Death Ranch: The Short Film

Featurette #2 - The Japanese Cowboys

2009-09-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Featurette #1: Younger & Older Cowboy

2009-09-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Alternate Trailer

2009-09-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Official Trailer

2009-09-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Production Stills: 4/24 - Morning

2009-05-07T13:04:00.001-07:00

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Production Stills: 4/23 - Morning

2009-05-07T10:52:00.001-07:00

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Production Stills: 4/22 - Night

2009-05-06T12:17:00.001-07:00

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Production Stills: 4/21 - Night

2009-05-05T13:48:00.001-07:00

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Production Stills: 4/21 - Evening

2009-05-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Production Stills: 4/20 - Night

2009-05-04T14:24:00.001-07:00

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Production Stills: 4/20 - Day

2009-05-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Photos by Ben Rutkowski

Paid Crew Agreement Form

2009-05-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Non-Paid Crew Agreement Form

2009-05-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Talent Agreement Form

2009-05-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

Publicity Agreement Form

2009-05-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Production Location Agreement Form

2009-05-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

Receipt of Payment Form

2009-05-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

Scene 5: Screen Shots

2009-05-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Scene 8: Screen Shots

2009-05-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Scene 7: Screen Shots

2009-05-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Scene 4: Screen Shots

2009-05-01T23:20:00.001-07:00

Scene 1: Screen Shots

2009-05-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

Check out the first screen shots from Scene 1 of Death Ranch!

These images are NOT color corrected. They are medium quality JPEG samples of 2k PICT extracts from Quicktime RedCode RAW reference files.

Enjoy!

Death Ranch Promo Poster 1

2009-04-28T19:17:00.002-07:00

Death Ranch Promo Poster 2

2009-04-28T19:17:00.001-07:00

Death Ranch Promo Poster 3

2009-04-28T19:16:00.001-07:00

Death Ranch Poster

2009-04-27T18:59:00.001-07:00

Darrin Fisher - Grip

2009-04-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Darrin Fisher is a native of Austin, TX and was introduced to the entertainment industry in a very serendipitous way. When Darrin’s career as a professional cyclist wound down, he began working as a mechanic and assistant for Lance Armstrong. As a result, he often found himself in the middle of some sort of production. Walking on to a set for the first time was all it took for Darrin to find his calling. He gave up the world of bikes and gears and traded it all in for lights, cameras, and scripts.

He began working with The Insanity Corporation where he was slowly introduced to the world of commercial television. Taking on projects and side projects that would further educate him, he was in constant search of better entertainment. Not finding what he was looking for, Darrin began to explore the creative side of the industry through screenwriting.

Darrin submitted a script to the New York Television Festival in 2006 that took home the audience vote for best pitch/ script. It was to be his first recognized piece of work in this industry. After returning from New York he left his position at The Insanity Corporation to pursue his career in the Motion Picture and Television Industry. Among the many hats Darrin has worn, he has found his place primarily working as an Assistant Director.

As Grip, Darrin is ready to get his hands dirty for Death Ranch.

Randall Hearne - Weapons Master

2009-04-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

Randall Hearne has been the weapons master on numerous feature films, shorts, student films and in-house training videos over the past 12 years. He came to the film industry from a background in law enforcement, the US Army, and as an instructor licensed by the state of Texas for law enforcement and private security. Randall has an extensive, lifelong history encompassing the safe use of and training with firearms. His experience was a natural carry over to the world of filmmaking through overseeing the safe use of firearms on the set and training actors to utilize those firearms in a safe and natural manner. As with many crew members in the world of indie filmmaking, Randall wears several professional hats, including set construction, prop construction and providing set security through the security company owned and operated by his family.

Randall is prepared to make sure that the production separates the "Death" from the "Ranch."

Luis Sanchez - E.M.T.

