Through the DP's Lens....

Through the DP's Lens... Nichole's part of the Blog.

If anyone is interested in a bit more technical perspective on this film I can fill ya in here!

So... our style and look of East of Nowhere was discussed many, many drafts ago. And our running theme? "Dirty Pretty." Let me explain this oxymoron.... We, the filmmakers, have drawn upon our own lives and those around us to create this story. And as we discovered, we are united in our experiences with small town life and its unique inhabitants. I am not saying we dislike our upbringings or the people involved. But-- Quite often, we believe, that within these small towns there is this odd contrast of beauty and beast. In its people, in its atmosphere, and in its beliefs. Our aim for this film, then, is to capture that contrast and deliver it on screen. We want the audience to identify with it, analyze it, and understand it.

Therefore, as a Producer, casting the right people who could market this look was important. And I feel like we found a STELLAR cast. They're looks were naturally what we wanted and we developed what we needed to completely get them "dirty pretty" via costumes and hair/makeup. They are all good lookin kids, but it's not always what's on the outside that counts you know. So their performances would have to convey that contrast that I have mentioned. And, well, we have had our jaws drop to the floor some days on set. They are all pretty damn good actors :)

Also, as Director of Photography, trying to find the balance between the natural, almost mundane look of a small midwestern town but still having interesting visuals to keep the audience's interest has been challenging. A fun challenge. But a challenge. So...as DP I've been working closely with the Director to come up with engaging shots so that the audience is pulled into the story, but never noticing you are in a story. Thus, we have been keeping takes longer, using handheld movements (or using our new Fig Rig, which as been great fun to use--THANK YOU to all who donated on Kickstarter.com to help us fund that piece of equipment and others), and trying to keep scene changes unnoticed and fluid.

So...this might help you understand a little bit about where we, the filmmakers, are coming from on the other side of the camera. It's not just pointing and shooting with a cool camera to us. It gets pretty involved and we are very serious about it. I'll keep you posted with more as I continue on.... Let me know what you think and if you have questions!! :)


THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Nichole Root