Margaret Yee stepped out of her comfort zone and into three crazy days of life, Harold and Kumar style.
Through some Hollywood magic, Kim’s Restaurant on East Long Lake in Troy was transformed into a movie set for the film “A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas.”
“One of our favorite customers, Steve Schliek, is a location scout for the film industry and suggested the director check us out,” said Margaret Yee, manager of the Yee family’s restaurant. “Todd Strauss-Schulson, the director, said we had the space and look he needed, and the excitement started.”
Huge trucks rolled into the parking lot on June 21, followed by dozens of people charged with the task of lighting and turning Kim’s into a New York City eatery. The Yees closed the dining room, but were able to provide carry-out orders for their customers and the crew.
“They were such long days, from 5 a.m. until midnight, that we wanted to help keep up their strength,” Margaret Yee said. “They were so nice. I had nightmares about people being upset about this or that, but didn’t happen. Everyone was in great spirits, including the stars, John Cho and Kal Penn.”
Cho and Penn are reprising their title roles in the third installment of the Harold and Kumar film series. “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle” attracted a cult following in 2004, followed by “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.”
“A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas” is the first of the comedies to be shot in 3-D, and picks up six years after the duo’s last adventure. Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) are preparing for Christmas celebrations. Along the way, the two reconnect and find themselves searching for the perfect Christmas tree in New York City.
Margaret Yee and 10 of her staff members will appear as extras in the restaurant scene, but say they have been sworn to secrecy and cannot talk about the plot. However, they do describe their film debut as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yee says several local residents were on the film crew, including two Troy firefighters and actress Henrietta Hermelin.
“The crew of 100 people was a well-oiled machine and very organized,” said Yee. “About 80 extras were bused in from various nearby locations for their scene, then taken back to wait. Outside of blowing an electrical circuit that was not designed for those huge lights, everything went very well. It is just amazing to watch.”
Yee said the crew spent their first day of filming at the Somerset Collection, complete with holiday decorations. Their second day, June 22, was spent at Kim’s Restaurant.
Would she again open her restaurant to another film crew? Yes, Yee said without hesitation, adding that she’d need some time to rest up.
Monday, July 26, 2010
A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas
Margaret Yee stepped out of her comfort zone and into three crazy days of life, Harold and Kumar style.
Through some Hollywood magic, Kim’s Restaurant on East Long Lake in Troy was transformed into a movie set for the film “A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas.”
“One of our favorite customers, Steve Schliek, is a location scout for the film industry and suggested the director check us out,” said Margaret Yee, manager of the Yee family’s restaurant. “Todd Strauss-Schulson, the director, said we had the space and look he needed, and the excitement started.”
Huge trucks rolled into the parking lot on June 21, followed by dozens of people charged with the task of lighting and turning Kim’s into a New York City eatery. The Yees closed the dining room, but were able to provide carry-out orders for their customers and the crew.
“They were such long days, from 5 a.m. until midnight, that we wanted to help keep up their strength,” Margaret Yee said. “They were so nice. I had nightmares about people being upset about this or that, but didn’t happen. Everyone was in great spirits, including the stars, John Cho and Kal Penn.”
Cho and Penn are reprising their title roles in the third installment of the Harold and Kumar film series. “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle” attracted a cult following in 2004, followed by “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.”
“A Very Merry Harold and Kumar Christmas” is the first of the comedies to be shot in 3-D, and picks up six years after the duo’s last adventure. Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) are preparing for Christmas celebrations. Along the way, the two reconnect and find themselves searching for the perfect Christmas tree in New York City.
Margaret Yee and 10 of her staff members will appear as extras in the restaurant scene, but say they have been sworn to secrecy and cannot talk about the plot. However, they do describe their film debut as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yee says several local residents were on the film crew, including two Troy firefighters and actress Henrietta Hermelin.
“The crew of 100 people was a well-oiled machine and very organized,” said Yee. “About 80 extras were bused in from various nearby locations for their scene, then taken back to wait. Outside of blowing an electrical circuit that was not designed for those huge lights, everything went very well. It is just amazing to watch.”
