'Bara' Feature film
Click picture for links to photos from production.
Storyboards featured below were created from2013-2014 for the film 'Bara' (previously titled 'Le Pacte' and 'Eye for an Eye'). Written, directed and staring Michel Qissi, the star of such films as 'Kickboxer', 'Lionheart', and the martial art cult classic,'Bloodsport'. 'Bara' is a dramatic martial arts/action film with spiritual undertones filmed in the landscapes of Morocco. Premiered in Moroccan theaters January 2016.
Art, character, storyboards and concept designs created by artist using pens,
Chinese brushes, inks, pencils and charcoal on paper, rice paper and bristol board.
Wendigo, spirit of the woods
(Splinterskin)
The conceptual designs and storyboards, (created in 2001-2003) were designed in preparation for a short music video/film, pertaining to the early developing imagery and music of what later became Splinterskin, (years before the release of the 2009 'Wayward Souls'). It was planned as a short film which was to contain illustrations and video footage together with sound effects, atmospheric field recordings and original music. The mood and ideas produced were similar to a children's folk tale.
The story tells of a spirit haunting an old hermit living in the woods. The Spirit, using nature to manifest itself, tries to persuade the old man to see it, to look at it in its eyes, so it can become human again.
The deity expressed in the story is similar to the native American forest-spirit the Wendigo, not focusing on the carnivorous details of the myth, but rather focusing on the more emotional, elemental, and spiritual aspects of the myth. The two sets were designed among the trees, using every natural source possible from leaves and mud, sticks and rocks. The location was adjusted, and used in the design of the cabin itself, even mud being used for the paint.
There were three attempts at filming from the years 2001-2003. The final attempt was shot over the course of three days, and the scenes were only half finished. The project remained in limbo, near completion before it was eventually let go. The short film was close to becoming the haunting, dreamlike work it was planned to be. What was completed contains an atmospheric vignette...an original folk tale with the spirit of the classic. What remains of the project are but glimpses into a style, mood and subject now expressed by the solo artist, Splinterskin.
The story tells of a spirit haunting an old hermit living in the woods. The Spirit, using nature to manifest itself, tries to persuade the old man to see it, to look at it in its eyes, so it can become human again.
The deity expressed in the story is similar to the native American forest-spirit the Wendigo, not focusing on the carnivorous details of the myth, but rather focusing on the more emotional, elemental, and spiritual aspects of the myth. The two sets were designed among the trees, using every natural source possible from leaves and mud, sticks and rocks. The location was adjusted, and used in the design of the cabin itself, even mud being used for the paint.
There were three attempts at filming from the years 2001-2003. The final attempt was shot over the course of three days, and the scenes were only half finished. The project remained in limbo, near completion before it was eventually let go. The short film was close to becoming the haunting, dreamlike work it was planned to be. What was completed contains an atmospheric vignette...an original folk tale with the spirit of the classic. What remains of the project are but glimpses into a style, mood and subject now expressed by the solo artist, Splinterskin.
Splinterskin debut album 'Wayward Souls'
Released September 2009 Cold Spring Records (UK)
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Splinterskin photo taken 2008
(album cover of 'Wayward Souls'
released by UK label Cold Spring Records in 2009)