EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW--David L. Snyder (Production Designer)

[Phlibbit]

UPDATE 9/25/12: I did another pass on the interview and edited things for clarity and flow (mostly my questions and responses). David also sent me a new photo of the "Cadillac Ranch"-inspired set he was talking about. I replaced the photo that was there originally.

UPDATE 9/23/12: The interview has been published and can be read on the site HERE.

One of the reasons why I think the Super Mario Bros. film stands the test of time is the fact that the filmmakers tried to create an entire world from the ground up to tell their story. And while the video games may have influenced parts of the world of Dinohattan, I think an incredible amount of credit should go to production designer David L. Snyder. He was able to take bits and pieces from the games and seamlessly make them a part of the cinematic Super Mario Bros. experience.

You can imagine our excitement when we got the chance to interview David. While the bulk of this interview was conducted in 2010, much of it has been updated and refined, because David continues to be so gracious with his time and enthusiasm towards our project. We got to meet him in person when he came out to our screening of the film in Los Angeles, and he was as nice in person as he was over the phone.

We've got yet another exciting interview in the works--this time with David L. Snyder, the film's production designer.

He was responsible for the overall production and look of the film--namely, turning the Ideal Cement Factory into Dinohattan. He was also a second unit director on the film.

I'm giving everyone until Saturday, September 25 at 3 PM EST to get their questions in.

So, let's hear 'em!

[Serum]

He's the guy who did the effects for Blade Runner as well, right? Ask him if the Bullet Bill train that's in the 92' shooting script was ever built.

[Phlibbit]

He was the Art Director on Blade Runner. Perhaps a good thing to ask would be if there were plans for anything major to be built that got cut both early on and at the last second.

If we had access to the Ed Solomon shooting script, we may have a better idea of what was planned that far down the line (cough UE5000)

[Redstar]

This is a question I had hoped to ask Mark and Mike, but the direction of the interview didn't allow for the opportunity; How much of the factory was converted into Dinohattan and was more of the city other than Koopa Square ever created? If so, what sort of buildings and locale did those places contain and why didn't we see them in the finished film?

And I know Ryan will want to ask this, but I want to be sure it's down so we don't forget: Was Mario and Luigi's apartment built on-set in the cement factory or was it filmed in New York?

[moviemaker29]

I'd like to hear what David has to say about all of the game references that were included in the film as many of them came in the form of art direction references.

Were there any stipulations about certain elements of the game that HAD to be referenced or did they have free reign to include what they felt worked best? In other words, did Nintendo tell the production teams that they basically wanted to see this, this, and this in the film?

Building upon the previous cement factory questions, I'd also like to hear his perspective on using it for most of the sets. Did he consider having to design around the factory structure a creative hinderance or did he find it to be a great opportunity?

How much of an impact, if any, did the dramatic script changes throughout the course of the production have on his work as production designer? Did he originally have a much larger vision for the production design similar to the larger scale of the original script?

Obviously his work on Blade Runner had a pretty big influence on how he designed SMB, but I am curious if he was able to do some things on SMB with it being 11 years newer than Blade Runner that maybe he didn't get to do or learned from while working on Blade Runner?

Okay, that's all I've got for now...

[Phlibbit]

Those are absolutely wonderful questions. They should really help add some depth to the interview and should take it in an interesting direction that only David can provide.

And at this point with all the interviews we're getting, that's a great thing!

[moviemaker29]

Thanks Ryan.

I am very excited about this interview because David had such a huge impact on the look of this film, something I think everyone can agree was one of the coolest aspects of the film as a whole.

[billbot85]

Considering the major makeover the Dinohattan cars had to be given to fit the overall Dystopian society of Dinohattan, was it difficult for the actors to drive these vehicles? (Such as the Marios in the Police car). Also, did any of these cars or any other set pieces get archived or stored? Or did all of the stuff that was built for the set get junked after production?

[Phlibbit]

Just wanted to update everyone on David's interview.

I conducted it yesterday (10/4), and it was really, really, good. In fact, at this time, it's without a doubt our longest interview ever.

He was able to speak on many aspects of the production and he was even kind enough to watch the film (for the first time in years) before our interview to refresh his memory.

