Check out the online home of Crazy Horse Studios. Theses guys have been instrumental in the marketing and networking for Colfax &15th. Pay them a visit and see what exciting stuff they have planned for 2012.
Colfax & 15th Trailer
Hey Folk’s, we’ll be presnting our trailer at the November Second Saturdays / Cowtown Comix Fest 2011 After Party tonight here in Denver!
Things’ll kick off @ around 7pm until 11pm, so come check out our flick as well as a ton of other awesome comic and entertainment projects in the works from Denver’s artistic and creative community.
See you there!
Hey there!
Well it’s been a long, tough road for Colfax & 15th. After an arduous post-production workflow, using e-mail and filesharing sites to finish scoring, editing and mixing, the film has been finished. We are now prepping for local screenings and hopefully national festivals in the not too distant future. I thought I’d share our Press Kit DVD art with you all, as we get ready to push the film from infancy into adulthood - - whatever that may mean.
We’ve also updated our face book page which can be seen by clicking the photo above.
Thanks for your continued support! Updates soon!
Phew…..
So, here we are again. Took some time away from blogging to function in society (kinda) for a while. All while never taking focus off the film. We are now in deep post production madness.
Joel is rocking the edit and this baby is looking like a movie.
I’m well on my way in scoring this flick, keepin’ it moody, tragic, and triumphant. So come fall time (hopefully) we’ll see what kind of man this baby grows up to be.
Stephen
To help ring in the New Year, I now present you with these fine production stills from our wonderful little crime epic,
Colfax & 15th.
Enjoy!
Teaser coming soon!
Stephen
It’s midnight. We are now four days into shooting. In an attempt to “keep it real”, I’ll admit that we are falling just a little short of our expected goals each day. Not to worry for what we lack in speed sometimes we make up with quality. Already I can say that this production is one I’m very proud of especially having only shot a few scenes. The work flow is great and taxing but all in all the quality of the footage so far is nothing less than astounding.
Over the weekend we used a car mount for some driving scenes and got some stellar footage of East Colfax. Not only that but we had the pleasure of shooting a mean looking 1973 Chevelle SS. The car mount consists of three industrial strength suction cup bases, that you stick to the car. With use of a few small rods, you can build a small tripod right on the car to attach the camera. It was a really exciting shoot. I almost can’t believe the freedom you get while shooting with the mount. The Chevelle also helped make the shots look unquestionably badass.
Tony Lloyd’s 1973 Chevelle SS.
Bill and Joel troubleshooting the Car-mount.
Production value baby!
Anyhow…
Right now i’d like to take this time to introduce everybody to our main cast. I realize now that, perhaps I should have done this sooner, but whatever.
It was important for us to find people who embody the qualities of our characters rather than force those qualites out. We want desperately to avoid anything coming off staged or emotionally contrived. So while casting we made a great effort to pick specially from a pool of very talented people.
To ensure a sense of realism and to capture a natural performance we chose to work with non-actors for most of the roles including Isaac and Alicia.
Joseph has an unmistakable presence about him. His distinct personality is something you just can’t fake. So far it has been a pleasure to see the character flow into reality through Joseph, he’s never forced or manipulating in his performance. He’s surprised us already a few times with a colorful, full hearted character, that could have only been realized through him.
Isaac - Joseph Trujillo
For Rome, the Bondsman, we used a Denver based, veteran stage actor named Jim Whiteman. Jim is a real treat to work with. His reading of the part from day one was spot on. He brings a dynamic element of humanity to an otherwise, stoic and curmudgeonly bastard.
Rome - Jim Whiteman
Alicia was a tough one. The character had evolved so much in the writing process it was almost impossible to nail her down exactly. Even up until casting we still hadn’t really grasped what she was all about. It wasn’t until we brought Ariana in to read that we found out how important her character’s presence was for Isaac. Ariana has this subtlety about her that’s hard to define but, it’s something that stays with you. From her first spoken word as Alicia we knew that she would bring such warmth and maternal power to the story. I really don’t think anyone could’ve pull it off quite like her.
Alicia - Ariana Sanchez
The enthusiasm of the cast and crew is high. And shooting thus far has gone really well.
Continue to wish us luck as we enter our second week of shooting. And pray the weather treats us nicely.
Stephen
And boy is it ever! Uh.. thrilling I mean.
Back again folks and sorry for the delay in posts. We are making a movie after all.
Oh damn, that sounded a little snide. Apologies. It’s alright come back to your computers.
