Categories
Into the Darkness

Into the Darkness – Behind the Scenes: Crafting Historical Authenticity in Production Design with Derek Meier

Into the Darkness: CJ Goodwyn’s Vision of Sherlock Holmes: Mare of the Night is a deep dive into the creative journey behind an ambitious reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes legacy. This 10-part podcast series will unravel the entire movie production process, offering listeners an insider’s look into the making of Sherlock Holmes Mare of the Night, a film that blends the mystique of classic Sherlock Holmes with a dark, supernatural twist. In episode 3, I am joined by Derek Meier, the ingenious production designer behind ‘Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night.’

Derek takes us on a detailed journey through his pivotal role, managing everything from set construction to wardrobe and sound. Discover the meticulous process of recreating a late 1800s Victorian setting for a Sherlock Holmes-themed film, including the challenges faced during period research and the innovative use of paintings and catalogs to ensure accuracy. Derek also sheds light on the film’s unique approach to Sherlock Holmes’s character, exploring deeper themes of PTSD and mental trauma. Additionally, this episode offers a profound look into the collaboration between directors and designers, highlighting the importance of research, set design, and color coordination in building an authentic narrative. Derek reveals his fascinating transition from mechanics and custom home building to theater and film production, sharing personal experiences from indie projects like ‘Eyes of a Roman’ and ‘Sherlock Nightmare.’ This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about the intricacies of production design and historical filmmaking.

Highlights include:

  • Role in ‘Mare of the Night’
  • Realism and Community Insights in Production
  • Understanding PTSD Through Historical Context
  • Research and Visual Development
  • On-set responsibilities and Pre-Production
  • Journey into Production Design

Resources:

Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night

On Facebook

TriGoodwyn Productions

 

Categories
Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country

Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country: Season 1: Derek Meier on Authentic Late Victorian Set Design in Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night

Welcome to Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country, where we dive deep into the heart of filmmaking in one of America’s most unique and captivating landscapes. From rolling hills and rustic towns to thriving cities and hidden gems, the Texas Hill Country offers endless inspiration for filmmakers, and we’re here to uncover every aspect. In this podcast, we’ll meet the passionate directors, cinematographers, screenwriters, and crews who bring their creative visions to life in this storied region. Join us as we explore the challenges, rewards, and unique stories that make filmmaking here an art of its own. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply curious about the world behind the camera, Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country promises to be your all-access pass to the vibrant filmmaking community of the Hill Country and beyond.

In this Season One, we will feature the production of the film Sherlock Holmes –  Mare of the Night, a TriGoodwyn production, headed by film-maker CJ Goodwyn. We will visit with Goodwyn, members of his crew, cast and production team. In this Episode 3, I visit with Derek Meier the Production designer who has made a significant impact on the film industry, Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night.

Meier discusses the varied roles he played on the set including Head of Wardrobe, Sound Operator, and Set Constructor. With a background in mechanics and extensive experience in home building and remodeling, Meier brought a practical and hands-on approach to his production design work. His dedication to authenticity and uniqueness is evident in his meticulous research and exploration of historical references, such as paintings and catalogs, to accurately capture the late Victorian style, avoiding more fantastical interpretations like steampunk. Meier’s comprehensive understanding of visual storytelling was shown through his strategic planning for set continuity and future scenes, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience for audiences.

Key highlights:

  • Authentic Late Victorian Set Design in Film
  • Unveiling the Psychological Depths of Sherlock Holmes
  • Set Production Designer: Crafting Visual Continuity Onset
  • Balancing Fan Expectations in Sherlock Holmes Adaptation

Resources:

Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night

On Facebook

TriGoodwyn Productions

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

Categories
Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country

Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country: Season 1: CJ Goodwyn on the Nightmare Within: Holmes’ Struggle with Inner Demons

Welcome to Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country, where we dive deep into the heart of filmmaking in one of America’s most unique and captivating landscapes. From rolling hills and rustic towns to thriving cities and hidden gems, the Texas Hill Country offers endless inspiration for filmmakers, and we’re here to uncover every aspect. In this podcast, we’ll meet the passionate directors, cinematographers, screenwriters, and crews who bring their creative visions to life in this storied region. Join us as we explore the challenges, rewards, and unique stories that make filmmaking here an art. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply curious about the world behind the camera, Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country promises to be your all-access pass to the vibrant filmmaking community of the Hill Country and beyond.

In this Season One, we will feature the production of the film Sherlock Holmes –  Mare of the Night, a TriGoodwyn production headed by filmmaker CJ Goodwyn. We will visit with CJ, members of his crew, the cast, and the production team. In episode 2, I visit with CJ Goodwyn about his latest film, Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night.

