With Lee‘s questions covered we had time to ask most of those on set a series of five questions, here they are with their responses. But first, take a look at their work. Thanks again to Lee for permission to show this Exclusive Behind The Scenes footage of the fight rehearsal, filmed by Stephen Jardine of RRR on a Sony Z1.
Here Is a montage of We Are Soldier, so far
Simon Rowling DOP.
1:
What got you into special effects and how did it lead to cinematography?
I did a degree in model making, which I soon fell out of love with when I went into the industry, so I looked for where I could take my skills, and that was into special effects. Working in workshops and then learning new skills on set on various big films. I learnt how a set was run from that.
I set up two production companies with my cousin, one for features, the other for commercials. I was head of production at the commercials one, and so was producing/budgeting as well as teaching myself how to film.
I did this in between SFX work.
I always freelanced whilst I was there, getting more and more experience behind the camera. I left the company a couple of years ago, as I wanted to become a full time DoP as I had such a passion for it.
I never looked back!
2: How much time do you have to spend with a director to see their vision?
I sit down with them for a couple of sessions, bombarding them with questions and really understanding where they are coming from. Within no time at all I can generally get a good understanding for what they are after!
3: What gives you inspiration for your projects that has you behind the camera till early in the morning?
Light… I love creating a mood and tone with light, its almost like controlling the sun, it’s quite a magical process. That, and also commitment, I will never give up and will make sure something turns out as best as it set out to be!
4: What is the difference between filming Sci-Fi with martial arts and Sci-Fi with swords and horses?
Not much difference, if there were guns, maybe a little, but action is action. I enjoy a good bit of sword play and hand to hand combat though! Probably because I used to fence and do martial arts as a kid.
5: Can you let us into your next project?
I am lined up to start a feature film this summer, which ironically enough, is a Sci-Fi film, set in a dystopian future. However it is based around Henry V! Should be quite fun!
Simon Rowling – Cinematographer/ DOP
07928 033 288
www.srcinematography.co.uk
2nd questions go to Beau Fowler, Fight Choreographer
1. H
ow is Rx3 Fight Crew and Ki Films doing?
Both are doing well thanks. Most of the crew are scattered working on individual projects, and Ki Films has several projects in development. That said, whilst I’m still actively acting and producing, I’m currently letting both grow organically and focusing on my journey as Writer/Director and Action Director.
If you’re interested you can follow me here:
Website: http://www.beaufowler.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Beauki3
2. Do you plan or have you ever worked with your brother and sister on a project?
I have indeed worked with both, and we plan on working together more in the future. Max’s first acting projects in his teens were in short films I wrote and directed such as ‘Holy Cow!’ which we shot in a single day and that was shortlisted for the Odeon Short Film Competition 2007, and ‘Brotherly Love’ which won Best film at the DirectorMe Short Film Competition 2008. I currently have an action comedy feature in development called ‘Sticks & Stones’ that I wrote for Max as the lead – watch this space.
Francesca was the lead in my latest short film ‘Chameleon’ that has recently been accepted into the Short Film Corner at Cannes. A link for the Teaser is below:
I have written a treatment for the feature of ‘Chameleon’ which I’m pretty excited about, though due to the scale of production, to do it justice I’m focusing on a couple of other feature projects first. One of which I’m developing with Fran who will write the screenplay.
We’re a close family with a lot of love and respect (and honesty). In many ways we are different, and in many ways similar, we all have very unique skills and outlooks so coming together is always fun and rewarding.
3. How difficult is it to take a director’s vision and turn it into a 3D creation for the DoP?
This depends in what role I am in. As a writer/director I visualize everything I do. Usually I storyboard everything and work as closely with the DoP in pre production so we are on the same page of achieving my vision. Obviously there are always compromises, and at the end of the day you are dictated by budget and time. But with the right team and mindset we adapt organically and find a way.
As an action director, both designing and directing the action I work close with the director and make sure we agree on content / style of the project, characters and ultimately action. Half the time, I find that the action in the screenplay is loose. So as well as the style and choreography, every move needs to have meaning in order to push the scene / character goals / film in the right direction. I often recreate the scene with emotional beats and structural ideas that I’ll discuss with the director, and once we’re both happy I’ll work closely with the DoP to achieve the best results. If time permits I will also shoot a Pre-‐Vis of the action to highlight the best way to shoot the scene.
I’ve noticed through some projects, the director works very closely with me through the action, and in some cases the director takes a step back and I take over completely. Either way works, and it’s all about trust.
4. How do you switch off from doing one project and move into another without getting confused?
Growing up writing, directing and producing shorts, acting and choreographing fight scenes taught me to wear and swap hats very quickly. It takes several years to be able to do that efficiently but definitely helps on bigger scales. It’s really all about focus. This helps immensely when working on several projects at once, or that crossover.
It’s important to remember that every project is different. This is the case whether I’m directing drama or designing action. There is a unique sensibility in each one, so it is about tapping into the essence and treating it with respect.
As far as completing one project and moving on to another, there is so much work and attention to detail that goes into creating a film or TV / Web show that once it’s completed, it is very much its own thing. Therefore, whilst we may develop our own styles and ways of telling (showing) stories, the process into another film’s development or pre-‐production is a new baby.
5. Is the Indie Film Stunt Industry Strong at moment, and how do you see it’s future?
This is a tough question. On one hand there is occasionally more creative freedom on the Indie scene, on the other hand there is usually a lot less money that creates another set of difficulties.
There are probably more action opportunities outside of the UK, but we definitely have some hidden and emerging talent bubbling, and that’s what Indies do, create regardless, which is a beautiful thing when handled in the right way.
There are a lot of people out there making films and coordinating action on the indie scene, but it’s the experience of quality, safety and deep understanding of story that I feel are vastly important and can often fall short. For me it is important to stay true to the project, and leave egos at home. I’m very fortunate to have worked with some great people with great skills and ideas, we never stop learning and developing as long as we are open.
We are definitely in an interesting time for film with the digital age, and distribution changes. And something I find more and more in this industry is it’s a small world. I really think it is about working together to positively create quality. I’ve witnessed a lot of egos / disconnection of people (cast/crew) / lack of experience damage projects. Film and art follow the same principals as all things in life. Ultimately we are in this together.
I for one am excited for British Action films. And most if not all these are Indie films. It’s handling the project in the right way with the right people. No matter how action packed the piece, I like to treat and respect it as a film foremost that is simply rooted with action as opposed to focusing on the action over everything else. There is a fine balance, and it’s a fun journey finding it.
Director Lee Asquith-Coe Genre Sci-Fi
| Director | Lee Asquith-Coe |
| Genre | Sci-Fi |