
You will run late. Don’t rush people because of it though. They have worked hard preparing for your two minutes, so let them have the time they need to read the part.
Remember, they are sensitive creatures, so make sure your words are gracious and when you give direction, don’t make it seem like they’re doing it wrong. They don’t know what you want from them, so have a good attitude and have fun watching their talent.
If you know right away you don’t want them for the part, let them finish the audition. It’s a common courtesy, and it gives you a chance to just watch them as possible actors for you or anyone else.
Always tell them thank you for coming.
Follow up with a note or email if they are not cast, and if they are cast, call them back right away to let them know. For those not cast, be encouraging. Even if you don’t need them right now for this project, who knows what they could be used for in the future.
Most of all, even though you are under stress, have fun and enjoy the auditions. :)
Wow, two posts in one week! lol, that a record for me. Next post, some news about my personal life. For the few people reading, God Bless and talk to you soon.
THEY ARE SCARY!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Two or three people, watching you…. and you only. And not only watching, but judging! The pressure, the nerves, and, if you don’t get the part, or even a callback, you feel like a complete and other failure.!
Which is why I had fun yesterday auditioning other people. ;) Lol, just kidding. If any of my theatre peoples are reading, love you guys! Since I know the pressure, I try and not to make my auditions scary. (And I was also glad it wasn’t me auditioning for once!) So I’d figured it was a good topic to blog about.
No matter what side of the table you’re on, it’s a hard thing. It’s usually three minutes and just a few lines to determine what part you should have. Thankfully, for my peoples, they are guaranteed a part by being in the class, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a part they want, or their first choice. Also, it’s just a few minutes to try and judge the person’s character, not just the one they’re acting. If you’re gonna be working with them closely on a project, you try to see if this person has a good attitude.
Now, no matter if you’re working on a film or theatre project, this rule always follows. No matter how good of a story you have, the whole of the project rests on the cast. Sitcoms, for example, are usually incredibly silly writing and plots, yet, some are incredibly funny due to the actor playing the part. That’s why auditions are important, you need to see how a person would do in that part.
Unfortunately, there’s so little time to see each person, or sometimes, you need to cast right then. (big budget movies sometimes spend a year in casting, lucky them.) So, below, I have reminders and tips for both actors and directors about how to have a good, fun, but productive audition. This is especially written for people who know each other closely. Since if you’re an independent filmmaker like me, you usually cast your friends and family, and if things go wrong, you really don’t want those to ruin relationships.
ACTORS
Always expect to wait. Auditions ALWAYS run over time, even if these are the most organized people in the world.
When it’s getting close to your turn, start getting in character, if you know your auditioning for a certain part. That does NOT mean come into the room in character…WHICH YOU SHOULD NEVER DO!
We want to see who YOU are. Who knows, maybe we’ll see the perfect part for you based on your natural personality. Also remember, the people auditioning you are only judging your acting skills, for certain parts, not you. (Unless you go in and act unprofessional or insulting, of course, then don’t expect them to ever call you back for anything.)
You may be a fantastic actor, but, if you’re a 6 foot tall basketball player, there’s no way I’m putting you as one of the seven dwarves. Don’t forget, the audition is not about you at all, it’s finding the right person to play a specific character.
Be prepared for anything. One of my favorite auditing others moments was when I was casting Bubblegum Love. All these girls kept coming in, and I would have them place their foot on the floor, and try their hardest to get out of the imaginary gum I said was there. They were not expecting to do anything like that at all.
Remember when you act, you’re just playing. When we were little, we all played cowboys and Indians, or spaceman, or knights, or princesses… this is no different. Cept, a little more professional and better acting of course. ;)
Once again, point of auditioning, is to get cast for a part in a story. Everyone should want the best people for the job, and it may or may not be you. If you are good friends with the director, don’t expect to get a part just because of that, also don’t expect to not get a part because of that. As a friend or acquaintance, you want their project to turn out good, so if you don’t get the part, don’t hold it against them.
Always say thank you. It’s a privilege to be here.
Most of all, have fun, if you like acting, then play with it and be a good sport. :)
DIRECTORS
Yes some of these are your dear friends and family members, but your project is what this whole shindig is about. Love your friends and family, but remember to treat this as a professional project. You want to cast the right people, to make the overall thing a success.
Try not to scare the auditioners. I know its fun being in control, but be nice. They already nervous enough. ;)
You will run late. Don’t rush people because of it though. They have worked hard preparing for your two minutes, so let them have the time they need to read the part.
Remember, they are sensitive creatures, so make sure your words are gracious and when you give direction, don’t make it seem like they’re doing it wrong. They don’t know what you want from them, so have a good attitude and have fun watching their talent.
