Shyamalan Begins Shooting "After Earth" with New Camera System

"After Earth" Is First Motion Picture to Be Shot with Sony's F65 Camera

Sony Pictures Entertainment's Upcoming Science Fiction Epic Gets True 4K Production Treatment Using Groundbreaking New Camera System

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest film from the production company Overbrook Entertainment and acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan, "After Earth," scheduled for release next year by Sony Pictures Entertainment's Columbia Pictures, is the first major motion picture to be shot using Sony's groundbreaking F65 CineAlta(TM) digital production camera.

Shyamalan commented, "I couldn't be any happier with the F65, which is amazing since I'm a 'film guy' and I thought I'd die a 'film guy.' It's a digital media that's warm and has humanity in it which is obviously the most important thing to me."

"The F65 is like a great leap forward," said director of photography, Peter Suschitzky. "As soon as I did testing of the F65, I was immensely impressed by the amount of detail it captures, by its incredible flexibility, from low lights to high lights, and its great contrast range. It really is a camera for the future and I'm going to use it again on a number of films."

In January 2012, Sony began worldwide deliveries of the F65 camera to meet the incredibly high demand from production professionals. Approximately 400 units were pre-ordered, and several other high-profile productions are also planned to be shot with the F65.

"This movie is the perfect first project for the F65," said Alec Shapiro, senior vice president at Sony Electronics. "The combination of an innovative moviemaker and a script with incredibly high production values will test the limits of this camera and its powerful feature set. The result is sure to be a unique and visually immersive entertainment experience for the movie-going consumer."

The F65 camera's unprecedented 8K image sensor, with approximately 20 total megapixels, offers higher image fidelity than any other digital cinema production camera. With 16-bit Linear RAW file output capability, the F65 creates the gateway to an end-to-end 4K file-based mastering workflow.

In response to the strong interest in Sony's new F65 CineAlta(TM) camera from the filmmaking community, Sony Pictures Studios plans to host workshops on digital workflows supporting the F65. The workshops, beginning in March, are designed to educate qualified directors, cinematographers and other film industry professionals.

Review: "Lady in the Water" is a Beautiful Storybook Fantasy (Happy B'day, Bryce Dallas Howard)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 163 (of 2006) by Leroy Douresseaux

Lady in the Water (2006)
Running time: 110 minutes; MPAA – PG-13 for some frightening sequences
WRITER/DIRECTOR: M. Night Shyamalan
PRODUCERS: Sam Mercer and M. Night Shyamalan
CINEMATORGRAPHER: Christopher Doyle, H.K.S.C
EDITOR: Barbara Tulliver, A.C.E.

FANTASY/DRAMA/MYSTERY/THRILLER

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffrey Wright, Bob Balaban, Sarita Choudhury, Cindy Cheung, Freddy Rodriguez, Bill Irwin, Jared Harris, M. Night Shyamalan, June Kyoto Lu, Mary Beth Hurt, and Noah Gray-Cabey

M. Night Shyamalan’s films have been thoughtful and profound. His characters fight pitched battles with their inner demons as they wage war with the outside forces that would destroy or enslave them. We’ve seen that in everything from the heart-rending ghost story, The Sixth Sense, to the story of a lapsed minister who finds his way back to his faith while battling an alien invasion in the 2002 hit film, Signs. Shyamalan’s films are also known for their twist endings – surprising finales that not only change the tone of the film, but also frustrate audiences who bought into one kind of story and find a shock ending ruins their expectations – Unbreakable (2000) and The Village (2004) being the best (or worst) examples.

In his new film, Lady in the Water, Shyamalan eschews the twist ending for a yarn that can be taken figuratively as a fairytale or literally as a tale of people who find their destiny in a fairytale made real. Or maybe the viewer can see it as both figurative and literal. Regardless of how one views it, Lady in the Water is one of the most lovely and heartfelt tales told in recent years – a thing as beautiful as its sparkling blue movie poster.

Modest and humble, Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti, in a performance that solidifies his place as a great American actor), manages an apartment building named “The Cove.” One night Cleveland is investigating the noises from the apartment’s swimming pool when he falls in by accident. He awakens to find that a pale, young woman with deep blue eyes, who says her name is Story (Bryce Dallas Howard), has rescued him from drowning. Cleveland discovers that Story is a “narf,” a creature from an old bedtime story, and she is trying to make the treacherous journey from our world back to her own, the “Blue World.” Cleveland and the rest of The Cove’s collection of oddball tenants realize that they have suddenly been drawn into Story’s fable. Young Soon (Cindy Cheung), a go-getter college student, Mr. Dury (Jeffrey Wright), a serene crossword puzzle fanatic and his son, Joey (Noah Gray-Cabey), Mr. Leeds (Bill Irwin), a housebound TV watcher, and Vick (M. Night Shyamalan), a writer and Anna Ran (Sarita Choudhury), his talkative sister, among many others, accept this strange story of which they are a part. With their help, Cleveland must protect this fragile young woman from a deadly creature hell-bent on keeping Story from returning home.

