Behind The Scenes

Interview with 'Drive' director Nicolas Winding Refn

2012-02-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Interview with 'Drive' writer/director Nicolas Winding Refn

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe width="650" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x9l0xQ4X37o?rel=0" frameborder="0"allowfullscreen&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/iframe&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Screening - SILENT RUNNING w/ Doug Trumbull Q&A

2012-02-08T01:37:00.000-08:00

This would be worth checking out if you're in LA.

// Screening - SILENT RUNNING w/ Doug Trumbull Q&A (Los Angeles)
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 7:30PM

The VES Archives Committee, in association with Universal Pictures and the UCLA Film and Television Archive, is pleased to present a special evening with Douglas Trumbull
and a screening of his directorial debut SILENT RUNNING

Lucas Speaker Series: Interview with director Martin Scorsese on 'Hugo'

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Charlie Rose Interviews directors Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo del Toro & Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

2012-02-06T02:44:00.000-08:00

Ron Cobb Interview: Designing 'Conan The Barbarian'

2012-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

This is a great interview with production designer Ron Cobb. He talks about the production challenges behind the making of Conan. The audio sync is off but it's a worth a listen.

Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed (2007)

2012-01-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed is a documentary about the impact the original 1977 Star Wars film has had upon society and filmmaking, with a focus on the place of the series in the continuum of cultural mythology. via wikia

Interview with director Tim Burton

2012-01-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

DSLR Cinematography Guide (PDF)

2012-01-24T03:27:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty good reference guide for general terminology on DSLR's. You can download the PDF for free.

'This guide assumes some basic knowledge of moving images, such as exposure, shutter speed, focal length, and frame rate. It focuses on the technical challenges unique to DSLR cinematography — it won’t teach you how to light scenes, stage camera movements, or cook a full English breakfast. It will, however, give you a huge jump start in figuring out how to make beautiful, inexpensive movies using a DSLR.'

// The DSLR Cinematography Guide via nofilmschool

Robert McKee on 'Story'

2012-01-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

Here are some interviews with screen writer, lecturer, and author of 'Story' - Robert Mckee. For those of you unfamiliar with McKee you can check out is book here:

// STORY by Robert McKee via amazon

John Carter Q&A in London

2012-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

John Carter London Q&A with Taylor Kitsch, Eamonn Butler (Animation Supervisor) and Sue Rowe (Visual Effects Supervisor)

Side by Side Official Trailer (2012)

2012-01-19T02:30:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to seeing this. Some of the top Hollywood 'big wigs' weigh in on the transition from film to digital.

SIDE BY SIDE

'The documentary investigates the history, process and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation. We show what artists and filmmakers have been able to accomplish with both film and digital and how their needs and innovations have helped push filmmaking in new directions. Interviews with directors, cinematographers, colorists, scientists, engineers and artists reveal their experiences and feelings about working with film and digital--where we are now, how we got here and what the future may bring.'

Dennis Lowe's 'Alien Makers'

2012-01-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

Long time special effects / visual effects artist and supervisor Dennis Lowe has an amazing website that showcases dozens of his professional and personal projects. His 'Alien Makers' series has been around for while now and is a real treat for those of you who haven't seen them yet. Also be sure to check out the extensive gallery of images from the making of 'Alien'.

// Alien Image Gallery
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

// ALIEN MAKERS I

// ALIEN MAKERS II

// ALIEN MAKERS IV

Also checkout

// RESTORING THE 'NOSTROMO'

Interview with cinematographer Michael Chapman

2012-01-18T04:21:00.000-08:00

// Michael Chapman

Making of 'Scarface'

2012-01-17T04:31:00.000-08:00

Martin Scorsese: Inside The Actors Studio

2012-01-16T03:18:00.000-08:00

Albert Whitlock VES Tribute

2012-01-13T02:34:00.000-08:00

// Albert Whitlock VES Tribute via Making FX

The highlight reel below was put together by Craig Barron VFX Supervisor and founder of Matte World Digital.