CJ Goodwyn is a filmmaker who brings a fresh perspective to the iconic character of Sherlock Holmes in his film “Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night.” CJ set out to investigate Holmes’ darker, more human sides, concentrating on the psychological toll that decades of dealing with heinous crimes would have on him. By incorporating characters like Inspector Lestrade and Conan Doyle and tying in the hidden meaning of “The Nightmare” painting, CJ cleverly intertwines fiction with historical elements to enrich the narrative. Despite working with a limited budget, he emphasizes psychological horror and authentic storytelling, creating relatable characters that resonate with audiences through genuine human experiences and internal struggles.

Key highlights:

  • Dark and Gritty Portrayal of Sherlock Holmes
  • Nightmare Painting Inspires Mayor of the Night
  • Narrative Depth through Psychological Horror Elements
  • Utilizing Natural Lighting and Fog Effects
  • Sherlock Holmes Film Expansion Strategy in the US

Resources:

Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night

On Facebook

TriGoodwyn Productions

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

Categories
Into the Darkness

Into the Darkness: Unmasking ‘Mare of The Night’: A Sherlock Holmes Reimagined with Filmmaker CJ Goodwyn

Into the Darkness: CJ Goodwyn’s Vision of Sherlock Holmes: Mare of the Night is a deep dive into the creative journey behind an ambitious reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes legacy. This 10-part podcast series will unravel the entire movie production process, offering listeners an insider’s look into the making of Sherlock Holmes Mare of the Night, a film that blends the mystique of classic Sherlock Holmes with a dark, supernatural twist.

Director CJ Goodwyn joins me in episode 2 to discuss the distinctive and melancholy reimagining of Sherlock Holmes, which shows him as a man coping with years of criminal horrors and psychological trauma.

Goodwyn offers a deep dive into his creative process and the symbolism behind the film’s title, inspired by the famous painting ‘The Nightmare.’ He also sheds light on his nuanced portrayal of Inspector Lestrade, transforming him from a bumbling sidekick to a richly developed character with a compelling backstory. The conversation further explores the technical and creative challenges in integrating psychological horror elements into the Sherlock Holmes universe while working with a limited budget, emphasizing the importance of impactful visuals, natural lighting, and authentic set design. Additionally, Goodwyn speaks about the thrilling final stages of production, highlighting the collaboration with composer Antonio on a hauntingly beautiful score and the contributions of core actors like Les Bess. As they gear up for the film’s premiere in San Antonio and subsequent nationwide rollout, Goodwyn shares insights into the excitement and challenges of bringing this controversial and gripping story to life.

Highlights Include:

  • Sherlock Holmes: A Real Person?
  • Lestrade’s Character Development
  • Challenges in Filmmaking
  • Crafting the Story: From Concept to Screenplay
  • Cinematography and Visual Atmosphere
  • Sound and Music: Setting the Tone
  • Collaborating with Actors

Resources:

Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night

On Facebook

TriGoodwyn Productions

Categories
Into the Darkness

Into the Darkness – Behind the Lens: CJ Goodwyn’s Cinematic Journey to Sherlock Holmes – Mare of the Night

Into the Darkness: CJ Goodwyn’s Vision of Sherlock Holmes: Mare of the Night is a deep dive into the creative journey behind an ambitious reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes legacy. This 10-part podcast series will unravel the entire movie production process, offering listeners an insider’s look into the making of Sherlock Holmes Mare of the Night, a film that blends the mystique of classic Sherlock Holmes with a dark, supernatural twist. In episode 1, we will discuss the Spark of Inspiration that led to Goodwyn’s original vision for a darker Holmes and the story’s evolution from concept to screenplay to film production to post-production to the Red Carpet.

Join host Tom Fox as he sits down with director CJ Goodwyn to explore his remarkable transition from a Hill Country upbringing to a thriving career in independent filmmaking. Goodwyn discusses how his passion for storytelling and acting resurfaced after his athletic pursuits ended, leading him to create his debut feature film, GH5, and its prequel, Jackson. This episode delves into the collaborative bonds formed with actors like Les Best, post-production challenges, and the intricate on-set processes such as fight choreography in his film ‘Eyes of a Roman.’ Hear about the realities of film distribution on platforms like Amazon Prime and Film Hub, the modest financial returns despite substantial viewership, and the lessons learned from producing three indie films. Goodwyn emphasizes the importance of patience, technical skills, and robust audio quality while advocating for better financial structures to support indie filmmakers.

Highlights Include:

  • The Joy of Filmmaking: On-Set Experiences
  • Teaching and Mentoring on Set
  • Challenges and Rewards of Filmmaking
  • Favorite Aspects of Filmmaking
  • Financial Realities of Indie Filmmaking
  • Technical Aspects: Lighting, Blocking, and Audio

Resources:

Sherlock Holmes-Mare of the Night

On Facebook

TriGoodwyn Productions

Mare of the Night Halloween Party – Tickets and Information