The Blog

Through the Looking Glass # 3 : Little Rascals

By On March 8, 2011 In Experiment With Comments Off Permanent Link to Through the Looking Glass # 3 : Little RascalsPermalink


I recently acquired, thanks to my partner in crime Daniel Messier, a Canon 5D Mark II to serve as a second unit in a new film that I was hired to direct.
Anyhow the filming came and went and I didn’t have a chance to really test my camera, in my own wacky way.
So, when my brother and his friends were looking for some liquor on a Friday night, I thought this was a perfect time to capture that moment in time where kids are meant to be charmingly mischievous.

Subjects: Nicolás Yernazian
Levon Shant Abrahamian
Steve Kechichian
Chris Boyadjian

Composer : Michael Masley
Original Song: “Cave Anthem” Cav3 (aka Caveman) Sticks and Stones © 2003
Directed, Shot & Chopped: Martín Yernazian
Recorded with Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 20mm 3.5f
2011 © Atorrante Films. All right reserved

M

Through the Looking Glass # 2 : The Last Drive

By On February 2, 2011 In Experiment With Comments Off Permanent Link to Through the Looking Glass # 2 : The Last DrivePermalink

An awesome experience once again, we decided to tell the story of a Ford Ranchero and his owner Sero, who due to his financial situation must get rid of his precious ride.
We wanted to tell the story from the car’s point of view (if the car was alive and conscious) to add that element of magical realism that we thrive here in Atorrante.

Subjects: Sero Kassabian & Ford Ranchero
Ford Ranchero’s voice: Daniel Messier
Production & Words: Levon Shant Demirjian
Music Supervisor & Percussion : Michael Masley
Production Manager: Nicolas Yernazian
Cinematography: Zach Zdziebko
Directed, Chopped & Guitars: Martín Yernazian

Recorded with Fantasma HD & Canon 7D

2011 © Atorrante Films. All right reserved

Enjoy. M

Serj Tankian – Reconstructive Demonstrations – Music Video

By On January 26, 2011 In Music Video With Comments Off Permanent Link to Serj Tankian – Reconstructive Demonstrations – Music VideoPermalink


Directed and designed by Roger Kupelian. I co-produced this piece as well as edit and color time it.
Based on the life story and journey of Stalking Wolf and his meeting with Tom Brown Jr
(click on the link for more info)

This project was one of the coolest we have done to date. Utilizing Roger’s unique vision and artwork we were able to compose this very emotional story into a very charming, quirky boutique music video.

This project marks a new era into our company and we will like to thank Roger Kupelian, Fugitive Studios, Serjical Strike Records and Serj Tankian for the opportunity. M.

The Future is Here: 2011 here we go.

By On January 3, 2011 In Film With Comments Off Permanent Link to The Future is Here: 2011 here we go.Permalink

Music by Michael Masley.
I’m not going to go into extra details on how we did this video. I feel it is important to show you more work and keep you in the mystery ;D
One thing for sure is that the results of this “test” has opened a new array of possibilities for this year and forward in my career and for this company:
1)A new series of fictional and nonfictional short subjects called “Through the Looking Glass” which will focus around thought, emotion, passion and “on the moment” behavior.
2)Finalizing Art Officially Favored, now with a revamped creative overhaul… and Masley’s Pandora’s Sound Box fully opened.
2a) from Argentina to the Moon…. te quiero wife ;)
2b) Alpay!!!!…. this is our year my brother!
3)Rogues….. from a to z, gripping & compelling…. making our own rules like always (Thanks uncle Mike)
4)Boutique Music Films with great and unique artists like The Young Romans and Bash.
5) East of Byzantium: Roger… we shall seek and destroy!
This will be a great year indeed and We are damn exited about it
More to Come….
M and the Atorrante Team.

(Thx to Mike, Levon, Zach, Chris, Morgan, Caro, Nico, Nathan, Daniel, Guillaume, Emilien, Eriq, Beto, Kyle, Christine, Caro Cerisola, Sascha, Sarah, Mela, Alex, Gordon, Bob, Lucho y la 22, Estuart, Ricky, Bjorn, Sero, Cocodrilo, Roger, David, Ani, Electra, EUGE! Lucas, Diego(s) and many more for their ever lasting support)

Wearing Hot Pants on Christmas!

