Organic Filmmaking with the Lightproof Film Collective in 2021
In the New Year I will teaching a virtual filmmaking workshop for Ottawa's newly formed Lightproof Film Collective.
Over the course of this workshop participants will learn about organic filmmaking through the process of working with 16mm black and white film stock and creating all of the necessary organic recipes to develop, fix and tint their experimental films. On the first day of class, participants will be introduced to experimental filmmaking and the technique of exposing photograms using 16mm black and white film. The class will include visual samples of photograms as well as provide step-by-step technical instructions on best practices including setting up a DIY darkroom in your home. Following this class participants will have the week to expose their photograms. During the second class, students will learn how to create organic black and white film developers and fixers using materials sourced from the local grocery store. Students will use these recipes to develop their exposed photograms. On the third day of class, students will learn about hand-tinting black and white film using concentrated drink mixes and other organic materials as colour dyes. For more information please visit lightproof.ca. |
I am the Captain of this Ship @ FNC 2018!
I am the Captain of this Ship will be screening at the 2018 Festival du nouveau cinema (FNC) in Montreal at Cinémathèque québécoise (335 boul. De Maisonneuve Est, metro Berri UQAM) twice : Sunday, October 7th at 3:15pm and Monday, October 8th at 7:15pm.
Distributor: Winnipeg Film Group |
Invocations: September 12 to 22, 2018, Victoria B.C.
Victoria, British Columbia will light up with the works of six artists who will be projecting videos on to buildings, rocks and walls: artists Cooper (Ottawa), Allison Moore (Montreal), Marianne Nicolson (Victoria), France Trepanier (Victoria) and Paul Wong in collaboration with Jeffery Chong (Vancouver).
Each artist has selected a location and will be uncovering the story of that place through a series of images drawn from archival materials, family photos, and film and video footage. Locations include Emily Carr House, the Chinese Cemetery, and the new location for MediaNets FLUX Gallery, at 821 Fort St. All events are free and open to the public, with projections starting at 8pm and running for approximately an hour. September 12 -15: Pacific Peoples Partnerships exhibition The Longhouse Legacy continues at the FLUX Media Gallery (821 Fort St) September 12, 8pm: Paul Wong and Jeffery Chongs work “The Chinese Bone Collector” at the Chinese Cemetery September 14, 8pm: Allison Moores projection at Fort Commons, followed by a reception at the FLUX Media Gallery (821 Fort St) September 15, 5:30-7:30pm: opening and reception for France Trepaniers installation at Open Space Arts Centre (510 Fort St – continues to Sept. 22), followed by Coopers work, “The Essence” at Emily Carr House at 8pm September 18, 8pm: Reception and exhibition of Marianne Nicolsons projection (work continues to Sept. 22) at the FLUX Media Gallery (821 Fort St) |
The Film Scientist has changed his name!
I am excited to inform you that I am legally having my name changed and I no longer will be using my birth name Roger David Wilson.
I will be transitioning my old name to my new name over 2018 and I will be releasing my last film directed as Roger D. Wilson in January of this year, entitled “I am the Captain of this Ship”. I am also in production on a new live film performance/installation that I plan to perform in the fall of 2018 using my new adopted name. My new name as of today is Cooper and I will not have a surname so just “Cooper”. You can also refer to me as The Film Scientist:) Take care and all the best for 2018! Cooper:) |
CONTRE COURANT - Experimental Film Festival
On December 15 and 16 of 2016 I will be participating in Contre Courant, an Experimental Filmmaking Symposium happening in Montreal. This event was organized by Main Film in Montreal and will be taking place at La Lumière – 7080 rue Alexandra #506, Montréal, QC.
For this symposium I have programed and curated the following events. Click on program for more details. Round table Windows Collective Installation Film Screening |
A "Starry Nite" in North Bay
Friday November 18, 7-9:30pm @ White Water Gallery, 122 Main St. E, North Bay, ON whitewatergallery
Starry Nite is Roger D. Wilson’s 25 minute live 16mm and 35mm film projection performance that takes the audience on an exploration of the stars and travel through the Milky Way; it is accompanied with prerecorded music from Ottawa’s dark, experimental, post-apocalyptic rock group Scattered Clouds. Starry Nite is presented using Roger’s Cinema-Trike, a human-powered 35mm film projection system built from an adult-sized tricycle. While a Cycle Works team member pedals the bike, Roger performs live image manipulations to the film being projected. To add additional layers to this performance Roger also uses a 16mm film projector and simultaneously manipulates these images along with the 35mm film. As you watch the two films morph into one, continuously changing, layers being added and new textures developed. Cinema-Trike is a human powered film projection system that was created by taking an adult 3-wheeled bicycle and a 35mm film projector and transforming them into a new age cinema experience. As you pedal the bike the film is driven through the projector system, if you pedal the bike fast than the images appear fast and if you slow it right down you will see each image past by frame by frame. Thanks to The Ontario Arts Council for the Exhibition Assistance Grant! |
Roger D. Wilson in Winnipeg Manitoba September 16 2016
Roger D. Wilson will be showcasing his films with Open City Cinema in Winnipeg on September 16, 2016, doors open at 7pm.
"For over a decade, Ottawa filmmaker Roger Wilson has been producing some of the most daring and inventive experimental films in Canada. Exploring the physical properties of celluloid – through optical printing, hand processing, allowing celluloid to decay/develop while buried underground – and incorporating those explorations in the films themselves, Wilson, like all true avant-garde artists, pushes the boundaries of image construction and investigates how moving images make meaning. With its perceptive approaches to ideas of landscape, sound and silence, memory, and identity, Wilson’s is a fascinating and compelling body of work." Canadian Film Institute Executive Director, Tom McSorley |
Roger D. Wilson on CBC's Exhibitionists
Roger D. Wilson calls himself a "film scientist."
