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Look no further if you want knowledgeable in-depth conversations between film historian Jamie Benning and some of the greatest artists in all the movie making crafts from effects to editing,...
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Look no further if you want knowledgeable in-depth conversations between film historian Jamie Benning and some of the greatest artists in all the movie making crafts from effects to editing, stunts to storyboards.
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19 NOV 2024 · Welcome to Episode 115 of The Filmumentaries Podcast. This time I’m talking to John Bell, a concept artist and art director whose career has spanned some of the most memorable films of the last four decades. From Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home to Jurassic Park and Back to the Future II and III,
John’s work has left a significant mark on cinema. In our conversation, John takes us back to the early days of his career, when he transitioned from designing cars at General Motors to creating video game concepts at Atari, before finally finding his way into the film industry. He shares the story of how a speculative portfolio sent to ILM eventually opened the door to a career that included working alongside legends like Nilo Rodis-Jamero and Ken Ralston.
We talk in depth about his work on Back to the Future II, where he imagined a future Hill Valley steeped in a mix of Americana and 1980s aesthetics, and Jurassic Park, where he brought bold, colorful designs to vehicles, props, and even the park’s iconic branding. John also reflects on how collaboration is at the heart of filmmaking, with directors like Steven Spielberg and production designers like Rick Carter encouraging his input while shaping the look and feel of these projects. We also cover his time working on Antz at DreamWorks, where he stepped into the role of production designer for the first time, and Rango, ILM’s first animated feature.
Throughout, John shares his approach to balancing creativity and problem-solving, and the importance of pulling inspiration from both his surroundings and his past experiences. It’s a wide-ranging discussion that touches on everything from the challenges of designing for science fiction, fantasy, and animation to how the industry has changed over the years. I hope you enjoy it.
https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
https://www.johnbell.studio/
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5 NOV 2024 · In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I’m bringing you some updates on my work with ILM and sitting down with director Laurent Bouzereau to chat about his new documentary, Music by John Williams. We dive into the emotional punch of Williams’ music, the process behind crafting the documentary, and Williams’ lasting legacy as a composer. Laurent opens up about his experience working closely with Williams and the art of storytelling in documentaries, as well as the challenge of sifting through such a massive collection of iconic work.
‘Music by John Williams’ is available on Disney+ and in cinemas for limited release.
https://www.everymancinema.com/film-listing/312541-music-by-john-williams/
https://www.ilm.com/ghostbusters-2-ilm-slimer/
https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
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29 OTT 2024 · Episode 113 is up. My conversation with production eesigner, art director, concept designer and VFX artist https://www.linkedin.com/feed/.
We swap stories about our childhood movie experiences and the films that got under our skin—like Jaws, Star Wars, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We talk about how these films not only shaped Kevin's tastes but ignited a passion for storytelling and artistry that's stuck with him.
Kevin and I get into the risks filmmakers took back then. We touch on the balance between practical effects and digital tech, and why having a passionate, collaborative team is crucial to making something memorable. There's a bit on the commercialization of genres and how fandom sometimes gets too caught up in nostalgia, missing out on new, original stories.
We also cover how filmmaking has evolved with technology, especially for artists like Kevin, who transitioned from traditional illustration to digital tools. Kevin shares insights on how tech influences collaboration and creativity on set. He walks me through the role of a concept artist, the problem-solving and idea generation that goes into projects like World War Z and Edge of Tomorrow—highlighting the creative process behind creature designs and visual effects.
Kevin opens up about the challenge of finding the right design and the nuances of working within big franchises. He talks about the essential collaboration between art and costume departments to build a cohesive visual world. Finally, Kevin shares his ambition to work on a historical epic.
https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
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7 OTT 2024 · In this episode, I sat down with Jon Spira to dive deep into the making of his latest documentary, The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee. If you’re a regular listener, you know Jon’s been on the podcast a couple of times before, and it’s always a treat to hear him talk about his work.
This time around, he takes us through the journey of bringing Christopher Lee’s story to life—literally.Jon kicked things off by sharing what drew him to this project in the first place. Inspired by a mix of fascination and intrigue, he became captivated by Lee's enigmatic presence, especially after rewatching a rather unusual "This Is Your Life episode" featuring Lee. Jon’s documentary doesn't just skim over Lee’s storied career, from Hammer Horror to The Lord of the Rings, but it digs into the emotional layers of a man who, despite his towering on-screen persona, was often plagued by self-doubt and a desire to control how the world perceived him.
We spent a good amount of time talking about the challenges Jon faced in portraying someone as multifaceted as Christopher Lee. It’s no small feat to condense a career that spanned over six decades into a single film. Jon wanted to avoid the usual biographical pitfalls—just ticking off achievements and movie titles—and instead aimed for something more intimate and emotionally resonant. He wanted viewers to come away with a sense of who Christopher Lee really was, beyond just the roles he played.