If you know right away you don’t want them for the part, let them finish the audition. It’s a common courtesy, and it gives you a chance to just watch them as possible actors for you or anyone else.
Always tell them thank you for coming.
Follow up with a note or email if they are not cast, and if they are cast, call them back right away to let them know. For those not cast, be encouraging. Even if you don’t need them right now for this project, who knows what they could be used for in the future.
Most of all, even though you are under stress, have fun and enjoy the auditions. :)
Wow, two posts in one week! lol, that a record for me. Next post, some news about my personal life. For the few people reading, God Bless and talk to you soon.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Noah! A Musical Production
Noah, Aka, the best Theatre performance I’ve ever seen, is a musical by Lifehouse Theatre in Redlands CA, that I had the blessing of seeing this past weekend.
Now, theatre is my first entertainment love. When I was six years old, I saw my first musical, The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe, and that was a big part of me coming to believe in and follow Christ. I feel theatre can be a powerful tool, and want to use it for HIS glory. Now, because I love theatre, so much, I am highly critical of plays I see or am in, especially if they’re trying to send a Biblical or Godly message.
Now, for me to say something was the best musical theatre production I’ve ever seen, it had to have met high standards and requirements.
1. It must be God honoring, and show his message accurately. Obviously, not everyone agrees with this, but I believe Jesus is Lord, so a play to be really good, must proclaim him.
2. It must be THEATRE!!! A lot of productions, especially huge Broadway shows, could easily be redone on film. A true theatre production is something you can really only experience live.
3. It must be entertaining, and emotion moving, but you must leave the show feeling inspired. (if you’re a Christian, and if your not, you should still be leaving the theater going that was a really good show!) And most of all, uplifting.
4. You want to see it again and again, it’s that good. And those songs are so catchy you can’t help singing them for days on end.
Noah met all of these.
The setting is a bunch of actors just coming out on stage and putting on a musical. The set was just three ladders and 8 chairs. (one chair for each cast member) On each side of the stage, where suitcases for each actor containing all their costumes and props.
Before the show started, the actors came out on stage and just started playing around. Talking with each other, stretching, playing games with each other and the audience, vocal exercises, all the stuff you would normally find going on backstage before a show starts. When it was Showtime, they just all came to the front, and said “Now presenting the story of Noah!” and the show began.
Since everything they needed was on the stage, they never left the stage during the 90 minute show. (plus the half hour preshow).
The show was a variety of different song styles and the actors switching form character to character in incredibly funny scenes and songs. They eventually became the 8 people who survived the flood on the ark, Noah’s clan. While it was filled with humor, the serious message was also present. They and the audience cried as the lights went out in the ark and you hear the voices of those left to judgment pleading for another chance.
While it’s hard to switch from humor to seriousness, this cast and script did that flawlessly. Not a dull moment was to be found in this production.
The acting and singing and dancing was incredibly every single step of this show had to be choreographed with all the running and costume switching they did.
The message especially hit home from the actor who played Noah, when, while building the ark, he asked God: “I’m to save the world with hammer, nails, and wood now, but I know me and my family will still be sinners, in need of a savior. Are you going to send someone to save the world by hammer, nails, and wood again?”
Unfortunately, I went to the second to last performance, so it might be a whole before Lifehouse runs it again. But, if you’re in SoCal, I highly recommend all of Lifehouse’s productions. They are seriously good at what they do, even if they only a “community theatre”. Never under estimate community theatre I say! Here’s their website.
http://www.lifehousetheater.com/index.html
For me personally, this performance was inspiration, since I’ve been going through a lot of artistic block lately, not feeling like making my own stuff. This showed me how powerful art can be, and who I need to do it for, and why. Thank God for Lifehouse Theatre, and it’s gotten me on the bug to writing and filming and directing stuff again. (Hey, writing a blog post I think shows that! lol) Hope to be doing it more often again.
More news and hopefully some sort of vid will come in the next month or two. God Bless you.
Now, for me to say something was the best musical theatre production I’ve ever seen, it had to have met high standards and requirements.
1. It must be God honoring, and show his message accurately. Obviously, not everyone agrees with this, but I believe Jesus is Lord, so a play to be really good, must proclaim him.
2. It must be THEATRE!!! A lot of productions, especially huge Broadway shows, could easily be redone on film. A true theatre production is something you can really only experience live.
3. It must be entertaining, and emotion moving, but you must leave the show feeling inspired. (if you’re a Christian, and if your not, you should still be leaving the theater going that was a really good show!) And most of all, uplifting.
4. You want to see it again and again, it’s that good. And those songs are so catchy you can’t help singing them for days on end.
Noah met all of these.
The setting is a bunch of actors just coming out on stage and putting on a musical. The set was just three ladders and 8 chairs. (one chair for each cast member) On each side of the stage, where suitcases for each actor containing all their costumes and props.