"The reason I call myself that is that I really don't make films [that are] traditionally narrative driven," he explained in the segment from Exhibitionists. "They are experimenal."
While the Ottawa-based Wilson was taught in school that film is a "delicate" source, he decided to work against that idea instead. He bleaches the film, tones it, decays it, soaks it in alcohol...
It's certainly a peculiar process, and one best explained by Wilson himself in this clip from filmmaker Marco Libretti.
Watch Exhibitionists Sunday at 4:30pm (5pm NT) on CBC Television.
"The reason I call myself that is that I really don't make films [that are] traditionally narrative driven," he explained in the segment from Exhibitionists. "They are experimenal."
While the Ottawa-based Wilson was taught in school that film is a "delicate" source, he decided to work against that idea instead. He bleaches the film, tones it, decays it, soaks it in alcohol...
It's certainly a peculiar process, and one best explained by Wilson himself in this clip from filmmaker Marco Libretti.
Watch Exhibitionists Sunday at 4:30pm (5pm NT) on CBC Television.
Creating Developer Workshop at LIFT in Toronto
It was a great pleasure to teach my organic film developer workshop at LIFT in Toronto. The students were wonderful and so interested in learning about this process! Some very cool images came out of processing their films in Grape Juice, coffee and tea made from Timothy hay and Red Clovers. Check out the results on Vimeo!
Starry Nite a Cinema-Trike Live Performance at Mirror Mountain Film Festival
Roger D. Wilson will be presenting his new 35mm film performance Starry Nite with live accompaniment by the dark, experimental, post-apocalyptic rock group Scattered Clouds (Philippe Charbonneau, Jamie Kronick & Mike Dubue).
Starry Nitewill be performed on the Cinema-Trike, a human-powered film projection system of Wilson’s own invention built from an adult-sized tricycle. Wilson will be doing live manipulations on images of the night sky using mirrors, gels, lenses and crystals, while he simultaneously pedals the bike that drives the film through the projector. As the performance goes on, the image will continuously change, layers will be added and new textures will develop. To accompany this transformative visual experience, Scattered Clouds have collaborated with Wilson to create and perform a new 25 minute instrumental piece |
Creating Organic Developer Recipes at LIFT in Toronto November 29 2015
Learn how to develop your own black and white film using common household ingredients, you will be surprised at what you can achieve with simple organic products like grape juice, red clovers and hay from a farmers field. Students will have the opportunity to shoot their own footage using 16mm black and white film, then use simple techniques to create their own developer recipes to process the film. Come join in for a full day of fun at this DIY workshop.
|
Roger D. Wilson - Workshop, Performance & Talk at LOMAA, November 27/28 2015
LOMAA's Visiting Artist Program is BACK with a BANG!
Film scientist Roger D. Wilson will be facilitating 3 not-to-be-missed events while in London. From 11-4 on Friday November 27, Wilson will be hosting a FREE drop-in workshop where participants will be creating found footage film loops. To follow, Wilson will be presenting his 35mm films that same night on a projector powered via a bicycle. Finally, Roger D. Wilson will be presenting as part of LOMAA's 3-part series Media Space/Media Place.
Workshop - Friday November 27, 11-4 pm
This collaborative workshop will introduce the basic fundaments behind building 16mm and 35mm film loopers. Participants will work together to create new 16mm film loopers while at the same time gaining the knowledge they will need to build their own personal projection systems at home. They will be introduced to a variety of easily obtainable materials used in creating film loopers as well as items that can be stripped and used from old film projectors. Workshop participants will also create short experimental 16mm film loops using found footage and 16mm clear leader and will be introduced to various techniques that can be used to manipulate the film image.
Performance - Friday November 27, 7-7:30pm and reception with artist to follow
Cinema-Trike: Starry Nite
Roger D. Wilson will be presenting his latest version of Cinema-Trike at LOMAA. Roger will be performing live, image manipulation altering a 35mm black and white film print while he constantly pedals the bike that drives the film through the projector. As you watch the film being projected you will see the image continuously change, layers will be added and new textures develop. A starry nite will take the audience on an exploration of the stars and travel the Milky Way.
Cinema-Trike is a human powered film projection system that was created by taking an adult 3-wheeled bicycle and a 35mm film projector and transforming them into a new age cinema experience. Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is the projection screen where you will view frame by frame film images that you control with your feet, speed the action up or slow it right down to one frame at a time.
Talk - Saturday November 28, 1-5 pm
LOMAA's Media Space/Media Place series sessions were designed to foster opportunities for collaboration between media artists, media arts organizations, and curators.
Don't miss this final session which will focus on producers, providing a comparison of different media arts organizations in Ontario. Questions regarding the long-term viability of creative spaces and strategies for sustainable collaboration and production will be addressed. Techniques, methodologies, and practice in light of social, cultural, political, and economic realities will be discussed.
Film scientist Roger D. Wilson will be facilitating 3 not-to-be-missed events while in London. From 11-4 on Friday November 27, Wilson will be hosting a FREE drop-in workshop where participants will be creating found footage film loops. To follow, Wilson will be presenting his 35mm films that same night on a projector powered via a bicycle. Finally, Roger D. Wilson will be presenting as part of LOMAA's 3-part series Media Space/Media Place.