2009-04-16T07:55:00.001-07:00

Luis Sanchez graduated in 2007 from Seattle University with a B.A. in Psychology. Luis is also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School’s (NOLS) Wilderness Medical Institute. He is a Nationally-registered EMT-Basic (NREMT-B), with an additional specialization in Wilderness/Austere care. Halfway through his junior year, he decided to become an Emergency Medical Technician for fun. He enjoyed becoming an EMT so much, that he decided to forgo graduate school and focus on medicine. He moved back to his hometown of Austin, TX, and now divides his time between working in the emergency department and studying to become a full-blown EMT-Paramedic.

Luis is excited to be part of the crew of Death Ranch. He is looking forward to working with people that are not having the worst day of their life, for a change.

Matt Blake - Gaffer

2009-04-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Matt Blake graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1987 splicing 16mm film and two inch audio tape into a sort of 'John Cage-Stan Brakhage shake-n-stir (with a dash of art student).' Matt's path to the video and film industry includes working as set designer in the 1994 film Frank and Jesse, master electrician and technical coordinator at a theater in northwest Arkansas, and a stagehand and spot operator for the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Little Richard, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and George Jones are a few of the acts Matt has had a hand in lighting on the stage, as well as shows like Cats and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Matt moved to Austin, TX seven years ago and started working as an electrician in: music videos, including the Flaming Lips; the A&E show Rollergirls; and commercials, including various national spots ranging from Gatorade to Wal-mart. Matt's interest in film and video also includes working as a video tape recordist and has done so on movies such as Friday the 13th, Stop-Loss, and Fireflies in the Garden. Matt is looking forward to having a fun time helping to create the exciting new short film, Death Ranch.

Matt Harshbarger - Assistant Camera

2009-04-13T15:38:00.001-07:00

Matt Harshbarger graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Radio / Television / Film and moved to Los Angeles where he began work at Panavision Hollywood. After two years of learning the ins and outs of cameras, he began working in film and television. His credits include: Las Vegas (seasons 2 and 3), Charlie's Angels 2, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and numerous commercials and music videos. Now back in Austin, Matt has been enjoying working on Friday Night Lights, Robert Rodriguez's new film, Shorts, as well as less traffic and cheaper beer prices. Matt will be growing out his beard for Death Ranch.

Nat Allister - Production Assistant

2009-04-13T06:23:00.001-07:00

Nat Allister is an aspiring moviemaker from Northfield, Minnesota currently chasing down a B.A. in Film at Vassar College. He spent much of high school making experimental digital shorts, and in fact, won "Best in Show" two years in a row at the Northfield Film Festival. Devoting much of the last few years to creative writing, Allister has only recently begun to get back into filmmaking at Vassar. Besides serving as Assistant Camera on a student production, he has worked as a member of Hollywood Heart's Movie Team crew and continues to shoot his own - usually surrealist - films.

Brian Paccione - Creative Consultant

2009-04-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

Brian Paccione is a film and biology major at Vassar College where he is President and Co-founder of Vassar Filmmakers. Brian Paccione’s work has won national awards and has been officially selected for New Filmmakers Festival, Connecticut Film Festival, Big Apple Film Festival, and CUNUFF. Brian has worked with some of the most talented minds of the industry, from Darren Aronofsky to Tony Adler on pre-production, on-set production and post-production initiatives. He is currently in post-production on Shoot The Sky Production's film, David and the Kingdom, and will graduate Vassar College in May 2009. He is very excited about being involved in Death Ranch.

Clark James - Special FX Consultant

2009-04-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

Clark James is a 20-year veteran of Hollywood special effects. His many credits include Apollo 13, Fifth Element, Titanic, Armageddon, Star Trek Nemesis, Spiderman, Artificial Intelligence, X-Men 3, Live Free Or Die Hard, Indiana Jones...Crystal Skull, Star Trek XI, and Angels & Demons. Clark's expertise covers all aspects of special effects and miniature effects. He is currently working on Alvin and the Chipmonks 2 being shot in Los Angeles. It is Clark's pleasure to provide his experience, skill set, and Special FX know-how to the team of Death Ranch.

