Well today I sat down with our composer, Christy Carew, and listened to the latest tracks she has composed for the score of The Cypherian. I think everyone is going to be very impressed with her creativeness and hard work. The opening of the film really sets a great tone for the rest of the movie. Christy has worked very hard to give us a dramatic and exciting score to the film and she isn't done yet. Along with the opening I've heard the two musical pieces that set the mood for the middle of the film. As the explanation of our Hero's past and call to action begin to fall into place. I also got to sample elements to our antagonist's theme and the music which accompanies our lead actress. I can not wait to hear the rest of the score, and I know Christy is excited and anxious to continue working on the project.
I have also been working on our festival schedule. Reading just about every guide book and magazine article to determine where we will apply and hopefully succeed in bringing The Cypherian to the world. If anyone has suggestions please let me know. It really is amazing how many festivals there are in just North America alone. Luckily, through websites and information from former attendees, I have got a dozen right now with more to be researched in the time frame we hope to finish the film.
That is all for now, and I hope everyone is having a great Fall season so far. Until next time....Now Onward!
-DK
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Screening Date Set for the New York Film Academy
Well everyone the film finally has a screening date with the NYFA on Friday Nov. 21 at 6pm on the Universal Studios Back Lot. The film will be shown as part of the Jan. 2008 Class presentation of their Year-One Projects. As for the film we have completed ADR work and are in Foley and Soundtrack preparations. Color grading and cinematic tweaks have been added to the film and we are just awaiting the final touches to make the movie complete. Right now we are running about 18mins which is great considering the original cut was quite larger than that. Also a festival schedule is being put together this week for distribution next month. Fun for all so be sure to sign up for the screening if you are not part of the cast and crew, but want to see it anyway. Just shoot me a comment or email and I'll see about getting you on the guest list once it becomes available to me. Thanks everyone. Now Onward!
-DK
-DK
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Some Changes and Finalizations
Hello all!
Well to give everyone an update to where we are. Yesterday our Cinematographer, SΓΈren Viuf and I, sat down and applied the color correction and anamorphic aspect ratio to the film. Our goal was to shoot the film in a 35mm framing for two reasons. 1) If we ever decide to output onto a 35mm print, which would be cool, then the job is down for us. 2) It really gives the film a great look in the end. All voice overs have been recorded and our sound designer, Will Ogilvie, is currently working on sound effects, Foley, and awaiting the final touches to the sound track. Christy has been working hard to get a sound track to us over the last month and I got to here a sample the other day. She has put something amazing together for this film, and I really really can not wait to hear the final score. We also made some shot changes to the current film. Nothing that moves the film around, but different takes from the same scenes. This was for both visual and audio quality of the film.
As for a screening the NYFA has not set a final date on their end, but since it looks like we might be having it either the week before Thanksgiving or the first week of December. To me neither of these options is acceptable. So I've decided to start looking for a small venue to host my own screening of the final product in Early November. I'm also starting on a festival calender for submission which start around the same time. So this week has been a busy one getting back and working on the film. We are getting close to the final product and getting back in the class room before winter break. Exciting times.
Now onward!
-DK
Well to give everyone an update to where we are. Yesterday our Cinematographer, SΓΈren Viuf and I, sat down and applied the color correction and anamorphic aspect ratio to the film. Our goal was to shoot the film in a 35mm framing for two reasons. 1) If we ever decide to output onto a 35mm print, which would be cool, then the job is down for us. 2) It really gives the film a great look in the end. All voice overs have been recorded and our sound designer, Will Ogilvie, is currently working on sound effects, Foley, and awaiting the final touches to the sound track. Christy has been working hard to get a sound track to us over the last month and I got to here a sample the other day. She has put something amazing together for this film, and I really really can not wait to hear the final score. We also made some shot changes to the current film. Nothing that moves the film around, but different takes from the same scenes. This was for both visual and audio quality of the film.
As for a screening the NYFA has not set a final date on their end, but since it looks like we might be having it either the week before Thanksgiving or the first week of December. To me neither of these options is acceptable. So I've decided to start looking for a small venue to host my own screening of the final product in Early November. I'm also starting on a festival calender for submission which start around the same time. So this week has been a busy one getting back and working on the film. We are getting close to the final product and getting back in the class room before winter break. Exciting times.
Now onward!
-DK
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Home Coming
So its been two weeks since I was called to Texas to check in on my grandfather and the rest of the family. Good news is everyone is doing fine now. It looks like I'm getting ready to head back to L.A. in the next day or so once we get everything finalized here. Our crew begins production on another film starting next week. Updates to The Cypherian will be coming very soon after I get back. Before leaving I turned the film over to our sound designer and composer. Its been almost two weeks since I touched the film, and I'm a little anxious to put the final touches on before it is sent out to festivals.
