MakingOf is interviewing Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber - the writers of “500 Days of Summer” today. Any questions?
Cinematographer Steven Poster continues his conversation with MakingOf to discuss “The Box” which is in theaters this weekend.
The discussion topics range from how he collaborated with director Richard Kelly to why he skips storyboarding. The reason for the latter is that he prefers to create free-hand sketches to visualize scenes. They give him a rough idea where to place the camera and that freedom allows Poster and Kelly to come up with new and interesting ideas on the spot.
Adam Elliot discusses his process of directing Animation. He talks about working with voice actors, animators, and the persistence it takes to master the craft.
‘I See a Tin Can’ - a movie clip from the film “The Men Who Stare at Goats” staring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey.
The trailer to “Pirate Radio”, the newest ensemble comedy from filmmaker Richard Curtis staring Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Richard Curtis’s distinguished writing talent has been displayed in hit British films that include “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, “Notting Hil”, and “Love Actually” - which he also directed. His latest ensemble piece which he wrote and directed as well is “Pirate Radio,” which stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rhys Ifans and Bill Nighy.
MakingOf recently sat down with Curtis to talk through his process and learn what happened behind the scenes on “Pirate Radio”.
Curtis reveals that when he was writing the script he put together a soundtrack to help keep the process moving and he often writes scenes with specific songs in mind.
He also tells us that the biggest challenge with this film was getting it down to a “reasonable” length. He shot in a very fluid way and encouraged improvisation and his original assembly clocked in at over five hours.
THE BOX | MOVIE CLIP “If You Push the Button”
Videogum posts a compilation of clips from films that quote the title of the film in the film itself! Awesome comp. Can you think of others?
THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS | INTERVIEW
Terry Gilliam discusses the Miracles of Filmmaking
Terry Gilliam has been working tirelessly to enliven his audiences for more than 40 years. He has used his imagination and creativity to lure in audiences with unforgettable films such as “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” “The Fisher King,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Brazil”. This year Gilliam brings us another unforgettable film, “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”. The movie is much-anticatipated; production was almost shut down mid way due to the tragic death of the lead actor, Heath Ledger. What might have halted others to a standstill only delayed Gilliam. While the cast and crew were devastated by Ledger’s death, all agreed the movie must be completed and everyone close to the project made it their mission to finish the film.
MakingOf sat down with Gilliam to learn more about the making of “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”. “Imaginarium’s” initial concept came from the simple notion of bringing something from another time into present day. Gilliam thought that a “traveling theater” would be the perfect starting place. He then added the need to make a choice between good and not good and then good and evil. As Gilliam does in all his films he started mixing things together and out came a movie that includes themes of imagination, mortality, family, and more.
Watch the first part of MakingOf’s interview with Terry Gilliam as he discussed the production, his love of cinema and the influences of Georges Méliès. And continue to visit MakingOf as we add interviews with the cast and crew.
