YDance has asked to produce a DVD of their performance project, Project Y, this summer. The DVD is to include an intro section featuring interviews with dancers and clips from rehearsals and classes as well as documentation of the live performance itself.
It's a relief to get some work for the summer as well as the opportunity to make contact with the choreographers working on Project Y and, of course, all that young talent.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Mini Makeover
The FireBox website has had a mini makeover this weekend with slicker page views and online videos. I'm trying to monitor how quickly the videos are streaming on different browsers and connections so please let me know what you think of the waiting time. The videos will open up in a new page so feel free to browse through the rest of the site while you're waiting.
FireBox website
FireBox website
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Hey GI!
I've been working on Glasgow International festival's viral video team this week going to exhibition launches and parties to capture the atmosphere in short video clips. They specifically asked us to use basic equipment and make our clips quite candid, guerilla style.
It's been a good way to get around the festival and has meant that I've seen a lot of exhibitions that wouldn't have necessarily interested me otherwise - some of them still don't!
The high profile works, Jim Lambie, Catherine Yass, Wilhelm Sasnal, etc, were the ones which have grabbed all the press attention but I really wasn't convinced by Sasnal's piece. The idea was good and very provocative but it just didn't really seem like an interesting final piece.
Ceryth Wym Evans piece at The Local, however, really got me going. It's a film projected onto 3 mirror balls positioned so that every now and then there's an 'eclipse' and people are suddenly aware of the darkness which then draws them into the piece more. The Local isn't set up like a gallery space, it's a bar with art. The art isn't obvious so when Evans piece draws you in you then start to notice the other works around it and to me that's much more interesting.
It's been a good way to get around the festival and has meant that I've seen a lot of exhibitions that wouldn't have necessarily interested me otherwise - some of them still don't!
The high profile works, Jim Lambie, Catherine Yass, Wilhelm Sasnal, etc, were the ones which have grabbed all the press attention but I really wasn't convinced by Sasnal's piece. The idea was good and very provocative but it just didn't really seem like an interesting final piece.
Ceryth Wym Evans piece at The Local, however, really got me going. It's a film projected onto 3 mirror balls positioned so that every now and then there's an 'eclipse' and people are suddenly aware of the darkness which then draws them into the piece more. The Local isn't set up like a gallery space, it's a bar with art. The art isn't obvious so when Evans piece draws you in you then start to notice the other works around it and to me that's much more interesting.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
No One by Preshur
I finished a first version of the piece last Thursday and in my excitement I burnt off 6 copies and posted it to Right Track without first checking with Rowan that she was happy with it. Of course, there were a few little things that she asked me to alter so I'd wasted 6 DVDs but luckily she was understanding and laughed off my eagerness.
It's a lesson learned for next time though. With the exception of DOG, all my previous work has been for myself so I haven't had to check it with anyone else before finalising the project. I'm glad I made the mistake with Rowan as I've known her for years and not someone else who would maybe see it in a different way.
It's a lesson learned for next time though. With the exception of DOG, all my previous work has been for myself so I haven't had to check it with anyone else before finalising the project. I'm glad I made the mistake with Rowan as I've known her for years and not someone else who would maybe see it in a different way.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
The Preshur's On
I realise that I didn't explain the title of the last blog... Preshur is the name the girls have given their band and they've recorded the Alicia Keyes track, No One.
When I arrived at the studio this afternoon I have to be honest and sdmit that I was pleased to see that they were all young and attractive so I didn't have to worry too much about them being shy in front of the camera. There was a bit of that but after a few shots they soon relaxed.
I decided to shoot some of the material against the red stage curtain with the girls around an old-fashioned mike and the rest of the material using the black curtain as background. The stage area was really shabby so I was limited in terms of direction and angles but I'm pretty sure I got the best out of it by using the front curtain and reversing the stage rather than the back which I couldn't have disguised.
After one long take of all the movement, which wasn't great, Rowan led the girls through short sections while I moved around to get the best shots.
I've had a quick look through the footage and while some of it looks a bit naff, lots of fidgeting and looking around, there are some real gems in amongst it all.
When I arrived at the studio this afternoon I have to be honest and sdmit that I was pleased to see that they were all young and attractive so I didn't have to worry too much about them being shy in front of the camera. There was a bit of that but after a few shots they soon relaxed.
I decided to shoot some of the material against the red stage curtain with the girls around an old-fashioned mike and the rest of the material using the black curtain as background. The stage area was really shabby so I was limited in terms of direction and angles but I'm pretty sure I got the best out of it by using the front curtain and reversing the stage rather than the back which I couldn't have disguised.
After one long take of all the movement, which wasn't great, Rowan led the girls through short sections while I moved around to get the best shots.
I've had a quick look through the footage and while some of it looks a bit naff, lots of fidgeting and looking around, there are some real gems in amongst it all.
Friday, 21 March 2008
No Preshur
I was approached by Right Track this week to produce a dance film/music video for some young people they've been working with. The four girls are all school refusers so have been offered this project as an incentive to improve their behaviour. They've recorded a track for it, choreographed a routine with Rowan's help and agreed on costumes and location. All I have to worry about is getting the best out of them on the day.
I only have 2 hours to film them and have to be quite careful about how I approach them as they seem quite unpredictable. They've booked out the theatre space at St Andrew's high which I've worked in before and although it's a bit shabby it's a decent size so should be alright.
I only have 2 hours to film them and have to be quite careful about how I approach them as they seem quite unpredictable. They've booked out the theatre space at St Andrew's high which I've worked in before and although it's a bit shabby it's a decent size so should be alright.
Monday, 17 March 2008
re:surface
The launch of the Dance House's new screendance event went really well as far as I could tell. I was working until 9pm the night it was on and raced to get there for 9.15pm just in time for both of my films and Rosie's film. Lots of good feedback and encouragement with some people loving Dark Matter and some people preferring the laid-back vibe of These Things Happen.
A few people had suggested re-shooting it in a clearer space with the dancers in costume but I think the essence of the piece would be lost if I tried to recreate it. I'm going to concentrate on the itch re-shoot and make that into something that really works.
A few people had suggested re-shooting it in a clearer space with the dancers in costume but I think the essence of the piece would be lost if I tried to recreate it. I'm going to concentrate on the itch re-shoot and make that into something that really works.
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