Filmmaker Interview: Erik Boccio

Image credits: Sara Steigerwald (left) and Cirrus Fuller (right)

You can watch this film on the Muographix YouTube channel.

Almost 90 years after its discovery, “Event Coincidence” follows the story of the American physicist Seth Neddermeyer and the discovery of the muon in the 20th century, a particle that would be the foundation for muography in the 21st century.  Could you describe how the film tells this story?

“Event Coincidence” tells the extraordinary account of the discovery of the muon. What makes the film so interesting is that it is told through the words and experiences of Seth Neddermeyer, something that has never been documented in film. In addition to being an informative piece on the history of the muon, “Event Coincidence” is also a biopic of Seth Neddermeyer, whose incredible story has now come to light.

Some of the concepts described in “Event Coincidence” are quite complex.  For example, it must have been difficult to visually show the penetration power of muons.  However, the moment in the film when Seth Neddermeyer demonstrated to Mark Land how a muon passes through objects was an effective way to describe this difficult concept and improved upon the basic idea in the script.  Could you describe how you came to that decision?  Were there other concepts that were especially challenging for you and your team to translate to the screen?

Since this is visual storytelling, it is important for films to effectively portray actions and events. As profound as the words spoken by Seth Neddermeyer are, it was equally as important (and entertaining) to demonstrate the physical example of the mystifying power of muons. Right off the page of the powerful screenplay from Hiroyuki K.M. Tanaka and Sara Steigerwald, we achieved this in a way that anyone with any level of scientific knowledge could follow along with. As simple and effective as a pencil passing through paper, an image that will leave an everlasting impression on the audience.

Our biggest challenge was translating the change in time periods from 1980’s Neddermeyer to young Neddermeyer. Using the floating mirror and some clever camera tricks, we were able to poetically transport the viewer to another time and dimension.

“Event Coincidence” is a film that starts and ends with dream-like sci fi sequences that seem to blur reality and required complex visual elements.  Unlike most film productions that add special effects in the final stages of the production, since you used screens to film the special effects in tandem with the actors on the set, I think you had to commit to almost all the visual elements, sets and special effects early in the planning process.  What was that experience like? How did the actors and crew respond to this approach?

“Event Coincidence” was filmed almost entirely using “The Volume”. This is a very large LED screen which allows actors to be placed in any environment, real or fictional. For example, the Athenaeum restaurant where Seth Neddermeyer and Mark Land are having lunch, was recreated virtually based on the actual location at Cal Tech, using 3D scanning technology.

Virtual Art Director, Martin Jarmick, was then able to digitally reconstruct the restaurant through Unreal Engine software. Rather than using green screens, where the cast and crew must imagine what the scene will look like, we are able to see the environment in real time.  This technology allows the actors to be immersed in the proper setting, which contributes to their focus and performance.

The Volume is also extremely beneficial to the crew for proper lighting and camera technique. Using the LED wall requires a painstaking amount of work during the pre-production process. Minor changes can be made during shooting, but for the most part, all environments and effects must be established before filming begins. As a filmmaker, I enjoy this process. Using the Volume allows me to have a clear sense of the scenes and visual effects early on, instead of waiting until post-production to see my vision come to life.

There are key scenes in “Event Coincidence” that have no dialogue. What was the role of music and sound in this film?

One of my most favorite mediums to work in is music videos. The marriage of music and visuals allows you more creative freedom than your average storytelling. I was very enthusiastic about the opportunity to include dream sequences and scenes with no dialogue into “Event Coincidence”. Accompanied by Hiroyuki Tanaka’s mesmerizing musical score, we were able to elevate the science of muography to an artistic experience.

Could you describe how you came to learn about muography and your experience with it?  How has science inspired or influenced you in your life and work?

In 2018, I had the fortunate opportunity to travel to Tokyo and film the Muographer’s General Assembly. It was at this event that I was first exposed to the concepts of muography. Prior to this, I had almost no experience in physics, and suddenly I found myself surrounded by some of the brightest scientific minds from around the world. Ever since, my interest has grown, and I am very thankful to continue to create films based in science.

Were there any interesting “event coincidences” that happened for you while you made this film?

I would have to say, the casting of Roy Allen as “Seth Neddermeyer”. Early in the audition process, Producer Scott Langer (and myself) had a strong opinion of whom we thought would be the ideal actor. Our minds were immediately changed upon meeting Roy and hearing him read for the role of Neddermeyer. I believe this was an event coincidence because Roy Allen, channeling the soul of Seth Neddermeyer, surely gave an incredible performance in the film.

If it were possible to meet any scientist from the past and have a conversation with this person, who would you most like to meet?

For most of my life, I would have enthusiastically shouted Nikola Tesla. However, answering this question today, my overwhelming choice would now be Seth Neddermeyer. I’ve spent so much time with this character, metaphorically, over the past year of pre-production, that it would be most appropriate to speak with the man who inspired “Event Coincidence.”

Links:

Erik Boccio’s website: https://www.erikboccio.com/

“Event Coincidence” IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35115367/

Muographix Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5bAA6Oddr5HvC04Urh0WQ