BrauerIndieFilms

Week Three - DOGMAN Wrapped

2011-10-04T11:13:00.004-04:00

Week three was a wet one but the crew still managed to stay right on schedule. Overcast skies definitely added to the eerie storyline and feel of the movie.

Monday found the crew settling in at the Swander residence – their primary location for the week. The farm was used for Hank and Dorothy Purvis' house. The Swanders were very gracious and always willing to lend a hand. Thank you!

The entire week was action packed and included a snowmobile, trucks and motorcycles, stunts, chickens, a helicopter, and amazing FX make up. Cast and crew both were phenomenal. We can't tell you any more than that...you'll just have to watch the movie.

The shoot ended on Friday with a flurry of packing, a champagne toast, and many goodbyes as crew members parted ways. Now on to post production!

Photo taken by Craig Caugh.

DOGMAN Week Two Wrap Up

2011-09-27T09:17:00.004-04:00

Week 2 was hugely successful. The team was on schedule and getting everything in the can in spite of weather challenges.

Monday and Tuesday found the crew filming driving shots - with the addition of a snowmobile roaring through the woods on Tuesday.

Wednesday was the deer/car crash scene. A deer was rented from a local source and Special Effects was on the scene to create mayhem. Neighbors were even involved when the crew parking area had to be changed and their driveway and yard served as parking for all our trucks, trailers and cars. Thank you to all those who have been willing to share their resources with us!

Thursday was the first night shoot. There were several locations on a farm that night. There was a very crucial scene which took place during the 'magic hour' - that small window of time between sunset and dark. Fortunately some cloud cover rolled in just prior - so the first two scenes were captured early.

Then, the trickiest scene - the truck crash and fire. The fire department rigged the crashed truck so that on cue it started to burn. Actors were delivering lines as the truck fire got bigger and bigger. The fire cooperated whooshing and puffing just when it ought to (see photo above). Amazing. Then two more scenes and at about 2:30am the crew was packing up and heading home.

Friday was the second night shoot. A few scenes in the woods with Hank (Larry Joe Campbell) were captured in the afternoon and then two more scenes were filmed out in the woods after dark with the Deputy and Hank.

All in all a great week that ended with everyone heading out to enjoy a gorgeous weekend in northern Michigan - you can't beat that.

DOGMAN Sightings Continue...and so Does Production

2011-09-23T13:15:00.003-04:00

Check out this great piece from 9&10 news on DOGMAN. We love the coverage and production is rolling along without a hitch.

The end of the first week found the crew right on time. Everything that was scheduled for the week was in the can! They had their first Dogman attack and the deputy was in full gear and firing her gun. The crashed bicyclist was quite the trooper. He had two "injuries" to deal with and was on the ground hollering for quite some time.

The EFX team and make up artist got the stamp of approval from local EMS guys - they were also amazing! They were called in early to avoid the predicted rain, the rain never happened, and they ended up filming their scene about the time it was scheduled anyway! They enjoyed watching the process and shared their expertise (and equipment) on camera.

The week was ended at Paul Oliver. For two days we were using their facility - and their personnel. And were lucky to be able to do so. They are doing some remodeling - so we were tucked up in an area that currently isn't being used. It was quiet and secure for us and we were out of everyone's way. Perfect. The hospital staff was amazing - from fixing up a patient room to resemble an ER treatment room to coaching our ER Doctor on protocol. Some of the nurses and office employees even got to be extras.

All that, and our talent and crew are absolutely amazing.

DOGMAN Day Three

2011-09-14T09:42:00.005-04:00

Day three is already underway towards the production of DOGMAN - our newest indie feature made right here in northern Michigan.

Day one was great...but day two was exhilarating! Between a dogman attack, gun fire on the set, frantic first aid response (due to the attack of course), and a reserve sheriff on set things were pretty exciting.

We'll keep you posted.

These production photos provided by Craig Caugh - thank you Craig!

DOGMAN in Production This Fall

2011-09-06T10:11:00.005-04:00

The newest Brauer Productions indie feature DOGMAN is currently in pre-production. Shooting will begin in Benzie County on Sept 12.

About DOGMAN:

Hanklin Purvis enjoys the outdoors, and he loves to hunt. He and his wife Dorothy live on a family farm in the rural Midwest.

