BEHIND THE LENS #486: Featuring Kristin Scott Thomas and Howard J. Ford

Behind The Lens

I'm very excited about this week's BEHIND THE LENS and for you to hear from these two fabulous directors – KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS talking about the delightful, charming, and funny MY MOTHER'S WEDDING and HOWARD J. FORD talking up RIVER OF BLOOD and a "leisurely kayak ride" through the jungles of Thailand, complete with indigenous tribes who don't like outsiders. What could possibly go wrong! Directed by KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS and co-written by Kristin and John Micklethwaite (her real-life husband), MY MOTHER'S WEDDING stars Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, Emily Beecham, Freida Pinto, and Kristin Scott Thomas and is the tale of three sisters who return to their childhood home for a momentous occasion: the third wedding of their twice-widowed mother. Over the weekend, the family gathers to celebrate the new marriage, but mother and daughters alike are forced to revisit the past and confront the future, all with help from a colorful group of unexpected wedding guests. An absolute joy speaking with Kristin about her writing and directorial process, from the first moment, it is clear that she not only was and is passionate about this very personal story, but understands the intricate details of the production and storytelling process and its collaborative nature. Now we go from the beautiful, joyful, and fun, to the terror and horror of a Thai jungle. Directed by HOWARD J. FORD and written by Tom Boyle, RIVER OF BLOOD stars Joseph Millson, Louis James, Ella Starbuck, Sarah Alexandra Marks, and David Wayman, many of whom you may recognize from Howard's prior films. As you'll hear Howard break it all down, he goes deep into his processes, starting with the challenges of filming in Thailand, including the search for jungle locations and the use of a local crew. With nothing but praise for his Thai cinematographer Park, we discuss the creation and use of smoke, along with the choice of Sony FX3 and FX6 cameras. And laying dolly track in the jungle? Amazing. But always at the forefront is Howard's desire and demand for authenticity. Speaking of authenticity, how about the use of real indigenous tribes as well as practical effects? One of the truly outstanding elements of RIVER OF BLOOD is the sound design and sound mix. WOW! We really get into Joe Vince's sound design and the mixing work of Graham and Adam Daniel, particularly when you layer in the very cool score by Anthony and Jack Wade. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com