Today, Scream Franchise Examiner has a behind-the-scenes look at the ‘Art of Stab’—including an exclusive interview with Scream 4 Prop Master Skip Crank, who shares never-before-seen production photos from his personal collection. (See slideshow.)
The “Art of Stab’ consists of artwork made for and used in the film Scream 4. These original and inspired pieces are currently on display at the Hyaena Gallery (located at 1928 W. Olive Ave. in Burbank, CA), where they will remain through November 15th. The gallery will be hosting a special opening reception on Saturday night (November 6th) from 8 PM until midnight. This event is free and open to the public—and promises a deliciously diabolical experience for all.
From the Hyaena web-site:
An exhibit of killer art inspired by and commissioned for the new movie Scream 4 (currently in post production). These pieces are featured in a major scene in the film and will blow your mind when seen on the big screen. Also in this exhibit, Skip Crank will present a wide range of Scream props that span the franchise...with a few special surprises and exciting finds on display and for sale!
Readers can view and purchase the artwork by clicking here.
Now, a special note from the ‘Art of Stab’ project manager/curator, Nicolas Caesar:
It's very rare that you get to work with your friends. Skip and I both share a playful relationship with the macabre as well as an obsessive, relentless work ethic. We've hammered a reputation in the industry for accomplishing miracles under backbreaking timelines. We can produce quality work almost out of thin air to meet any film's budget or challenge. When Skip suggested Scream 4 have 'fan art' - Wes loved the idea. Skip passed the idea to me and Bill at the Hyaena gallery and I found myself project manager/curator soliciting and arsenal of heavy-hitting artists in the dark art genre. I wanted to create a rainbow of wild and untamed expressions from the cartoonish work of Big Tasty and John Hageman jr to the raw feel of Mim Weisburd and Temple Terkildsen to the pretty of Char Hall, Dienzo, Clint Carney and Broken Toyland to the strange of Patricia Anders, Nine Kempf, Christine Benjamin and Jeremy Cross. Everyone gave 110%. Chris Cinder, Trina Merry, RT Vegas, Sean Madden, and even Strephon Taylor (of famed Wacky Packages and Garbage Pail Kids). Dan Harding and DW Frydendall just made AMAZING work. My wife spent hours sewing Stab-Crows. And if it sounds like I'm name dropping - I am because everyone made such a wild and distinct body of work it deserved it show at the famed Hyaena Gallery. You never know who'll walk through Hyaena's doors and who he'll introduce you to next. Hyaena makes artist wrangling easy. It's your one stop shop for dark art, pin-ups, and everything bad taste. When you watch Scream 4 and get an unsettling feeling that you can't put a finger on hopefully we've done our job adding just a little bit more weird as you travel through the slasher's looking glass. Saturday will be an amazing show, not for the art being in the film but because the art was created by the film.
***
And finally, Prop Master Skip Crank takes readers behind-the-screams…
1) You are a Prop Master for SCREAM 4. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got the job and what your responsibilities include?
First of all and most importantly, as a Prop Master I do not work alone. I work with, and have worked alongside, Prop Master JP Jones. JP and I have been working on films together for over 10 years. It was JP who introduced me to Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson on the first SCREAM film. We have done all four SCREAM films together, both fabricating and procuring the props for those films as well as most of Wes Craven’s other films. I can say that there are no two people I enjoy working with more than JP Jones and Wes Craven.
The job of Prop Master is a lot more complex than it seems. We start by reading the script and breaking down each required prop for each scene, which is a task in itself. A "prop" is considered anything that a cast member or actor handles or uses during any given scene. This can also include watches, rings or jewelry, and requires meeting with the director as well as each actor to decide what prop is best suited for each scene. Also included is making sure each prop is correct for the time period. This can be anything from a gun or knife, to a cell phone or briefcase. Another important part of the job is maintaining prop continuity. This keeps me on my toes because most films are not shot in scene order... Think about trying to keep track of blood stains and blood pools in a Wes Craven film, and you get the idea.
