GEOFF MEECH
FILM MAKER
 TORONTO

Sometimes you gotta have a little chat with someone to realizes that life is to short not to make your own action-comedy-packed-Shakspeare-parody. Today Woosta.com met the face of crazy indie film maker Geoff Meech.

Sup Geoff, so where exactly did you grow up?

I grew up in Mississauga Ontario Canada, my parents enrolled me in almost every sport, which kept me busy. Now-a-days Mississauga isnt much fun, Toronto is where its at.

I guess thats when you decide to be a film maker?

It all started in grade ten when I switched from an art class into an electronics class. My art teacher was a little crazy and she hated all men so I wanted out. I saw my Electronics teacher using an editing program called VideoWave 3; I liked it so I bought it. Then I bought my own camera and the rest is history.

Did you go to school for this sorta thing?

My high school offered some classes where I could do video, but not very much. Now I go to Brock University and I am studying film. Im thinking about going to Sheridan after I get my degree.

What inspired you to make Macbeth 3000?

MacBeth 3000 was the inevitable third installment of a Shakespeare series that my friends and I had worked on. We made Hamlet, King Lear 2000 (both as school projects) and when my friend Denis (aka MacDuff) wrote MacBeth 3000 it just seemed like the right way to go.

So you guys are big on ye olde English, is that what this film is about?

Its a postmodern take on Shakespeares MacBeth told by Canadian students in an American filmmaking narrative. If I had to place it in a genre it would be either action or comedy. Our film parodies and pastiches the Bond series and references many other popular culture items. Its a lot of fun!

Shot location?

Because of schooling and schedules the film was shot in fits and spurts from February 2003 to August 2004. Almost all of it was shot in Mississauga, but some was shot in Oakville, Elora, Brampton and Toronto. I think we used approximately 50 miniDV tapes, which is a horrible footage to final product ratio.

Ya, that ratio thing is real downer sometimes, so what life experiences did you bring to the film ?

The first example I can think of is the bartender/balcony scene. We were on the balcony talking and someone said MacBeth, then all of a sudden the movie lights blew a fuse and went out, but not only that the torch blew out at the same time as well. The weird thing is, is that there werent any strong winds. Im not sure if everyone knows but Shakespeares Macbeth is cursed, and youre not supposed to utter the name Macbeth when you are putting on the play. Because of this incident I decided to put a shot of the torch being blown out when the three witches disappear. Other than that I used familiar locations such as Elora Gorge, which I had been to with my family when I was younger.

I’ve heard the explosions are real/

Ive heard that as well and thats not even a question.

And the stunts are real too?

There are some visual effects/dummies but overall yes the stunts are real. I hope to have a stunt video on the DVD explaining what we actually did and what we faked.

So how real were they?

Real enough to not want to do them again.

Did any one get hurt?

Only two minor injuries were sustained during filming. Denis was dropping a metal bucket on Matt Snowballs (aka Witch #3) and the rim smoked Matt on the top of the head giving him a minor concussion. Also our friend James got winded jumping off a ladder. Look for these in the blooper reel as well as some kicks and punches to the face. This movie is soaked in many peoples sweat and blood. It was mostly our personal property that was hurt/destroyed rather than our bodies.

So there were no deaths?

Not yetbut Chris Bohren, we hardly knew yee. The film will be dedicated to the memory of Chris Bohren who drowned in a puddle during filming. We will be passing around a hat to collect money for his tombstone at the opening night gala.

As an indie film maker, what did you learn from shooting of Macbeth 3000?

Filmmaking is f*cking difficult! In all seriousness it was very hard, but I do not regret it. Not only did I learn a lot about the filmmaking process but also I learned a lot about myself and other people.

So, describe a day in the life of Geoff?

Dynamic. Im currently taking Karate and trampoline classes. I am also working on a trailer called The Ultimate Rush 2 which will be shown right before MacBeth 3000 on July 15th 2005 at Bloor Cinema in Toronto.

Time for the question weve all been waiting for; any film making tips for the aspiring film maker?

Experiment! The best thing you can do is just mess around with your camera and editing programs. Dont limit yourself and keep trying new things. Youll notice specific themes developing in your work. The next best thing to do is surround yourself with good people who are just as interested in filmmaking as you. Dont rush into any projects, start off with short movies and work your way up. Look for any chance you get to make a video, school projects or vacations or other events like weddings are great. DO NOT underestimate the value of planning/pre-production. I myself will never stop learning.

Not that we care but where do see yourself in 5 years ?

Starting my career as a stuntman but secretly planning to survive the apocalypse in 2012.

Ok man, you gotta respect that kind of crazy drive that only a crazy can have! Thanks dude,
Thank you.

Posted: December 31st, 2007 under Geoff Meech.
Comments: none