The Agency makes me happy! The video I selected does a good job expressing the reason why. Out of Paris France, The Agency is not your average indie rock band, but they do fit nicely in the pocket with any other critically acclaimed indie rockers. A high energy sound mixed with all the perfect gadgetry, which hits just when you think you’ve had enough. An escapade filled with lushes pop, and the moves and shakes to get you dancing. The Agency makes me smile, and I think they will do the same for you.

Broken Social Scene is one of the most inspiring acts of the last ten years. Their grand lineups and epic releases have given lift to a musical movement which now finds itself contending in the Zeitgeist. Their upcoming record titled Forgiveness Rock Record is sure to be another phenominal addition to a profound discography. Click the album cover to be routed to enter your email for the new single “World Sick.” Forgiveness Rock Record drops on Arts & Crafts Records May 4th.

Watching the video below was a wonderful way to start my morning. I have seen Andrew Bird Live a few times, and quite honestly I can’t think of a more impressive performer. Similar to Bird, Language of Kings serves up the same quality. Using a loop pedal looks like a bundle of fun, and Language nails it. Setting aside the way in which the sounds are being recorded, the music is good, its exceptionally good. As the minutes role I continue to hear Jon Brion, who does wonderful Motion Picture Score work. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind kept popping in my head, especially on the tune “Uprooting the Flora.” The images that swoon through the quirks behind my eyes are whimsical and sublime. I really dig Language of Kings AKA Mustafa Shaheen.

From Language of Kings MySpace Bio: ”I’m just an instrumentalist who writes lyrics every now and then. I like to experiment with the texture of tones and timbres and my heart has a deep romance with folk. I started playing drums in 2003 and since then, I’ve been learning as many instruments as I can. Through the magic art of capturing sound known as recording, I’ve been able to layer instrument upon instrument to create what you hear now. It’s a challenging process to be inventive but it’s also loads of fun. All I ask for is to please put on your headphones.”

Language of King’s Heavy Hands is available now.

Twilight Frequencies

You own a production equipment company. Can you give us an idea of what that entails, and how you incorporate that in your work on the set of a film?

Lawrence Daufenbach

I started up Daufenbach Camera, LLC in June of 2009. After finishing college and working for a year in the industry, I quickly began to grasp the inner and outer workings of how the business works.  Aspiring to be a narrative DP, I looked into camera equipment that could potentially bring in both jobs and a side income.  I had been following the Red One (made by Red Digital Cinema, founded by Jim Jannard of Oakley sunglasses) camera in its production stages, and when it was released in 2007, I realized filmmaking would forever be changed in the years ahead.  The Red One was the answer as an affordable, yet top of the line camera for filmmakers alike.  It has not only helped me start a business, but has given me a professional tool to create art, tell stories, and move lives.

Having a camera rental business also allows me to stay connected and network within the film industry, as I work amongst people day in and day out.

Twilight Frequencies

Recently, Daufenbach Camera received really good news about sponsorship. Tell us a little about what you will be doing for the “Midwest Film Festival.”

Lawrence Daufenbach

The Midwest Film Festival is a non-for-profit organization and is the only film festival in the country solely dedicated to the Chicago and Midwest filmmaker.  It’s a year long festival that takes place on the first Tuesday of every month, showcasing independent film. We (Daufenbach Camera) will be helping sponsor this event; promoting the independent filmmaker as well as our affordable equipment options for filmmakers alike.

Twilight Frequencies

Since the whole world is enamored with James Cameron’s Avatar, what was your impression of the film?

Lawrence Daufenbach

It is a huge achievement on many levels, but most particularly, in technology.  A film of this caliber would have cost many hundreds of millions of dollars more if this was attempted ten years prior.  3D technology has come along way since its birth, and Avatar does justice revealing this feat.

James Cameron was able to look through a camera, which on set consisted of actors in front of a green screen. He was able see the entire environment that surrounded them, all in a live feed. To me, that just sounds insanely complicated, and absolutely incredible.  Your seeing actors in real life and on the monitor they’re Na’vi and in the Pandora environment.

The Simulcam, a process that takes two different cameras both at different viewpoints, allowed the film to replicate what the human eye views in 3 dimension.  It allows us to feel like we are there, and a part of the film, it becomes a reality.

From a story element, I found it very creative and engaging.  The world the Na’vi live in is extraordinary, and as noted in the news, it seems only natural that many Americans are depressed after seeing it.  Who wants to leave such a captivating world?  I also enjoyed the very Starship Trooper esque militant force.  There were a few one-liners I didn’t exactly care for; however, I think generally speaking, it was balanced to appeal to a diverse grouping of audiences.

to be continued…

Photo by Lawrence Daufenbach

Twilight Frequencies

How did you land the job? What’s that process like?