Harrison Ellenshaw : VFX of 'TRON' (1982)

2012-01-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Left to right: TRON producer Donald Kushner, associate producer & co-supervisor of SFX, Harrison Ellenshaw and co-supervisor of SFX Richard Taylor.

DP/30: WETA's Joe Letteri 2011

2012-01-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

Making of 'THX 1138'

2012-01-10T02:16:00.000-08:00

A Trip to Mars (1910)

2012-01-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

Produced by the Edison Manufacturing Company in 1910 'A Trip To Mars' is one of the earliest American scifi films. It's short and worth a watch or at least a scrub through. The martian is particularity interesting.

Synopsis: After inventing an anti-gravity powder, a man uses it on himself to propel himself to Mars.

Walter Murch at the Boston SuperMeet (2011)

2012-01-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

'In Conversation With Walter Murch'

The Godfather Family: A Look Inside (1990)

2012-01-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

A documentary on the making of the three Godfather films, with interviews and recollections from the film makers, cast and crew.

Revealing The Godfather

Short documentary on the restoration of the original print of 'The Godfather'.

Blade Runner Sketchbook (1982)

2011-12-23T03:27:00.000-08:00

So I've been looking for a copy of the rare 'Blade Runner Sketchbook' for a while now and a few days ago my friend Eddie snagged a pretty good .pdf version! The images are a bit blown out but over all the scans are clear. If by chance you want to purchase an original copy check out the prices through the link below!

// Blade Runner Sketchbook via Amazon.com

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 via Animopus blog

Making of 'Casino Royale' (2006)

2011-12-22T03:39:00.000-08:00

Gore Verbinski talks 'Rango' at Lucasfilm Speaker Series

2011-12-19T03:03:00.000-08:00

Making of 'War Horse'

2011-12-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

The 'War Horse' panel includes producer Kathleen Kennedy, production designer Rick Carter, first assistant director Adam Somner, costume designer Joanna Johnston, makeup artist Lois Burwell, cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, and film editor Michael Kahn.

Scott Feinberg Interviews VFX Supervisor Joe Letteri

2011-12-15T03:13:00.000-08:00

Here Scott Feinberg interviews Joe Letteri about his career and most recently Weta's work on Rise of the Planet of the Apes. It's interesting how Letteri doesn't talk about the importance of animation to performance capture but focuses on the technical aspects that go into creating a performance. At the 21:00 mark Letteri talks about the possibility of a mocap performance receiving an Oscar nomination. Also, at 30:55 he briefly talks about 'the uncanny valley'.

Tintin Featurette

2011-12-14T03:35:00.000-08:00

Andy Serkis has a Vimeo channel dedicated to video clips and featurettes showcasing some of his motion capture work. Sadly not much is mentioned about all the animation that is added to his performances in post. There's no question Andy is a fantastic actor but there are dozens of equally talented animators helping to bring these CG characters to life on the other side of the mocap camera.

Tintin Featurette: The Filmmakers from

Tintin Featurette from

Tintin film clip: The Last of the Haddocks

The Making of 'Silent Running' (1972)

2011-11-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Douglas Trumbull lecture 'Immersive Cinema Technology' SID 2011

2011-11-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

3D- CINERAMA- PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

[EVENT] Behind the Scenes: The Art and Craft of Cinema Phil Tippett, Special Effects Master

2011-10-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you Bay Area friends a heads up about these upcoming lectures by Phil Tippett.

