OST BUDDING FILM students limit themselves to making a nice, leisurely short film over the course of a degree. Not Thomas Ikimi. Whilst undertaking a writing degree at Columbia University he maxed out a $9000 credit card to fund his 2005 feature debut Limbo, balancing filming with his mid terms. Whilst so many are ashamed of their early forays, thinking back on it Ikimi still has a fondness for his debut. M‘When you watch Limbo, to film fans, the homage to the old school ’60s and ’70s paranoid thrillers is clear. I didn’t have much money, and I wanted to make something that was dynamic, challenging and interesting.’ The gamble paid off and after showing the film at the Cannes Film Market it was invited to open the Taormina International Film Festival in Sicily, where it screened with Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. The reason that’s worth mentioning is that Ikimi cites Nolan as an inspiration and Legacy, his second feature (although he hastens to add that it’s his first professional feature), bristles with the same darkly psychological tone, narrative experimentation and creative verve as Memento.
TEXT BY DEAN BOWMAN
‘My filmmaking influences are Alfred Hitchcock, Chris Nolan and Stephen Spielberg,’ says Ikimi. ‘There are elements of all three directors in Legacy, but I would say that the idea of a single room film came from both Hitchcock’s one room thrillers (Rear Window, Rope, Dial M for Murder) and Twelve Angry Men.” Despite being set in New York, where the film’s themes tap perfectly into the altered mentality following 9/11, Legacy was actually filmed in a Glasgow tenement. But whether it’s New York or Glasgow is beside the point, the important thing is the claustrophobic isolation of the set, where the protagonist is laid bare. Malcolm Gray is the former leader of black-ops unit Darkhammer, who find themselves up shit creek in the film’s opening sequence when they fall into the trap of vengeful gun-runner Solenko. They were seemingly sold down the river by Senator Darnell Gray, the man who formed the unit in the first place and Malcolm’s own brother. Now Malcolm wants justice, or failing that revenge. So in his darkened abode, shut away from the world, he spins his web, but it’s not immediately clear whether he is the spider or the fly. ‘Setting a thriller like this in one room without bells, whistles, SFX and CGI was always going to be tough. The film is about psychological process, and to bring that to life in four walls was an interesting experience.’
18TH RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 31 What follows is not the standard revenge drama, but a study of the disintegration of one man’s sanity. No wonder Ikimi had trouble finding funding in the UK, with the now defunct UK Film Council only investing in proven genre pieces or Danny Dyer vehicles. Legacy was never going to fit in a satisfactory marketing pigeonhole, and so Ikimi turned to his native Nigeria and found funding there of all places. When we asked him if he was frustrated that he couldn’t fund his film in the UK he replied: ‘To be honest I was surprised, as the budget sought was so low that with the cast we had I thought some group in the UK would want to support a film like this. The reasons? I can guess at some, but who really knows with these things. I’d rather focus on my gratitude to Nigeria for stepping up to the plate and financing the project, than dwell over a lack of support in the UK.’ Malcolm Gray is played by rising star Idris Elba, who has been making a name for himself in British and American TV productions including The Wire for some years. ‘I sent him my script and a letter saying who I was and what I thought of his work and why I felt it would be good to work together,’ Ikimi explains. ‘Really it was all about him liking the script and what I was trying to do.’ Having got him on board most filmmakers would have played it safe, but as it’s becoming apparent Ikimi isn’t most filmmakers and so he decided to take another risk. ‘I initially wanted him to play the senator, based on his previous work. However, once we got talking, I decided that it would be interesting to go against type and have him play the lead character, who is as far removed from the kinds of roles he has played as you can imagine.’ This choice paid off, as Elba plays the role superbly; his stoic military training slowly breaking down through a pressure cooker of emotions and traumatic memories, to reveal a frighteningly fragile, isolated individual. Elba seems to have taken to this darker side, and since has gone on to play the troubled lead in the BBC’s psychological police drama Luther. ‘Thomas is great as a young director,’ says Elba. ‘He had a vision and he knew what he wanted. Oftentimes directors aren’t as collaborative as Thomas so I thought it was refreshing.’ Like his inspirations Christopher Nolan and Alfred Hitchcock, Ikimi has himself made the move from the UK to Hollywood where he has found representation. There just seem to be more opportunities for me in the US right now. I’m working on a heist and a sci-fi film. It would be good to do something in the UK, but really that depends on whether opportunities present themselves.’
