“Jack Falls,” the third installment of Paul Tanter’s movie trilogy based on the graphic novel series he created, was released in the UK on Blu-Ray and DVD this week. It completes the arc started in “Jack Says” (2008) and continued in “Jack Said” (2009). The trilogy box set is also on sale as well.
Creating a stylish noir action/thriller isn’t easy on an indie budget, but for Tanter, who also debuted as a director on the movie (sharing credit with Alexander Williams), it was more than a labor of love, as the man who created the revenge-minded Jack Adleth (played by Simon Phillips) and the world he inhabits. The film is shot mostly in black and white, with splashes of color, a reminder of Jack’s graphic novel origins.
The film picks up where “Jack Said” left off--with Jack surviving a murder attempt in Amsterdam, looking for those responsible. Starring alongside Phillips is an impressive collection of British talent, including Alan Ford (“Snatch,” “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”), Dexter Fletcher (“Kick-Ass”), and Jason Flemyng (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Clash of the Titans”).
Film Slate Magazine caught up with Tanter during the run up to the UK premiere and discussed his role as a first time director, juggling the schedules of busy actors, and if this is it for Jack.
Film Slate Magazine: Were you always planning on adapting the "Jack" series of graphic novels into films, or did that happen organically?
Paul Tanter: The first incarnation of Jack was in film form – we were getting ready to shoot “Jack Says” and because Jack is suffering from amnesia in the film, I came up with some back story for him to give Simon Phillips something to work with when thinking about his character. The more details we went into, the more we realized that we had another Jack story in the making here and one that could be released to complement the film. So I wrote the “Jack Said” graphic novel, which we released with the “Jack Says” film, and quickly realized there was an audience out there keen on this sort of story. I expanded the story and wrote the “Jack Said” film, but this time had an eye of where we could follow on from that story. So as we shot “Jack Said,” I wrote the “Jack Falls” graphic novel... and did the same with that – expand it into a feature film!
FSM: Any pressure or suggestions from readers of the series, seeing as this now an instant feedback type of world we live in now?
PT: No pressure, but generally positive feedback. People sometimes email or Facebook me to say they’ve enjoyed one of the books or films, which is nice. I’ve found people are generally more keen to tell you what they think you should have done differently in the films rather than the books, though!
FSM: What were the challenges of shooting a film noir style/graphic novel adaptation on an independent filmmaker's budget?
PT: There are challenges, but we tried to look on them as opportunities. The visual style was obviously very important to me, but had a great crew and the director of photography, James Friend, was very supportive of the look we were going for – in fact the very first time we met to discuss the film, I handed him a copy of the graphic novel and said “I want to make this” – and he was on board from that point on. I think that what we have achieved is the film version of the graphic novel rather than the film adaptation of it – and considering the relatively low budget, I am very proud of it. Special mention there goes to the editors Richard Colton and Barry O’Brien, who both sacrificed a lot of sleep making sure everything looked right.
FSM: Had you always planned on directing, seeing as how this is your first?
PT: It had always been an intention. Being the writer of the films means you input creatively and then hand it over to other people, so it’s nice to retain that control. Being able to direct meant I could take it back to the roots of the graphic novels, hence us shooting in high-contrast black and white with little splashes of color. I was fortunate enough to be closely involved with the production and post-production process of the other films, so had probably gained enough confidence and knowledge to move on to direct the third.
FSM: Were there any sacrifices to the stories you felt you had to make, or have you been happy with the way the series, and the latest film, translates to the big screen?
PT: Obviously when you’re shooting an independent film, there are always going to be budgetary constraints to worry about. Having said that, the producers are masters of making money last and I’ve been fortunate enough to keep not only most of, but actually add to, the scenes and sequences that may have been in danger of going in the name of money. The advantage of writing a graphic novel is that the only limit is your imagination – anything you write can be drawn. But filming something instantly throws up costs and problems. One sequence in the “Jack Said” graphic novel featured Danny Dyer’s character Nathan hijacking a motor bike and leaping Tower Bridge as it raised... Needless to say I adjusted the script accordingly! But as I said, most things stayed. I remember when writing “the warehouse explodes” thinking “that’ll never stay in for the film,” but the producers loved it and wanted it to stay, so worked to make it happen. I’m pleased to say that we do get a lot of bang for our buck – especially in “Jack Falls.”
FSM: What have you learned most from the process?
PT: That it’s not a picnic! I think probably the amount of prep that’s needed both in the months and weeks leading up to production and then on a day to day basis. But also that it’s something I do want to do again.
FSM: What is your favorite part of the process? As a writer, do you lean towards that more? Any plans to direct other films?
PT: I plan and hope to continue writing as well as produce and direct. I may do some more graphic novels as and when I think the time is right and there are more “Jack” stories to be told. I think for me the favorite part of the process is the actual filming. I enjoy the writing and shaping it in post, but there’s something exciting about the time you’re working with your actors to bring it to life – especially when you’re working with the kind of talent we worked with on “Jack Falls!”
FSM: What challenges, if any, were there in trying to get the cast members and their schedules together for making of this film?
PT: We did have to do some juggling, but we were hugely fortunate to get all our first choices for our cast and worked on the schedule to make it work. Tamer Hassan finished a shoot in L.A, went from set to the plane, flew over and started shooting on “Jack Falls” immediately! That he wanted to do it that much was a great compliment and boost for us. Dexter Fletcher, Alan Ford and Jason Flemyng were all in the UK at the same time, having just finished or about to start shooting other projects. Adam Deacon is clearly in demand and was very busy but not only fitted in with the schedule, but very kindly came back for an extra day when we over-ran, which was great of him and will be eternally appreciated. Olivia Hallinan was between “Lark Rise to Candleford” series, so was luckily free, and we were fortunate that Martin Kemp, Neil Maskell, Doug Bradley and Zach Galligan were available for the dates too – so we ended up with quite an ensemble!
FSM: How much time did you have to shoot the film?
PT: I think in total we shot for just over four weeks, plus a few days of pick-ups. We’re pretty efficient at getting it done quickly – as you have to be if you’re on a budget. Fortunately we shot most of the film at Pinewood, so when you’ve got everyone and everything in one location, you can move and work quicker.
FSM: How was it navigating through the world of producers, distribution, actors, and big time filmmaking?
PT: Not as glamorous as people think! Working with producers, distributors and PR agencies is just basically business, and everyone is a professional and keen to for the best possible for the film. In terms of working with actors, they’re keen to do the best they can and want to know what you want them to do, which is why it’s great we had such a talented and experienced ensemble.
FSM: What are your upcoming projects? Any time off, or is it right back to working?
PT: I’ve got several things I’m working on – some film scripts and some graphic novels. There’s another “Jack” project, a comedy and a script about a credit card fraudster. I don’t want too much time off in case I get used to it! I enjoy working too much to stay away from it for too long.
FSM: If there’s another “Jack” project in the works, what comes next?
PT: I don’t want to give too much about “Jack Falls” away so I’ll just say that there are always ways to continue the story! And there are of course always possibilities for more graphic novels too.
