Anderson's Blog

BSC EVENT

2010-03-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Crazy Day out. Just got back from a great BSC event in London, I realized I don't really know anything, and that I really want to be a D.O.P. Was a fun day out for all involved, and I really feel I know how exactly I can attain my goal. Some sills above

THE PROPOSAL

2010-03-13T05:43:00.000-08:00

First Day. A drama about Detention, Harsh Teachers, and Coffee, Yes Coffee. Film to be completed by the end of May, and it looks to be my most ambitious project yet.

SOLID IDEA ABOUT SCHOOL

2010-02-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

It's all coming full circle, making a film about school detention, when the first film I did was about bullying in school, it's the stuff of fair tales.

Anyway, FIRST DAY (working title) is what I'm going with this semester, should be a fun film inspired by the high school films of the 80's and 90's. Going to approach comedy for the first time, should be an interesting challenge. Below is the first page of the (work in progress) PROPOSAL.

NEW SEMESTER NEW IDEAS

2010-02-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. Since my last posts we've had talks with about 8 people from the film and television industries, the assessment for the film, which went well, and I have sent the film off to two festivals.

But that was then.

Next film, a drama commissioned by the Staffordshire Police, about a boy who has been pressured into committing a crime by his piers and the consequences he faces. It should be a real challenge and will by far out do run, in terms of scope and difficulty, but as they say if you aim for the sky you'll at least hit the ceiling.

FILM IS DONE

2010-01-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

RUN is finished, just exported it to DVD to do a final test, but the film is done, I want to thank everyone involved in the project, and those who helped me along this arduous process. Expect more updates as we get closer to screening and festival times, which are quickly approaching. Also feedback on the poster would be fantastic.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hello All. Happy New Year, The Visual Edit is DONE. The composer is sending examples of the soundtrack, and now colour correction is getting there. Will update this properly next week, but until then CIAO

FINALLY FINISHED SHOOTING

2009-12-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

After what has been a hectic first semester, I can safely say that my film is shot, acting was great, and although very different weather conditions the external scenes should still convey the same emotion of isolation, take a look at a still from today.

ITS BEEN A WHILE

2009-12-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

Been real busy the last couple of weeks, but I am NOW in POST Production. Still need to shoot 2 more scenes but otherwise it is going smoothly. Here are two stills from the EDIT.

BUSY BUSY WEEKEND, BUSY BUSY WEEK

2009-11-16T12:31:00.000-08:00

Went to London to D.O.P. Film maker Mark Kuczewski's Ready or Not, was a hard shoot, but was worth it. Will put pics from that soon, above is a still from Thursday Shoot at Wrynose Pass. More coming soon

SHOOT DAY TOMORROW

2009-11-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well this is it, no more auditions, no more casting, and no more script writing, it's all about the film now, should be fun, as I have a talented crew behind, and a great location in front of me, we will see by this time tomorrow.

Anyways Until then, I say my goodbyes

When Two Days Became one

2009-11-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Some complications have come up, with actors and locations, and instead of having the two interior shoot days, we now have only the one, a bit disappointing, as I wanted both days to be well paced, and relaxed, as opposed to slightly rushed, but at least this way, we will be driven and ready, and that's always useful.

Thursday's shoot is coming up, I'm sort of scared but I blocked some shots today, and we should be okay, now just to sort out all the technicalities. So the 12th and the 24th are the shoot days now. Can't Wait.

Auditions In London PART DUEX

2009-11-05T06:13:00.001-08:00

Sorry about the week off, has been a real hectic week

Had a full on day in London, 14 hours, 333 miles, great auditions, and no sleep.

Was a benefial day not only for myself, but also for my fellow film maker Tim Orchard, who had the lion's share of auditions, it was a fun day, and the Match Bar, with a special shout out for the manager Ryall Daniels, were a massive help on the day, well both days. And by the way, Match Bar is absolutely fantastic, a nice little chilled out place about a 2 minutes walk from Oxford Circus. I recommend them, the food is fantastic, the atmosphere is mature and laid back, and of course it's in Central London, so why not?

P.