// you can purchase tickets through the link below

Behind the Scenes: The Art and Craft of Cinema Phil Tippett, Special Effects Master via BAM/PFA San Francisco Film Society

// Thursday, November 17, 2011
7:00 p.m. Phil Tippett: Illustrated Talk, followed by Starship Troopers
(Paul Verhoeven, U.S., 1997). Join special-effects legend Phil Tippett (Jurassic Park; Robocop; Empire Strikes Back) in a wide-ranging discussion on the movies, special effects, and his influences, followed by Verhoeven’s intergalactic bug-attack epic Starship Troopers. (129 mins, plus lecture)

// Friday, November 18, 2011
7:00 p.m. The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad
Nathan Juran (U.S., 1958). Introduced by Phil Tippett. For this fantastical tale from a 1,001 Nights, Ray Harryhausen perfected the integration of three-dimensional animated figures and live actors, and inspired generations of filmmakers and special-effects artists to come. (88 mins)

Behind the Scenes is a collaboration between BAM/PFA and the San Francisco Film Society. Major support for Behind the Scenes has been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support has been provided by the San Francisco Foundation and the BAM/PFA Trustees.

Making of 'Conan the Barbarian'

2011-10-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

The pic above is from 'Conan the Destroyer (1984)'

'Classic Creatures' Return of the Jedi (1983)

2011-10-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

This 1983 PBS behind the scenes look at the creatures of 'Return of the Jedi' is an awesome glimpse into the ILM model shop during it's prime. There's lots of footage of work in progress puppets and stop-motion rigs from the film.

'Secret Lives' Walt Disney (1995)

2011-10-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

1995 documentary looking at the darker side of Walt Disney. Includes interviews with artists Bill Melendez, David Hilberman, Mary Eastman, Bill Hurtz, Marie Beardsley, and Bill Littlejohn, screenwriter Joan Scott, and biographers Marc Eliot, Richard Schickel, and Bob Thomas.

The Kerner Collapse

2011-10-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

There are some interesting details emerging about the fall of Kerner last August. Check out these articles.

From CineSource Magazine:

The Kerner Collapse: Hubris, Hustle or Outright Scam?

Straight Shooter: Rose Duignan and the Kerner Closing

Thanks for the heads up Webster!

American Masters George Lucas: Heroes, Myths and Magic (1993)

2011-10-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Great Camera Shootout 2011

2011-10-02T03:39:00.000-07:00

"The most scientific camera comparison to date, “The Great Camera Shootout 2011: is a documentary of the Single Chip Camera Evaluation (SCCE)"

The 12-Camera line-up includes: 35mm Kodak 5213 & 5219 Film, Arri Alexa, RED ONE M-X, Weisscam HS-2, Phantom Flex, Sony F-35, Sony F3, Panasonic AG-AF100, Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 7D and Nikon D7000.

More info on the series can be found here: Zacuto

Commentary in this Episode Features:
Academy Award Winner Russell Boyd ASC, ACS (Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World, Ghost Rider, Forever Young); Academy Award Nominee Don McAlpine ASC, ACS (Moulin Rouge, Patriot Games, X-Men Origins: Wolverine); Calvin Gardiner ACS; BAFTA TV Award Winner Nic Knowland, ASC (The Final Passage, Around the World in 80 Days); Emmy Award Nominee & ASC Nominee Gale Tattersall, ASC (House, Ghost Ship, Wild Orchid); Mykelti T. Williamson, Actor (Forrest Gump, 24, CSI: NY); Ken Glassing (CSI: Miami); Philip Bloom (Sophiaâ€™s People, Greenpeace: Voices of Change); Terry Hopkins (London Film School); Dan Chung, James Mathers (Digital Cinema Society), David Wexler (Broken, The Wind) and more.

Ridley Scott Interview (Fox Searchlight)

2011-10-01T02:20:00.000-07:00

American Cinema: The Film School Generation (1995)

2011-09-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

What Drives Cinematographer Philip Bloom

2011-09-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

// website PhilipBloom.net

Giger's Alien (1979)

2011-09-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

The Pixar Story (2007)

2011-09-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

J.J. Abrams talks 'Super 8' on Charlie Rose Show (2011)

2011-09-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

J.J. Abrams talks about making 'Super 8' and his filmmaking process.

