LISTEN: Exclusive Interview With PRIEST Visual Effects Producer Jenny Fulle!

If you have been following my coverage of PRIEST from the beginning, then I think you know that I am looking forward to its release a great deal. I have to say that the visual effects professionals working on this production are some of the best in the industry, and top of mind here is Visual Effects Producer Jenny Fulle. More on PRIEST in a moment.

Jenny has started her own visual effects company called The Creative-Cartel that I think has found an ideal niche in Hollywood - an outsourced visual effects department. Here is what makes her company stand out: They will contract with a production to work with the director and examine each shot in the movie to determine the best possible visual effects shop to tackle it. Each shop has their own areas of expertise. Sometimes a shot may require an ILM or WETA, but other times it can be a small boutique shop. The Creative-Cartel then manages it all. They have their own infrastructure in place that is carried through from project to project.

But here's the rub: The Creative-Cartel (TCC) also does this for S3D conversion needs! They will shop around for the best conversion companies to do particular shots and then will oversee the piecing together of these components into one cohesive movie that is seamless to the viewer. Brilliant.

The end result is that the studio will achieve 2 or 3 times more special effects for their money with TCC than if they had to hire, build, produce, tear down and release for each production. Make sense? It sure does.

Which leads us to PRIEST. Sony Screen Gems doesn't normally do effects laden films and yet they felt that they could tackle this genre with the assistance of TCC and to me it looks like a slam dunk.

I am really liking the world they have created for the priest warriors and vampires, and they are not your standard vampires! Actually I can see hints of past work from both Jenny and Scott in the trailers: The vampires have minute similarities to the creatures in I AM LEGEND (She did FX for that movie too) and the atmosphere of PRIEST reminds me a small bit of LEGION (Stewart directed). The feelings are subtle but adds to the air of the production for me as I simply was floored by I AM LEGEND. One of my favorites (in fact I just watched it again last night!).

I will say that I have not seen any absolutely finished 3D from the movie yet, and the fact that there was no stereographer on set to assist with setting scenes and shooting (yes, even in 2D) concerns me. But that concern is greatly mitigated by the fact that Jenny Fulle is looking after all of that. My fingers are crossed for a great conversion!

Jenny talks about her company and of course her work on PRIEST in the interview - I invite you to listen to the whole conversation...
Here's a breakdown of what we covered:

1:20 - On working with director Scott Stewart for PRIEST

5:00 - How she accomplished "suspension of disbelief" on such a complex film

5:45 - Jenny talks about her new company and what they offer the industry

9:00 - Very cool story on how she got her start in Hollywood - at 18, she was hired as a janitor for Lucasfilm!

10:20 - Tips to anyone wanting a career doing what she does in visual effects

11:30 - What's next for her? She is finishing up effects and 3D conversion for GHOST RIDER 2 and also has work on TED





Hope you enjoyed it! PRIEST opens on May 13. Here's the official website.

Stay tuned for more PRIEST coverage!!

MUST WATCH: New PRIEST Trailer #3 Is Full Of Action!

We have the latest PRIEST trailer for you! This one has a ton of action in it to give you a taste of that component of the Scott Stewart directed tentpole.

I am scheduled to interview the Visual Effects Founder / Producer on the movie, Jenny Fulle tomorrow and will upload that conversation ASAP! Really looking forward to discussing what they have accomplished with the project. It looks amazing. If you have any questions for her, let me know and I will try to include. Of course time is limited.

Here's the storyline:
‘Priest’, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, is set in an alternate world — one ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. The story revolves around a legendary Warrior Priest (Paul Bettany) from the last Vampire War who now lives in obscurity among the other downtrodden human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities ruled by the Church.

When his niece (Lily Collins) is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires, Priest breaks his sacred vows to venture out on a quest to find her before they turn her into one of them. He is joined on his crusade by his niece’s boyfriend (Cam Gigandet), a trigger-fingered young wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess (Maggie Q) who possesses otherworldly fighting skills.

PRIEST hits theaters May 13!

MUST WATCH: Animated Prequel To PRIEST!

