Fall Away

Get Ready for Festival Summer Season!

2011-05-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

New updates from Julian Grant

2011-01-15T17:09:00.001-08:00

Lots of new info for 2011 coming soon for everyone. Boris and Grant and Julian met today to map out a new website design, promotional plans for Spring 2011 and a review of film festival submissions to date. We've been busy behind the scenes and will have fast breaking news as soon as possible. Stay tuned as it is going to be good. JG

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Location:W North Ave,Chicago,United States

Julian Grant Speaking Tonight in Chicago

2010-08-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Director Julian Grant is speaking at the Director's Panel Meet Up in Chicago on August 9, 2010. Meeting at Chief O'Neill's Pub at 3471 N. Elston in Chicago. Due to the large group we will be meeting in the back dining room on the first floor. Our meetup is from 7-9pm and everyone is welcome and encouraged to stay after to network and socialize. Hope to see you there.

Picture Locked

2010-06-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

From Julian Grant - Pending any last minute technical issues and final words by star Grant Stokes, our film is picture locked and now in the more than capable hands of Martie Marro. What a great bunch of collaborators we had on this film. A joy to work with.

Director's Cut V2

2010-05-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

From Julian Grant: Coming along nicely. Will meet up with Boris Wexler on Monday to discuss prior to his traveling to France for three weeks. Am happy with the completed film and am now just making everything sit as it should.

Editing Continues

2010-04-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Am cutting away and keeping dry while torrential rain and wind bashes Chicago. So many thanks are long overdue the cast and crew who worked tirelessly on this film. My producers supported me every step of the way - and I must tip my hat to them - and Boris Wexler in particular. He even bought me a real cowboy hat in Nashville.

So, many, many thanks to all of you - friends, family - and loyal FA supporters (you know who you are) - for making this film a reality.

It really is quite lovely.

best,

Julian

Please vote for Julian's film!

2010-04-15T09:23:00.001-07:00

Please vote for Julian's film "Screw the Pepperoni" , that is currently in competition at the 3rd Annual Babelgum Online Film Festival! Votes are close so a push from you or your friends would be greatly appreciated. Just click on the THUMBS UP button at the address listed below and you're done. Many thanks!

SCREW THE PEPPERONI USA 2:40 Color Animated A hit man is not hired for a job that he applies for. Or is he?
3RD BABELGUM ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL ENTRY 2010 VOTE NOW!! www.babelgum.com/4025989/screw-the-pepperoni.html

Entering last week end of Fall Away shoot!

2010-04-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

After a great week end in Laporte, IN, shooting at a highway reststop and the gorgeous Cranberry Lakes farm, the production of Fall Away steadily heads for a wrap after the upcoming and final week end of shooting in Nashville, TN.

Laporte photos

2010-04-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Going into last week end of Chicago shoot

2010-02-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

Back at Reggie's tonight for the last week end of our Chicago shoot. It all went by so fast! Last week end we shot Horseshoe and in Lincoln Park, on one of the coldest nights of the winter again. The generator gave out, but that didn't phase Julian one bit, as he managed to light a whole scene with car headlights and a sun gun. Crazy night tonight, as we need to shoot 12 pages with 35 extras and pretty much the full cast. After this, two months of downtime, during which Julian will be cutting the January footage, and then we're back in April for two more week ends. The fatigue of a straight month of week end shoots is starting to feel, but the mood is solid and spirits high. A huge thank you to an amazing cast and crew, who are working tirelessly to get this film made.

Pictures day 10

2010-02-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Pictures day 9

2010-02-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

Reel Chicago

2010-01-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

A great article about Fall Away in Reel Chicago.

Third week end over

2010-01-27T14:37:00.000-08:00

And as Julian said, we're tired. Amazing performances this week end from Grant, Nathanael, Erinn, and all the rest of the cast. Was tearing up on set a couple times. Crew was awesome as always. As the shoot progresses the mood on set remains extremely positive, and the footage looks great throughout.
Shooting at Horseshoe and in Lincoln Park this coming week end. Can't wait!

Pictures Day 7

2010-01-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

Photos Day 8

2010-01-27T14:30:00.000-08:00

8 Days In -

2010-01-25T06:15:00.000-08:00

From Julian - Am tired today. Shot at Travel Lodge in South Loop. Emotionally draining scene for actors. I played dirty pool with Grant Stokes for his final moment - I hope he has forgiven me. Beautiful work by my crew. A fine buncha folks. They support me at every turn. We have passed the halfway mark for the Chicago leg of this production and the footage is unbelievable. My producer, Boris Wexler, sees the material as soon as I shoot it (he's supervising the transfer/ file converts) and I always look to his comments as proof that we are on the right track. Jamin, my gaffer and sergeant at arms, is invaluable as we shoot and the operations led by Derek Jaeschke make this film a professional and fast shoot. Got a nice note from leading lady Erinn Strain and I move onwards making this film a reality. My love and thanks to all.