Workshop - Friday November 27, 11-4 pm
This collaborative workshop will introduce the basic fundaments behind building 16mm and 35mm film loopers. Participants will work together to create new 16mm film loopers while at the same time gaining the knowledge they will need to build their own personal projection systems at home. They will be introduced to a variety of easily obtainable materials used in creating film loopers as well as items that can be stripped and used from old film projectors. Workshop participants will also create short experimental 16mm film loops using found footage and 16mm clear leader and will be introduced to various techniques that can be used to manipulate the film image.
Performance - Friday November 27, 7-7:30pm and reception with artist to follow
Cinema-Trike: Starry Nite
Roger D. Wilson will be presenting his latest version of Cinema-Trike at LOMAA. Roger will be performing live, image manipulation altering a 35mm black and white film print while he constantly pedals the bike that drives the film through the projector. As you watch the film being projected you will see the image continuously change, layers will be added and new textures develop. A starry nite will take the audience on an exploration of the stars and travel the Milky Way.
Cinema-Trike is a human powered film projection system that was created by taking an adult 3-wheeled bicycle and a 35mm film projector and transforming them into a new age cinema experience. Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is the projection screen where you will view frame by frame film images that you control with your feet, speed the action up or slow it right down to one frame at a time.
Talk - Saturday November 28, 1-5 pm
LOMAA's Media Space/Media Place series sessions were designed to foster opportunities for collaboration between media artists, media arts organizations, and curators.
Don't miss this final session which will focus on producers, providing a comparison of different media arts organizations in Ontario. Questions regarding the long-term viability of creative spaces and strategies for sustainable collaboration and production will be addressed. Techniques, methodologies, and practice in light of social, cultural, political, and economic realities will be discussed.
Starry Nite a Cinema-Trike Live Performance at Toronto's Cinecycle on November 26 2015
Kinochrome presents Roger D. Wilson and his incredible 35mm Cinema-Trike!
Live performance at Toronto's infamous CineCycle! No projector motor for this Film Scientist! Nada! Zilch! Watch as this experimental filmmaker undertakes human powered 35mm film projection right before your very eyes! Organic 35mm emulsion bursting with color and sumptuous black and white! Live manipulation of sixty four thousand eight hundred unique 35mm frames! Infinite loops! Come celebrate a wonderful evening of film performance! Live ambient sounds by the Bubble Pop Collective and Roger D. Wilson! |
Cinema-Trike at Ottawa Maker Faire November 7th and 8th 2015
Installation description: Cinema-Trike is a human powered film projection system that was created by taking an adult 3-wheeled bicycle and a 35mm film projector and transforming them into a new age cinema experience.
Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is the projection screen where you will view frame by frame film images that you control with your feet, speed the action up or slow it right down to one frame at a time. As you start to pedal, images begin to appear and soon you learn you are travelling along a scenic route on a beautiful fall day. Your memory starts to play tricks with you and even though you have this feeling of having been here before you still feel a little lost and little unsure of where you are going. |
Cinema-Trike at Daimon
On Friday July 24 at 7pm a new version of my Cinema-Trike will be revealed at Artist Centre DAÏMÔN in Gatineau Quebec. The installation is part of Gatineau's Ruisseau de la Brasserie celebration happening from July 24, to August 2, 2015 at La Filature building on 82 Hanson Street.
Cinema-Trike is a human powered film projection system that was created by taking an adult 3-wheeled bicycle and a 35mm film projector and transforming them into a new age cinema experience.
Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is the projection screen where you will view frame by frame film images that you control with your feet, speed the action up or slow it right down to one frame at a time. As you start to pedal, images begin to appear and soon you learn you are travelling along Ruisseau de la Brasserie (The Brewery Creek) in Gatineau Quebec. The river flows along as you pedal your bike and in the distance you see La Filature, this building once housed a textile mill but now it is the home for artists centers AXENÉO7 and DAÏMÕN. When you arrive at the old factory you decide to hop off your bike and explore the building and its occupants.
http://www.daimon.qc.ca/event.php?lg=en&id=87
http://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?p=quoi_faire/fetes_festivals/evenement&id=1433943670
Cinema-Trike is a human powered film projection system that was created by taking an adult 3-wheeled bicycle and a 35mm film projector and transforming them into a new age cinema experience.
Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is the projection screen where you will view frame by frame film images that you control with your feet, speed the action up or slow it right down to one frame at a time. As you start to pedal, images begin to appear and soon you learn you are travelling along Ruisseau de la Brasserie (The Brewery Creek) in Gatineau Quebec. The river flows along as you pedal your bike and in the distance you see La Filature, this building once housed a textile mill but now it is the home for artists centers AXENÉO7 and DAÏMÕN. When you arrive at the old factory you decide to hop off your bike and explore the building and its occupants.
http://www.daimon.qc.ca/event.php?lg=en&id=87
http://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?p=quoi_faire/fetes_festivals/evenement&id=1433943670
Mid-Career Arts Award Finalist
The Ottawa Arts Council Announces Awards Finalists
Since 1988 the Ottawa Arts Council has awarded over $160,000 to exceptional artists and to those who have shown outstanding commitment to the arts in our area.
The RBC Emerging Artist Award was established to encourage the achievements of Ottawa artists who are founding careers in the arts and are working towards becoming recognized professional artists while engaging with the community.
2015 RBC Emerging Artist Award finalists:
Brecken Hancock - Poet
Leslie Hossack - Photographer
Lisa L’Heureux - Playwright
The Ottawa Arts Council Mid-Career Award was established eight years ago to provide support and encourage artists who have advanced beyond the emerging stage of their careers.
