Thursday, December 11, 2008

Michele Gondry at the Hammer


Tues. Oct. 21 I went to see Michel Gondry speak at the Hammer Museum. He was there to promote his book You’ll Like This Film Because Your In It. The book is inspired by his most recent film Be Kind Rewind. It discusses independent film, even at its most basic level of home productions. People love making movies, staring, and the reward of watching the finished product.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is my personal favorite movie. Charlie Kaufman’s script is amazing, Academy Award winning. It reinforces the old saying “It’s better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all”. I was able to get a copy of the script and once I read it I really appreciated Gondry’s work. I couldn’t believe he created such a visually stimulating story from those words. After this I became a big fan of Gondry’s work. In Science of Sleep I saw his love for stop animation and ingenuity.

When I think of his work, the word imagination comes to mind. He never lost his childhood imaginative thinking. Even while hearing him speak you could tell he hasn’t let his mind be restrained. He has a fun sense of humor with no reservations. Be Kind Rewind is playing pretend, you need your imagination to fill in the gaps.

The interview revealed his love for film. He spoke of hand processing film and the difference it can produce. There was a definite passion for the flicker of the projector and the quality picture of film. He uses tricks of the camera verses visual effects as much as possible because he believes it looks more honest.

Even with his actors he tries to get the most honest reactions possible. He discussed hiding a hose from Jack Black so he had to honestly look for it during each take. He encourages improvisation. At the end of Be Kind Rewind you see a neighborhood watch the film they created. Gondry made sure to film the audience the first time the film was screened to capture the honest reaction from the children. Watching this scene and seeing these faces in awe in the flickering light of the projector, you appreciate people’s love of movies, which is exactly what he wanted to express.

They showed a few music videos and he discussed his inspirations. In his videos the music is a major influence on the pacing of the action. As if he is visualizing the music. It’s as if he visually sees the music. Long continuous shots are a common theme in his videos that he felt helps keep things connected.

At the end the audience ask really great questions. One man asked if he used the same editors and what relationship he has with them. I thought it was a great question, and Gondry joked that the man asking was probably an editor. He doesn’t have a go to editor and likes to work with one that will stick to their own opinions. He said he did not get along with his editor on Eternal Sunshine very well but it worked out well in the end so he didn’t mind.

. Despite his thick accent I was able to get a glimpse into the mind of my favorite director. After the interview he signed copies of his book which sold out before I was able to get one. I had him sign my copy of my Eternal Sunshine script and he jokingly asked if he should forge Charlie’s name. I wanted to say something to him but knew I would go off like a crazy person so I kept my cool. It was an amazing experience. The Hammer Conversations are available as a podcast for free on iTunes. I really enjoy listening to them, especially since it’s so hard to get to the museum for the actual events. I highly suggest them. They are a couple months behind right now so Michele should be coming up shortly after the New Year.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

I graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA with a degree in Film and Video Production. Most of the film classes were through Pittsburgh Filmmakers, a non-profit organization focusing on independent film.

Students were responsible for every aspect of their own film. It was a great way to learn and appreciate every job and detail involved in making a film. In my first production class I found my place in the film making world, editing.

Junior year I interviewed my grandmother about her life with macular degeneration. Blurred: Living with Macular Degeneration also features her optometrist, Dr. Gary Kirman. He uses the film in his practice to prepare patients and their families for dealing with this form of blindness. It has also been showcased at Lion’s Clubs in the Central PA area.

For my senior thesis I really stretched my brain for a film idea. My teacher Sue Howard, editor of Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood, approached me with the idea of a documentary verses a narrative thesis. This would allow the bulk of my work to be done in the editing room, my favorite place!

I needed a topic that was possible for a full-time student to shoot and edit in three semesters. Then I realized, that was the perfect topic, student filmmaking. I followed my good friend Ed "Cheech" Piskor while he shot Karoshi for his advanced film class. In December of 2006 Behind the Student Film was screened at the senior thesis showcase.

Watch Behind the Student Film.

After college I saved up for the big move to Hollywood. I spent the summer at WITF of Harrisburg working with editor Steve Ulrich on a travel show called Explore PA. Steve was an amazing mentor and allowed me to cut pieces for the show.

I returned to Pittsburgh once again and worked as an editor for a small production company. They produced work for the state and national companies dealing with issues such as brain injury and peer mentoring. I also edited two television series for airing on satellite television.

In September 2007 I packed my car and set out on a four-day journey to sunny California. In December I got a call to work the last three weeks of AVPR (Alien vs. Predator Requiem) as a production assistant to editorial. I had interviewed for this job two days after arriving in CA so I like to say I did get the first job I interviewed for, it just took a while.

I split the last week of AVPR with another Fox film, Dragonball. I'm still with Dragonball and loving it. I'm lucky to be working with such an amazing crew. They keep me learning and laughing. The film is set to release in April '09. I'm looking forward to seeing my name on the big screen, where it belongs.

I've made wonderful friends in LA and have a blast exploring everything the city has to offer. I'm currently living in a studio apartment with a view of the sign that reminds me where I live, Hollywood!