Parallel: First Draft

This is the first draft of my short film, there are a few things i would still like to improve on and the music and sound needs to be added in.

Creating A Split Screen Effect

One of the main features of my short film is split screens in order to demonstrate the parallel lives. However to start with I was a bit unsure how to create this affect in sony vegas. However I managed to find a simple and effective tutorial on Youtube.

I then used the skills i learnt in this tutorial to create the effect in my own footage...

Diary 14/12/12

I have finally gathered all the raw footage that i need to create my short film. It was made difficult due to having to fit filming around actors and my social work and school lives. As well as this I had to ensure that my locations were free to film in at these times. Once this was all done i then needed to take take into account traveling to locations and ensuring I could loan out the equipment from school at these times.

Diary 12/12/12

Double Page Spread 2

This is the second double page I will be using in my magazine article.

Double Page Analysis

In order to create my magazine article I did some research into how real magazines create double page spreads and articles....

Double Page Analysis

Magazine Article

Now if you live in the UK and haven’t heard of the amazing new superstar that is Max Dowling then you truly haven’t been living under a rock! But after taking the silver screen by storm we talk to Max as the London boy takes on the independent short film scene, and what an impact he has made! Having a list of academy nominees as long as his arm just isn’t enough for some it appears and now with a star role in a one of a kind short film, will he have the same success he’s had elsewhere. Taking a break from the busy life we caught up with Max in a Soho café.

So first of all Max thanks for taking out the time to speak with us today.

It’s a pleasure Matthew, anything for the readers of Premiere!

So down to business, what first kicked off your love for the big screen?

Well as a kid I always loved performing. I used to put on shows for my parents in the living room! (laughs) I’d write these crazy scripts and put on a hell of a show! From there really I just couldn’t get of the stage my whole life!

Well that is quite impressive! You mentioned writing your own scripts as a child, is that something you still do?

As a matter of fact it is; I’ve written several shorts and one feature length film. Nothing to be made of them yet though!

Well I can’t wait to see one someday! So what else do you like to get up to in life?

When I’m not writing or performing or writing I’m spending most of my time playing basketball or drumming.

Wow you really do have a wide span of talents don’t you! So what led you down the acting path and not one of the others?

Acting was always my first priority, it’s what I lived and breathed I don’t think there was ever a time there was something else I wanted to be… apart from one year when I wanted to be Kermit the frog! (laughs)

And If only that dream had come true! Now you fly all around the world for filming where is the most interesting place you have been?

There was this one tropical island we went to whilst filming ‘Treasure Hunt’. We were the only people on this beautiful white sand island no bigger than a block of houses. I don’t think I’ve ever seen something so spectacular.

Wow that sounds amazing! It must be hard being away from family and friends so much though?

Well of course it always is. Nothing can ever compare to family to me, but you make friends on set everyone is always so friendly and by the time it’s over you have made a second family.

Well home really is where the heart is! So it’s been rumoured that you’re a bit of a prankster around set. What is the best prank you have ever pulled?

(Smiles) Well I remember one night I think in Beverly Hills Jack Black, one of our camera men Daniel Martins and I went out to find a local club where we could let a bit of steam off and have a good time. One night of rocking the dance floor and allot of tequila shots later we all headed back to the hotel. Now some people may think rock star life is glamorous but that’s not always the case… This was a pretty crappy road side motel. Once up on our floor we were still buzzin so we crashed out in Dans room he was sharing with sleeping set artist Jim who hadn’t come out that night claiming he wanted a quite night. Now this was something we didn’t find forgivable so we decided it was time for some revenge. Seeing as I was sharing a room with my then girlfriend I snuck back to my room to get some hair removal cream. I think you can guess where this was going (chuckles). It wasn’t until the next morning when the three of us who had fallen asleep in the room were awoken at 8am all hungover by a screaming Jim in a towel. Obviously intending to get an early start he had jumped in the shower none the wiser about his fate. A completely bald Jim exploded as the three of us cracked up on the floor. It was the funniest thing I have ever witnessed! Although we are all in fear of the revenge pranks he has promised to come!

Wow that really is a great story! I’m sure you’ll be sleeping with one eye open for a long time! You mentioned how life on the road isn’t as glamorous as we’re led to believe, what gets you through all the rubbish hotels and long journeys?

Well it’s the people I get to spend this adventure with that make it so great. The fun we have can’t be beaten and the family it has made us, there’s never a dull moment on the road with us and that’s what makes it so great!

Wow you really have had some fantastic adventures it sounds! So far you’ve worked with a few stars but is there anyone else you would like to work with?

Oh there are tons! I have so many inspirational actors and actresses that I would love to work with. I think if I had to pick one right now though it would have to be Gerard Butler. Just his presence on the screen is so intense you cannot look away! I would love to work alongside him and pick up some pointers!

I think I speak for not just myself but everyone when I say that we would all love to see that too! So a bit about your new film parallel. What caused you to take a break from the big screen for this smaller project?

Well one day my manager showed me this script for a short film written by this young and upcoming writer and director, it just blew me away I couldn’t turn it down. I’m really excited about it and I can’t wait for its release!

Well I think I speak for all of us when I say we can’t wait for its release too! Unfortunately we can’t give anymore away about it apart from that it’s going to be released this summer at the London film festival, if you’re any kind of film fan this is a must see! Thank you so much for this great chat Max and I hope to catch up again with you soon!

No thank you I’ve had a great time and I look forward to meeting up with you again soon! I hope you to see you at Parallels premier and best of luck till then to you and all the readers!

Diary 06/12/12

Yesterday I took more photos for my magazine article and film poster as i did not feel i had a wide enough variety of content. However as I run photoshop cs3 on my laptop i was unable to make contact sheets as was previously available with older versions. In order to rectify this problem I decided to do some research. The result of this was my discovery of a way to reinstall this feature by following the steps in this guide.
http://www.diyphotography.net/quick-tip-creating-a-contact-sheet-with-photoshop-cs5

Double Page Spread

This is the opening double page spread to my magazine article. It will be followed up by another double page that will include the full article.