Before the show started, the actors came out on stage and just started playing around. Talking with each other, stretching, playing games with each other and the audience, vocal exercises, all the stuff you would normally find going on backstage before a show starts. When it was Showtime, they just all came to the front, and said “Now presenting the story of Noah!” and the show began.
Since everything they needed was on the stage, they never left the stage during the 90 minute show. (plus the half hour preshow).
The show was a variety of different song styles and the actors switching form character to character in incredibly funny scenes and songs. They eventually became the 8 people who survived the flood on the ark, Noah’s clan. While it was filled with humor, the serious message was also present. They and the audience cried as the lights went out in the ark and you hear the voices of those left to judgment pleading for another chance.
While it’s hard to switch from humor to seriousness, this cast and script did that flawlessly. Not a dull moment was to be found in this production.
The acting and singing and dancing was incredibly every single step of this show had to be choreographed with all the running and costume switching they did.
The message especially hit home from the actor who played Noah, when, while building the ark, he asked God: “I’m to save the world with hammer, nails, and wood now, but I know me and my family will still be sinners, in need of a savior. Are you going to send someone to save the world by hammer, nails, and wood again?”
Unfortunately, I went to the second to last performance, so it might be a whole before Lifehouse runs it again. But, if you’re in SoCal, I highly recommend all of Lifehouse’s productions. They are seriously good at what they do, even if they only a “community theatre”. Never under estimate community theatre I say! Here’s their website.
http://www.lifehousetheater.com/index.html
For me personally, this performance was inspiration, since I’ve been going through a lot of artistic block lately, not feeling like making my own stuff. This showed me how powerful art can be, and who I need to do it for, and why. Thank God for Lifehouse Theatre, and it’s gotten me on the bug to writing and filming and directing stuff again. (Hey, writing a blog post I think shows that! lol) Hope to be doing it more often again.
More news and hopefully some sort of vid will come in the next month or two. God Bless you.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009, part 3
After the excitement of the Burton/Depp combo died down, we watched the Alice trailer for a third time. After that, it was time for The Tron Legacy Panel.
This panel had the most behind the scene footage, showing models and concept art and animation tests. It also revealed the basic story. Flint went missing, and his son is searching for him, in the virtual world of Tron. They showed a scene, where Flint’s son walks into his father’s old, dust covered, arcade, and turns on all the video games. He figures out the TRON game, has a secret entrance behind it, and he enters. After he goes in, the game machine moves back in place in front of the door.
The clip had a good level of fun suspense, and it looks like this sequel is the perfect opportunity to make Tron more of a story based movie, as opposed to a showcase of the computer technology, as the last one seemed to be. The original cast and crew are all back for this one, along with some new faces.
And that was the end of the Disney 3D panel! Next, off to find more long lines and explore the rest of the Con!
This panel had the most behind the scene footage, showing models and concept art and animation tests. It also revealed the basic story. Flint went missing, and his son is searching for him, in the virtual world of Tron. They showed a scene, where Flint’s son walks into his father’s old, dust covered, arcade, and turns on all the video games. He figures out the TRON game, has a secret entrance behind it, and he enters. After he goes in, the game machine moves back in place in front of the door.
The clip had a good level of fun suspense, and it looks like this sequel is the perfect opportunity to make Tron more of a story based movie, as opposed to a showcase of the computer technology, as the last one seemed to be. The original cast and crew are all back for this one, along with some new faces.
And that was the end of the Disney 3D panel! Next, off to find more long lines and explore the rest of the Con!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009. part 2
First of all, apologies for not finishing this right away, schoolwork has really killed my brain these past few weeks. Anyways, off we go, down the rabbit hole!
After the Christmas Carol Presentation, Tim Burton came out on stage to talk about Alice in Wonderland in 3D. The crowd roar was incredible, lots of Burton fans in the audience apparently. Now, Tim, brilliant filmmaker that he is, doesn’t have much to say during interviews, so it was quickly time to put the 3D glasses back on to watch the trailer for Alice in Wonderland in 3D.
It was a bit different cut of the same trailer leaked online before the Con, this one had an extra scene of the Mad Hatter, and didn’t have to beginning of Alice falling down the rabbit hole.
After watching the trailer, Tim talked a bit about the basis for the story. This one is supposed to be Alice’s return to Wonderland after several years, to become a warrior, and has quite a lot to do with the Jabberwocky. The story is structured from a lot of the mini stories found in the Alice books, and some other of the author’s writings. Next was questions from the audience, and a little was discussed about how the 3D effects will be used for the movie.
