seven-minute cinemas

The Story
Film Theory
The Music
Film Clip
The Shoot
The Players

Instrumental Treason
A Mutiny in Four Movements
A Film by Jake Elsas

The Shoot

The Violin mutineesThe production "week" lasted only six days: one day for a master sound-recording session and five days of shooting (plus additional time for setting up and breaking down the set).

The first day on the set was dedicated to the sound recording session. After briefly rehearsing the musicians, both composer Niels Fölster and recording engineer/sound designer Christina Agamanolis worked diligently (in only three hours!) to capture a sufficient amount of takes for a high-quality soundtrack. Mr. Fölster then spent that first evening crafting a preliminary mix that was to be used as "playback" during filmming.

Thus, over the course of the next five days, the musicians were called to the set in sectionals and filmed as they "sidelined" to the playback. In other words, the musicians mimed with their instruments as their previously-recorded music was played back over a sound system.

During production, Portland-based photographer Melody Saunders visited the set and captured numerous still photos; the following is a selection of her work. Please take a moment to look through the thumbnailed pictures — by clicking on a picture, you can view it full-sized.

7MC hopes you enjoy this behind-the-scenes peek into the making of a film!

WIDE ORCHESTRA SHOTS
Orchestra prepares for a Master Shot The crew and orchestra prepare for the next shot The orchestra prepares to record the music The Concertmaster challenges the Conductor
The orchestra prepares for a Master Shot The crew and orchestra prepare for the next shot The orchestra prepares to record the music The Concertmaster challenges the Conductor

THE CREW AT WORK
Jake Elsas directs Lajos Balogh, as D.P. Mira Ainbinder prepares the shot. Jake Elsas directs the celli and basses The camera crew discusses the next shot, while the Director waits. Patiently. Stand in for the Cymbal Player
Jake Elsas directs Lajos Balogh, as D.P. Mira Ainbinder prepares the shot Jake Elsas directs the celli and basses The camera crew discusses the next shot, while the Director waits. Patiently. Stand-in for the Cymbal Player
John, the Script Supervisor, and 2nd A.D. Kevin Freeman keep close track of every take Niels Muller prepares for sound playback Composer Niels Muller at a lighter moment Sound Engineer Christina Agamanolis checks the score.
John, the Script Supervisor, and 2nd A.D. Kevin Freeman keep close track of every take Composer Niels Fölster prepares for sound playback Composer Niels Fölster at a lighter moment Recording Engineer Christina Agamanolis checks the score

INDIVIDUAL MUSICIANS
Conductor Lajos Balogh -- a stern leader Conductor Lajos Balogh peers out at his orchestra Concertmaster Peter Vini Piazza plays what he wants Cymbal Player Fritz Weber, about to be heard
Conductor Lajos Balogh — a stern leader Conductor Lajos Balogh peers out at his orchestra Concertmaster Peter Vini Piazza plays what he wants Cymbal Player Fritz Weber, about to be heard
Violinist Eugene Kaza mutinies against Conductor Lajos Balogh Flute Player Rob Scheps mutinies Oboe Player Franck Avril battles English Horn Player Alan Juza Clarinet Player Dick Saunders
Violinist Eugene Kaza mutinies against Conductor Lajos Balogh Flute Player Rob Scheps mutinies Oboe Player Franck Avril battles English Horn Player Alan Juza Clarinet Player Dick Saunders
Piano Player Jof Lee Percussionist Ron Steen lays down a beat Timpani Player Dean Hinkley rumbles a response  
Piano Player Jof Lee Percussionist Ron Steen lays down a beat Timpani Player Dean Hinkley rumbles a response