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Scraps Update

We finished filming Scraps on Sunday, October 16, 2011. It was an emotional and frantic whirlwind of a two weeks (for me, at least...everyone else seemed really focused and cool as cucumbers). So much to cram into two little weekends. But somehow, according to a brief shot audit by one of the DP's crew members, we apparently got all of our scenes! There are a few insert photos to be taken, the intro footage to be filmed by moi and then compilation of audio, video, stills and artwork will begin.

Editing this beast of a shortie will be done by a team hand-picked by our DP, Aaron Leong. Aaron will be synching things up and will work on color correction. The rough and fine cuts of the footage will be done by Shawna Smith and sound editing will be done by Ian Webb, all of which will be overseen by Imani and me.

Promotional materials which will be sent out as incentives for donations are in the process of being designed!



I am looking forward to bringing news soon! And, thanks again for all of your support!

Support our Supporting Actress...Marina Montes!

Marina is playing the character of Nadine!

Marina Montes is a fun-loving teenager with a passion for life. She is the youngest of three girls and loves being the baby of the family because she knows she gets away with a lot.

From an early age, Marina has had a desire to act and has since been the lead role in short films “Camille’s Bicycle” and a remake of “Can’t Buy Me Love”.  She has also had supporting roles in “Oh Boy” and “Restaurant”.  She has also done theater but feels that being in front of the camera is where she belongs.

When not acting, she’s doing the usual teen girl stuff like texting, dancing, playing guitar and going to the movies with friends.

Meet Meghan Case...

Meghan will be playing our lead actress, Maggie!

Meghan Case lives in a small suburb of Sacramento with her parents and two brothers. She has appeared in six seasons of the Sacramento Ballet's production of the Nutcracker in various roles, such as Teeny Tiny Mouse, Cook, Reindeer and Soldier. Meghan also trained with Pirouette's Dance Academy of Roseville for 7 years in ballet, jazz and tap. Meghan can been seen in short films and presentations such as Joseph Cady's "Ways of the Unknown Zombie," and a California Teacher Association Public Service Announcement.  Meghan currently attends Arcade Fundemental Middle School and while maintaining a 3.5 GPA, is the elected Student Body President and member of the competitive basketball team. Meghan enjoys writing short stories, creating films and excessive clothes shopping when not arguing with her brothers.

Wonderful Wardrobes, Batman!

And next up we have our wardrobe and production assistant, Molly Smith!

Molly Elizabeth Smith was born and raised in the suburbs of Sacramento. She's had a passion for theatre ever since her mother proclaimed that she would win an academy award for 'best tantrum' when she was six years old. Her first real role was Puck in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream, in the third grade, and she still proclaims that to be her best performance. Since then she has acted in over ten shows throughout high school and college (her favorites include Rumors, Beauty and the Beast, and Othello). 

Recently she has been cast as Ismene in the play Antigone at American River College. She has also been a stage manager, sound operator, assistant director and the director of a one act show. Most recently she was an intern at California Musical Theatre in the summer of 2010 and then was asked to come back for a paid position as a professional assistant in the wardrobe department summer of 2011. She is thrilled  to be working on her first independent film project and that she has the pleasure of working with such great people.

He's Got the Mics, the Mics That Go Boom!

Here's our boom operator:

Diego Enrique Flores

I grew up in the East Bay Area, CA where I attended Contra Costa College and San Francisco State University earning my Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication. I take pride in the fact that I motivated myself to take classes in basic piano and learning what it takes to read and play music in classical guitar following in the footsteps of my family. 

Among some of my hobbies are yoga, physical fitness, dance and practicing the art of sound and music and not to mention behind the scenes production. 

 

I have many varied interests including architecture, illustration, writing essays on social topics, teaching youth, reading, dance, DJ, science projects and endeavors such as biology, astronomy and computer technology.

 
My hope is to collaborate with aspiring artists and educators in producing educational documentaries and merging the art of technology, theater with practical education.

Our first hair and make-up girl, Angelica Walsh!