By now, many reviewers and audiences have turned on Shyamalan for this picture. However, where others see Lady in the Water as boring or mystifying, I see it has a simple fairytale. Yes, Shyamalan’s script is a bit artsy and pretentious at times, and the story (based upon a bedtime tale he wrote for his children) is stretched to the breaking point and challenges credibility. Still, for all that we might take it literally, much of the story is symbolic The characters, setting, and incidents are meant to remind us of a bedtime story, or to put it bluntly – “Once upon a time... Lady in the Water is a metaphor about people taking up their place in destiny, of the difficulty in taking up the journey to get to one’s place, and that each person does indeed have a purpose.

While the subject matter and characters might not make sense on the surface, they and the tale in which they exist have a deeper meaning. We’re supposed to see past the trappings and see the core – lives driven by purpose for the good of humanity. In Lady in the Water, the title character, but especially Cleveland Heep, have to break out of the protective shells they’ve made for themselves using their own fears, grief, and insecurities as building material. Thus, it’s no wonder that the other characters were so quick to embrace their part in this bedtime story – they’ve also hungered for a life of meaning. An enchanting fairytale filled with magical characters and dark fantasy, Lady in the Water is the most meaningful fable mainstream Hollywood has given us in a very long time.

8 of 10
A

Monday, July 31, 2006

NOTES:
2007 Razzie Awards: 2 wins: “Worst Director” (M. Night Shyamalan) and “Worst Supporting Actor” (M. Night Shyamalan); 2 nominations: “Worst Picture” ((Warner Bros.) and “Worst Screenplay” (M. Night Shyamalan)

------------------------

Happy Birthday, Phil

Since 50+ candles might anger a fire marshal, I'll just wish you the best and hope you have many more high-numbered birthdays.

The Ides of Negromancer

Welcome to Negromancer, the rebirth of my former movie review website as a movie review and movie news blog.  This is the blog version's third March, and I didn't think I'd get this far.

I’m Leroy Douresseaux, and I also blog at http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/ and write for the Comic Book Bin (which has smart phones apps and comics).

All images and text appearing on this blog are © copyright and/or trademark their respective owners.

Paul Walker to Narrate IMAX 3D Documentary, "Air Racers 3D"

Paul Walker to Narrate New IMAX 3D Theatre Film "Air Racers 3D" Slated For Release in April 2012

Latest 3D Entertainment Distribution title is first IMAX theatre film to explore the Reno National Championship Air Races

LOS ANGELES, PARIS and LONDON /PRNewswire/ -- 3D Entertainment Distribution announced that actor Paul Walker (The Fast and the Furious franchise, Takers) will narrate Air Racers 3D, the first-ever IMAX 3D theatre film devoted to the fastest race in the world: the legendary Reno National Championship Air Races. With stunning aerial photography filmed entirely in 3D and unprecedented access granted to the course, Air Racers 3D takes audiences into Nevada's Valley of Speed to experience the intensity and high-speed thrills of a sports event like no other combined with spectacular air show entertainment.

"We are truly honored and delighted to have Paul Walker lend his storytelling talents to this action-packed 3D film, which will hit IMAX theatres in the US beginning this April," said Francois Mantello, Chairman and CEO of 3D Entertainment Distribution. "His passion for racing and high-adrenaline sports makes him a perfect fit for this celebration of aviation."

"I have always been fascinated by the sheer power, precision and skills of these tremendously talented pilots who race just 50 feet off the ground at twice the speed of a Nascar race," said Paul Walker. "I was further drawn to the film by its unique historical view of this legendary sport and for the educational insight into the science of flying that it provides."

"We are delighted to have Paul Walker be such an integral part of this film," said Air Racers 3D co-directors Christian Fry and Jean-Jacques Mantello. "His ability to connect with moviegoers of all ages, and teenagers in particular, as well as his genuine love of motor sports unquestionably enhances this ultimate air show experience."

Having captured the attention of audiences and industry executives alike with his undeniable on-screen presence in a string of supporting roles, Paul Walker's breakout role was as undercover cop Brian O'Conner in the 2001 hit film The Fast and The Furious. Since then, he has managed a balance of box-office films and dramatic roles to cement his leap to leading man status. Walker has demonstrated his on-screen versatility by transforming into a soldier under the direction of Clint Eastwood, an Arctic research scientist in a Disney family adventure, and a New Jersey mobster in a gritty independent feature. Walker, who also made a return in the fifth installment of The Fast and The Furious franchise, recently starred in and executive produced Vehicle 19, an indie thriller set for release in 2012.

From the pits to the roaring sky, Air Racers 3D explores the highly competitive world of air racing through the eyes of rookie pilot Steve Hinton as he attempts to fly his P-51 Mustang fighter plane to victory in the most highly-anticipated and unpredictable race class. Audiences will discover today's elite pilots in their World War II-era aircraft as they fight for position, wingtip to wingtip, and skim 50 feet (15 m) above the ground around an oval course at 500 mph (805 km/h). The film also features rare archival footage and performances by many of the world's top aerobatic pilots, including the Royal Canadian Air Forces Snowbirds.