Storyboarding. ABOUT TIME

2009-11-01T14:30:00.001-08:00

Just starting on my overly ambitious storyboard, should be fun. Been putting it off because I want the script to be fairly final. But enough is enough, since the first shoot day is next week.

A bit off topic, but I just listened to a brilliant podcast will the the unbelievably great Willy Pfister, In my opinion the best D.O.P. out there, period. Some great insights to him and Mr Nolan's shooting/visual philosophy, and that there should be little grading because the negatives, or in my case, rushes should look like the release print, or in this case the final edit, colour-wise , at least. He made a lot fo great points about how the digital intermediates allows for too much falling back on post for grading. Obviously I don't have the luxury of putting up a million and one lights, or a 20k light with a color temperature filter, but it is probably the better philosophy to have. But until I have multi million pound/dollar budgets to deal with, I'm going to stick to filming fairly neutral and colouring to death.

Just got back from Auditions

2009-10-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a very tiring two days, not only auditions, but a Test Shoot with My Friend and Fellow Filmmaker Mark Kuczewski, looking forward to being D.O.P./Cameraman for that.

Anyways back to auditions, had some really good actresses come through, they all were passionate about the role, it's very humbling when you have professionals enthused about your work. Had a couple no shows, which of course was disappointing but not surprising. All in all, I was impressed and flattered by the level of talent that all the actresses showed. I think I've found my Rebecca, won't say who, but one of them really caught my eye. Can't say it's confirmed as I have another audition over the weekend so the surprises are still possible. But Until then, I'm pretty happy with what I've got.

Recce Mood Test

2009-10-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

Run (Upcoming Film) Recce Test from Andy West on Vimeo.

Took a little too long to get this up, but here is a Mood Test. It's really (really) rough, and has continuity issues, it's just so everyone can get a feel for the mood film.

Shooting another test next week. And the first day of principal photography will commence on the 12 November.

Good Video about Ultra Marathons

2009-10-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

"Every Body is either running from or running to something"

Film Proposal

2009-10-24T03:18:00.000-07:00

Why do we Run?

Read the Proposal and find out.

Film is heavy into pre production and the first shoot day is two weeks on Wednesday, check it out feedback is welcome and if interested in being involved contact me via my email, andersonjwest@gmail.com.

Picture to Scene Test

2009-10-22T09:46:00.001-07:00

Really short test, just wanted to see if this could work, feedback would be nice, I don't think it really does. It was a nice Idea while it lasted.

PIC IN PIC TRIAL from Andy West on Vimeo.

AUDITION SPACE FOUND

2009-10-22T06:40:00.001-07:00

Just spent the morning calling around a few places in Central(ish) London, a lot of "not available on that day" and "sorry we have no function room" and I even got quoted for £1000 for an afternoon. In the end found a nice little bar called the Match Bar, that is just 450 feet away from OXFORD CIRCUS. Good times, Auditions Wednesday the 28th of October. Read. Set. Act.

DJ FAHAD @ LETS GET FUNKY

2009-10-20T17:53:00.001-07:00

DJ FAHAD @ LETS GET FUNKY, originally uploaded by floridas1brit.

Took me a little while, been busy with get things sorted for the film, but here is another snippet of the LETS GET FUNKY NITE, starring DJ FAHAD, more photos after the link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31413961@N02/

Will make the video when I get some free time.

CANON 1D MK IV VIDEO

2009-10-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

Nocturne from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

Just saw this on Vincent Laforet's Blog, However I believe Andy Parker should sue since this is obvious copyright infringement, but yeah this video looks great, all shot at an iso of 6400!!! Looks like 800 or 1200 to me, but yeah great images. They announced it's available for pre order, retailing at $4400. Wowers. I'll stick with my lickle 7D (for now).

Been Gone a Few Days

2009-10-19T03:51:00.001-07:00

Back in the Swing of things, watching a few films, reading a couple photography magazines. Reached the 2nd stage of the Audition process, the "Hey I Like the script When are Auditions?" Phase. Still need to watch more films though. Any suggestions anyone?

5D INSPIRATION OF THE DAY

2009-10-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

A Music Video by Alice Russel, its actually quite a good song, very soulful and a nice master background. Spoke to the DOP, Sy Turnbell. Quite a nice guy actually gave me some really good advice about the 5D/7D. So I guess this a shout out to Him.

