Your thoughts on Director Steve Beck.

[Jan]

Originally posted by DysfunctionalReality
JMS quote: ''in features, the director is the king, and I'm a stubborn pain in the ass who has a hard time letting go of that much control, so I don't think I'll ever get very far there... ''

Which is why I wouldn't be surprised to find that they've gotten a 'for hire' director who knows effects rather than a visionary. Considering how well JMS did with SiL, I'm okay with that. Let them get experimental for future movies, I just want this first one to be a huge success.

Jan

[DysfunctionalReality]

Hmmm. I happened upon this from reading a random jms interview. I suppose it doesn't reveal anything anyone here hasn't already covered.


''in features, the director is the king, and I'm a stubborn pain in the ass who has a hard time letting go of that much control, so I don't think I'll ever get very far there... ''

[The_One]

Originally posted by DysfunctionalReality
Uh, can I ask how we know who they chose to direct TMoS?

In short, we don't. It was one of the things leaked from the very suspicious "Production Weekly" article back in November/December. We won't know for sure until Warners make some kind of official announcement...

[DysfunctionalReality]

Uh, can I ask how we know who they chose to direct TMoS?

[NivenPournelle]

Originally posted by JDSValen
Not having seen "13 Ghosts" I can't say anything about Steve Beck as a director, but his Visual Effects credits are impressive.

I saw 13 Ghosts on DVD the other day and am not impressed. Beck didn't seem to know what tone he was going for, from Evil Dead style frenetic camera work to broad comedy. The film was simply awful.

I do hope that Ghost Ship is better...

[circularREASON]

A very good idea. Think of how really scary you could make a B5 movie.

I hope they leave nothing to the imagination.

[JDSValen]

Just re-checked imdb and I see that he also directed "Ghost Ship", which I thought was well done.

If TMOS has a similar feel to it as the Cavelos' novels (which I feel it may) had then maybe its not a bad idea to go with a horror director.

Still like Vejar, though.

[JDSValen]

Not having seen "13 Ghosts" I can't say anything about Steve Beck as a director, but his Visual Effects credits are impressive.

I was sorta hoping Mike Vejar would make his feature film debut, though.

[colonyearth]

Originally posted by Telemachos
I'm not sure if they're available on the 'net (I haven't found them), but Steve Beck's First Union spots are fairly nifty from a visual/design perspective (very Brazil-ish).

In terms of other directors, unless JMS was pushing exceedingly hard for an unknown, it simply would not happen. WB would not commit to a feature film directed by someone without extensive experience working with either studios or high-end clients (either bands or ad agencies).

Well...such bad decisions on directors are made all the time. Like Pitof as director for CATWOMAN...or Baird for ST:Nemesis...or Frakes for that matter (while ST:FC did well, it was a terribly directed film and badly written as well.)

You have to realize that JMS most likely has had little input, except an opinion heard (and we all know how they're responding to his opinions) on who's directing this. Beck, would've been, at best, a compromise. At worst, and most likely more accurate, forced upon him.

Jan...I didn't take anything they said as mean...don't worry.

My career, at this point, is my own. I don't have an agent, though I hope to find my third soon (once SILENCE OF MIND is released). I fired the last two...they were lazy.

Anyway, I would love to work on this film. Unfortunately I don't have the necessary contacts...especially in the UK.

But I would do almost anything to work with JMS someday.

As for the TV directors, I agree and have said numerous times here and at B5tv that they did not need to direct a feature film. As I said earlier, I've always felt that the direction was one of the weakest elements of B5. While Vejar has proven to me that he can direct better than I once thought, I still wouldn't want him directing TMoS.

The same applies to Beck. He's a crappy director...mediocre at best. There were many better choices out there. I only hope that JMS manages to get this film made and made well despite having Beck as a director.

CE

Oh, and off-topic here but to answer the other thread about composers all in one post: Brian Tyler would be a great choice. But Franke...he is the first and most intelligent choice...but then, the suits aren't showing much intelligence on this one.

And as for whether or not this film will happen. At this point...I fully expect it to go forward...one way, or the other.

[colonyearth]

Originally posted by iamsheridan
So, has your agent mentioned your name to Warners and JMS?
Have YOU e-mailed JMS and offered your services?

And I mean this seriously!

/IamS

If my current film were done and out of post...I most certainly would've mailed it to them and offered my services for a very reasonable price.

To direct something in the B5 universe would be a dream come true...especially if allowed to work with the original cast...and, of course, JMS who I consider to be an inspiration.

CE

[Telemachos]

I'm not sure if they're available on the 'net (I haven't found them), but Steve Beck's First Union spots are fairly nifty from a visual/design perspective (very Brazil-ish).

In terms of other directors, unless JMS was pushing exceedingly hard for an unknown, it simply would not happen. WB would not commit to a feature film directed by someone without extensive experience working with either studios or high-end clients (either bands or ad agencies).

[Jan]

Originally posted by iamsheridan
I am really sorry I wanted to know if CEs name was in the hat they drew names from.

Sorry for that. Sometimes my curiosity makes me do stupid things.

It came across as extremely sarcastic I'm afraid. Check out CE's website by clicking on the WWW button on the bottom of one of his posts.

Jan

[iamsheridan]

Originally posted by Jan
Let's keep the discussion to opinions on directing, shall we? I think both of those comments were uncalled for.

Jan

I am really sorry I wanted to know if CEs name was in the hat they drew names from.

Sorry for that. Sometimes my curiosity makes me do stupid things.

I shall not make such a mistake again.

/I am Sheridan

[Jan]

Originally posted by iamsheridan
So, has your agent mentioned your name to Warners and JMS?
Have YOU e-mailed JMS and offered your services?

Originally posted by NivenPournelle
Please do let us know how your attempts at joining the B5 crew turn out. After all, they may still need a 2nd Unit or Addional Unit Director.

Let's keep the discussion to opinions on directing, shall we? I think both of those comments were uncalled for.

Jan

[NivenPournelle]

Originally posted by iamsheridan
So, has your agent mentioned your name to Warners and JMS?
Have YOU e-mailed JMS and offered your services?

And I mean this seriously!

/IamS

I'll second that! This sounds to me more like a case of sour grapes than an actual examination of merit on behalf of the director. I for one am glad that they have hired a feature film director as opposed to one of the 'name' B5 episodic directors (Mike Vejar, anyone?)

No disrespect to Mr Vejar, but TV Directors have a hard time breaking out of the mold, and i doubt that Mr Vejar (or other JMS favourite) would create anything other than 'television for the big screen.'

Please do let us know how your attempts at joining the B5 crew turn out. After all, they may still need a 2nd Unit or Addional Unit Director. Beware though, the food over here in the UK is crap...