Defender - The Short Film Production Blog

Defender is Online

2008-04-01T12:38:00.006+10:30

Well after long while - heres a late post.
The Screening went quite well - Most of the films were well received and everyone had a great night.

But more importantly - Defender is Online.

Check out the full and complete film at :
http://origin.www.spike.com/video/2967083

You can also find a link at FanboyTheatre.com in the 'Our Heroes' Section -
http://mightor01.tripod.com/id16.html
Or just check out
www.fanboytheatre.com

And i'll be sure to put it up here and there on other supportive websites.

Almost There

2007-11-16T14:05:00.000+10:30

Defender is finished!!

After some hectic few weeks - the short film is complete- there were some major colour issues and audio issues - but we got there.

Having watched the film at least 100 times (seriously) I'm very happy with it. The story flows well, the mystery aspect is there, the Special FX are very coool, the actors are all fantastic. All in all - I'm quite pleased.

The screening is very soon and I urge you all to come, and if your not sold yet -
!!! its free with the promise of food n drinks !!!

Advanced Maps screening - Thur 29 @ 5:45 pm
Rundle St East End - at the PALACE CINEMAS

See you all there!

Mega Update

2007-09-30T20:42:00.001+09:30

Well, the final visual edit is locked off!
The Defender is now in its audio edit. Were fixing up sound things, creating flow and what-not. Alot of the Special FX still have to be done, I'm very confident they'll look great.
The musics still being made - looking forward to hearing it.
But unfortunatley -Im on holidays now so Defender's on a temporary hold.

But what makes this update so MEGA!! is the video ya'll have to watch, if not already.
Chris Carpenter (The Defender's Super Villain)
Mike Crismani ( The man who plays Sargeant Kelly)
and Beth Cleary (Bastion Citys top Reporter) [although i cant really see her]

have appeared in a great big add for NAB -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWLGlp59Nfc

Watch it Now - Good work everybody!!

Been a While...

2007-09-10T18:56:00.000+09:30

Well, were still progressing through the edit, Its been late nights and early mornings for Dan and I. The films looking great though - Its flowing quite nicely - everything came out really well and the SFX are looking great! Numerous people have asked 'How'd ya do that?!' and thrown numerous 'Wows' our way.

All the super power stuff is looking really affective with the right sound FX, we've bewildered
a few already. The Super suit looks very cool on screen! We successfully tweeked the colours for the Institute scene. Defender HQ is superb! And everyone's favorite character thus far is Vex. Well done Chris, we all love a mad man with power.

I'm still working on getting some music made up, As influences Ive recorded John Williams Superman theme and The Anzac 'Last post' theme.

Theres still alot to do and not alot of time to do it in.

Just a reminder the Official first screening will be
on Thus Nov 29 at PALACE CINEMAS At 7pm
Rundle St East Adelaide
Its free, so Come one! Come all! - Tell your friends!

And More Thanks

2007-07-02T20:27:00.000+09:30

I feel like one of them actors who wont stop thanking everybody... I hate that!
I'd like to thank Jen for her lovely work on the Tombstone- It looked Fan, Fricken-Tastic! Better than I had imagined.

Thanks to my father- who at the last minute jumped in and helped play a role. And a special thanks for helping build the Superhero Case, and again for taking time outta your day picking up the good ol' mannequin. Couldn't of done it without ya Pa! Cheers!

Tsubi du - The Costume designer - you did the impossible, you created an amazing super-suit, thank you for your time, support, commitment and patience. I couldn't of been happier with the final product - Hurrah!

Emma and Michael - thanks for trusting me with your son - he did a great job, very professional and fun to be around.

Special thanks to me Maa! Thanks for everything, thanks for lending me some cash and for being in the film.
'Good On ya' Mum!'
And a very special thanks to Rob Selkirk and John Romeo who very generously made locations open to my crew and I. The Film will benefit greatly from your generosity.
And I suppose I'd best thank Mr. Thrumer and Dr. Sutton for making it all possible. Thanks Fellas.

I should probly thank people when the films actually finished. Hmm

More Thanks!

2007-06-27T21:17:00.000+09:30

I pushed my actors as hard as my crew at times - they had to brave extreme weather conditions, hectic schedules, wearisome lines and my less than clear direction.
Them's was Good Sports!

Jonno - Without you, there'd be no film, there'd be no Defender. Your a talented actor - And so well suited for the role, I can tell your a keen observer and that you have a great understanding of screen acting. Thanks for putting up with me, the hours, my overall asking of you, my (at times) lack of professionalism, the petrol cost, everything- Your a very fine actor and a great guy! Your my hero!