For some reason, during the season before autumn, things start happening. Chickens go missing, things gets stolen from his barn, and then the attacks start. The first victims are family pets, then wild animals. But it’s not until people are injured that the police get involved.

The attacker is not human, that’s for sure, and it needs to be stopped.

Then they discover that the wounds have a deadly bacteria, and the clock starts ticking for those infected.

Enter Hanklins neighbor, Francis Wellman, a Native American who believes she has discovered an ancient antidote. But can she get it in time to save the victims?

And will they ever find the perpetrator of these horrifying attacks?

They do…

DEADRISE Available for Purchase on April 5!

2011-02-08T16:14:00.004-05:00

This just in from Osiris Entertainment - DEADRISE (working title FITFUL) will be available for purchase on April 5, 2011! Check out the trailer and other details here.

FITFUL Renamed DEADRISE and Going Global

2011-02-02T14:07:00.009-05:00

The recent Brauer Productions feature film, FITFUL, starring Renee O’Connor and Larry Joe Campbell, now has worldwide distribution...and a new title, DEADRISE.

Initially, Writer/Director Rich Brauer wasn’t keen on the name switch, but after making a couple of strategic edits that affect the tone of the film in way that is consistent with the new name, he agreed to the change.

“The distributors are thrilled with the new version, and are hitting the ground running” said Brauer.

DEADRISE was filmed aboard the historic ship S.S. City of Milwaukee in Manistee Michigan, and represents Rich’s sixth feature film. Watch for the release this year.

A Distributor for "FITFUL"

2010-07-08T12:38:00.002-04:00

Great news! Rich signed with Circus Road Films in Los Angeles to represent our latest film FITFUL. These folks know pretty much everyone in the film distribution arena and have represented us before on Mr. Art Critic. We consider ourselves lucky to have high quality relationships like these to round out the production process. Fans, stay tuned for official distribution info.

"Fitful" Behind the Scenes

2010-03-25T16:42:00.003-04:00

Wow, has it really been over a month since I last posted anything??? Sorry about the dry spell. Lot's going on with corporate projects but not a lot of film action - we're in the micro fine tuning stage and still in talks with distributors.

But the really big news is that the behind the scenes is complete and ready for your viewing pleasure! Check it out here. A shorter version is available on the Michigan Film Office web site here.

We'll keep you posted.

Garden Theater Fundraiser

2010-02-09T09:24:00.004-05:00

There will be a matinee screening of the beloved Brauer Productions family film The Lost Treasuer of Sawtooth Island at The Garden Theater in Frankfort on February 27th at 3pm. The Garden Theater is under new ownership and Brauer Productions is donating the use of the film as a fundraiser for the theater.

"This was a great opportunity for me to work with four, hand picked graduates of Interlochen Arts Academy, our pal Ernest Borgnine, and a great community of actors and film folks," said Rich Brauer, Brauer Productions president. "Everyone came together to make this wonderful adventure at a time when making films in Michigan was unheard of!"

Ready for the Premier

2010-01-26T13:15:00.003-05:00

A few tweaks have been made since the January preview of Fitful in Manistee and it is all ready for its LA premier next month!

Several distributors have voiced their interest in the picture already and more are expected to attend the February premier. Good things are brewing.

Manistee Preveiw of "Fitful" Sold Out

2010-01-18T16:02:00.003-05:00

Fitful was previewed last Saturday by a sold out audience. The Ramsdell Theatre was packed with film and Manistee enthusiasts.

After the movie, filmmaker Rich Brauer fielded questions from the audience.

Thank you to everyone who made the night such a huge success!

Bihlman Bros. to be Featured on "Fitful"

2010-01-14T16:12:00.003-05:00

In a new Fitful development, The Bihlman Bros. band will be featured in the movie. Their song "Angel Wings" plays perfectly against the final scene of the film.

"Their strong rock influence and lyrics make for a great resolution in our film. I'm glad we were able to work with them on this," said Rich Brauer, Brauer Productions president.

"Fitful" Preview in Manistee on Jan. 16

2010-01-07T15:15:00.006-05:00

A sneak peak of Fitful is scheduled for a single showing at the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee on Saturday, January 16 at 7 pm. Admission is $5.

We really want to share it with the Manistee community before it heads out for an LA premier in February.