So….
Joel and I have been damn hard at work covering each and every base, to make this film the best possible moving picture it can be. Locations, props, equipment, actors, crew. All top notch and personally approved by myself and the Gods of film. And if you don’t believe that… just you wait. I have every confidence that this film will be watchable. Editable at the very least.
With that said… lets get down to business.
We spent the last few weeks talking with actors to fill our smaller, though very important, supporting roles. I think we’ve got a great bunch of folks ready to bring life to the background of the film and help Isaac find his way.
Other than that it’s been a lot of logistical headaches, such as scheduling, securing locations, and getting those three holes into the damn script. Ugh.
As a safety precaution and an effort to apease the cosmos, i’ve been trying to collect as much good luck and karma as I can, to ensure the smooth sailing of this little film of ours. I was at Walgreens buying myself a gatorade, chapstick, and some tab divider things for my production book, when an older woman asked for my help carrying her four cases of water bottles out to her car. I jumped at the chance to help so that it may reflect in my favor later on. I also saved a guys dog when it ran out of his house almost into the street. You can’t have too much of that karma people. Serious.
I feel like it’s working.
Hmmm…. I want to say so much, but I don’t want to ruin all the surprises in store for you all out there in the Blogosphere. I can say that in days time the blog will have a few new additions to the layout.
What I can show you is this beautiful, smooth, and damn fine Dolly Joel made.
Check it:
Oh, that’s Joel there, taking it for a sweet little test ride. He looks like he’s having a good time. I can only imagine what the camera feels. That thing alone is gonna bring in the awards. Independent spirit.. psh. Emmy’s…. please. No, Joel and I have invented an award that we feel captures and celebrates the very essence of independent filmmaking. We call these the Óskars. It’s a naked, gold plated litte half german, half mexican cowboy holding bus fare high in the air. Only the very best filmmakers will ever be able to hold one.
Ah……
Anyhow,
With only a day or so left before we shoot, I must say goodnight. I need my director sleep.
But, i’ll leave you with this:
We few, stand on the precipice of the unknown, gear in hand, fool hearty, at the mercy of fate. We, a motley crew of crazy, crazy, sons of bitches, know not what we’ll see or what we set out to capture. In our hearts and minds we know this; film is war.
We officially begin shooting this thursday.
Wish us luck.
Stephen
The heat is on though it just snowed.
I think it is fair to say we are feeling the pressure. But I reckon there is pressure because something is at stake, and if there was nothing at stake then there would be little reason to make this film. Stephen is sick in bed, and I am tired, but felt it was time to add my two cents to the blog. Though Stephen is sick and I am tired, we are not sick and tired of the film, no, on that front life is good. Since we last wrote everything has developed and changed:
Stephen and I are doing the producing and there is no line of credit we haven’t tabbed and then destroyed…but we have equipment now.
A second DP has joined our team, Bill Hanson, a bad ass from Boulder. With him we have upgraded our camera to a Sony EX3, and made contacts for a Steadycam operator.
Doug Gallob was crazy enough to take on the underappreciated roll of Sound Mixer and Designer. He has had tons of ideas that are already helping to make the production far greater than it would have been.
Our main cast has been chosen and I don’t think it could have been a more appropriate bunch. What they don’t yet know is that we are about to put them through hell. But it ought to be worth it.
Finally, the script has been finished. In order to work I had to learn to stay up all night in order to adapt to Stephen’s work times. The man doesn’t have a single idea until 2:00am. Then it begins and doesn’t stop. Now we are nocturnal, and slowly are trying to learn how to live amongst the day people again so we can follow our production schedule.
With about 5 days until we start shooting, I better get to rounding up some locations. Until next time, send us your energy, and hand warmers, we have a lot of exterior shots.
Joel
Hello!
Back again, with some bits of news and some new images. But, i’m going to keep this one short.
I hope you all like the way the blog is taking shape. Joel and I are working hard to make sure that the experience leading up to the film is just as exciting as the film itself.
The video above is a promo reel of test footage we put together to better explain the project and give you all an idea of the direction we’re heading. Also a little synopsis for those scratching thier heads about what kind of film we’re getting into. Which, I guess must have been all of you, till now.
I’ve set up a paypal account for the project in case any multimillionares out there decide they’d like to finance this project from thier gold encrusted throne in Hollywood. But, really it’s open to everyone. If you’ve got a little extra cash and need desperatley to support Denver based film projects, feel free to donate. Anything and everything is appreciated. It’s over there on the right ————————————->
Alright, enough of that.