2015 Ottawa Arts Council
Mid-Career Artist Award finalists:
Yvonne Coutts – Dancer/Choreographer
Roger D. Wilson – Filmmaker
Andrew Wright – Photographer/Multi Media Artist
Finalists for each award were announced at a reception at Arts Court on March 26, 2015. The Arts Awards presentation will take place on Monday, April 20 at the Arts Court Theatre.
The Ottawa Arts Council would like to thank RBC Royal Bank, the RBC Foundation, Mann Lawyers LLP, GGFL LLP, and the City of Ottawa for their support of the Ottawa Arts Council Arts Awards Program.
Info. 613-569-1387 orinfo@ottawaartscouncil.ca
www.ottawaartscouncil.ca
Since 1988 the Ottawa Arts Council has awarded over $160,000 to exceptional artists and to those who have shown outstanding commitment to the arts in our area.
The RBC Emerging Artist Award was established to encourage the achievements of Ottawa artists who are founding careers in the arts and are working towards becoming recognized professional artists while engaging with the community.
2015 RBC Emerging Artist Award finalists:
Brecken Hancock - Poet
Leslie Hossack - Photographer
Lisa L’Heureux - Playwright
The Ottawa Arts Council Mid-Career Award was established eight years ago to provide support and encourage artists who have advanced beyond the emerging stage of their careers.
2015 Ottawa Arts Council
Mid-Career Artist Award finalists:
Yvonne Coutts – Dancer/Choreographer
Roger D. Wilson – Filmmaker
Andrew Wright – Photographer/Multi Media Artist
Finalists for each award were announced at a reception at Arts Court on March 26, 2015. The Arts Awards presentation will take place on Monday, April 20 at the Arts Court Theatre.
The Ottawa Arts Council would like to thank RBC Royal Bank, the RBC Foundation, Mann Lawyers LLP, GGFL LLP, and the City of Ottawa for their support of the Ottawa Arts Council Arts Awards Program.
Info. 613-569-1387 orinfo@ottawaartscouncil.ca
www.ottawaartscouncil.ca
Trans: port at CSIF $100 Film Festival
My 16mm found footage film Trans: port will screen at CSIF's 2015 $100 Film Festival on Friday February 27. Check out the lineup to see the other great films screening at this year's festival. www.100dollarfilmfestival.org/festival/films/
Rochester Film Screening - The Science behind the Process
I am very happy to announce that I will be screening a selection of my films this coming Friday February 6 at Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester New York. The screening starts at 7pm, if you are in the area please stop by. Thanks to Tara Nelson Merenda and the folks at VSW for hosting my work! http://vsw.org/calendar.php
Cameraless Animation at Bluesfest School of Music and Art
On Sunday February 1 2015 I will be instructing a cameraless animation class at the Bluesfest School of Music and Art. This class is fun for all ages and is a great way to spend time with your family.
http://bsoma.ca/classes/family-workshop-cameraless-animation/ |
Cameraless animation at the OAG
On Sunday November 16 I will be instructing a free cameraless animation class at the Ottawa Art Gallery. If you are going to be in the area stop by and join in on a collaborative animated film.
http://www.ottawaartgallery.ca/content/cameraless-animation-workshop
http://www.ottawaartgallery.ca/content/cameraless-animation-workshop
Upcoming Projects
Exploring Colour: With this project I will further develop my process of experimenting with techniques that manipulate film’s emulsion prior to principal of photography. These techniques involve pre-treating unexposed 16mm colour film stock to processes that change the structure of the film’s emulsion, its silver halide crystals and coloured dyes. The results from these experiments will be fused into a new 10-minute 16mm experimental colour film. My intention is not to tell a story with this film but to create a form of abstract projection art where each individual image is independent from the previous one projected. Each shot in the film will highlight the experimental technique that gave it its unique colours and textures and the only story being told is the one the viewer creates in his or her own head.
With this project I will take four techniques that I created for black and white film stock and my short film Against the Grain and adapt them to work with Kodak colour film stocks 7219 Tungsten balanced film and 7207 Daylight balanced film.
I would like to thank The City of Ottawa Cultural Arts Funding program for providing funding to this project.
A Handmade Film: With this project I will further develop my artistic practice and my filmmaking repertoire by learning the proper procedures for making silver bromide emulsion at The George Eastman House in Rochester, New York. With this knowledge, I will produce a new 16mm black and white film entirely created by myself, from crafting my own 16mm film stock to printing the final exhibition print.
With this project I will also explore the technique of creating my own optical sound track using a Auricon 16mm Optical sound camera.
I would like to thank Canada Council for the Arts for providing funding for this project through their Mid-Career Artist Grant – Research and Creation program.
Recipes for filmmaking: I am also happy to announce a residency with Daïmôn in Gatineau Quebec. With this residency I will be exploring alternative practices to processing 16mm black and white motion picture film stock. Through this residency, I will research and create 3 new recipes for black and white film developer using organic materials that can be found at your local grocery store. The imagery photographed while testing this technique will be fused into a new 16mm experimental film.
I would like to thank everyone at Daïmôn for providing me this opportunity to explore my filmmaking processes.
