Monday 3 December 2012

Oh thats right im supposed to be making a film.

Hi guys.
A HUGE apology for the lack of updates over the last 2-3 months. A major development left me feeling weary and pessimistic about things in general. However the pure scope of things I need to say would be a novel for you to read so I decided to do it through video. I hope this information is useful to you and if there are any questions please do let me know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmjw1A21_2g&feature=youtu.be

Peace.

Wednesday 28 November 2012

Quick update.

So today I had a chat with my college tutor regarding the films progress, everything went very well and they have confirmed that my approach to the experimental client is acceptable.
the only issue that is needing to be addressed as soon as possible is the marvel/disney copyright.
This could make or break the film in terms of distribution however I will not let this issue halt the project at this point far too much time and effort has been made into planning the production and I cant let it stop the momentum. One way or another this film will be made even if it kills me! (bit dramatic but meh.)
I have been advised to get in touch with someone with knowledge of copyright and film law to address this and I consider it an absolute certainty that I will have to approach Disney/Marvel with my plans for the idea. it could get complicated but I am sure I can overcome any issues plus you never know it might actually open up some opportunity for me! just gotta keep moving forward as always.
Peace.
P.S casting call is slightly delayed while I tweak the adverts but It will be up soon.
Thanks for reading.

Thursday 22 November 2012

BIG Update.

Right okay here is the big update I promised you guys.

this is proving a bit difficult to get into words actually. Remind me to stop neglecting the blog.

Okay so first thing. after 3 major revisions the script is now in a place where we have a filmable story!
This is good indeed as now we can arrange things like casting calls and begin planning how the film will look including locations shot plans storyboards and more representative Visual Effects!
so thats grand if any of you are my script reviewers then please as always have a look and give me some feedback!

I also have cemented a client using reddit.com and the subreddit community R/Marvel I have managed to get some good respons and with a little refining of how exactly the updating and feedback process will work have a very real and very usable client.
you can check out the first  few update posts Here:
First Post: http://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/comments/1393n4/i_need_you_rmarvelgambit_fan_film/
Second post: http://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/comments/13m9mr/re_gambit_origins_fan_film_update_221112_brief_is/
Third post: http://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/comments/13m9mr/re_gambit_origins_fan_film_update_221112_brief_is/

so that is another vital prerequisite of the project covered.

I have also had a meeting with Craig Mckenna my guardian angel/producer and we have established very rough schedules for shooting as well as confirming that a casting call is going to be going out on monday 26/11/12 I am very excited for this and seeing the kind of acting talent that scotland has to offer.

an update on the VFX as well my rushes from the VFX are now in very capable hands to see what kind of polished awesome effect we can achieve I am very excited for this as well and its the final thing that needs to be done before we start planning our shots (we need to take the VFX technique into consideration when planning the shoot.) so that is also awesome

Finally I also issued a brief for the client/s to discuss and agree upon another vital part of the project that makes the unusual client choice a possibility. Feel free to view it here but bear in mind its still in a rough format.
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1F3oNxIEZBlAdfDNnmpFfVYRsQRkY_sDhU5JdB0X9vyg

In short there is a whole lot of awesome going on and I have probably missed a couple of things but Im sure i will update you once they are available.

also possibly doing an interview thing with a friend of mine RE the film so thats another little nugget of awesome for you!

yeah awesome all round!
Peace.

Tuesday 20 November 2012

An apology and a promise.

Wow so its been a while since I did an update.
First off let me apologize for that.
However there have been some VERY major developments regarding the film.
I have a proposal presentation to give tommorow so once thats out of the way expect an entire essay to read  regarding recent developments and progress reports.
Once again my apologies but please stay tuned for the updates.
Peace.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

So belladonna is not bipolar anymore.

Did a bit of scripting and completely rewrote most of the first half getting rid of some of the unnescesary plot elements and removing some unnesential characters.
Its looking good but I am still having some difficulty with the "Mentor" scene trying to design a character from scratch or find one in gambits lore. It is an important scene in teh movie and once I have a basis I should be able to write it very easily. I have ideas for a character in mind but getting the exposition to explain them is a little difficult. All going well though. and if anyone is aware of a character in gambits storylines who would fit the bill could let me know that would be awesome I will also be getting in touch with some of the researchers gail has mentioned to see If I cant get started on that. With the script the way it is though I think we are almost at the point of arranging a casting call but I will be speaking to my producer to discuss the next steps.
P.S if you are one of my script Reviewers please have a look and tell me what you think of the changes. I dont thnk /belladonna appears as Bi polar anymore but would like some input.
all is looking good
Peace

Update 06/11/12

Hey guys just giving a quick update.