Yee said the crew spent their first day of filming at the Somerset Collection, complete with holiday decorations. Their second day, June 22, was spent at Kim’s Restaurant.
Would she again open her restaurant to another film crew? Yes, Yee said without hesitation, adding that she’d need some time to rest up.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Annabelle and Bear Sneak Preview
Film’s sneak peek to benefit charity
Published: Thursday, February 11, 2010
6 comment(s) Email to a friend Print version
By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press
The red carpet will be rolled out Feb. 20 at the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts to showcase a made-in-Michigan film with proceeds donated to Starfish Family Services, an organization that strives to help strengthen family relationships.
“Annabelle and Bear,” a movie made by Radish Creative Group of Royal Oak, was filmed at 12 locations in southeast Michigan last summer and director Amy Weber will soon offer the community a sneak preview of the movie.
“We are excited to share the film with everyone,” said Weber, who resides in Birmingham. “The movie is the tender story of a man named Bear who is thrust into fatherhood, and the love he finds in the heart of his 2-year-old daughter. We teamed up with Starfish because of the agency’s focus on families and children, which is a great fit with the movie’s theme.”
Starfish Family Services is a nonprofit organization based in Inkster that is dedicated to helping children and families in Metro Detroit. CEO Ann Kalass said the donation from Weber and her Radish Creative Group will be used to enrich the lives of local families in need.“We help people like Bear every day,” Kalass said.
“Starfish has many programs designed to teach parenting skills and give them confidence. We have a caring staff to guide and coach moms and dads looking for ways to create a brighter future for their family.”
The film’s cast, crew and musical talent are all from Michigan, Weber said. They are a blend of seasoned professionals and people looking for experience in the film industry.She selected 20 instrumental pieces and songs from a competition Radish Creative Group hosted to help create the film’s musical score. The band, “Nervous But Excited,” won the competition and made a cameo appearance in the film.
“Radish Creative Group opened our doors to people interested in film making,” Weber said.“Our crew of nearly 200 people was just incredible and ignited a passion for the movie and the film industry. Some of those people have already gone on to work with other films.”
A star of the film, 3-year-old Olivia Walby of Oakland County, was chosen for the role of Annabelle from hundreds of young girls who auditioned.“A friend of mine told me about the audition, and I thought it would be a fun outing for Olivia to play act,” said Olivia’s mother, Patty Walby. “When she got the part, I was amazed at how quickly she understood that there was a beginning and an end to her pretending, and could recite several lines of dialogue.”
Walby said that even with her own 20 years of television production experience, she found it fascinating to watch the making of a movie and the many levels of coordination it takes to create a full-length film.
FYI
To purchase tickets for the screening gala of Annabelle and Bear, benefi ting Starfish, call the Music Hall Box Office at 313-887-8501 or visit www. ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $15 each. For more information, visit www.annabelleandbear.com.
Published: Thursday, February 11, 2010
6 comment(s) Email to a friend Print version
By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press
The red carpet will be rolled out Feb. 20 at the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts to showcase a made-in-Michigan film with proceeds donated to Starfish Family Services, an organization that strives to help strengthen family relationships.
“Annabelle and Bear,” a movie made by Radish Creative Group of Royal Oak, was filmed at 12 locations in southeast Michigan last summer and director Amy Weber will soon offer the community a sneak preview of the movie.
“We are excited to share the film with everyone,” said Weber, who resides in Birmingham. “The movie is the tender story of a man named Bear who is thrust into fatherhood, and the love he finds in the heart of his 2-year-old daughter. We teamed up with Starfish because of the agency’s focus on families and children, which is a great fit with the movie’s theme.”
Starfish Family Services is a nonprofit organization based in Inkster that is dedicated to helping children and families in Metro Detroit. CEO Ann Kalass said the donation from Weber and her Radish Creative Group will be used to enrich the lives of local families in need.“We help people like Bear every day,” Kalass said.