Against the Grain in Winnipeg
On Sunday September 28th my 16mm film "Against the Grain" will be presented as part of: SUSPENDED ANIMATION: A FILM AND LIVE SOUNDTRACK PROJECTION.
https://www.winnipegfilmgroup.com/event/suspended-animation-a-film-and-live-soundtrack-projection/ |
Against the Grain at MUFF Friday May 23rd
On May 23rd at 8:30pm my 16mm experimental film Against the Grain will screen at Montreal's Underground Film Festival.
http://www.muff514.com/schedule_20140523.htm#B
http://www.muff514.com/schedule_20140523.htm#B
Camera-less animation at Ottawa Public Library - Summer 2014
I'm teaching a variety of 1 hour long cameraless animation workshops for kids at Ottawa's Public Library this summer.
http://www.rogerdwilson.ca/community-film-workshops.html
http://www.rogerdwilson.ca/community-film-workshops.html
Drawn on Film Summer Camp - August 25 to August 29
LOCATION: The Studio Cafe (Hintonburg Community)
INSTRUCTOR: Roger D. Wilson (The Film Scientist!)
FOR TEENS AGES 13+ SESSION DATE: August 25th - 29th
TIME: 10am-4pm
Drawn on film animation, Cameraless animation and Scratch animation are types of experimental films that are created without the use of a camera. These animation films are made through the process of drawing, painting, and etching directly onto motion picture film stock. In this class students are introduced to a variety of 16mm film stocks, including clear leader, black leader and found footage. Students will then be taught a number of techniques to use to alter the film stock and to create a short experimental film. These techniques will include, but not limited to, drawing, painting, scratching and gluing semi-transparent items to the film stock. The students will also work with the technique of transferring onto the film stock images and colours from other human made materials. http://crystalbeshara.com/studio-cafe-classes/teens-animation
INSTRUCTOR: Roger D. Wilson (The Film Scientist!)
FOR TEENS AGES 13+ SESSION DATE: August 25th - 29th
TIME: 10am-4pm
Drawn on film animation, Cameraless animation and Scratch animation are types of experimental films that are created without the use of a camera. These animation films are made through the process of drawing, painting, and etching directly onto motion picture film stock. In this class students are introduced to a variety of 16mm film stocks, including clear leader, black leader and found footage. Students will then be taught a number of techniques to use to alter the film stock and to create a short experimental film. These techniques will include, but not limited to, drawing, painting, scratching and gluing semi-transparent items to the film stock. The students will also work with the technique of transferring onto the film stock images and colours from other human made materials. http://crystalbeshara.com/studio-cafe-classes/teens-animation
My Last Words Screens in Ottawa on April 26, 2014
My latest 35mm film My Last Words will showcase in Ottawa on April 26, 2014. The film will play as part of The Indpendent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa Annual Spring gala.
http://www.ifco.ca/events/gala.html
http://www.ifco.ca/events/gala.html
The BSOMA - Bluesfest School of Music and Art has some new programming starting in late April 2014. I will be teaching an 8 week Cameraless animation class on Saturdays from 1:15pm to 2:30pm. Sign your kids up now! Experimental Filmmaking and Cameraless Animation is fun for all ages!
I am happy to announce My Last Words has been picked up by Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre for distribution. If you wish to rent or purchase a copy of my latest 35mm film please contact them @ www.cfmdc.org
My Last Words - www.cfmdc.org/node/56590
My Last Words - www.cfmdc.org/node/56590
On Saturday September 21 I will be presenting my Cinema-Trike at Ottawa's Nuit Blanche. I will be set up on Sparks Street just off of O'Connor Street. I will be there all night, 6pm to 4am!
http://nbog.ca/en/exhibit/roger-d-wilson-cinema-trik-sparks-street-zone/
Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is the projection screen where you will view frame by frame the image that you will control with your feet. As you start to pedal, images begin to appear and soon you learn you are under water, you see fish swimming by, the sun reflecting onto the river bed and weeds blowing around as if the wind was hard at work. On both sides of you are projected images as well, on the right hand side screen you see a young woman swim past you. Just as she passes by, you see on your left hand side screen a young man swimming faster to catch up to you; it is not long before he passes by as well. You start to pedal a little faster thinking you can catch up to these swimmers but no matter how fast you pedal you will never win this race so you may as well slow down and enjoy the ride.
http://nbog.ca/en/exhibit/roger-d-wilson-cinema-trik-sparks-street-zone/
Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is the projection screen where you will view frame by frame the image that you will control with your feet. As you start to pedal, images begin to appear and soon you learn you are under water, you see fish swimming by, the sun reflecting onto the river bed and weeds blowing around as if the wind was hard at work. On both sides of you are projected images as well, on the right hand side screen you see a young woman swim past you. Just as she passes by, you see on your left hand side screen a young man swimming faster to catch up to you; it is not long before he passes by as well. You start to pedal a little faster thinking you can catch up to these swimmers but no matter how fast you pedal you will never win this race so you may as well slow down and enjoy the ride.
Windows Collective at Lumiere Festival
The Windows Collective will be revealing 6 new film installations this coming Saturday at the Lumiere Festival held in Stanley Park/New Edinburgh Park. The Lumière Festival, presented each year by the New Edinburgh Community & Arts Centre, is a month of festivities leading towards the magical Evening of Light Celebration held every year within the month of August www.lumiereottawa.com/. The celebration of light begins at 5pm on Saturday August 17; The Windows Collective will be turning on their projectors at dusk.
The Windows Collective is made up of six Ottawa artists who create independent films as part of their artistic practices. The vision of the Collective is to create original, accessible and unconventional art events using super 8, 16mm or 35 mm film as the medium. The members of the Windows Collective are Dave Johnson, Ainsley Walton, Bridget Farr, Roger D. Wilson, Paul Gordon and Pixie Cram. This year Paul Gordon was not able to create a new piece, however we are happy to announce that Experimental Film artist Kelly Egan has created a wonderful piece to include in this year’s film installations. www.rogerdwilson.ca/windows-collective.html
Please come out and enjoy the fun!
