Rise of the Ninja

Ninjago from Christie Glynn on Vimeo.

Partnership for a Cauliflower-free America

Cauliflower from Christie on Vimeo.

Huck Finn & Friends: The making of a movie short

The director of March of the Penguin and Baby and Babies Meet Jaws: When Jaws returns to the Willamette met with us to discuss her latest projects as the filming for Babies Meet Jaws wrapped. Here's what she had to say.

You've recently completed two projects with Henry Finn. Where do you find the time?
That can be tricky. But being a stay-at-home mom-director helps. For the most part I'm able to work around Henry Finn's schedule. On the rare occasion we have to shoot into nap time, well, you saw the result of that in March of the Penguin and Baby.

Are you referring to the general crankiness exhibited by Henry Finn on that shoot?
Yes. He was certainly unhappy. Consider the extreme temperature, the fact that he had to eat ice cubes for sustenance during the project, and that his costar was an uncommunicative penguin. That would make the best of us a little cranky.
Your latest project introduces the first of perhaps many leading ladies for Henry Finn. What was it like working with two babies?
A blast. I enjoy Henry, of course, but working with Avery was a dream. I believe she's a student of method acting and it showed in her performance. I'd love to work with her again.

Both babies seemed genuinely happy to be on set and working with each other. Were there any fireworks between the two?
There really was chemistry on the set. From the beginning, they were casting shy glances at each other and reaching out to one another. It was sweet.
What about the sun? Were there any concerns about sun damage due to the long shooting schedule?
Unlike Henry's previous movie shorts, this project did require shooting over a period of two days. We took the appropriate steps to ensure both babies were well protected against the elements. I believe Miss Avery was wearing California Baby sunscreen and Henry was using sunscreen from the Mustela line. We worked as fast as we could to get the shots needed and get the kids back under cover. And, as you saw in the film, when not in the shade both babies were wearing hats.
And how was it working with a Hank Toothsome on the Jaws remake?
Hank is a really great shark. Absolutely professional. He's been staying with us since signing on to do this project and he and Henry have formed a great bond. He doesn't mind pitching in to help. With Beauty the wonder dog walking alongside him and Hank pushing the stroller, there aren't many dangers that could come to Henry when he goes for a walk in the park.
We actually have a clip of three of you when you finished wrapping. Here's what Hank had to say about his day on set.

Hank Toothsome Interview from Christie on Vimeo.

Movie Short: Monsieur Henry, KickyBaby & Jaws

Huck Finn Meets His Doom (again) from Christie on Vimeo.

Movie Short: Monsieur Henry & Penguin

The second of many to come. Look for the documentary on the making of the documentary to follow.

Huck Finn & Godzilla: The making of a movie short

We recently had an opportunity to sit down with the director of Huck Finn Meets His Doom: When Godzilla Comes to Town for a question and answer session about the making of her first movie short starring up-and-coming star, Henry Finn. Here's what she had to say.

How do you get Henry Finn to participate on such a project?
I'll admit it isn't easy. And, yeah, it helps if you can have a big, plastic, bouncy cow nearby to keep Henry's attention. A little flattery goes a long way. That, and cash, giant stacks of cash. But seriously, I think Henry is sometimes bored enough to jump in and try something new. There are certainly hundreds of toys in his room he hasn't been introduced to yet. This is an opportunity to do so in a new and exciting way, which, let's face it, is great because odds are it's going to tire him out and help him slip into a nice long nap.
What do you enjoy the most about working with Henry?
His passion. It's clear he enjoys acting. Plus, the camera loves him. Even "bad" shots are great and tell a story.
What's a typical day of shooting like?
With babies you're shooting on a much tighter schedule. You just don't have the opportunity to complete multiple takes. You have to make sure all your ducks are in a row, so to speak, before you begin so that you can capture the shot the first time. The first step is to get your supplies in order, what you are going to need for the scene you are preparing to shoot.
Of course, then you need to get to wardrobe so the actor to get into the costume that has been selected.
In Huck Finn Meets His Doom we had to do a little costume adjustment because Henry was a touch on the slim side and we noticed his pants kept falling down. In a comedy we might have been able to use that but for this piece his pants dropping around his ankles just wouldn't have worked.
And then it's on to hair and makeup.
Once those are done, you're ready to roll.
And when the movie short wraps? What happens then?
Not surprisingly I think Alfred and Henry Finn will have a lasting friendship. This was the first project for both of them and they bonded over the experience. As Huck, Henry really nailed the sense of trepidation and fear one would experience when in a town where Godzilla is roaming the streets. But as soon as I yelled "Cut" the two of them were chumming it up for the set photographer.
So, we should expect to see Henry Finn in future movie short projects?
Absolutely.

Movie Short: Monsieur Henry & Godzilla

The first of many to come. Look for the documentary on the making of the film to follow.

Huck Finn Meets His Doom from Christie on Vimeo.