Production Notes…

A word here on how production of THE MARSCHER LORDS:Brotherhood or Death will go and what we’re looking to accomplish with it. As it is a period piece – set in Europe (specifically the northern area of Germany/Prussia ) in the 13th Century – we had to find an area that (on the West Coast of California) – could credibly pass for that. Credibility (i.e. believability) is a big thing with us. Since there was much action in the Prussian region and along the Baltic Coast during the time of the Barbarian Invasions with the Teutonic Knights putting down uprisings of the pagans who lived in Prussia, the coast seemed like a natural fit. However, we needed to find an area that could pass for the Baltic Coast. This we found in the area of Point Dume in Malibu: craggy, rocky, and with mussel-encrusted rocks easily seen poking out at low tide the ambiance that it creates is literally heaven-sent. This is why we were so careful & particular about which Director of Photography we would bring on board. Fortuitously, John Lynch – who recently won Best Cinematography Award at the Toronto Film Festival for his feature Pandaemonium – has the right eye for a production such as this. Add to it the fact that he’s a native son of Ireland, an island well known for its breathtaking cliff-scape seashores, so Lynch brings a natural-born feel to the production.

Shooting a film on the beach can be a very tricky enterprise sound-wise as it is a very uncontrollable environment. The two biggest challenges are a) the wind and b) the surf (& not necessarily in that order!). Thanks to Sir Brick Price (Executive Production Design) we found our Production Sound expert in Dean Andre, who has worked in the industry over thirty years and been confronted by just about every problem in the book. His sound equipment will afford us an incredible soundtrack that will be a joy to the ear.

Production Notes…

Our animal wranglers are a family connection and have been raising & living with horses all their lives. It is their profession. This is important as some of the actors may be a little rusty on things equestrian, but they will be able to get them up to speed very quickly. They’ll have to. We have a limited number of days in which to shoot this production and the phrase  “time is money” is never true than when on a film set.

The two principal actors: Robert E Wilhelm & Edwin H Bravo – will initially have a bit of work to do in a foreign language (know which one you’re thinking but actually, that’s not it!@ ;<). But don’t worry, it will be appropriately subtitled for the time it is used. Wilhelm & Bravo are used to working together, and will rehearse exhaustively before getting up before the cameras. They really are two of the best actors in the business to carry a production such as this. Seems (too often) that many actors of today working in period pieces look out of place (i.e. hopelessly contemporary). Wilhelm & Bravo are the types that can submerge into roles such as these without bringing a 21st Century look/point of view to it. And an important part of that will be adhering to the work of Jane Brewster, Storyboard Artist Extrordinaire.

Just some of Jane Brewster’s amazing work.

Some costumes have already been completed, and others are being laid out now. All are historically accurate, that is something (although not the only thing) that we’re rather obsessed with here (not only us, but Producer Stephen Rollins who – if you remember – literally got shot at for the very same!) Making it real, true to the time period, and as accurate as humanly possible within our reach. We can’t cut too many corners on the production side without sacrificing the important (i.e. necessary) things, which is why the budget is where it is at $70,000. We’re spending money on the important items: costumes, sets, gear, equipment, etc. and not on frivolities. The budget is as “bare-bones” as it can get without sacrificing quality, and we wouldn’t feel right asking people to donate to something we – or they – couldn’t be proud of. We want you to be as proud of this production as we will be. For this is something that will last and go through time, and – God willing & through hard work – become a full-length feature film. As previously noted, this “short film” is in effect going to act as a trailer for the full-length feature. So please, pledge today – share it with your friends – and let them know that they have the opportunity to come onboard and become part of something that’s only going to become bigger. They’ll be in on the ground floor and have their name as an indelible part of this for all time to come.

Production Notes…

Ask yourself: “When was the last time I had the opportunity to associate my name with an Academy Award-Nominated, Emmy Award-Winning, & Grammy Award-Nominated Production Team?”  Well, here’s your chance.

When Opportunity Knocks, Be Sensible Enough to Answer the Door.

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