The very first couple of Scarlet Avenger storyboards, drawn by artist Sam Agro, for the feature film's opening origin sequence
Hi there, Avenger Fans.
Man, maintaining a blog is a lot harder than I thought it'd be. I assure you all though, I'm still plugging away at developing the 'Scarlet Avenger' feature, mostly in the storyboard department. And, as promised, I'm gonna share with you some of artist Sam Agro's fantastically rendered action scenes from the film's opening fifteen minutes. But, firstly, I have to share with you my feelings on the latest film I've been involved with, the sci-fi epic, 'Jumper', starring Hayden Christiansen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson and Jamie Bell , and directed by Doug Liman.
Earlier this week, I checked on the Internet to see what my official credit on the film would be and was blown away. Get this... Scott Clements...Visual Effects Image Manager! Woohoo! Even though I busted my ass on the film, the credit was still a pleasant surprise. Very official/important-sounding:-) Even more surprising was that I actually saw much of my own handywork in the film's official trailer. You see, during shooting, I meticulously stitched together many of the film's 'jumps' or teleports, frame by frame. While they were digitally enhanced in further post work, I was very happy to see how little they had changed from their initial conception. I'm also very proud of the visionary work of my VFX co-workers... A big 'congrats' to Joel, Kevin, Joe, Leann, Dave, Cathy, Sandor and the rest of the gang! We all deserve a huge pat on the back.
Action sequence from Doug Liman's sci-fi epic, 'Jumper'. Very proud of my super cool-sounding credit on the picture: 'Visual Effects Image Manager'! Woohoo!
I finally saw 'Jumper' tonight and was both pleasantly surprised and completely blown away. The surprise comes from the fact that the film has been horrendously attacked by the critics, receiving some of the worst reviews I've ever seen. Okay, what kind of crack have they all been smoking?! 'Jumper' was a rip-roaring roller coaster ride of an adventure. The action scenes were creatively delivered, the story was economically and interestingly presented, and the cast was very charismatic. Hayden Christiansen was far more charming than he was in the Star Wars prequels (he'd make a terrific Scarlet Avenger:-)), Samuel L. Jackson was his usual intense self, Rachel Bilson was adorable as ever, and Jamie Bell was absolutely hilarious! And to top it off, this film proved to me that Doug Liman has a distinct vision. Why? Well, it just felt like a Doug Liman picture...same visual style, pacing and quirky sense of humor as all his earlier films, 'Swingers', 'Go', 'The Bourne Identity' and 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. I just don't understand what the critics are complaining about. It's just a fun ride. If you're a serious sci-fi or action fan, you really shouldn't miss this one. Plus, it would only get better, if the studio carried out its initial plan of turning 'Jumper' into a trilogy.
So, what does this have to do with 'The Scarlet Avenger'? Well, it has really helped give me some very important experience, especially with regards to understanding the visual effects process. And believe me, it will all help with the development of the Scarlet Avenger's multitude of visual effects sequences. I've been very lucky in landing some truly unique jobs after my time in the directors' lab at the Canadian Film Centre. Filming the behind-the-scenes documentaries for the action and effects heavy films, 'Silent Hill' and 'Skinwalkers', really opened my eyes to all the work that goes into movies of this type. And I've gotten to witness, first hand, the wildly different directing styles of the three films' directors, Christophe Gans, Jim Isaac and now, Doug Liman. All of this insight is helping in the development of the Avenger's boards and will definitely help in its execution, both on set and in post. Plus, all of this will give me at least some small level of clout when looking for producers and financing. I am 100% confidant that, armed with my talents, training and practical experience, I can deliver a film, capable of capturing the imaginations and hearts of the masses.
So happy with the way the action scenes are turning out. A lifetime of obsessing over cinematic action is finally paying off!
The storyboarding process is slow going, due to my lack of development funds, but the results have been phenomenal. Storyboard artist, Sam Agro and I have been meeting for the past several months and hashing out some fantastic visuals for the opening 15 minutes of the feature, which, as I've mentioned before, present the Avenger's origin tale; the transformation of young Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, Spencer Whitney, into the swashbuckling, masked superhero, the Scarlet Avenger. All I can do is just keep pushing along, and planning the execution of the film, down to the smallest detail. Eventually, when all this hard work lands in the hands of a producer who's equally passionate about the material, the show'll get on the road. And, because I've decided that my film making career will either start with this film or nothing at all, I'm positive it will get made sometime before I die. To quote Back to the Future's father and son duo, George and Marty McFly, "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything". Good words of advice, because it's simply the only way to approach any ambitious project that you feel this passionately about.
Mounties fighting machine gun-totting villains. Doesn't get much cooler than this! Well, actually it does...you'll just have to wait for the finished film.
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