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.)

Dark Hearts: Blade Runner video homage








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.

Keep up to date with Blade Runner 60 at his project 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.

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)


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!!


HOW ELSE YOU CAN HELP

Spread the word! If you could direct people to

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!


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.

To see some of their rehearsal photos click here and here.



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:

Little Shop of Horrors

The Producers

The Addams Family

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


This Flickr group is dedicated to the movie Blade Runner, and has been set up to allow fans of this movie to post their favourite pictures associated with this movie.




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...


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!



Friday, June 25, 2010

Secret Cinema's BLADE RUNNER Extravaganza!

On June 20, 2010, in London, Secret Cinema presented Blade Runner.

Secret Cinema is a monthly gathering of all that love challenging and groundbreaking cinema, screening mystery films in extraordinary locations in the London, England area.

The internet is changing the way we watch films. The secret cinema changes where you watch films.

Every month a new secret location, participants will receive an email the day before the screening revealing a clue to the film that is to be shown and details of the secret venue.

The films are chosen by the secret cinema folk - whose names will remain secret - and sometimes by those who participate in the secret audience, who will send in their secret votes.

The locations vary. Anything from derelict theatres, rooftops, parks and other secret spaces wouldn't be out of the question.

There could be surprise re-scores and special guests at these events.

For future showings, you may register at http://secretcinema.org



So, what was in store for their showing of Blade Runner?







Secret Cinema presents Blade Runner, in partnership with Windows phone, at Canary Wharf, London. 15th - 20th June 2010.




From the Secret Cinema's Newsletter:

'I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I've watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time. Like tears in the rain... time to die.'

To all A6000 to A6006 Travellers.

Secret Cinema, in partnership with Windows Phone, presented Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. Taking place in the heart of Canary Wharf, over 7000 travellers chose Utopia Skyways for the chance to begin again...

PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF EVENT

Watch the official film of the event here.

You can see photos here.

Click for reports by the BBC and ITV.

UTOPIA SKYWAYS REPORT

Travellers were sent into transit on the Utopia Skyways Shuttle Coaches where their friendly hostesses gave them a tour of the beautiful architecture in the Tyrell Corporation's Canary Wharf district. . .

As the coaches approached their destination they were unexpectedly stormed by Blade Runner units following an uprising in the off-world colonies. With preliminary tests for suspicious activity inconclusive amongst the travellers the shuttles were redirected and dropped off in one of the city holding zones - the Sea container terminus - an area frequented by touts, vagabonds, dwarves and other undesirables.

From here they headed into Chinatown where a series of sprawling alleyways were filled with drifters, world citizens, market stalls... and Replicants. Other globe-trotters headed into the FUTURE SHORTS CINEMA where amazing short films were on show and the Neon Love Bar where the infamous Fuel Girls tempted weary travellers away...

Taffey Lewis' Club was in full swing with HANNAH HOLLAND (off-world colonies) playing future beats. In the transit yard a full blown street party erupted when a renegade group of cyberpunks took over.

Deckard chased Zhora through the crowds in Taffey's during a set from the futuristic sounds of the incredible CHROME HOOF, narrowly missing capturing her and into the Bradbury Building where J F sebastian and his toys and projected pets woke up to the arriving visitors...

With all displaced travellers amassed Captain Bryant then performed a Replicant test on the 850 strong audience using the Voight Kampf procedure administered by Windows Phone. The results can be found here, please let us know if you know of any of the persons featured.

Further emotive tests then continued when Future Shorts presented Chris Cunningham's seminal short film for Björk's 'All is full of Love'. Watch it here.

Then the final test: BLADE RUNNER - THE FINAL CUT.




There was even the Blade Runner inspired playlist that #secretcinema goers picked...

http://www.mykindofphone.com/an-ode-to-secret-cinema-7-track-dystopian-playlist



This event looked so awesome! This is something that I hope another theatre troupe takes on and builds off of. What a spectacular show to take on the road.




"Have a better one!"

~ Kipple