More here.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
In Person: Douglas Trumbull on Blade Runner
Legendary visual effects wizard Douglas Trumbull will be in attendance to give a two-hour presentation on the special effects design for Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, which contrasts the sterile "technotopia" of 2001 with a vision of a very different (and darker) future.
Thursday December 9, 2010 - 08:00 PM
Bell Lightbox
Reitman Square
350 King Street West
Entertainment District
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 3X5
Canada
More information here.
Please note that this presentation was previously listed in their programme guide, 180°, as a screening introduced by Mr. Trumbull. The screening of Blade Runner, preceded by La Jetée, will now take place at 10:30pm, following Mr. Trumbull's presentation, in order to give audiences the unique opportunity to have more time with Mr. Trumbull and then watch the film.
(The movie is also showing the following night.)
Blade Runner 60
“Blade Runner should’ve been set in London. Londoners practically live in the movie,” Richard Cosgrove muttered to himself - not for the first time.
"Soho and Piccadilly Circus’ streets are surreal places in the darkness of the night. The neon-lit roads are packed with every imaginable type of person," he went on in his mind. Then he smiled to himself, and said aloud, “I am standing in the middle of Blade Runner.”
His goal? To remake the science-fiction classic Blade Runner in under 60 seconds. And all to win the Done in Sixty Seconds film competition.
Done in Sixty Seconds is a short film competition with a deceptively simple premise: remake a hit Hollywood film in under a minute.
Richard Cosgrove is a London-based journalist, screenwriter, regular twitterer and irregular blogger and director. Blade Runner 60 will be his second film as a writer-director. You can find out more about him and contact him through his website.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Replicants on the Radio
This coming morning at 1:30 a.m., (December 2, 2010), on Jim Freund’s “Hour of the Wolf” he will discuss Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. He’ll be joined by Matthew Kressel, and playwright Edward Einhorn whose play of the same title is currently at the Untitled Theater No. 61 near Battery Park in Manhattan. He’ll be there as resident Blade Runner expert to compare and contrast the film with the novel, as well as talk about their adaptation of the work. Should be an interesting night. Should you be up that hour, you can tune in live on 99.5 FM in NY, or online at wbai.org. The podcast of the show will be available after at archive.wbai.org.
The show also features a radio interview with Philip K. Dick back in the 1970's, and talks about DADoES's first screenplay for first movie option of book.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
"Save the Androids"
UNTITLED THEATER COMPANY #61
Presents:
UNTITLED THEATER COMPANY #61 TO HOST FUNDRAISER
TO FREE ANDROID SLAVES ON MARS
Tickets $40
Call 212-352-3101
Or visit www.untitledtheater.com
On December 4th, 2010 Untitled Theater Company #61 (UTC61) will host a benefit for the Free the Androids movement, a movement devoted to the plight of the enslaved androids on Mars. UTC61’s current production of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, a stage adaption of the Philip K Dick novel, which runs at 3-Legged Dog November 18th through December 12th was the inspiration for the fundraiser. Proceeds may also be used to help benefit the theater company.
When asked what first led him to consider the plight of artificial intelligence, Artistic Director Edward Einhorn said, “The more I dug into the material, the more aware I became of the plight of androids on Mars. We on Earth know only those androids who have escaped and gone rogue--driven rogue, I should say, by their enslavement. Mercer teaches us empathy for sheep, but what of electric sheep? What of electric humans? Empathy should extend to all.” When asked to comment on the rumor that Buster Friendly himself would leave his studio to appear at the event, Einhorn declined to respond but did note that “This will be a bounty hunter free zone. Androids can feel free to attend with an assurance of their own safety." All androids and sympathizers are welcome to come dressed for the occasion.