“Starfish has many programs designed to teach parenting skills and give them confidence. We have a caring staff to guide and coach moms and dads looking for ways to create a brighter future for their family.”
The film’s cast, crew and musical talent are all from Michigan, Weber said. They are a blend of seasoned professionals and people looking for experience in the film industry.She selected 20 instrumental pieces and songs from a competition Radish Creative Group hosted to help create the film’s musical score. The band, “Nervous But Excited,” won the competition and made a cameo appearance in the film.
“Radish Creative Group opened our doors to people interested in film making,” Weber said.“Our crew of nearly 200 people was just incredible and ignited a passion for the movie and the film industry. Some of those people have already gone on to work with other films.”
A star of the film, 3-year-old Olivia Walby of Oakland County, was chosen for the role of Annabelle from hundreds of young girls who auditioned.“A friend of mine told me about the audition, and I thought it would be a fun outing for Olivia to play act,” said Olivia’s mother, Patty Walby. “When she got the part, I was amazed at how quickly she understood that there was a beginning and an end to her pretending, and could recite several lines of dialogue.”
Walby said that even with her own 20 years of television production experience, she found it fascinating to watch the making of a movie and the many levels of coordination it takes to create a full-length film.
FYI
To purchase tickets for the screening gala of Annabelle and Bear, benefi ting Starfish, call the Music Hall Box Office at 313-887-8501 or visit www. ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $15 each. For more information, visit www.annabelleandbear.com.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Remake of Red Dawn
By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTERSpecial to The Oakland Press
The state’s tax incentives for filmmakers have been a boon for Michael Knight in more ways than one.The Walled Lake personal trainer not only got a job in a movie, but the exposure brought some new clients to his gym.
“We received a call at my gym, asking for a huge, menacing figure to play a part in an action film,” the 6-foot-6-inch Knight said, smiling.“I auditioned and got the part. And now, some of the actors are working out at the gym.”
The matchmaker on the other end of that phone was casting director Janet Pound of Pontiac. She and her partner, Kathy Mooney of Troy, cast several local actors for “Red Dawn,” including Nicholas Yu of Livonia as the Chinese delegate who has the job of convincing captured Americans that the invaders are their friends and the U.S. government is the enemy.
“Red Dawn” is the story of a group of teenagers who fight back against Chinese and Russian solders who invade the U.S. The original film helped launch the careers of Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson and Jennifer Grey. It was the first movie in film history released with a PG-13 rating, because of violence.
The remake of the 1984 film was shot in various locations around the state, including downtown Pontiac and several others in Oakland County.Even downtown Detroit, doubling as Spokane, Wash., was transformed into a police state with Russian and Chinese soldiers in uniform exhausted by combat scenes. The sculpted, imposing Knight is their ruthless leader, Col. Ivanov.
The cast of the remake also includes Chris Hemsworth (“Star Trek”), John Peck (“The Wackness”), Adrianne Palicki (“Friday Night Lights”) and Connor Cruise (“Seven Pounds”), who is the son of actor Tom Cruise. All, including local actors Knight and Yu, hope “Red Dawn” will again draw large audiences.
“Janet met me a couple of years ago while I was working a concession stand at The Performance Network,” Yu said. “She asked me if I would like to sign with a talent agency. I really didn’t know what to think.“She has me working as a presenter at auto shows, and now I’m in my first film. It is a blessing,” he added.
“Red Dawn” is the 18th film casting project for Pound and Mooney. The women formed their casting company in the spring of 2008 after the Michigan film incentives were put in place. Their casting credits include “Gran Torino,” “Whip It,” and HBO’s “Hung.” They are now casting “Cedar Rapids.”
“I love casting. It’s like solving a puzzle. You have to find just the right look and ability for each part,” Mooney said. “It is challenging, exhausting but very satisfying.”
Pound said the casting company acts as the ambassadors for Michigan.“I think people would be surprised to know we always urge the director, producers and cast to take time to see Michigan while they are here. One production coordinator from Los Angeles fell in love with northern Michigan and is looking at beach property.”
