About Morris
Welcome to MorrisChapdelaine.com! I am a film maker, actor, director, art director and puppeteer (of all the crazy things!) living in fantastic Vancouver, British Columbia- the Sci-fi and comic book film and television capital of the world. (OK, it's just ME that proclaims that, but over my 10 years+ here, I have had the great opportunity to play aliens and creatures on several different shows)My first feature is just making the festival rounds and has already won it's first award! As a director I have made several short films and continue to do so and I have recently been working in many 'new media' formats as a director and art director. Take a look at my galleries, portfolios, demo reels and films and feel free to leave your comments- they're most appreciated. Thanks! MorrisBig Announcement!
The Return of 'West of Denman'February 27th, 2008
Though not 'completely official' yet, it looks like 'West of Denman', www.wayoutwest.tv will be making a return to the web and to tv screens all over the world very soon. Tenatively under the working title 'West of Denman 2.0', the series will pick up 7 years later and will follow Brendan on his new journey of self discovery. I can't release too much information just yet, but trust that things are falling into place at a very good rate and look for posts with more details to follow.
I'm tickled pink- literally. Today is wear pink day in Canada to support anti bullying measures in schools across the country. One year ago, two high school teens in Nova Scotia heard about a grade 9 student who was harrased for wearing a pink shirt to school on the first day of class. Seeing him threatened and taunted with homophobic remarks prompted both Travis Price and Derek Shepherd, High School seniors at the time, to take matters into their own hands. See the full story and resulting National Day of Action here.
In SPRINT news- it looks like the online campaign is finally back on. Hoping to shoot in April.
And in the world of Documentaries- 'Beyond Gay', as it is called at the moment, is forging ahead with travel plans and a newly cut trailer at Transmission. Please check it out and let me know your thoughts...
Whistler Recap
Shooting with the DVX 100
February 13th, 2008
The shoot in Whistler was mad cap. Crazy fun but a lot of work. It was the first time I got to play with Transmission's Panasonic DVX 100 cams. Its a great piece to work with and the differences between it and my SONY PD 170 are few. I was really fortunate to be working with Dean and Josh- 2 highly skilled videographers who were able to walk me through most of the basic steps...but I'll tell you...I now have a much larger admiration for camera people. It can be gruelling work. Its especially tough when running from location to location, some inside and some out, some loud and some quiet...and often with a camera mounted LED light and mics and lavs....so much to know and a need to know it fast and well.
We were able to do some great interviews and also got some beautiful footage on the mountain and inside some of the venues. I satrted reviewing the footage with Bob at Transmission yesterday and it will fit very nicely into the doc. Speaking of which, a new trailer is almost finished being cut and its AWESOME- very moving in my opinion...but maybe I'm biased. I will post the link here as soon as it is complete. Email me your opinions!
In SPRINT news- I did not have to go to LA this week, as the project has been postponed for a second time. It sounds as if it will still be happening although it might be shot on a lesser scale. I am really excited about this one as it will be deilvered on many platforms and should be a visual and interactive feast!
Over at IMC I am wrapped up in editing educational videos done with Camtasia and prepping to shoot another infomercial on Thursday...no rest for the wicked.
Shooting Like Mad
off to Whsitler this weekend and LA on SundayFebruary 8th, 2008
Its been a busy, busy time in the world of video for me. After getting the studio set up over at IMC I immediately started shooting. I've done a few 15 minute projetcs and a 40 minute infomercial yesterday. I've lit and used the green screen wall once which was a lot of fun, but I really like tweaking the studio yesterday to shoot the 40 minute piece in what I like to call, 'The Idea Lounge'. I will be filming at the Marriott Hotel today for a short bit but need to focus on getting some editing down. Its the whole conversion to html and matched frame rate stuff that is still a bit foggy, but I'm getting the swing of it through watching and practise.
I've been using the SONY PD170...enjoying quite a lot so far.