Angelica Walsh was born and raised right here in the Golden State.  She became interested in makeup at a young age.  Inspired by her mother's small brown makeup bag, she just couldn't wait to open it and see what amazing colors waited inside to brightly color her face. Her earliest memory of lipstick was the small Avon sample lipstick.  She just couldn't wait to put it on and hasn't put down the makeup ever since. She has done makeup and hair for proms, weddings, fashion shows and countless other occasions.  She has even done freelance work for MAC cosmetics.  Her favorite makeup artists are Bobbi Brown, Sonia Kashuk, and the late Kevyn Aucoin.  She prays one day to live up to their potential.

Meet Our Gaffer...

Ian Webb began shooting black and white 35mm photography at age 14; he developed and printed his own pictures. Webb continued to study the art of black and white photography until age 20. While attending community college in Sacramento, he served as a photojournalist for The American River Beaver and The Lincoln News Messenger. In 2008 Webb began studying Digital Film & Video Production at Art Institute of Sacramento – California; he instantly fell in love with Cinematography.

In 2010, Webb received the “Best Cinematography Achievement Award” from The Art Institute.

He has served as cinematographer for two music videos, both of which received the ‘Best Program Music Video’ award at The Sacramento International Film Festival.

Webb can operate a multitude of digital film cameras including, The Red Cam, Sony Ex-3 & Ex-1, Panasonic HPX-300, Panasonic HVX-200, Canon 5d, 7D & T2i.

Webb also specializes in digital video editing. In 2011, Webb’s editing skills awarded him with national air-time on ESPN.

In June 2011, Webb graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production from The Art Institute of California, Sacramento.

Presently, Webb works at M Entertainment as the finishing editor for the show, “Bringing it Home”.
Webb also works as a freelance cinematographer and editor.

He currently resides in Northern California.

Meet Our Assistant Director, Bob Mills

Bob Mills graduated from the film department at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. While both in school and out he has worked in many capacities on an assortment of commercials, features, short films, DVD projects, corporate videos, and music videos. He plays lots of computer games, reads lots of books, loves his wife dearly, and loves his cats a little too much.

Getting a Close-Up of "Scraps" Director of Photography, Aaron Leong

Aaron Michael Leong grew up in Benicia, CA where he attended middle school and high school. Upon graduation he attended San Francisco State University where he earned a degree in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Performance and Directing.

He has performed in theatre for SF State’s main stage productions, Ancient Chinese Secrets Theatre Company, Breaking Ground Collective Theatre Company, Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Programs and other smaller theatre companies. He has also done costumes, make-up, and lighting for theatre and has even stage-managed productions while attending SF State.

With a strong background on and around the stage, Aaron slowly transitioned to work in front of the camera; acting in films independent features, and commercials. His resume also includes voice over work.

From there he eventually moved behind the camera, starting a video production company in 2002. His company, 4th Wall Productions, is funded through weddings and other events, however, the slow progression of the company is to accommodate small independent shorts and feature films. His background in martial arts helped him do fight choreography and stage combat in some theatre productions and independent short films in L.A.

He is a founding member of Zeitgeist ArtWorks, a film and theatre based production company, through which, he has acted and directed theatre, short films and a feature film. He is currently represented by Cast Images Talent Agency in Sacramento, and SF Casting and Nancy Hayes Casting, both in San Francisco.

Aaron currently resides in the Natomas area of Sacramento with his beautiful wife and 2 beautiful young children.

You can find out more about Aaron, his production company, and his projects by visiting his site.

Scraps Casting Call

Casting Call for Independent Short Film “Scraps”

Date: Saturday, August 20, 2011 (Callbacks will be held the following day from 9am-12pm)

Time: Auditions run from 10am – 2pm (REPLY TO EMAIL BELOW TO MAKE APPT)

Production Title: Scraps

Director: Imani C. Davis

Director of Photography: Aaron Leong

Writer/Producer: Melody Claussen-Furry

Studio/Independent/Student: Independent
Union/Non-Union: Non-Union
Project Type: Short Film
Project Format: HD
Production Location: Sacramento, CA, various locations
Shooting Schedule: Projected shooting dates are October 8, 9, 15 & 16. Rescheduling might be necessary in case of rain. Actors must have open availability these weekends.