Legacy screens on Friday 1 October at 7:30pm and will be followed by a Q&A with Thomas Ikimi
32 18TH RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL brochure ad_2010_raindance ad 04/08/2010 17:21 Page 1
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www.pearlanddean.com 34 18TH RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL VERYONE IS ENTHUSIASTIC about the shoot and we are operating guerrilla- style: covering off the action with two shaky hand-held cameras. We are shooting on two Sony EX3’s, one has a pro-35 adaptor which allows us to mount 35mm film lenses the other has a mini-35 adaptor and we are mounting stills lenses on it. It is hard to follow focus on these lenses, but the look is lovely. The setting is intended to look murky and the style allows for slips in and out of focus. We fire Eoff at least 20 slates in about two and a half hours. This is a wonderful way to work. A lot of the crew, including myself, would be used to working on commercial shoots, where the storyboards have been signed off down to the smallest detail. We are accustomed to the attendance of a client who has numerous product, marketing and target audience concerns spinning around in their head. This morning, there are none of these concerns. I decide I want a high angle shot of the villain so we back up the camera van and Ivan (McCullough, DoP) and I climb onto the roof with the canon 550D and a 50mm lens. While we’re up there, we
TEXT BY DIRECTOR BRIAN DURNIN
devise a nice shot of one of the hanging florescent lights. We shoot this on a lens baby with the focus swinging in and out. It looks lovely and it’s probably my favourite shot. Luke Griffin, one of our lead actors, has been tied to the chair for the duration of the morning and very politely enquires if he might get a chance to have a pee. A true professional, he has been holding it in for hours (I feel it lends additional urgency to his performance). It seems we have all been suffering for our art. There is no toilet in the warehouse and it is only when we reach the lobby of the Quality Hotel that I remember Luke has a black eye, bloodied nose and split lip and that Gavin is dressed like a very threatening member of the Village People and is carrying a decommissioned (if we are to believe to guy who lent it to us) gun. When we wrap, I am looking forward to the edit. The crew has all given their time and effort for nothing, so we put out the offer of pints in the company’s local. The lads, especially the actors are really looking forward to seeing it. It’s good fun to do gigs like this occasionally. There has been a wonderful vibe on set all day and it has been entertaining to play around with guns and beat the tar out of a guy. Several days later the producer Paul Holmes informs me that the gun has still not been collected by the guy who lent it to us. It’s probably illegal for him to have it in his possession. I’m definitely going to stash it in his luggage next time we’re shooting abroad.
18TH RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 35 22 Bullets Quad_Layout 1 01/07/2010 17:14 Page 1
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Grange Hotels are proud to support the 18th annual Raindance Film Festival, which takes place this year from 29th September to 10th October 2010.
Providing hotel accommodation to US rock quintet Airborne Toxic Event, Grange Hotels will be marking the European premiere of the band’s acclaimed behind-the- scenes documentary ‘All I Ever Wanted’. The film follows Airborne Toxic Event’s sold out 2009 performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and is set to be screened at Raindance on 30th September.
Visitors and associates of the 2010 Raindance Film Festival can also take advantage of discounted accommodation rates at all 15 Grange Hotels properties in Central London.
As London’s leading independent hotel group, Grange Hotels comprise a luxury portfolio of 4 and 5 star hotels; offering luxury accommodation, leisure, bar and restaurant facilities in the capital’s most desirable locations. Whether you are in the capital for business or for pleasure, Grange Hotels’ beautifully appointed bedrooms, exclusive dining outlets and leading spa therapies are designed to make your visit memorable… for all the right reasons.
18TH RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 37
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LF_Ad_148x210_v2.indd 1 28/7/10 17:20:19 FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY WEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 9PM Following this year’s opening night gala screening of Jackboots on Whitehall at the Apollo Cinema, all ticket-holders are invited to our exclusive after-party at Café de Paris where US band The Airborne Toxic Event will offer the first gig ahead of their UK Tour, followed by a DJ set by Andrew Weatherall.