Filmmakers and Synopsis for this year’s films:
Pixie Cram: A looping 16mm projection of horses in a field.
Ainsley Walton: invites festival goers to spin her praxinoscope. With a short looped image sequence, the praxinoscope, invented in 1877, is a historic motion picture technology which pre-dates film projectors.
Kelly Egan: Using "light" as her inspiration, Kelly Egan's piece transforms the space of cinema from a rectangular focal point (i.e., the frame, the screen, into a circular and spherical experience. Using a self-made circular matte, Egan transformed the frame into a small circle of light. She filled the film frame with these "circles" by superimposing each shot on top the the one before (up to twelve passes with the camera). The film is to be projected onto balloons, which become enveloped in the image - rounding the screen space and making visible the image on all sides. The them of the circle and/or circular is furthered through the use of a film loop; the film is projected constantly, with no set beginning, middle or end. The experience for the audience, in short, is of a film without sides, without points and without traditional cinematic reference.
Dave Johnson: Luminosity: We see light, but how often do we look at it?
In reflection to the theme of the Lumiere festival, light, this installation is a motion picture light sculpture. This sculpture, which includes 16mm Film, projector and sound is homage to emulsion based motion picture/ movies. Without light, these could not exist. The audio is a series of collected clips describing light, sound and chemistry as it pertains to motion picture film. The artist invites you to walk amongst the installation. By using your hand or finger you can alter the shape of the light.
Bridget Farr: Multiple exposures blend youth with wisdom.
Roger D. Wilson: Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is a projection screen where you view an image that you control with your feet. As you start to pedal, still images begin to appear and soon you learn you are under water, you see fish swimming by, the sun reflecting onto the river bed and weeds blowing around as if the wind was hard at work. On both sides of you are projected images as well, on the right hand side screen you see a young woman swim past you. Just as she passes by, you see on your left hand side screen a young man swimming faster to catch up to you; it is not long before he passes by as well. You are in a race! You start to pedal faster thinking you can catch up to these swimmers but no matter how fast you pedal you will never win this race so you may as well slow down and enjoy the ride. This installation will be set up to loop over and over again, presenting these same images over and over so each audience member can be part of the same experience. All three 16mm projectors are powered by the bike and the cyclist riding it.
The Windows Collective is made up of six Ottawa artists who create independent films as part of their artistic practices. The vision of the Collective is to create original, accessible and unconventional art events using super 8, 16mm or 35 mm film as the medium. The members of the Windows Collective are Dave Johnson, Ainsley Walton, Bridget Farr, Roger D. Wilson, Paul Gordon and Pixie Cram. This year Paul Gordon was not able to create a new piece, however we are happy to announce that Experimental Film artist Kelly Egan has created a wonderful piece to include in this year’s film installations. www.rogerdwilson.ca/windows-collective.html
Please come out and enjoy the fun!
Filmmakers and Synopsis for this year’s films:
Pixie Cram: A looping 16mm projection of horses in a field.
Ainsley Walton: invites festival goers to spin her praxinoscope. With a short looped image sequence, the praxinoscope, invented in 1877, is a historic motion picture technology which pre-dates film projectors.
Kelly Egan: Using "light" as her inspiration, Kelly Egan's piece transforms the space of cinema from a rectangular focal point (i.e., the frame, the screen, into a circular and spherical experience. Using a self-made circular matte, Egan transformed the frame into a small circle of light. She filled the film frame with these "circles" by superimposing each shot on top the the one before (up to twelve passes with the camera). The film is to be projected onto balloons, which become enveloped in the image - rounding the screen space and making visible the image on all sides. The them of the circle and/or circular is furthered through the use of a film loop; the film is projected constantly, with no set beginning, middle or end. The experience for the audience, in short, is of a film without sides, without points and without traditional cinematic reference.
Dave Johnson: Luminosity: We see light, but how often do we look at it?
In reflection to the theme of the Lumiere festival, light, this installation is a motion picture light sculpture. This sculpture, which includes 16mm Film, projector and sound is homage to emulsion based motion picture/ movies. Without light, these could not exist. The audio is a series of collected clips describing light, sound and chemistry as it pertains to motion picture film. The artist invites you to walk amongst the installation. By using your hand or finger you can alter the shape of the light.
Bridget Farr: Multiple exposures blend youth with wisdom.
Roger D. Wilson: Imagine sitting on a bicycle and in front of you is a projection screen where you view an image that you control with your feet. As you start to pedal, still images begin to appear and soon you learn you are under water, you see fish swimming by, the sun reflecting onto the river bed and weeds blowing around as if the wind was hard at work. On both sides of you are projected images as well, on the right hand side screen you see a young woman swim past you. Just as she passes by, you see on your left hand side screen a young man swimming faster to catch up to you; it is not long before he passes by as well. You are in a race! You start to pedal faster thinking you can catch up to these swimmers but no matter how fast you pedal you will never win this race so you may as well slow down and enjoy the ride. This installation will be set up to loop over and over again, presenting these same images over and over so each audience member can be part of the same experience. All three 16mm projectors are powered by the bike and the cyclist riding it.
