Digital Convergence Episode 13 - Kevin Shahinian - Pacific Pictures Founder and Filmmaker

Photo by StillmotionWithin every Hollywood film is a love story.

Our guest for this episode of the Digital Convergence podcast is a filmmaker who has pioneered the development of the wedding concept film: Kevin Shahinian of Pacific Pictures. Kevin has a talent for making a documented event look as if it had been scripted, staged, and produced by a Hollywood movie studio. Viewing Kevin's work on the Pacific Pictures Vimeo channel, you can readily see that Kevin is a master of producing concept films in a number of different genres. His productions range from Bollywood comedy / musicals to intense thrillers (with a happy ending of course!).

Recently, Kevin undertook the ambitious challenge of merging a wedding concept film with documenting the actual wedding event. Teaming up with an amazing and talented film crew - including Patrick Moreau (Stillmotion), Joe Simon (Joe Simon Wedding Films and featured in Episode 4 of the Digital Convergence podcast), and Casey Warren (MIND|Castle Studios) - Kevin set off to Udaipur, India, to the breathtaking region of Rajasthan. This area is also known as the "City of Lakes." Entirely shot using video DSLR's (Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 7D), "City of Lakes" was filmed entirely on location during the 3 day long wedding event.

In this episode, Kevin talks with me about the challenges of producing "City of Lakes." Were the results worth it? "City of Lakes" premiered for the first time at NAB 2010 in Las Vegas. Kevin talks about the positive reaction to his film. He talks about those who were present for the premiere and their reaction to his work. Kevin talks about why he chose to use video DSLRs to shoot this film and the challenges inherent to the format.

"City of Lakes" will be released in full on Pacific Pictures' website on Friday, April 23. Kevin was in the process of encoding and uploading "City of Lakes" as we spoke for a few minutes about him and his work. It was indeed a treat talking with Kevin. No doubt we'll be seeing more from this talented story teller and cinematographer!

Get your audio bits here:

Download (iTunes AAC): Digital Convergence Episode 13 - iTunes/AAC

Download (MP3 version): Digital Convergence Episode 13 - MP3 

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Links from the podcast:

Kevin Shahinian on the web: http://www.pacificpictures.net/

Kevin on Twiiter: http://twitter.com/kevinshahinian

Pacific Pictures Vimeo channel: http://vimeo.com/channels/pacificpictures

"CITY OF LAKES" The Official Trailer from PACIFIC PICTURES on Vimeo.

In the fall of 2009, Melissa & Samir embarked on an incredible journey to Udaipur, India, to fulfill a lifelong dream of having their wedding in the country of their ancestry. This transcendent place, affectionately called the "CITY OF LAKES," located in the breathtaking region of Rajasthan, would be the setting for their extravagant, three-day marriage celebration, and the backdrop of our unprecedented film production - shot entirely on-location. We believe this to be the first ever live event/scripted concept production 'hybrid' film ever produced on this scale. It was shot entirely on DSLRs, the Canon 5D Mark2 and 7D.

Pacific Pictures presents "CITY OF LAKES"
Starring Melissa Kumar, Samir Shah, Anubhab Saha, Sharon Chawda & Rushad Rana
Written & Directed by Kevin Shahinian
Produced by Kevin Shahinian & Patrick Moreau
Line Producer Pravin Thakur
Director of Photography Patrick Moreau
2nd Unit Director Joe Simon
2nd Unit Steadicam Casey Warren
Film Editor Kevin Shahinian
Jib Operator Chris Geiger
Set Photographer Amish Solanki

"SNOW" - Megan + Narbeh's Sweden Thriller Concept from PACIFIC PICTURES on Vimeo.

Can a love story be told as a thriller? Megan & Narbeh's true romance seemed to inspire the myth, conventions, and iconography of the great international suspense films, set in the iconic Uppsala winter of their hometown. Knowing only that Narbeh was a member of the Swedish Air Force, and that he used to sneak off the base at times just to see Megan, we took a little dramatic license in this one-of-a-kind love story-thriller hybrid, and hope to have celebrated the places that remind these two what made their very first moments together unforgettable.

Camera: Canon XHA1
Adapter: Cinevate Brevis MP.2
Lenses: Canon FD primes 1.4/50mm, 1.8/85mm
Additional Equipment: Cinevate Titan Mattebox
Post: Adobe Production Premium CS4

"SNOW" - Megan + Narbeh's Movie Premiere Reaction from PACIFIC PICTURES on Vimeo.

"DIL JAANTA HAI (THE HEART KNOWS)" - Anuja + Nirav's Bollywood Concept from PACIFIC PICTURES on Vimeo.

How does a shy M.D. win the heart of a gorgeous pharmacuetical rep? Find out in this fun comedy starring Anuja & Nirav, a Bollywood-inspired short we produced for their 6.6.09 wedding. The couples' surprise big screen debut premiered on two massive screens just before their grand entrance to hundreds of unsuspecting family and friends. From an original script based on their true story... With only a few 'minor' embellishments.

Camera: Canon XHA1
Adapter: Cinevate Brevis MP.2
Lenses: Zeiss primes 2/35mm, 1.4/50mm, 1.4/85mm
Additional Equipment: Cinevate Ballare Dolly with low angle extension; Cinevate Pegasus Heavy Lifter
Post: Adobe Production Premium CS4 // Maya