And here’s why filmmakers should care.
It may seem like video games are just a niche medium for the nerdy and tech-savvy few, but it’s come a long way since the days of Atari and the Commodore 64.
Recently, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion, putting games like Call of Duty and the Warcraft franchise under their wing. Today, Sony announced a financially smaller yet just as monumental purchase with its acquisition of Bungie, the famed studio behind the Xbox-exclusive Halo video games.
So much has changed at these companies recently.
Steven Spielberg made Halo: The Series a thing, and Bungie has been focused on making Destiny, its new IP, a powerhouse in the gaming community. So far, they’re doing quite well.
So why should filmmakers and creatives care about Bungie’s new love affair with Sony? Why should we care about video games at all?
'Super Mario Bros.'Credit: Hollywood Pictures
The Video Game Movie Curse
There have been many attempts to turn video games into TV shows and movies. Much like superheroes in the 90s, this has been met with terrible to mixed reviews at best. Who remembers Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo playing Mario and Luigi?
Whatever magic Marvel discovered to become the foundation of summer blockbusters, video games failed consistently to find.
But the tides may be changing, and perhaps Marvel should get all the thanks. The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed video game, is getting a series penned by Chernobyl creator, Craig Mazin. Another video game franchise, Uncharted, is coming to theaters with Tom Holland in the lead.
'Uncharted'Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment
It seems that the studio execs at the top are taking another stab at transitioning the billion-dollar gaming industry onto the big screen.
So what effect does Sony’s new purchase have on this transition?
Sony x Bungie
Photographers and cinematographers might think that Sony is just a camera company. Especially with how popular its FX and A-Series lineup has been.
Gamers might think Sony only dabbles in consoles and games.
Others still might only see Sony Entertainment as the brains behind movies like Venom and The Amazing Spider-Man.
They would all be right, but only partially. Sony has hands in many cookie jars, giving it the ability to create media in many different mediums.
This is why creatives should start paying attention. Sony isn’t just focusing on making one thing great, it wants to elevate creatives in all mediums.
NFS recently covered Sony’s collaboration with Epic Games to make dedicated equipment for virtual production. That's the format The Mandalorian used to shoot a majority of its sequences.
With Bungie under its wing, it’s safe to say that Sony will utilize its incredible resources to support not only the gaming developer but any IP it has. Much like Uncharted, we may see Destiny on the big screen. At least we hope.
'Destiny 2'Credit: Bungie
The Bigger Picture
It might be a while before Sony expands Bungie beyond the limits of the video game genre, but viewers are already seeing another push to transition the gaming medium onto the big, or small, screen.
As creatives, this transition does more than just expand IP. Creatives are also crossing these boundaries. Video game technology is moving into the cinematic world with the Unreal Engine, while MoCap is making the transition in the opposite direction. Screenwriters are moving into the world of video games to create movie magic, while actors have found a home in both worlds.
In an industry that is notoriously difficult to get into, all creatives should welcome more opportunities to work in their medium. As the gaming field starts to benefit from its symbiotic relationship with movies and television shows, we’ll start seeing more rising tides lifting ships.
Source: The Verge
10 Storytelling and Directing Tips Inspired by Akira Kurosawa
Learn from one of the greatest directors of all time.
In the pantheon of cinematic greats, Akira Kurosawa stands as a towering figure, a master storyteller whose influence transcends time and borders. His works, characterized by their epic narratives, exquisite visuals, and emotional depth, continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
Kurosawa's unique approach to directing and storytelling has become a subject of study and admiration. As we explore the wisdom distilled from his illustrious career, we find timeless lessons that go beyond the confines of genre and culture. These principles serve not only as a blueprint for aspiring directors but also as a testament to Kurosawa's enduring legacy in the art of filmmaking.
The Humanistic Cinema of Akira Kurosawawww.youtube.com
1. Trust Your Gut
'Rashomon'
Credit: Everett Collection
Kurosawa emphasized the importance of a director's intuition. This suggests that when faced with creative decisions, it’s often valuable to listen to your gut feeling. This could mean choosing an unconventional shot or narrative direction that feels right, even if it challenges traditional methods or the opinions of collaborators.
2. Study The Masters
Akira Kurosawa working with a cinema camera on the set of
Credit: BFI
By examining the works of great directors, one can learn various aspects of filmmaking, such as shot composition, pacing, and storytelling.
Kurosawa himself was influenced by filmmakers like John Ford and Jean Renoir and believed in the value of understanding their techniques to refine his own work.
3. Collaborate With Your Actors
Credit: BFI
Actors bring characters to life, and Kurosawa believed in giving them space for interpretation. This includes working closely with them, understanding their perspective, and allowing them to bring their own creativity to their roles, which can result in more authentic and compelling performances.
4. Planning is Paramount
Akira Kurosawa's manual splicing
Credit:
Detailed planning and storyboarding were key to Kurosawa’s approach. He would often sketch out every shot before filming.
This level of preparation ensures that every visual element serves the story and can help in executing complex scenes more efficiently.
5. It's all in the Details
Akira Kurosawa on the set of ‘Yojimbo’
Credit: Film Magazine
In Kurosawa’s view, the minutiae of a film—such as the costumes, set design, and props—were crucial in creating a believable world.
Attention to these details helps to immerse the audience and can subtly enhance the storytelling.
6. It's Okay to be Silent
'Throne of Blood'
Credit: Toho
Silence can be as powerful as dialogue or music. Kurosawa harnessed silence to build suspense and convey emotion, using it to draw the audience in and focus their attention on the visual storytelling.
7. Learn From Mistakes
'High and Low'
Credit: Toho
Kurosawa was not afraid to recognize his own mistakes and saw them as learning opportunities. This principle encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience in the creative process.
8. Keep a Handle on Emerging Technology
'The Hidden Fortress'
Credit: Toho
Always curious about the latest developments, Kurosawa integrated new technologies into his filmmaking. This openness to innovation can lead to new ways of storytelling and can give a unique aesthetic to films.
9. Maintain Your Vision
'Dreams'
Credit: Warner Bros.
A director must have a clear vision for the film and remain true to it throughout the process. This can sometimes mean resisting studio pressure or popular trends to create a work that is authentic and personal.
10. Let Passion Guide You
'Seven Samurai'
Credit: Toho
Kurosawa’s passion for filmmaking was evident in his dedication to his craft. This principle suggests that great art comes from a place of deep commitment and enthusiasm, and that passion is infectious, often inspiring the entire cast and crew to strive for excellence.
In honoring Kuroswas's legacy, we continue the quest for storytelling that resonates, transforms, and endures. For filmmakers and storytellers looking to craft their own masterpieces, let Kurosawa's spirit guide your cinematic adventures.
May your films be as bold, as beautiful, and as profoundly human as the ones he left us.
Now go make something.