To purchase tickets in advance go to: www.ci.manistee.mi.us or www.treatickets.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ramsdell Theatre box office starting at 5:30 pm the day of the event, cash only.

"Fitful" Plays to Sold Out Theater

2009-12-18T09:30:00.007-05:00

The newest Brauer Productions independent feature Fitful played to a sold out audience Wednesday night at the Traverse City State Theatre. Both stars of the film, Actors Larry Joe Campbell and Renee O’Connor, flew in from Los Angeles to attend the event.

“The fact that 600 people turned out to watch our movie the week before Christmas is another testament to just how supportive of film this community is. A big part of the reason I have been able to keep making films is this amazing place and the people I share it with,” said Brauer.

Michael Moore introduced the film and Brauer, O’Connor and Campbell fielded questions from the audience and talked about their experiences making the movie after the showing.

“I had a great time making Fitful. In fact, I would love to make a movie a year with Rich,” said Campbell. Originally from Cadillac, MI, Campbell said he felt right at home in Manistee where the movie was filmed.

Both Campbell and O’Connor spoke highly of their overall experience making the picture. “I really enjoyed working with Rich,” said O’Connor. “There was a sense of family between Rich, the crew, and us that was truly unique.”

“That’s just how we do things. When you make a small budget indie, a big part of bringing the project together is passion and teamwork.” said Brauer.

The next stop for Fitful will be a premier in LA this spring.

Fitful, a dark comedy/suspense feature written and directed by Michigan Film Maker of the Year Rich Brauer, is Brauer Productions sixth film and the tenth film the company has been involved with overall. For more information about Brauer Productions, Inc. and other features it has produced, visit www.brauer.com.

Photo provided by Don Rutt.

Giving Birth to "Fitful"

2009-12-16T12:57:00.004-05:00

The movie is to the Traverse City State Theatre, Rich has been all over talking to friends like the Record Eagle, Ron Jolly, Eric at WNMC, Mary at Mary in the Morning, and others, Larry Joe Campbell is in town, and many have purchased tickets...I think we're all ready for a preview of Fitful!

Tickets are still available if you can make it down to check out our new baby.

What an amazing theater to show a movie in and what a wonderfully supportive community to be a part of!

Only One Day...

2009-12-15T15:23:00.004-05:00

...until the sneak preview of "Fitful"! There has been a great response from the community including some wonderful coverage of the preview. Check out our web site to hear Rich on the Ron Jolly Show.

Tickets are still available via the State Theatre's web site or at the door tomorrow night. Come on down if you can, and be one of the first to see it. The show starts at 6:30 pm and will be followed by a Q&A with writer/director Rich Brauer.

"Fitful The Movie" Trailer

2009-12-08T10:05:00.003-05:00

The trailer for Fitful The Movie is now available on YouTube. Check it out!

Sneak Preview of Brauer Productions Indie Film "Fitful" Planned

2009-12-04T09:22:00.004-05:00

A sneak peek at the new Brauer Productions, Inc. indie film Fitful is scheduled at the Traverse City State Theatre on Wednesday, December 16 at 6:30 pm. One of the stars of the film, Actor Larry Joe Campbell, will be coming in from Los Angeles to attend the event.

Fitful, a dark comedy/suspense feature written and directed by Michigan Film Maker of the Year Rich Brauer, is Brauer Productions sixth film and the tenth film the company has been involved with overall.

In the film, Paula (Renee O’Connor) is an inspector for the Historic Trust who visits an abandoned ship on a desolate waterfront. She meets up with the self-appointed caretaker, Vigs (Larry Joe Campbell), who blindly made the application for historical status. Moments after her arrival, her car is disabled and she is far from town and is stuck for the night.

Without other options, she takes him up on his offer to spend the night. What follows is a sleepless night of bad dreams and creepy reality.

“This film represents a new genre for me as a filmmaker. It’s creepy in a good way and I can’t wait to have people enjoy it,” said Brauer. “We really want to share this with our friends and community first before it heads off for an L.A. premier in February.”

Larry Joe Campbell is best know for his role in the Emmy-nominated sitcom, “According to Jim,” where he played Andy, Jim Belushi’s affable sidekick. Campbell’s long career has Michigan roots. He is an alumnus of Central Michigan University and acted as an intern at the BoarsHead Theater in Lansing, Mich.

