News—
05-20-06--DEATH ROW
Death Row's principal photography is completed. We shot the miniature prison created by IMAGIVATIONS based on an idea by my pal Jeff Coatney last week. Good stuff.
So, pray tell, what is Death Row?
Here's a quick look at a few pics from the film!
Take a half-dozen good-looking college-kids who plan to stay at an abandoned prison while shooting a documentary on the place, throw them in with a desperate gang of jewel thieves hiding out, add the little fact that the prison resonates with evil and just happens to be haunted...and you take it from there.
In the vein of 13 Ghosts and House and House on Haunted Hill, Death Row features some outstanding makeup effects from Autonomous EFX--spearheaded by Jason Collins and Elvis Jones.
Starring Jake Busey and Stacy Keach, the ensemble cast is rounded out by Kyle Schmid, Claire Coffee, Scott Whyte, Shanna Collins, Danny Arroyo, Jamie Mann, Rey Gallegos, Russell Richardson, James Leo Ryan and Marco Rodriguez.
This show marks my first time teaming up with Director of Photography Keith Duggan, who had been our Gaffer on Voodoo Moon. Beautiful work. We really captured the pervasive atmosphere of the real prisons we shot in.
What happened to Matt Steinauer, who'd been my DP on everything back to my first short film? He's busy writing a script based on a springboard idea of mine. We're trying to get him slotted in to direct it as well. He's also been able to take the first pass at editing Death Row, giving me a huge jump on completing the film.
The cast was a warm and friendly bunch. God bless 'em all. They made it a pleasure.
Here's to Rattlesnake Jake's chilli, some of the best chilli I've ever had!
Jeff Coatney stepped up as Assistant Director, knowing that I didn't want or need a traditional AD. I tend to run the set myself and need to have the control and ability to do that without conflicting with someone trying to do the same thing. He was able to grow into the role, let me do my thing and never annoy me. It takes some getting used to from the crew who are used to being barked at, but I definitely prefer the more laid-back set.
Jeff's second was Joe Suarez, who kept his side of things running like a top. A great find.
Benjamin Sachs joined us Line Producer, coming in just four days before photography began after the previous fellow had to leave. On top of things and even-keeled, we'll work together again.
My producing partner Karen Bailey did her usual outstanding job, keeping us a teensy bit under budget and working with me to keep us ahead of schedule.
Now we're off to explore the sands of Egypt in Central California...and the fascinating story of a Hollywood legend.
Up next: SANDS OF OBLIVION