Lumiere Festival August 17th 2013
On August 17th at 7:30pm I will be revealing my latest 16mm creation: Cinema-Trik. With this Cinema-Trik, the physical state of
putting your legs into motion to move yourself forward will only leave you
cemented in place but your hard work will not go unrewarded. The kinetic power
created through your legs and into the bike pedals will be released into the
mechanics of a film projector and will put the contents of this projector into
motion, these contents being 16mm motion picture film. When
sitting on the bike and taking on the job as the rider, you will have front row
privileges, seeing the film at the best possible angle. Just like when you were
a child and on Saturday mornings you would plant yourself right in front of the
television set so nothing could affect your cartoon viewing experience. Check out the Lumiere Festival: http://www.lumiereottawa.com/
Corel Endowment Fund Award
On June 25 I received the Council for the Arts in Ottawa "Corel Endowment Fund Award". I just want to thank this organization for their support to artists like myself, without them many projects would never see the light. I will be using this award to design and build a "Cinema-Trik". This cinema on wheels will be a human powered film projector that will be able to set up in any location around the city and project 16mm films. The project will be revealed this summer at The Lumiere Festival www.lumiereottawa.com
Against the Grain Distribution Update
I am very happy to announce that the wonderful Winnipeg Film Group is the official distributor for my 16mm film "Against the Grain"! Check this film out if you are looking for a film that takes a dip into the creative process and pushes film emulsion to its limits and beyond.
www.winnipegfilmgroup.com/film/show/xzc49-j7doz-pknsa-6hyta/againstthe-grain.aspx
www.winnipegfilmgroup.com/film/show/xzc49-j7doz-pknsa-6hyta/againstthe-grain.aspx
Film Factory Presentation - June 14th @ 7pm
I will be presenting my Film Factory project "Against the Grain" at MAIN FILM in Montreal on Friday June 14th at 7pm. If you are going to be in the Montreal area on this date please come by and see my presentation, Artist Ron Resendes will be presenting his project on this same evening. Address: Main Film, 3981 St-Laurent, suite 750, Montréal.
Against the Grain is on its way to Somerville Massachusetts
Against the Grain will screen on May 2nd 2013 at 8pm at the Somerville Open Cinema in Somerville, Massachusetts USA.
somervilleopencinema.blogspot.ca
www.facebook.com/events/247723585372177
somervilleopencinema.blogspot.ca
www.facebook.com/events/247723585372177
Against the Grain Goes to England!
My film Against the Grain will screen on Friday April 26th at MIST in England, Isle Of Wight, United Kingdom. www.facebook.com/mistmovingimage
Collaboration with John Londono
Back in February I was asked to collaborate with Montreal Artist John Londono to create a film for the CREA awards in Montreal. I helped with the manipulation of the 16mm film image and processed some of the colour film stock. It was a pleasure to work with John and hope to have the opportunity again in the future. Please check out the the following link. Enjoy! http://vimeo.com/62346780
Against the Grain Premieres at the 2013 Dawson City Film Festival
Synopsis: Against the Grain takes a look at the creative process, focusing in on “when things don’t work out as planned”. As an experimental filmmaker I am constantly exploring the filmmaking process and trying new techniques. With this type of approach you are bound to make mistakes and are constantly returning to the drawing board, but as it says in the film “that’s the nature of the process”.
The Windows Collective at the 2013 Lumiére Festival
The members of the Windows Collective have once again been invited to be part of Ottawa's 2013 Lumiére Festival. The screening will take place in August, 2013. Please check back for more information.
The Lumière Festival, presented each year by the CCCC , is a month of festivities leading towards the magical Evening of Light Celebration held every year within the month of August!
Through lantern-making and performance workshops, and community outreach initiatives Lumière encourages people to come together and share their own creations and view the creations of others in a celebration of light and community.
The Lumière Evening of Light Celebration will enthrall you whether on your own, with friends or with family; a teen or a senior. From the lanterns on display, to the labyrinth, to the performers and music-all illuminated by only lantern and lamplight, Lumière will hold you in its spell. Come re-discover the night and the magic of light!
The Lumière Festival, presented each year by the CCCC , is a month of festivities leading towards the magical Evening of Light Celebration held every year within the month of August!
Through lantern-making and performance workshops, and community outreach initiatives Lumière encourages people to come together and share their own creations and view the creations of others in a celebration of light and community.
The Lumière Evening of Light Celebration will enthrall you whether on your own, with friends or with family; a teen or a senior. From the lanterns on display, to the labyrinth, to the performers and music-all illuminated by only lantern and lamplight, Lumière will hold you in its spell. Come re-discover the night and the magic of light!
Collaboration with Montreal Artist John Londono - February/March 2013
I have been invited to collaborate with Montreal Artist John Londono in the creation of a film for Quebec's Créa Awards, these awards highlight excellence in advertising creation in Quebec. John has been commissioned by Infopresse to make a series of 10 portraits of the jury members for this year’s edition of the Créa Awards, along with a 1-minute film. John has asked me to assist in the experimental process of creating his film, 16mm hand-processing, optical printing and image manipulation. I am honored and excited to be part of this project and look forward to working with John and seeing the final film that he creates.
Crichton Cultural Community Centre Film Screening of Against the Grain
My film Against the Grain will be screened at the Crichton Cultural Community Centre's Friday night film night on January 25 2013. The centre is holding an evening of films created through The Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa. The screening will take place at Memorial Hall at 39 Dufferin Rd. Ottawa ON. Doors open at 6:30pm and screening starts at 7pm, tickets are $5.00. Filmmakers will be in attendance to participate in a Q&A following the screening.