Character Breakdowns:

Maggie (at age 14), female, ages 13-15 years, slender, Caucasian or tan, brunette with hazel or brown eyes. She’s intuitive, smart, sensitive yet scrappy. She makes connections that others her age wouldn’t. (This character is also the NARRATOR. *Must be available for vocal recording sessions on weekends after shoot*).

Maggie (at age 10), female, ages 9-11 years, Caucasian or tan, brunette with hazel or brown eyes, slender.

Nadine (at age 10), ages 9-11 years, Caucasian/ tan brunette with brown or hazel eyes, slender or medium build.

Rhonda Parrot, female, mid-to-late 30’s, brown hair, Caucasian or tan, slender build, any eye color. She’s terse, erratic, mentally disconnected, and only concerned with meeting basic primal needs. She trades sex for money, food or drugs. She’s an occasional huffer.

Nadine, female, 13-15 years, Caucasian/ tan, slender or medium build, brunette with brown or hazel eyes. She’s a slightly naïve, kind, and loyal friend to Maggie.

Amy, female, 13-15 years, any ethnicity, slender or medium build. She’s a conceited girl who regularly verbally abuses Maggie and Nadine.

Mr. Klein, male, late 30’s-early 40’s, Caucasian, any build, brown hair, any eye color.

Sister Ann Marie, female, short, any ethnicity, 40-60 years, Caucasian or tan, any hair and eye color, medium build. She’s the stern but compassionate principal at Maggie’s school.

Sister Mary Elizabeth, female, 40-50 years, any ethnicity, brown or gray hair, any eye color and build. She’s a sarcastic nun who teaches Maggie and Nadine’s sixth grade class.

Sister Mary Catherine, Caucasian, female, in 40-60 years, any hair, eye color and build. She is a very traditional and stoic nun who teaches Maggie and Nadine’s ninth grade class.

Old Nick, male, Caucasian or tan, late 40’s-mid-50’s, gray or graying hair, medium to large build, any eye color. He’s a generous and loveable homeless man who gives Maggie advice and whatever he has on him.

Woman in Laundromat, female, 40-55 years, any description. (Must be able to shriek in horror)

First Girl, female, 9-11 years old, any build, ethnicity, hair and eye color.

Maggie (at age 6), female, must look six/seven-years-old slender, Caucasian or tan, brunette with hazel or brown eyes. (non-speaking)

Mrs. Klein, female, Caucasian, mid-to-late thirties, light brown/blond hair, light eye colors, slender or medium build. (non-speaking)

Crazy German Monocle Man, male, 30-50 years old, brown hair or blonde hair, Caucasian, any build. (non-speaking)

Telephone Game Scene extras, various 10-12-year-old girls, any build, ethnicity, hair and eye color. We need six or so girls for this scene. (non-speaking)

Street scene extras: Any description to walk by in the background of feature actor. (non-speaking)

Classroom/School yard extras: we will be looking for boys and girls ages 8 -17 years of all types and ethnicities to walk and socialize in the background of the feature actors. (non-speaking)

Laundromat girl/Maggie’s mother, female, 16 – 21 years old, Caucasian or slightly tan. (non-speaking; legs for Laundromat scene and model for photo)

Models

Part of this film will be presented in a slideshow motif. In order to accomplish this, we need to construct fake family portraits of the main character’s various foster families. Here are the model types we need for these portraits:

The Brady Family:

Father Brady, male, thirties or forties, Caucasian, any hair and eye color and build.
Mother Brady, female, thirties or forties, Caucasian, any hair and eye color and build.
Oldest Brother Brady, male, 15-17 years, any hair/eye color, ethnicity and build.
Middle Brother Brady, male 12- 14 years, Black or Hispanic, any hair/eye/build.
Youngest Brother Brady, male, 8-10 years, Asian, Black or Hispanic, any hair/eye/build.
Oldest Sister Brady, female, 14-16 years, any ethnicity, build, eye/hair color
Middle Sister Brady, female, 10-12 years, Black or Hispanic, any hair/eye/build.

The Hyde Family:
Mr. Hyde: male, early thirties, Caucasian, slender, any hair/eye color.
Mrs. Hyde: female, early thirties, Caucasian, slender, any hair/eye color.

