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I am Ilya Naishuller, the director of Hardcore, Bad Motherfucker and singer/songwriter of Biting Elbows. Ask me anything. (self.IAmA)

submitted by IlyaNaishuller

Hey Reddit! This is Ilya Naishuller, I’m a film director and singer/songwriter of the Russian punk band Biting Elbows. You may know me for Biting Elbows’ Bad Motherfucker music video that was released last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgox84KE7iY

Inspired by the fans’ response to the music video, I've shot and edited my first feature film in the same Action P.O.V. style called ‘Hardcore' which stars Sharlto Copley (District 9) and is produced by Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch, Wanted). We are in the process of starting our post-production phase to bring it to the big screen and have launched an Indiegogo campaign for finishing funds to make sure it gets completed to the highest standard of VFX & Sound. You can learn more and contribute here: www.iwanthardcore.com

With Reddit being my favorite site, I'm doubly excited to chat about Hardcore, Bad Motherfucker, Biting Elbows or any other questions you might have for me today.

PROOF: https://twitter.com/BitingElbows/status/533048400854667264?lang=en

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[–]Red_Squadron 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Hi Ilya. First I'd like to say I'm very much inspired with this project as one of the biggest FPV films to come out. Really liked the 3min teaser clip.

  1. Was the GoPro your first choice as a camera to use?
  2. How many GoPro's have been destroyed while filming?

Thanks! You have my support.

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your support, very glad you liked the teaser.

1) Before coming back to GoPro, we tested most other cameras on the market.

2) I'd say roughly 20. At least half of them were killed by misplaced kicks to the protagonist's head.

[–]ReptarWins 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Is biting elbows coming to the united states in the near future? Also are you guys working on a new album right now?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We would love to play Stateside. We've got plenty of great demos for the album, but Hardcore has been the top priority for me for the last year and a half, which meant I haven't played with the band in as long. When Bad Mofo hit, we had some absolutely phenomenal offers to perform but again, Hardcore sunk it's teeth into me and I'm lucky the band has been very understanding/forgiving.

[–]BiscuitSky 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I bet you have a lot, but what's your craziest/funnest/hardcorest set story?

Additionally: What's your favorite show and/or movie I could watch on Netflix right now?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Out of about 112 shooting days, 90 featured some sort of stunt work. Some of that was basic fighting, and some were death defying and ultra nerve-racking. Before we started shooting, I told everyone we are to have no more than a broken bone or two, nothing permanent or I would have felt that we did a bad job with the safety.

For 111 days, we did really good. A few stitches here and there, no biggie, stuntmen are prepared for way worse, but on the final shooting day, a pretty simple stunt goes wrong and a stuntwoman goes flying face down on an escalator.

I'm sitting up top with the playback and all I'm seeing is how she smashes into the metal and lies there deathly still. My heart freezes as my brain is telling me that it's sure she impaled her neck on the sharp escalator edges. Fuck me... on the last shooting day, I'm sure we killed a girl because I wanted the shot to be harder, better, etc.

Sergei, who was shooting as the protagonist leans in close and reaches for her shoulder. Lightning fast, she turns to him (and therefore to the camera, and I'm still glued to the monitor upstairs) and asks "Did we get it?" with a huge grin on her face.

The greatest sigh of relief ever. Turns out she managed to put her hands up in time to stop her head from banging the metal and got away with a few cuts and bruises and we ended up using that take in the film. I still get goosebumps when I watch that scene, it looks absolutely killer.

[–]Kingbradley6000 2 points3 points  (1 child)

how did you get the name "biting elbows" for your band?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I wrote down about a hundred different names. 97 of them were terrible. 2 were okay so Biting Elbows won by method of elimination.

In Russian, to bite one's elbows means to be kicking yourself over a missed opportunity. We're a punk band, and everyone knows a punk band needs a name with a negative connotation.

[–]daath 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I pledged to your project. I can't wait to see it!

Can you, without spoiling too much, reveal a bit about the most daring/dangerous/incredible/awesome stunt/shot you have planned?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi Daath, thanks a lot, I can't wait to show it to you!

