Drinking my coffee this morning I was checking over my emails, working the site, prepping new stories, and I had a new message from Lawrence Daufenbach, who is our featured Artist this week for film. In yesterdays post we introduced him, and showed his Reel & Bio. Today we look at part one of the interview and as it turns out, he emailed me to share his latest Reel. We will premiere his new montage on Friday as the finale to this amazing week. Also, this story will be in print for 180 magazine which hits the streets on Friday with a big release party. This has been a tremendous time for me to share with all of you, and to get an insiders take on the process of movie making.
Part 1
“I fly the morning skies and walk invisibly through the jungle floor.” Lawrence Daufenbach
While talking with Lawrence Daufenbach, it was easy for me to tell how much imagination and insight he has on the world of film. On an individual level he is doing plenty to make a name for himself. He is clearly not against the system or the grain of Hollywood, but rather he embraces the reality of the industry he is a part of. This is one of the many qualities this young filmmaker has to offer. He is a creative person first, not getting lost in opinion or chatter, but seeming to believe that any situation has potential to be something wonderful.
Recently he finished work on a new independent film called “Trust.” Among the several topics we cover, Lawrence shares what it was like working on the film, and gives us a brief rundown on his camera production companies (Daufenbach Camera) official sponsorship of the Midwest Film Festival. Along with his own personal work, he also talks about Avatar, music, and his preference between Bill Murray and Chevy Chase. I was impressed with the amount of knowledge I took away from my short moments corresponding with Lawrence. It was a pleasure I will not soon forget.
Twilight Frequencies
This new film has yet to be released, what can you tell us about story, and who’s in it?
Lawrence Daufenbach
“Trust” is a story that was co-written by David Schwimmer and Andy Bellin. The film takes place in a modern day setting and is about a teenage girl who is targeted by an online sexual predator. Liana Liberato plays the lead girl and Clive Owen and Catherine Keener play her parents in the movie. Much of the film deals with the aftermath of rape, and the psychological effects it has on the family as they struggle through the traumatic event.
Twilight Frequencies
Clive Owen? Being a big fan of the film “Children of Men” I have to ask what he is like in person. I think he’s such a good actor.
Lawrence Daufenbach
Clive takes his job very seriously. On set, he very much is in a zone and doesn’t spend too much time interacting outside from that. He is however a very friendly and approachable person. At our wrap party he spoke highly of “Children of Men”, calling it an “incredible film”.
Twilight Frequencies
Did you get to work with David Schwimmer? How was it?
Lawrence Daufenbach
Yes, I was on set everyday with David, who was really great to work with. David was a very friendly director, and had a genuine passion for the film. He is a director and spokesperson for the Rape Treatment Center in Los Angeles. I can only hope this film aids both his work and helps many women who are put into these situations.
Twilight Frequencies
What do you do on set? Being young and relatively new do you feel pressure, or does that motivate you even more to do well?
Lawrence Daufenbach
I was part of the camera department as the film loader, and would often step in to help 2nd AC (assistant camera) at times. I definitely have felt pressure towards the beginning, however it does motivate me to do an even better job. It is amazing to see the level of professionalism and motivation that goes into a film set, and working under Director of Photography Andrzej Sekula (Pulp Fiction) and 1st AC, Peter Kuttner (Betty Anne Water, The Express) was inspiring.
Twilight Frequencies
Walk us through a day on the set of “Trust.” Lets say you were documenting the making of the film, what would that look like? How would you approach conveying the experience?
Lawrence Daufenbach
“Trust” was shot mainly in Ann Arbor and Plymouth, MI. It was a fairly low-key shoot with a friendly and enjoyable crew. At the beginning of every day we take the shuttle in from our hotel and get to set by call time, which changes on any given day, depending on the hours prior. You’re pretty much locked into the schedule the film makes, which can change on a day-to-day, or hour-to-hour basis. Being part of the camera crew, it’s our job the get the camera built and ready to go for shooting. This means making sure we have film loaded on the camera, the first lens of the day up, and all the necessary back up equipment and film ready and standing by. Generally most days last twelve hours, however we did have a number of long 13-15 hour days as well, which is pretty awesome in comparison to a lot of films. It’s always part real, part dream, anytime I am away working on a feature. You live day in and out on set, and are creating a story, often unaware of the world during that time, except for the few hours of sleeping in between each busy, packed day. For the most part spirits were high throughout the film; with a majority Michigan based crew. Most of our days ended conversing and enjoying a local brew in downtown Ann Arbor. I find that movies in the Midwest are a lot more enjoyable to work on in general. There a different attitude about movie making then you get in L.A.
to be continued…