5. When we talk about "poorly framed shots" I must defend the choices of world-class Cinematographer Jeff Barklage. We specifically and purposefully worked toward artistic composition found in modern artwork and the understood cinema rules around position instead of just framing actors in the horrific middle-of-screen position done in TOS. Much like my choice to do this episode in 4:3, my intent, due to the nature of the script, was to emphasize the performance of the actors at every step; to engage them and connect them more with the audience. Splitting the screen in the middle actually disconnects actors from THEMSELVES in a scene - and thus the viewer. So, we did purposeful avoidance of center-screen composition not just because it serves the story better, but because it just looks aweful. The "wasted space" is actually called negative space and, especially in the example you have of McCoy's salute, would have no ability to be framed had there been no such space - or the camera or focal length of the lens would be so removed from our characters as to lose the moment. And just as a correction, there is no Steadicam work in this film.//quote]
And here I will admit I was completely wrong. I re-watched the episode with Daren Dochterman's effects the other day, and having read your initial comments beforehand, I did recognize exactly what you describe. It's a powerfully subtle but also direct way to further drive home what's going on and I'm honestly a little embarrassed that I didn't catch it the first time around.
6. Spock's self-mind-meld is a wonderful device we came up with which is the last-resort of Spock to try to find his friend in the psychic link, since he had no other way to get in touch with his friend. Naturally, since no one had ever thought of such a thing, to have your concern about it is a wonderful win for myself as a story-teller given that, as a device, the intention was to wake viewers up and engage their minds...which clearly in your case (and so many others who have voiced concern and glee) we succeeded. As a plot link, it opens up an entire new world to the relationship of Spock and Kirk. Thanks for noticing all. Por Todo Gracias.
I can see how that might make sense. To me, it felt a little odd, but I also will admit that this might just be due to how I've always perceived the mind melds to work. Reaching out with your hand and fingers to another person strengthens the telepathic connection to that person because they're not you. It seemed like it was overkill for Spock to do this since he is in fact himself. Given the mitigating circumstances you describe, and which we are seeing on screen though, as I said, in that context I can see why you might make this particular choice.
7. I defend my friend Tobias Richter's work as superior to anything in the JJ verse or ANY verse. His work is superior and non-derivative.
I will absolutely concur that Tobias Richter's work is stunning and quite masterful. I don't know enough about visual effects to claim any kind of expertise in the area, but I know what works and I know what I like, and I know that every frame of footage I've seen of Tobias' work has always worked and I've always liked it.
8. And I know as much fun as it is to continue harping on the Vic/James issues, both men are personal friends of mine. Although I was the Post Supervisor and final editor on Kitumba, I was not allowed jurisdiction on Vic's directorial placement in that movie - the position of which I feel badly about.
You'll have to let me apologize for that comment if you interpreted it as being directed toward you. It was not. In the lead-up to Kitumba's release, a big stink was made here on this board (which I willingly participated) over the issue because I thought it entirely unprofessional and regardless of the circumstances, unfair to Vic to have his credit listed that way when every single New Voyages and Phase II episode before (and now, after) listed their director credit at the head of the episode (save "To Serve All My Days," which apparently had no director credit at all.) This was my (perhaps too) snarky way of commenting on the issue without going into further specifics.
However, as director on Mind-Sifter I did request (as was my right to request) the director single title card. As surely as I would not slight James, I would not slight Vic. Both men are involved in making the world a better place via productions surrounding IDIC. I salute them both. My credit should be considered to be solely a record of my involvement, and it has no bearing on anything else...well...okay...except that I'm proud of it as well.
And I totally support all of that. And you have every right to be proud of your achievement here.
9. I'm afraid you are incorrect. That is, in fact K-7. Please see Kitumba and other episodes.
I realized this also -- someone else commented earlier that the "K-8" I spotted was in fact a "K-B," wherein the "K-7" was difficult to discern in that particular shot. (This is me eating my words. Yum!)
10. Thank you for catching the McCoy continuity. I'll fix that for any BD/DVD release!
11. Thanks too for noticing my other childhood dream...ahem...of the all female night shift. OH MY!!
I'll also confirm that THT is well on its way to being a similarly successful and emotionally riveting STNV film. And again, thank you SO MUCH for your wonderful review and careful consideration. I wish more reviewers were as concise and will written and read as you.
IDIC in all things.
Mark Edward Lewis
I am quite looking forward to both "The Holiest Thing" and "Bread and Savagery" as well as all the future episodes and vignettes New Voyages/Phase II will release. Again I'll say that it's a pleasure to watch these, even if I'm critical about them (whether fairly or not) and I appreciate greatly your taking the time to respond.
