Before becoming part of Applebox Imaging, I worked at Compass Learning, an online interactive video educational tool creator. There, I served as a Video Instructional Designer, or Video Director, with and for Wallace Weatherspoon. Himself, another California transplant and active film/video enthusiast, we found an equal ground on communication and goals for our work. We forged a dedicated and meticulous team creating over 300 videos supporting science education.
After I left Compass Learning and started Applebox Imaging with Raychel, we discovered and pursued our passions. I always kept in contact with Wallace and eventually, we discussed the idea of shooting an independent feature film together. Wallace had the script, from a neighbor, and funding to secure crew, equipment and locations.
Would I be willing to act as cinematographer for his film?
The idea of working with Wallace was a no-brainer – he is quality personified. He allows actors to be actors, he collaborates with people on ideas, and his direction is just that – direct, confident and smart. The hesitation I had, was if I was willing to shoot a feature. My experiences with feature documentaries and feature films in the past were always great experiences, but could I take myself out of the producer/director role and be a cinematographer again? The answer became yes after I discussed my goals, my aesthetics and my decisions on equipment. After 26 days of production, we have wrapped principle photography and pickups and we all believe the script came alive with the actors, visuals and hard work. Now, on to post production where the magic continues.
The equipment:
I was a believer in the Canon 7D before this film for my own documentaries, web productions and projects, but would it shoot a feature, especially one with plenty of night scenes? The answer is definitely yes. A resounding yes. I never shot above ISO 800 and the images came out with pristine clarity, deep non-pixelated blacks, and great color recreation.
Zeiss Prime Lenses – F2 21mm, F2.8 35mm, F1.4 35mm, F2.8 50mm, F4 85mm
All these lenses were amazing to work with when fitted with the Novoflex Canon adapter. The 7D didn’t loose that much focal length and each lens provided great visuals. The 50 and the F1.4 35 were highly beneficial and technically accurate during the entire production, especially during the night scenes.
Mattebox, 15mm Rods, Marshall 7″ Monitor.
These items became essential to providing monitoring and pristine images. The ability to switch lenses was easy with the mattebox/rods, plus the monitor allowed Wallace and I to make sure we weren’t putting our visuals into the hands of a 3.5 inch camera monitor.
Manfrotto 501 HDV head and carbon fiber tripod. This tripod is lightweight, versatile wonderful to work with I think its great for a small DSLR independent filmmaking.
Lightkits including: 4 light, Arri (2- 300s, 2-150s) 4 light Arri 650s, and 3 Arri 600s. All of these were great for illuminating our sets paired with dimmers and the grip essentials.
Glidetrack Hybrid track – Thanks Christian Remde – This piece of equipment came in super handy for establishing shots, dance scenes and bar scenes.
More to name, but the above allowed us to create the film in an amazing fashion.
A big thanks to all the producers: John Cooke, Oddett Weatherspoon and Hanz Wasserburger. Also, a huge thanks to our principle cast members; Donny Boaz (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1485940/) Elle LaMont (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3156758/), Thomas Faustin Huisking (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2142784/) and a fine ensemble cast of Austin natives and longtime Austin acting giants. We, as a team (3WC Productions and Applebox Imaging), believe this film marks a new turning for Austin film-making. It breaks away from the shadow/mold of TroubleMaker Studios and shows Austin as a story rich place. Not only is the script Austin written and caters towards visualizing Austin in a great marriage of classic/new, but the film showcases Austin landmarks, venues and personalities.
Also, a heartfelt thanks to our Austin locations: Stubbs BBQ, Frank, Rain, Hole the Wall, Town Lake, Austin Nature Center, South Congress, Vespaio, The Sun and Moon Studios by Applebox Imaging, 501 Studios, Austin Regional Clinic, Maria Maria, Broken Spoke, Alamo Ritz, Royal Blue Grocery, Wheatsville Coop and many others.
Second Impression: The film by 3WC Productions
The Movie
Now on the verge of engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Kiera, Dan McPherson finds himself aching again for his wilder days. After a bitter fight, Kiera reluctantly agrees to a month apart to let Dan “figure everything out.” But after a chance meeting with a mystical old woman, Dan awakens to find himself in an existence where his now much different life has progressed exactly as it would have had he never met Kiera. Dan dives into his new reality with gusto, only to realize that what he truly wants, he had all along. Now he must try and win Kiera’s heart all over again from scratch, starting with the first awkward hello to a woman who has never met him, yet he has known for years.
http://www.indiegogo.com/Second-Impression
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/2impression
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Second-Impression/280583175302101?ref=ts
Be on the lookout for the film festival circuit and distribution soon.
A smattering of photos from set. All taken with iPhone (usually behind the camera, life of a D.P.)