While Renee O’Connor has held numerous roles since she started her career directly out of high school, she gained a huge following as the beautiful and athletic Gabrielle on “Xena: Warrior Princess”.

“Larry and Renee and the rest of the cast were the perfect fit, and it was a pleasure to bring them to Michigan. They both understood the story, and brought a lot to the table. This is a film that Hollywood wouldn’t make, and that makes me happy.” said Brauer.

To purchase tickets in advance, visit the State Theatre's web site. For more information about Brauer Productions, Inc. and other features it has produced, visit www.brauer.com.

Fitful Sneak Peek

2009-12-03T11:21:00.004-05:00

The new Brauer Productions indie feature Fitful is almost complete. Our editor Bob has been spending countless hours working on the audio and it is pretty close to viewable. To check out a teaser scene click here.

A sneak peek of the film is tentatively slated for Wednesday, December 16 at the State Theater in the heart of Traverse City's beautiful downtown. We will confirm and release details as soon as we have them so stay tuned.

Brauer Productions Hearts Indies

2009-11-18T14:40:00.003-05:00

Founded in 1977, Brauer Productions, Inc. is currently in post-production on our tenth feature film, Fitful, which will premier in December of this year. Six of those features are small budget Indies we took all the way from script through post including assembling deliverables for worldwide TV release.

Whether you only need our core package, which includes our fully loaded 5-ton grip truck and equipment, DP, and Keys to enhance your team, or want the whole shebang including production management staff and post - if you have a script, financial backing, and the drive to make a movie, we want to partner with you. Brauer Productions is perfectly positioned to produce and support independent films in the $200,000 to $1,000,000 range.

Depending on your budget we can shoot 35mm, 16mm, Red and other HD formats. Our studio has an FCP post suite outfitted with all the bells and whistles and has handled cinematography and edit for all ten feature films including the two Jeff Daniels films “Supersucker” and “Escanaba in da Moonlight.”

The fact is that Brauer Productions has been making movies from our Traverse City, Michigan based studio for decades. While we appreciate it, we were here way before the film incentive was born. We just like to make good movies.

For more information about us and to view our demo reel visit www.brauer.com. Contact our producer Tracey Kukla-Aleshire today to see how we can support your project, 231-941-0850, tracey@brauer.com.

Rich on IPR

2009-11-17T13:49:00.003-05:00

Rich sat down with IPR's Brad Aspey recently and talked about making films in Northern Michigan. To listen in click here.

From The Star Scoop

2009-11-05T16:46:00.002-05:00

Check out The Star Scoop's coverage of Fitful and a special interview with Renee O'Connor.

Piano + Car = Story

2009-11-03T11:54:00.002-05:00

Check out the story in the Houghton Lake Resorter on page two. The car used in Fitful's piano scene is causing quite a stir! To see the piano/car stunt click here.

Mr. Art Critic Reviewed

2009-11-02T10:50:00.005-05:00

Check out this review of the Brauer Productions indie feature Mr. Art Critic by Shelley Esaak, About.com's Art History writer. You can also read her thoughts here in her blog post.

To pick up your own copy of Mr. Art Critic from Amazon, click here.

"Fitful" on the Radio

2009-10-28T10:32:00.003-04:00

IPR's Brad Aspy spent some time with Rich Brauer recently to get the scoop on Fitful. Listen to the story here.

Lock It

2009-10-26T16:35:00.002-04:00

Director, Rich Brauer and Senior Editor, Bob Tomlinson have locked the picture for Fitful!

Audio post and efx are in the works. This is amazingly fast, considering we just wrapped a month ago. But according to Rich, "This film was written to be shot, and shot to be edited. I'm very happy with it."

"Mr. Art Critic" Gets Critiqued

2009-10-21T11:46:00.004-04:00

A new review of Mr. Art Critic fresh off the wire. Take a look at what Greg Wright had to say about the Brauer Productions indie.

In the News

2009-10-20T11:18:00.003-04:00

Edit on Fitful is going well. The feature is roughed together and now Rich is sitting down to the real work of the edit.

Another BPI feature has been making the news lately. Mr. Art Critic was released on DVD last week. It is now available on Amazon, TCM and a litany of other hot spots. Check out this recent interview with Bronson Pinchot who played M.J. Clayton.