Alice Russell - Let there be Lovin' from Sy Turnbull on Vimeo.

5D MINI TEST SHOOT CRAZY RAVE

2009-10-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Had a great time taking pictures for an old friend of mine, DJ FAHAD (remember the name). Borrowed my friends 5D MkII and I must say this camera is ridiculously good. The IQ of the photos are amazing. Did some video, and will be vimeoing it soon. Maybe I should have chose the 7D.

7D BACKORDER AGAIN

2009-10-13T23:16:00.000-07:00

Every who knows me, knows I'm opposed with the whole digital slr video world, and everyone who knows about digital slrs know that the Canon 7D is my soon to be baby. Trouble is, when you don't pre order on the day something is announced you are never guaranteed. And yesterday evening I got the email I was dreading. 7D BACKORDERED UNAVAILABLE TO SHIP. Call Best Buy, and the guy told me that my order will be fulfilled but that it would be at my house between the 27th October and 10th November. Just got to wait it out, but looks like I'm shooting with the 5D! Damn that 30p, but hello that full frame

Location Update

2009-10-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago me and the team went on a recce to the ever picturesque Lake District, in search of a lonely valley road. And low and behold we found one. The ever beautiful Wrynose (Pronounced RHINOS) Pass.

http://www.rural-roads.co.uk/lakes/wrynose.shtml

Okay I told a little fib, we already knew of this location, but after spending 7 hours in a car (due to getting lost), it felt like finding some where new. But the Reece was great, I will post pictures from the day very soon.

Applications Flooding In

2009-10-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Oh its going to be a long long production, it's finally setting that this film is going to happen, fingers crossed. But already over 30 applications, and already I like the look of one or two. Let the drama begin.

5D FILM MAKING

2009-10-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

My obsession with a True Cinema Look, and my lack of funds has led me to this Solution:

The Canon 5D Mk II.

It's unbelievable what pictures can come out of this little camera, and while it's no Red One, my word it close and very cheap for what it is.

Spoke to two experienced DSLR film makers over the last couple of days for their tips and tricks for using these cameras.

First one Camille Mariotte

Fame.is.Noise from Camille Marotte on Vimeo.

He says he didn't need additional lights for Fame.is.Noise. And that nice shallow depth of field is straight from the camera, albeit he had a very fast lens, a 50mm 1.4 Aperture Prime Lens. He tells me that the camera has a very good contrast ratio and the colour grading in Post, allows for so many possibilities.

Also spoke to David Tree who Produced this very powerful drama

Short Film Canon 5d mkii from David Tree on Vimeo.

His tip was to keep on trying and trying and trying, and even when I feel like I'm not learning anything that I am. The film above was shot using available light, so no lighting generations necessary for a great Cinematic look. He recently won the award for Best Short Film at the London Independent Film Festival for a "Automony".

So the Canon 5D Mk 2 is the way forward for low budget film making. Unless you own a 7D, but that's another story

CASTING CALL NOW UP

2009-10-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Moment of truth, put up a casting call on both Star Now & Casting Call Pro and I'm now bracing myself for the influx of emails (I hope).

Cool Idea for Scene Transitions

2009-10-11T08:10:00.001-07:00

Just saw this advert for the HP Photosmart 375 from a couple years ago. It would make a pretty cool transition from scene to scene if you have a still from the Scene Framed Up like a picture and maybe zoom out of them. Need to do research on this find out the ins and outs of how it was created.

FIRST BLOG POST

2009-10-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hello World, I'm a virgin to the whole bloggersphere universe and I'm probably couple years too late, oh well. Well, I'm Anderson West, a film-maker currently in the final year of a fantastic film production degree, BA HONS Media Production, at Staffordshire University. My goals in life are to make beautiful films and have fun while doing it, "if you can't stand looking at it why should an audience have to?", as well as being a Directory of Photography.

Cinematography is where I feel I thrive, and over the next few months (and Probably years), I'll be sharing the ups and downs of my film making life (no girlfriend rants here haha), and hopefully making a few friends while doing it. So come, join me on the winding, uphill path of film production/life, and lets see whats on the other side of the hill.