We open on a volcano that grows underwater, erupts at the surface and then spreads out as molten lava, solidifying to form an island. Indeed in a mere 60 seconds we see the evolution of a tropical paradise. Vegetation takes over, with roots bursting through solid rock, vines overtaking everything in their path and palm trees popping up left and right. Nature’s relentless march continues in hyper speed until every inch of the island is covered.
As the last palm tree emerges on a pristine beach, time returns to its normal pace and the finishing touch–a cool bottle of Corona Extra–is placed on a stump between a man and woman who are enjoying life in their idyllic retreat.
“Finishing Touch” was directed and shot by Sean Thonson of bicoastal/international MJZ, with visual effects work from Asylum, Santa Monica, for Cramer-Krasselt, Chicago.
The agency creative team was chief creative officer Marshall Ross, executive creative director Dean Hacohen, creative directors Tom Lichtenheld, Ken Erke and Dan Consiglio, writer Bill Dow, art director Justin Bucktrout, executive producer Sergio Lopez and producer Bob Wendt.
Jeff Scruton executive produced for MJZ with Rita le Roux serving as producer.
For Asylum, the visual effects supervisor was John Fragomeni,the CG supervisor Jonah Hall and the effects exec producer Mike Pardee.
Editor was Einar of Union Editorial, Santa Monica.
Review: Director Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked”
It's the ultimate celebrity redemption tour, two decades in the making. In the annals of pop culture, few characters have undergone an image makeover quite like the Wicked Witch of the West.
Oh, she may have been vengeful and scary in "The Wizard of Oz." But something changed — like, REALLY changed — on the way from the yellow brick road to the Great White Way. Since 2003, crowds have packed nightly into "Wicked" at Broadway's Gershwin Theatre to cheer as the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba rises up on her broomstick to belt "Defying Gravity," that enduring girl-power anthem.
How many people have seen "Wicked"? Rudimentary math suggests more than 15 million on Broadway alone. And now we have "Wicked" the movie, director Jon M. Chu's lavish, faithful, impeccably crafted (and nearly three-hour) ode to this origin story of Elphaba and her (eventual) bestie — Glinda, the very good and very blonde. Welcome to Hollywood, ladies.
Before we get to what this movie does well (Those big numbers! Those costumes!), just a couple thornier issues to ponder. Will this "Wicked," powered by a soulful Cynthia Erivo (owner of one of the best singing voices on the planet) and a sprightly, comedic, hair-tossing Ariana Grande, turn even musical theater haters into lovers?
Tricky question. Some people just don't buy into the musical thing, and they should be allowed to live freely amongst us. But if people breaking into song delights rather than flummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love "Wicked," well then, you will likely love this film. If it feels like they made the best "Wicked" movie money could buy — well, it's... Read More