Live to Web as Liam covers the making of pink thunder’s debut music video

9:00 AM came earlier than it should have this morning, 10 AM even later, as I finally squared myself away in the computer lab of Citadel High and got my phone all set up as a modem – why is it all the internet plugs in here that are active are IN the shot? Maybe I’ll try to write this from one of the computers as sort of a “meta-creation-of” blog project… who knows?

On set right now Jason Levangie is going through the paces of the opening scene for what will be Pink Thunder’s debut video, seems like Olivia is about to accidently broadcast her band all over the school – not bad PR if you ask me. In addition to  the Jason’s learn-as-you-go, hands-on approach to this VF Master class we’ve also learned some quirky onset codes for washroom breaks, while Alyson (Atlantic Film Festival’s Inspired Coordinator) has kept in the loop on the history behind everyone’s nick names (I can’t really get into those on this blog). Plenty more action is coming on this Sound to Screen live blog – we’re heading up to the science lab next for some more experimentation in Music Video creation… Stay Tuned!

It’s 12:13 PM and already Jason has shattered my world when it comes to music video magic – turns out Busta Rhymes wasn’t running lunging towards the screen, the wide-angle lens was simply moving in a couple of inches… Thanks Jason, what other secrets will be destroyed today. Oh well at least the girls are rocking out!

Olivia is totally rocking out the table drums right now, this shot is going to rock! And now upstairs to check out the lab!

On route to the lab I found this parked outside (after, of course, I locked myself outside)…

… That’s right, Pink Thunder has a gig van – so now you know what to look for!

Meanwhile, 1:15 PM comes rolling in and myself and Alyson have just finished setting up lunch – don’t tell anyone around the set though, aside from Jason I don’t think anyone else knows yet.

Now Barbara gets her solo shot, mixing things up in the Citadel Science Lab, looking quite natural behind the lens if I do say – although being front and centre is something the Pink Thunder lead vocalist should be used to (or will get used to). Jason keeps things on pace with a quick set up meeting and then the cameras get rolling.

“… This is what we call a HOT SET” (1:45 PM) Jason calls out, reminding everyone that the definition of such pretty well means “don’t touch anything”. The bulk of the crew take a break for lunch while Barbara and our extras do a couple of wide-angle shots before heading down for lunch. Barbara, or Barbi, rocked her scene with some explosive humour, these girls definitely have that “rock star” attitude! Next up is Victoria’s “art-house” scenes – this video is starting to rock.

By 3:00 PM the art room is alive with the rocking sound of Pink Thunder, as Victoria takes gets her opportunity to show-off some acting talent of her own. The bass-slappin’ youngest of this pop-punk trifecta shows that same attitude I’ve come to expect from these girls – looking almost as comfortable behind an easel as she would behind the bass. Jason does a great job of utilizing the small, art room space and briefing in the Sound to Screen squad on what to do next. The day has quickly shifted gears from careful instruction, to hands-on “baptism-by-fire”. The team is all “go, go, go” from here on out, with two scenes remaining these ViewFinders Master Classers will need to put the pedal to the metal to get this video finished by 5pm.

Jessica Lynn Ritchie-Bosch, Sound to Screen participant isn’t  worried about the deadline, “[Jason] keeps us involved and trusts us to get things done”. Her and fellow ViewFinder veterans Rebecca Warren and Devon Pennick-Reilly have already been involved in such classes as the 48-Hour Film Project and had a top 10 challenge entry screened in this year’s Animation Challenge. “It’s a really fun thing to do, you learn a lot and you have creative freedom that allows you to be involved in the decision making process”. All three agree the class has been the most hands-on thus far, while the seemingly peer-to-peer interaction with industry professionals has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As Rebecca sums up, “You get to meet the band and the [staff] are really nice plus the things you learn you can carry forward to your own [creative projects]”.

As the solo spots wrap up, Jason asks for the Pink Thunder mobile to get in position and calls out for a skateboarder that “… can actually ollie” – hmmm, I don’t see a stunt coordinator anywhere…

 

 

By 5:00 pm we’ve gone from drive-by to outside and back inside again. The team is tired, but everyone is operating at full steam as Jason keeps our Sound to Screeners motivated and on-pace. It’s a real live set, with real deadlines – Welcome to the VF Music Video! 

Only two more scenes remaining and overtime being clocked, the Pink Thunder are reunited for the final band scenes – all building towards a school ground concert scene for their infectiously catchy tune “Radio Friendly”. The video is set for premiere at the 29th Atlantic Film Festival this September but you can catch the whole tune on the Pink Thunder website, http://www.pinkthundermusic.com, and over at their Myspace.

Sound to Screen is just a taste of what to expect at ViewFinders each and every year. Hands on learning opportunities with industry professionals in a peer-to-peer atmosphere; where everyone gets a say, and everyone plays a part. To quote Jason Lavangie, “… I know you’ve heard this before, but I wish they had opportunities like ViewFinders when I was in school”.

For a ViewFinders live-blog post, this is Liam signing off.

And be sure to stop back in September, when I’ll follow up on Pink Thunder’s video premiere at the 29th Atlantic Film Festival this September!

Hey it's Cristin! I am stealing the blog from Mark to tell you all about Opening Night of ViewFinders. It's TOMORROW at 7 PM - The Oxford Theatre. Be there or be square! Well, you won't really be a square, but you'll miss a really excellent film by Quebec director Philippe Falardeau called 'It's Not Me, I Swear!". Tickets are still available at the STEAL of a price, $8. Visit www.viewfinders.bside.com to purchase online!

Also - Every year during the festival I write a tiny little newsletter for ViewFinders.

When you sign up for it by emailing communications@atlanticfilm.com, every day of the festival you'll hear about what our staff is excited about and what's happening in the film and workshop schedules.

Plus, not that I am tooting my own horn, but I do like to think of myself as the VF Ticket Fairy. I have the super fun job of doing all sorts of ticket and prize give aways and I'll tell you a little secret, I do a TON of them in the newsletter. So sign up today!

I'll be posting regularly over the next few days with some fun stuff as we roll along. So will Mark. Plus, we'll be Tweeting up a storm live from events - so if you follow Twitter feeds be sure to follow ours via www.twitter.com/atlanticfilm

See you at ViewFinders!

Cristin

pictured above: Hawaikii

Sadly, due to a scheduling conflict the feature film Krabat slated to play on Thursday, April 23 at 10:00AM has now been replaced with a screening of The Black Balloon.

In addition the short film Kehua playing in the Around the World in 80 Minutes program on Tuesday April 21 at 10:20AM has been replaced with an alternate New Zealand short called Hawaikii.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience that this may have caused. Please follow the above links to learn more about The Black Balloon and Hawaikii.