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I cowrote a Canadian Film Centre short film this year titled Rattan that’s definitely the most polished and “produced” piece on my resume. I feel really lucky to have had the experience, as it just may well be one of the last projects I work on that’s shot on film. Given that high quality digital cameras are becoming more affordable and accessible, the increasing perception of film is that it’s a luxury limited to auteurs with a great deal of jurisdiction, large spending allowance and generous shooting schedule. I personally know of one or two purists who are adamant that even the best digital cameras can’t replicate the photochemical processes achieved with film. On a whole though, it seems that the quality of digital photography is helping to bring about a new wave of indie filmmaking accomplished with shoestring budgets. It’s more or less what my experience has been limited to, which is why working on Rattan has been such a special treat.
Shot with anamorphic lenses, it features set pieces with complicated stunts, crane shots, green screen sequences, and extensive special effects. I’m definitely hoping that more fantasy/horror projects come my way, as the experience really teaches you to be spare and impactful with your writing. There are rules you must follow with horror, and you have to be mindful of time and resources when you’re writing gory action scenes.
Those of you interested in checking out the project should head on over to its Facebook page. Throw it a “like” if you feel so inclined.