There were plenty of awesome stunts during the shoot. My favourite sequence at the moment (it changes every time I watch the film) is a superbly complicated chase sequence that I'm still not fully aware how we managed to pull off. It's got elements that have never been done before on top of being in POV.

[–]pixilizations 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Hey Ilya, huge fan - love all of your biting elbows albums, personal favourite song would have to be Dustbus. Are you going to be making any more Biting Elbows albums or singles? In addition, will you be touring anytime soon after the release of Hardcore?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Thank you Pixilizations!

We're going to work our asses off to get a new album out in 2015. After that a tour is hopefully inevitable.

[–]pixilizations 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thanks for the response! Great to hear, I'm looking forward to it :)

[–]toly_n 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hello great work you and bitting elbows are doing keep on :) One question: Will hardcore be available in Portugal ?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you Toly :)

I would certainly think that if we get a good distributor behind Hardcore, then yes, you'll have the chance to see Hardcore in a Portuguese cinema.

[–]dmitryyvk 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hi Ilya, I am a Brazilian fan, would like to know when will be released the next album of the biting elbows?

Thanks!

U're awesome!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! We're aiming for a 2015 recording and release. Basically as soon as Hardcore is done, Biting Elbows will get 100% of my time.

[–]Gamer_ely 1 point2 points  (1 child)

What do you feel is the most challenging part about the creative process? For example: creating a video. How much goes into the process of coming up with an idea of what you want the video to look like and so on and so forth?

Thanks for stopping by and taking part!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The most challenging part is coming up with a genuinely exciting idea that will continue to motivate me to work hard when the shit hits the fan. The concept sometimes takes days, and sometimes it strikes in a matter of seconds, with the time taken being irrelevant to the final result.

[–]OhSnapaDoodle 0 points1 point  (4 children)

People say your the next Quentin Tarantino, how does that make you feel?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (3 children)

As a huge fan of Quentin's, it incredibly humbling. However, I think people make the mistake of comparing us due to a)violence and b) guys in suits - which is a little misguided seeing as how Tarantino, at least to me, stands on his own as the writer of some of the best dialogue ever, while the only dialogue people could have seen in my work were the 6 lines in the Hardcore teaser. Fun fact: we share the same agent, and I'm super nervous about what Quentin's opinions will be of Hardcore when I'll hopefully get a chance to show it to him.

[–]OhSnapaDoodle 0 points1 point  (2 children)

What got you inspired to use P.O.V as the method in your films? Because I believe your responsible as one of the film makers, if not the first, to use and introduce the P.O.V in action films to the public in recent years.

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I bought a GoPro and shot some useless footage of my amateur snowboarding skills. I then gave the gopro to my friend Sergei Valyaev, who shot a few simple scenes of walking around with it. I looked at the shots, and immediately said that we're going to get a little budget and try to shoot an action packed music video for the band. The rest was trial and error. Bad Motherfucker took over a year to get right with only 9 shooting days.

[–]OhSnapaDoodle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cool, are you currently working on any projects? Anything we can all look forward to?

[–]Terminal_Spleen 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Question 1 - Was it a hard or easy decision for you to make the movie in english instead of Russian? and how did the decision come into effect. Question 2 - what is your favourite kind of porn?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

1 - Super easy - after all, if you get the chance to make something more accessible for the entire world, why fight it?

2 - As every porn connoisseur will tell you, the best porn is the one that works right now.

[–]butiplay1ontv 0 points1 point  (8 children)

In your opinion what makes a great stunt?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (7 children)

A combination of several things:

a) it's cinematography

b) it's relevance to the story, i.e. how high the stakes are

and c) it's danger level, the higher obviously the better.

[–]butiplay1ontv 0 points1 point  (6 children)

Does the obvious use of wires factor in to that or is that part of the danger level

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (5 children)

I like wire work when it is less than obvious. Keep in mind, sometimes the wires present a serious safety danger themselves.

[–]butiplay1ontv 0 points1 point  (4 children)

One non-movie question: When can I get the studio version of Out in the distance? I saw the live video and love the grove and lyrics.