Fall Away advance poster

2010-01-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

First advance poster just designed by Julian Grant.

Second week end goes very well

2010-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

Second week end is over, and we are now half way into the Chicago part of the shoot. An outstanding three days, with incredible footage acquired. First night was the big bar scene, with all the extras, looking great as always. The next two were miscellaneous scenes, all shot in various parts of the ever so supportive Reggie's Rock Bar, which has been one of the greatest assets on this shoot - a big thank you to Robbie and the whole team there for their warm welcome and hosting!! And Julian Grant did it again, finishing on time the first night and a few hours early the other two!
With that section of the shoot over, we move on next week end to the diner and hotel scenes, all set in great downtown Chicago locations.

Second week end photos

2010-01-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

Days 2 and 3 go quick and - almost - smoothly

2010-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Despite a couple small bumps in the road due to location availability, the shoot progresses steadily thanks to Julian's impressive ability to compress a 12 hour shoot into 6 hours if needed without compromising quality. Performances are outstanding despite the bitter cold, and everyone seems happy. All principals have now been introduced, including Erinn Strain (Mel), Nathanael Card (John), and all band members except for Ryan (Brett) who will be joining us this week end.
With the cold outdoor night days behind us for the time being, we are ready to move forward next week end with a large interior portion of the shoot at our favorite location - Reggie's Rock Club.

Day 3 Photos

2010-01-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

Fall Away shoot - Day 2 photos

2010-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

Fall Away shoot - Day 1

2010-01-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

As the night unfolded we watched Jake getting repeatedly beaten and dragged in the snow, over and over, in temperatures below -10 F. But Grant Stokes withstood it without flinching, never complaining about an additional take. Got some great footage and finished on time thanks to Julian's talent and efficiency. Off to a great start!

First night of shooting coming up

2010-01-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

With the crew complete, all locations locked in, and everyone briefed and ready, we are preparing for our first night of shooting tonight - the murder scene. Good news - the weather has gotten a bit milder, so Grant will hopefully not be too cold while he is repeatedly beaten and dragged in the snow. More updates coming tomorrow morning!

Invitation from Julian Grant

2010-01-06T13:33:00.000-08:00

From Julian - I am sneak peeking my new feature film - THE DEFILED - at Columbia College Chicago's Film Row Theatre on January 25, 2010 at 7:00 PM.

I would like to invite you all to attend and see the film with the cast, crew and fine folk that made this event possible.

When I relocated to Chicago last year, my goal was to start making independent films outside of my regular comfort zone. I had spent twenty years making movies for theatrical and television distribution and wanted to create new and exciting cinema beyond my regular output. THE DEFILED is my first film that speaks to these sensibilities.

Set in a near distant future where an N1HI style of virus has decimated the populace, an infected man, his new-born child and an enigmatic beauty must seek food and shelter in this world-turned-wrong. THE DEFILED was shot on location in Chicagoland, IL and neighboring La Porte, Indiana.

I hope to see you all there.

Baby Low Light MOV Test

2009-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

From Julian - Reduced file size (internet friendly) on baby test. Shot on Canon 7D. 1280 ISO at 30fps. F3.5. This sequence is reduced (for web) but what is great is the lack of noise in the blacks and the definition held. The soft box works well (we have 3) and the fluid head tripod is a dream. Boris Wexler strikes again!!! Good gear.

Low Light Camera Tests

2009-12-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

From Julian: As we get ready for camera on 1/08/10, I am now running various low light and camera tests using my stunt baby on a ladder. I am using a soft box to illuminate the child and looking at how the light wraps around the child. This kind of advance testing helps me determine how to move ahead. Boris just picked up an 18-55mm lens for me and it is lovely. Nice conversion factor at 1.6X magnification (due to the 7D chip size) means I have a 42mm - 80mm short zoom. This will be my most used lens as it gives me a nice lens for a master and a decent CU range. The follow focus unit we picked up allows me to focus quickly on the fly with this lens. Here's a shot at film resolution size.

Now Casting Extras!

2009-12-28T11:58:00.001-08:00

CASTING EXTRAS - Please see dates and times for below. If you would like to participate, please send an email titled “FALL AWAY EXTRAS” with the dates/times you are available, your full name, phone number, and email address to our Production Coordinator Brian Johnston, ironmistproductions@gmail.com . Please attach a picture of yourself to the email – not necessarily a headshot, any picture is acceptable. We will contact you during the first week of January to indicate which slots we would like you to attend. Some of the available slots are odd/nighttime hours. If at all possible, please try to make yourself available for at least one of those. Thank you!
Saturday 01/16 02:00 AM– 08:00 AM (Bar scene)
Saturday 01/16 (night between Friday and Saturday) 10:00 AM – 03:00 PM - (Bar scene)
Monday Jan 01/18 07:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Record shop scene)
Friday 01/22 04:00 PM – 05:00 AM (diner scene – several groups needed in 5 hour timeslots – please submit times available)
Saturday 01/30 03:00AM – 09:00AM (night between Friday and Saturday) - (bar scene)
Sunday 01/31 12:30 PM - 04:30 PM – (park scene)
Saturday 02/06 (night between Friday and Saturday) 02:00AM – 10:00AM – (bar scene)

Happy holidays!