Program:
It's a Living by Sara Tedford: 16mm colour film, projection format 16mm
Against the Grain by Roger D. Wilson: 16mm b&w film, projection format 16mm
Eye Witness War by Dave Johnson: Super 8mm colour film, projection format video
Turn Off by Bridget Farr: 35mm Colour film, projection format video
Ba-bye Mammy Ba-bye by Patrice James: Super 8mm colour film, projection format video
Octaves by Mark Seniuk: 35mm colour/b&w film, projection format video
Program:
It's a Living by Sara Tedford: 16mm colour film, projection format 16mm
Against the Grain by Roger D. Wilson: 16mm b&w film, projection format 16mm
Eye Witness War by Dave Johnson: Super 8mm colour film, projection format video
Turn Off by Bridget Farr: 35mm Colour film, projection format video
Ba-bye Mammy Ba-bye by Patrice James: Super 8mm colour film, projection format video
Octaves by Mark Seniuk: 35mm colour/b&w film, projection format video
The Films of Roger D. Wilson
dir. Roger D. Wilson
Canada
120 minutes
Café Ex: 2012-2013
Club SAW
Thursday, December 6, 2012, 7:00 pm
"For over a decade, Ottawa filmmaker Roger Wilson has been producing some of the most daring and inventive experimental films in Canada. Exploring the physical properties of celluloid – through optical printing, hand processing, allowing celluloid to decay/develop while buried underground – and incorporating those explorations in the films themselves, Wilson, like all true avant-garde artists, pushes the boundaries of image construction and investigates how moving images make meaning. With its perceptive approaches to ideas of landscape, sound and silence, memory, and identity, Wilson’s is a fascinating and compelling body of work." Canadian Film Institute Executive Director, Tom McSorley
Doors open at 7pm. Admission is pay-what-you-can.
Roger Wilson will attend the screening to introduce and discuss his films.
Canada
120 minutes
Café Ex: 2012-2013
Club SAW
Thursday, December 6, 2012, 7:00 pm
"For over a decade, Ottawa filmmaker Roger Wilson has been producing some of the most daring and inventive experimental films in Canada. Exploring the physical properties of celluloid – through optical printing, hand processing, allowing celluloid to decay/develop while buried underground – and incorporating those explorations in the films themselves, Wilson, like all true avant-garde artists, pushes the boundaries of image construction and investigates how moving images make meaning. With its perceptive approaches to ideas of landscape, sound and silence, memory, and identity, Wilson’s is a fascinating and compelling body of work." Canadian Film Institute Executive Director, Tom McSorley
Doors open at 7pm. Admission is pay-what-you-can.
Roger Wilson will attend the screening to introduce and discuss his films.
The Windows Collective Screening August 15th 2012
On August 15th, beginning at dusk, Ottawa audiences will have the opportunity to view six new experimental film loops at the Plaza Bridge Underpass, a pedestrian through-way that runs between the National Arts Centre and the Bytown Museum along the Rideau Canal Locks. The installation is the third public project of the Windows Collective, a group of six Ottawa artists who create independent films as part of their artistic practice. The vision of the Collective is to create original, unconventional and accessible art events using super 8, 16mm or 35mm film as the medium. The members of the Collective are Dave Johnson, Ainsley Walton, Bridget Farr, Roger D. Wilson, Paul Gordon and Pixie Cram. In 2011, the Windows Collective was awarded the Corel Endowment for the Arts Award presented by the Council for the Arts in Ottawa. The group immediately set to work creating new films for the Plaza Bridge installation. The screening formats for this summer's installation include 16mm loops, a 35mm slide show, and video projection. The installation will take place for one night only, on Wednesday August 15th, from 8PM until midnight. The event is free, family-friendly, and wheelchair accessible. You can also find the Windows Collective on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/289114481196536/
IFCO fundraising event August 11th 2012
The Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa Inc. (IFCO) announces its first annual dance-era themed fundraiser, Groove Gala, taking place August 11th at the Arts Court Studio (2 Daly Avenue), downtown Ottawa. The theme is big band for 2012, with seven-piece horn driven band The Jivewires keeping the dance floor hot all night. CBC News Ottawa's Adrian Harewood hosts the evening, doubling as live-auctioneer for prize packages donated by local businesses eager to support the organization. Guests can wine, dine and dance the night away,with professional dancers on hand to show them how to jump and jive for a cause,courtesy of Ottawa's top swing dance school, Swing
Dynamite.
Tickets are now available at the Arts Court Box Office; call (613-564-7240) to purchase, or visit the Arts Court, located at 2 Daly Ave. in the heart of downtown Ottawa
Dynamite.
Tickets are now available at the Arts Court Box Office; call (613-564-7240) to purchase, or visit the Arts Court, located at 2 Daly Ave. in the heart of downtown Ottawa
March 01, 2012
Pre-production is completed on my first 35mm film My Last Words and production will begin at the end of March. My Last Words takes an experimental look at the process of writing a last will and testament. The film has received funding from City of Ottawa's Cultural Funding Program, Ontario Arts Council's Mid-Career and Established Artists Grant program and The Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa's Frank Cole Documentary Fund Program. I plan to have My Last Words completed by fall of 2012.
February 20, 2012
Film Factory program at Main Film in Montreal: In April of 2011 I was accepted into the Film Factory Program at the artist run center Main Film. Through this program I have been focusing more time on my experimental process of manipulating unexposed film emulsion prior to photography. I have been working with 16mm black and white Kodak film stock 7222. I have been pre-treating the film stock to a variety of techniques, such as berg colour toner, photographic bleach and burying the film in soil. I am presently in post-production with this project and hope to be releasing the film in April of 2012. The title of the film will be Against the Grain.