Happy Primeval Day! Tomorrow, 23rd February, marks 6 years since the finale of Series 2 of Primeval - how time flies! This project has been going on for much of that time too - initially the overblown dream of my ten-year-old self, I gradually learned the skills that enabled me to recreate the effects seen on the show. I started out with rudimentary stop-motion animation out of clay, and then moved on from until I found the 3D animation software Blender, and have spent the last three years or so attempting to master it.
The first Primordial (as it was then known) script was written in half an hour or so on a warm, sultry night in 2008, and was, to put it politely, a complete unmitigated disaster. Since then I must have written at least 25 different scripts for the series, and my friends will often complain that I have filled their folders with hundreds of pages of screenplays of various quality and completion.
I mention all this because, at long last, what I hope to be the final iteration of the script (aside from any alterations post script-checking) is pretty much complete. There are perhaps just two or three more pages to write and then I can hand it over to be checked by Martin Dan Rasmussen, who is very kindly working as script supervisor on the project.
So what next?
Early attempts at filming previous scripts have always been marred by unusable footage, missing bits of dialogue, poor framing and continuity, and all manner of other things. The main reason for this is, ultimately, bad planning on my part. Once the script is finalized, I plan to produce a full-length storyboard/animatic showing the timings and framing of the whole film. I already have locations in mind for most of the settings and so it will simply be a case of matching their layout digitally and then essentially animating very rough 'stick-figures' to get an idea of how things will pan out.
After the pre-vis is done, casting will be sorted out. I already have a few people who I know for certain are willing to act in the film, but there are a few empty spaces still to fill.
Next comes prop making & costumery. In the past, costume has not been much of a concern for me, but in fact it can have a major effect on the production values. There won't be anything too flashy, but establishing a good wardrobe is good for continuity and the overall feel of the film.
In terms of props, there will be a few key challenges. A number of props already exist, including wooden rifles (that need a little more detailing doing to them) and a handheld anomaly detector. The challenge of finding a cheap way to manufacture decent-quality props is always a fun one to try and overcome.
Finally, dates must be set for filming, and equipment must be gathered. I have most of what I need now; camera, audio, stabilisers and steadycams, and the only area I need any more for is lighting really. Once everything has been collected and planned to a tee, filming will begin, and after that shall commence the long process of editing and visual effects. It'll certainly be an adventure.
Other Stuff
The new anomaly effect finished rendering. It's all rather shiny.
The first Primordial (as it was then known) script was written in half an hour or so on a warm, sultry night in 2008, and was, to put it politely, a complete unmitigated disaster. Since then I must have written at least 25 different scripts for the series, and my friends will often complain that I have filled their folders with hundreds of pages of screenplays of various quality and completion.
I mention all this because, at long last, what I hope to be the final iteration of the script (aside from any alterations post script-checking) is pretty much complete. There are perhaps just two or three more pages to write and then I can hand it over to be checked by Martin Dan Rasmussen, who is very kindly working as script supervisor on the project.
So what next?
Early attempts at filming previous scripts have always been marred by unusable footage, missing bits of dialogue, poor framing and continuity, and all manner of other things. The main reason for this is, ultimately, bad planning on my part. Once the script is finalized, I plan to produce a full-length storyboard/animatic showing the timings and framing of the whole film. I already have locations in mind for most of the settings and so it will simply be a case of matching their layout digitally and then essentially animating very rough 'stick-figures' to get an idea of how things will pan out.
After the pre-vis is done, casting will be sorted out. I already have a few people who I know for certain are willing to act in the film, but there are a few empty spaces still to fill.
Next comes prop making & costumery. In the past, costume has not been much of a concern for me, but in fact it can have a major effect on the production values. There won't be anything too flashy, but establishing a good wardrobe is good for continuity and the overall feel of the film.
In terms of props, there will be a few key challenges. A number of props already exist, including wooden rifles (that need a little more detailing doing to them) and a handheld anomaly detector. The challenge of finding a cheap way to manufacture decent-quality props is always a fun one to try and overcome.
Finally, dates must be set for filming, and equipment must be gathered. I have most of what I need now; camera, audio, stabilisers and steadycams, and the only area I need any more for is lighting really. Once everything has been collected and planned to a tee, filming will begin, and after that shall commence the long process of editing and visual effects. It'll certainly be an adventure.
Other Stuff
The new anomaly effect finished rendering. It's all rather shiny.
PRIMEVAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Tell Abby and Connor...to stay out of trouble."
-Last words of Stephen Hart, Series 2 Episode 7
"Tell Abby and Connor...to stay out of trouble."
-Last words of Stephen Hart, Series 2 Episode 7