Also come this winter I will be starting work on writing the feature length version of the film for my thesis project. I do not plan to shoot the feature right away, but as it is part of my graduation requirement I figure why not get a jump start on it. I think for my second year project I'll go back to an original short. I've been kicking around some ideas with crew members, and a comedy seems to be where we are heading. I've never written one so I am excited to be out of my element a bit. I've worked on several comedies, but nothing of my own. I'll keep everyone updated as to the progress on that one. Now onward!
Also come this winter I will be starting work on writing the feature length version of the film for my thesis project. I do not plan to shoot the feature right away, but as it is part of my graduation requirement I figure why not get a jump start on it. I think for my second year project I'll go back to an original short. I've been kicking around some ideas with crew members, and a comedy seems to be where we are heading. I've never written one so I am excited to be out of my element a bit. I've worked on several comedies, but nothing of my own. I'll keep everyone updated as to the progress on that one. Now onward!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Pieces Are Falling Together
So a big day today. After a night of editing we have a extended trailer for the film that will premiere at our Producer's, Shannon Marie Welch, graduation on Friday August 29th. The trailer is strictly for personal use and won't be released to the public until the original music is added. I did however, meet with our composer today, Christy Carew, who also scored "B-O-M-B" for me back in May. She has some great ideas and I'm really excited to see what she comes up with for the film. Over the last week I interviewed several production houses and people about sound and visual graphics. I'm happy to report that we have brought on Jory Hyman as our visual effects artist. He has some great ideas for the special effects that will be used in the film. There will be some photos below showcasing what he has envisioned for the film so far. As for sound I think we will have a deal very soon that will insure that we have a final sound mix down and promotional material for the festivals come this winter.
Everyday I look at the film and get excited at what this group has helped to create. I love feeling that others share in my excitement for this project, and only want to see more. I plan to fill their need in due time. For now its back to work. I start work on another film tomorrow, and through the rest of the week. I think it might be great to take my mind off the film just for a few days. Anyway off on another adventure. Now onward!
-DK
P.S. Here are some concept photos Jory has sent over. Enjoy!
Everyday I look at the film and get excited at what this group has helped to create. I love feeling that others share in my excitement for this project, and only want to see more. I plan to fill their need in due time. For now its back to work. I start work on another film tomorrow, and through the rest of the week. I think it might be great to take my mind off the film just for a few days. Anyway off on another adventure. Now onward!
-DK
P.S. Here are some concept photos Jory has sent over. Enjoy!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Rough Cut Almost Done
So its been three weeks since we wrapped on The Cypherian, and the rough cut is very close to being done. I've gone through several drafts according to the pile of burned DVD's sitting my desk. First cut was about 21 minutes long. Now we are down to under 19 without credits of course. Those I'm working on right now. I'm very happy with what we have created and early responses from the few scenes I've completed are in the positive area. Let us hope that is a good sign for the future of the project. After picture lock the film will get a soundtrack and added visual effects before finally getting mixed down into the final cut for screenings.
An extended trailer is also being cut right now for the graduation screening of our Producer Shannon Welch on August 29th or 30th. The school has yet to make up their mind about the date.
I start working on another film project directed by crew member Faizan Kareem. I'll be on a week-on week-off schedule until late October. Luckily I did not waste my time these past few weeks. Thanks go out to all of you who have been continuing to help and support me and the project since its creation. Check back in soon. Now onward!
-DK
An extended trailer is also being cut right now for the graduation screening of our Producer Shannon Welch on August 29th or 30th. The school has yet to make up their mind about the date.
I start working on another film project directed by crew member Faizan Kareem. I'll be on a week-on week-off schedule until late October. Luckily I did not waste my time these past few weeks. Thanks go out to all of you who have been continuing to help and support me and the project since its creation. Check back in soon. Now onward!
-DK
Sunday, August 3, 2008
First Days of Editing
So its been almost two weeks since we started the production on "The Cypherian", and just under a week since we moved into post production. Here is where we are. ECSTATIC! I've gotten to take a closer look at all the footage and I am so happy with the results. Another round of applause for my cast and crew for helping me to to create this story. Of course now we move into the difficult part of putting it all together.
I had to wait a few more days then I wanted in order to get all the parts for my new computer, and get everything settled. Stupidly I forgot to add a wireless card to my computer which was just a simple click of a button, but some how I managed to miss it completely. So I had to run to the Mac Store and get one. Thing is Macs were never really made to be messed with by their owners. In fact when I got the card it was so small I thought they gave me the laptop card so I took it back. Turns out the same card for the laptop is also used in the tower models. Way to be cross compatible Mac! So I get back to install the thing which a Mac guy had to sit and explain how to do it for 20min. It was no cake run. Took me an hour to get the damn thing in. I even called Mac Support and they told me the part was not user installable. Well guess what MAC! I got it in and it works great so HA!
Anyway moving on I spent three hours downloading Mac updates and another three installing the editing software. Then finally I got to begin importing the footage into the program. This meant labeling and downloading the footage to the new computer. Day one ending with only one more card to import. By then I was ready to sleep.