One of the more fascinating parts of our conversation was Jon’s decision to use a marionette puppet to represent Lee. It was an unconventional choice, but as Jon explained, it made perfect sense for a subject who was so concerned with how his story was told. He originally toyed with the idea of CGI but felt that it lacked the emotional warmth he was looking for. So, he collaborated with Andy Gent, known for his work with Wes Anderson and Tim Burton, to create a beautifully crafted puppet of Lee. And who better to provide the voice than Peter Serafinowicz, whose deep, rich tones helped bring that puppet to life. Jon’s approach allowed Lee to narrate his own story, with other voices occasionally chiming in to add a touch of warmth and gentle contradiction. It’s this kind of creative storytelling that sets Jon’s work apart—finding new ways to tell familiar stories.Jon and I also delved into some of the broader challenges facing filmmakers today.
The industry is in a strange place right now, with budgets tightening, streamers changing their strategies, and the rise of new technologies like AI reshaping the landscape. We had a lively discussion about the role of AI in filmmaking. For one specific sequence in the film—recounting a moment when Christopher Lee witnessed the last public execution by guillotine in France—Jon’s team used AI-assisted animation to breathe life into archival photos. It’s a decision that has sparked some controversy, especially from certain corners of the American press, but Jon sees it as just another tool in the creative toolkit.
He acknowledges the fears around AI and the impact it might have on jobs, but he also believes that, when used thoughtfully, it can elevate storytelling in new and exciting ways.Throughout our conversation, a recurring theme was empathy—something that Jon clearly values in his approach to documentary storytelling. He talked about how he always aims to create a sense of connection between the audience and his subjects, to show their humanity in all its complexity.
For Jon, it’s not just about documenting facts; it’s about exploring how those facts feel, and how they shape the person behind the public image. In The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee, this approach results in a film that isn’t just a tribute to a cinematic legend but also a portrait of a man grappling with his own insecurities, just like the rest of us.
We also touched on the state of cinema today—how trends are shifting, the uncertain future of theatrical releases, and what that means for filmmakers who, like Jon, are passionate about telling unique, challenging stories. It’s clear that Jon sees the current moment as both a challenge and an opportunity—a chance to push boundaries and keep audiences engaged in new ways, even if it means embracing some unconventional methods along the way.All in all, our chat was a rich, multi-layered conversation, touching on everything from the intricacies of puppetry to the big questions about where the film industry is headed. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of documentary filmmaking, the evolving landscape of cinema, and the enduring allure of a complex, larger-than-life figure like Christopher Lee.
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24 SET 2024 · In this conversation, TyRuben shares his journey into the world of visual effects and concept design, detailing the profound impact of films like '2001: A Space Odyssey' on his aspirations. He discusses the importance of self-permission in pursuing one's dreams, the skills he developed over the years, and his experiences at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). He emphasizes the significance of collaboration, the fast-paced nature of concept design, and the evolution of CGI in filmmaking. He reflects on his work with industry legends like George Lucas and James Cameron, the transformative experience of working on 'Avatar', and his eventual transition into education and engagement with artificial intelligence.
Key moments:
- Seeing '2001: A Space Odyssey' sparked my interest in visual effects.
- Self-permission is crucial for success in any field.
- Building a diverse skill set is essential for a career in VFX.
- Collaboration is key in the creative process.
- The fast-paced environment at ILM taught me to adapt quickly.
- Pitching ideas is a vital part of the creative process.
- Working with George Lucas was a dream come true.
- The experience on 'Avatar' solidified my role in the industry.
- Teaching is a natural progression in my career.
https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
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10 SET 2024 · Today’s conversation is one I’ve had in the bag for a couple of months now . I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Whitehurst.
Andrew’s journey into the visual effects industry is one that really resonates with me, especially when he talks about his childhood fascination with movie magic and a certain BBC documentary. Yes, THAT one! Like many of us, it all started with a spark of curiosity. He pursued that passion at art college and gained experience in various roles, which eventually led him to become a visual effects artist. His early work on projects like Tomb Raider 2 and Troy paved the way for his role as VFX supervisor on Ex Machina, ultimately winning him an academy award.
In our conversation, I got to dive deep into Andrew’s experience working on films like Ex Machina and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. We talked about the challenges of creating realistic CGI characters and the meticulous attention to detail that’s required for modern audiences. Andrew shares that belief in the value of using traditional tools like pencil and paper in the design process, and on the importance of looking beyond the screen to other forms of art for inspiration.
Through our discussion, Andrew provided some great insights into the decision-making process for visual effects and how to strike that delicate balance between realism and audience expectations.
Key points:
- A love for movies and a fascination with visual effects can lead to a career in the industry.
- Art college and self-learning are valuable for developing skills in animation and 3D software.
- Opportunities may arise in unexpected ways, such as working as a runner or doing graphic design for DVD menus.
- Being open to new roles and challenges can lead to career progression and working with renowned directors.
- Enjoying the process and having a good working relationship with colleagues are key to success in the industry. Ex Machina was a highly ambitious film with a tight shooting schedule and minimal pre-visualization and concept work.
- The design process for Ava focused on creating visual effects that could be executed like a regular piece of drama.
- The decision to use CG for Ava's head was made during the editing process, allowing for more creative control and a stronger visual impact.
