News: What the Fear

'Resident Evil: Afterlife' Set Visit: Editor Niven Howie

Wed., May. 26, 2010 2:05 PM PDT , by Alyse Wax
Resident Evil Afterlife

3D looks really cool, but is it hard for a filmmaker to work in? I chatted with editor Niven Howie on the set of Resident Evil: Afterlife and he told me what it was like cutting his 3D teeth on such a beloved franchise. Hit the jump to find out what Howie had to say.

Is cutting for 3D more complicated than 2D?

Not really.  It really hasn't changed the way I work much.  The software on the Avid machine is very good, so it emulates the way I would normally work.  The only real difference is that I have a 3D screen off to one side.  Everything I watch in 2D, but then when I am ready I can watch it in 3D.  Any kind of layering or keying becomes more complicated because I am dealing with two eyes.

Is this your first time cutting in 3D?

Yes.  But this is my second Resident Evil film.  I also cut Dawn of the Dead.

Editors usually aren't on set.  Are you here just to chat with us or do they need your expertise on set?

I've found that, on the films I've worked on, they lean on me quite a lot to make sure I have everything I need on a particular set before they strike it.

How often do you have to say, "Wait, I need some more stuff on this set"?

On this one, it hasn't been bad.  I've done a few where it has been very tight.  You just watch shots and hope that it will all make sense - you don't have enough time for reshoots.  But this one has been pretty good.  Generally there has been a second unit working in case I need anything.

Is there Resident Evil pacing?

There certainly is pacing for Paul Anderson.  However, I think that we are slowing down a little for the 3D.  Normally, he likes edits that are very fast.  I just did Death Race for him, and we broke the records at the lab for the number of edits.  I think the average shot length was 1.2 seconds.   But this being 3D, Paul has definitely left the shots longer.  We do have closeups, but they are fewer and more far between than I am used to seeing [from him].

How hands-on is Paul in the edit bay?

Very.  He has definite ideas of how he wants it to look.  He trusts me to be laborious and go through the performances, but when it comes to choosing when to reveal something, he has written it.

Does the 3D format require any special hardware for the Avid?

We've had to get one of the largest servers I've ever had - 24 terabytes.   Usually we only have about 4 terabytes, but because we have two eyes in 3D, we have to do it at very high quality.

Read More
Filed under: resident evil: afterlife, Movies, niven howie, paul w.s. anderson, resident evil, milla jovovich
| Digg | Delicious | | |
// Next Story 'Splice' Things Up with Four New Clips \\ Previous Will Katie Return for 'Paranormal Activity 2'?