On the Air Live with Rich and Renee

2009-09-23T09:08:00.002-04:00

If you want to listen in when Rich and Renee O'Connor talk live on the air about making "Fitful" with Mary in the Morning just go to www.1067youfm.com and click on "Listen Live". They will be on the air tomorrow morning (9/24) from 7-7:20 am.

"Fitful" in the News

2009-09-21T10:59:00.002-04:00

Check out this piece on Fitful production from 9&10 News

Faces of "Fitful"

2009-09-18T13:52:00.007-04:00

A few more great pics. From top to bottom: Rich Brauer, Renee O'Connor, Renee O'Connor, Larry Joe Campbell, Renee O'Connor and Larry Joe Campbell.

Things have gone really well all week. Two thirds of the footage is in the can and Rich couldn't be happier with the progress.

Rain is in the forecast for next week so the crew is working on back up plans.

The Interns

2009-09-17T16:24:00.005-04:00

One of our passions at Brauer Productions is mentoring the next generation of film makers and growing and developing new crew members for the industry. We have put 8 interns to work in paid positions on "Fitful".

Pictured are David Johnson, Anthony Sprague, Chelsea Compton, Meg Mertaugh, and Angie Wolverton. All of them took one of the PA classes or workshops Rich taught over the past year and they are learning a lot and having a great time. Not pictured are interns Kelly Perrin, Jenn Ryan, and Shelly Newman.

Kidding Around

2009-09-16T09:46:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, some of Manistee Catholic's second graders were on set for one of the scenes in Fitful. Larry, Renee, Rich and the crew all had fun working with them and the kids had a blast.

Thank you to the school for making this possible.

On Set

2009-09-15T16:08:00.006-04:00

I spent the day yesterday on the set of Fitful in Manistee and was impressed by the teamwork, camaraderie and professionalism shown by all involved.

Larry Joe (photo 5) and Renee (photo 4) are breathing life into their characters "Vigs" and "Paula". I had an opportunity to meet both of them and they are not only extremely talented...they are also both really kind individuals.

Fitful's 1st assistant director, Laura Anderson Burnell (photo 3), and script supervisor, Sheryl Hayward (photo 2), are keeping the heartbeat of production on track and accurate.

And what is Rich Brauer (photo 1) doing to celebrate his birthday today? Making a movie and he couldn't be happier.

All the photos included in this post were taken by Beth Price, owner of Priceless Photography. She was on set yesterday and did an amazing job capturing the faces and places of Fitful. Thank you, Beth!

Fish is Fish

2009-09-11T16:35:00.004-04:00

Our lovely associate producer, Kim and equally lovely production assistant, Kelly are displaying the dead salmon props that arrived for Fitful. It's kind of a "Price is Right" moment.

Production is tracking well and things are on course.

My next update won't be posted until Tuesday because I will be spending Monday on set! Rest assured I will be coming back with more great photos and a few tales to tell.

"Fitful" in Action

2009-09-10T10:30:00.009-04:00

An excellent report from all involved on the first day of shooting for Fitful! The crew is working like a well oiled machine and Renee is by all accounts amazing. But we knew that would be the case.

Check out these behind the scenes shots of Renee and the crew.

Special thanks to the Boathouse Grill who will be hosting the crew for some of their meals. Owner Chris Diebel has been wonderful and is very accommodating.

And, thank you to Manistee Catholic - some of the school's second graders will be serving as extras.

The Mother Ship

2009-09-09T11:15:00.004-04:00

Meet one of the main characters in Fitful - the SS City of Milwaukee. Pretty impressive. Much of the shoot will take place aboard this vessel. Many thanks to the ship's team for their coordination and hospitality.

The load went well yesterday afternoon. By the end of the day, the crew had it lit and ready for today's shoot.

Yesterday there was also time for rehearsal for Renee O'Connor (Paula), Rich (writer/director/DP) and Laura (first AD).

The amazing first day of production wrapped with a delicious dinner at Bungalow.

Day one of "Fitful" Production

2009-09-08T14:09:00.003-04:00

The crew made it safely to Manistee and are busy settling in. Binders, crew t-shirts and Chamber packets have been handed out.

This afternoon everyone is heading to the ship so each department can set up. Shooting starts tomorrow!