The fundraiser will take place following the December 4th performance of the production at 3-Legged Dog located at 80 Greenwich Street, New York, NY. Tickets for the fundraiser are $40; a limited number of theater-fundraiser tickets are available for $50. Tickets may be purchased at www.untitledtheater.com
UTC61 is a Theater of Ideas: scientific, political, philosophical, and above all theatrical. UTC61 previous productions and events have included Cat’s Cradle, a calypso musical based on the book by Vonnegut; The Václav Havel Festival; the NEUROfest (plays about neurology); the Off–Broadway production of Fairy Tales of the Absurd; and The Velvet Oratorio, which premiered last year at the Walter Bruno Theater at Lincoln Center.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Blade Runner homage spoof - Bladder Run - Four Deadly Androids; One Bounty Hunter; We're in BIG trouble
We need your help to complete Bladder Run - a homage to Blade Runner.
Rex Dickard is a retired bounty hunter living in a sprawling city of the future. He is brought into the headquarters of his old boss, Frank Brian, by a new bounty hunter, Guff. There Brian briefs Dickard about four deadly escaped androids, Junior; Nora; Pritt and Ray Botty.
Dickard agrees to take on one last case, and begins his investigation at the Lorell Corporation, where he meets Raquel a repressed nymphomaniac and top of the line android.
As his investigation proceeds, Dickard encounters the various androids and his quest ultimately leads him to a show down with Botty - the overweight psychotic whose wobbling blubber guts - squeezed into lycra cycling shorts - are the most horrifying aspect of the entire story!
The Movie
Bladder Run began life as an 8 page skit written in response to the so called "Director's Cut" released in the early 1990s. Writer/director Mark Hevingham was lucky enough to see a sneak preview of the original 1982 release and has been a fan ever since. Having expanded the plot to a full 90 minute feature - and pushing it through over 25 versions until he was happy with the plot - took over a decade and the movie began to take shape in 2008 when Mark assembled a cast and crew.
Setting out to make copies of classic Blade Runner props and costumes was only the beginning. The movie grew from a project that could be filmed over a weekend into a full production with lights, HD cameras and authentic locations loaned by local businesses. During the first half of 2010 scenes were filmed that replicated the Tyrell building (Holdall interviews Junior, Dickard meets Raquel), Taffey Lewis' bar, the fight scene in the street and so on.
People such as www.bladezone.com, Charles De Lurizika and Paul M Sammon have previously metioned there support this project.
Heres a sneak peak of one scene in a VERY EARLY CUT
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=16...
The following is a rough cut before grading, sound mix and FX smoke etc added
http://vimeo.com/15285296
Sadly the owner of the HD equipment, including lights and mics, was forced to drop out in the fall of 2010 due to work commitments, leaving us with 30% of the movie completed and nothing with which to complete photography. What will we spend your investment on?
This is where your funding will go. If you are willing to donate, we will purchase (its too expensive over a long production to hire) the following equipment:
At least one HD Camera - used second owner units sell for around £1200/$1800 on ebay
Audio recording equipment - including boom mic and tie mics (with radio transmitters) again good, low cost ebay equipment is available for less than $100 for a radio mic kit.
Lights - including spots, floods and diffusers
Location hire - this will be the rest of the amount and will eat into the budget and with a venue costing up to $500 a day you can see that we need to be creative and negotiate.
What you get
Any donation of $49 or less will be credited on the movie
Any donation of $50 to $249 will be credited on the movie, and receive a DVD or Blu-ray of the completed film
Any donation of $250 - $499 will be credited on the movie, and receive a double disc version DVD or Blu-ray of the completed film, signed by the cast and crew, and be entered into a draw to win an original costume (Raquel's shades of gray two piece suit a unique one of a kind piece)
Any donation of $500 - $999 will be credited on the movie as a producer and receive a double disc version DVD or Blu-ray of the completed film, signed by the cast and crew, and be entered into a draw to win an original costume (JFK Sebastud's "harlequin" jacket - a unique one of a kind piece)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110728722362
You'd be doing a wonderful thing. :)
Dickard agrees to take on one last case, and begins his investigation at the Lorell Corporation, where he meets Raquel a repressed nymphomaniac and top of the line android.