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 2 points3 points  (3 children)

We never recorded a studio version. It might end up on the next album if it'll fit in with the grand scheme of things.

[–]butiplay1ontv 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Obligatory 100 duck sized horses or one horse sized duck question

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

One horse sized duck. Just to see how aggressive a normally passive creature will become once it recognises it's new found powers.

[–]butiplay1ontv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the AMA man! Keep rocking!

[–]lurkerLEL 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Will there be a version on youtube to watch for free? and What was the hardest part to EVER film for this movie that nothing else filmed comes as close as hard this was, and Will there be a sequel?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

1) No, Hardcore will not be available for free on Youtube.

2) The hardest part was definitely the rooftop finale on a soundstage. It was three weeks of 16 hour days with blood, fire effects, 50 bloody extras and 30 stuntmen, all working away under bad air conditioners, and 5F outside in the snow. It was when we finished shooting this scene, I realised the film was worth it and then I slept for 3 days straight.

3) I've got ideas, but I'd prefer to leave the POV world for a long time.

[–]SirStefan 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hi, I backed with the USB gun. But I'm from the UK, and added a $10 extra (not via the perk menu) so will this still cover the international postage?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, it will! Thanks for backing Stefan!

[–]IIKorperII 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Great video! Have you ever seen an UFO?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think I did. I was around fifteen when I saw the typical UFO lights zooming around in the sky above me. I remember thinking, "yup, that's a ufo", then it disappeared and I thought no more of it, until now...

[–]Firedust76 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Hey Ilya big fan! You sir have inspired me to become a film maker myself! Anyway here are my questions.

  1. Should we expect a new album withing the next 2 years?
  2. If yes, would you be touring around the majority of Europe? Because I for one know that you have so many fans within the U.K that would love just one gig anywhere!

Cheers! Hope you see this!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Hi! That is awesome to hear! The best compliment ever is when I'm told that something I did, made someone else go do something creative.

  1. I'd like to record and release an album around the same time Hardcore will be coming out (you know, synergy!) so hopefully 2015.

  2. We would love to go tour Europe/UK/US/South America and believe you me, when the chance arrives, we'll grab it and won't let go. England has a special place in my heart as I've lived there in my formative years (8-14).

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Plus it'll be fun to perform in places where people will understand what I'm singing about

[–]Firedust76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha ha! Man I fucking love belting out Who Am I To Stand Still at the top of my voice would be sweet to see you live. Looking forward to it!

[–]lauraperezcerrato 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What do you think anybody must be "born with" to succeed in any creative endeavour?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The will to see it through. Talent is great but it's useless without the hard work to back it up.

[–]slothman283 0 points1 point  (1 child)

hey Ilya, I was wondering if there are any plays for a upcoming tour maybe in a year or too. I already seen someone asked if you guys would be hitting the states but I was just wondering if you guys had any plans for years to come?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Plans are rather vague at the moment. It will happen sooner or later.

[–]Krossfireo 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What is the biggest difference filming POV versus traditional methods? Do you think Hardcore will be the first of many POV films or do you think that Hollywood won't pick up this style? Im a big fan, and Im looking forward to seeing Hardcore!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi Krossfireo, thanks!

Biggest difference is the lack of references to look up to. Second is the lack of freedom in camera placement. These two points make 'planned improvisation' an absolute necessity. Hollywood will be using more and more POV in the years to come. How much more? Time will tell.

[–]lilkhobs 0 points1 point  (1 child)

If you could do a song with any artist, who and why?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Good question.

It could never happen but if I had to pick, it'd be Morrissey, because his would be the only lyrics that I'd be willing to sing outside my own.

[–]TheAlbertSt 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hi! Great fan here from Mexico 1)Me being from Mexico how can I be able to watch Hardcore when it comes out? Will I be able to buy/watch it on the internet? 2)Do you guys plan on making a tour around the world sometime?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi! Thank you Albert!

1) If everything works out, you'll be able to watch Hardcore at your local cinema. Otherwise it'll be available on some form of VOD online.

2) We are planning on working on an album and touring right after I've completed Hardcore.

