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IFP Phoenix features a Member of the Month – s/he is a filmmaker that has worked to set the bar high for film in Arizona.
This month features Director/Cinematographer/Editor Webb Pickersgill of Bassline Digital. Webb has been a member of IFP Phoenix since 2005 and has been actively participating in Screen Wars, the Film Challenges and the education programs.
Amanda Melby (IFP): When did you first know you wanted to make films?
Webb Pickersgill (WP): When I first saw Star Wars (the original). I was probably 5 or 6 years old, but the characters and special effects just captivated me and it became my inspiration for making films. I would get my action figures and create experimental 16mm stop-motion films with them, it was tons of fun. When I was a teenager I got heavily into music, and played the electric bass in a heavy metal band through college. But after all my “heavy metal hair” fell out, and two carpal-tunnel surgeries later, I decided to let go of the dreams of rock stardom. Then I remembered how much I enjoyed making films. Now as an adult, the passion was rekindled and I decided to make my first ever live-action film, which was a Star Wars fan film called Spirits of the Force.
(IFP): What’s the one thing you can’t live without on a set?
(WP): My bandana. If you’ve seen any pictures of me on set, you’d understand.
(IFP): What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten about making films?
(WP): Take the time to do it right. At the end of the day, all that you have to show for all your effort is a few seconds immortalized on film. Are those images an accurate reflection of how you want people to remember you? Also, I love the holy trinity of filmmaking: Fast, Cheap, Good. You can pick only two, choose wisely. Personally, I make “Good” a requirement.
(IFP): What are the things you do to prepare for a film?
(WP): First I offer the live sacrifice to appease the pre-production ogres… just kidding. From the story perspective, I read and re-read the script, making sure I can wrap my head around every detail of the story, from beginning to end. All of my camera movements are inspired by the motivation of characters, the blocking, dialog and mood of the scene. Overall, you can NEVER be too prepared. Invariably, there will be unforeseen problems on set, and you will be forced to change something on a moment’s notice. The more you have everything planned in advance, the better chance you will have in making a decision in that moment that keep your story intact, instead of creating a nightmare in post.
(IFP): What do you think is the most overlooked detail in independent filmmaking?
(WP): Hands down, audio. It’s a shame, because as the saying goes, “sound is half of your film.” I have seen trailers for indie films that completely amazed me, visually, true Hollywood quality. But then I turn up my speakers and the “indie” audio hits me like a camcorder on a family vacation. It’s not enough to use a boom mic and just dangle it in there, it does take quite a bit of experience to get it right. I BEG filmmakers to involve experienced sound mixers and post-audio people so you can bring your project to a different level. If you need a referral, please call me and I can give you some names of excellent audio crew.
(IFP): What’s the strangest thing you’ve made an actor do for a film?
(WP): Get naked, kinda. When we made “Silhouette” for the IFP/Phx 48-Hour Film Challenge in 2006, I asked my two lead actors Joel and Brenda to show some skin so that we could simulate a sex scene. In reality everyone was clothed, but they hiked their loose-fitting clothes as far as they could go, gyrated around a little, and chose very tight angles to show a lot of skin. The funny part was that Joel and Brenda were engaged (now married), and we filmed the scene in Joel’s bed. Awkward doesn’t even begin to describe it. But, it was all for the love of the story, which turned out fantastic!
(IFP): What does the future of independent filmmaking look like?
(WP): The future is here, and it looks beautiful (in 4K)! The RED One digital cinema camera (www.red.com) is revolutionizing independent filmmaking. The production quality of that “35mm film look” is now available to anyone with a moderate-to-small budget. I have a RED camera on-order and I’ll be taking delivery in December. I’m very excited about the quality if the imagery it can produce, and I look forward to making some awesome films here in the valley in 2009.
(IFP): What are your current projects?
(WP): Earlier this year I finished shooting and editing the feature “Running on Empty” directed by Nitara Lee Osbourne. In April I finished shooting “Match dot Dead”, directed by Jon Bonnell, and we’re editing that now. I have a few short films that I’m finishing up to submit to Horror Sci-Fi and other festivals, one of those films we’re considering trying to get funding for a webisode series. In August I’ll be the Cinematographer on Bruce Dellis’ segment of the “Locker 13” project, produced by Brothers Ink. Later this year we’ll be finishing up “Villikon Chronicles: Genesis of Evil” which I am a co-executive producer on. Currently I am looking for a short-film script (5-10min) to produce and direct. I’m looking for a “make you feel good” or “spiritually uplifting” script in the vein of “Pay it Forward”. If you have a script, give me a call.
(IFP): Describe a highlight of your career so far.
(WP): The highlight of my career so far is today. Every day brings me to a new high of learning, discovering my abilities, working with like-minded people that enjoy our craft, and creating things I never thought were possible. … now, I can’t wait for what tomorrow will bring.
(IFP): Where can people contact you? Do you have a website?
(WP): I can be reached online through my website at www.basslinedigital.com My email is webb@basslinedigital.com My cell number is 602-403-0484, give me a call and let’s make a FILM!
(IFP): What are the benefits of having an organization such as IFP Phoenix in the community – how has it directly or indirectly helped you?
(WP): IFP is a fantastic community of filmmakers here in Phoenix. It’s all about getting involved. You’ll only get out of life what you put into it. If you want to make films, join IFP, get involved, come to the seminars, meet everyone, check out the Cinema Lounges, visit a table read, and before you know it you’ll be neck-deep in the local independent filmmakers community. IFP has everything you need to get started, you just need to take that first step to get involved.
--as told to Amanda Melby of IFP Phoenix, July 31, 2008
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