We’ve got several new items on writer/director Mark Steven Johnson’s Ghost Rider, which stars Nicolas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Matt Long, Sam Elliott, Peter Fonda, and Donal Logue. First up is ‘Maarten’ with a report from the Melbourne set:
A mate of mine and I went down to the Lt Lonsdale Street set to see the crew set up all the various equipment. We were there for about an hour and a half before we recognised any familar faces, like Mark Steven Johnson and Bennett Walsh.
I overheard Bennett Walsh mention that Ghost Rider would turn left into the alleyway, to begin the scene, and just where the camera should be postioned.
We also had the stunt cycle ride past us, and man is it loud! It’s low ridden, with a huge front end and exhaust on the rear. I’m not into motorcycles, but damn do I LOVE this bike!
We saw a stand-in in a large black trenchcoat, whose job it was to stand in the middle of the alleyway of the set, facing the bike. He was dressed in denim jeans, the trenchcoat and black shirt. I’m thinking he was the stand-in for either Blackheart or Caretaker, but I cannot be sure.
Also we saw all the crew’s tags which allow them access onto the set. The Ghost Rider logo is the same as the 1990’s GR comic book logo. Nice!
I’m going back there tomorrow night so hopefully I’ll get to see some of the cast this time.
Meanwhile, ‘Robert’ has sent some interesting bits, starting with a report from the 20th Annual SPAA Conference:
Digital Pictures Network is making huge inroads into the Hollywood film market with a growing list of US film titles to its credit. In fact, Digital Pictures Melbourne has begun the year with three major US feature film projects on its production slate, Charlotte’s Web (Paramount Pictures), Ghost Rider (Columbia Pictures Entertainment) and Fred Schepisi’s Empire Falls for HBO.
Digital Pictures is also transferring the HD rushes for the Marvel comic adaptation, Ghost Rider which began shooting on 14th February. Ghost Rider will shoot for five months at Melbourne’s Central City Studios at the Docklands as well as regional and metropolitan locations. Ghost Rider is based on the motorcycle-riding comic book character Johnny Blaze, who becomes possessed with the spirit of a demon in exchange for the safety of his true love. Mark Steven Johnson (Daredevil, Elektra) wrote the screenplay and will direct the film, starring Nicolas Cage and Jon Voight.
Digital Pictures is sending electronic daily rushes and AVID files to Los Angeles for Ghost Rider and Charlotte’s Web.
Speaking of special effects, the Animex International Festival of Animation had this interesting bit:
In August of 2003 Rachelle joined the recruitment team at DreamWorks Feature Animation and helped bring in artists on such projects as Shrek 2, Shark Tale, and Over the Hedge. She currently works with the Digital Character Group at Sony Pictures Imageworks, where she is recruiting animation talent for feature films including Open Season, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Surf’s Up, Monster House, Ghost Rider, and Spider-Man 3.
He also says the following impressive list of crew members are confirmed:
-(3 time Oscar nominee) Richard Francis (Air Force One, Se7en,Shawshank Redemption) – Editor
-Kirk Petruccelli (Blade, Tomb Raider 1&2) – Production Designer
-(Oscar winner) Lizzy Gardiner (The Adventures of Priscilla, M:I-2, Stealth) – Costume Designer
-(Oscar winner) Kevin Mack (Fight Club, A Beautiful Mind, Big Fish) – Visual Effects Supervisor
-Marko Anttonen (Peter Pan) – Set Designer
-Christine King (Star Wars 3, Stealth) – Casting Director
-Catherine Bishop (Stealth) – Production Manager
Nice! Meanwhile, both Cinefex and this article report that Ghost Rider will be released in early 2006.
Source: Maarten, Robert