The duo has helped hundreds of Michigan’s seasoned professional actors land speaking roles in films made in the state. They work closely with local talent agencies to find actors, and often attend local theater performances to scout for talent.
“What an incredible job,” Pound said. “We love the actors and get to be the conduit to their dreams.”
After shooting in Pontiac, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Highland Township, Milford Township, Harper Woods, Mount Clemens, Grand Ledge and Detroit, “Red Dawn” is expected to wrap up in mid-December. The company has employed more than 300 local people, from caterers to skilled labor and extras.
The state’s tax incentives for filmmakers have been a boon for Michael Knight in more ways than one.The Walled Lake personal trainer not only got a job in a movie, but the exposure brought some new clients to his gym.
“We received a call at my gym, asking for a huge, menacing figure to play a part in an action film,” the 6-foot-6-inch Knight said, smiling.“I auditioned and got the part. And now, some of the actors are working out at the gym.”
The matchmaker on the other end of that phone was casting director Janet Pound of Pontiac. She and her partner, Kathy Mooney of Troy, cast several local actors for “Red Dawn,” including Nicholas Yu of Livonia as the Chinese delegate who has the job of convincing captured Americans that the invaders are their friends and the U.S. government is the enemy.
“Red Dawn” is the story of a group of teenagers who fight back against Chinese and Russian solders who invade the U.S. The original film helped launch the careers of Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson and Jennifer Grey. It was the first movie in film history released with a PG-13 rating, because of violence.
The remake of the 1984 film was shot in various locations around the state, including downtown Pontiac and several others in Oakland County.Even downtown Detroit, doubling as Spokane, Wash., was transformed into a police state with Russian and Chinese soldiers in uniform exhausted by combat scenes. The sculpted, imposing Knight is their ruthless leader, Col. Ivanov.
The cast of the remake also includes Chris Hemsworth (“Star Trek”), John Peck (“The Wackness”), Adrianne Palicki (“Friday Night Lights”) and Connor Cruise (“Seven Pounds”), who is the son of actor Tom Cruise. All, including local actors Knight and Yu, hope “Red Dawn” will again draw large audiences.
“Janet met me a couple of years ago while I was working a concession stand at The Performance Network,” Yu said. “She asked me if I would like to sign with a talent agency. I really didn’t know what to think.“She has me working as a presenter at auto shows, and now I’m in my first film. It is a blessing,” he added.
“Red Dawn” is the 18th film casting project for Pound and Mooney. The women formed their casting company in the spring of 2008 after the Michigan film incentives were put in place. Their casting credits include “Gran Torino,” “Whip It,” and HBO’s “Hung.” They are now casting “Cedar Rapids.”
“I love casting. It’s like solving a puzzle. You have to find just the right look and ability for each part,” Mooney said. “It is challenging, exhausting but very satisfying.”
Pound said the casting company acts as the ambassadors for Michigan.“I think people would be surprised to know we always urge the director, producers and cast to take time to see Michigan while they are here. One production coordinator from Los Angeles fell in love with northern Michigan and is looking at beach property.”
The duo has helped hundreds of Michigan’s seasoned professional actors land speaking roles in films made in the state. They work closely with local talent agencies to find actors, and often attend local theater performances to scout for talent.
“What an incredible job,” Pound said. “We love the actors and get to be the conduit to their dreams.”
After shooting in Pontiac, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Highland Township, Milford Township, Harper Woods, Mount Clemens, Grand Ledge and Detroit, “Red Dawn” is expected to wrap up in mid-December. The company has employed more than 300 local people, from caterers to skilled labor and extras.
Friday, October 16, 2009
You don't know Jack films in Pontiac Michigan
Al Pacino, thin with silver hair, fought his way through a crowd of protesters at the Oakland County Circuit Court building over and over again. The scene familar to many area residents who watched the now 81-year-old Dr. Jack Kevorkian also known as doctor death, lead his campaign to legalize assisted suicide. But this time the actors recreated history.
