Paul Innes
Title: TBD
Style: Observational and expository documentary
Synopsis
Artist spotlight on local Paul Innes – his paintings, style, Scottish roots, moving to Australia, and what motivates him to keep painting. The film revolves around one painting that Paul is working on to display in his house - something he has wanted to do since most of his art is sold and isn’t seen again.
The Story
“I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
Follow Paul Innes as he finds his artistic voice while creating his latest abstract art. Paul likes to be different. His art is. Drawing on inspiration from his early years in Scotland, family history, and the Australian Lifestyle. As we watch Paul’s methods we also get to know what motivates him to paint and why he what is his connection with abstract art.
Paul searching for his artistic voice. Not wanting to waste time and simply just create. Doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to speak to me. Don’t be afraid to keep pushing the image, constantly adding layers or tearing it down to create something more. A bit similar to Paul’s life so far. Too many years playing it safe and nice, a contrast to his art that is nothing by nice and safe. Paul pushes the boundaries to get you thinking. Often drawing on his Scottish roots in Fife using his family heritage as a source ion inspiration and motivation. Seeking for something different.
Abstract
A visual representation can convey a complex idea or emotion more effectively than a lengthy verbal explanation. A painting, as a type of picture, tells a story, evokes feelings, and can communicate ideas without needing to be described in detail. It captures a moment, a feeling, or an idea in a way that resonates with the viewer on a personal level.
Paul’s paintings develop slowly—he starts with rough sketches, adds several layers of acrylic paint, then finishes with thick oil paint. His work celebrates local scenes—landscapes, still life, and abstracts—through the eyes of an artist just beginning his career.
The approach
The plan for capturing this story includes:
Paul’s painting method in a Cinema Vérité style as he paints and gathers inspiration
Paul POV of the environment as he travels to a spot to paint CU of elements and SFX
Reveal painting at home - just for him?
Filmed at three places that capture Paul's environment.
Paul's studio
Paul’s house
In nature - beach landscape
Style
Cinema Verité: Paul painting, and Paul in the environment he is immersed in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSr6OsOl6Is
Unique frames and movement: Attaching the camera to moving objects to immerse viewers into Paul’s studio. These are interesting insert shots of objects and POV + whip pans to show movement in the studio. Stylised shots of Paul painting and artistry in recreating his emotions nd feelings when painting. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6Umg2PBF7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Still life/stylised landscapes: Filming the beach, nature reserves and cityscapes where Paul gets inspiration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOYrpk-A45s
Archive stills: Imbed archive photos in film emulation of Paul’s history.
Interview
Samples
Potential Scenes
I will be capturing Paul in three different scenes that are local to Paul’s house and studio. See test examples below from recce.
Painting at the beach
Paul going out to paint landscape
Paul painting at landscape spot
Landscape features - visual
Paul going into studio to paint
Paul painting in studio
Paul looking at older paintings
Features of painting - quick cuts of process
Paul at home - activities
Paul looking at photos
Photo frames
Paul playing guitar
Looking at sketch work and paintings
Sketching
Looking at sculpture work
Interview
Paul putting up painting
Audio
Music and sound effects are important in telling this story. It should be subtle but part of the important for the mood and pace.
Ambient classical music with old acoustic guitar solos to create a calm and meditative mood that accompanies the visuals and story.
SFX for the intense painting CU and travelling to the coast.
Paul to play a solo guitar.
Interview and voice over.
Producer Statement
This is an art film that showcases local abstract landscape painter, Paul Innes. This is a pilot for a series of documentary stories showcasing other artists who have migrated to Australia. This is a passion project and self funded.
It is aimed at adults of all abilities who have wanted to take up painting but have always shied away from it because of their age and cultural barriers. It seeks to inspire everyone to never give up on their dreams and passion.
The production should be simple yet authentic, reflecting the true art of painting without feeling commercial. This means a small team and small gear list. The project's theme revolves around inclusiveness, highlighting its artistic value and emotional empathy. It offers a documentary narrative that explores various aspects, making it accessible to everyone.
Timeline:
Pre production (September) - Scripting
Production (October to December)
Interview and Music (Early October)
Painting Part 1 (November to December)
Beach Coastal painting (November to December)
Painting Part 2 (November to December)
Post production (January to March) - Editing and Colour
Distribution - ABC Art, local festivals and screenings, FilmSupply, and Vimeo Staff Picks.
Director/DOP Statement
The Director aims to show a natural feel to the images. Floaty hand held when capturing the characters and artwork to match the artwork and Paul’s character. Tripod for inserts and establishing shots. Paul’s studio requires more creative movement, unique angles, and wider lenses. For some shots we will anchor the camera to objects to get an interesting perspective and immerse audiences into the scene.
This is a two to three camera team using cine vintage lenses for a rough messy image. Sony FX3 is the camera of choice for its fun-frame quality and user-friendly size. Filmed mostly at 25fps, with some shots at 50fps and slow shutter speeds to enhance certain activities in the studio. We'll pair it with SLR Magic Micro Prime cine lenses (21mm, 35MM and 50mm) for a unique vintage feel. The SLR Magic Wide 15mm to be used for interesting POV shots of the painting scenes.
External shot will be planned to film at the best times of the day ie golden hour. Interiors will be shot during middle of the day and we will replicate a morning/afternoon look by lighting outside. The lighting will be far side moody lighting. Melancholic colours with the paintings to have the splashes of colour in the frame. We want to limit crew size so it feels more intimate. A lot of negative fill and blocking out windows that are not in the frame. We will motivate light through windows and practicals. An overhead light will serve as the main light on the subject, while spotlight fixtures to replicate sunlight.