After question and answer was done, Patton insisted on watching the trailer again, since that was the only thing Burton had brought for us. (wink, wink) After another viewing of the trailer, Patton started pestering Tim again, asking “Are you sure that’s all you have?” Finally Tim said, “Oh, actually, I do have one more thing…”
Cue Johnny Depp, and a deafening cheer as he walked out. Of course, he wasn’t there for long. He waved, to the crowd, said something about SeaWorld, and a little joke with Tim, then he and Tim left. He wasn’t there for more than a minute, lol. But the crowd was happy.
Up next, Tron: Legacy
After the Christmas Carol Presentation, Tim Burton came out on stage to talk about Alice in Wonderland in 3D. The crowd roar was incredible, lots of Burton fans in the audience apparently. Now, Tim, brilliant filmmaker that he is, doesn’t have much to say during interviews, so it was quickly time to put the 3D glasses back on to watch the trailer for Alice in Wonderland in 3D.
It was a bit different cut of the same trailer leaked online before the Con, this one had an extra scene of the Mad Hatter, and didn’t have to beginning of Alice falling down the rabbit hole.
After watching the trailer, Tim talked a bit about the basis for the story. This one is supposed to be Alice’s return to Wonderland after several years, to become a warrior, and has quite a lot to do with the Jabberwocky. The story is structured from a lot of the mini stories found in the Alice books, and some other of the author’s writings. Next was questions from the audience, and a little was discussed about how the 3D effects will be used for the movie.
After question and answer was done, Patton insisted on watching the trailer again, since that was the only thing Burton had brought for us. (wink, wink) After another viewing of the trailer, Patton started pestering Tim again, asking “Are you sure that’s all you have?” Finally Tim said, “Oh, actually, I do have one more thing…”
Cue Johnny Depp, and a deafening cheer as he walked out. Of course, he wasn’t there for long. He waved, to the crowd, said something about SeaWorld, and a little joke with Tim, then he and Tim left. He wasn’t there for more than a minute, lol. But the crowd was happy.
Up next, Tron: Legacy
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Comic Con 09, Thursday part 1.
(Potential spoilers for upcoming movies will be found in this report, proceed at your own caution.)
What’s this? Mackenzie’s actually posting when she said she would! :D
What’s this? Mackenzie’s actually posting when she said she would! :D
,Here’s my trip report from the 2009 San Diego Comic Con! Also known as the epi-center of insanity. ;)
There was a lot of panels and places I went to over July 23-26. Unfortunately there’s not going to be many pics in this report. (When you’re like a mile away from the speakers, and there’s too many people in front of you, or your camera decides to switch settings and you were too sick to realize it until you got home… ect, ect… you don’t get many good pics.) Besides, you can find a lot of way better quality pics form various online sources. Here, I will try to give an in depth to the funness of the panels, especially the Disney and Pixar ones. :)
And off we go!
Thursday, July 23, 2009. part 1
So, at 3:30 in the morning, I got up, incredibly ill, to get in the car and drive 2 hours down to San Diego. My Dad, and two of my brothers, were also along for the event. We got there about 6, and got in the first of many long lines over the weekend: the line to get the attendee pass. If you think the lines for space mountain are long, it has nothing on the lines here.
After a couple hours of that line, we moved to the next line, the line to get into the Disney 3D panel. The building it was in, Hall H, can hold 6,500 people, good thing, cause way more than that showed up.
As we entered the building, they gave us some lovely 3D glasses. Inside, were three huge screens hanging from the ceiling.
Soon, the moderator for the panel, Patton Oswalt, (The Voice of Remy in Ratatouille), came out and introduced the first speaker, Robert Zemeckis.
The talk was, of course, about The Christmas Carol, coming to theatres this Christmas in 3D. He explained the new motion capture technology they had, specifically pointing out that the eye of the actor could now be used as a tracking point for the computer, which will help prevent the “soulless” eyes of some other motion capture characters. He also showed that with this technology, there’s not really too much “animating” over as much as just telling the computer to follow the actor’s natural movements. He also said that Jim Carry was a great actor for this sort of technology, since the man uses his whole body as part of his characters.
Next, he showed us what he was talking about when he showed a five minute finished clip from the film. The scene was of Marley visiting Scrooge, followed by the Ghost of Christmas past appearing to Scrooge, to Scrooge being sent off flying through the sky, like a rocket. From what was shown, this version is going to be a bit darker than previous film adaptations, and tripper. The animated also always for character action that is a lot larger than life, but still is great to watch. (for example, a certain jaw bone becoming unhinged.)
After the clip, they showed pictures of characters from the film, noting that the ghosts are designed after the descriptions from the original story. Jim Carry plays, I think it was, five characters, including young and old versions of Scrooge.
Up next, Alice in Wonderland, and Tron Legacy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
