Top Filmmaking Articles of the Week - December 22, 2024
To be a filmmaker, you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different.
-Danny Boyle
Top Filmmaking Articles of the Week - December 22, 2024
Here are some filmmaking articles that we found interesting the past week. We hope you enjoy!
Vanity Fair – David Canfield
“The Brutalist” is a 215-minute epic directed by Brady Corbet, featuring Adrien Brody as Hungarian architect László Toth, who emigrates to the U.S. post-World War II. The film explores his complex relationship with the influential Van Buren family, particularly Guy Pearce’s character. Corbet and cinematographer Lol Crawley employed innovative techniques, shooting on 16mm and VistaVision formats without storyboarding, aiming for a spontaneous and authentic aesthetic. They faced challenges with natural lighting and timing but achieved striking visuals that enhance the film’s grandeur and period immersion.
AP News – Jake Coyle
Director Barry Jenkins, known for films like “Moonlight,” discussed his experience directing “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel to Disney’s “The Lion King.” Initially questioned about taking on a big-budget Disney project, Jenkins was drawn to the script’s themes of family legacy and self-discovery, which resonated with his previous work. The film explores Mufasa’s orphaned upbringing, set before and after the events of the 2019 remake. Jenkins embraced virtual filmmaking techniques, allowing for real-time adjustments and creative freedom, significantly influencing his approach to future projects.
Business Insider – Geoff Weiss and Lucia Moses
Sora, an AI tool developed by OpenAI, enables users to generate short video clips from text prompts, aiming to democratize filmmaking by reducing costs and expanding creative possibilities. However, it currently faces limitations in image quality and handling complex scenes. Despite these challenges, industry experts are optimistic about its potential applications in previsualization, storyboarding, and cost-effective production. Concerns remain about job displacement in fields like animation, but Sora’s development could benefit both indie filmmakers and major studios.
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AP News – Jake Coyle
Hundreds of Beavers,” directed by Mike Cheslik, is a 19th-century slapstick comedy that has gained significant attention in the film industry. Made on a budget of $150,000, the film features Ryland Tews as a 19th-century applejack salesman battling beavers portrayed by actors in mascot costumes. Despite limited theatrical distribution, it has grossed approximately $500,000. Director Daniel Scheinert hailed it as “the future of cinema.” The success of “Hundreds of Beavers” suggests that DIY microbudget films could fill the gap left by a cautious, big-budget Hollywood. With innovative effects crafted on Cheslik’s home computer, the film follows the slapstick tradition of Buster Keaton, appealing to indie audiences. It demonstrates that impactful storytelling and creativity don’t require lavish budgets, marking a potential shift toward more imaginative, low-cost filmmaking in a changing industry.
The Playlist – Gregory Ellwood
Director Robert Eggers faced significant challenges during the production of his horror film Nosferatu, leading him to believe the project might never come to fruition. Despite these obstacles, the film is set to release on Christmas Day.
In a recent interview, Eggers discussed the difficulties encountered during filming, including logistical issues and creative hurdles. He expressed gratitude for the support of his cast and crew, which helped navigate these challenges.
The film stars Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok, with Emma Corrin portraying Ellen. Skarsgård underwent extensive makeup sessions, lasting three to six hours daily, to achieve the character’s appearance. Corrin had to endure scenes involving live rats, which added to the film’s intense atmosphere.
If you’ve found anything interesting this week let us know and we can spread the word next time!