So I gave my pitch to Fraser Carol and Gail on monday.
It went very well with good suggestions from them as well as some of the other class.
It also got interest from some other crew members im now happy to add Mark Gavan to the crew list on assistant sound.and Charlene Sives as a make up supervisor.
these 2 roles bring us even closer to the full crew we need and the project is getting closer and closer to production stages.
Exciting time indeed the script still needs some work and im going to do what I can but in the coming 2 weeks I have an electronic news gathering assessment as well as an induction week for my year long work experience.
In all its an exciting year all round and I am as enthusiastic as ever.
Peace
Sean

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Script block

Quick update because I havent done one in a while.
So i have been stuck with writers block for a wh-
okay you know what I have just been avoiding scripting for a bit I needed a bit of time to reflect on what I have done so far and i need to redo a lot of it before I can fill in the one big gap I have

Sorry that this update has literally no new information but needed to get something down.
I do have some ideas for changes though so ill implement them ASAP.

Peace.

Friday 26 October 2012

First draft syndrome

Did another couple of scenes in the first draft tonight nearing the end of it but the biggest issues are
1. belladonnas character appears to be bipolar in this script (probably just the effect of putting the story toghether.
2. its incredibly long. This is due to my attempt to make the film appeal to both fans of the character as well as provide an enjoyable experience for everyone else. this will be edited down a lot as at the state its in at the moment its just not feasible.
3. I keep having creative surges when im writing it resulting in a bunch of sub plots that are totally unnescesary.

the short story is the first draft is terrible. This will change though im just glad im aware of it.
should have a marketable script by early-mid November (way before I hand in the draft proposal hopefully.)

not much depth to this update but just keeping you informed.
Peace.

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Script update.

Scripted a couple of scenes today. The process still feels a little bit forced but I'm told that with projects like this the first draft is just about getting the skeleton of the script done then all the rubbish can be fixed later.
Next thing I need to do is get my pitch for Tuesday drafted hopefully once that is done I will see my progression pattern a bit more clearly.
Slow going at the moment. But its still sound in my mind that it will be worth it.
also happy to announce that Chris Mclellan will be joining the crew as my AD his interest in the project has made him an ideal candidate and he should be able to offer a lot to the project.
So slow going but still going it would seem
Keep you updated as always chums
Peace.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Plot synopsis

So I completed 2 versions of my plots synopsis (very rushed) these will change!
but it gives me a better idea of how i want to proceed with this film I had a plot synopsis in my bible but I thought I would make some revisions instead of attempting to copy paste it onto a digital format.
this resulted in some elaborate changes however (this is not neccesarily a bad thing.)
Its given me a much needed break from forcing the script out so that is a good thing
its good stuff for the pitch and my potential client as well.

Anyways its on adobe story so if you want to read it I will link you into the script if you give me an adobe id.
Peace Guys
Also I should just put a thanks to Ally some of the vids he sent me put be back on track in terms of inspiration.
nice one dude.

Client hunt/Script update

So I have emailed LeDiableBlanc.com to be my client for this project.
Gail and Carol have confirmed that using a client of this nature is okay based on the guidelines of the GU I need to wait what he has to say and then I might have a client sorted! Woop Woop!

On a less exciting note I scripted the 3rd scene today but It is absolutely atrocious I feel like im forcing the dialogue out just so I can say the script is finished and I need to stop doing this now. before I end up shooting a film with a crappy script that was a second thought. I keep talking about how the character is what is going to make this film great and yet im attempting to force myself to put out creative thought when there isnt any. Im gonna let the reviewers take a look and maybe break the script down into sections so I have the plot synopsis there so I dont stray.

Will keep you updated as always
Peace.

Saturday 20 October 2012

Small Update

So I have lost a bit of momentum over the last couple of days hopefully once I get back to college and I am immersed in a creative enviroment again I will get some drive back.
I have 2 scenes currently scripted and I have some ideas for changes to be made (mainly ones to show Remy as a kind of antihero with a conscience) I think its important to really make the lead character as likeable as possible as that is the main draw of this film to an audience larger than comic book fans.

I hopefully will get to pitch the idea to Gail and Carol at some point (now that there is some depth to the idea and not just an on the spot "I think this would be really awesome" pitch.

Development wise not a lot to report I had a look at casting call sites and found a few people who look the part but since this is going to take a hell of an actor to pull off cant really say much at this point.

I do now have a list of possible AD's for the project however and Im hoping to select one in the next week.