**SAME DAY UPDATE: Check out the new online PRIEST game - playable in 3D or 2D!!

Guys - you need to watch this animated prequel to PRIEST to get an understanding of what is happening in that universe. It is very well done in fact.

Animator Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack) created the three minute piece and it is very much worth your time to watch as it allows you to see why priests were important and what their current status is for society. I won't go into more detail as it would spoil the clip for you.

Studio: Sony Screen Gems
Genre: Thriller
Director: Scott Stewart
Producers: Michael De Luca, Joshua Donen, Mitchell Peck, Sam Raimi
Screenplay: Cory Goodman
Cast: Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Karl Urban, Lily Collins, Christopher Plummer, Stephen Moyer
Rating: PRIEST has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for the following rating reasons: INTENSE SEQUENCES OF VIOLENCE AND ACTION, DISTURBING IMAGES AND BRIEF STRONG LANGUAGE.
Release: May 13



Here's the movie's storyline:
PRIEST, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, is set in an alternate world—one ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. The story revolves around a legendary Warrior Priest (Paul Bettany) from the last Vampire War who now lives in obscurity among the other downtrodden human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities ruled by the Church. When his niece (Lily Collins) is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires, Priest breaks his sacred vows to venture out on an obsessive quest to find her before they turn her into one of them. He is joined on his crusade by his niece's boyfriend (Cam Gigandet), a trigger-fingered young wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess (Maggie Q) who possesses otherworldly fighting skills.

Man, this is shaping up to be a huge hit in my view! More when I get it!!

Via: FirstShowing | /Film

Director Scott Stewart Talks PRIEST and MORTAL INSTRUMENTS

My good friend Steve over at Collider had the chance to speak with the director of PRIEST Scott Stewart (3D conversion) who just so happens to be also directing MORTAL INSTRUMENTS - this time in native 3D!

Here is what was covered:
:07 Talks about showing finished footage in 3D for the first time to an audience. Showed a sizzle reel and a full scene.
:53 How did his previous experience in visual effects affect or augment his work on Priest? Very helpful in the pre-vis phase of the film. Helped when directing actors interacting with CGI characters that weren’t onset. Talks about their approach to filming when taking into account CGI vampires.
4:15 Talks about the release date shifts for the film. How he convinced the studio to give him at least 6 months to post-convert the film to 3D.
6:39 Talks about being attached to direct Mortal Instruments. “We’re hoping to get ready to shoot late-summer early-fall. [We’re] working on the script right now and casting. We have Lily Collins attached to play Claire Fray, which we’re really excited about. We’re in the midst of doing a bunch of designs for the vehicles and the weapons and the creatures and the world, and we’re trying to figure out exactly where we’re gonna shoot and all the good fun stuff.
7:19 How does Mortal Instruments compare to Priest with regards to scale? Is it bigger?
“It’s actually a little bigger, but it’s a very different kind of movie. I mean it’s a “set in New York” movie it’s not a “takes place in an entirely new world.” You know Priest is an entirely alternate world, and everything in the movie is designed. New York is a big character in the movie, I grew up loving those “New York at night” movies like After Hours, where the sun goes down and strange things happen and adventure is there, so that’s an influence. Movies like The Lost Boys is an influence, that sort of sun goes down movie. And there’s a kind of sexuality and sensuality and excitement. And so that’s something that we really wanna try to make a part of it, it’s kind of a very different thing stylistically. It’s also a really music influenced movie, and so that’s something that’s gonna be really fun, a chance to integrate a lot of contemporary music into the movie.”

3D or not 3D? “We’re actually shooting in 3D.”

Here's the clip!



Be sure to check out the full story over at Collider!

WATCH: New PRIEST Trailer!

Mark May 13 in your calendars as I think we will be in for a special treat with PRIEST. I have always been a Paul Bettany fan, but he seems to have elevated his skills in this one.

This time around Sony is pushing social networking to get the word out as this trailer premiered on Facebook. With no fast way to link to it from that site, I had to wait for a viable option on YouTube. And here it is...

