At this year's Comic-Con, I had the chance to talk with Underworld: Awakening directors Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein.  Here's a few of the highlights:

  • The Comic-Con trailer will not be shown anywhere else.  They were committed to not show any Lycans at Comic-Con.  But there will be Lycans in the sequel, including several kinds that have never been seen before.
  • Stein twice teases a "very important new character that will turn everything upside-down."
  • They are halfway through the editing process, which includes 750-800 effects shots to render in 3D.
  • There is a 7-minute car chase that took five days to shoot and two-and-a-half weeks to edit.
  • Stein and Marlind have a unique working relationship.  They switch roles every day: one person in charge, one person is the director's "best buddy."
  • 3D changes how they film.  Because of the camera size, it's harder to throw the camera over your shoulder for an aggressive shot.  But it has led Stein to pursue longer takes because the 3D looks better.
  • The first trailer should be released soon.

Hit the jump to watch the full interview.  You can also watch my interview with Underworld producer Len Wiseman here.  We're going to have a lot more Underworld coverage once the trailer is released.  Underworld: Awakening hits theaters in January.

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Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein Time Index

  • 0:20 - Stein talks about his first Comic-Con experience
  • 1:00 - The Comic-Con trailer will not be shown anywhere else.  They committed to not showing any Lycans and virtually nothing about a "very important character."  But Stein promises, "There will be Lycans."
  • 2:00 - Sony really liked the teaser they cut together.
  • 3:40 - Franchise fans should look forward to the neo-Goth aesthetic of the new movie.  There are several new kinds of Lycans that have never been seen before.  Marlind again teases the "very important new character that will turn everything upside-down."
  • 4:20 - The first trailer should premiere soon.  They are halfway through editing with 750-800 effects shots to do in 3D.
  • 5:40 - Describe the editing process.  Stein has a background in editing.  Marlind talks about a 7-minute car chase that took five days to shoot and two-and-a-half weeks to edit.
  • 6:30 - They discuss their working relationship.  They switch roles every day: one person in charge, one person is the director's "best buddy."
  • 8:20 - They almost ran into trouble with the DGA for this method.
  • 10:00 - Each respectfully keeps the other accountable on set.
  • 11:30 - 3D changes how they film.  Because of the camera size, it's harder to throw the camera over your shoulder for an aggressive shot.  But it has led Stein to pursue longer takes because the 3D looks better.
  • 14:00 - There is still fast editing, but those scenes are designed for lesser depth.