Kevin Costner On Future Of His Four-Part ‘Horizon' Series

Summary

In this insightful panel discussion, key filmmakers and crew members from *Horizon: American Saga* reflect on the film's creation. Kevin Costner, the writer, director, producer, and star, shares his passion for creating a historically grounded western that explores the Great Migration and its impact on Native Americans. Cinematographer J. Michael Murrow and costume designer Lisa Ives discuss the challenges of capturing authenticity and attention to detail in the film's visuals and costumes. Composer John Debney talks about crafting a memorable score with strong thematic elements. The panel highlights the dedication, teamwork, and creative vision behind this epic American saga.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kevin Costner's vision for *Horizon: An American Saga* began in the late 1980s and took decades to come to fruition.
• 🎬 The film is a four-part saga, and the first two parts are already completed, with Kevin Costner expressing his determination to finish the remaining two parts.
• 🎥 The film's cinematography, helmed by J. Michael Murrow, is praised for its authenticity, with a focus on realism rather than perfect lighting.
• 🎶 Composer John Debney was inspired by classics like *How the West Was Won* and emphasized creating strong musical themes to accompany the characters and story.
• 👗 Costume designer Lisa Ives faced the challenge of ensuring historical accuracy, crafting authentic costumes and jewelry for the Native American characters and military uniforms.
• 🛠️ The production utilized skilled artisans, including union workers and craftspeople, to bring the film’s world to life with a high level of detail.
• 📝 The film's authenticity is a key focus, with the team paying attention to every aspect of the production, from costumes to dialogue, to avoid the 'Disneyland' version of the West.
• 🎬 *Horizon* is a western that begins with the emergence of a town, offering a fresh take on the genre by focusing on the struggles and history behind its creation.
• 👥 The team worked closely together, fostering a sense of family among the crew, from the actors to the production staff, which was vital to the film’s success.
• 🌍 The film was shot entirely in America, incorporating American craftsmanship and local history, which contributed to the authenticity of the project.
• 🗣️ Kevin Costner emphasized the importance of telling a story that resonates deeply with audiences, focusing on themes of loss and the history of Native Americans in the Western frontier.

Q & A

What inspired Kevin Costner to create the 'Horizon' series?

Kevin Costner had the idea for the 'Horizon' series in 1988 and pursued it for decades. He described the concept as a 'private UFO,' something he had seen and never forgotten. The project took time to develop because it was a passion project that needed to be crafted with authenticity.

How does Kevin Costner describe the process of creating the movie?

Kevin Costner mentioned that creating the movie was like chasing a secret that he wanted to bring to cinema. He emphasized the importance of not falling out of love with a project and continuing to pursue it, even when it takes a long time to bring it to life.

What makes 'Horizon' different from other westerns?

Kevin Costner highlights the authenticity of 'Horizon,' focusing on the Great Migration of Native Americans and the true struggles that shaped the landscape. Unlike many westerns that start with a town, 'Horizon' starts with the beginning of a town, focusing on the challenges and historical context that led to its creation.

How did the cinematography of 'Horizon' come together?

Cinematographer Jimmy Murrow worked closely with Kevin Costner to capture the beauty of the film, even under challenging conditions. Murrow had to sacrifice some of the ideal lighting moments, working within the constraints of an independent film to serve the story. Despite this, the film is beautifully shot, with special attention paid to the narrative's visual representation.

What was the most challenging aspect for costume designer Lisa Ives in this movie?

Lisa Ives faced the challenge of creating authentic costumes for a wide range of characters, including military uniforms, Native American attire, and the female characters in a genre not traditionally known for its prominent female roles. She worked with a team of skilled craftspeople and paid close attention to historical accuracy in fabrics and design.

What role did collaboration play in the making of 'Horizon'?

Collaboration was key to the success of the movie. Kevin Costner credited his team of artisans, including costume designers, cinematographers, and musicians, for making the project possible. The team worked together to create a cohesive, authentic world for the film, with mutual respect for each other's craft.

What is unique about the way the film portrays the American West?

The film portrays the American West with a focus on the real, historical struggle between settlers and Native Americans. Kevin Costner wanted to show the impact of the migration and the loss experienced by Native Americans. The story doesn’t romanticize the West but presents it in a grounded, authentic way.

How did John Debney approach the musical score for 'Horizon'?

John Debney drew inspiration from classic Western films like 'How the West Was Won.' Kevin Costner encouraged him to create strong themes for the film, and Debney composed several themes to represent the various characters and storylines. The music was recorded with a large orchestra in Glasgow, Scotland, contributing to the film's epic feel.

Why was it important to Kevin Costner that 'Horizon' was made with historical accuracy?

Kevin Costner believed that creating a film with historical accuracy would honor the true stories of the American West. He wanted the movie to reflect the real struggles, cultures, and histories that shaped the landscape, rather than presenting a fictionalized or romanticized version of events.

How does Kevin Costner describe his connection to the movie industry?

Kevin Costner expressed deep gratitude for finding a career in the movie industry, which he views as a 'yellow brick road.' Despite the challenges, he feels blessed to be in the business and is committed to completing the 'Horizon' saga, with plans for two more films in the series.