Issue 2 September, 2023
Welcome to another issue of our newsletter "FILM." By joining our monthly newsletter you'll stay connected and be the first to explore everything related to our company.
We are thrilled to keep you updated on our latest projects, announcements, and industry insights. Stay tuned for an exciting journey ahead!
FILM
Athazagora:
A Journey Worth the Wait
Dear fellow filmmakers and enthusiasts,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with excitement for the latest updates from 2Tone Films. Again, we appreciate your patience on the release of our upcoming film, "Athazagora."
I understand that for those who worked on the film, the anticipation has been building, however, making a film is a labor of love, and we firmly believe that you can't rush art. As we've ventured deeper into the editing process, we've been meticulous in ensuring that every moment reflects the hard work and commitment that our incredible team has poured into this project.
In addition to putting the finishing touches on
"Athazagora," we're also hard at work on multiple projects. We're actively developing a feature film that promises to be unique and captivating. We're also diving into the world of unscripted reality series, and a television pilot.
The year is racing towards its conclusion, and I'm proud to say that we're on track to complete "Athazagora" before the year is out.
Thank you for your support and patience. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, let's continue to celebrate the art of storytelling.
Warm regards,
Tony Travis
A Lesson in Character Development with Debra Wilson: Unveiling the Essence of Ms. Black
When I first received the call that Debra Wilson was interested in playing the role of "Ms. Black" in our film, I was beyond ecstatic. Her talent and reputation preceded her, and I felt honored.
However. that initial thrill was soon accompanied by a challenging and thought-provoking conversation. During our first call, Debra asked me questions that went far beyond the surface of the script. She wanted to understand the meaning of her character, the intricate background of Ms. Black, and why she would utter the words she did in the movie. To be honest, my initial thought was, "Well, if you are calling me then it must mean that you liked the script, so why are we having this conversation?"
Yet, every answer I provided didn't seem to satisfy her. At one point, I was on the verge of saying. "Hey. you don't have to do the film."
Nevertheless, the conversation concluded on a positive note, and Debra agreed to take on the role.
The day she arrived for shooting, everything changed. Debra, or as we respectfully addressed her, "Ms. Debra," was a stark contrast to the person I had spoken to on that first phone call. She was professional, funny, nurturing and provided the cast and crew with a wealth of industry wisdom.
But the most memorable moment came unexpectedly. One day, while she was in hair and makeup, Debra invited me to join her as she transformed into her character. She began to share a deeply personal story from her childhood, recounting how she was raised on a military base and had a close relationship with her father. Then, she revealed the heart-wrenching truth that her father had left the family when she was young, and for a long time, she believed he had abandoned them. It was only later that she discovered he had tragically lost his life in a military drill gone wrong.
A Lesson with Debra Wilson: Unveiling the Essence of Ms. Black...Continued.
This revelation was devastating, and it was a testament to Debra's strength that she had forgiven her father despite the profound impact of his absence. She went on to explain that her experience had left her with lasting abandonment issues. Debra shared that, as an adult, she had a habit of looking people she loved in the eye and cherishing their presence because she never knew if it would be the last time she would see them.
After sharing this incredibly personal story, I said, "That was sad Ms. Debra, I'm sorry that happened to you". Then she turned to me and asked, "Who am I?" I was confused and hesitated, thinking it was a trick question. She asked again, "Who am I??"! Finally, I said, "Debra?" She then said, "No, I am Sharon Black, and that was your character's story, her backstory."
It took a moment to sink in, but then I realized that she had masterfully crafted this narrative to provide me with a lesson in character development. Here I was, with over 25 years in the business, film school under my belt, a library of books on character development, and a collection of awards, yet that day marked the most profound lesson in character creation I had ever experienced.
Debra Wilson is not just an actor/comedian: she's a true master of her craft, a storyteller who immerses terse% herself so deeply into her characters that she becomes them. Her dedication to bringing depth and authenticity to the roles she takes on is unparalleled. and she should be celebrated not only for her comedic prowess but also for her exceptional talent as an actress. As we eagerly await the release of "Athazagora." I can't help but reflect on the extraordinary journey of bringing Ms. Black to life. Thank you. Stay tuned for more updates. and let's continue celebrating the art of storytelling together.
AI:BALANCING INNOVATION AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
As we journey further into the exciting world of filmmaking, it's impossible to ignore the transformative impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having on our craft. Al has emerged as a powerful ally, influencing the way we edit, create, and produce films. In this section, we'll delve into how Al is shaping the cinematic landscape and explore both its promises and potential pitfalls.
Extending Scenes with Al-Generated Dialogue: A New Frontier in Editing
One remarkable aspect of Al in amnaking is its ability to extend scenes with additional dialogue that seamlessly integrates with the original content. Imagine this: a pivotal moment in your film requires a few more lines of dialogue, or perhaps an alternate take. With Al, we can now generate dialogue that appears as though it was spoken and performed by the original cast. This technology not only enhances storytelling but also offers newfound flexibility in post-production.
Enhancing Actor Performances: A Collaborative Approach
Al is also emerging as a tool to improve an actor's performance. By analyzing subtle nuances in an actor's expressions, tone, and delivery. Al can provide valuable insights to help refine and elevate their portrayal. This collaborative approach between humans and Al fosters a creative synergy that results in more authentic and compelling characters on screen.
AI:BALANCING INNOVATION & ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS..
Cost-Cutting Measures: The Bottom Line Benefit
One of the most practical advantages of Al in filmmaking is its potential to reduce production costs. Al-driven tools can streamline various aspects of pre-production and post-production, from script analysis to editing and visual effects. This efficiency translates into significant cost savings, allowing filmmakers to allocate resources more strategically and creatively. However, as with any groundbreaking technology, there are both positive and potentially concerning aspects to consider.
The Good:
• Enhanced Creativity: Al can offer new perspectives and creative possibilities.
• Efficiency: Time-consuming tasks can be automated, allowing filmmakers to focus on the artistry of storytelling.
• Cost Savings: Reduced production costs can make filmmaking more accessible and inclusive.
The Concerns:
• Ethical Dilemmas: The use of Al to manipulate or create content raises ethical questions about authenticity and artistic integrity.
• Job Displacement: As Al takes on more roles in filmmaking, there's a concern about job displacement within the industry.
Although Integrating Al into filmmaking is undeniably exciting, we must be mindful of the creative and ethical pitfalls that this may have on our industry.
The WGA Writer's Strike: A Tale of Uncertainty
The ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the world of television and film.
Implications for New Projects and the Oscars
A prolonged strike undoubtedly disrupts the industry's regular workflow. Studios and television networks are forced to adapt, exploring alternative avenues for content creation. However, what I was really thinking about recently was the impact the strike is going to have on the Oscars! Will there be a category for Best Screenplay? The absence of fresh, union-approved scripts could potentially lead to a limited pool of eligible films, However, the Academy has shown flexibility in the past, and they may adjust their eligibility criteria to accommodate the circumstances.
As creators, we deeply respect and value the contributions of writers to our industry. Let us hope for a swift and equitable resolution that allows us to continue crafting the stories that inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
BY BASHEER CLARK
2 TONE FILMS