Dr. Death, as Kevorkian was known, was sentenced in 1999 for second-degree murder for the death of 52- year old Thomas Youk. He was given a 10 to 25 year sentence, but paroled in 2007 after agreeing not to assist in suicides. Kevorkian claims to have assisted in 130 suicides.
“The film covers a 12-year period beginning at the start of Jack’s activity to legalize euthanasia,” she said. “Al Pacino and all of us were drawn to the richness of character, Jack’s painting, music, writing and actions," said Lydia Pilcher, executive producer.
As a reporter for WJBK TV, I covered Jack Kevorkian. From his colorful interviews daring the authorities to arrest him after assisting in a suicide to his many court appearances. Watching HBO film "You Don't Know Jack" brought forth memories of a complicated man fascinated by death, indignant when questioned about his mission, and shocked that he could be convicted of helping people end their lives.
I recall very early morning, Dr. Kevorkian arrived in the studio. I'd just finished my morning news, and Dr. Kevorikan was to be interview for CBS network. He had a plateful of cookies he said he baked. The always hungry crew all passed, afraid the chocolate chips might contain fatal chemicals from his famous death machine used to inject poison into the veins of his ill clients.
Local broadcasters Kam Carman (TV2) and Bill Spencer (TV7) play reporters in the fray outside the courthouse. Carman reciting a long report about a '60 minutes' interview with Kevorkian gave with Thomas Youk taking his life. Spencer chased down Pacino's character through the crown, to get a comment .
Crews spent Thursday shooting exterior scenes at the Oakland County courthouse and near the closed Ducky’s Bar, at 44785 Woodward Ave., a Big Boy Resturant in Troy and the Sagano Motel, at 789 Woodward Ave.
Also starring in the film are John Goodman as Kevorkian’s friend Neal Nicol and Susan Sarandon as right-to-die advocate Janet Good. Good took her own life in 1997 while battling pancreatic cancer.Barry Levinson directs the film. His previous films include “Young Sherlock Holmes” and “The Natural
after agreeing not to assist with any more suicides.
“We have been shooting in New York and Detroit, so our crew is 50/50 New York and Detroit,” executive director Lydia Pilcher said. “We are every excited to come to Michigan because of your film incentives. Incentives are critical to filmmakers these days.”
Pilcher said the crews have taken footage of Hart Plaza and the Wayne County Courthouse, as well as skyline shots from Belle Isle and a Big Boy Restaurant in Troy.“The film covers a 12-year period beginning at the start of Jack’s activity to legalize euthanasia. This has been a terrific experience and I look forward to coming back to make another film,” Pilcher added
Christy Edwards was one of the extras protesting outside of the courthouse, and was even able to meet Pacino.“He is very friendly,” she said. “In fact, he has been taking care of the extras. He was worried that we were cold and had us move inside to warm up." she added.
The movie is slated to come out the spring of 2010.
Contact staff writer Shaun Byron at (248) 745-4685 or shaun.byron@oakpress.com. Special writer Nancy McCauley Branstetter also contributed to this report.
Dr. Death, as Kevorkian was known, was sentenced in 1999 for second-degree murder for the death of 52- year old Thomas Youk. He was given a 10 to 25 year sentence, but paroled in 2007 after agreeing not to assist in suicides. Kevorkian claims to have assisted in 130 suicides.
“The film covers a 12-year period beginning at the start of Jack’s activity to legalize euthanasia,” she said. “Al Pacino and all of us were drawn to the richness of character, Jack’s painting, music, writing and actions," said Lydia Pilcher, executive producer.
As a reporter for WJBK TV, I covered Jack Kevorkian. From his colorful interviews daring the authorities to arrest him after assisting in a suicide to his many court appearances. Watching HBO film "You Don't Know Jack" brought forth memories of a complicated man fascinated by death, indignant when questioned about his mission, and shocked that he could be convicted of helping people end their lives.
I recall very early morning, Dr. Kevorkian arrived in the studio. I'd just finished my morning news, and Dr. Kevorikan was to be interview for CBS network. He had a plateful of cookies he said he baked. The always hungry crew all passed, afraid the chocolate chips might contain fatal chemicals from his famous death machine used to inject poison into the veins of his ill clients.
