Godwin Pictures Blog

tgglover new website

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:28:00 GMT

Finally, after 13 years in the business, I thought it was time to launch my own website.

www.tgglover.com

As a director I'm often asked to do a wide variety of video production work. This ranges from TVC's to promotional videos for web broadcast, short films and even the odd wedding or event - if they're brave enough to ask! I've probably shot and directed a hundred of these types of videos over my career but most of them I never release for my own personal portfolio. (I don't know why this is, I guess I've never felt it necessary?)

So I've just created www.tgglover.com where I will post my short videos. Most of my interactions are still on facebook however so click through and 'Like' my fan page so that we can stay in touch.

Here's to a great 2012!

Godwin Pictures in the news: Greensborough filmmaker goes in for the chill

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:42:00 GMT

Greensborough filmmaker goes in for the chill.
Diamond Valley Leader 22 May 2011
By Raelene Wilson

AS a child, Greensborough filmmaker Tim Glover was enthralled by Stephen Spielberg’s thriller, Jaws.

“I watched that film over and over,” Mr Glover said.

“It held me without terrifying me. “It’s a movie with wonderful depth. On the surface it’s about a gigantic shark that begins to menace a small town, but really it’s about a man overcoming his own fears and self-worth.”

Mr Glover hopes to scare and inspire audiences with his thriller, The Principality.

The film, set to begin production later this year, tells the story of Ember, a women forced to confront a family curse and with it a demon – the Principality.

Mr Glover – who spent 12 years working in visual effects and learnt his trade working for Hollywood director Ridley Scott – said he came up with the concept for the film a year ago with producing partner Ben Whimpey.

After recently filming a teaser on the Mornington Peninsula with Blue Heelers star Samantha Tolj, he said the pair had begun seeking funding.

“It’s going to be a challenging project and it’s certainly the biggest project Ben and I have embarked on after working on short films together,” he said.

“I want it to be subtle in how we portray the supernatural – it certainly won’t be ghoulish.

“We both love supernatural thrillers and we feel totally ready for it. It’s going to be brilliant.”
Read the original article here

The Principality - your first sneak peek

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:19:00 GMT

Here's your first sneak peek at The Principality! Stay tuned for the teaser premier...

Become a fan of The Principality

Behind the scenes: The Principality teaser

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:27:00 GMT

Godwin Pictures shot a teaser for our upcoming feature film, The Principality on Easter Monday. Check out some photos from the shoot.

Stay tuned for the premier of the clip!

Become a fan of The Principality

Tim's film review - Griff the Invisible

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:30:00 GMT

By Tim Glover Director,Godwin Pictures Griff the Invisible is an Australian comedy-drama written and directed by Canberra native Leon Ford. The story is about Griff (Ryan Kwanten) a socially-awkward office worker by day and superhero by night. Griff has his world turned upside down when he meets Melody (Maeve Dermody).

The film was recently released in Australia. Ben and I had the privilege of viewing its debut at Toronto International Film Festival last October.

Surprisingly it opens with an interesting action adventure theme - something we’re not used to in Aussie flicks. Without knowing anything about it, I settled into the small but populated 9am session and was unexpectantly surprised by initial feelings of excitement about the film.

I must admit, I truly buckled in for the ride early on, as some neatly directed action sequences rolled into the first act. But warning bells started to ring as the mystery and intrigue pushed through the first act, into the second, and before long I was wondering “what on earth is this film about?”

That wasn’t the worst part. By half way through the flick we had gone from an action adventure to some odd Aussie half-wit love drama and by the end of the second act I was wondering what had happened to the movie I had buckled in for?

It’s not that the love story wasn’t somewhat compelling either - it was quaint and endearing in part. But it’s just that like an old vinyl changing tracks - I had to shift my expectations of the film mid-stream. The casting of the good’ol Australian (or Kiwi) faithfuls annoyed me - who resurrected Marshall Napier?

By the time the initial premise finally dawned, appeasing my caffeine cravings were easily the greater priority. I can’t help but wonder why they didn’t just start with the love story from the beginning or else just stick to the action flick which was in the end relegated to a minor subplot.

To be honest, in the mix of a few Aussie flicks at the festival it wasn’t the most disappointing – which is to say we didn’t walk out of the theatre - but we couldn’t help but exclaim “why?”. What had so much potential was unfortunately destined to be yet another Australian casualty. Why do filmmakers get it so wrong in this country? Why does it feel like this script didn't see a second draft?

Kudos for the stab, Leon Ford - I hope it’s not the last for this team.

The Adjustment Bureau

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:58:00 GMT

Have you seen The Adjustment Bureau? What did you think? Here's a brilliant review by David Roark from Relevant Magazine...
Read the review here...

