(This post references iSundae II: Attack of the Cones, part 6. You may want to view the movie before reading this post.)

Given my disapproval of the all-too-common practice of putting enchantresses in childrens’ movies, I wanted a more or less logical and non-magical way for Gwenanda to do the things she does. A key element of this was the Rain Maker 2007. (Yes, the movie wasn’t released until 2008. What can I say? Even Gwenanda could use a software update.)

To create the Rain Maker I started with a series of sketches. We wanted something that looked complicated, but also allowed for travel to and from the filming sites.

[Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Movies, Props and Costumes by Rebekah
3 Comments »

(This post references iSundae II: Attack of the Cones, part 5. You may want to view the movie before reading this post.)

Have you ever been bored and brilliant in the space of a minute? You’re sitting there, minding your own business, and suddenly lightning strikes. A large part of the iSundae II script came about in that way. The whole concept of Fonsuger being after something, and what that something was came out of a bored doodle during a movie discussion. And Reyshar’s hat.

I stopped and looked down at the paper. Now, that prop looked cool. How could we fit it into the movie? And the piece on top . . . where have I seen that shape before? “Hey,” I said, “What if the thing Fonsuger is after has something to do with the first movie? Relating back to why Reyshar wore that weird helmet thing.” The idea took fire and we soon found ourselves with a slidey-puzzle box that contained something that could make you immune to being utterly vaporized. Granted, the “relating back to Reyshar” part changed a bit in the finished movie. We didn’t explain that what was in the box was kept in the point on Reyshar’s helmet, but the general idea mushroomed out of that. [Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Movies, Props and Costumes, Video by Rebekah
2 Comments »

“We want sinister here,” an enthusiastic director said. “We want suspense! Swell the music as the badguys march in through the door.” Wait a minute. What door? Where in our house do you expect to find a giant, wooden door for a castle throne room? “That won’t be hard!” the director replied. “A little cardboard and hot glue and you can make it happen.” Well, maybe. How big do you need it? “Oh, just big enough… You know what I mean.” That’s what I was afraid of. “Come on, you can do it. Oh, and while you’re at it, let’s make it double doors. It’s more impressive.” [Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Props and Costumes, Video by Rebekah
1 Comment »

How many times have we, as filmmakers, longed for fancy props, elaborate sets, or even just enough space to film in? Well, here is a list of tips that can work wonders. [Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Props and Costumes, Tips and Tricks by Rebekah
No Comments »

For years (four, to be precise) I’ve wondered whether we movie-makers have gotten into the best occupation on earth, or if we’re just gluttons for punishment. Who in their right mind would want to spend a month in the feverish, non-stop, stress-filled, running-around-in-circles activity we call making a movie? That naturally leads to the question, are we in our right minds? But this isn’t about getting personal. The question is, why? [Read more →]

Tags: Blog, Movies by Rebekah
2 Comments »