From Movie Maker Madness Magazine June 2014
by Trentlo Strong
transcript:
We met with Darrett Sanders to discuss his feature length directorial debut and the risk he took using an experimental camera, the Plexmar350Tibw.
MMMM
First off tell us a bit about the project.
DARRETT
Sure. Kill Me, Deadly is a black and white film noir comedy in the style of the classic Hollywood 1940's film noir.
MMMM
You mentioned in previous interviews that you shot the film in an unconventional manner. tell us more about that.
DARRETT
We did. We utilized a shooting system based on the Fransom system. That system incorporates randomness as the generator for shooting dates. A random number generator would spit out dates and we would schedule our shooting around it to create the sense of spontaneity that I like as a filmmaker. Many of the dates were weeks or even months apart. It created a logistical challenge and made it difficult for continuity but in the end it was crucial for the creative atmosphere. As a filmmaker I like to be surprised and choosing shooting days by this method was the most ethical choice.
MMMM
Tell us more about the camera. No one has ever used it for film?
DARRETT
Other than a short training video used by the camera company, that is correct.
MMMM
Plexmar is a subsidiary of Franklin Meat. How did you get involved with them?
DARRETT
We just didn't have the money in the budget for a camera. We had to allocate funds for feeding the cast & crew, sets, location rentals and portable dressing rooms. The producers were not able to allocate a line item in the budget for a camera which was disappointing since it is the one piece of equipment required in capturing images. When Franklin Meats saw our Kickstarter campaign they approached us about using their camera to capture the images. The camera is being developed to capture images from the kill floor at the meat packing plant. It shoots at obscure frame rates in order to help with hard drive space but the compression algorithm creates a stunning visual style that I found aesthetically pleasing. And of course it was free, so there is that.
MMMM
Can you explain the Ti and bw in the model number of the camera.
DARRETT
The Ti stands for titanium but I never saw evidence of any titanium. Perhaps it is in the internal mechanics. The bw stands for black and white. This particular model only shoots in black and white which was perfect for us since that was our intention.
MMMM
What else excited you about the camera?
DARRETT
The camera has a great selection of frame sizes. the underused 2.5 x 9 frame size is a fascinating canvas and opens up new avenues for horizontal storytelling. We even did some test shots using this composition but in the end it came down to me wanting my mother to see the film. She got her new HDTV and she hates it when films have black bars on the sides and top/bottom. "I paid for the whole screen and I refuse to watch a film that cheats me with less." I have tried many times to explain the aesthetic choice of different frame sizes but she is adamant about it. And hey, I want my mother to watch my film.
MMMM
Did you have any problems with the camera?
DARRETT
The lubrication system froze up on many occasions and we had to use blowdryers and pack it in furniture pads to warm in back into operation. The tech was never able to fully explain the need for a lubrication system so I am still unclear about the mechanics of it. We lost six shooting dates due to the freeze ups but all in all it was a perfect system.
MMMM
It was a research model correct?
DARRETT
The Plexmar camera is not even in use except in the research and development stage. I believe the model we used is the 2nd version ever built. The first model is on the trophy shelf in the company lobby. They are waiting on feedback from us on any changes to the third model.
MMMM
But they are excited by the film production possibilities?
DARRETT
Oh yes. Spielberg is testing the camera for his CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND sequel.
MMMM
I understand that Plexmar has a very unconventional business model.
DARRETT
It is a proprietary image based camera. With most cameras you own the footage but with this system you lease the footage. People often ask me how we graded the picture but with this system you are not allowed to manipulate the image in post. What the camera captures is what you end up with.
MMMM
You don't own the footage?
DARRETT
Well not in theory but since we are testers of the system we do own it. But I am not allowed to say that.
MMMM
Are there any other stand out features of the camera?
DARRETT
The interchangeable suction cup lens system is ingenious but with only a option for wide and extreme closeness it was not practical. Fortunately there is an adaptor that allows for the use of obscure Russian lenses and those lenses were perfect for our film. I favored the 33.86mm lens. It became my go to lens. The bokeh of that lens was ideal for a film noir comedy.
MMMM
Any final thoughts on the filmmaking process with this camera.
DARRETT
I am excited for the Plexmar 3. I have an affinity for the images but there are some major bugs to be worked out. Not having a way to view the images is problematic. Their system requires up to 4 days before you can view the footage. Fortunately we had a director of photography who had a knack for what he was going to get. Then next version is reported to have a way to monitor the footage. People killing cows have no need for a monitor but in filmmaking it is essential.
MMMM
Thank you for sitting down with us. What are your future projects?
DARRETT
You're welcome. My pleasure. I am developing a script on the I-40 murders and that has me excited to get back in production.
MMMM
Do tell.
DARRETT
It is based on real murders that took place near Flagstaff, Arizona. 234 people were murdered because the were standing on the I-40 Interstate in a V formation. Some people think it was not murder. But what do you call it when you drive over people?
MMMM
Best of luck with the new project. it sounds fascinating. I look forward to the next chapter in your life.
DARRETT
Thanks. I'm living the dream.