PACIFIC RIM
Where are you with Pacific Rim?
GDT: We are in the height of preproduction, scouting locations, finishing the design of the monsters, storyboarding; we are literally two and a half months away from shooting. It’s happening. That’s the movie that, as a director, it occupies my mind entirely. I have no other projects as a director at this time.
How hands-on are you with your special-effects team and your artistic and set designers?
GDT: I would say incredibly hands-on, unfortunately [laughs]. I try to get involved with anything visually or aurally that comes into the screen — any sound, audio track, color, shape, any texture. So, essentially, if you visited my offices, [you’ll see] they are right in the middle of the concept department. I am right in the middle of the designers because I make the rounds. Or I make them come into my office every hour, every day, around the clock.
I'm a fan of the old Godzilla fans and I can't wait for this film. The plot is simple, a large Godzilla like creatures tunnels out of the ocean floor and causes havok. Where did it come from? Well, there appears to be a portal deep in the ocean that is connected to another universe.
After the first monster is revealed, the portal starts spitting out more of them, of all different shapes and sizes. Any major seaside city on the globe is up for a possible monster attack.
And how do the people of Earth defeat such powerful creatures? Giant mechanized suits, think of the suits used in the two James Cameron movies,
Avatar and
Aliens, but much much larger. So the movie will focus on the pilots of the behemoths as they do battle against the menacing horde.
Pacific Rim is scheduled for release on July 12, 2013.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
How’s the tone of the Beauty and the Beast project coming?
GDT: Well, I met with Emma Watson about it because I’m very interested in doing the movie with her. She’s just perfect for the film, and we talked about the classic iteration of the tale. I love the sort of darker, beautiful, hopelessly romantic but Gothic take on the tale. We discussed this.