It'll take a while to transcribe, because as I said, it's really long. I assure you the wait will be worth it though

[Redstar]

Just an update: this interview really is long. I have about an hour left to transcribe so we probably won't be seeing this until at least next weekend, though more likely even later than that because David actually promised to send us production materials for use on the site. We'd like to have those to provide the fullest experience.

Just wanted to let you all know we haven't forgotten this one. We're still toiling away at it.

[Hartriff]

From the Blade Runner:

Just an update: this interview really is long. I have about an hour left to transcribe so we probably won't be seeing this until at least next weekend.

I might have missed this point. (sorry for that) But is it available here to look it through?

[Redstar]

I might have missed this point. (sorry for that) But is it available here to look it through?

Oh, wow. I sure have egg on my face.

No, we unfortunately never were able to get the interview up. David is a very busy man so we've had to wait on him in numerous areas... Luckily, however, we recently received revisions from him as well as a box containing a few dozen behind-the-scenes photos. So, everything is in place to get his interview up within a few weeks. It really depends on our (now extremely busy) schedules.

So, just stick around and it'll be up soon! Also, may I ask what your interest is? It's always nice to see a new member!

[Serum]

How are the interviews conducted, Redstar? If they're transcribed from an audio file, you can send them to me and I'll transcribe them in no time flat! Private message me for more details. I'm very good with writing and transcribing and all those sorts of things.

[AndrewTheBeatnik]

How cool would it be to take a stroll through the old cement factory that homed the incredible set of Dinohatten. So much hard work, dedication and experience have been put to use in that building. Does anybody know if the factory is still there? It's been a while since its been put to use I would imagine.

[Phlibbit]

The factory is still standing, yes. I've actually been to it, and they still use it for films. I believe parts of Iron Man 3 were actually shot there not too long ago.

[Roareye]

I'm guessing we're still waiting for this to be transcribed, as no part of this interview exists on the server.

[Redstar]

I'm guessing we're still waiting for this to be transcribed, as no part of this interview exists on the server.

The interview is fully transcribed; David just insisted on having a final opportunity to review it before we put it up. If all goes well we might have it by the end of the week. No promises.

[Phlibbit]

UPDATE 9/23/12: The interview has been published and can be read on the site HERE.

One of the reasons why I think the Super Mario Bros. film stands the test of time is the fact that the filmmakers tried to create an entire world from the ground up to tell their story. And while the video games may have influenced parts of the world of Dinohattan, I think an incredible amount of credit should go to production designer David L. Snyder. He was able to take bits and pieces from the games and seamlessly make them a part of the cinematic Super Mario Bros. experience.

You can imagine our excitement when we got the chance to interview David. While the bulk of this interview was conducted in 2010, much of it has been updated and refined, because David continues to be so gracious with his time and enthusiasm towards our project. We got to meet him in person when he came out to our screening of the film in Los Angeles, and he was as nice in person as he was over the phone.

[1upmushroom]

At last! It's beautiful! :')

[billbot85]

LOVING the interview so far! I've been looking forward to this for a long time. Hoping the second part will have tons of more juicy details about the film. I'm glad he's agrees that a new cut of the film should be re-released.

[Serum]

Interesting stuff. Maybe he knows somebody who knows where the missing footage is. I mean, they just found a director's cut of "Event Horizon" on an unlabled VHS, so it's plausible that the extended cut of "Mario Bros." is out there...

[billbot85]

I agree, there must be a director's cut out there. It would be like a quest for the Holy Grail, but hopefully no Frenchmen will be holding it captive this time....

[Serum]

I agree, there must be a director's cut out there. It would be like a quest for the Holy Grail, but hopefully no Frenchmen will be holding it captive this time....

And I don't want to have to use the Holy Hand Grenade again, like when I had to in order to get confirmation of a future "Freddy Got Fingered" director's cut...

[Phlibbit]

Getting this thread back on track...

UPDATE 9/25/12: I did another pass on the interview and edited things for clarity and flow (mostly my questions and responses). David also sent me a new photo of the "Cadillac Ranch"-inspired set he was talking about. I replaced the photo that was there originally.

[billbot85]

I can't wait for part 2 of the David L. Snyder interview to be up!! Is it coming anytime soon?

[Redstar]

I honestly completely forgot that we still had to publish the second part to this interview. The winter months really aren't a good time to keep focused on such things.

I will, however, do my best to keep this in mind and be sure to get it up as soon as possible.