ALL I EVER WANTED SCREENING + Q&A LOVEFiLM COMPLETE LOGO ON WHITE – CMYK. RIO. 3-11-08 THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER AT 7:15PM The Airborne Toxic Event will be discussing their debut album after the world premiere of All I Ever Wanted: The Airborne Toxic Event Live From The Walt Disney Hall. See page 26–29/62.
99 MINUTE SOUND SCHOOL SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER AT 10AM Many films are let down by not understanding the basic elements of sound recording. The course will cover sound from Blu-Ray and dVd GameS By POST on set recording, to mixing in post, foley and ADR. Tutor Jovan By POST Ajder is a double BAFTA nominee and has worked at BBC and South West 9.
99 MINUTE FILM SCORING SCHOOL Andrew Weatherall SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER AT 12PM Music needn’t break the bank. Learn the ins and outs of finding a composer, licensing music and using stock music. The talk will be led by musician Stephen Coates (The Real Tuesday Weld), Jonny Trunk from Trunk Records, and creative director of ThinkSync Connie Farr.
99 MINUTE DIRECTING SCHOOL SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER AT 2PM Learn how to communicate your vision with your above the line cast and crew. The course will be led by Chris Thomas. WaTch Online STReamed TO yOuR TV RD KIDS: NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER AT 2:30PM Raindance is thrilled to present two of Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces for the first time in cinemas since 1984. Hayao Miyazaki’s classic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is set 67,000 titles and counting. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind screens at 2:30pm on Saturday in the distant future in the aftermath of a global war, where 2 October Princess Nausicaä must struggle to prevent two nations from Studio Ghibli’s classic My Neighbour destroying themselves. This work reflects Miyazaki’s deep Totoro also screens at 3:45pm on concern about man’s relationship with the environment. There Sunday 10 October. See page 49 for details will be a prize draw from Bellieboo at this screening. The film is released on Blu-Ray by Optimum on 18 October. let’s watch another one 18TH RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 43
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KODAK NEW TALENT SCREENING SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER AT 4PM The selected film is Other Side of the Game by Sav Akyüz and Lajaune Lincoln. This contemporary moral fable is a dark study of the simmering tensions corroding London’s multiethnic melting pot and unflinchingly explores the hypocrisy and subtle class prejudices that underpin the city.
Live!Ammunition! is at 6:45pm on Monday 4 October 99 MINUTE DSLR SCHOOL SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER AT 10AM DSLR cameras provide remarkable quality for a very low price. Let Den Lennie from F-Stop Academy take you through the ins and outs of the latest advance in camera-work.
99 MINUTE FILM SURVIVAL SCHOOL SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER AT MIDDAY Raindance founder Elliot Grove takes you through the legal and financial issues facing freelancers, social media and how to develop a game plan for success.
G-STAR SHORTS PROGRAMME MONDAY 4 OCTOBER AT 4PM In Code Red when a gunman shows up at a high school a complete lock-down takes place leaving an innocent student stranded in the hallways and frantically seeking safety. In Destiny’s Stand: It’s a Dog Gone Tale a teenage girl moves to a sleepy Florida town and meets a dog named Destiny at a pet shelter about to be torn down. Her efforts to save her from being put down lead to discoveries of extortion and violence.
LIVE! AMMUNITION! MONDAY 4 OCTOBER AT 6:45PM Drop a fiver in the hat, pitch your movie idea in under 2 minutes to a panel of top execs, the winner takes the loot. Films that have launched here include Meet The Parents and 51st State. Previous panellists include Ewan McGregor, Matthew Vaughan and Tracey Scoffield (BBC). Free admission for RD members.
STRAIGHT 8 MONDAY 4 OCTOBER AT 6:45PM Straight 8 invite anyone, anywhere to make a short film on just one 3.20mins super-8 film cartridge, without any editing or post. A soundtrack is uploaded separately and the first time filmmakers get to see the result is in the cinema. They will be presenting this year’s best entries including the eight that premiered at their Cannes screening in 2010.