As his investigation proceeds, Dickard encounters the various androids and his quest ultimately leads him to a show down with Botty - the overweight psychotic whose wobbling blubber guts - squeezed into lycra cycling shorts - are the most horrifying aspect of the entire story!
The Movie
Bladder Run began life as an 8 page skit written in response to the so called "Director's Cut" released in the early 1990s. Writer/director Mark Hevingham was lucky enough to see a sneak preview of the original 1982 release and has been a fan ever since. Having expanded the plot to a full 90 minute feature - and pushing it through over 25 versions until he was happy with the plot - took over a decade and the movie began to take shape in 2008 when Mark assembled a cast and crew.
Setting out to make copies of classic Blade Runner props and costumes was only the beginning. The movie grew from a project that could be filmed over a weekend into a full production with lights, HD cameras and authentic locations loaned by local businesses. During the first half of 2010 scenes were filmed that replicated the Tyrell building (Holdall interviews Junior, Dickard meets Raquel), Taffey Lewis' bar, the fight scene in the street and so on.
People such as www.bladezone.com, Charles De Lurizika and Paul M Sammon have previously metioned there support this project.
Heres a sneak peak of one scene in a VERY EARLY CUT
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=16...
The following is a rough cut before grading, sound mix and FX smoke etc added
http://vimeo.com/15285296
Sadly the owner of the HD equipment, including lights and mics, was forced to drop out in the fall of 2010 due to work commitments, leaving us with 30% of the movie completed and nothing with which to complete photography. What will we spend your investment on?
This is where your funding will go. If you are willing to donate, we will purchase (its too expensive over a long production to hire) the following equipment:
At least one HD Camera - used second owner units sell for around £1200/$1800 on ebay
Audio recording equipment - including boom mic and tie mics (with radio transmitters) again good, low cost ebay equipment is available for less than $100 for a radio mic kit.
Lights - including spots, floods and diffusers
Location hire - this will be the rest of the amount and will eat into the budget and with a venue costing up to $500 a day you can see that we need to be creative and negotiate.
What you get
Any donation of $49 or less will be credited on the movie
Any donation of $50 to $249 will be credited on the movie, and receive a DVD or Blu-ray of the completed film
Any donation of $250 - $499 will be credited on the movie, and receive a double disc version DVD or Blu-ray of the completed film, signed by the cast and crew, and be entered into a draw to win an original costume (Raquel's shades of gray two piece suit a unique one of a kind piece)
Any donation of $500 - $999 will be credited on the movie as a producer and receive a double disc version DVD or Blu-ray of the completed film, signed by the cast and crew, and be entered into a draw to win an original costume (JFK Sebastud's "harlequin" jacket - a unique one of a kind piece)
Any Donation of $1000 to $5000 will receive an executive producer credit, a copy of the THREE DISC limited edition DVD or Blu ray which includes several shorts, out takes and documentaries not available anywhere else - plus a version of the movie showing a "lost" cut of the film with no voice over and different music. You will also be entered into the draw to win the ultimate Bladder Run fan package - one of a kind props and costumes bundle including Ray Botty's coat (a copy of the leather duster worn in the original movie) Dickard's tie (an EXACT copy of Harrison Ford's ties, The Mein Kampf prop based on Blade Runner's Voight Kampf machine plus a signed soundtrack CD selection which is limited to ONE copy EVER, which will come with a signed certificate. Finally you will win one of the three Dickard blaster guns which has light and sound FX built in
PLEASE HELP - send $10, $20 - or what you can afford - but please help us complete this movie!!
Here is the link to donate: http://www.indiegogo.com/Blade-Runner-homage-and-spoof-called-Bladder-Run
HOW ELSE YOU CAN HELP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110728722362
You'd be doing a wonderful thing. :)
Monday, October 4, 2010
Blade Runner on the Big Screen - New York, New York - USA
Tonight Enjoy a FREE Screening of Blade Runner in NYC
When: 10/4/10 at 9:00pm EDT to 10/4/10 at 11:00pm EDT
Where: Highbar
251 W 48th St
Phone: (212) 956-1300
Tonight head to Highbar for a little unwinding session with some Blade Runner - they'll be showing it FREE!
