Starway Pictures presents "Z U G Z W A N G"

Robert Sanders

Robert Sanders

Well-known member
Zugzwang_Poster_Web.jpg


* Zugzwang ['tsu:k.tsvan"] is German for "compulsion to move". The term is frequently used in chess, to mean that one player (having the move) has no move that does not worsen their position.

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[] I've always been intrigued by "no win situation" themes and conflicts. To me, the spy genre is the perfect vehicle to explore the psychological situation that occurs when someone is forced to make a move knowing that move will be catastrohpic. To the inner-geek it's the Kobayashi Maru moment. ZUGZWANG's theme will explore this paradox.

[] My challenge is that we have little to no funds for this film. This is de rigeur for most aspiring filmmakers. So I expect little to no sympathy. But after coming off two shows with decent budgets I'm excited to get to basics.

[] Just started writing the screenplay. The film has pretty much been written in my head. I know all the beats. I know the climax. I think I've got all my signature shots figured out. Now, how do I brandish fake firearms in the middle of downtown Los Angeles without permits? Hmmmm. A dilemma.

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B E H I N D - T H E - S C E N E S

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Schwing!! Robert Sanders throws his hat in.

This should definitely be interesting. Keep this thread stocked with cool updates!
 
I'm really really excited about doing this. My team, on the other hand, is looking at me like I'm NUTS! LOL!

"You wanna do whaaa...?"

"And you want to call it whaaaa...?"
 
Ya, I'd say the name is definitely out there in left center field. But, Hopefully it'll stand out amongst the crowd of films. I love the iconolgy of what the name means and anxious to hear more. Good luck with your film!

/j
 
I love the name, I am really looking forward to this one. The only thing I could think of that could even remotely equal it would have been "Shadenfreuden" - taking delight in others misery. Gotta love the german language. Good luck with the film!
 
Thank bosindy. When I first uncovered the word I thought it was Chinese. When I realized it was German it started to intrigue me. Like "Poltergeist". I'm sure back in the day they got a lot of **** for that title too. Now it's a part of the popular "zeitgeist".
 
Interesting title Robert. I like it. I also love your avatar. Also, great insight on your blog about HD DVD vs Blu Ray
 
I really like the title too, very unique.

I checked out your website and downloaded Scene 10. Wow, looks great. What did you use to shoot that one if you don't mind me asking? Any adapter used?

I'm definitely looking forward to what you come up for SpyFest.
 
Robert Sanders said:
Thank bosindy. When I first uncovered the word I thought it was Chinese. When I realized it was German it started to intrigue me. Like "Poltergeist". I'm sure back in the day they got a lot of shi* for that title too. Now it's a part of the popular "zeitgeist".
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Ach so.

Intriguing title indeed.
 
jeremytuttle said:
I really like the title too, very unique.

I checked out your website and downloaded Scene 10. Wow, looks great. What did you use to shoot that one if you don't mind me asking? Any adapter used?

I'm definitely looking forward to what you come up for SpyFest.
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Hopefully I don't alienate myself by admitting that my camera of choice is the Canon H1 with my 20x, 3x, and 16x Manual SD lenses. No 35mm adapters. Although I'm looking for a suitable option. Until then I'll just continue keeping my focal lengths long.
 
Robert Sanders said:
Hopefully I don't alienate myself by admitting that my camera of choice is the Canon H1 with my 20x, 3x, and 16x Manual SD lenses. No 35mm adapters. Although I'm looking for a suitable option. Until then I'll just continue keeping my focal lengths long.
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H1 is awesome. I've seen great work come from it with and without adapters. SIGNAL is going to rock the theaters.

Starway needs to release their stuff, already!
 
Robert Sanders said:
Hopefully I don't alienate myself by admitting that my camera of choice is the Canon H1 with my 20x, 3x, and 16x Manual SD lenses. No 35mm adapters. Although I'm looking for a suitable option. Until then I'll just continue keeping my focal lengths long.
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He he heh, yeah don't tell anyone but I'm a Canon fan too. I wanted a H1 badly but we chose the HVX for the variable frame rates, the P2 card, and well... it was cheaper:). I have the 16x manual lens and used religiously with my Xl-1s. I can't believe Canon hasn't come out with the HD version yet, but it looks like the SD version does the trick... what do you think?

I assume you will shoot this on the H1? I can't wait to see how it performs.
 
It's amazing how well the SD lenses work with the XL-H1. They're not absolutely perfect, mind you; the 16x breathes a bit (yet holds its low Fstop through the zoom!) and the 3x is ever-so-slightly soft in the corners, but what you get overall in HD is unbelievable for the $. The 3x is nicely wide with almost no barrel distortion, which is something I've come to really dislike about add-on adapters.

But I'm just happy that the camera wars have abated now and people can actually talk about eachother's productions and get on with the actual work, and get good feedback in communities like this. :)

I find the entire affordable HD category to be an embarrassment of riches now. What I merely dreamed of less than 3 years ago is becoming a rather mundane reality.

Good luck Starway!
 
When I first wanted to use the Canon 3x SD lens everyone said it was way too soft. But I was very surprised to see how well the 3x lens performed (at least the one I have).

I still don't have a 6x HD lens. I really really want one.
 
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