The Starkweather Family:

Mr. Starkweather: male, Caucasian, late thirties, blonde/brown, any build/eye color.
Mrs. Starkweather: female, Caucasian, late thirties, blonde/dirty blonde, any eye color.
Older Starkweather boy: male, Caucasian, 11-13 years, slender, blonde hair, blue eyes.
Younger Starkweather boy: male, Caucasian, 9-10 years, blonde hair, blue eyes, any build.

Below are the terms of this production:

Paid/Non-Paid: ALL POSITIONS are Non-Paid (volunteer)
Other/Additional Compensation: Film Credit, DVD Copy
Meals/Lodging/Transportation Provided: Snacks/Meals provided during work hours.

ACTORS: Please come prepared with a 1-2 minute dramatic monologue. Please bring a headshot and resume at the time of audition if you have them prepared.

Email Your Casting Submissions To: scrapsthemovie[at]gmail.com. Please indicate your name, which part/s you are interested in, and a contact phone number. We will be scheduling times for auditions.

Scraps Filmmakers' Intro Outtakes Clip

Kickstart My Art!

Dear Scraps Family and Friends,

In order to fund our film, we launched Scraps on Kickstarter.com. "Kickstarter is a funding platform for artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, journalists, inventors, explorers, etc. It's a new way to fund and follow creativity."

Currently, our financial need to make this a quality short film will be over $3000. I'm calling on the kindness of friends and family to help us fund the making of Scraps. Where would the Italian Renaissance be without the philanthropy of the de Medici family after all? Ok, I'm not comparing my artistic vision to that of Michelangelo's, but I believe that what we are creating will be a cinematic wonder to behold. We plan on entering our short film in festivals and competitions to garner notoriety for all involved in its making. It will serve as a stepping stone or a foot in the door.

Please be the doorholders...share whatever you can spare. You can pledge as little as a dollar a pop or fund our entire project if you feel so inclined. ;) Regardless, we are forever grateful for the help!

The Laundry List

The Meat of Scraps...The Plot

Scraps is a short film about Maggie, a tween-aged girl burdened with not knowing where she came from. Her story begins at infancy during her last encounter with her mother, which involves a spontaneous and deranged baptism. Being born again to a string of foster parents, Maggie reminds herself that even though her life seems bleak, it can always be worse. She survives on scraps of kindness from others, but longs for something more. She paints pictures of her real parents in her imagination and prays for the day when mere survival isn’t her primary concern.

Maggie’s life-long desire to know her origin ends when she convinces herself that her mother is Rhonda, the local ranting homeless woman. As she tries to save Rhonda from a life of "tricking-for-treats", she is disillusioned by the status of her mental health and realizes that even if she is her mother, she is no longer capable of mothering.

Scraps Needs a Production Crew!

CALL FOR PRODUCTION CREW MEMBERS

Our current need is:

-Assistant Director
-Director of Photography/Camera person

-Production Manager (responsibility will be shared with producer)
-Location Manager/Scout (some locations will be designated by director/producer)
-Production Sound mixer/Sound Designer
-Hair
-Make-up
-Casting Director
-Grips (lighting & rigging)

-Key Grip
-Dolly Grip

-Production Sound Mixer/Sound Designer
-Boom Operator
-Script Supervisor
-Production Assistants (PAs)

Possibly looking for:

-Set Decorator
-Props master

We will need local crew members who will have open availability (we will be shooting on weekdays and weekends - we are considering multiple crew members for the same position – weekday crew and weekend crew, though some may crossover).

We also are in need of equipment including camera, boom (w/mic and cord), lights, and dollies. We are currently looking into borrowing from friends or renting. We are shooting on an artist’s budget at the moment. All cast and crew members will NOT be paid. Your participation in the project is for film credit only.

If you are interested in joining our team, please come to our crew call on Saturday July 2^nd at 10am at the Coffee Garden located at 2904 Franklin Boulevard in Sacramento (in the Curtis Park area on Franklin and 4^th Avenue).

If you have any questions, please contact us at scrapsthemovie(at)gmail.com.

Piecing it Together...

We are excited to announce the collaboration of Imani C. Davis and Melody Claussen-Furry in the short film titled Scraps.

MORE INFO COMING SOON!