Local broadcasters Kam Carman (TV2) and Bill Spencer (TV7) play reporters in the fray outside the courthouse. Carman reciting a long report about a '60 minutes' interview with Kevorkian gave with Thomas Youk taking his life. Spencer chased down Pacino's character through the crown, to get a comment .
Crews spent Thursday shooting exterior scenes at the Oakland County courthouse and near the closed Ducky’s Bar, at 44785 Woodward Ave., a Big Boy Resturant in Troy and the Sagano Motel, at 789 Woodward Ave.
Also starring in the film are John Goodman as Kevorkian’s friend Neal Nicol and Susan Sarandon as right-to-die advocate Janet Good. Good took her own life in 1997 while battling pancreatic cancer.Barry Levinson directs the film. His previous films include “Young Sherlock Holmes” and “The Natural
after agreeing not to assist with any more suicides.
“We have been shooting in New York and Detroit, so our crew is 50/50 New York and Detroit,” executive director Lydia Pilcher said. “We are every excited to come to Michigan because of your film incentives. Incentives are critical to filmmakers these days.”
Pilcher said the crews have taken footage of Hart Plaza and the Wayne County Courthouse, as well as skyline shots from Belle Isle and a Big Boy Restaurant in Troy.“The film covers a 12-year period beginning at the start of Jack’s activity to legalize euthanasia. This has been a terrific experience and I look forward to coming back to make another film,” Pilcher added
Christy Edwards was one of the extras protesting outside of the courthouse, and was even able to meet Pacino.“He is very friendly,” she said. “In fact, he has been taking care of the extras. He was worried that we were cold and had us move inside to warm up." she added.
The movie is slated to come out the spring of 2010.
Contact staff writer Shaun Byron at (248) 745-4685 or shaun.byron@oakpress.com. Special writer Nancy McCauley Branstetter also contributed to this report.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Michigan Casting Director casts major films
Monday, September 28, 2009
Casting Director Reels in Local Actors For Films
September 6, 2009By NANCY MCCAULEY BRANSTETTERCarrie Ray has been preparing her whole life for her current role. As a casting director, she draws upon her acting and directing experience, but most importantly she says she can size up an actor’s personality instantly.Ray auditions dozens, sometimes hundreds of actors at her Royal Oak office to find just the right person to play a film character. She says she searches for special actors who are team players and are easily directed.
Casting Director Reels in Local Actors For Films
September 6, 2009By NANCY MCCAULEY BRANSTETTERCarrie Ray has been preparing her whole life for her current role. As a casting director, she draws upon her acting and directing experience, but most importantly she says she can size up an actor’s personality instantly.Ray auditions dozens, sometimes hundreds of actors at her Royal Oak office to find just the right person to play a film character. She says she searches for special actors who are team players and are easily directed.
“The actor must be believable in a role. They must connect to the character or camera and basically draw emotions from the director. The question is — do we believe you?” Ray said.As a young child Ray cast her cut-out dolls into families. Later, she made movies by placing her friends in various roles and, using a chunky VHS movie camera, recorded the action. After college she went to Chicago and worked with casting director David O’Connor, where she honed her casting skills.
“I learned so much about casting for film and commercials from the best,” Ray said. “David O’Connor taught me how to quickly analyze talent and bring the best out of them. It is an art; it really is. He taught me the creative side and the business side. You need both to be successful. He runs a tight ship, and I try to do that, too.”In the last year and a half, Ray cast actors for many movies including “Stone” with Robert DeNiro and Edward Norton, “Betty Ann Waters” starring Hillary Swank and “Up In The Air” with George Clooney. She is currently casting speaking roles for the film “Alleged,” which is shooting in Flint at Crossroads Village. Written by Michigan native Fredrick Foote, the film explores the Scopes Monkey Trial about evolutionary theory.She works closely with the talent agencies representing local actors. Ray compiles the best auditions on a reel to show the director, who makes the final judgment. Once in a while, she has trouble finding the perfect actor for a role and casts her net outside the normal channels.“I have a neighbor who played high school football, and I needed a football player. I asked him to audition and he got a roll in a Kim Cattrall film last year.
