Batman Dead End poster
YOUTUBE:[]
Batman Dead End (San Diego Comic-Con 2003)
PLOT:[]
"Batman has the worst night of his life... LOL. Really, it's just an odd evening in Gotham City... Batman sets out to capture the Joker and return him to Arkham, but it turns out to be much more than that. I just wanted to have some fun with it, the movie just keeps one-upping itself. That's what I think is kind of cool about it. It's very unique, yet Bats has faced all three foes and one time or another in several different books. When you really think about, you either come to one of two conclusions... It's either really ridiculous... or That it makes perfect sense. At the end of the day, what does it really matter?I wanted to make a living breathing comic book, and that's what I did."
INTERVIEW:[]
MONITOR EARTH PRIME......(MEP)
SANDY CORELLA................(SC)
CLARK BARTRAM................(CB)
MEP: This is your first movie based on Batman, why the interset on doing a super-hero movie?
SC: I'm just a huge fan. I've been reading comics my whole life, and I love Batman. I thought it'd be fun and interesting to put MY version of that character on the screen. I learned a lot, and feel we made a good film, it was also very fun... Those are the three things that if you take from the experience of making a film, I think you've succeeded on every level.
MEP: Was the script an original idea or based on pre-existing work from DC Comics?
SC: The characters were based on the DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, the KILLING JOKE, WAR ON CRIME and the BATMAN vs PREDATOR books...The "situation" I felt was unique and quite original.
MEP: Who are the Actors, What did they play, and how were the picked?
SC: The actors all auditioned like everyone else... I found Clark through a recommendation from a photographer, and the rest of the cast came in to audition during numerous casting sessions that were held by the producers and myself. They were all tremendous, and were a pleasure to work with, we had so much fun, and came out of the experience the best of friends. I'm actually moving on to other projects with a few of the guys. The cast and crew were nothing short of phenomenal. THEY made the movie what it is, I just pulled everyone together and lead them towards my vision for the film.
MEP: Where was this filmed?
SC: The film was made with pride in North Hollywood, California... USA.
MEP: What were the costumes made of?
SC: Lot's of things, that's a whole other interview in itself... I chose a variety of materials and textures to create the desired effect.
MEP: Is there a chance for a sequel?
SC: No.
MEP: Batman is by far the most popular comic book character and now one of the most popular character to do as a Indy movie, why go with yet another Batman mini-movie instead of another character that has yet to be done?
SC: Why not?
MEP: What went about deciding on choosing Joker, Predators, and Aliens as the villians?
SC: I love all those characters, and it had been done before in the Dark Horse/DC crossover books.
MEP: Do you think you got across what you wanted to in the movie, if not where do you think you missed it? Or now that it is done what do you wish you would have put in it?
SC: I think everyone involved would agree that I got across what I wanted to with this film... on every level. I wouldn't change one thing. It is what it is, and it's representative of what I was capable of at that moment in time that the film was made, and I think that's pretty damn cool.
MEP: What type and how much special FX did you use? how Much was CGI or old school FX (smoke and mirrors). What type of program did you use on the CGI?
SC: Mostly, the FX were all physical, in camera stuff. The CGI was done by friend, and fellow director, Ron Brinkmann, on a program called SHAKE.
MEP: Was the ending finished? There are several version out on how it was to end. One with Superman flying in and offering to help; another with Nightwing doing the same.
SC: There were a few things like that discussed and tossed back and forth... In the end, I opted to end the film with the cliffhanger ending... But, it's really not a cliffhanger... We all know who walked out of that alley. It's better sometimes to merely imply what happens, rather than show it, leaving something to the audiences imagination... especially when you don't have the budget to show all of it. 'You were picked to play one of the most popular comic book characters ever in what has 'become the fan-boys (and girls) ideal best Batman movie ever.
MEP: how did you get picked to play Batman?
CB: I auditioned like everyone else! Sandy saw a business card from a friend of mine that had bodybuilders on it and thought he might know of someone. My friend suggested me and the rest is history.
MEP: was the work a strenous work out doing all the stunts?
CB: Yes, mainily due to the fact I was constantly wet, cold and had an injured hamstring going into production. The wait times on set can be lengthy, so I had to stretch a lot to remain flexible.
MEP: What did you know about Batman before the film?
CB: That he was a bad a&*! In watched the sixties show with Adam West, but was never really into the comics. I just knew he was, and is, one of the world's greatest and most beloved comic characters.
MEP: How did you react when sandy told you that you would be fighting Joker, Predators and Aliens?
CB: OK! Lets get shooting, this sounds amazing...
MEP: What was going through your mind when you put on the costume?
CB: It was at that point that the magnitude of the whole project started to sink in.I actually felt like I was Batman.
MEP: how did you perpare for your shooting?
CB: I watched the animated series constantly with my son. That is the voice I used.
MEP: were you happy with how it turned out?
CB: I don't think any of the parties involved realized how big this would be. I am overwhelmed by it's success and am extremly happy with how it turned out.
MEP: did you know this was an independant movie?
CB: Yes, Sandy and Simon were upfront and honest about everything. They told me right off the BAT (pun intended) that there would be no pay involved.
MEP: I noticed on your site you have images of you dressed up as Spider-Man. Your costume looks alot like what Marvel had asked artist Alex Ross to turn in for his version what he had purposed for Spider-man but Marvel when another way.
MEP: Did you know what the shoot was for?
CB: Yes...the intent was similar to what Sandy was after. The photographer (David Paul) wanted to feature a person with real muscle to be a super hero. He did an entire series.
MEP: How long did it take?
CB: The shoot took hours, at least 12-13. We walked all over LA shooting Spiderman inmany locations. It was hillarious to see the reaction (or non-reaction) of passer by's.Some people acted as if Spiderman was in the subway every night.
MEP: What was the costume like?
CB: It was paint. The only thing I wore was a Speedo. The rest was 7 hours of airbrushing. The girl who did it was awesome. I have to admit, that was the most exhausting photo shoot I've ever done.
MEP: Where was the photo shooting taken at?
CB: All over LA. The Roosevelt hotel, the subway, alleys, office buildings, streets. Wherever the photographer got "inspired' we stopped and shot. We did a making of video for that too. It will be posted on my new web site starting next week.www.clarkbartram.com
MEP: How was did it feel to pose as Spider-man.
CM: Again, it was surreal. I have been very lucky to be involved in two projects that havetaken on a life of their own. I have to admit though, Bats was my favorite and I would jumpat the chance to do it again. It looks like you are one of the luckiest men around. You were filmed doing Batman'and were photographed as the pre-production Spider-Man.'
MEP: How does it feel to be known as Two of the most popular Super-heroes?
CB: Like I just stated, i am pretty fortunate and feel honored to be looked upon andadmired as being the guy who brought the "real" Batman to film.
MEP: Has Batman: Dead End helped your career?
CB: I would say yes most definatly. Not that my phone has been ringing off the hook byHollywood execs, but in the regard that I have a new fan base. I appreciate all thefeedback and love I have gotten over the last year by Batman fans. I hope it continues.This to me is the real reward. Success isn't always nmeasured by dollars in a bankaccount. To me it's more about relationships and I've made some solid friendships as aresult of my involvement in Dead End.
MEP: Which was the best one you liked to do? Batman or Spider-man?
CB: They were both very different as on was for print and the other for film, so they bothrequired different things from me. I would say overall, the Batman, was a much moreexciting expierence. Comic Con, Predator, Aliens, thounsands of fans,interviews...the list continues.
MEP: If you were asked to do another Super-Hero movie who would it be?
CB: Batman in The Dark Knight Returns!