Produced by 3D Entertainment USA and Pretend Entertainment in association with Stereoscope, Air Racers 3D is directed by Christian Fry and Jean-Jacques Mantello (Sharks 3D, Ocean Wonderland 3D and Dolphins and Whales 3D) and features a screenplay by Christian Fry and Rick Dowlearn. The musical score is by Christophe Jacquelin. The film is produced by Christian Fry and Raul Leckie, and executive produced by Francois Mantello, John Constantine and Jeffery Pierce. Two years in active production, principal 3D photography for the film took place during the 2009 and 2010 Reno National Championship Air Races and was completed in June 2011.

Visit the official film website at http://www.airracers-thefilm.com/

Follow all the latest news on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/AirRacers


About 3D Entertainment Distribution
Founded in 2001, 3D Entertainment Distribution is the marketing and theatrical sales arm of 3D Entertainment Films and 3D Entertainment USA. Affiliates of 3D Entertainment Films Holdings, the companies are focused on the production, postproduction, sales and theatrical distribution of innovative 3D films for IMAX theatres and Digital 3D cinemas worldwide. The cornerstone of the Company's film catalogue is a unique underwater film trilogy presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau that has grossed over USD 84 million at the box office. In 2010, the company successfully launched its first acquisition, the USD 13 million-grossing Sea Rex 3D: Journey to a Prehistoric World which was named the Best Earth Sciences Program at the 2011 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. The Company's current line-up of 3D films includes Kenya 3D: Animal Kingdom (February 2013), Patagonia 3D: Into the Wild and Time: The 4th Dimension, starring Christopher Lloyd and Deep Roy. The Company maintains offices in London (UK), Los Angeles (California) and Paris (France). For more information, please visit http://www.3defilms.com/

Cirque Du Soleil 3D Film Opens December 21 2012

Paramont Pictures sent out the following information about release date changes and one name change yesterday (Feb. 28th):

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY in 3D will open on Friday, December 21, 2012.

FUN SIZE will open on Friday, October 26, 2012.

MY MOTHER’S CURSE is now titled THE GUILT TRIP. The release date remains Friday, November 2, 2012.

Warner Bros. Eyes Tite Kubo's "Bleach" As Live-Action Film

VIZ PRODUCTIONS & WARNER BROTHERS TO DEVELOP BLEACH LIVE ACTION MOVIE AFTER BANNER YEAR

VIZ Media’s Mega-Hit Franchise Continues To Expand Across All Entertainment Channels, Win In Ratings, And Top Best Seller Lists

VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, announced today that Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the live-action feature film rights to the hit manga and anime property BLEACH. The announcement comes after another successful year for BLEACH in print, digital publishing, cable television, streaming video, consumer products and video-on-demand.

“BLEACH has built a huge international following in its manga and anime formats, and we’re excited that Warner Bros. shares our belief that BLEACH can also become a fantastic live-action film,” said Jason Hoffs of VIZ Productions, VIZ Media’s Hollywood-based production company. “BLEACH is an exciting opportunity to mix Japanese and Hollywood storytelling to create something new for the big screen, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to further expose its unique characters and story to film audiences everywhere.”

Peter Segal (GET SMART, THE LONGEST YARD) of Callahan Filmworks is producing with an eye toward directing. The film’s creative team also includes screenwriter Dan Mazeau, who recently penned Warner Bros.’ upcoming sequel to CLASH OF THE TITANS. Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing and Masi Oka (best known for his roles on NBC’s HEROES and CBS’s HAWAII FIVE-0) will produce. From VIZ Productions, Hoffs will serve as Producer, and Branon Coluccio will be Executive Producer. Screenplay development will commence in 2012.

The popular BLEACH animated and manga series, created by Tite Kubo, follows the adventures of Ichigo, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper tasked to hunting Hollows, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, Ichigo must dedicate his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property around the world. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has over 75 million copies in print in Japan alone. In North America, the manga (rated ‘T’ for Teens) has consistently appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list for Manga and the Neilsen BookScan Top 50 Graphic Novels list, selling more than 2.1 million copies across 36 volumes.

The BLEACH manga is also available digitally through VIZManga.com and for download through the VIZ Manga App for iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, where it has proven to be a top-seller. The series was recently sped up to bring North American readers up-to-date with the latest story arc in Japan, culminating in it being featured in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, the groundbreaking digital manga magazine that VIZ Media just launched at the end of January 2012.

The BLEACH animated series (rated TV-14) has topped the ratings on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, sold over 1.8 million DVDs and consistently ranked among Hulu’s most watched shows, This success has further spawned an array of related video games (over 820,000 sold), apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.

For more information on BLEACH and to view free streaming episodes, please visit Bleach.viz.com.

For more information on BLEACH digital manga, please visit VIZManga.com/bleach.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, please visit SJAlpha.com.