Recently, I interviewed people who lost their jobs, and six of them were flown to L.A. to be interviewed, documentary-style, for the film ‘Up in the Air’ with George Clooney,” she said.State film incentives enacted in the spring of 2008 are bringing filmmakers to the state, and local actors are getting a real shot at film roles.In some cases, some California-based actors are willing to fly in even for a couple of lines. With this once in a lifetime opportunity at hand, Ray urges local actors to embrace the opportunity.Carrie Ray has a few golden rules for new actors:Be available — when you get a call be on time and dependable;Be prepared — know the script and ask any relevant questions such as what do I wear, where do I go and is there a script I can study;Be professional — work hard and do a good job.
Make yourself stand out, be unique and integrate parts of yourself into the character to make it is your own;And, finally, always have a headshot, which is your calling card. That’s an 8-by-10 picture of your head and shoulders with your resume attached. It should reflect your personality. After all, it is really all about you. (Copyright 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Na)
Genesis Code filmed in Grand Rapids Michigan
Saturday, September 19, 2009
College student acts in ‘The Genesis Code’
By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER Special to The Oakland Press A group of Hollywood actors stood before a 30-foot green screen in a Grand Rapids warehouse last week, pretending to witness the birth of the universe. The matter and such will be added later in post production, so the actors must draw on their imaginations to react to the wonders they are not really seeing. “The Genesis Code” began its 30-day production schedule in Grand Rapids in early August and filmed the green screen magic.
College student acts in ‘The Genesis Code’
By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER Special to The Oakland Press A group of Hollywood actors stood before a 30-foot green screen in a Grand Rapids warehouse last week, pretending to witness the birth of the universe. The matter and such will be added later in post production, so the actors must draw on their imaginations to react to the wonders they are not really seeing. “The Genesis Code” began its 30-day production schedule in Grand Rapids in early August and filmed the green screen magic.
The film centers on two college students who struggle to reconcile creationism with their faith. A third of the cast and crew are Michigan residents, including Jil Szewski of Oxford. Szewski graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2007 with a degree in film and video, and set her sights on becoming an assistant director — the link between the director and the cast and crew. The film industry has exploded in Michigan since last year, when the state adopted tax credits of up to 42 percent to filmmkakers working here.
“I thought I would have to move to New York, Los Angeles or Chicago, but when the film incentives passed, opportunities popped up here at home,” Szewski said. “I’ve worked on nine films. I’ve been able to workmy way up and will have my dream job on my next film, ‘Grey Sky.’ “The assistant directors on ‘Genesis Code’ have taken me under their wing to get me ready,” she added with a huge smile. “The Genesis Code” is a $7 million feature-length film. The cast includes Ernest Borgnine, Fred Thompson, Louis Fletcher and Rance Howard, a veteran actor and father of actor-director Ron Howard. Twenty-five-year-old Logan Bartholomew plays a handsome college hockey player. Mark VanderWal, spokesman for “The Genesis Code,” said the film could not have been made in Michigan if the state did not offer incentives. Instead, it would have been shot in New Mexico and Louisiana. Both states offer film incentives.
“Working in Michigan is very different than working in L.A.,” Bartholomew said. “People are very kind, and I am having a great time exploring the local shops and restaurants,” he added. Adam Chambers, who plays a brilliant student and convincingly delivers difficult scientific lines about time and space and the origin of the universe, said he is also enjoying his Michigan experience. He even visited a state fair in Lowell.
“Everyone is so nice. I off-handedly mentioned candy would taste good after a very long day on set, and when I got back to by trailer there were Skittles waiting for me,” Chambers said, beaming. “They are spoiling me and it is great.” The film, from Michigan-based American Epic Entertainment, will be in theaters around the holidays.
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