Eva - I Couldnt of asked for anything more of you. A great performance through and through - thanks for being my actor and older Sis yet again. Your the greatest.

Chris Crash - You the man, every hero needs his villain - and you were a bloody great one - I pushed you once or twice and I'm glad you appreciated it, you took my direction very well. You gave a very strong and convincing performance. Well Fricken Done!

Mike - The moment you auditioned I could sense a great Officer Kelly vibe in you. (that and looking like the NYPD Blue guy helped, haha!) I know I pushed you and your performance a little aswell - but in the end you nailed it, I couldnt of asked for a better man for the role.

Benjamin - You suprised me with every take, your a natural and gifted performer- clearly a master of both screen and theatre acting. And remember one day you'll be the Defender - so dont be afraid ta gimme a call in a decade or so and well get cracking on that sequel. Well done little man!

Morris - for such a small role you played it with great conviction and power. Thanks for braving that hill and being in my big little film. Your a valuable asset to the MAPS community.

Nick, Dan, [and in particular] Alan and Patrick - Thankyou and sorry - Your presence will make all the difference within the film. If ya ever need me ta roll around in the rain or ya just wanna kick me in the face - Call Me (o431 286 133)

And Jen, Richard, Peta and Tsubi - If ya wanna buck I'll be more than happy ta put it forward.

Hopefully I'll get to work with you all again! Well bloody done everyone - Weve got quite a film on our hands! I'll never thankyou all enough.

P.S. Theres a super-suit in my wardrobe I dont know what to do with.

"Thats a Wrap."

2007-06-23T18:54:00.000+09:30

Well after a long week - we did it. We shot our film. It was cold, stressful, fun, irritating, tiring, amazing, agonizing, suprising and ahhhh- oh i dunno, at times - 'Rowan.'
But the film'll be sweet! That much i can promise.

I pushed my crew hard - I'm an ass for doing so - and their legends for putting up with it. I dont think i can thank them enough. - But Heck, I'll try...

Skeer - Your a true professional, you put the work first and our friendship last- Cheers. Word to the wise - Get this man a knife if you want something done.

Tom G - You did everything I asked of you, and more so - Somehow you could decipher my rambling, schedule, mumbling, storyboards and muddled brain.

Jen - I could tell you were reading me well - thanks for being so gentle and patient with me on set.

Dan V - Dependable. Your my number 1 go-to guy. Your friendly nature was much appreciated on set.

Richard - Glad ta have ya on board. When i needed something done you did it -Im grateful for your extra pair of hands.

And lastly - The Honourary Wannabe MAPSIE - Peta
Thankyou for everything ecspecially your emotional support -up to and during this tremendous shoot. Your the best.

Lets hope to Christ the ends justify the means. Actors thankyou post and pictures coming up soon...

Day 4 - 1 to go.

2007-06-22T02:57:00.000+09:30

Directing: When your in charge of a large group of people - Morale is important. But youve also got to worry about your shot, the acting, lighting -all that. So when ya start pushing for extra takes, more time, lighting changes - People can get uneasy which affects working conditions, which affects the film. So its important to find a medium. Where you can keep people happy and get the shots and all you want.

Daily Status
-monday morning - good start, great morale- affected by lack of Pizza.
- Film quality- Yer should be great
-monday night - Hurt by the lengthy shoot - long late hours - bad.
- Film quality- first day enthusiasm means the shoot was saved

-tuesday arvo - short scene, easy stuff - not a problem.
- Film quality - Nothing to worry about.
tuesday night- Luckily an easy shoot without alot of camera movement or dramatic acting - morale was however affected by the looming time and lack of food.
- Film quality - Plenty there to work with, More than enough - Nick Cleary is staying confident

wednesday morning - Out doors -weather conditions were a bit of a let down
Film quality - all good baby
wednesday night - rain, a sketchy schedule and a stressed out director meant morale was heavily effected.
Film quality - Half the stuff - pure Gold, simply given the actors and location were outstanding. Other Half - Im confident can be saved by the edit. Action sequences are a pain to shoot, a joy to edit.

thursday morning - a little stressed all round - however given the promise of food and the comfort of indoors meant we finished early. Some memorable performances for sure.
film quality - Oh yer - its gewd!
thursday night - Morale was at an all time high as we steadily worked through the schedule, we were well fed and looked after aswell. The location and quality of the filming kept people smiling - even Nick Skeer.
film quality - Probly the best stuff you'll see in the film.

