Is Creativity a Black Art?

"Where do you get your ideas?" It's the question every writer dreads. The most common answer is, 'I don't know.' I prefer to take it one step further. In truth, I don't want to know. I've often wondered if it's possible to teach creativity. The longer I live, the more convinced I am that it … Continue reading Is Creativity a Black Art?

Revisiting Cinefex (8): Tron and Silent Running

The cover of Cinefex issue #8 features a striking image of Bruce Boxleitner as Tron in the 1982 Disney movie of the same name. Inside the cover is a still from Douglas Trumbull's 1972 science fiction film Silent Running, featuring one of those funky robots (I could never tell them apart so you'll have to … Continue reading Revisiting Cinefex (8): Tron and Silent Running

Ssh, It’s a Plot!

Many writers sneer at plot. Others embrace it. Just as many don’t know the difference between plot and story and, when challenged, take themselves into a corner and mumble. The way I see it is this: Story is a sequence of events Plot is the structure behind that sequence of events It’s perfectly possible to … Continue reading Ssh, It’s a Plot!

“Basil’s Trump” – Stop-Motion Animated Film

Basil's Trump has nothing to do with trapped wind. It's the name of a short stop-motion animated film I made as a student with my good friend Roger Smith. It's just made its debut on YouTube, but if you scroll down just a little you can watch it right here on this blog. First, a little … Continue reading “Basil’s Trump” – Stop-Motion Animated Film

Revisiting Cinefex (7): Willis O’Brien

In one of the most iconic dramatic encounters of the 20th century, the giant ape King Kong looms over the helpless Ann Darrow. This is the cover of Cinefex #7, an issue devoted entirely to Willis O'Brien, the man who brought Kong to life. Inside is a generous introduction from animator and film-maker Ray Harryhausen, … Continue reading Revisiting Cinefex (7): Willis O’Brien

Goodbye Shuttle

One of my earliest memories is of the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. I was four years old. I vividly recall watching grainy black-and-white pictures of Neil Armstrong exiting the Eagle lander through the stair bannisters. At even that young age, I understood something amazing was happening. I've wanted to go into space ever … Continue reading Goodbye Shuttle

Revisiting Cinefex (6): Early CGI, Dragonslayer and Raiders

One of the great movie dragons is Vermithrax Pejorative from Dragonslayer. And guess what? She's right there on the cover of Cinefex #6 in the form of ILM's go-motion puppet. Inside the cover is a still of actor Peter MacNicol astride the full-size dragon head built for the film's live-action shoot. This issue's 80 pages contain … Continue reading Revisiting Cinefex (6): Early CGI, Dragonslayer and Raiders

Revisiting Cinefex (5): Ray Harryhausen, Titans, Roy Arbogast and Caveman

The hideous gorgon Medusa from Clash of the Titans stares out of the cover of Cinefex #5, begging the question: how many readers were turned to stone before they even got the damn magazine open? Inside is a still from an earlier Ray Harryhausen film: 20 Million Miles to Earth. If these two pictures don't … Continue reading Revisiting Cinefex (5): Ray Harryhausen, Titans, Roy Arbogast and Caveman

Revisiting Cinefex (3): Empire, Walter Murch and Phase IV

The cover of Cinefex #3 boasts a gorgeous still from The Empire Strikes Back showing Luke Skywalker astride his tauntaun. The moody lighting and artful composition - not to mention the rarity of this particular image - combine to make this my favourite of the early covers. The inside cover is a still from Apocalypse … Continue reading Revisiting Cinefex (3): Empire, Walter Murch and Phase IV

Revisiting Cinefex (2): Empire, Greg Jein and Star Trek

A trio of Imperial AT-AT walkers graces the front cover of Cinefex #2, in a now-familiar airbrushed publicity still from The Empire Strikes Back. The inside front cover shows the incredibly detailed Ocean Park fairground miniature built by Greg Jein for Steven Spielberg's 1941. The magazine's 72 pages feature three articles: Of Ice Planets, Bog … Continue reading Revisiting Cinefex (2): Empire, Greg Jein and Star Trek