More Details on Godzilla Zero Hour
Franz Vorenkamp reveals more about his GZH project in the lead-up to its 5 July G-Fest premiere.
What’s the deal with the soundtrack?
It’s all original stuff composed by Bob Harrington. Some of it is based on the classic themes from Toho.
Will GZH be sold on DVD?
No. That would be illegal. They’re going to offer it for free download.
What about the soundtrack?
The all-original tracks will be available on a CD we’ll put out sometime called “Zero Media: Original Soundtracks One”. Proceeds will go to Bob and Apollo.
What kind of equipment is being used?
The team shoots with a Canon XL-2 using professional-grade audio equipment. The editing is done on an Alienware Area 51-M computer. Franz has been quoted as saying: “It’s insane … Just … insane”.
We’ve been recording after dialog with condenser mics, which give voice-overs and such professional clarity, but also a bass channel that’s a bit overpowering at times … So, I’m having to manually go into each track and bump the treble which takes double the time. Even as it stands, everything film-wise is edited and needs a couple sound effects dropped in, music, and color correction. (yawn) Additional CG and special effects will be rendering in the lead-up — we’re going to have a little more than I thought in the G-Fest cut (yay!)
I still want to stress how superior the online cut will be, however.
The State of Play
Here’s a comparison list Franz prepared for himself and everyone else on the differences between the two “versions”:
G-Fest Cut:
Editing: Mostly great with some minor hiccups here and there. Solid, but lacks finesse. Color is great in some areas … a little odd in others. A Don Frye scene (if it works out) will hopefully be edited in.
Sound: Decent — some scenes make use of advanced Dolby techniques. In spots, the atmosphere and foley work is just incredible. The audio for the characters speaking has been bumped WAY up to the point of being almost overpowering just to make sure that they’re able to be heard — foolproofing it, hopefully. We’re trying hard to avoid a “what’d he say?” situation.
Length: 35-40 minutes
Music: Lots of filler stuff — only one song from Bob Harrington. Everything else is either stuff from bands, existing movies, or “it’ll do” material written by me. there are some VERY inspired choices in some situations that might end up in the final cut.
CG/Action: Not a lot (think Gamera 3 in a more concentrated form), but cool none the less. A little more visceral than I think people expect. Everything blends nicely, and there are some great shots. Nothing terribly fancy, but some good “ooh and ahh” moments.
Extras: A title menu with a song I picked out.
Online Cut:
Editing: Fine tuned and stylized. Colors should be bold, full ranges of high and low values in each scene, post camera alterations and panning, advanced transition techniques. If we film Don Frye, he will be in, and it will rock. He’s going to have a better catch phrase in this scene than “Go Right Into It”. Bet on it.
Sound: Everything rendered in true-space Dolby 5.1. If a chracter walks around the room while talking, you’ll hear the sound follow him. Additional tracks containing director (that’s me!) and cast commentaries. Minimum of two, maximum of four. Also, a stereo down mix for regular TVs, and headphones that will sound fantastic. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the sound work will be this movie’s finest achievement. Our textures and atmosphere cannot be beat without a budget (mainly because I’m cheating and using studio equipment/software from more hi-tech sources).
Length: 45 minutes+ not including the deleted scenes menu.
Music: As much Bob Harrington-produced tracks as he is willing to provide; some of the stuff from commercial bands may be retained. Probably nothing by me.
CG/Action: I’m shooting for triple. I’d like to shut up the people who have been asking “why CG?” for three years. The answer? I can do things that are impossible to do with suits on no budget. Monster A takes a swing at Monster B; Monster B ducks, catches the punch on the pass, and slams their opponent through a hillside with real IMPACT. Fancy, complex stuff, possibly gratuitous, but who cares?
Extras: All production diaries. Behind the scenes videos, montages. Making of special-effects featurette, as many as two new trailers. All on meticulously animated and planned out interactive menus. Soundtrack included on disk.
Release: We’re shooting for August, but possibly well after. I’m definitely taking a break after G-Fest. Literally, I’ve been up until 6 am every night for the past month (and I go to work at 9 am).
Wait! here’s a Polaroid picture someone took of Gamera when he visited the set!
(Not in the film, but cool, eh?)
The Cast in Action
The above picture is of Professor James Rexius, who was keen to be in the film — as was this chap!
- Godzilla Zero Hour: Introduction Part 1
- Coming soon: GZH: The History Part 1
Just wanted to add that the last image of Gamera is unrendered, and not final.
SpeciaL Thx !
If that’s unrendered, I’d love to see the finished project. I’d like it if Franz would finish this movie, but I think that may be a long ways off if ever… Just wish there were more guys out there like Franz.