Annabelle and Bear shot in Michigan

Local filmmaker seeks talent for ‘Annabelle & Bear’
By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER Special to The Oakland Press While Hollywood films can command staggering budgets in blockbuster films like the $200 million for the making of “Titanic,” a local filmmaker is making a movie on a leap of faith — faith in her story, cast and crew. Filmmaker Amy Weber, of Royal Oak’s Radish Creative Group, said she believes she’s making a film special enough to shine a spotlight on her company and launch her talented group into the world of moviemaking. “This crew is an amazing group people who have been making commercials with me for years,” said Amy Weber, co-author and director of “Annabelle & Bear.” “I asked them to take this journey with me to get back to the heart of why we all entered into this business: for the passion of filmmaking.” On a pretty fall day, a motorcycle rider, dressed in black leather, blasted by Weber as she drove with her own 3-yearold daughter, Ayden. Looking at the toddler riding in her car seat and thinking about a co-worker, who resembles the huge, rugged character “Bear” in the film, the idea for the tender story was born. That was nine months ago. The film tells the powerful story of a man who is suddenly thrust into fatherhood and through an unexpected chain of events discovers the life-altering love found in the heart of his little girl. After a dozen rewrites with Weber’s co-author Tracey Sims of Hamtramck, the story is ready to film, and she is asking her crew and Michiganders to help her make this movie. “I knew from the beginning that I would need to ask for a lot of help to make this movie happen, Weber said. “But this is much more than a movie. It is a beacon of hope for people struggling with joblessness and stressful times. It will be a chance for them to come and watch the story unfold, forget their troubles and be inspired.” Weber’s story needs a true cast of characters, from gruff, biker types, to a sweet 2-year-old girl. Her characters range from wide-eyed innocence to druggedout, depressed souls, and ordinary looking actors to bring her story to life. Hundreds of people, actors, cast and crew responded to Amy’s call. Auditions are by appointment only at Radish Creative Group at 326 E. Fourth St. in Royal Oak. The cast and crew have all agreed to work on promissory notes. They believe that if this film is successful, others may be made by Radish in Michigan. Weber says she is honored and humbled by the overwhelming response. “We want Hollywood to realize we have great talent right here at home,” Weber said. “We hope this film will be the first of many for Radish, and that it reveals that you don’t need to travel to the coasts or spend mega millions to tell a great story. Sometimes, the quietest of movies make the loudest impact.” Weber is trying to find a distribution deal so her team can be compensated for their work and dedication. “Annabelle & Bear” will film for 15 days in August around the metro Detroit area. On the Web To learn more, visit www. Annabelleandbear.com. Weber Director Amy Weber watches Andrea Isom audition for a role during Radish Creative Group’s open casting call for “Annabelle & Bear.”