Tokio Sasaki as "Kenji"

2009-04-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

Tokio Sasaki is an actor born and raised in Tokyo, Japan and currently living in New York City. After studying for two years at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Tokio transferred to CUNY - Hunter College where he earned a B.A. in Theatre (Acting and Set Design). Tokio is best known for his performances in films including Dysfunctional Book Club (played opposite Antonia Bennett), Seibutsu ("Still:Life"), and Lawrence, where he won Best Actor at the First Run Film Festival in 2007. His NYC theater credits include: "Dr. Domoku" in LUNA (the Producer's Club Theatre) and Strindberg's A Dream Play (Dir. Bill Walters). Tokio recently became a member of the Herbert Berghof (HB) Ensemble Theatre Company and has been performing with the group to date.

Also known as Tokio Davis, Tokio Paris, and Tokio N. Par, Tokio Sasaki is excited to lead the Japanese Cowboys of Death Ranch in an adventurous role as "Kenji."

Masami Morimoto as "Tetsu"

2009-04-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Masami Morimoto has extensive experience in opera, theater, singing and acting. He has performed throughout the world in Japan, Germany, Poland, Russia, Latvia, Korea, and Indonesia, including the European premiere of Penderecki's Credo with Helmuth Rilling. Morimoto's opera credits include roles as "Papageno" (The Magic Flute), "Count Almaviva" (The Marriage of Figaro), and "Masetto" (Don Giovanni) to name a few. Within musical theater, he has performed as various characters, such as "Freddy" in My Fair Lady and the "Scarecrow" in The Wizard of Oz. Morimoto has also appeared on various television programs in Japan, including a weekly musical variety show. Morimoto holds an M.A. in Vocal Performance from NYU.

Since moving to New York City six years ago, Morimoto has performed in many opera roles, oratorio solos, and off-Broadway productions. He appeared in a Norah Jones music video and acted in various films, TV commercials, and provided voice-over talent multiple times, most notably for Rosetta Stone - Japanese Edition. As a professional chorus singer at Lincoln Center, Morimoto has been involved in many productions, including Elektra with the New York Philharmonic and Volo di Notte with American Symphony Orchestra.

As a versatile entertainer, Morimoto is very excited to tackle the role of "Tetsu" in Death Ranch.

Takahiro Morooka as "Tanaka"

2009-04-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Takahiro Morooka, "Moro" to his friends, was born in Nagano, Japan. He moved to the United States in 2003 to attend the University of North Alabama where he majored in Music Industry Studies for 2 years. Moro then transferred to the University of Memphis to study Jazz Music and Performance and subsequently was awarded a full scholarship in 2005. While at Memphis, he began his acting career when he met the artist Pixy Liao and acted for her in the short film, “Suicide Note,” in 2007.

With continued interests in both music and acting, Moro moved to New York City in 2008 after receiving his B.A. from the University of Memphis. He is very excited to be part of the Death Ranch cast.

Patricia Ann Zavala - Location Specialist

2009-04-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

Patricia Ann Zavala was born and raised in the hill country of Austin, Texas. Growing up in the densely forested greenbelt zone, with an array of wildlife, creeks, and waterfalls as her backyard, Patricia has always had a connection to and passion for the natural world. Her interest in the effects of global capitalism on the farming practices and local ecosystems of developing countries took her to Bolivia in 2007. While there, she made a documentary called Los Colores de Bolivia, which called attention to the difficulties that potato farmers face due to the policies of free trade. Since graduating from the University of California Santa Barbara in 2008, she has been studying the diverse yet fragile ecosystems of the New Orleans wetlands and the jungles of Chiapas, Mexico. She now focuses on the medicinal uses of native Texas plants and herbs. She looks forward to experiencing the beauty of the Annandale Ranch and hopes to use her knowledge of medicinal medicine to keep the crew safe from the dangers of the wild and savage lands of Texas.

