It all comes down to preference. Critics will view a film, particularly one based on a long-standing franchise, in a certain way, fans in another. The general public will largely stay away, not willing to spend time on a property that requires knowledge of a back-story, or investment in a main character that may not be to their liking in the first place. It’s a common story that has bitten many potential money-spinners hard, and Andrew Stanton’s lush, expensive version of Edgar Rice Burrough’s Barsoom books has suffered more publicly than most this year. Which is a shame. Because there’s an awful lot to enjoy.
Hamza and DocoBanksy Hit Reading Running!
The DocoPhone starts ringing. It’s an old red Trimfone, thick with stickers, and the ringtone’s been modded to play a chip tune version of the Beastie Boy’s Sabotage.
It would be more than my life’s worth to ignore it, and my very soul would be forfeit if I let it bounce to voicemail or -gods forbid- redirect to the mobile. The DocoPhone is head of my to-do list every day.
“I have a job for you.” DocoBanksy’s voice is dry over the phone line, all inflection stripped away by the anonymising software he uses. In person he’s much warmer–much more human. But now he’s all business, and I’m all attention.
“A drop-off,” he continues. “Some friends of mine are shooting in your manor, and I need you to get them some stickers. Don’t make a meal of it. Be a pro. Someone will contact you. I’ve given them your number and private email. I told them you wouldn’t mind.”
Click. The line goes dead. I have my instructions. All I can do now is wait.
The call comes through soon after. Once you get involved with docoBanksy, you learn things move quickly. A charming chap called Mike, who’s happy to chat. We arrange a meet. A public place. The Delphi Bridge in the middle of Reading’s restaurant district. Plenty of witnesses if the deal goes south.
It’s dark when the drop happens, and Mike and I end up circling each other for a while before we make contact. He’s brought an oppo, a tasty cove called Sam and I regret not scaring up some back-up. But the deal goes smoothly, and my envelope stuffed with stickers vanishes into an inside pocket. “We’ll be in touch,” Sam says, and they melt back into the sodium-lit night. Ahead of them was a day with free-runner Hamza Shabazz, who would show them how he runs Reading.
And now there’s a film of their exploits. If you’re a Readingite, keep your eyes open for the stickers that Hamza planted – there’s more out there than you’ll see below. DocoBanksy declares himself pleased with the end product. As he should be.
Meanwhile, Sam and Mike of Getting Dirty would like you to know that they do this all day every day, and that you can find out more about them at their website. I think that’s a click that’s worth making.
Fading becomes Extra Light – Out of Hours Day 5
An unexpected addendum to the Out Of Hours story for you all. For the latest, I pass you on to our correspondent on the ground, Stuart Wright…
Continue reading Fading becomes Extra Light – Out of Hours Day 5
Devading The Tarn
With reference to the Invader I posted last week, I thought you might like to see this. DocoDom enjoys making his own versions of the Invaders, using figures taken from the old school classic video game Defender. He calls them Devaders.
This short film shows him putting up a Devader on a quiet road in rural France. The whole thing is a really rather lovely marriage of sound and vision. Highly evocative.
Pewpewpew.
The Saturday Shot: Invasion
You can find them in most big cities, if you know where to look. Tucked away, above eye level, in corners and other points of the city that we render invisible through our blithe in attention. If we fail to notice them, are they even there?
Well, yes, they are. In London alone there are over 100 of the little blighters. I can think of three within 500 yards of where I’m sitting as I write this.
Actually, four, and this is the biggest one I’ve ever seen. They’re getting bolder, daring us to seek them out. It’s too late to watch the skies. Now it’s the buildings that we have to keep our eyes on.
Slowly but surely, we are being invaded.
Final Light: My second weekend as co-producer+ on Out of Hours
Stu Wright is here again to give us the lowdown on the final day of filming on Out Of Hours, the short film he’s co-written with Leading Man Clive. There’s a ton left to do. Blood and other fluids will be spilt…
(Oh, and hey, watch your feet. There are SPOILERS about, and you don’t want to get them on your shoes…)
Continue reading Final Light: My second weekend as co-producer+ on Out of Hours
God’s own light: My second weekend as co-producer+ on Out of Hours
I’m handing over the blog for the next couple of posts to the mighty Stuart Wright, co-writer, producer and man of many talents on short film Out Of Hours. The second weekend of shooting on location at a Central London office block saw a smaller crew, and a bigger challenge. There was plenty of footage still to get. How would our brave crew cope? Stu fills us in after the jump…
(as ever, please be mindful of the SPOILER ALERT)
Continue reading God’s own light: My second weekend as co-producer+ on Out of Hours
Darker Light: My Weekend As An AD – Day 2
Previously: I have volunteered to be second assistant director on a short film shoot directed by Leading Man Clive. I am desperately inexperienced, getting by on enthusiasm and a puppyish urge to please. We go into day two of the shoot with no illusions as to the size of the task ahead of us…
NOW READ ON, and be mindful that there is a SPOILER ALERT running…
Available Light: My Weekend as an AD – Day One
This weekend was something of a change from the norm for me. Instead of chiling out and maybe watching a movie, I was running around helping to make one. It was one of the most exhausting and rewarding couple of days I’ve spent in a looong time.
[Please note, there is a SPOILER ALERT in operation after the jump.]
Continue reading Available Light: My Weekend as an AD – Day One
Devil In The Details: Ghost Rider vs. Marvel
I finally caught the 2007 version of Ghost Rider over the weekend, and gave it two searing-hot thumbs up. It had the proper balance of pulpy horror fun that made the original comics such a joy. But an episode back in the real world has overshadowed the release of the sequel, out on Friday–and this is one battle that Johnny Blaze, and the man that brought him to life, are set to lose.
Continue reading Devil In The Details: Ghost Rider vs. Marvel
EXCUSES AND HALF TRUTHS 