Showing posts with label Independent Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Independent Film. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Tell Me Something Wednesday: That's a Wrap!

We'd waited 15 days to hear those words, crackling across 9 walkie-talkies and reverberating throughout Chris Cooley's cavernous estate—all while trying to keep an excited and growing crowd of cast, crew, and wrap party revelers quiet for the final shots.Principal photography on Ghosts Don't Exist wrapped at 7:50PM Monday night, just in time for the arriving mass of friends, family, investors, and other guests—all eager to celebrate the completion of the film we've worked so very hard on for the past few weeks. It was the culmination of a terrific concerted effort, and the beginning of the next phase of the project—post production.

Our final day of filming was a breeze, helped along by gorgeous weather and the wonderful setting of the Cooley home. Chris and Christy generously hosted our wrap party, which included a surprise sneak peek at the trailer (a rough cut created on site by editor Matt West).

We will post the official trailer here as soon as it's completed!

The night—and indeed, the entire production to date—was a huge success. There were hugs and congratulations all around, as cast and crew remembered fondly the long hours we'd invested, breathing both a sigh of relief and regret that this portion had finally reached it's end. Much like the end of a memorable school year, we all made sure we had each others' contact info, (and Facebook, of course) and collected autographs throughout the night.
For many of us, it was back to the "real world" on Tuesday—coping with the withdrawals that come with the end of an incredibly fun, rewarding production like this. But of course, this is really only the beginning. The ride has just started, and will only pick up steam as editing is completed, distribution deals are reached, and film festivals come calling—so stay tuned.

Posted by Richard Friend

Monday, March 2, 2009

Casting Call

"Ghosts Don't Exist", a 19th & Wilson production is casting a HD full length horror about a ghost hunter whose wife dies and as a result he loses faith in what he believes -- prompting him to retire. However, he decides to take one last case when a potential client makes a guarantee he can't refuse. When they arrive to the home an unforeseeable and shocking event transpires and they struggle with the decision to keep investigating. See www.ghostsdontexist.com for more info. Please request sides and location of auditions from

ghostdontexist@gmail.com and/or gdecasting@19thandwilson.com.

Special thanks to the Hotel Topaz in Washington DC for hosting our casting call.

Project: Feature film (Red One)
Location: Metro DC area, Virginia
Union: SAG
Pay: Ultra low budget SAG agreement
Audition Date & Location: March 14th & 15th 10am-5pm both days, HOTEL TOPAZ: 1733 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Comments: Project marks the debut of NFL's Washington Redskin player, Chris Cooley as Executive Producer.

Opening title credit roles:

Brett, 30's male lead. The ghost hunter who is ridden with guilt over not being there for his wife when she died in the hospital. A man who's looking for redemption after he realizes he's focused on work more than his family.

David, 40-50, male. A critic of Brett and debunker of paranormal activity. Brett's annoying antagonist whose only friend is a bottle of scotch.

Jen, 20's, female. Jen is on the ghost hunting team and wants to believe in the afterlife becuase of a dark secret from her past. However, she's not exactly fearless and getting through the night on a gig is challenging for her.

Richie, 20-30's male. Richie is on the ghost hunting team and is in it for the money. His sense of humor helps ease the tension during an investigation.

Kurt, 30's, male. Kurt is Brett's best friend and was there with Brett's wife the night she passed away.

Travis Garner, 40-50, male. Travis is the mysterious client and homeowner who makes Brett a guarantee that he'll find the evidence he's been looking for.

Monday, February 16, 2009

19w Announces a Greenlight for "Ghosts Don't Exist"

After spending most of 2008 raising funds, 19th & Wilson is pleased to announce that Ghosts Don't Exist is moving into preproduction phase (with production slated for May of this year). Thus far, production locations will be in the Metro DC area. 19W is now accepting applications for crew (gaffers, grips, Pas, etc.). Soon we will announce the date for casting calls, which will most likely be in March.