As far as Whistler is concerned, I will begin shooting that documentary I first mentioned last week- and if I'm really lucky I'll make it onto the mountain to ski for a few hours too. My priority during downtime will be getting ready for LA though. I need to do a location and cast breakdown and start creating a shot list. Work. It never seems to end lately. If I'm not up late writing copy after I get home, its making phone calls and figuring out how to get the next project completed.
In Sprint news, it looks like we may have found an LA Producer/PM, and I have to be there for a few days to meet and interview people for the other key positions. If maintaning schedule, we will be shooting the big project from the 20th of feb. to March 2nd. It wil be nice to get into that climate for a few weeks.
Excitement Ensues
Studio Set-up/New Documentary/Casting next ShortJanuary 31st, 2008
Yes indeed...its been a crazy whirl-wind of a month. Not only has the project for Sprint USA become even bigger and more challenging, but I have begun working as the Production Manager over at IMC where I am madly setting up shop and getting the Video Studio up to par.
If that's not enough to keep me busy, I have slected my script for production over at VFS- its a wry, comic piece called 'Holly Fields- Number 1 Fan'. I just started casting last week and I am continually amazed at the level of talent available here in Vancouver. I will be directing in early March and will post updates and pictures here.
I have also been asked to participate in the documentary project currently titled 'The Big Gay Movie'. Its a great story to tell and you can see the current film trailer here. Simply scroll to 'Big Gay Movie' to watch. This project should have be traversing North America and some of eastern Europe over the next 6 to 8 months. The guys over at Transmission are pretty cool and seem to have the right idea when it comes to creating a copmany that fosters creativity in Advertising and the pursuit of excellent film and video projects. I'm looking forard to working with them.
As far as the Sprint Direct Connect project is concerned, it looks like our hours of hard work have paid off. A new concept and direction was decided upon and I should be directing the last 2 weeks of February. I cant say much about it because of privacy issues but this could prove to be one for the top of my commercial reel!
In IMC and studio news I have been spending the last few days editing. Now I wont call myself an editor yet by any means but I have quickly become comfortable using Adobe Premiere Pro. Anyone else out there like using it? I am thinking that we will be going full MAC for the studio in the future meaning a switch to Final Cut- what are other industry peoples thoughts on comparing the 2 programs?
I have also gotten some requests from Stargate fans out there to deliver some more information about the Asgard puppet we use. I am working on a document with pictures that I will post when I have it ready. In other Stargate news...I have been asked to appear at DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia over the Labor Day weekend (end of August) I will also be appearing at a few Creation Conventions in the States and will keep you posted as dates are confirmed.
Happy end of January!
Another Corporate Video
January 14th, 2008
The promotional video I helped write and shoot last week has been posted. Take a look at it and read all about this little bit of technology right here. I have to say that it was quite a challenge for several reasons- time, technical issues (brand new bit of machinery) and a lot of last minute script revisions- but in the end I am pleased at how it turned out.
The rest of last week was spent researching and prepping for meetings with Sprint in Kansas (headquarters) and then writing and recording the voice over work for last month's Sprint Music Manager (tm) shoot. This will be finished in the coming week's and launched in stores on the interactive touch screen's and online at Sprint.com.
In other news- due to a re-branding strategy, the Direct Connect (tm) project that I was supposed to shoot all last week has been postponed till February. The really great thing is that it provides me with WAY more opportunity to create a really great experience for shoppers and users of this product. I am beginning creative this coming weekend and will be pitching the new ideas to the powers that be in 2 weeks.
Stay tuned here for updates...
I am also off to IMC for my first day as a Video Writer/ Production Manager. Long title, I know. I am not sure what to expect, but I'll tell you that for the first time in several years I have packed myself a bag lunch...kind of made me chuckle.
I also finaly made my way through all the most recent VFS scripts and was happy to select a few potentials to shoot this coming Feb. and March. I know I owe you all some new short films and some photos (that I keep promising) but things have been really busy what with the travel and all...but they are coming. Honestly.