A Talk with Hitchcock (1964)

2011-09-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Making of 'Equinox' (1970)

2011-09-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

This film featured the vfx and stop motion work of Jim Danforth, David Allen and Dennis Murin.

Cinematography Podcasts

2011-09-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

Listed below are some pretty good cinematography podcasts via iTunes. All are free and available for download!

Conversations on Cinematography By American Society of Cinematographers

// Series of 6 episodes: Conversations on Cinematography

American Cinematographer Podcasts By American Cinematographer Magazine

// Series of 22 episodes: American Cinematographer

"MORAV: Missions" Live Action Series 'Pilot'

2011-09-14T02:49:00.000-07:00

'MORAV' is a live action series currently in production in the San Francisco Bay Area. The creator and director of MORAV is Fon Davis (ILM and FONCO). A talented team of vfx artists and model makers have been donating their time to bring this project to fruition. I had the pleasure of working a couple of weekends with them last year and I must say MORAV is looking amazing!

Check out the MORAV Kickstarter page if you're interested in helping out with the project. You can also find them on Facebook.

// Kickstarter: 'MORAV: Missions'

// Facebook: MORAV

Face To Face with Steven Spielberg (1994)

2011-09-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

From Star Wars to Jedi - the Making of a Saga (1983)

2011-09-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Star Wars Trilogy Documentaries by Jamie Benning

2011-09-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

These documentary's combine the movies as we know them with behind the scenes footage, audio from the cast and crew, alternate angles, reconstructed scenes, text facts and more to take you deep inside the process which brought the films to the big screen. [Directed by Jamie Benning aka Jambe Davdar]

Check out more about the series over on WIRED: Fan Filmumentary Trilogy

The Rocketeer (1991)

2011-09-05T02:24:00.000-07:00

Kerner Optical, LL Closes

2011-09-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is really sad news. Read the statement letter here: Kerner Optical Letter

"...It is with the deepest sadness and regret that I write this letter. Effective immediately, Kerner Optical, LLC is closed for business..." -- Eric Edmeades
Managing Partner

The Making of 'Star Tours' 2011

2011-08-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Walter Murch Lecture at Sundance 2010

2011-08-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Making of 'Full Metal Jacket' (1987)

2011-08-29T22:24:00.000-07:00

Stanley Kubrick: The Invisible Man (1996)

2011-08-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Part 4 [view on YouTube]

Making of 'The Birds'

2011-08-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

Movie Magic (1994)

2011-08-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Movie Magic Episode 2 - Optical FX

Movie Magic Episode 3 - Creature Articulation

Movie Magic Episode 4 - Miniature Pyrotechnics

Phil Tippett Interview via BlogTalkRadio

2011-08-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

New interview with Phil Tippet from BlogTalkRadio.

Airdate: Wed, Aug 24, 2011

Mad God Teaser Trailer

Easter Parade: On the avenue (2005)

2011-08-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes of Easter Parade 1948

Stanley Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001

2011-08-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kodak Master Class Series: Lighting Dances with Wolves

2011-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Oscar Award winning cinematographer Dean Semler teaches a master class on lighting and cinematography at the Australian Film School in Sydney.

The American West of John Ford (1971)

2011-08-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Clint Eastwood Interview "Letters from Iwo Jima" [2009]

2011-08-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

Houdini Demo Reel 2011

2011-08-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Houdini highlight reel for 2011

How To Film The Impossible - ILM's VFX [BBC 1985]

2011-08-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

Loose Fit - Table Beggar

2011-07-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Making of Loose Fit - Table Beggar

Director/ Animator: Abbie Stephens (abbiestephens.co.uk)
Production Company: Beaucoup Films
DOP: Chris Lee
Producer: Esteban Gitton
Production Assistant: Omeed Rahmani-Khezri
2nd camera: Paul Storrie
Actor: James Clossick
Record Label: Join The Dots