Lawrence Daufenbach

Landing this job and landing any job in the film industry is primarily luck and being in the right place at the right time.  Michigan has been booming over the last two years, as their tax incentives have drawn a large number of films to the state.  Over the last year I had been thinking about changing my Union local address from Chicago to Michigan, since there is more of an incentive to hire Michigan locals.  When I found out about Trust in the Michigan production listings in mid October, I thought I would give Peter Kuttner a call(Peter is a Chicago First AC who I had been talking back and forth with over the last year). It just so happened that he had been hired on as the First AC (camera assistant in top position in camera department) and was looking to hire a Michigan local.  On that note, I affirmed my decision to change my Union (Local 600) address and landed the job shortly after.

Twilight Frequencies

Do you think Hollywood has hit bottom in terms of originality? In your opinion are the best sources of good film in lower budget projects?

Lawrence Daufenbach

Well they say there are only seven basic story plots, but how you reinvent each one of them is what makes each film unique.  However, there are so many factors that go into a film besides the story (actors, lighting, camera movement, production design, editing) that in my opinion it leaves endless means for originality.   It really depends on how you’re looking at a film. I may find innovative cinematography in a film that’s story is quite similar to that of another. While yes the story may be a tougher element to be original, as a whole, films will continue to evolve.

Twilight Frequencies

I believe you graduated from the University of Columbia? What was that experience like for you? Did it square you away with opportunities when you graduated?

Lawrence Daufenbach

Correction, I graduated from Columbia College Chicago, often confused with University of Columbia in New York.  However while both schools have a film program, CCC has one of the biggest, and most involved film programs in the country.  At CCC, I was in their four-year film program where I concentrated in cinematography.  Most of the classes are very hands on, which allowed me to learn both more visually and artistically.  The also have a lot of cameras and equipment, which is what a lot of other film schools are lacking.  I was happy to learn on film and work with a lot of 16mm and 35mm cameras, including Arri, Panavision, and Aaton camera systems.

There are definitely opportunities that I had coming out of college, and it was primarily because of the work that I put in at school.  The more projects you work on and the more involved you are with the film program, the more you network, and the more likely you’ll continue working.  My first feature film, Chicago Overcoat, I got onto as a film loader and I would say that was primarily because I had been working on a lot of films at Columbia and building a network of friends and co-workers.

Twilight Frequencies

What’s it like filming in Chicago?

Lawrence Daufenback

Cold, bloody cold.  No, but Chicago is a great city.  There are a lot of interesting and diverse locations.  I find there to be a certain passion and aliveness here that I haven’t found in a lot of cities.

Twilight Frequencies

What films have you written and developed?

Lawrence Daufenbach

The last short I Co-wrote and directed was in college, titled, “My Friend Leopold”.  You may be able to hunt down a low-res version on YouTube.  I do have a project that I will be developing over the next few years. However, for now I mainly spend most of my time focused on cinematography and expanding my career as a DP (director of photography).

Twilight Frequencies

Is there a particular genre of film you’re partial to, and why?

Lawrence Daufenbach

I enjoy watching all genres of films, however I am probably most drawn to dramas and human-interest films.  The types of films that make you stop and think about different aspects of culture, society, and life.  From a more visual approach, dramas also tend to allow for a more artistic and creative style.  As a cinematographer, this is where I can push boundaries and create certain looks for a film.

Twilight Frequencies

What is the one thing vital to your work on a project other than gear? Is it     communication, solid direction, a lucky charm, etc?

Lawrence Daufenbach

It’s always good to have some inspiration with any given film, commercial, etc.  While working with a director, I like to find artwork (often paintings) that help inspire a certain look, mood, or style any given film is going to have.

to be continued….

Drinking my coffee this morning I was checking over my emails, working the site, prepping new stories, and I had a new message from Lawrence Daufenbach, who is our featured Artist this week for film. In yesterdays post we introduced him, and showed his Reel & Bio. Today we look at part one of the interview and as it turns out, he emailed me to share his latest Reel. We will premiere his new montage on Friday as the finale to this amazing week. Also, this story will be in print for 180 magazine which hits the streets on Friday with a big release party. This has been a tremendous time for me to share with all of you, and to get an insiders take on the process of movie making.

Part 1

“I fly the morning skies and walk invisibly through the jungle floor.” Lawrence Daufenbach

While talking with Lawrence Daufenbach, it was easy for me to tell how much imagination and insight he has on the world of film. On an individual level he is doing plenty to make a name for himself. He is clearly not against the system or the grain of Hollywood, but rather he embraces the reality of the industry he is a part of. This is one of the many qualities this young filmmaker has to offer. He is a creative person first, not getting lost in opinion or chatter, but seeming to believe that any situation has potential to be something wonderful.