- The design of Ava was influenced by a variety of sources, including racing car suspension, modernist sculpture, and human anatomy.
- The use of pencil and paper in the design process is a valuable tool for exploring ideas and understanding visual concepts. Taking the time to manually create something allows for thinking and feeling, which can lead to better results and creative collaboration.
- Observing the world and engaging with different forms of art can enhance creativity and provide inspiration for visual effects.
- Recreating a young version of a character like Indiana Jones requires a combination of techniques, including face swapping and machine learning.
- The use of high-resolution scans and archival material can help ensure accuracy and detail in visual effects.
- Closure on a project is important for maintaining mental health and allows for focusing on new challenges.
https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
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3 SET 2024 · This is a short bonus episode in which I interview author Kelly Knox about her co-authoring of "Return of the Jedi - A Visual Archive".
Kelly Knox discusses her love for the Star Wars movies, particularly the original trilogy, and her experience co-writing the visual archive book for Return of the Jedi. The book focuses on the behind-the-scenes details and connections that branched out from the film. Kelly shares her favorite discoveries while researching for the book and the challenge of balancing the desire for detail with limited space. She also hints at future projects and her excitement for attending Star Wars Celebration in Japan.
keywordsStar Wars, movies, original trilogy, Return of the Jedi, visual archive, behind-the-scenes, connections, research, book, interviews, panels, Japan
takeaways
- Kelly Knox fell in love with the Star Wars movies at a young age and has been a fan her whole life.
- The visual archive book for Return of the Jedi focuses on behind-the-scenes details and connections to other Star Wars projects.
- Kelly enjoyed discovering new facts and information while researching for the book.
- She has plans for future Star Wars books and is looking forward to attending Star Wars Celebration in Japan.
A video version will also be available on youtube.
Enjoy!
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27 AGO 2024 · In this episode, Jamie Benning interviews Doug Weir and Kieron Webb from the British Film Institute (BFI) about the restoration and screening of the 1933 classic film King Kong - 8th and 16th Sept 2024.
They discuss the historical significance of the film, its pioneering visual effects, and its impact on cinema. They also talk about the process of restoring and preserving old film prints, including the challenges and techniques involved. The conversation highlights the importance of film restoration and the BFI's efforts to preserve and showcase classic films. The conversation explores the process of preserving and restoring classic films, with a focus on the upcoming screening of King Kong at the BFI Southbank.
They highlight the collaboration with labs like Photochem and YCM Labs, which have a long-standing history in preservation and restoration work. The conversation also touches on the challenges of finding printing elements for preservation and the significance of preserving the original cinematic experience.
https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=64FF5A82-1CB6-4886-8A3E-885187AEFAF4&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=C8D59DB7-2F86-4373-85A1-2E92849CBE0A
https://www.brianpritchard.com/FAOL/contents/2604200faol/Foncd/TEXTS/sect_11/terminology11.html
https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
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20 AGO 2024 · Jett Green shares insights into her upbringing and her journey into the world of matte painting, highlighting her work on Labyrinth, Howard the Duck, Temple of Doom, and The NeverEnding Story. She also discusses the collaborative and supportive culture at ILM, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving remarkable results. Jett reflects on her transition from traditional painting to digital matte painting, as well as her current work as a fine artist in Maui.
Links
https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
https://www.caroleenjettgreen.com/
https://viewpointsgallerymaui.com/
https://linktr.ee/nigelsmithwalks
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6 AGO 2024 · "Star Wars came and changed my life."
Steve Sansweet, former bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal, shares his passion for movies and collecting, particularly Star Wars memorabilia. He recalls his childhood love for movies and science fiction, and how he started collecting science fiction toys and robots. He discusses the impact of Star Wars on his life and the collecting community, and his role in writing the book 'From Concept to Screen to Collectible'. Sansweet also talks about his time at Lucasfilm and his extensive collection of Star Wars memorabilia. Steve Sansweet discusses his favorite Star Wars collectibles, his role at Lucasfilm, and the growth of Star Wars fandom. He talks about his involvement in creating the Star Wars Encyclopedia and his time working on the special editions. Sansweet shares his experiences at Star Wars celebrations and the importance of fan engagement. He also reveals his favorite piece from the Phantom Menace era and discusses the challenges of collecting Star Wars merchandise. Sansweet reflects on his time at Lucasfilm and the future of Rancho Obi-Wan.
Links:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=AUKL6Y869RU8C
https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
https://ranchoobiwan.org/fundraiser2024/
Look no further if you want knowledgeable in-depth conversations between film historian Jamie Benning and some of the greatest artists in all the movie making crafts from effects to editing,...
mostra di più
Look no further if you want knowledgeable in-depth conversations between film historian Jamie Benning and some of the greatest artists in all the movie making crafts from effects to editing, stunts to storyboards.
mostra meno
Informazioni
| Autore | Chris Stachiw |
| Organizzazione | Weirding Way Media |
| Categorie | Film e TV , Cinema: interviste , Storia del cinema |
| Sito | www.spreaker.com |
| benningj@gmail.com |
Copyright 2024 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
