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Compilation CD

Stingy Jack Interview with Director T.M, Langseth

Stingy Jack
Picture copyright respected holders.

Interview With Stingy Jack Director T.M. Langseth By Chris 29/1/09

OK I'm friends with Michelle Page and will give publicity to everything she does.
So I am bias in that I think she is amazing in everything she does and think she a lovely person.
She gonna be in a movie called Stingy Jack directed by T.M. Langseth and it gonna be a really good horror movie.
It's a Classic Film in the making and I will be there at the cinema when it comes out, T.M. Langseth knows what he is doing and is gonna make a great film,
She plays a small part in the film as Young Ester Fowler and it will really show off her amazing talent and also why she keeps getting good solid work.
So we talked about how the movie came about, how they are going to shoot it, about the cast and why Michelle Page will be perfect for the movie.

Stingy Jack Website

1. How did Stingy Jack come about?

Stingy Jack was an idea both Marie and I had been discussing for several years. We initially began writing it before our previous film "Photo Manipulation". From there the ideas sort of fell into place, but we decided at that time to focus on Photo Manipulation first. The idea of writing a horror/supernatural story based on Halloween wasn't an easy one in terms of originality, so we needed to find ways to write the script that would not only contain an original concept, but ones that hadn't been tackled before in a story that incorporates the holiday itself. We think we did that with Stingy Jack, because rather than make a film about Halloween typically, we actually wrote the story in such a way as to omit the holiday, more or less, and focus on what happens when we do not embrace it.

2. What attracted you to do the film?

I think what attracted me to the film first and foremost is the mere fact that I really enjoy writing horror. Both Marie (my co-writer) and I are also overgrown kids on Halloween, so incorporating the holiday into the story somewhat was a fun and challenging one. The idea of using "Shadow People" within the storyline was a nothing short of fun to write, and the research that went into the development was just as fun and entertaining for us.

3. What is the film about?

The film is about a typical small-town set in 1957. On the eve of Samhain, or "Halloween" as we know it, all's well, until a young boy named Stevie Fowler is hit by a speeding car driven by a couple of young lovers, while the boy skips across the street for trick or treating. Stevie's mother, played by Michelle Page watches in horror as her son is taken from her. Under pressure from the townspeople, the Mayor of Emerson County is forced to ban Halloween and all its festivities, and any disregard for the new law will be deemed "breaking the law". 40 Years later, in 1997, a young family moves into town. David Wells, (Jason Priestley), his wife Kaitlyn, (Jennifer Rouse), and their 9 year old son, Jack are unaware of the ban placed on the town. It's a week before Halloween, and as that day nears, strange occurrences begin to plague the family - and its townspeople. I can't say much about what happens, rest assured, there'll be plenty of scares and nightmarish visuals destined to horrify audiences.

4. How did the cast come about?

That's an interesting question. As an indie film maker, you always have the notion of keeping the story smaller, and of course more cost-efficient because let's face it, many of us just don't have the bucks to put down for spectacular FX or high-priced talent. Initially, our goal was to simply cast local actors, and shoot 100% locally. Things began to change rapidly though once we'd sent out a draft of the script to contacts we'd made in the industry. When the correspondence grew, and the responses to the story came in, we began to second-guess our own intentions with the production because we seemed to grasp the genuine interest of people we really didn't anticipate having anything to do with us! That's when we realized we were on to something bigger than we'd imagined. From there I took it upon myself to consult, network and connect with some of the names you see listed in our credits. I couldn't be happier with the cast members we've got, and I'm currently working on two others who I think will take the cast pool over the top. Keep your fingers crossed!

5. Do you plan to shoot in film or digital?

We're currently undecided. We do have the option of shooting on film, it's well within our budget to do so, but my Director Of Photography, Alexis Vanier, has been pushing the "Red One" on me for almost a year. After seeing it demo'd at Mel's Studios here in Quebec, I was amazed at the way the footage turned out. There are many films being shot with that particular camera, and although it is digital, the uncanny resemblance to real film is just incredible! For now though, let's just say "we're still looking at our options".