Friday...lets see how we go aye.

Still Shooting

2007-06-19T23:54:00.000+09:30

Well after 2 days n nights of shooting im feeling awfully tired. Its a strange love-hate process when your directing. Very Stressful- But very fun all the while.

Im a bit spacey on set - Theres a million things runnning through my head. And I'm constantly bombarded with multiple questions at the same time. Yeesh!
However its interesting how quickly you can tune out 'emotions' and what not- becasue your passionate and want the job done well.

We'll keep at it though - hard times ahead. Later!

Last Minute Touch-Ups

2007-06-17T14:53:00.000+09:30

Today we had our first glimpse at the super-suit. Very rough stages at the moment - but Tsubi assured us it'll be completed by Tuesday night.
Shooting begins tommorow -so yesterday and today I've been rounding up the rest of the props and what not.
And to top it off Young Benjamin and I are due for another rehearsal tonight.

For some reason the camera flash made the suit all glossy and somewhat ...Homosexual. But it'll look better through HDV and 'irl' - (thats nerd talk for IN REAL LIFE...noobs).

Re- Hear - Sal

2007-06-10T18:45:00.000+09:30

Hey Readers
Well after a big week shooting Jen Wildwood's masterpiece 'The Ogre' Today we had rehearsals with all the cast. It went swimmingly - I began by simply getting the group to learn a little bit more about each other. We than had a Dry Read (not a wet read.) Before we all got up and blocked through each of the scenes. Good times had by all.
Here's a pic I took that'll be in the film. - Father, wife and pumpkin.

Movies and Measurements

2007-05-30T18:26:00.000+09:30

First post in a while - Weve all been quite busy shooting films and what not. Nick skeer's 'Gimme Shelter' is coming along very nicely - great acting, great sets, an almost over-devoted DOP and one hell of a Lighting Guy (thats me).

Also - Today the assistant producer and I visited Tsubi Du the costume designer and measured up Jonno, our lead man. Were all very looking forward to the final product. Heres to Hoping.

One more day of shooting tommorow before we can rest and have a few drinks.
Oh, and as a side note - David Gregan has finally come out of the closet. We support you Dave!

Oh Yeah!!

2007-05-24T10:43:00.000+09:30

Pre-Production for 'Defender' has the green light! Wahoo!!
The 2nd Project to get the all clear after Dave Gregans - 90 Mile Desert. The only 2 films Self-Produced.

And we are proud, Yes Sir- Darn Proud!

Getting There.

2007-05-23T18:58:00.000+09:30

Well I've almost got the big tick from my Executive Producers - Pictured below.

And than I can focus my skills on Production design and Rehearsals.
And lemme tell ya - I'm looking forward ta getting all this parperwork behind me.
I wanna be creative already dammit!

Heres a picture of Mike Crismani. The man playing Officer Kelly. And Uh, yeah: I updated the photo with a mustache and placed him alongside the NYPD blue guy.

No Sleep For Me...

2007-05-21T22:38:00.000+09:30

Well Good news first- I have my final location. After much searching I found and signed off a rooftop!

Here's Pretty Little Pete on the Rooftop.
The Bad News is all paperwork is due tomorrow, i have no Producer to do it for me, Old man Thurmer wants me to take away over a third of my shots and I'm bloody tired. After tomorrow - Im gonna sleep for at least 30 hours.

Look What I Found...

2007-05-19T13:42:00.000+09:30

Check it Out! I gave up on warehouse hunting -Cause everyone's a bastard and doesnt care for the little guys.
SO! I started looking in privately owned autoshops -and a guy named John showed me what he had out the back. Its just what I was looking for- Its Old, Rustic, Kinda Blue, Easy to access, Fulla power, 'Australian' and Free!

The Defender's Headquarters, Base of operations, Blue-Cave, Fortress of Blueytude - Whatever ya wanna call it - We got it.

And Its even got some blue machinery aswell. Under the right lights and with a bitta colour tweeking in post - Defender HQ will be Awesome!

Special thanks to the Assistant Producer Peta King for Posing!

CASTING

2007-05-18T14:11:00.000+09:30

Introducing ... The Defender!!

Jonathon Johnston.
JJ feels comfortable in Lycra, has an audition for a Power Ranger coming up and loves to Cook.

Playing the role of his son- James - is Benjamin Riggs. Benjamin has worked with the Bookworm, performed live on stage and thinks Superheroes are 'The Coolest!'