Kevin Mccune also put me in touch with a fight coordinator hopefully this is another addition that can help add some much needed production value to the film.

but still not much to report I need to dedicate some time to my other classes today and tommorow so I dont think there will be much update then. The most important thing at this point is clearing and confirming my client choice with Gail and Carol otherwise there will be no project dont really see this being an issue though.
Anyway

P.S I am thinking of having a weekly casual production meeting with the crew I have already put toghether (causal in the sense that I will sit somewhere and work on the script and such but invite people to come along and share ideas.)
Peace guys update in a couple of days most likely.

Wednesday 17 October 2012

script update

five pages of script done so far and i'm calling it a night.
I have work on friday and sunday so tommorow and saturday are my last chances to put my pitch toghether.
Im happy with what I have so far but could do with some extra paperwork to keep everyone happy.

Ah well ill sleep on it and see what im thinking in the morning.
P.S writing dialogue in a cajun accent with various french phrases thrown in.
 Not easy. specially a romance scene.
anyway Gnight folks
Peace.

first setback.

So I have had my first setback of the project.
My original planned choice for assistant director has stepped back.
its very understandable He has his own commitments and deadlines to worry about and im sorry to lose the opportunity to work with him.
absolutely no idea who I could get in to replace him either.
back to the drawing board in that area I guess.
gonna distract myself with some scripting I think.
Peace.

Little extra thing my thoughts on the last stand

So I found this on my Facebook from a  while back a little aggressively put but think it captures where some of my enthusiasm for this project comes from. ( I will censor all the nerd rage I think)


"I now hate X men the last stand And Brian Singer for leaving even more now "X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Main article: X-Men: The Last Stand
Bryan Singer wanted to shoot the third film back-to-back with a fourth.[9] On July 16, 2004, he left to direct Superman Returns,[10] having only completed a third of a treatment focusing on Phoenix,[11] and introducing Emma Frost, a role intended for Sigourney Weaver and Gambit intended for Keanu Reeves."
GAMBIT WAS GETTING HIS *RAGEWORD* MOVIE UNTILL THAT*RAGEWORD*  SEEN SUPERMAN RETURNS AS A BETTER *RAGEWORD* INVESTMENT! NERDRAGE! COS OF THAT *RAGEWORD*  I CANT WATCH FILMS LIKE FIRST CLASS HATE HATE HATE HATE"


"although Keanu Reeves? maybe for the best....."


It appears I was a very angry individual when it came to that movie...
Peace.

updates on crew for the film

Okay so I just enlisted Chris Mclellan to be assistant to the production for the Origins project.
This is going to be an intensive role as there is gonna be a lot of crew to coordinate between.
He will most likely liaise with the AD regarding any issues. the actual role will cover things like Script supervision Continuity and sound reports as well as acting like a link between the crew and the assistant Director.

I have also linked him into the Adobe Story Script as in previous projects we have worked on together he has provided some good suggestions regarding possible issues.

I have also sent Craig Mckenna this same invite because of his excellent script work on threshold as well as to continue to give me some experienced insight into big project management.

All in all its all coming toghether quite nicely.
keep anyone reading this informed as always.
Peace

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Adobe Story

So I have been scripting my first scene. Which has ended up way more complex than I originally planned (ill probably cut it down anyway) the interesting thing is I used Adobe Story for it and I have to say it is absolutely brilliant! I highly reccommend it to anyone particularly since they have a free version. its biggest advantage is simply that it is completely online adding accesibility to production paperwork anywhere with an internet connection.
its great is what im trying to say.
check it out.
Peace.

First bit of pitch footage complete

Okay so I completed the first FX test.
Now I will most likely be getting someone in to complete the FX on this film.
However I just needed something to show that I am looking into how to complete the FX needed in order to still be able to direct it.

if you are even slightly familiar with AE you can tell it is made up of mostly preset effects and so has a pretty amateur feel.

Still looks pretty sweet though right?
Peace.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AHUpPS882M&feature=youtu.be

Quick update

Okay so I just had an idea.
The FX test footage I shot with Kev is a short scene opening on me shuffling cards I then draw a card and pull it back as if I am going to throw it.

I have completed a very basic card Charging effect which I think I could use for my pitch.
The problem arises when I actually try to animate the card flying out my hand.
it just looks terrible.

however since I have one effect done (to an ok standard) I will just use that in my pitch and see if I cant research a different technique for throwing the card.

What I will have to do however is get the footage I have to look absolutely amazing.

I will upload it to an unlisted page when I am happy with it.