Doors open at 5, and movie begins at 9.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Blade Runner in LEGO
Spinner Slideshow
This is Jordan Schwartz' version of the ever-popular Syd Mead designed futuristic aerodyne that is the Spinner, from the sci-fi classic Blade Runner. He wanted to make it as accurate as possible while deviating from the palette of elements he's comfortable building with; therefore, the forward wheel housing is built with TECHNIC figure helmets, and the back contains four working, blinking, official LEGO lights!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Blade Runner on the Big Screen - Paddington, NSW, - Australia
Limited Late night season commences November the 6th 2010! @ 9:30pm
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Ladies of Sci-Fi Burlesque featuring Pris from 'Blade Runner.'
Ever wanted to see Pris from Blade Runner do a strip tease? Devil's Playground returned to Bordello for its monthly burlesque and cabaret show, this time with Ladies of Sci-Fi Burlesque, featuring characters inspired by Pris from Blade Runner, Ripley from the Alien franchise, Maria from Metropolis, Aeon Flux, Barbarella and Metroid's Samus Aran.
Some images may be NSFW.
Catch the ladies at Bordello again on October 9, 2010 for Scream Queens Burlesque.
(Zhora would have been the better choice, imo) ;)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Zan Lyons vs Blade Runner
One of the most distinctive audio/visual performers to date, violinist, producer and film-maker Zan Lyons’ stunning shows have received critical acclaim across the globe as explosive beats collide with melancholic concertos.
Using his laptop and custom foot pedals, Zan loops his violin, voice and sounds while manipulating his haunting visuals to incredible effect. Zan’s film-making process retains the organic approach established by his music. A one man army, Zan directs, shoots, edits, and lights everything himself as well as doing all of the complex animation and visual effects work.
The result is hypnotic and otherworldly, bringing a truly cinematic vision to the audio/visual world. His films have quickly earned Zan high profile recognition with nominations from Lux and the London Short Film Festival and screenings on MTV2 as well as the Cannes, Onedotzero and Raindance Film Festivals.
Recently, Zan has performed with the likes of Battles and Chris Clark as well as collaborating with Warp Records’ Leila and Nicolette. Impressed by Lyons’ unique audio/visual outlook, the UK’s Latitude Festival invited Zan to remix Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. This ever-evolving live reimagining of Scott’s classic sees lyons cut up scenes from the film-splicing in his own work in the process and replacing the soundtrack with his own score.
‘Zan Lyons vs Blade Runner’ has since been performed at: Berlin’s Berghain club; the Big Chill Festival; BFI Southbank; Tresor Berlin; Palma De Mallorca; LEV festival in Spain and the UK’s Leeds Festival with further performances planned for 2010/2011.
Visit Zan Lyons’ website for more music, videos and photos: ZanLyons.com
Now booking for Zan Lyons vs Blade Runner Audiovisual performances. Please email agency@thecentrifuge.co.uk with offers stating date, location, budget and other artists on the bill.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Blade Runner on the Big Screen - Alexandria, VA - USA
UNION MOVIE NIGHT: BLADE RUNNER - The Director's Cut
240-515-4291
October 16, 2010
8:30PM
Come join Union 206 for their second film night! This is the second installment of their monthly film nights.
Grab a seat, grab a drink and popcorn, and watch classic films on their cyc wall! Afterwards, you can relax with great conversation about the film.
This is 21+. They provide wine, beer and popcorn!
8 pm doors - 8:30 pm film
FREE!*
Please RSVP so that we have a nice head-count!
*They'd accept donations to help cover costs!!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Blade Runner ~ In dance ~ choreographed by Erik Kaiel.