[–]bugaboombati 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I completly agree about your Tarantino remark no comparison can be made until the viewing of your film. My question is are the elbows doing the sound track for the film and if so are the songs coming out of an archive of tunes you already have or are you in the process of writing something new for the film?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi Bugaboombati,

I don't think that any of our previous releases will find their way into Hardcore. We've started writing the score and I'm quite sure that two or three new songs of ours will be in the film. We've actually written the closing song at the start of this year before filming finished.

[–]slothman283 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Also I have a follow up question, have you guys thought about releasing to vinyl?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We've never gotten around to dealing with vinyl. I personally would greatly enjoy it. I'd love to design a cover that would be bigger than the tiny itunes square that we're all used to.

[–]Rmsuchy 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I know that you'll have plenty of gamers contributing to your fan base, but how do you think your FPV style of filming will be accepted by the mainstream? Have you targeted any groups in particular or are you simply put this out there for what it is, like-this is who I am? Awesome teaser!!!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can only hope that some part of the mainstream will enjoy the film.

The fact that they're not supposed to like it, works in my favour. When someone vehemently opposed to a POV film, watches Hardcore and sees that it's actually way more watchable then they expected, they feel bad about being prejudiced and enjoy it even more.

And finally, Hardcore was a labor of love for everyone involved and it's potential financial success would only be a bonus to an already fantastic experience.

[–]walnutwhale 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hey Ilya ;-)

What video games inspired you the most for this style of film making?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey Walnut!

Every single FPS shooter that I've played left a mark on my gentle child psyche. I don't have one that I can single out as my main inspiration but I do remember feeling that Modern Warfare had certain elements that made for good POV storytelling.

Gameplay wise, the ones that I really enjoyed in the last few years were: Left 4 Dead, which has eaten away a large number of hours, Far Cry 3 was fun for a while, Red Orchestra 2 was fantastic as well.

[–]lurkerLEL 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I'm so sorry, i forgot to ask 1 thing, how long will this movie be as a total?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Around 1 hour 45 mins.

[–]Mearor 0 points1 point  (1 child)

First off your Frankly Mr Shankly Cover was brilliant, my question is whether you would create another music video in the P.O.V style?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not planning on doing more POV style videos anytime soon. I've got some crazy concepts lined up in a more traditional shooting style.

[–]jimanri 0 points1 point  (1 child)

hellow sir, i really loved the idea behind hardcore, but i feel like if it was a GoPro video, so my question is:is this how the movie will look or it will look different at the end?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you sir!

It will certainly look way more polished once we get the finalised CGI, color correction, and you'll be watching it uncompressed in a bigger screen than a youtube window.

[–]Colpacheque 0 points1 point  (1 child)

го в старкрафт?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

погнали!

[–]mountainlovez 0 points1 point  (1 child)

what does your favourite mountain?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't happen to have one. Will be ready for this question next time I'll do an AMA.

[–]r_antrobus 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Heya Ilya.

I don't know if you're still here, but what editing suite do you use to edit your footage?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Hi,

We cut the film live on set as we shot in Premiere CC.

Then, for the last 5 months of editing we moved to LA where the fantastic Steve Mirkovich put the final cut together on Avid.

[–]r_antrobus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice.

[–]devilk870 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What is filmmaking like in Russia? Would you ever move to America to pursue filmmaking if 'Hardcore' does well?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I will definitely be making a film stateside sooner or later, it's just a question of getting a right script and offer.

In Russia, things are done quite differently than anywhere else. Some aspects are cheaper which makes wild ideas possible compared to the limits I'd be facing with such a budget in most places. The crews vary, I was lucky with mine, everyone was devoted to Hardcore from the start to the end.

The biggest hurdle facing Russians who want to make great films are that most producers are not in it to make good, high quality pictures, but are rather busy with lining their pockets during production. Decent box office numbers are harder to aim for compared to the relative ease of stealing from the budget.

[–]Mellowmyjello 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Hi there! Do you plan on touring to North America ever?

Edit: Specifically Canada

Double Edit: Specifically Calgary, Alberta, Canada

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

We've got nothing set in stone, but Canada is definitely a country we'd love to visit. And I doubt we'd fly over for a single show, so a mini tour should theoretically cover Calgary.