The Adjustment Bureau

Ben's blog: Charlie Sheen - what's wrong with this picture?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 01:13:00 GMT

By Ben Whimpey Producer, Godwin Pictures
We have all heard about actor Charlie Sheen’s recent downfall and sacking from American sitcom Two and a Half Men. What does it have to do with us?

Sheen is currently the focus of the world’s attention because of his morally bankrupt behaviour. (Don’t worry – this blog isn’t going to be me standing on my soapbox being pious about the evils of drugs and porn).

At first I was hesitant to comment on the topic as firstly I’m not the kind of person who pays attention to celebrity gossip. Secondly, I felt I shouldn’t be dignifying his behaviour with a response - I didn't want to bring attention to someone who’s acting like snot-nosed selfish little kid.

But I think the issue brings up some important issues worth discussing.

Godwin Pictures is founded on Transformational Entertainment – the concept that a film can have a real impact on the audience member. We hope to make an impact for the better: making entertainment that offers the possibility for something better in life. I’d argue Two and a Half Men does exactly the opposite; and both Charlie Sheen and our society are paying the price of that.

I believe that what we have here, in Charlie Sheen, is a prime, clear-cut demonstration of the real-world consequences of a toxic television show. The show’s female characters are treated either like Madonnas or whores. The hero - Sheen’s character – is a chauvinistic woman hater and much more.

I can’t understand why a show that celebrates that kind of behavior has been celebrated and rewarded like it has. What’s going on? What’s more, it is shown in an early evening timeslot when young audiences are watching! If we grew up on Happy Days and Friends, how is this upcoming generation’s worldview going to be influenced from growing up with Two and a Half Men?

While I feel the producers of Two and a Half Men did the right thing in eventually kicking Sheen off the show, I can’t seem to ignore the double standards that seem to be acceptable in our day and age. Why don’t we see anything wrong with celebrating such a flawed character in the sitcom; and then moments later condemning the train-wreck, as the consequences of Sheen's mirrored life-style hit in real life? I think we all should be taking responsibility for Charlie Sheen's downfall, including the profiteering producers of the show. To me it’s like egging on your mate to play chicken with cars on the freeway and then cringing when he gets hit by a truck. Your conscience wouldn’t let you sit back and just say ‘isn’t he stupid’ because you know you were the one that convinced him to do it in the first place! I’m not saying he shouldn’t take responsibility for his own actions - he should - but we as a society have a responsibility for our actions too.

I want to stand up and say there is a cost of celebrating morally-corrupt role models on television. As much as we like to pretend that it’s all just entertainment, this is just another example of the corrosive affect it has on our culture.

It’s easy to make the sleazy, sexy shows that rate. What’s hard to is take a risk and make entertainment that has a positive affect on culture with positive role models and messages. This is the battle Godwin Pictures is choosing to fight. As a society and as filmmakers, have we lost our will to fight for what is right and good? Shouldn’t we be championing filmmakers and public figures who take on the hard battles? Isn’t it more honourable to stand up for a culture that’s sensitive and intelligent and puts the futures of our children first above sleazy cheap entertainment?

Yes, there are challenges. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do the right thing. The rewards are for all of us – not least the children who are exposed to this stuff at 7.30 at night.

Some questions for you…
Which TV show is the opposite of Two and a Half Men?
Which programs or films are engaging, funny AND communicate positive messages?
Who's the antithesis of Charlie Sheen? Can you think of a public figure who uses their powers of celebrity for good?

Tim's blog: The 2011 Oscars

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:32:00 GMT

By Tim Glover Director, Godwin Pictures

The Oscar Awards were held yesterday, with The King's Speech collecting most awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Here are some of Tim's thoughts about the awards...

Natalie Portman
Ben and I saw Black Swan at Toronto International Film Festival back in September 2010. We immediately walked out and said “Portman will win the Oscar for Best Actress”. We were right! Natalie Portman is a darling. She's very humble.

Inception
I thought Director Chris Nolan was pushed to the side a little - over in the far isle. Leonardo DiCaprio didn't even get a mention. I thought Chris Nolan deserved more but at least Inception was recognised for Cinematography and Visual Effects.

The King’s Speech
David Seidler who wrote The King's Speech was exceptional and deserved best original screenplay - what a phenomenal effort. Tom Hopper’s story of his mother putting him onto the concept was one of those prophetic snapshot moments of someone being ushered into their destiny. Very inspiring. In some ways the Oscars feel a little one dimensional - it really only celebrates the top 6 films of the year. I get the feeling that the films often selected are not always 'the best' in every category but the most 'popular'. It feels paper thin pretty quickly.

Did you watch the Oscars? What did you think?