Monday 15 October 2012

A bit of a 50-50 week.

Okay first things first its been an eventful couple of days (eventful in the sense that many things happened but I didn't really get anything done.) I have made some progress with the film but they are mainly discoveries of things I am not going to be able to achieve myself.
So first things first.
Adobe has script-writing software as well as footage logging software. This is news to me but finally decided to look into what was in the creative suite aside from premiere and audition and lo and behold.
could be useful if i'm hoping to increase the production quality of this film but its another bit of software that I will have to spend time learning so sorry Adobe Prelude and Story you may have to wait before I play with  you.

Okay best bit of news regarding the film so far Craig Mckenna has put himself forward to act as a producer of sorts. This is a very welcome offer seeing as I am wandering unknown territory right now. Still need to work out the specifics of how we will communicate throughout pre production but exciting stuff nonetheless.

Next up are preliminary FX tests. Kev shot some footage for me to experiment with after effects on and the results are mixed to just downright awful. Unless I can do some kind of crash course in AE I don't think I am going to be doing the FX for this film, in short I just think that I don't have a clear enough understanding of the program yet so I need to make some decisions regarding that.

Before me and Kev shot the footage though I did manage to get a plot synopsis down. this is an important step before I get my first script draft done and I am pretty happy with the concept I have so once I have it typed up ill put it on the blog for review (its currently in my little notebook which is fast becoming my bible for this project).

so far that's all I have really I am going to continue to work on the effects tests and see If i cant improve the result a bit. But other than that most of the updates will be coming next week with a few possible surprise updates coming the in the next few days.
Peace Y'all

Friday 12 October 2012

First notes

Okay so I want to make an origins of Gambit fan film for my graded unit.
Just go for it right?
WRONG.
first thing that comes to mind is a client i'm going to need a commission if i'm going to do this for my graded unit.
have a couple of ideas in mind, including an interesting one involving a subreddit community and a kick starter campaign, also another INCREDIBLY unlikely one involving a commission from Marvel themselves.

Second thing is copyright issues
since the character is a marvel comics creation I cant go straight into just making the film. I need to do some research on how fan films get copyright clearance. Luckily I had just recently come across a Casey Jones fan film made quite recently. I got in touch with them to ask about their clearance for the film and they replied:


Polaris Banks <polarisbanks@gmail.com> Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 9:56 PM
To: Ozswillis@gmail.com
I didn't have to worry about any legal issues because I didn't charge anything to see the movie. If you don't
make any money off of your film, you can shoot whatever you want.


So that is pretty vague info but definitely enough to get started on.
Gail once again has become one of the greatest resources I have and has mentioned a possible meeting with an actual Marvel employee so I might be able to get a more detailed and technical answer from them.
Still lots of stuff to be done on this topic though.


John Campbell also gave me some "indirect" but very good advice. and that is simply that I will need help on a project of this size.
after presenting my idea to the class (if only very casually)  people already began to show interest in helping out so I think through a combination of connections I already have as well as any I can make in the coming months. I might actually pull this off.

I was also feeling a bit jumpy after deciding to take on this project so since I was meeting Craig Mckenna to get a copy of his film I helped out with. I took the chance to ask him for some tips.
Instant relief.
he gave me some great things to think about in terms of tackling such a major project the most important being getting started early.  as well as some links to look over (still waiting for his email however) including what is essentially a website that acts like gumtree for film crew and actors.
I also may have pushed him into being my "guardian angel" as I put it so that I have someone experienced in this area to speak to when im in a rut.

I have already started my research into the script ( since it will probably be based on a pre existing origin story with my own personal touch) which means I get to read some Gambit comics and call it work!


To summarise ( and I dont really think I have covered even the basic stuff here.)
Im feeling both absolutely pumped and nervous about  this project.
Its gonna be AWESOME.
Peace.

So its here again.

Okay here we go again.
Graded unit time! And this year I think i'm going totally nuts with it.
Short story: is an origins of Gambit fanfilm.
Long story (only read if you actually care about what is going through my head.)
Since I took the corporate route last year with my graded unit, I feel like I have seen enough of one side of freelance film making.
Therefore I intend to embark on an extensive creative fictional story using a concept that I have been passionate about for a very long time:
An origins of Gambit film (Damn whoever cancelled the official film.)
I have a lot of work to do and its gonna be one hell of a ride. but I don't think I would be able to reach the level of self fulfillment I want as a film maker with another corporate video.
Its time for me to take the dream and fly with it.
^ okay that was just.. just...
 freaking awful.
Peace
Keep you fellas updated promise.