Today, Nikon Inc. announced the launch of its “Beautiful Horror Movie,” a challenge posed to two of the world’s top filmmakers to define the moment when striking cinematography and terror converge. Designed as a project to demonstrate capabilities of the Nikon D800 HD-SLR camera, world-class writer/director Guillermo Arriaga and award-winning cinematographer Janusz Kaminski will direct and capture a short film, combining the darkness and suspense of a horror film with the elegance and beauty of high-caliber cinematography.nnThe film, entitled “Broken Night,” will be officially released in early December, 2012, however fans can access exclusive behind the scenes content leading up to the release on “The Beautiful Horror Movie” Tumblr page at www.brokennightmovie.com.nnnn”To tell a story visually is one kind of challenge,” said Guillermo Arriaga, director. “Making it look stunning is another… For beauty and horror to come together is the thrill of Broken Night.” nnnnAbout the FilmmakersnGuillermo Arriaga is a Mexican born author, screenwriter, director and producer. Self-defined as “a hunter who works as a writer,” Arriaga, known for his use of non-linear storytelling, authored critically acclaimed films such as Amores Perros, Babel and The Burning Plain, while receiving a BAFTA Best Screenplay nomination for 21 Grams and a 2005 Cannes Best Screenplay Award for The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.nnJanusz Kaminski is one of the most recognizable names in modern cinematography today. Kaminski has been nominated for the Academy Award five times to date, winning the award twice. Highlights include the powerful historic drama Schindler’s List, and Amistad, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He next lensed Saving Private Ryan, for which he won his second Academy Award. After a pair of serious sci-fi offerings, Artificial Intelligence: AI and Minority Report, Kaminski moved to more light-hearted fare, Catch Me If You Can and The Terminal. Kaminski returned to epic science fiction with War of the Worlds. The Academy Award-nominated Munich followed. Kaminski also lensed the critically acclaimed film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly for which he received his fourth Academy Award nomination. In addition to the Oscar, Kaminski received a Grand Prize at Cannes Film Festival, and the film was nominated for the Golden Palm. Next, Janusz shot War Horse. The film was nominated for several Oscars, including Best Picture, and also garnered Kaminski with his fifth Academy Award nomination. Kaminski’s latest film, Lincoln, a biographical portrait of the United States’ 16th president starring Daniel Day Lewis, has just released. nnAbout the Nikon D800nWhether shooting in challenging light or capturing fast action, filmmakers are constantly challenged to present even the most horrifying of scenes in an innovative, creative and beautiful manner. The 36.3 megapixel Nikon D800 and NIKKOR lenses can supplement any production environment with innovative features such as uncompressed HDMI output, the ability to crop for compositional versatility and other features to simplify shooting and post-production workflow. For more information on the video capabilities of the Nikon D800, please visit www.nikonusa.com.nnAbout NikonnNikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR® optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2012, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 75 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook and Twitter by following @NikonUSA.
Geoff Coalter MWW Contact Geoff via email P: 201.507.9500
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More