And playing the role of Annette - The Defender's loyal wife and James's Mother is Eva Frick.

Eva graced us with her presence last year as Ivory McGinley in 'Blake Stone.' Eva is currently studying (right now!). She enjoys vampire films, singing and reading.

As far as locations go -I gotta see an Auto shop for The Defenders HQ and on Monday I'm seeing a man about a rooftop.
Still much to do - Gawd Help us all!

Super Villain Status: Found.

2007-05-15T21:43:00.000+09:30

I held several auditions today- two for the role of Annette, the Defender's loving and loyal wife and 1 for my Super villain -Vex. Chris 'Crash' came in and he was fantastic! He originally auditioned for the role of Officer Kelly - but i could sense some real evil in his performance and presence. So now - a week or so later, he came back - and he's got the role!

His performance and appearance is very similar to that of Brian Cox in X-men 2. Brian played the role of villain - 'William Stryker.' (quite well I might add).

The Defender has his Villain!!

And as a side note - Peter Thurmer's superhero name is
The Super-Intelligent Albino.
Go figure.

He Will Wear Lycra!

2007-05-13T18:12:00.000+09:30

Today I met with Tsubi Du -my costume designer. She informed me that my costume design for 'The Defender' was very much achievable and affordable. She wants to make the entire thing! Not just buy a Lycra jump suit or something - Make it from Scratch!! The little boy in me is jumping with glee.
Without a doubt - it'll be Great!

Here's Mr Reeves as 'Superman' in all his Lycra Glory.
What Superhero name do you have? Try the Superhero Name Generator and post away...

Yours Truly

-Nick Cleary - The illustrious Inferno.

Happy Mothers Day!

Have I found the Defender?

2007-05-08T20:50:00.000+09:30

Today I auditioned two guys for the lead role. The first definately looked the part -but I was only able to achieve the performance I wanted after several directions. The second guy also had super- potential and was a far greater actor.

The hunt continues. But if I had to choose one right now - I'd be a happy man.

Which Superhero are you? Take the test.

Peace.
And Oh yeah, I cant get rid of this dam box thing >>

3 Auditions Today!

2007-05-07T22:28:00.000+09:30

After some more location scouting this morning -I head off to maps and had 3 Auditions.

2 were for the role of Officer Kelly - A Cigar chomping Lawman. The first guy was great- he looked like the dude from NYPD Blue. The other guy was also very good and had an amazing presence, he acted and looked more Australian as well.

I also had 1 audition for Vex, The Defender's Arch Nemesis. - He was a nice guy, but his acting was average and far too theatrical. Sorry Buddy.

Tommorow Im meeting two guys for the lead role. The Search for a Superhero begins! Wish me Luck!!

Happy 'Free Comic-Book Day!'

2007-05-05T19:03:00.000+09:30

Today of all days I focused my skills (and more so my fathers) on creating the Super-hero wardrobe/cabinet type thing. We made a rough frame and made some measurements -Still have to paint it, nail it and lay down the plexi-glass. Go Team Cleary.

Among other things Ive spoken to the city council about shooting on rooftops, location scouted, organized auditions, put on weight, had a lesson in make-up, cashed some cheques and tonight im gonna check out Spiderman 3 in the name of 'Study.'

Film-Making, its a killer.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2007-05-01T21:45:00.000+09:30

The other day I got an invite to the YAP Awards. I submit 2 films and they ain't telling me if either are in or not...bastards. But all will soon be revealed.

To update - Ive been busy with props and what not- spray painting a bunch of stuff blue. And planning audition times for various actors.

And for those interested in my Jewellery crafting skills. Here is the Defender Ring. Comment and tell me what ya think.

Props!

2007-04-29T22:12:00.000+09:30

Today I focused myself on buying Props. My girlfriend and I set out and bought a bunch a items for me film.
A large amount of the props are going towards creating The Defenders Headquarters. His 'Bat-Cave' sought of thing- his 'Fortress of Solitude' if you will. Whilst I'm yet to find a location -here are the things i want in it! Production designers, Defender crew, Mapsies and everyone doubting me - BEHOLD!!

- The following Image is from Smallville. When Clark discovers the base of operations for his 'Super-Friend' The Green Arrow.
Notice the weapons on the wall. The Defender HQ will have something similar.

Exhibit B...
Taking another cue from the fan-film -'Grayson.'

My heroes pad has gotta have one-a-these!
(Because a coat hangers just not good enough.)