On day two I woke up early and got the last bits in and began importing the audio. Now was the really boring part. Syncing all the clips with the correct audio. Always fun. This took about six hours. Afterward I took a long break and cleared my head. Now the fun begins
I ran through all the footage again trying to decide where to start. Then I thought why not just start at the beginning? Normally you get the smaller scenes out of the way first so you can spend the rest of the time on the more complicated scenes, but its not like I'm pressed for time. Though I don't have the voice overs yet I cut a rough edit of the opening sequence and began on the first dialog scene. Got about half way through and decided I had not eaten...at all that day and stepped out of the house.
I loaded my ipod (Yes I know I own a lot of apple stuff) with a trailer music playlist I had been working on during the week and headed out. I already had some music in mind, but I want to put myself back in the editing mood. While at the store grabbing food one of the songs really jumped out at me. It was a number just over a minute I got off a friend in Anchorage a few years ago. I had not heard the track since then, but suddenly lines from the film began to jump into the music as I was listening. I put the song on repeat and listen to it the whole way home. By the time I got in the door I opened my laptop and starting writing the description and lines I would need to add into the voice over session I hope to have next week with Chris.
After a first draft I stepped away to eat dinner. Then I read through the script while listening to the music and it timed out almost perfectly. So at around 7:30pm I starting cutting. At around 11:30pm I had the first rough cut. I watched a few times and made corrections and at around 12:30am I watched it on my TV. It was an interesting experience watching these images. I've cut trailers before just for the hell it, because they are so driven by their music. Something about this one really got me excited. I've honestly seen this trailer in my head for years, and to see it in front of me last night, even with the stuff that still needs to be fixed, I couldn't help but watch it over and over again for at least 15min. The trailer is just over a minute if that says anything to you. I know I am a ways off from having a totally viewable trailer, but I have a trailer...and that just inspires me to no end. The Trailer will eventually be released publicly when original music is put to it. But we are a ways from that so everyone...be bare with me. Now onward!
-DK
I had to wait a few more days then I wanted in order to get all the parts for my new computer, and get everything settled. Stupidly I forgot to add a wireless card to my computer which was just a simple click of a button, but some how I managed to miss it completely. So I had to run to the Mac Store and get one. Thing is Macs were never really made to be messed with by their owners. In fact when I got the card it was so small I thought they gave me the laptop card so I took it back. Turns out the same card for the laptop is also used in the tower models. Way to be cross compatible Mac! So I get back to install the thing which a Mac guy had to sit and explain how to do it for 20min. It was no cake run. Took me an hour to get the damn thing in. I even called Mac Support and they told me the part was not user installable. Well guess what MAC! I got it in and it works great so HA!
Anyway moving on I spent three hours downloading Mac updates and another three installing the editing software. Then finally I got to begin importing the footage into the program. This meant labeling and downloading the footage to the new computer. Day one ending with only one more card to import. By then I was ready to sleep.
On day two I woke up early and got the last bits in and began importing the audio. Now was the really boring part. Syncing all the clips with the correct audio. Always fun. This took about six hours. Afterward I took a long break and cleared my head. Now the fun begins
I ran through all the footage again trying to decide where to start. Then I thought why not just start at the beginning? Normally you get the smaller scenes out of the way first so you can spend the rest of the time on the more complicated scenes, but its not like I'm pressed for time. Though I don't have the voice overs yet I cut a rough edit of the opening sequence and began on the first dialog scene. Got about half way through and decided I had not eaten...at all that day and stepped out of the house.
I loaded my ipod (Yes I know I own a lot of apple stuff) with a trailer music playlist I had been working on during the week and headed out. I already had some music in mind, but I want to put myself back in the editing mood. While at the store grabbing food one of the songs really jumped out at me. It was a number just over a minute I got off a friend in Anchorage a few years ago. I had not heard the track since then, but suddenly lines from the film began to jump into the music as I was listening. I put the song on repeat and listen to it the whole way home. By the time I got in the door I opened my laptop and starting writing the description and lines I would need to add into the voice over session I hope to have next week with Chris.
After a first draft I stepped away to eat dinner. Then I read through the script while listening to the music and it timed out almost perfectly. So at around 7:30pm I starting cutting. At around 11:30pm I had the first rough cut. I watched a few times and made corrections and at around 12:30am I watched it on my TV. It was an interesting experience watching these images. I've cut trailers before just for the hell it, because they are so driven by their music. Something about this one really got me excited. I've honestly seen this trailer in my head for years, and to see it in front of me last night, even with the stuff that still needs to be fixed, I couldn't help but watch it over and over again for at least 15min. The trailer is just over a minute if that says anything to you. I know I am a ways off from having a totally viewable trailer, but I have a trailer...and that just inspires me to no end. The Trailer will eventually be released publicly when original music is put to it. But we are a ways from that so everyone...be bare with me. Now onward!
-DK
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