"In much of Kaiel’s work, the dividing line between dancers and spectators is shifting around, as you go along. The audience is not only looking, but is also being looked at."
Drawing from the sci-fi film classic Blade Runner, Erik Kaiel, together with his dancers plus students from the Toneelacademie Maastricht, throws up pivotal questions in his choreography of the same name.
Whom will we accept? And whom will we reject, and for what reason?
In 2009, Kaiel won the Dutch Dance Festival Award. He did so by using undiluted new styles of movement, such as break-dance and free running.
In Blade Runner, the performers turn the venue of an abandoned woodwork factory into one big opportunity for making daring moves. The spectators tag along after the dancers, as they make their journey of exploration around the vacated industrial building.
The piece will be performed on October 2, 2010 at 13.00 h and on October 3, 2010 at 12.00 h in the Timmerfabriek, Maastricht during the Nederlandse Dansdagen.
On October 1, 2 and 3, the historic city of Maastricht will be once again the backdrop for the Dutch Dance Festival (Nederlandse Dansdagen). No better opportunity exists to savor the best that Dutch dance has to offer! This event will showcase a wide range of dance styles and artists – from up-and-coming choreographers and urban dance makers to world-renowned dance companies.
You can buy the tickets for the Dutch Dance Festival at www.theateraanhetvrijthof.nl. Or you can also buy them over the telephone: +31(0)43-3505555.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Blade Runner on the Big Screen
State College, PA, USA
Friday, October 15, 2010
1:00 pm
Free and Open to the Public
THE STATE THEATRE
130 West College Avenue
State College, PA 16801
All the stage is a world
The intersection of stage and film — the future of entertainment?
In an article written by Chris Conrad of the Mail Tribune, he writes how the film-to-stage experiment intrigues him. He mentioned a few movies that critics already consider "stagey", and then threw in his own picks. Among his picks was Blade Runner.
‘Tis new to thee.
I've heard of the desire of some wanting Blade Runner to be adapted to a musical in other circles before, so it's nothing new. It’s been all talk, of course. And I do stress talk. (Maybe fantasizing is a better word. Or, perhaps even a little mental masturbation.)
In any event, the columnist goes on to write, “My heart would swell and burst if some intrepid director could bring "Blade Runner" to the stage.” He’s certainly passionate about his conviction with wanting this "science-fiction stage show".
I must say, personally, I think it would be an awesome endeavour. If done cleverly, it could very well be the next best thing. Of course, there will be those against such an idea, just as there are those against a re-make, sequel or prequel. But, this would be different.
I was fortunate enough to be involved in a project that came close to the idea of bringing Blade Runner to the stage. I wrote lyrics to the splendidly crafted music of Marco Spatuzzi. And it was performed live, along side the movie Blade Runner, (link below).
Looking at some of the movies or television programs that have been adapted to musicals on Broadway might give you an idea of the possible success such a venture could have. Just to name a few:
Is it the future of entertainment? For live entertainment, it certainly can be.
"Have a better one!"
~ Kipple
LINKS:
"All the stage is a world" article by Chris Conrad.
MEMORIA: Blade Runner ~ The Rock Project
Monday, September 6, 2010
Douglas Trumbull's Blade Runner Archive
Douglas Trumbull, the special effects guru for Blade Runner, has finally launched his own website.
As he wrote on the welcome page, "We are under construction, feel free to look around while the dust is settling."
Over the coming weeks, archival images, video, and articles either by Mr. Trumbull or about his work will be added to the site.
I conducted an interview, and documented a lecture that Douglas Trumbull gave on Blade Runner a few years back, (2006). I'll be updating it with the wonderful archival footage available at his website. The article I wrote, Douglas Trumbull: In Retrospect, is available at KippleZone.com.
Enjoy these archival gems Mr. Trumbull shared on Blade Runner.
In the first of a three part series, Mr. Trumbull talks about the creation of various effects sequences completed for Blade Runner. In this video, he focuses on creating the opening sequence referred to as the "Hades Landscape".
