Caradog James first began to consider filmmaking while working as a still photographer on sets in West Africa, soon after making a series of short films that screened throughout the festival circuit. His following feature debut, 2008’s “Little White Lies,” was selected as one of Variety’s Top 10 British Films of the year, but for his follow up he has returned with a much more ambitious work in his sci-fi drama “Machine.”
What it’s about: “With an impoverished world plunged into a Cold War with a new enemy, Britain’s Ministry of Defence is on the brink of developing a game-changing weapon. Lead scientist Vincent McCarthy (Toby Stephens) provides the answer with his creation, ‘The Machine’- a human cyborg with unrivalled physical and processing skills. When a programming glitch causes an early prototype to destroy his lab, McCarthy enlists artificial intelligence expert Ava (Caity Lotz) to help him harness the full potential of a truly conscious fighting machine.”
What else should audiences know: “I spent a year and half researching and writing the script. Part of my research included a clandestine off the record meeting with an A.I. expert making intelligent machines for the British Ministry of Defence. Luckily they’ve only managed to map a mouse brain – at least that’s what he told me.”
What was your biggest challenge in developing this project: “I’d never shot CGI or action sequences before so that was a challenge and a lot of fun. All my films will have both from now on.”
What do you hope audiences will walk away with: “That they were entertained and moved and challenged enough that they want to talk about its ideas with their friends – and hopefully get them to see the film when it’s in the cinema!”
Inspirations: “Part of my research also involved meeting families with autistic and disabled children (so I could better understand Vincent’s journey and relationship with his daughter who has Rett syndrome). Those families and the kids that I met inspired me more to tell the story than other movies.”
What’s next: “Another Sci-Fi set further in the future, its an action thriller. I also have a horror movie and an awesome action movie in the works.”
Indiewire invited Tribeca Film Festival directors to tell us about their films, including what inspired them, the challenges they faced and what they’re doing next. We’ll be publishing their responses leading up to the 2013 festival.
Keep checking HERE every day up to the launch of the festival on April 17 for the latest profiles.
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