Recently he finished work on a new independent film called “Trust.” Among the several topics we cover, Lawrence shares what it was like working on the film, and gives us a brief rundown on his camera production companies (Daufenbach Camera) official sponsorship of the Midwest Film Festival. Along with his own personal work, he also talks about Avatar, music, and his preference between Bill Murray and Chevy Chase. I was impressed with the amount of knowledge I took away from my short moments corresponding with Lawrence. It was a pleasure I will not soon forget.

Twilight Frequencies

This new film has yet to be released, what can you tell us about story, and who’s in it?

Lawrence Daufenbach

“Trust” is a story that was co-written by David Schwimmer and Andy Bellin.  The film takes place in a modern day setting and is about a teenage girl who is targeted by an online sexual predator.  Liana Liberato plays the lead girl and Clive Owen and Catherine Keener play her parents in the movie.  Much of the film deals with the aftermath of rape, and the psychological effects it has on the family as they struggle through the traumatic event.

Twilight Frequencies

Clive Owen? Being a big fan of the film “Children of Men” I have to ask what he is like in person. I think he’s such a good actor.

Lawrence Daufenbach

Clive takes his job very seriously.  On set, he very much is in a zone and doesn’t spend too much time interacting outside from that.  He is however a very friendly and approachable person.  At our wrap party he spoke highly of “Children of Men”, calling it an “incredible film”.

Twilight Frequencies

Did you get to work with David Schwimmer? How was it?

Lawrence Daufenbach

Yes, I was on set everyday with David, who was really great to work with.  David was a very friendly director, and had a genuine passion for the film. He is a director and spokesperson for the Rape Treatment Center in Los Angeles. I can only hope this film aids both his work and helps many women who are put into these situations.

Twilight Frequencies

What do you do on set? Being young and relatively new do you feel pressure, or does that motivate you even more to do well?

Lawrence Daufenbach

I was part of the camera department as the film loader, and would often step in to help 2^nd AC (assistant camera) at times.  I definitely have felt pressure towards the beginning, however it does motivate me to do an even better job.  It is amazing to see the level of professionalism and motivation that goes into a film set, and working under Director of Photography Andrzej Sekula (Pulp Fiction) and 1^st AC, Peter Kuttner (Betty Anne Water, The Express) was inspiring.

Twilight Frequencies

Walk us through a day on the set of “Trust.” Lets say you were documenting the making of the film, what would that look like? How would you approach conveying the experience?

Lawrence Daufenbach

“Trust” was shot mainly in Ann Arbor and Plymouth, MI.  It was a fairly low-key shoot with a friendly and enjoyable crew.  At the beginning of every day we take the shuttle in from our hotel and get to set by call time, which changes on any given day, depending on the hours prior.  You’re pretty much locked into the schedule the film makes, which can change on a day-to-day, or hour-to-hour basis.  Being part of the camera crew, it’s our job the get the camera built and ready to go for shooting.  This means making sure we have film loaded on the camera, the first lens of the day up, and all the necessary back up equipment and film ready and standing by.  Generally most days last twelve hours, however we did have a number of long 13-15 hour days as well, which is pretty awesome in comparison to a lot of films.  It’s always part real, part dream, anytime I am away working on a feature.  You live day in and out on set, and are creating a story, often unaware of the world during that time, except for the few hours of sleeping in between each busy, packed day.  For the most part spirits were high throughout the film; with a majority Michigan based crew.  Most of our days ended conversing and enjoying a local brew in downtown Ann Arbor.  I find that movies in the Midwest are a lot more enjoyable to work on in general.  There a different attitude about movie making then you get in L.A.

to be continued…

When the wind swirls the sand through the triangles in the sky, the background on the walk toward that image is Lonely London Lad. A mysterious psychedelic escapade baring visual fruits to the minds while it trips over and over again. If you enjoy the journey which takes you away from realities into the subconscious, Lonely London Lad is the band for you. Its an experimental piece of work mixed with rock, and electronic blossoms – delightful, dark, and profound.

You can purchase, or listen to clips of their double self titled record, and their newest release called Foaming at the Mouth, along with a variety of super groovy swag here – they have it all.

The first video from the group Royal Bangs. If you haven’t heard “War Bells” its imperative you have a listen. This is one of the best tracks from 2009. Its off the record Let It Bleep, which I have on my top 20 list from last year. Directed by Brandon Blommaert

On March 9, Arts & Crafts records will release Jason Collett’s Rat A Tat Tat. Click here for a free download of the song “Love Is A Dirty Word.”