Godwin Pictures Video Blog - Episode Two

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:04:00 GMT

In the second episode of the Godwin Pictures video blog, Tim Glover talks about the importance of story. How do you turn a concept into a logical, engaging story? Join Tim on his journey in writing a script for a feature film, as he talks about his challenges in writing the script.

Have you - like Tim - faced similar challenges? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Godwin Pictures Video Blog - Episode One

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:05:00 GMT

Godwin Pictures directors Tim Glover and Ben Whimpey introduce their new video blog series taking you through the behind the scenes process and exciting journey of their first feature film: The Principality.

Tim's blog: Sex sells!

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:33:00 GMT

By Tim Glover Director, Godwin Pictures
What makes a film bad? Definitely a question you would hope is being asked when millions of dollars are about to be spent to make one!
We’ve all heard the statement ‘Sex Sells’ but my question is; is it the sex that sells, or does sex simply allow a bad undeveloped product to be sold?

Have you ever watched a film and thought ‘Yes, I’m seeing where it’s going, I’m following it but I’m just not going to invest the next hour of my life to be disappointed by where is takes me’? So you tune out, turn it off or walk out of the theater; or at least you wanted to. Well, some things in life are so simple they’re complicated, and story telling is definitely one of those things.

‘So I’ve got this script I want made, what am I gonna do to make it more interesting? How am I gonna make my idea stand out from the rest? …I know what will make it sell!’ You say.

I read a book recently that focussed my thinking in this area: On Directing Film by David Mamet. He says it’s when the ‘…story stops being interesting the bad author has to take up the slack making each subsequent event more diverting than the last; to trick the audience into paying attention.’ And what will keep your interest in something more than sex, violence and obscenity right?

Well, what’s the harm in it? You say. It’s just a little entertainment..

I put it to you that these cheap thrills come with a huge cost - more than the majority actually realise.

David goes on ‘…Over the course of a movie, it forces the filmmaker to get more and more bizarre. Over the course of a career, it forces a filmmaker to get more and more outré; over the course of a culture, it forces the culture to degenerate into depravity, which is what we have now.’

Does this mean that the quality of our storytelling, or lack there of, is actually having a devastating effect on our culture? I believe it is.

So does sex sell? Yes unfortunately it does. I’m not making a point about love or about intimacy; these are important dramatic factors in any story telling. I’m talking about the explicit use of sex, violence and obscenity in dialogue and action. My point is that these devices are used to sell undeveloped, unworthy screenplays that attempt to use shock tactics to hold the attention of an audience who would otherwise have tuned out. In doing so it pulls down values and erodes culture into ‘depravity’, which comes at a great cost to us all.

What do you think?

Tim's film review - Black Swan

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:35:00 GMT

By Tim Glover Director, Godwin Pictures

Darren Aronofsky’s latest thriller Black Swan, is a film that plays with your sense of reality. Starring Natalie Portman as ballerina Nina, the film depicts what happens when someone is forced to compromise values. Nina walks close to the fine line that lies between reaching her fullest potential and nose-diving into a very dark and debilitating reality.

For me, this film really encapsulates the struggle an artist must face in order to be the best they can be - on the one hand maintaining artistic discipline and integrity that promotes perfection and longevity - whilst on the other hand allowing yourself to go to a place that fully embodies and expresses the true depth of the character or story being told. This battle, I believe, must be won for the full story to be portrayed, but in this instance, for Nina, it comes at a horrible cost to her mental health.

What I liked most about this film is the exceptional performances and originality of the screenplay that propel you into the world of a New York Ballet company. Like Aronofsky's The Wrestler, Black Swan depicts a character undergoing brutal physical pain in the name of their art. The harsh realities of the ballet world that the young dancer must come to grips with are represented with exciting insight. I know, because my wife is an ex-ballerina – this film would bring back some horrible memories for her!

Whilst it’s set in New York, Aronofsky has kept the world focused and small so as to ensure the viewer is not allowed to wander too far from inside the head of the main character. This also allows him to successfully depict the sheltered nature of Nina’s life. The film is shot in a very raw hand-held style that also helps create a sense of instability and uncertainty.

I loved Aronofsky’s use of imagery that attempts to portray the darkness that pierces her flesh, showing a real understanding of the ‘piercing’ nature of darkness once you allow it to enter your reality.

The film has an intense impact on the audience, forcing viewers to ask "is this real?" - an interesting point that puts this film in the category of being transformational entertainment.

The Principality being developed

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:36:00 GMT

The Principality is a superrnatural action advenutre about a woman racing to save her friends against a malicious supernatural force. Seed funding has been secured for development of the film and further funding is currently being sourced.

Expressions of interest are also currently being sought for distribution.