We are excited about the production and feel it creates an opportunity in the DC area for indie film and other businesses that support the arts. Having said that, we are now seeking restaurants/caterers to sponsor a day of food for our film in exchange for credit and publicity. We plan to have certain days when media (such as the popular ESPN show E60) will be on set—this would be great exposure for a local restaurant. Any other businesses that feel they could help the production—please do not hesitate to contact us.



We would like to thank all who continue to support us, and especially thank the following people who have signed on and made the production possible:

Drew Crowder, NVblu, Inc./Live-blu.com
Edwin Espejo, Unisys
John Duffy, Compass Group
Pete Buttecali, Woodpile Studios
Uncle Art Bond
Rob and Bonnie Huie
Nitin Adsul, Darrel Cox, Clark McMillian of East West Films
Jason Fabini, Washington Redskins
Jason Cole, DC Hosts

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Lost In My Music

It seems like music is a big part of my life and has become a little part of this blog throughout the year with the songs of the week and stuff. Although I have always had zero musical ability, I commend those who do. Over the last year I was able to watch my father in law write and produce his own CD. My wife and I were lucky enough to hear all the early acoustic versions as well as all the adjustments to each song. It was fun to see everything come together and I admired how hard he worked to make an outstanding CD.

After Scott finished up, he bought around 500 copies and his songs started selling on itunes, which was just another awesome thing for the family to be a part of. Overall the CD has been a great success, it's more than something that he just made, it's really cool music.  So much so that a couple months ago Scott was contacted by a movie director, Stuart Hopewell, about putting a couple songs on the soundtrack of his film "Slaughter." He loved the original sound and thought it would be perfect for his movie. 

One thing lead to another and movie is getting released this weekend. So on Saturday we will be heading to the film festival to check it out. We also bought a bunch of CD's and we will make them available for sale on Shop47.
Last year was a good year. I finished my first music CD and sent it out like all musicians do. I wouldn't have expected the music getting out so fast. You hope it will end up somewhere and it's been impressive to me where it's gone. Two of my songs will be in a movie called Slaughter. That's right, it's a horror movie. I guess it's all because of the Internet. 

They took the 3rd and 5th song from the CD, "Emily" and "The Girl Next Door." Emily is about how my wife Darlene and my relationship started, although I don't fashion myself as a tattooed tanned guy, I loved the story. The girl next door is totally make believe, it was a song I wrote on the deck and I was kind of daydreaming looking out across the yard. I felt like it was almost a country type story.


To create and finish the entire project I spent over eight months in the studio and I was able to make 11 original songs that I am very proud of.  I would also really like to thank my friend Jim Steele for all the help and work he put into making the CD. It has always been a blast playing with you, thanks so much.

The movie (Slaughter) will be part of the After Dark Horror Fest...eight movies to die for. The festival starts January, 9 2009. The eight movies play at theaters in most major cities. Closest one to NoVa is in DC at Union Station. Slaughters first showing is Sat at 6:00 hope to see you at the premier!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Ghosts Don't Exist

Starting this website has given Chris and I several new opportunities that we would have never thought possible. Our latest will be producing and Executive producing an independent film, “Ghosts Don’t Exist.” This is going to be a great opportunity for us and we are very excited about working with 19th and Wilson on the project. Here's what they have to say about the news.
19th and Wilson is pleased to announce the addition of two new producers to our latest feature film project, "Ghosts Don't Exist". Joining the team are Executive Producer Chris Cooley and Producer Tanner Cooley. Chris – a Pro Bowl player with the Washington Redskins - is widely recognized as one of the NFL's elite tight ends in the game today. Tanner is an entrepreneur, and is Chris' brother and business partner. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence have brought them great success thus far, and will undoubtedly propel this exciting project forward.

19W is still securing additional funding and aims to be in pre-production in Q4 of 2008. To find out more about 19th & Wilson and how you can be a part of this project and independent film, please check www.19w.com. For more on Chris Cooley, be sure to visit www.chriscooley47.com.

Be on the lookout for more in the press about this unique venture, and as always, we appreciate your support.

The Team at 19th and Wilson
If anyone has questions or wants to get involved in the film, email me at tanner@chriscooley47.com