Restoring 'The Nostromo' from Alien

2011-07-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

More info over on WIRED: Restoration of The Nostromo from the Movie Alien

The Mill VFX - Behind the Scenes

2011-07-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

For more behind the scenes videos check out The Mill's YouTube channel - Mill Channel

DGA: Tribute to Steven Spielberg

2011-07-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Some classic stories and conversation between three great directors.

link via | DGA: Tribute to Steven Spielberg

About | The Directors Guild of America

A Legacy of Flimmakers: American Zoetrope

2011-06-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Battlestar Galactica: Behind the Scenes (1978)

2011-06-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

'Green Lantern' - Behind The Scenes (2011)

2011-06-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

Here's some new footage from 'Green Lantern'. There's a ton of new shots and possible spoilers. It was a great project to work on and hope it does well this weekend. Check it out over on Animopus!

‘Ghostbusters 2′ Behind The Scenes

2011-05-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

This is some great footage from the production of 'Ghostbusters 2' shot by make-up artist Bill Forsche.

Behind the Scenes of VW's Black Beetle commercial

2011-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes of VW's Black Beetle commercial from effects studio The Mill

CNCD & Fairlight

2011-05-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

2011

2010

Industrial Light & Magic: Creating The Impossible

2011-05-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

ILMVisualFX Channel on YouTube

2011-05-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

ILM has a channel on YouTube now. They've uploaded a variety of interviews and behind the scenes clips from various movies.

ILM YouTube Channel

Interview with Producer Bill Mechanic - State of the Film Industry

2011-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Some perspective on the current state of the film industry from Bill Mechanic via DP/30

Making of 'The Shining'

2011-03-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Interview with Morgan Spurlock 'Greatest Movie Ever Sold'

2011-03-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

interview

trailer

High Speed Train High Speed Camera

2011-03-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

This is so crazy!

Behind The Scenes Of The New Old Spice Commercial

2011-03-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

The Movie Magic of Tarzan: hosted by Craig Barron & Ben Burtt

2011-03-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

This looks awesome! Would love to go if I was still in SF!

Hollywood & Vines / via cafilm

Tarzan and His Mate, Sunday, March 6, 7:00 pm
Tarzan Finds a Son! Sunday, March 13, 3:00 pm

'In two unique presentations, Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Craig Barron and Oscar-winning sound designer Ben Burtt explore some of the secrets behind the making of “Tarzan and His Mate”(1934) and “Tarzan Finds a Son!”(1939). Both programs include rare, behind-the-scenes photos revealing how certain technologies were used in making the films. Barron and Burtt will also examine the MGM rear-projection technique used to create the illusion of a charging rhino and discuss the sound effects, which played an enormous role in these films.'

‘Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan' Documentary

2011-03-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to see this!

'Exit Through The Gift Shop' with producer Jaimie D' Cruz and editor Chris King

2011-02-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

Original Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

2011-02-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

Interview with editor Michael Kahn

2011-02-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

Tribute Reel

Martin Scorsese's Favorite Films (AFI)

2011-02-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Interivew with Cinematographer Wally Pfister

2011-02-14T09:03:00.000-08:00

The Making Of Disney's 'Cinderella'

2011-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The Making of Disney's 'Pinocchio'

2011-02-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Making of 'Inception'

2011-02-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

Interview with Cinematographer Roger Deakins

2011-02-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

Making of 'The Real Ghostbusters'

2011-02-02T23:49:00.000-08:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Rod Serling Interviewed by Mike Wallace (1959)

2011-01-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Thanks Aaron for the heads up!

Phil Tippet on stopmotion

2010-12-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

Making of "Legend of the Guardians"

2010-10-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

The Making of Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty' (1959)

2010-10-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

From The Mind of Phil Tippett

2010-10-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

Phil Tippett has just uploaded dozens of his early stop motion animations and behind the scenes clips to YouTube. Checkout them out on his new channel PhilsAttic.