6. Where will the film be shot?

Ideally, and after our star and Associate Producer Jennifer Rouse made some rather significant contacts in Mississippi, I'm inclined to want to shoot in Jackson, Mississippi. We have options though, another of which is Louisiana and possibly Maryland. For myself, any of the United States are fine with me so long as the locations are matched to the story. The scenes which will be shot as "era", circa 1957 however are set to be shot in Quebec, in a small town called Ormstown. Part of my previous film was shot there and it's a great place. Very retro looking and the residents there are very welcome to having films shot there.

7. How did Michelle Page get involved in the film?

I really had to think about this one because I honestly forgot how her involvement came to be. It was actually a little email I'd received from her, with regards to an ad I'd placed in a film forum. Michelle sent her resume and headshot, and along with it, a little note letting me know she'd be appearing on an episode of "Bones". I'd never watched a single episode of the show until her email came in. Both Marie and I were very impressed by Michelle's ability to pull hard-core emotional value to her character, and knowing we needed someone with great emotional skills for a specific role, we were pretty much convinced from there.

8. What will she bring to role of Young Esther Fowler?

Michelle's a fantastic actress, and something I look for in any actor is their ability to "speak without speaking". Her facial expressions and the way in which her eyes and physical movements draw your attention only adds to her skills. We know we made a good choice with her. I think she'll bring an incredible amount of audience-remorse to her character because from the get-go, she's one of those characters you'll feel very sorry for instantly. As other mothers watch her, they'll be able to relate to her as well. Let's face it, no mother ever wants to bare witness to the death of their own child.

9. What attracted you to her in the first place?

I think what attracted me to Michelle was her ability to appear very convincing. Michelle doesn't "over-act", nor does she just read her lines. After watching her demo reel, I got a keen sense of her versatility as well. She can play just about any character, from a tormented Goth girl to a genuine classy little dame.

10 Do you plan to do more with her in future films?

If I ever have the chance to work with her again, and provided the project is something we both agree on, I'd cast in a heartbeat!

11. How do you think having a talented cast will help the film and give it good exposure and publicity?

Having a talented cast has many advantages. First and foremost, they're the people who'll bring your characters to life. They're the ones who'll ensure that your story is told, and believable. Second, I think a talented cast is something of a bonus because there is less chance that time will be wasted on-set trying to convey the scenes - talented actors are able to bring the characters to life pretty much on their own, and it's wonderful to see this happen. In terms of publicity, it all depends on who those talented members are. I've seen some complete unknown talents do incredible things to a film, at the same time, over-talented actors can also break a film. Know what I mean? There needs to be some balance to the actors, no matter who they are.

12. Was it hard to get finance for the film in this financial crisis?

Luckily, I approached my financiers prior to the crunch of the financial situation so having them already interested and seeing the potential was all thanks to the timing of my approach. Indeed, things are definitely more difficult now for anyone in the industry but let's face it, the only thing that'll keep the industry going is more investment.

13. How do you think the Internet and New Media will help the film?

The internet is definitely the way to go in terms of marketing for just about any type of industry these days, so having links, adverts and articles running on as many websites as possible is certainly a great start. Word of mouth travels fast and furious, and even the worst advertising can lend a positive hand.

14. Was it hard to get people such as Jason Priestley to be part of the film?

Surprisingly, no. Not as difficult as we initially thought, which is what made it easier for us to persue other talents on the charts. I don't want to toot my own horn, but Marie and I have written a very good script. Harry Manfredini has also had some input to the story, which was something we weren't about to turn our backs on. They way I see it, when a veteran gives you ideas, comments and suggestions; it's free education, so take it!

15. What will the pre-production of the film involve?

Pre-Production for Stingy Jack, much like any other film will consist of everything from formal contracts, location scouting, re-budgeting (and re-budgeting again!), possible re-writes and edits to the script and taking lots of medication to keep our sanity! I've had some amazing guidance from LA Producer Pennie Orcutt (Death By Engagement) as well, and Jennifer Rouse has also played a huge part in the development of the film. I'm surrounded by women of the industry, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. They've been fantastic, and very supportive.

16. What was it like to be able to get Harry Manfredini involved in the film?

Having Harry involved is a blessing. He's become somewhat of a good friend, and I like that. He's an icon in the industry and more specifically the genre, so his interest and involvement is really amazing. it took me a while to get used to his sense of humour because it used to scare me, but once I had adjusted, I saw him as an overall great guy, aside from an incredible composer. I hope to work with him again on future projects.