The Cinematography Podcast Episode 173: Jim Archer, David Earl, Chris Hayward
Brian and Charles is about an awkward and lonely inventor, Brian, who lives in rural Wales. He rarely makes contraptions that are useful or work right, but one day, he finally creates a robot. Charles Petrescu, built out of an old washing machine and a mannequin, becomes Brian’s friend. But as Charles becomes more and more curious and self-aware, he decides he wants to explore the world on his own.
Actor David Earl is a comedian and came up with the eccentric character of Brian as a bit on the stand up circuit in the UK. One day on an internet radio call in show, a friend called in to interact with David’s character using computer voice simulation software. Fellow actor and comedian Chris Hayward heard it, came up with the idea of Charles as Brian’s robot sidekick, and the two took it on the road as a live show. Chris built the Charles robot character as a costume, and another friend would type in what Charles would say into the voice simulator to interact with the audience. In 2017, the two teamed up with director Jim Archer to make a short film about the characters, and it did well at festivals. After that, the UK production company Film4 backed developing the script into a feature film.
For the feature version of Brian and Charles, director Jim Archer decided to expand on the mockumentary style. He wanted it to look like a real documentary, with a serious dramatic and cinematic look rather than as a wink and a nod to other mockumentaries. The friends were inspired by the documentaries American Movie and Monster Road – true stories about lonely people desperate for their dream to come true.
Brian and Charles premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and is currently playing in theaters.
Jim Archer: Instagram & Twitter: @alrightjim
David Earl: Instagram @davidearlhello
Charles Petrescu has his own twitter account: @CharlesPetrescu
Close Focus: The Thing celebrated its 40 year anniversary and was just re-released. The movie made it into the top 10 at the box office. However, The Thing was presented in the cropped aspect ratio rather than the widescreen aspect ratio and fans were outraged. The next screening will be widescreen.
Ben’s short end: The Old Man, the F/X show starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow.
Illya’s short end: DJI’s new gimbal system, the Ronin S3 is now available at Hot Rod Cameras. Come to Hot Rod Cameras on Wednesday 6/22 from 11am to 2 PM to see the new DJI Ronin systems, including the DJI RS 3 PRO and DJI RS 3 gimbal systems and the DJI Transmission video transmitter.
Sponsored by Hot Rod Cameras
Sponsored by Arri: The Alexa 35 has become one of the most successful camera launches ever. The new ARRI Alexa 35 is also sturdy and durable and is compatible with all kinds of accessories. You can pre-order one now at Hot Rod Cameras with no deposit necessary.
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Email: editor@camnoir.com
Facebook:@cinepod
Instagram: @thecinepod
Twitter: @ShortEndz
Podcast Credits:
Producer: Alana Kode
All web and social media content written by Alana Kode
Host and editor in Chief: Illya Friedman
Instagram: @illyafriedman @hotrodcameras
Host: Ben Rock
Twitter: @neptunesalad
Instagram: @bejamin_rock
Editor: Ben Katz
Composer: Kays Al-Atrakchi
Subscribe to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts or click on the link below to listen here
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:02 — 53.6MB)