In the second of a three-part series, Mr. Trumbull talks about the creation of various effects sequences completed for Blade Runner, focusing on the "Spinners".
In the third of a three-part series, Mr. Trumbull talks about the creation of various effects sequences completed for Blade Runner, focusing on the "Bradbury Building Blimp".
"Have a better one!"
~ Kipple
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Your Precious Photos of Blade Runner
Flickr groups with a Blade Runner tinge.
BLADE RUNNER 2019
A group about pictures of actual places that resemble the sets and atmosphere of the movie "Blade Runner".
This group wants to treasure the most beautiful images ever concerning your memories...
...your dreams...
...what you need to keep forever with you...
...what a Blade Runner would keep on top of the piano...
...the most beautiful photos you've ever taken...
...the most intimate moments you've ever lived...
...the most wonderful images you've ever dreamed of...
Don't let those moments be lost in time like tears in the rain...
Memories, I'm talking about memories...
...your dreams...
...what you need to keep forever with you...
...what a Blade Runner would keep on top of the piano...
...the most beautiful photos you've ever taken...
...the most intimate moments you've ever lived...
...the most wonderful images you've ever dreamed of...
Don't let those moments be lost in time like tears in the rain...
Memories, I'm talking about memories...
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
To determine whether you're a Replicant...
Note: Showings of Blade Runner - On the Big Screen - are posted on the side-bar of the Off-World News blog. [Check often, because they are not sent via email notifications. However, they are sent via Twitter.]
Upcoming showings in U.S., CA & MO. In Australia, St. Kilda, Victoria.
Just added today, a showing in Ontario, Canada.
"Have a better one!"
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Lecture on "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"
David Gill's Lecture on "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick
You can download or listen online to his lecture on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? from the Philip K. Dick Festival held back in August 12-15, (2010) in Colorado, here. The lecture is about an hour long and broken up into 3 parts. A video is to follow.
Mr. David Gill has studied the life and work of Philip K Dick for fifteen years, writing his Masters Thesis on Dick's novel Time Out of Joint. Aside from maintaining the Dick-centric Total Dick-Head blog, for the last five years, he has been teaching literature and writing at San Francisco State University and regularly assigns Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. He has written about Philip K Dick for boingboing, io9.com, Article Magazine, and is currently part of a team working to edit Dick's Exegesis, a series of notes made by the author over the last eight years of his life, for publication.
***SPOILER ALERT!!!***
If you haven't already read "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick - and you intend to do so - DO NOT listen to this lecture! It contains spoilers!
***SPOILER ALERT!!!***
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Android Dreams: Philip K. Dick and Ridley Scott's Replicant Futures
August 19, 2010 - October 8, 2010
Carl A. Kroch Library, level 2B
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
In support of Cornell’s 2010 New Student Reading Project, Cornell University Library’s Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections offers an exhibition exploring the history of Philip K. Dick’s classic science fiction novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and the landmark film it inspired, Blade Runner. Featuring books and artifacts drawn from the Library’s rare book and manuscript collections, the exhibition traces the early history of the novel and its translation to screen and pop immortality.
The physical exhibition will be on view from August 19 through October 8 in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Carl A. Kroch Library, level 2B. Gallery hours are Monday — Friday 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. An online version of the exhibition will remain available via the following web site:
"Have a better one!"
Thursday, August 12, 2010
BladeZone's Facebook Page!
BladeZone, the on-line Blade Runner fan club and museum, has made its Facebook debut! It was created by Gerry Kissell - who founded BladeZone back in 1996. As he wrote on Facebook,
"Though I am no longer the guy behind BladeZone.com, turning it over to the amazing Gary Willoughby in 2002, I still love the site and of course, I love the film Blade Runner. So, I felt it was time for me to finally get back in the water and help BladeZone, so I started this facebook page."
There, you will find tidbits of information, trivia and discussions to whet your Blade Runner appetite!
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