By On January 3, 2011 In Music Video With Comments Off Permanent Link to Wearing Hot Pants on Christmas!Permalink

This was an amazing opportunity given to me by Mela Lee and Alex Burke (Magnolia Memoir), and comedian Bob Kulhan.
We had an amazing array of friends that came forth and had a great time shooting this party.
We shot it on a Canon 5D Mark II with a 17-40mm f4 zoom lens. And for the B slow motion cam we use a Canon 7D with a Nikon 50mm that produced some amazing great light bubble effects and it was operated by Fiorella Occhipinti.

For more info check:
M

Making Something Dirty

By On January 2, 2011 In Experiment With Comments Off Permanent Link to Making Something DirtyPermalink

Daniel Messier (Rogues) needed a scene in french for his reel and I though: what a great opportunity to test the boundaries with technology we have available!
Shot with my faithful customized Panasonic DVX 100a on anamorphic mode with the matte box and focus rings removed to invite more flares.
Upressed using Instant HD. Color Corrected using on Color 1.5.
Actors: Daniel Messier & Emilien De Falco
Written by Daniel Messier
Music by Michael Masley
Directed by Martín Yernazian

X Processing 101. Part 1

By On November 20, 2010 In Experiment With Comments Off Permanent Link to X Processing 101. Part 1Permalink

“Ah! the texture, the grit, the freaking color! Cross Processing baby, the technique that found me in early 99 by making a mistake in a lab in Argentina processing E6 film into a C41 machine.
The results opened my eyes into a look that just felt right at home.

But it wasn’t until the summer of 2003 in Berkeley, CA. that the technique and I “consummated” some …”intriguing” results and possibilities. Since then I’ve studied and tried almost every stock out there with the goal of controlling this temperamental technique. More to come… M

Reliving Art Officially Favored Promotional Photos

By On November 18, 2010 In Documentary With Comments Off Permanent Link to Reliving Art Officially Favored Promotional PhotosPermalink

We shot this puppies back in 2007 for promotional and press materials.
After 3 years we are still in love with them. M

Keep on Proofing "Rogues"

By On November 14, 2010 In Film With Comments Off Permanent Link to Keep on Proofing "Rogues"Permalink

We have been taking meetings left and right about this project. It seems that the popularity and expectations of Art Officially Favored is carrying and waving a great flag for Atorrante Films.

So we decided to share with you some of the new proof of concept.

Tell us what you think! .M

Production Announcement: Political Thriller "Rogues"

By On November 8, 2010 In Uncategorized With Comments Off Permanent Link to Production Announcement: Political Thriller "Rogues"Permalink

From the multiple efforts that we have in development , specially in the sci fi department (one domestic and one in Argentina that will be announced in due time) and the history department with a short feature adaptation of FX guru Roger Kupelian’s

East of Byzantium, comes the action packed political thriller Rogues written and starring Daniel Messier.

It was about a year ago when Messier (whom we have previously worked with in East of Byzantium) approached me on the idea of making this energetic and profound film.

Synopsis:

“Former child soldier and ex-Colombian paramilitary hitman Gabriel Vega now lives a peaceful life in Los Angeles. His world is ‘upside down-turned’ when he is blackmailed by the CIA into using his skills to disrupt a truce between powerful Mexican Drug Cartels”



His vision and extensive understanding of the situation inspired me to contemplate a possible story surrounding the situation in my cultural continent which millions of people are affected by. My urge to tackle this subject rises from my “formative years” in the culture of the story and its characters: their psycho-social matrix, their fierce political universe, understanding its back story and making it as blood, flesh & bone-close to the reality that millions must choose by turns predictable or surprising, to oppose or perpetuate…

Researching the lives of journalists whose accounts bear front-line witness to lawless, domineering violence, we set a plan to make a South American film in the USA, mixing the energy and passions of our native lands with the observant focus, experience, dedication and respect that we’ve by learned over the years by heart here in the ‘land of the free, home of the brave: opportunity’…

Since our first encounter we have shaped the project, rewrite after rewrite, visual test and concept after evolving concept to a point of: supple maturity and readiness.

Thus we are pleased and proud to announce that in the closing crucial months of our first ‘major’ project, Art Officially Favored, Rogues is poised to follow.

Here are the first concept images. Let us know what you think

More to Come

Best Regards. M

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