Final Cut: GQ ~ Evil Instincts

Posted on May 31, 2012 by michael

Director Nadav Kander of Chelsea and Editor J.D. Smyth of Final Cut created this collection of web films for GQ, the duo–alongside some of Hollywood?s toplist celebrities–explore the sinister side of life?s everyday undertakings.

The project began as a series of stills, entitled “Bad Guys”, commissioned by GQ to be photographed by Kander (represented by Stockland Martel for print). However, Kander soon realized there was an oopportunity to take the concept further by shooting accompanying short films. Original content was a departure from the customary interview segments featured on GQ.com, but it was a venture that the creative team at GQ was excited to make.

The films, featuring various iconic actors, initially appear to be depicting villainous acts, but as the camera pans out very banal activities are revealed. To capture the essence of these perceived miscreant acts, Kander said, “The idea of villains leans to the shadow side of the human
psyche. Where some tend to ignore this human condition, I believed there was a way to capture its beauty.” The films, known as “Evil Instincts,” mark the commercial motion film debut for Kander, a world-renowned photographer, whose celebrated images include portraits of Barack Obama and David Lynch and have earned him such accolades as the Prix Pictet. Adds Chelsea Co-Owner/EP Lisa Mehling, “Nadav Kander is
in a rarefied group of photographers whose aesthetic is universally revered. Given Nadav?s incredible talent, I am certain that “Evil Instincts” will be the first of many collaborative film projects between Nadav and Chelsea.”

As for the edit, Smyth retimed the footage, while still trying to keep the cut open. Smyth dwelled on the characters, allowing their expressions and actions to dictate the pace. To achieve the skillful misdirect, he ensured that the edit developed quietly. Furthermore, the audio was a key ingredient to establishing the grim tone needed for a successful deception. Smyth and Kander collaborated with Barking Owl for a powerful sound design and a menacing track. This project was a full-force endeavor from Final Cut?s postproduction crew. In addition to Smyth, the Final Cut creative team was comprised of Colorist Pearly Leung, VFX Artist Cecil Hooker, and Sound Mixer T. Terressa Tate.

The actors featured include Benicio Del Toro, Malcolm McDowell, Jack Gleeson, John Hawkes, Mark Strong, Ron Perlman and Walton Goggins. The series is available for viewing in the ipad edition of GQ?s June issue . Nadav Kander?s accompanying still images can be found in both GQ?s ipad and print editions of the June issue.

Final Cut is a creative editorial company, with offices in LA, NY, and London, which services clients in the commercial, television, feature film and music video arenas. Chelsea is committed to creating rich content that is in step with the rapidly evolving demands of today’s top agencies and clients.