In 2009, Anthony E. Zuiker launched a brand
new media platform. The Digi-novel concept was featured throughout the
entire Level 26 franchise, Zuiker’s first project after
leaving CSI. Now, just a little more than two years since Level
26: Dark Origins was released, the book series comes to an end, and
with it, a final installment of cyber-bridges, a video feature that takes
you beyond the pages of the book. Level 26: Dark Revelations contains
eight cyber-bridges, each directed by Joshua Caldwell. Born in
Bellevue, Washington, Caldwell joined Zuiker’s Dare to Pass company in
2009, and has since taken the position as Director of Digital Media. In this
interview with CSI Files’ Shane Saunders, the Dark
Revelation director gives background to what his duties at the company
involve, talks what it’s like working with the creator of CSI and
being behind the camera for the epic conclusion of Level 26.
CSI Files: You were the editor on Level 26:
Dark Prophecy, which was directed by Anthony, and on Level 26: Dark
Revelations, you got to serve as the director. How did you get the
opportunity to direct the third series?
Caldwell: That’s probably more a question for
Anthony, but I feel like it was a combination of the work I did on Dark
Prophecy, as his editor working to fulfill his vision, and him seeing [and
signing onto as an Executive Producer] my short film Dig. Obviously
as we moved into late summer, Anthony had turned his attention back to TV, and it was
really up to me, once we locked picture, to coordinate and shepherd the bridges
through post and bring him the music, color correction, and sound mixes that he
would both like and approve of. Following that, I co-wrote, produced and
directed Dig in an effort to show Anthony and Matt what I was
capable of as a director.
CSI Files: Who are your influences for when you
direct something like this? Were you inspired by what Anthony did before, or
was there another director you’re kind of taking bits from to add to it?
Caldwell: You know, it’s interesting because I’ve
reached a point where I feel like I’m less about trying to find how other
directors do it and more about how can I do it. So I wouldn’t say that there
are any directors that I referenced. Having directed a number of shorts and music
videos over the years I’ve developed an aesthetic, a way of shooting, that
works for me and delivers a specific result that, I feel, is unique to me and
my vision. I think audiences are very smart, and they pick up on things
consciously or subconsciously, and I like to use visuals in such a way that I’m
tapping into that response. Beyond that, it’s an aesthetic that tends to work
well with small budgets and short shooting schedules, because I shoot a lot of
handheld and move very quickly. However, that’s a benefit of
my way of shooting and directing, not a reason for it.
Director of Photography Paul Niccolls, who shot this along with
nine of my other projects, is a big additive to that as well. We know how to
work together in a way that delivers that result I’m looking for, he’s looking
for, keeps us on schedule but also, and this is probably most important, looks
really good and interesting and different. I’ve reached a point where I’ve
broken free from paying homage to or building off the aesthetics of other
directors. Now it’s really about how I see it.
To see more of the interview, visit CSIFiles.com. And be sure to pick up your copy of "Dark Revelations: A Level 26 Thriller" today.