I had a wonderful experience shooting Gila Film's The Last Frankenstein in Amsterdam, NY this summer, directed by David Weaver. I play Paula- a corrupt nurse with a sordid past who assists Jason Frankenstein with his gory tasks. The stills below are courtesy of Jorge Luna Photography. Release information and screening dates forthcoming- check back!
Father's Day 2014
This week I made my directorial debut on the set of my first short film, 'Father's Day.' Inclement weather on-location in Amsterdam, NY didn't phase my tremendously talented crew. This project is particularly special because I'm related to nearly everyone involved. I was lucky enough to be born into an enormously talented and creative family.
Meet the team:
Mike Sheridan (MITCHELL/SCORE)- actor, singer and musician- has been playing bass since the 50s, acting since the 60s and nurturing my creative mind since the late 80s. Master of impersonations and silly voices, Mike has made a life out of making other people smile. This is his film debut. Mike plays my dad on-screen and off.
Shawn Barnes (CAMERA)- jack of all trades- is an actor, singer, camera-charmer and podcast host. Check him out on the Hard On Podcast. Shawn has been dating my sister for about thirteen years. They're getting married in October.
David Weaver- filmmaker, screenwriter, camera-star- is a cinephile with the knowledge and talent to shake things up in the indie horror world. Check out his upcoming film, The Last Frankenstein. David is my cousin and childhood partner in exploring the very property 'Father's Day' was filmed on.
Jay Leonard (PRODUCER/GRIP/TECH)- filmmaker, producer, one-stop-gear-shop, mentor. Jay's the resident godfather of the Capital Region's indie film scene and creative genius behind Trenchmouth Productions (info there for his latest film, Death Before Discomfort). I came to Jay by way of Shawn and David, both of whom rightfully sing his praises.
Jarred Aldi (BOOM OPERATOR)- actor, writer, filmmaker, every-day-celebrity- works hard and plays hard on-stage and off. Jarred and I have been collaborating creatively and generally causing a scene since 2003.
Haylee VanValkenburgh (PRODUCTION ASSISTANT)- photographer, newly-liscensed-driver- all-star high school student- is new to the film scene, but definitely one to watch. Haylee came to us through Jarred's family. Fam to fam.
It takes a village... or in this case, a large family... I'd be amiss if I didn't mention my Aunt and Uncle on whose property we shot, my sisters (and significant others) who provided assistance with anything I asked (iced coffee run? yes! building a bonfire? sure!), my friends at the Glove Theatre for last-minute wardrobe accommodation and my mother and step-mother who patiently watched and loaned flashlights, costuming skills, gardening gloves... My heart is so full and I've not even watched all of the footage. Life is good.
Next month I'll be playing a boxer in a short film by Adam Howard Forman called 'The One With No Name.' Stay tuned.