Both the weapon display and the costume case will be achieved with a bitta Plexiglass or Lexan.

After that find me a podium of some-sought.
Hook-up the projector. Light it well. And we got it!

I Gotta Costume Designer!

2007-04-26T23:49:00.000+09:30

That's right - a certain someone by the name of Tsubi Du has agreed to help out in creating the Defender super-suit.

I sent her some pictures of what I'd like to create (special thanks to 'The Flash' for a little mask inspiration) and she told me the sooner I cast my lead -the better!

Unfortunately auditions were cancelled this week so I'm gonna put me foot down tomorrow and make some more calls.

In other news I did some more location scouting today as well as creating, purchasing and making the Defender's Ring.
I bought an opal necklace - ripped off the rock - and stuck it down on a black iron ore ring. How Aussie's that!

I'll get some cool Modern/Aboriginal etches on it tomorrow.

Ta-day.

2007-04-23T18:38:00.000+09:30

Despite looking and sounding like the guy from the Napisan adds- Peter Thurmer had some important things to say about Superhero Mythology. So I'm proud to say that my script is now finished finished. It'd been finished for a while -but now its finished finished.

Today i did some location scouting- I got up nice and high ta see which rooftops were flat and which weren't. - I spoke to the manager at the Academy Cinema about using his big ol roof- and he gave me his card (I figured he'd support some local film-makers.) And I spoke to some people about creating my hero's source of power - an Aussie opal ring.

Tomorrow I'm gonna try finding a child actor and make some calls about creating this costume...

Make your own hero with the HeroMachine.

Whose Back?! - I'm Back!

2007-04-22T11:45:00.000+09:30

Readers should be pleased to know that money earnt over the past week will go towards the production of 'Defender.'

Seems the latest thing to do is mention the crew's name. So here's my A-Team...
Writer/Director/Producer - Nicholas Cleary
Camera Operator / DOP - Winner of Best Cinematography at the SA Short Screen Awards - Tom Gaskell
Location and Post Sound - Hoe Bagger - Jen Wildwood
Production Designer and 1st AD- Japanese Correspondent and self proclaimed 'Wannabe Journalist' -Nick Skeer
Editor and Lighting - Lion Tamer and renowned author of 'So now your a Zombie' - Daniel Vink.

Small Crew, Short Film - Big Idea! - Bring on the Pre-Production.

Going Bush for a week!

2007-04-16T08:25:00.000+09:30

There'll be no posts for a week or so- Nick Cleary is goin bush. I'm doing audio for some short doco thing in the Flinders Rangers. Audio! ha! not bad for a guy whose specialisations were camera and editing. Lets see how i go.
Bye!

As the theme for this topic is 'Going Bush' I have included a picture of my execute producers Leigh (left) and Peter (right) in their safari attire.

Fan-Films...

2007-04-11T21:51:00.000+09:30

I would have to say these are my key influences for my film "Defender".

Below are Various Fan-Films. Short films about Superheroes made without a huge Budget.

‘Grayson’ by John Fiorella. When Batman dies -Robin re-claims his tights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUmzR1J_C3s

‘Batman: Dead End’ by Sandy Collora. Alien Vs Predator Vs ...Batman?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XEaHA-ZBSk

‘Worlds Finest’ by Sandy Collora. The ultimate duo -Superman and Batman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIWskgVx_v0

‘Tomorrow’s Memoirs’ By Jim Cliffe. An old and retired Superman reflects on his past.

http://www.ifilm.com/video/2654192

Blake Stone Hits the Web!

2007-04-11T11:19:00.000+09:30

Last year i made a little film called 'Blake Stone.' Its about a Private Investigator whose latest case gets a little out of hand. Nick Skeer (Wannabe Journalist) wrote a caption for the film: "Bullets!! Booze!! Broken Bones!! Broads!!! Bruises!! and a Bad Ass named Stone. Blake Stone."

Blake Stone was nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Edit at the SA Short Screen Awards.

Check it Out- http://one.revver.com/watch/230761

or see the Trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVyMfdPdab4

Defender -Post #1 -Lets Make a Film!!

2007-04-10T20:26:00.000+09:30

G'day- Nicholas Cleary here.
Welcome to the 'Defender' Production Blog- A website devoted to the production of a Short Student film. This film is about a mere man recognizing his unique origins -and devoting himself to a life of Justice. That's right people its about a Superhero. I'm in early stages at the moment, still finalizing the script. Wish me luck!!