Here is the movie's storyline:
Set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires, Paul Bettany is Priest, a legendary warrior priest during the last Vampire War, who now lives in obscurity among the other human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities controlled by the Church. But when his 18-year-old niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires in the desolate wastelands outside, Priest breaks his sacred vows and ventures out to find her and seek vengeance upon those responsible, especially their brutal leader (Karl Urban). Priest is joined on his crusade by his niece's boyfriend, Hicks (Cam Gigandet), a local outpost sheriff, and Priestess (Maggie Q), a member of his former legion of vampire-killers who has otherworldly fighting skills.



More when I get it!

New PRIEST Poster!

Aha! Less of the desolate apocalyptic desert locations and more futuristic cityscape! I like it. Has a bit of ASSASSIN'S CREED look built in too.

Brief storyline:
A priest disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.

Sony Pictures has a website up for the movie - check it out: www.priest-themovie.com/

The Scott Stewart directed vampire thriller stars Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Christopher Plummer, Stephen Moyer, Brad Dourif, Maggie Q and Lily Collins.

PRIEST opens in 3D theaters May 13 in the US and Canada. Various other dates for other countries; look it up right here.

Source: STYD

Here Are The Super Bowl Spots For Upcoming 3D Movies!

Here we go guys! Got all the trailers from yesterday's Super Bowl for upcoming 3D movies - and yes, it seems RANGO will be in 3D according to Empire Theatres! Until now, I have not heard anything about it!! I will get that confirmed ASAP.

So sit back, relax and take in the trailers (in no particular order):

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES
Director: Rob Marshall
Writer: Ted Elliott
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz
Release: May 20, 2011



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CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER
Director: Joe Johnston
Writer: Christopher Markus
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving
Release: July 22, 2011



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THOR
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writer: Mark Protosevich
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
Release: May 6, 2011



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TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON
Director: Michael Bay
Writer: Ehren Kruger
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel
Release: July 1, 2011



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PRIEST
Director: Scott Stewart
Writer: Cory Goodman
Studio: Screen Gems
Cast: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet
Release: March 4, 2011



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DRIVE ANGRY 3D
Director: Patrick Lussier
Writer: Todd Farmer
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Cast: Nicolas Cage, William Fichtner, Amber Heard
Release: February 25, 2011



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RANGO
Director: Gore Verbinski
Writer: James Ward Byrkit
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin
Release: March 4, 2011



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RIO
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Writer: Don Rhymer
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Anne Hathaway, Rodrigo Santoro
Release: April 8, 2011



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KUNG FU PANDA 2
Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Writer: Jonathan Aibel
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman
Release: May 26, 2011



I saw the TRANSFORMERS trailer in 3D in front of SANCTUM and it looked amazing! So much action and the 3D was dialed in!! I'll have a SANCTUM review up shortly.

Six New Awesome Posters For Sony's PRIEST!

I am liking these posters! Take a look at a new series of posters from Sony for PRIEST. I feel they are setting pretty cool expectations that we are going to see something not quite like we have ever seen before in a vampire movie. Of course there is the old west vibe, but also the futuristic world is full of decent imagery - sets an interesting tone!

PRIEST will be lighting the screens on May 13, 2011.

FYI on the characters: Paul Bettany is "Priest" (VAMPIRE KILLER), Cam Gigandet is "Hicks" (THE LAW), Maggie Q is "Priestess" (WARRIOR), Lily Collins is "Lucy" (KIDNAPPED) and Karl Urban is "BLACK HAT".

Storyline:
PRIEST is set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. Paul Bettany is Priest, a legendary warrior priest during the last Vampire War, who now lives in obscurity among the other human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities controlled by the Church. But when his 18-year-old niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires in the desolate wastelands outside, Priest breaks his sacred vows and ventures out to find her and seek vengeance upon those responsible, especially their brutal leader (Karl Urban). Priest is joined on his crusade by his niece’s boyfriend, Hicks (Cam Gigandet), a local outpost sheriff, and Priestess (Maggie Q), a member of his former legion of vampire-killers who has otherworldly fighting skills.

I thought Karl Urban's BLACK HAT poster looks more like Hugh Jackman! I had to look twice lol.

What do you think? You anticipating this one or what?

Thanks AvatarFan for the heads up.

Source: IMPAwards

MUST SEE: New PRIEST Trailer!