Manistee Folk

2009-09-04T13:54:00.003-04:00

Our team's visit to Manistee yesterday was wonderful. At the Business After Hours event we got to know the heart of the community better - Manistee folk are welcoming and gracious. Everyone the team connected with offered their assistance.

Special thanks to Sheila and Suzanne from the Boardwalk Century 21 office in Manistee for all their assistance.

We are just three days from production and the heat is on!

Manistee Bound

2009-09-03T17:07:00.005-04:00

Rich and company are headed to Manistee today to meet with community members (police, tribe, mayor and press) and staying for Manistee's business after hours to meeting and greeting. Ensuring that the community has an excellent film making experience is really important to us.

The team will also be doing a tech scout and additional location scouting, finding those last key locations before heading back to Traverse City.

It's All About Food

2009-09-02T14:01:00.003-04:00

When you are working long days on set, well executed craft services can near an art form. But that isn't the food I am referring to. I'm talking about the food that will appear in "Fitful".

Chef Brian Kissell from the Blue Slipper Pizzeria will be on set preparing, styling, and maintaining all the in-scene food. Sometimes you want your oatmeal thin, sometimes you want it thick - he can handle both.

Details

2009-09-01T14:13:00.006-04:00

Today and well, really the rest of this week, it's all about taking care of the details. So many elements are set like locations, lodging and catering. Manistee's Chamber has been a huge help in finding the locations and support we need.

The office is humming and the team is working on more logistics and things like trailers for the stars. Pictured are Rich Brauer (left), Fitful's writer and director, Kim Eckstein (right), associate producer, and Kelly Perrin (center), production coordinator, in the midst of a pre-production meeting. Kim and Kelly have been hard at work and cast and crew packets are together and on their way out the door today.

Lead Roles Cast

2009-08-31T13:34:00.000-04:00

The principal roles for the new Brauer Productions, Inc. indie film Fitful have been cast. Actors Larry Joe Campbell and Renee O’Connor will fill the two lead roles.

Fitful, a dark comedy/suspense feature written and directed by Michigan Film Maker of the Year Rich Brauer, will be filmed in Manistee, Mich. this September.

In the film, Paula (Renee O’Connor) is an inspector for the Historic Trust who visits an abandoned ship on a desolate waterfront. She meets up with the self-appointed caretaker, Vigs (Larry Joe Campbell), who had blindly made the application for historical status. Moments after her arrival, her car is disabled and she is far from town and is stuck for the night.

Without other options, she takes him up on his offer to spend the night. What follows is a sleepless night of bad dreams and creepy reality.

Rich Brauer is excited to get the film into production. “Every film is an adventure,” said Brauer, President of Brauer Productions, Inc. a Traverse City production company. “We have an amazing crew of dedicated professionals and now, with the two leads in place, we are ready to go.”

Larry Joe Campbell is best know for his role in the Emmy-nominated sitcom, “According to Jim,” where he played Andy, Jim Belushi’s affable sidekick. Campbell’s long career has Michigan roots. He is an alumnus of Central Michigan University and acted as an intern at the BoarsHead Theater in Lansing, Mich.

While Renee O’Connor has held numerous roles since she started her career directly out of high school, she gained a huge following as the beautiful and athletic Gabrielle on “Xena: Warrior Princess”.

“Larry and Renee are excited to be part of this project. They are the perfect choice for this unique and fun story, and I’m thrilled to work with them,” said Brauer.

For more information about Brauer Productions, Inc. and other features it has produced, visit www.brauer.com.

Scouting

2009-08-25T15:28:00.004-04:00

Rich is back from a phenomenal two week video shoot and I am back from vacation - sorry it was quiet for a little while. It's definitely time for an update.

We signed with FirstCom for Fitful's music score and hope to have talent selected very soon. Pre-production is in full swing. Rich and company are headed to Manistee for a major location scout tomorrow and will have a lot of details nailed down by the end of the day.

Still Working on Casting

2009-08-12T15:46:00.003-04:00

We are still working on casting and can't wait to share once we have our primary talent secured. So many details are falling into place.

The PA Boot Camp was phenomenal and we received excellent feedback from the participants. It is clear that there is a ton of interest in film production in northern Michigan.

PA Boot Camp - Day 2

2009-08-05T17:13:00.002-04:00

25 people signed up for the PA Boot Camp we are teaching at Northwestern Michigan College. Great energy and great questions.