2) Since the movie represents a new generation, can viewers expect to see new gadgets for Ghost Face & Co.? If so, are you allowed to divulge any details? (If not, can you tell us what kind of effort goes into maintaining secrecy on such a high profile project?)
Yes, it’s true that it is a new generation; therefore there are many new faces as well as the surviving cast members. Wes has a wonderful fan base among audiences as well as actors, so getting together a great group of wonderful, familiar, popular actors was very easy for the production and casting. Let’s face it: Everybody wants to be in a Wes Craven film. In fact, Wes was the one responsible for getting me into SAG by giving me parts in both CURSED and RED EYE. Who knows--you might even catch me in SCREAM 4... I'm not saying a word, just wait and see the movie!!!
As far as Ghost Face and gadgets--that is information I cannot divulge. Let’s put it this way: Ghost Face is Ghost Face. He has become as iconic as Freddy Krueger or Norman Bates--the site of him strikes fear in the hearts of many.
As for maintaining secrecy during production, only a few complete scripts were handed out to those Wes felt needed them. In fact, a lot of the cast members were not aware of what we would be shooting on any given day....
In addition, all script pages were collected at the end of each day of filming and destroyed. There were even several versions of "fake" scripts printed and in circulation, to throw off any unauthorized distribution. We're talking top secret CIA government tricks here, like some James Bond shit... We take the secrecy and element of surprise very seriously, and it’s very guarded.
3) How has the ‘Art of Stab’ been incorporated into SCREAM 4? Can you tell us about the atmosphere of the infamous ‘Stab-A-Thon’ barn scene and how the art adds to that?
The Idea for the art in SCREAM 4 came about early during pre production, when Wes suggested that since a decade has passed story wise, the STAB franchise has grown similar to the popularity of the SCREAM films. So, it would stand to reason that there were Stab fan bases, memorabilia as well as poster and even fan painted art. I myself being an artist, and knowing many artists and SCREAM fans, contacted Nic Caesar of Scary Art and Bill Shafer Of Hyaena Gallery whom I have used on various other film projects and said, "Put the word out and let’s see what we can come up with.” Well the result was fantastic! I had no idea so many artists would be interested. The art was not made for any specific scene, nor did any of the artists know where it would be used, as the script was, and still is, a complete secret. So I will say all of the art was used in one scene or another, but cannot comment on as to where, or the context of how, it was used. I myself also created many art pieces during the making of the film, as was needed or requested by Wes or JP. JP also created some fantastic props on the spot as Wes is well known for coming up with wonderful Ideas at any given time and saying, "Hey Skip, JP, can you guys come up with a (fill in the blank)?” And naturally we would do it. There is never a dull moment in a Wes Craven film....
As for the infamous "Stab -A -Thon,” again I cannot comment. We'll just have to wait till the film comes out on 4/15/11 and see. BUT I guarantee that you will be both thrilled and entertained by what
Wes has come up with...
4) In addition to art work, the exhibit will feature props and other goodies from the film. What can attendees expect to see on display?
Yes, there will be props from several of the SCREAM films. A costume has been loaned from production, and there will be several variations of knives used in the films, as well as screen used props and various masks. People will just have to come see for themselves. But I will guarantee this: there will be nothing on display or talked about in any way that would divulge any details or plot lines that will give away any of the story or secrets of SCREAM 4. But it will be both entertaining and fun, so "come on down and join us"....
***
With special thanks to Bill Shafer of the Hyaena Gallery for his enthusiastic support and championing of today’s column. Also, mad props to Skip Crank and Nicolas Caesar for their generous contributions of time and thought…
***
Got an inside scoop that you’d like to see appear in print? Email Scream Franchise Examiner at OyeJohn52@aol.com…
Don’t forget to subscribe to Scream Franchise Examiner to be among the first to know the terrifying truth surrounding Scream 4…
***
Ghost Face® is protected under copyright registration, Fun World Div/Easter Unlimited Inc All Rights Reserved.
Comments