2009-12-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

With only two weeks left before we start shooting "Fall Away" I want to wish everyone a great holiday season. It's so exciting to think that we will finally be making this film, after two years of striving towards it. This could not have happened without our amazing cast and crew, whom I would like to thank for all the hard work they have already done, as well as the effort to come, and our investors and donors, whose support I'm eternally grateful for. Thank you!!

Band Logo

2009-12-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

From Julian: This is what the band will be called in the film. Route 65 leads (home) to Nashville and I wanted a name that reflected the overwhelming need to be true to one's origins - hence this moniker. Look for 65 Home T-Shirts, stickers and banners as the film unfolds.

Last Rehearsals for the Holidays

2009-12-19T15:31:00.001-08:00

From Julian: - Have completed the last 3 weeks of rehearsals and am very happy with the cast. Worked with Mel & Jake at length today and am happy to say they are wonderful, creative and talented (just like all of the cast). We worked on a couple key scenes with Grant and Erinn today and they shone. As we close down for the holidays and take this time to be thankful for those that we love, I am proud of all of my cast and their accomplishments. Happy Holidays everyone.

The remarkable Canon 7D

2009-12-13T08:56:00.001-08:00

BW suggested that we shoot this film on the new Canon 7D camera and at first I was skeptical about going to war with an experimental weapon. The idea of shooting a feature film on a 35mm style still camera seemed unthinkable and yet BW suggested I do some research and see what I thought. I spent many hours cruising the web, reading about the gear and seeing the tests. It was friggin' remarkable. What a tool. He rented a rig for me to try and Grant and I hit the streets looking for the 'sweet spot' - the lens and light combo that would serve us for the film. I'm a big believer in testing and retesting new gear and I wanted to push the camera to the limits as I worked outside. Here's a frame grab from the tests we shot. No lighting. No nothing. Just the right combination of f-stop and lens. I'm a convert.

Grant Stokes

2009-12-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

The original story for FA came from producer Grant Stokes. When I first moved to Chicago, GS was instrumental in helping me meet other actors and performed in my award winning film, MAIDENHEAD. When he came to me with FA and introduced me to BW, I was thrilled to be able to come onboard and help take this story to the screen. FA is unlike any other picture I have made before and the combination of GS unique and subtle story and the chance to work with BW (one of Chicago's most recognized producers) was irresistible. Here, GS can be seen in early camera tests as we work in the Wicker Park/ Bucktown community. I want to use natural light and augment as little as possible. Both BW and I are fans of European art films and we wanted FA to be an art film that just happened tobe shot in America. GS was all for this.

Crooked Willow Rehearsals

2009-12-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

Test rehearsals with the band are gong great. They totally rock and the film will be great.

I set Boris' car on fire!

2009-12-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

Zounds. Meeting with BW and going over stuff for the film, I inadvertently dropped a cigarette n the papers in his car. Long story short, lots of smoke and a fire averted by BW's quick thinking. He is the first producer I have ever set fire too. We both laughed and were quickly chatting about the film as it all comes together. He's done a great job in assembling the crew and lining up locations. His team seems really good and they mesh well with my guys. We are less than a month to camera and both of us feel good. I'm glad I didn't totally destroy his car. :) That would be bad.

Full cast announced for "Fall Away"

2009-11-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

Casting is now complete, and we are proud to announce our full cast list for the film:

Grant Stokes	Jake
Erinn Strain	Mel
Nathanael Card	John
Kathleen Lawlor	Lucy
Louie Lawless	Roy
Ann Hageman	Molly
Ryan Relya	Brett
Ali Goodman	Pat
David Golan	Jasper
Hamid Hassian	Clarence
Zane Birdy	Bo
Robert Tobin	Marcus
Suzy Brack	Juicy Suzy

Congratulations to all our cast members!

Crooked Willow nominated for an Out Music Award!!

2009-11-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

Crooked Willow, the band featured in the film, is nominated for an Out Music Award for outstanding FOLK/Country song. Check it out at http://www.outmusic.com/. Winners announced December 8th!

Casting underway

2009-11-16T18:41:00.001-08:00

Casting for the film is under way, with 25 actors seen this last Sunday. One more day of auditions next Sunday, and we should be able to announce the full cast!

Thank you for a successful fundraiser!

2009-11-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who were able to make it to our fundraiser on Saturday. With over 150 people attending, the event was by and large a success! It was also the release party for the first CD of Crooked Willow, the band whose music will be featured in the film!