I met a great guy by the name of Doug Gallob who did the original score for Hermann Hermann, Joel’s first feature film. Doug and I talked about music for the film and him possibly contributing to the score for Colfax. We’re also meeting up this week to talk sound design.
Auditions are this week as well as location scouts. We’ve lined up two potential Isaacs, and four potential Alicias. It’s still pending but we think we’ve found our Bail Bondsman as well.
I feel good. All the little things seem to be falling in place. It’s the big stuff that’s easy. The small stuff you gotta worry about.
Talk to you soon.
Stephen
Whew.
The last few days have been taxing. Let me tell you. There’s a lot to be done and there never seems to be enough time in a day.
Joel’s asleep and I’m burning up what little “Midnight Oil” I got left.
Thursday:
Joel and I met up with a Bail Bondsman by the name of Brian and he loaded us up with some really good information. His consulting is really helping us fact check our screenplay and helps a lot with the reality of what where attempting to capture in our film. He had some great stories to tell us and did a wonderful job of breaking down the science of Bonding and Bounty hunting. The relationships, the hierarchy, and the types of people it takes to run this industry. It’s an interesting way of life that’s for sure.
Brian, at his office in Denver.
Later that night, I’d arranged to meet with a few beautiful actresses at The Marquis here in Denver after my buddy’s band played, an amazing show by the way.
We chatted and I told them, in my best shmoosing director voice, about the character Alicia, our main character’s girlfriend. I was not dissapointed. They were all charismatic, enthusiastic and an overall delight to converse with. It was interesting to hear their individual ideas about the characters and the different perspectives on who Alicia can ultimately become on screen. I’m very excited to see what kind of chemistry develops and how well they interpret the themes of the film at auditions, early next week.
Friday:
Joel and I spent our morning meeting with a real life Bounty Hunter over breakfast named Alan.
Now Alan, in contrast to Brian gave us a little bit better of an idea of what the professional Bounty Hunter does in the field and what it takes to really sustain oneself in that line of work. Alan told us some great stories and filled us with a wealth of information to help prepare us in capturing realism and giving our movie life. He was a really cool guy and let us know the straight up truth of what he has to deal with on a day to day basis to keep his bills paid. He didn’t seem jaded or too rough around the edges, but still with enough attitude to show you he means business. Just a normal guy making a living. He had a very collected demeanor and charisma that only few possess. He was a pleasure to talk with and often made Joel and I laugh out loud at our table in the diner. Sometimes, it seemed, in his line of work you’ve got to have a sense of humor to be able to keep the stress off and maintain sanity.
Both of these guys gave us a lot of meat to chew on over the next few weeks as we prepare and polish our script.
Thanks guys.
Alan, hanging out with us outside of the Denver Diner.
Later, and for most of the rest of the day, Joel and I did some more test shots and a little location scouting. Together we’ve found a lot of interesting places that lend to a lot of new Ideas about how we’re going to portray the city. Especially an aspect of the city that’s often unseen. Beyond the beauty of it, and beyond the comfort a lot of us take for granted. Into, perhaps, a part of the city that most would rather remain unseen.
Again, interesing is the best way to describe it.
After a short dinner and a production meeting, Joel and I met up with an old friend of mine to talk about the part of Isaac, our main character and young Bounty Hunter.
Jerry is a cool kid, a smart and loveable guy. We talked for a good while about the role and to see if he had the chops to take it on, or at least come and audition for us. Both Joel and I were pleased with what he had to say and what we knew he could pull off.
Now, it’s a matter of the chemistry we see, not only in front of the camera but with our actresses as well.
Down the line as we speak with more actors and actresses we’ll get a better idea of who Isaac and Alicia really are.
Good luck to all!
Jerry, keeping us on our toes.
So, now it’s off to bed. I’m exhausted.
Hope you all had a wonderful day. I know at least, I had a busy one.
Keep with us. In the next few days some big things are happening and I’m eager to let you all in on it.
P.S.
A reminder:
Tomorrow night will be a fundraiser at the Starz Film Center, at the Tivoli here in Denver. We’ll be giving a presentation and showing some past work and behind the scenes stuff. There will be Wine, food and good times had by all. See you there.
P.P.s.
In the next post i’ve got some improvments for the blog, including a synopsis and more information about the plot, characters and tone of our film Colfax & 15th.
Stephen