It is awesome to educate and mentor people who are fired about about this industry!

Film Festival Lag

2009-08-03T11:37:00.003-04:00

We are still trying to get caught up but had a wonderful week celebrating film at the Traverse City Film Festival!

This past weekend we slipped away just long enough to get some needed "news footage" for Fitful. It is awesome to be able to check some of those small but necessary pieces of the list.

We are also deep into the script breakdown - the blueprint for our shoot.

Film Festival Connections

2009-07-31T16:56:00.002-04:00

Rich and I both attended the MI Film Office's Advisory Council meeting this morning at the Traverse City Opera House. It was nice to hear an update on the number of films being made here in Michigan and their positive impact on the state's bottom line.

Rich has been having a great time watching every film the festival has to offer this week - no word yet on his top picks...

Thank you to West Michigan Film Commissioner Rick Hert for some excellent conversation regarding how we can bring more films to northern Michigan.

On the Air with Rich

2009-07-30T16:28:00.003-04:00

Rich had a great time talking about his passion for film on the Ron Jolly show this morning. If you missed it click here to take a listen.

Enjoying the Honor and the Festival

2009-07-29T17:20:00.004-04:00

Thank you again to the Traverse City Film Festival for the amazing honor of Michigan Filmmaker of the Year! Here is a interview clip of Rich just before the award ceremony. Special thanks to OneUpWeb.

We are in full festival mode and enjoying as many movies as we can hold - and that's a lot of movies.

We are also still working on casting and are really looking forward to having our main talent locked in.

Rich Brauer Named MI Filmmaker of the Year

2009-07-28T10:22:00.005-04:00

We are absolutely ecstatic that Rich has been named Michigan Filmmaker of the Year! Thank you to Michael Moore and the Traverse City Film Festival for this honor and for the light you are shining on the Michigan film industry.

Creating Props

2009-07-24T11:06:00.003-04:00

We are meeting with Caroline Schafer the head of NMC's Art Department today. We're tapping into that resource to create a newspaper prop for the film.

Casting for "Fitful"

2009-07-23T14:02:00.002-04:00

Casting is moving closer. We have about 20 names and headshots in hand from our casting agency. Now we do our homework and see who will be the best fit for each role.

We also met with our wardrobe supervisor Kathy Verstraete today and came up with an excellent plan.

Things are really rolling now!

Perfect Conditions for “Fitful” Second Unit

2009-07-22T14:23:00.001-04:00

Almost all of Fitful’s second unit shooting is done. We took advantage of a tiny window of great weather and were able to get some excellent “morning” shots and super creepy night shots. The aerials and on water views of the derelict ship turned out better than even we could imagine and will establish the remoteness of our primary location.

Special thanks to Great Lakes Air, Inc. pilot Andy Enos. We couldn't have gotten what we needed without his expert flying.

Our casting agency is hard at work out in LA. They know absolutely everyone and it’s good to have them working on our behalf.

A "Frozen Stupid" You Can Drink

2009-07-21T16:15:00.005-04:00

Our good friends down at Poppycocks have honored us by naming a drink after one of our movies.

The "Frozen Stupid" is made with Crown Royal and Buttershots and is dangerously good. Thank you to bartender John for the honor.

Scene One - In the Can

2009-07-20T12:24:00.007-04:00

So, we have one scene in the can for Fitful. We hauled a player piano 40 feet into the air using 90 year old ship davits and then dropped it on an unsuspecting automobile - don't try this one at home. Check it out here.

Once the movie is complete, we'll be holding a sale and some lucky guy or gal could walk away with a two for one deal on the piano/car combo.

Film Finances and Faces

2009-07-17T09:29:00.005-04:00

Fitful marks the first film in Brauer Productions 9-feature history that the Michigan tax credit has been used for. Thanks to the folks at the Michigan Film Office for all their support in the application process.

Location scouting is complete, and we're working with our casting agent friends in LA to secure the principals. There is a fine balance between the creative vision for these characters and the fit. We start shooting in September.

Crew is booked for "Fitful"

2009-07-16T15:26:00.000-04:00

We are amped to be getting started on the new Brauer Productions feature film, Fitful. Crew is booked and we are another step closer to our shoot this Fall.