18TH RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 45 Platinum Sound Publishing
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web: www.platinumsound.co.uk email: [email protected] telephone: 01483 501228 99 MINUTE FUNDING SCHOOL TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER AT 5PM The EU offers a wealth of funding opportunities, through tax incentives, co-production treaties and large development funds. MEDIA Desk UK’s Agnieszka Moody will present the various options available for fiction feature, animation and documentary projects.
ALEXANDER MACKENDRICK MEMORIAL LECTURE TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER AT 6PM Since 2000 Raindance has presented the annual lecture in memory of the great British film director Alexander Mackendrick. This year we’re thrilled to welcome veteran filmmaker Mike Newell, in conversation with Fred Hogge. Previous participants include Terence Davies, Stephen Frears, Shekar Kapur and Vanessa Redgrave. The talk will be followed by a screening of his 1992 feature Into The West.
INTO THE WEST TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER AT 7PM Into the West is a charming and sometimes gritty piece of magical realism from director Mike Newell. A part of the explosion of Irish cinema in the early ’90s, it’s the story of Tito and Ossie, two gypsy boys, living with their widowed father in Into the West screens at 7pm on a Dublin council high-rise. But everything changes when their Tuesday 5 October after the Alexander grandfather gives them a glorious white horse. When the horse Mackendrick Memorial Interview is stolen from them, the boys resolve to steal it back, escaping Dublin for the wilds of the west, with their father and the police in hot pursuit. In lesser hands, this could be a horrible piece of faux-Disney whimsy. But, with a script from fellow-director Jim Sheridan and a first-rate cast, Newell creates an enjoyable and profound adventure, deeply felt and with a sense of real danger. This is very much a children’s story. But like the best children’s storytelling, it speaks to adult fears and aspirations, drawing us in to a world of fractured relationships in need of healing and an adventure of both literal and figurative escapism. So when the lights come up and the story’s done, we’re left with the tones and textures of a grown-up tale well told.
THE ROBIN HOOD TAX TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER AT 7:30PM The Robin Hood Tax is an innovative tax to help relieve poverty and the effects of global warming around the world. The shortlist from this year’s short film competition will be presented and discussed, and followed by a private reception.
18TH RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 47
99 MINUTE CASTING SCHOOL SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER AT 10AM Find out where to find actors for your production, how to run an audition and how to attract a big name for your movie. Rory O’Donnell, actor and casting agent will take you through the insights and show you why not to cast your friends.
99 MINUTE SFX SCHOOL SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER AT MIDDAY What low-budget horror movie doesn’t need a bucket of fake blood or an explosion? Dan Martin has worked on pics such as Batman Begins and The Wolfman, to lower budget movies like Human Centipede 2, and will explain how to do FX on a budget.
99 MINUTE MUVIZU ANIMATION SCHOOL SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER AT 2PM Muvizu offers the opportunity to make 3D animation films at the click of a button. Because of the simplicity and effectiveness of the programme, it allows you to create in hours what would My Neighbour Totoro screens at 3:45pm normally take many months. Free entry. on Sunday 10 October
Studio Ghibli’s classic Nausicaä of 99 MINUTE EDITING SCHOOL the Valley of the Wind also screens at 2:30pm on Saturday 2 October. See SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER AT 10AM page 43 for details Find out how work with the editor during & after the shoot, how to increase the editor’s options and what makes a good cut.
99 MINUTE VFX SCHOOL SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER AT MIDDAY CGI & VFX are now within the hands of every filmmaker. Simon Hunter, director of Mutant Chronicles, shows how everything from adding flashes to mock-up guns or full blown alien invasions can enhance drama and be achieved on a budget.
RD KIDS: MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER AT 3:45PM Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film follows a young girl as she builds a friendship with the wondrous creatures of the forest. It is an elegy to two ever-fading miracles: the fairytale world of childhood and the disappearing countryside. Totoro recently made an appearance in Pixar’s latest film Toy Story 3. There will be a prize draw from Bellieboo at this screening.
CLOSING NIGHT PARTY SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER AT 9PM Following our closing night film Son of Babylon all ticket-holders are invited along to our after-party at Tiger Tiger.
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