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Meet the talent - David Russell, Hollywood blockbuster and hit game veteran concept and storyboard artist and author.
David is one of Hollywood's leading concept and storyboard artists having worked on numerous films including Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Empire of the Sun, Batman, Terminator II; Judgement Day, Tombstone, The Thin Red Line, Moulin Rouge, Master and Commander and the Chronicles of Narnia. He has also good experience of games with credits on HitMan 2 and The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. He is looking to extend his work in games and is available for short and long term contracts in Europe, the USA and Australia.
1. Tell us about some of the hit films you have worked on in Hollywood?
What
was your role and how did you help bring success to these blockbusters?
-Well, I've been fortunate to work on a number of very imaginative and
successful films. A short list would include Return of the Jedi, Who Framed
Roger Rabbit?, Terminator 2, Moulin Rouge and The Lion, the Witch, and
the
Wardrobe. In all of these films, I worked as a storyboard artist and concept
illustrator, enhancing the power of the script, and creating new and dynamic
film imagery. Directors know that, no matter what the genre or storyline, I
will consistently deliver strong and memorable film sequences and powerful,
eye-catching designs.
2. How are your skills in film transferable
to the video games market, and what should game developers be looking
for in a concept and storyboard specialist?
-I've worked periodically in the games market for almost ten
years,
beginning with Brilliant Digital's 1998 Gravity Angels, Australia's first
interactive 3D film. Games companies recognise that my strong design skills
and storytelling ability are directly transferable to the games medium.
I
guess it helps that I'm a fervent game player myself! My background in
comics and fantasy and science fiction literature is another bonus. Finally,
I am also a writer, and I think the best illustrators need this skill in
their toolkit.
3. How can game developers learn from the way the
film industry produces films?
-It goes without saying that the two industries influence one another,
both
in style and content.. Still, I would say that filmmakers do control very
specialised and complex storytelling skills. In my particular field, it
has
been my experience that games productions can be hugely improved by
integrating film storytelling and design dynamics. Many games fail to
capture the player's imagination in part because of these missing elements.
In game development, I do try and use every storytelling technique I've
learned over the years to make the each game project more vibrant and
powerful, and this can often be accomplished through intensive
storyboarding.
4. What games have you worked on and what have you
learnt from these projects?
-Both Knights of the Temple and The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From
Butcher Bay were challenging and enjoyable projects. I was mostly involved
in creating storyboards for these games. Productions such as these (like
many games) have a certain dreamlike quality, something you don't often
get
in film. Besides, I like flat-out action storytelling.
5. Why do you now prefer working in the games market
compared to film?
-Look, I love filmmaking, but the quality of film design has definitely
dropped in recent years--the exact opposite of what's been happening in
games. Also, I like working outside of the corporate loop, and a lot
of
film productions are stuck in this rut. In the end, though, the games
development storylines tend to be stronger, the chances of creating new
and
powerful images greater, and the people are more fun and dedicated than
the
majority of film workers. There's that other quality that a lot of film
producers still don't quite understand: games allow you total immersion
in
the story.
6. What attracted you to work with 1 Game Agent?
-Your obvious professionalism and knowledge of the field.
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Check David's online portfolio at www.dynamicimagesdr.com
What do clients say about David Russell?
"Storyboarding is a very integral part of my filmmaking process.
I storyboard as much as possible, and at a very early stage. Not only
does it
help me to be able to plan out my action sequences, but it allows my crew
to
know exactly what I need from them... David Russell has an amazing ability
to quickly transfer my ideas into visual images."
MARTIN CAMPBELL,
Director (The Mask of Zorro, Goldeneye, Vertical Limit)
"The storyboard and the storyboard artist is a collaboration where
you can pre-articulate exactly the coverage you are wanting to achieve,
which to me is essential for particularly complex physical sequences. David
is extraordinarily gifted in his ability to realize on paper a sequence
shot by shot with very little direction."
BAZ LUHRMANN, Director (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge)
"Storyboards have been critical to the successful planning of such
films as the Star Wars series... David Russell shows a clear mastery of
the craft."
ROBERT WATTS, Producer (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,
The Empire Strikes Back)
David Russell is available for hire through 1 Game Agent. Please contact David Smith for further details. 1 Game Agent charges no introduction fee.