Earlier this year Steve Steketee of SteketeeGreiner and company and I were working on a project for National Heritage Academies. We had to drive to Flint for the shoot so we had a a couple of hours in the car on the ride over. He was telling me about his annual volunteer work for the Waterfront Film Festival where he created these short, but cool animated bumpers that ran between the films. They were designed partially as entertaining filler, but also with a simple message asking people to volunteer at the festival. In our discussion the question was posed “why not do something bigger this year?” Thus was born the idea to shoot three 30 second bumpers that parody film genre’s. Through the early spring, Steve and I worked on scripting the three bumpers focusing on the genre’s of Mystery, Melodrama and Action. I then went to work calling in favors with cast and crew members I’ve worked with over the years. As is typical with our West Michigan production community, many talented people stepped up and volunteered their time, talent, expertise and equipment for a single day, 16 hour shoot. Attached are some of the production stills from the day.
A special thanks to crew members: Peter Sensor-DP, Derek Street-AC, Sean Quashnie-Sound, Brett Sorensen-Boom Op, Brett Biemers-Gaffer, Matt Lowing-Key Grip, Lowing Light and Grip for the equipment, and Pete for bringing out is Canon D70, DSLR and all his toys. Special thanks to the cast: Joe Anderson, Aimee Workman, Kyle Harris, Todd Herring, Craig Powers and Amy McFadden.
I’ll post a follow up blog with the links to the finished spots as soon as they are ready. Also you can check them out at the Waterfront Film Festival, June 10-13 in Saugatuck, MI.
Melodrama
Melodrama – Director Steve Steketee discusses scene with Aimee Workman and Joe Anderson
Action
Action – Actor Todd Herring exits the vehicle in a scene being shot by DP, Peter Sensor. Director, Steve Steketee stands to his right, and Sound Tech, Sean Quashnie records in the foreground left.
Mystery 1
Myster 1 – Amy McFadden and Craig Powers running their scene in a 1948 Ford.
Mystery 2
Mystery 2 – DP, Peter Sensor adjusts settings on the DSLR. Director, Steve Steketee, provides last minute direction. Key Grip, Matt Lowing in background.
Mystery 3
Mystery 3 – Just a wee bit too much “fog” for the scene.