Yes! This movie is rapidly moving up my must see list to the top five for 2011! You should mark it on your calendars too: March 4, 2011 - Sony's PRIEST hits 3D theaters.

It seems like a cool mix of futuristic warrior priests and zombies that somewhat resemble the I AM LEGEND virus induced creatures. The imagery looks fascinating!

The storyline centers on a Priest set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. Paul Bettany is Priest, a legendary warrior priest during the last Vampire War, who now lives in obscurity among the other human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities controlled by the Church. But when his 18-year-old niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires in the desolate wastelands outside, Priest breaks his sacred vows and ventures out to find her and seek vengeance upon those responsible, especially their brutal leader (Karl Urban). Priest is joined on his crusade by his niece’s boyfriend, Hicks (Cam Gigandet), a local outpost sheriff, and Priestess (Maggie Q), a member of his former legion of vampire-killers who has otherworldly fighting skills.

Check it out:



I'll be first in line! Paul Bettany looks brilliant for this...

Must Watch: PRIEST Trailer!

I wasn't expecting this type of vampire at all! Sony's PRIEST is full of surprises. Paul Bettany looks awesome in the role and the creatures he battles looks very similar to the I AM LEGEND strain.

An apocalyptic and futuristic vision of not only how vampire slaying has progressed but how the church deals with it.

A warrior priest (Paul Bettany) disobeys Church law by teaming with a young sheriff (Cam Gigandet) and a beautiful priestess (Maggie Q). The three band together to track down a band of renegade vampires who have kidnapped the priest's niece before they turn her into one of them.

Director: Scott Stewart
Writer: Cory Goodman
Studio: Screen Gems
Cast: Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet

Release: May 13, 2011



What do you think? It is not in high resolution yet, but still enjoyable. Almost looks like another planet at times! PRIEST is being converted - BUT they are taking their time and Sony has a lot riding on the success of 3D so you can look forward to good things I am sure. For me, this trailer has only increased my interest in the movie and I am looking forward to seeing more!

New Photos From Screen Gems' PRIEST!

We have some new shots from Screen Gems' new 3D movie PRIEST (via Slashfilm). Looks like a lot of fire and brimstone which is exactly how I imagined it to be. Paul Bettany continues to impress, visually at least, with the role of a legendary warrior priest during the last Vampire War.

Click photos to enlarge...

The storyline is as follows: When his 18-year-old niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires in the desolate wastelands outside, Priest breaks his sacred vows and ventures out to find her and seek vengeance upon those responsible, especially their brutal leader (Karl Urban). Priest is joined on his crusade by his niece’s boyfriend, Hicks (Cam Gigandet), a local outpost sheriff, and Priestess (Maggie Q), a member of his former legion of vampire-killers who has otherworldly fighting skills.

Bettany's character looks like he must have gone through hell and back. These photos further underscore my feeling that this movie is going to seriously rock. Be sure to click through to Slashfilm to view some more shots!

First Look: Paul Bettany In PRIEST!!

SAME DAY UPDATE: Just found three more great set photos! (JustJared) ENJOY!!

Hey guys - I am so looking forward to this movie! What kind of priest wears a tattoo of a cross on his face? I mean, right in the middle of his face? A WARRIOR PRIEST that's who! :-)

Click photos for larger images.

Here is the official storyline: Priest is set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. Paul Bettany is Priest, a legendary warrior priest during the last Vampire War, who now lives in obscurity among the other human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities controlled by the Church. But when his 18-year-old niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires in the desolate wastelands outside, Priest breaks his sacred vows and ventures out to find her and seek vengeance upon those responsible, especially their brutal leader (Karl Urban). Priest is joined on his crusade by his niece’s boyfriend, Hicks (Cam Gigandet), a local outpost sheriff, and Priestess (Maggie Q), a member of his former legion of vampire-killers who has otherworldly fighting skills.

In case you have not seen it yet, here is a behind-the-scenes clip from Entertainment Tonight Canada from earlier this year:



Guys, this movie is going to kick some butt. I have a really good feeling about it - hopefully I am right! The movie will indeed be a conversion, but I am working on something that should fill you in some more about the inner workings of the project while we wait for its release.

PRIEST opens May 13, 2011.