[–]Pyr0manc3r 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Come to Australia! You have some fans here also!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What? Australia? No way, mate. Spiders, Sharks and Spiders.

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just fucking around. Would love to. We were interviewed by the Doctor on Triple J, and that was fun. Been in Australia once when I was small kid, don't remember much apart from the game boy game I was playing at the time. The game was Batman. It was great.

[–]maclaumo 1 point2 points  (3 children)

HI! Big Sharlto Copley fan here! Already supported the IndieGogo, gonna have to pawn something to upgrade to one of those Voicemails...

Before Sharlto was well known as an actor he was brilliant behind the cameras and worked on innovative projects like yours. My question is, did Sharlto Copley sneaked and worked behind the camera for Hardcore at all? Did you learn anything from working with him?

Good luck!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Hi,

Sharlto worked extremely hard for Hardcore to be as good as it was. Apart from his performance, his greatest gift to me came at a time when I was writing the script and planning the shoot. He basically went through a list of problems that the production is likely to face and that helped us avoid plenty of pitfalls and be prepared for the rest. And as for learning from him, it definitely occurred on most days, after all, he was the only person on set to have worked on big and great movies. The crew really perked up when news of his casting came about. It meant everyone automatically assumed that they had to bring their A game.

[–]maclaumo 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Thank you for your answer!

Any funny/interesting stories from filming with Sharlto?

Keep on rocking!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was a good one, and Sharlto tells it better than I do: Here's a link to the Russian version of IMDB, click the video down the page. http://www.kinopoisk.ru/interview/2430469/

[–]PirateShep 0 points1 point  (1 child)

First and foremost for teaming up with my friend Ilia K. - he is an incredibly talented guy with art and music and I'm glad the world is getting to know his work.

After the movie are you guys going to keep collaborating?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If by Ilia K. you're referring to other Ilya in the Biting Elbows, then yes, I have a feeling we're stuck with each other for a while.

[–]Remixcent[🍰] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Does the poster perk include the gun usb?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

It most certainly does.

[–]Remixcent[🍰] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow awesome :D

[–]bapplebee 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hey! Huge fan of the band and your videos. I know I'm late on this thread (was at work :/) but, is there anywhere i could find bass tabs for your music? If not could you see about making tabs and posting them somewhere in the future?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, thanks for listening. We'll keep this in mind.

There's a few bass tabs online but I have to say that very little is more constructive to becoming a better player than training yourself to listen and figuring out parts to songs you like.

[–]minimarioman 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hi Ilya, I love your work

A bit of an obscure one: Who were the band you were singing about it the song 'One night in 99'?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Mario, thanks!

It's Sublime. They're the first band I ever gave a damn about. Before them, I listened to whatever the person sitting beside in school would listen to.

[–]ConcordiaD 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Ilya! Big fan of your works. Wy do you use 2 gopros same time on the action mask? Thanks.

[–]pirateshade 1 point2 points  (1 child)

How do you choose the specially featured "boobs" in your films? With Kim Kardashian's recent full body photo shoot, would you consider her for that special shot or is there a better celebrity "set" you'd choose in your next film?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't purposefully plan on 'featuring boobs'. With Bad Mofo, it was a happy accident that they arrived on set when they did. The script basically said: I run past a photoshoot with good looking girls in skimpy clothes. Everything else was improvised, especially the fall onto the boobs.

[–]raka_defocus 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Your music is keeping rock alive, and your videos could stand on their own as short films. Why the fuck aren't you guys household names around the globe? Is it the industry , the world, marketing or do you even give a fuck?

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Thank you very much!

I think a lot has to do with where we're based and how slowly we're getting out there. The momentum we had built with Bad Mofo dissipated when I went off to do Hardcore instead of hitting the road with Biting Elbows. I'm calm about this because I believe that once the film is out, and we do a good job with the score and the songs, we'll have another chance to play all over the world. Time will tell.

[–]raka_defocus 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thanks for making great music!

[–]IlyaNaishuller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for listening!