Welcome to the second installment of our blog series! In this entry, I delve into the production process of my first feature-length film as a director, Bringing Back Golden Eye, and share my perspective on the filming journey. If you missed the first part, where I covered the pre-production phase, you can catch up here.
Bringing Back Golden Eye was released online on 25th August 2021 and is available to watch now for free. Here’s a brief synopsis of the film:
"Bringing Back Golden Eye is the sequel to the first-ever video game mockumentary, 'Going for Golden Eye', released in 2017. After watching 'Going for Golden Eye', video game enthusiast and GoldenEye 007 fanboy Glenn (Gabe Cagan) embarks on a mission to uncover more about the infamous GoldenEye World Championships and its notorious 19-time champion, Ethan Bellénd (Dan Bruce). However, the championships have ended, and Ethan has vanished. Glenn must now go on an epic, unnerving journey to bring back GoldenEye."
Block 1 of Filming: The GoldenEye Championship Stage (2019)
As mentioned at the end of part one, I was about to face some of the most challenging filming days of my career. Our first filming block—the inaugural shoot for the entire film—focused on the most ambitious and intricate scenes: the GoldenEye World Championship stage!
We had nearly 100 supporting artists in the audience, over 15 cast members, and 20+ crew members, with just two days to capture a vast amount of content. The complexity of these championship scenes stemmed from shooting from two distinct perspectives: a ‘mockumentary’ point of view and a ‘live broadcast’ point of view. This required careful consideration of camera angles and precise placement of our primary ‘doc cam’ to effectively capture the action both on stage and in the audience.
The on-stage action was equally intricate. We had pre-recorded GoldenEye multiplayer gameplay displayed on a large screen, which the cast and supporting artists pretended to interact with. The stage antics included everything from sandwiches being thrown to impromptu streakers and physical altercations, creating a dynamic and unpredictable environment.
Fortunately, I was well-prepared. I meticulously planned with detailed shot lists, floor plans, and script notes, and ensured that our actors were well-rehearsed and familiar with their roles. I was also fortunate to work with an exceptional team, including my Director of Photography, Alex Veitch, and Assistant Directors Josie Connor, Elliot Nelson, and Max Goldberg. Their expertise was invaluable in navigating these demanding days of filming and ensuring we captured everything within our tight schedule.
I could highlight every individual who contributed to the smooth running of these days, but it would make for a very lengthy blog! Instead, I’ll simply say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved—your efforts were crucial to the film’s success.
Biggest Challenge from Block 1 of Filming
The most significant challenge in this block was managing the ‘Duncan reveal’ sequence. This pivotal moment involved the character Duncan revealing his identity to those on stage, then making his way through the audience to confront Ethan. This complex sequence required careful blocking and camera positioning to ensure it made sense narratively and visually.
We broke the sequence into manageable parts to facilitate smoother execution for both cast and crew. This approach proved effective, and the sequence came together seamlessly in the edit. We adopted this strategy for other long, complex sequences in subsequent blocks.
Blocks 2 & 3 of Filming: Completing "Bringing Back GoldenEye" (2019)
After wrapping up our first block in May 2019, we took a break until September 2019 to continue filming. This delay was due to various factors, including refining the script, scouting locations, casting additional roles, and scheduling.
As before, I came prepared, having shot listed and drafted floor plans for each scene and conducted extensive rehearsals with the cast. Alex Veitch returned as our Director of Photography, capturing the mockumentary style with flair. Alex's quick zooms and dynamic camera work added depth to the characters’ emotions, enhancing the overall feel of the film.
Blocks 2 and 3 were a whirlwind of activity and excitement. The fast-paced nature of filming led to daily fits of laughter, with the cast frequently surprising me with their improvisational humor. It was an exhilarating experience, and despite the intense pace, it was immensely enjoyable.
Biggest Challenge of Blocks 2 & 3
The toughest part of these blocks was filming the backstage scenes of the championship. The real backstage areas were unsuitable, so we had to find alternative locations. The tight spaces posed challenges for positioning our ‘doc cam’ and cast members, necessitating extensive blocking and rehearsal to capture the scenes effectively.
Block 4 of Filming: Pick-Ups and Re-Shoots (2020)
Originally, we hadn't planned a fourth filming block. However, as I reviewed the edit with editor Lucas Roche in 2020, it became clear that additional footage was needed to enhance the film’s narrative and character arcs. In this final block, writer/producer Jim Miskell and I crafted a new ending and revisited some locations with most of the main cast.
Returning to filming after nearly a year was a surreal experience, but it was wonderful to reconnect with the team. Unfortunately, some crew members, including Alex Veitch, were unavailable. Jenni Suitiala stepped in as our Director of Photography and seamlessly continued Alex’s role, capturing the mockumentary style with skill and enthusiasm.
Shooting during the Covid-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity. We had to adapt our procedures to ensure everyone’s safety, including wearing masks on set, which made communication more challenging. Despite these hurdles, we managed to film effectively and had a great time doing it.
Biggest Challenge of Block 4
One challenge was filming multiple versions of some scenes. For instance, we shot two versions of a new opening sequence depicting a late-90s gamer’s lounge—one with our main character Glenn and one without. I was initially undecided on which version would work best, so we filmed both to decide in the edit. I even made a cameo in the alternate version, adding a personal touch to the film.
GoldenEye Crew Forever!
The entire filming process was an incredible experience, filled with camaraderie and joy. It was bittersweet when it all came to an end, and I still cherish the memories. Even now, I frequently encounter crew members on different projects, and our conversations often circle back to our time on "Bringing Back GoldenEye." The special nature of that experience remains a cherished part of my journey.
To Be Continued...!
As one chapter closed, another began with post-production. Stay tuned for part 3 (coming soon!), where I’ll dive into the editing process, working remotely with editor Lucas Roche during the Covid lockdown, collaborating with composer Grant Kirkhope, animator Yoshi Vu, and much more!
Also, check out the Bringing Back Golden Eye YouTube channel for more content including GoldenEye Let’s Plays, music videos and trailer.
Dan Guest
Director
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