Studios Shuffle Release Dates And THE GREEN HORNET In IMAX 3D!!

In a bid to maximize profits by arranging an optimum release schedule for their movie lineups, studios are continuing to shuffle their film deck.

Sony is moving PRIEST yet again! Originally it was a 2D movie set for release on August 27 of this year, but they decided to go the 3D route and slated January 14, 2011. Sony then decided that competition was a little heavy on that date and moved it to March 4, 2011. NOW it is penciled in for a May 13, 2011 release. Pray PRIEST keeps that date. :-) It is hard to keep up!

Keep your eyes on this one though - it looks like a great time at the movies.

A warrior priest (Paul Bettany) disobeys Church law by teaming with a young sheriff (Cam Gigandet) and a beautiful priestess (Q). The three band together to track down a band of renegade vampires who have kidnapped the priest's niece before they turn her into one of them.

AND...

Paramount's THE LAST AIRBENDER is being moved too. Originally slated for a July 2 opening, Producer Frank Marshall said that it will open a day earlier via Twitter.

So July 1 for M. Night Shyamalan's THE LAST AIRBENDER.

FINALLY...

Sony's THE GREEN HORNET will be released in IMAX 3D along side its 2D and 3D counterparts on January 14, 2011. The movie will be digitally remastered for IMAX.

From the Press Release:
"Superhero movies typically play very well with IMAX audiences, making the release of The Green Hornet a great way to kick off our 2011 slate," said IMAX Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Gelfond. "We're pleased with the continued expansion of our relationship with Sony Pictures, and we're excited to work with them to reach our growing audience base with another quality film."

In the film, Britt Reid (Seth Rogen), son and heir to Los Angeles' largest newspaper fortune, is a rich, spoiled playboy who has been happy to maintain a direction-less existence. When his father James Reid (Tom Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, Britt meets an impressive and resourceful company employee, Kato (Jay Chou). They realize that they have the resources to do something worthwhile with their lives and finally step out of James Reid's shadow.

Kato builds the ultimate weapon, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car with every weapon and gadget imaginable and Britt decides that in order to be heroes, they will pose as villains. With the help of Britt's new secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), they learn that the chief criminal in the city is named Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz). He has united all the gangs under his power, and he quickly sees that the Green Hornet is a direct threat to the prosperous criminal underworld he controls. Directed by Michel Gondry. The screenplay is by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, based upon "The Green Hornet" radio series created by George W. Trendle. The film is produced by Neal H. Moritz.

THE GREEN HORNET In IMAX 3D? I'll go along with that! :-)

James Cameron's SANCTUM 3D Slated For Release March 4, 2011

Jim here. Universal has set a release date for JAMES CAMERON PRESENTS SANCTUM 3D: Friday, March 4, 2011 (via Deadline).

The timing puts the diving thriller up against Sony's PRIEST which will also be in 3D. PRIEST recently had its release date changed from January 14, 2011.

Based on true events, this adventure drama concerns a father and son who are trapped in an underwater cave with a team of divers as the group strives to stay alive against all hope.

Obviously the world is watching this movie as it is the first officially "touched" project from James Cameron since AVATAR, even though he is only producing. Should be a heckuva ride.

Sony Screen Gems PRIEST Will Be Battling Vampires In S3D!!

Jim here. It has been a very busy week in S3D! Now comes word from erc BoxOffice (via ComingSoon) that Sony Screen Gems will be pushing back the Paul Bettany / Karl Urban thriller PRIEST from August 20 to January 14, 2011 to allow it to be released in S3D.

The movie is about a warrior priest (Bettany) who disobeys Church law by teaming with a young sheriff (Cam Gigandet) and a beautiful priestess (Maggie Q). The three band together to track down a band of renegade vampires who have kidnapped the priest's niece before they turn her into one of them.

ComingSoon also said that UNDERWORLD4 has been delayed as well from January 21, 2011 to September 23, 2011 - and then very casually said that it appears it will no longer be shot in 3D. HUH? That does not hold water with me at all - they did not give a source for this rumor either, unless it is erc BoxOffice.

More on this when I can gather it. Looking forward to PRIEST - it sounds like a great comic book to bring over to S3D!