Beware Long Post
Vinnie thanks again for the bandwidth.
Here is some of what I’ve got in mind.
Costumes- The biggest stumbling block here is the Valkyrie pilots. Uniforms that look good in anime can look just down right silly when created in the real world. I’m leaning towards the uniform worn in flashback 2012 for the pilots. They look a little more real world-ish. That is for a suit that meets the criteria of space and terrestrial combat. But I’m undecided as far as the helmet and boots. I’m not a big fan of the ones used 2012, I prefer DYRL and Macross 2. I figured I would get the opinions of other fans before writing anything in stone. And you are right about needing professional costume builders. Especially for the pilots. This is one of those times where having a wife that use to create costumes for TV comes in handy, and her friend created several of the naval uniforms used in Pirates of the Caribbean. Between the two of them I think I have most of the clothing covered, except for the VF pilots and the Zentran armor.
VF Mockup- The hurdle on this one is not the building, but getting it to look as close to the VF cockpit as possible and still be useable. I’ve settled early on, on building 2 different cockpits. One for Battroid, and another for Fighter. Before he started working at our studio, one of our engineers built simulators that were used to train fighter pilots. He and I just started building the pieces needed for the Battroid. We’ve had to rethink the way we were building a couple different times, but I think we’re on the right track now. The Fighter will be a little bit more tricky, especially since it is going to need an outer shell as well. I met a guy in L.A. that built a complete F14 nosecone with cockpit interior. I’ve supplied him with designs for a VF nosecone, and he’s willing to create a VF prop, but before I plop down that type of money I need to make sure that I’m going to use it. I’ll also post progress pics when we start to assemble these.
Sets- Here is where it can get expensive. The story will take place in space. I’ve got room in the studio for set building, (this would be easer on the wallet and I have greater control over lighting) but I would rather shoot at a location that would only require minor tweaks to get the correct look and feel. As far as green-screen, I’m not a big fan of complete green-screen sets. The realism can be achieved in 3d, but for an actor to believably act within that imaginary environment is another thing all together. Not to mention the abilities of the director. Star Wars 1-3 are great examples of what I mean. Some of the best 3d sets ever created with some of the best actors available, yet at times it just didn’t get the job done as far as realism. And I won’t know exactly what sets I will need until the script is finished.
Music- One of the most important parts in a film or trailer. Some shots can be fudged or “fixed in post†but bad music is just bad music. I would like to say I was hiring someone to create an original score but that’s just not possible. Over the last couple of months I’ve had time to research this a little with our audio guys. And with the near endless supply of stock music that is available, and the skill level they (our in house audio team) are working at, purchasing a readily available score then tweaking it for our purposes is the way to go. Now if Universal, Scifi or FOX would like to get their hands dirty, I would gladly use their money for an original score.
Actors- Again thanks to my wife. Her Aunt runs a talent agency, and a good friend of mine runs one as well, so I’ve got this covered. The real heard part is finding actors that have the right look and can act without overacting!
Script- One of our writers and I are currently in the brainstorming faze. When I approached her with my idea I was suppressed to learn that she is a Macross fan.
Director- I’ve got one of the directors at the studio on board the project as well.
Filming/Camera Work- This is part of what started the project. We just switched over to HD cameras for the studio and in the field. My boss informed me that I could take a few and give them a good workout. (try to test their limits) I’ve got 4 camera guys willing to shoot when I need them to. 2 of them are Macross fans also.
Post Production- This is the other part of the start of the project. They just replaced all of our PC’s with these monster fire-breathing liquid-cooled HD workstations. And we are waiting for Apple to release the Intel replacement for our current dual G5 towers. And since this is where my current line of work is I was told to see if I could break ‘em. So, I asked for some cameras, to keep the workflow HD from start to finish, and here we are. It also helps that my boss is a sci-fi nut as well.
I’m not approaching this project lightly, because of the large workload and cash outlay it’s going to require, with no monetary compensation at the end. This is not something that will happen overnight either, because I want a quality piece when it’s complete. Being an artist myself I know how much hard work goes into the different pieces needed for this project. (2d, 3d, writing, lighting whatever) I’m not apposed to paying for a 3d artist either. This could take the form of buying the models outright, or securing the rights to use the models on this project only, or having the models built & animated with only the rendered video clip and alpha channels changing hands. There are many different ways this can be handled if an artist wanted to get involved but wanted compensation for their time. And above all else if you want something done right and in a timely manner you have to pay for it. So if you or any other artist out there want money for your work let me know what criteria would have to be met, or what conditions you are willing to work under.
I know this is a long post, but I wanted to try to answer some of your questions, and give you a little better idea about where I’m coming from. And again this project is still in its beginning phase so questions comments and/or suggestion are welcome.