Aside from features, what can they do...

Right, simple fact: I love roaming the Internet. I love being able to source out information and learn more about anything that I have an interest in, instantaneously. This works in my photography, whether I am researching tree fungi or delving deeper in "the uncanny valley".  I take the same approach to films, and filmmakers that I like or have an interest in.

Tarsem's beautifully photographed debut feature The Fall (2008)

I really enjoy finding filmmakers websites, or websites for smaller production companies, as they normally contain the feature film work (teasers, trailers, production information), their short films (normally made before the feature but can show a great insight into production design and style), and (sometimes) their other work (such as music videos or advertisements).

Here are a few that I recommend pouring over:

Rupert Sanders is going to be as huge as any filmmaker in the next ten years.  Watch his short film Black Hole to catch a glimpse of his wonderfully dark vision; however, his website has this and more so please check it out.  This year he has his first feature released, Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), and when you look at his ad work and shorts you can easily plot the style that oozes from the spectacular trailers for Snow White.  Also, there is minimal information about him on IMDb, which is quite impressive to say the least.


Trailer "Snow White & the Huntsman" from Ante-Cinema on Vimeo.

On the topic of Snow White, the next filmmaker has also released an adaptation, entitled Mirror Mirror (2012).  Tarsem's films (especially The Fall [2006]) and his website are worth a look.

Borderline Films. The great minds behind Afterschool (2008) and Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011). Shorts, music videos, and more. http://www.blfilm.com/

Ezra Miller in Antonio Campos' Afterschool (2008)

Inventive and creative ads: http://www.gangfilms.com/

A hub for shorts: http://futureshorts.com/ (watch Yellow Stockings if you get a chance, it is beautiful)

Spike Jonze/The Creator's Project: http://thecreatorsproject.com/creators/spike-jonze 

Jared Leto and Jennifer Connolly in Requiem for a Dream (2000)

On the topic of advertising, Darren Aronofsky was creative force behind the ad campaign for the Montana Meth Project. Have a look at how condensed his brilliance can be when given thirty seconds to get a message across: http://www.methproject.org/ads/tv/

Thinking of Aronofsky and his first feature, Pi (1998), reminded me of another short film (made around the same time) worth mentioning - Doodlebug (1997), by Christopher Nolan.




-PM