Your upcoming movie White Talon City - in a few words, what's
it going to be about?
It’s
about a female gunslinger who liberates abused women.
With White
Talon City being a western, is that a genre at all dear to you,
and some of your genre favourites? And how do you think your movie will
stick out of the crowd?
There’s not really a genre that I prefer, I just look for the truth
underlying the story. I think White
Talon City will stick out because when I researched
which genre in which strong women were represented the LEAST, it was the
western. So, I figured that needs to change.
(Other)
sources of inspiration when writing White
Talon City?
I
took a trip to Arizona to scout out a city there for another western
series I’m developing with some other filmmakers, and on that trip, I
learned a slew of true stories that aren’t on the internet, they’re
local stories. People who were grandchildren of these wild west folks
would open up and show me photos and diaries. It was amazing. And I
thought, what else don’t we know?
No
western without the right location - so where are you planning to film White
Talon City, and why exactly there?
We’re
filming at Pine Moore Old West Studios in Blanco, Texas. It’s PERFECT.
There’s an entire town there! And stagecoaches and horses already there.
The folks there are super nice. I actually attended a film festival there
(my film won! Yay!) and that’s how I learned about it.
What
can you tell us about the film's intended general look and feel?
It’s
set in the 1840’s, so it’s a period piece, and honestly, I’d love
for it to have the feel of The Quick And The Dead. The shots were amazing,
as was the color palette.
Anything
you can tell us about White
Talon City's cast yet, however tentatively, and why exactly these
people?
Alice
Raver plays our gunslinger, One Shot Charley Dott. I wanted a tiny
spitfire who could hold her own and show emotion without words. Alice
nails that every time. Pearl is played by Amanda Smith. She’s a true
sweetheart and her voice carries an innocence that’s perfect for her
role. Sheriff Wallace is brought to life by John Hall. He’s got a great
look, great presence. Such a great character for him to bring to life.
Dennis Moore is our Undertaker. Again, great look, great voice. And a big
heart. Brian Elder plays Billy. Brian’s a terrific actor (I know,
because I used to rep him!). I’m so happy to be working with all of
them. Just a perfect team.
Alice Raver |
You're
currently running a fundraiser for White
Talon City - so what can you tell us about your campaign?
We
have a GoFundMe link - gf.me/u/w54dsf
- that has a 90 second video that tells a lot about
what we’re doing and what we’re planning to do. We also have perks.
Our best ‘seller’ if you will is for $10 or more, you get a bawdy
limerick about you. Or you know, a limerick about your ex! We put old
tintype pictures with them too. It’s something fun. For bigger donors,
like $1000, we give you Executive Producer credit.
Once
the budget's in place, what's the schedule, and even if it may be way too
early to ask, any idea when and where White
Talon City might be released?
We’re
locked in to film Feb. 29 and March 1st whether
the budget is in or not (so please contribute!). I’d really love for this
to have a mega fast turnaround and start submitting to film festivals
before summer and pitch the series early this fall.
According
to my information, White
Talon City is to serve as a proof of concept for a series - so
what do you have in store for future episodes?
Charley’s
not afraid to go toe to toe with anyone, and one of the things I love
about her character is that she’s not colorblind at all… she defends
Native Americans, Hispanic, African Americans. But she learns things about
herself too. She’s by no means perfect, and in the series we can really
see her battle her demons.
Other
future projects you'd like to share?
Marti (center) with White Talon City's union
production manager Tamra
Parask and assistant director Michael Bower |
I’ve
written a feature that I’m going to direct and it’s in preproduction.
I also have a video docuseries in the works to chronicle stories about
elderly who witnessed major moments in history.
What
got you into filmmaking in the first place, and did you receive any formal
training on the subject?
My
father worked for major television networks, so I was brought up in it.
But I did attend Vanderbilt University’s film school and my
screenwriting mentors are Will Akers and Jacob Krueger.
Going
through your filmography, you have worked in a wide variety of jobs in the
film industry - so which do you enjoy the most, what could you do without?
I
LOVE directing. I grew up acting, so I remember what I needed to get into
a character and I do those things for my actors. For instance, I give them
complete background packets on their characters. I love
screenwriting too. I’m not afraid to slaughter my own work if need be.
It’s the story that matters, not my pride. As for what I could do
without… producing. I hate it! But I’m good at it! So I don’t know
if that’s a blessing or a curse. I want to focus on the creative and
producing is nuts and bolts. And I set the bar higher every time I work.
What
can you tell us about your film work prior to White
Talon City, in whatever position?
I
started out as a PA on things like The Voice, The
Circus, and Bath Crashers. All the while I was writing and making my own short films. Then
I landed a producer’s assistant gig on a short lived show on ABC, and
then started picking up more and more work as an assistant. The coolest
sets were Annabelle Comes Home and The Conjuring 3, though. I’ve worked
in so many different areas, it’s given me great insight on what
different departments go through.
How
would you describe yourself as a director?
I’m
very focused on the shots, but I’m very gentle with the actors. I do my
best for them to know what I need from them so their performance can be as
effortless and as natural as possible.
Filmmakers
who inspire you?
Spielberg
of course. Ron Howard. And Sam Mendes. He just keeps getting better and
better. God, 1917 is brilliant.
Your
favorite movies?
I
love The Moulin Rouge. The Shawshank Redemption. I adore Knives
Out. I
love searching for the little Easter eggs in Kubrick films.
...
and of course, films you really deplore?
I
usually don’t like to dog anyone, because I know how hard it is to get
anything made, but I have to say Cats. I grew up doing musical theater.
The Broadway show came out when I was young, so I grew up on this musical.
I sang the songs. I saw it three times. So I wanted to see the movie. And
I did. It looked like the director took this brilliant musical and
didn’t care about what characters meant to the fans. I think that’s
what bothered me the most about it, the lack of respect for the fans. I
understand wanting to put your own distinct twist on something, but this
was blatant disregard (to me).
Your/your
movie's website, Facebook, GoFundMe page, whatever else?
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You
can visit us at gf.me/u/w54dsf to
see a 90 second video and hopefully contribute, and you can also like our
awesome Facebook page here:
www.facebook.com/WhiteTalonCity. The
Facebook page is cool because rather than post constant updates, we also
have wild west women trivia and it’s been a big hit. We got over 1000
followers in our first week!
Anything
else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?
Yes. Women
as lead roles are necessary. Movies are creative expressions of how we see
the world. To show only one race or one sexual orientation limits the
view, potential, and existence of other great human beings.
And
also: Our director of photography is Alan Brazzell. We worked together on
The Adventures of Wonderboy and formed a wonderful friendship and working
relationship. I completely trust his eye. He’s brilliant.
Thanks
for the interview!
Thank
you!
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