Mark Templin is an Ottawa-based filmmaker, screenwriter and actor. Recently he’s begun delving more into the production side of filmmaking. “I’m an explorer. I try new things and new roles, and overall it all helps me understand the art of filmmaking that much better.”
He discovered DARC two years ago at the Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival. As he was beginning to understand the ins and outs of film budgets, he realized how much could easily be spent on buying or renting equipment. So, when Mark learned of DARC’s low rental rates, he decided it was well worth the cost of membership.
Mark has been working with local collective Cinematica to produce an experimental short film called “Maelstrom”. Directed by Julian Bate-Vergette, the film follows a young man as he attempts to escape the cycle of generational trauma.
Access to DARC’s equipment library helped Mark and the rest of the “Maelstrom” crew achieve the look and feel that they envisioned for the film. One such example was using the Atomos monitor.
“Part of the style of this film is very experimental, fluid, the image of water is there. And so we are using a fluid camera style with a handheld camera … In order to move the actors and the camera around freely, we wanted to have the director and the rest of the crew off in another room. For that, we needed a monitor, and DARC had the Atomos monitor that we were looking for that was very useful, essential for us getting the look right.”
Another aesthetic aspect of the film is that it relies on natural light as the primary lighting source. While this can be used to achieve a soft, natural feel, daylight is hard to control. To support the natural lighting when necessary, Mark rented LED lights from DARC — specifically, the LEDGO VersaTile panel and an additional portable LED light.
In addition to affordable equipment, Mark has felt the helpfulness of the DARC staff, specifically Technical Manager Laura, who provided guidance and expertise. “She helped us to understand what the equipment was capable of.”
Laura also helped Mark to understand which gear best suited his needs. “A common mistake for emerging filmmakers is to confuse the use of a smoke machine versus a haze machine. What we really needed, as it turns out, would’ve been a haze machine, and so we did not rent the smoke machine after all, thanks to Laura’s guidance.”
While at the start of his membership, Mark would’ve said the low equipment rental rates are the biggest plus of being a DARC member, he now sees even more value in the sense of community that DARC creates. “We’ll always be renting equipment when needed, but I think that community connection within the arts community is the big plus for me.”
“I may not be young, but I’m still fairly new to filmmaking in general, so my learning curve is pretty steep … I know that DARC is going to be there to support me all along, as it has for the last two years.”
