Read more for our interview with the two twin brothers behind DastoliDigital, the production company which just released the impressive short sci-fi film "Omega35".
1. How did you both decide to become film makers?
When we were children we wanted to be traditional artists, and then there was a point where we wanted to be Disney Imagineers. It wasn't until high school, after we had been doing a lot of computer art that we felt like it would be a natural move to films.
2. From all the films your created so far, which one if your favorite and why?
I think our strongest film is Equal Justice. I think its the funniest script, and it says the most. The entire film is subtext, which is the way we like to work.
3. How much money and effort went into Omega 35?
We spent $750 on Omega 35, and the amount of work that went into it was similar to being in a POW camp.
4. What software do you use to create your films? What kind of hardware?
We are operating in the stone age for hardware. The computer that most of Omega 35 was made on is five years old and was obsolete when we bought it. Its got a 1.9 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM. For software, we use the Adobe package, as well as 3D Studio MAX.
5. What do you think of the idea of self-distribution of art via the web?
I think its the best way for an independent filmmaker to release their stuff. At this level, we can't really be thinking of theatrical distribution, which I suppose would be the ideal scenario, but releasing films on the Internet and allowing for the easy sale of DVDs through PayPal is a great system.
6. Which are your favorite directors, movies of all time?
We are big Star Wars fans. As children we were raised on those films as well as films like Indiana Jones and Back to the Future. In later years we got very much into Hitchcock. I would say he has been a great influence on us, as well as John Ford and John Huston.
7. What camera do you use to shoot your films? What do you think of the RED One?
We use the XL-2, which is fine, but it is still DV. I have not read up much on the RED camera, but from what I have heard, it looks pretty good. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it going to have the 35 mm CCD? I think that is the most important thing, because all the math works out to be the same with 35mm lenses. Right now though, I'd just be happy to work at 1080p at all. Not to say there's anything against using film. I think film will be around more or less forever. I know a lot of people who would choose it over digital every time, but for us, it doesn't work into our pipeline.