Cassandra Clinton & Patrick Mannion - Head Chefs, Craft Services

2009-04-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Cassandra Clinton and Patrick Mannion are graduates of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. After Graduation, they both completed Teaching Assistant positions in 2 of the 5 restaurants on campus. Their restaurant experience includes fine dining in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and France. With an unmatched passion for all things cooking, Pat and Cassie are extremely excited to bring their energy and skills to the hungry crew of Death Ranch.

Longbow & Arrows

2009-04-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

After searching far and wide throughout Texas, we were unable to locate a retailer of primitive-looking arrows. Currently, wooden arrows are seldom used for professional hunting because they were replaced by the lighter, stronger, and faster flying carbon fiber shafts. Although there are communal groups of primitive hunters, we could find no one who was willing to construct arrows for a "reasonable" price. As a result, we were forced to construct the weapons ourselves.
We stripped the bark off branches of trees and carved smooth, cylindrical shafts about 28 inches long. Next, we scoured the forest for feathers eventually discovering copious amounts of pigeon feathers. We bought hemp rope from the local craft store and fastened the feathers to the shafts.
We wanted these arrows to be able to stick in the ground easily, so we bought very basic, yet deadly arrowheads from the Academy Store in Austin, TX called "Eastman TI-2 Extreme Titanium 3 Blade Broadheads." They are sharp and the titanium contrasts nicely with the "authenticity" of the shaft and feathers, once again adding to the mystery of Death Ranch. These arrows are not supposed to fly, as they are supposed to look like they were constructed by ignorant novices who do not know how to hunt. Much like Death Ranch itself, although the arrows look like they are made of compatible materials, when pieced together, they only represent an idea of an arrow and not the authentic, practical version.
We fastened the arrowheads into the wooden shafts by drilling 1/4 inch holes in the ends of the rods, screwing the arrowheads in, and eventually securing them with the hemp rope. The end result is a simple, beautiful and deadly combination.
Fortunately, there are various retailers and prop houses that sell and rent longbows. We were able to rent a 67 inch long wooden bow from Anything But Costumes in Flemington, NJ for $6.60 per day. We were also able to rent the quiver below from the same company for $6.60 per day as well. It is a 21 inch long suede quiver and will compliment our 28 inch arrows quite well.
The "Native in the Night" will truly be an intimidating force.

Received of Petty Cash and Accouting Forms

2009-04-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Garry Peters as "Older Cowboy"

2009-04-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Garry Peters was born in the cultural anti-mecca of Dallas, TX. After growing up (and maturing somewhat) there, he headed off to Stanford University, where he studied Civil Engineering. Lacking the essential civility to continue in that line of work, he migrated to Austin to pursue a Ph.D in Orbital Mechanics. He would have gotten it, too, if it hadn’t been for that pesky misunderstanding about having to write a dissertation.

From this miscue, it was only natural for him to segue from rocket science into acting. Garry has continued to do so (act, not segue) primarily in the Austin area for nine years -- in films, on stage, and in animated productions. Among his feature film credits are 12 Year Movie (directed by Richard Linklater), Mars (delivering lines in Russian), The Life of David Gale (opposite Kevin Spacey and on the cutting room floor), and Master of the Game (voted audience favorite at the Austin Film festival). He has also appeared in many shorts, including Perils in Nude Modeling (a winner at the HBO Comedy Arts Festival), Gay by Dawn, and The Miracle Investigators. His theater work has included the premier performances of Still Fountains and American Misfit (as George Washington and other characters), as well as The Road to Wigan Pier (where he wrestled Margaret Thatcher), Molly Sweeney (Mr. Rice), Hedda (Judge Brack and Aunt Julie), and Billy Budd (Capt. Vere). Garry’s (disembodied) voice can also be heard in the animated short Flatland: the Movie (starring Martin Sheen and Michael York) and animes Zaion and Birth. He looks forward to working with new friends and old on Death Ranch and experiencing the sublime excitement that is...Uvalde, TX.

Julio Cesar Olguin as "Native in the Night"

2009-04-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Julio Cesar Olguin is an actor currently living in Dallas, TX. He attended KD Studio Actors Conservatory where he studied film, theater, and commercial acting. Some roles that he has worked on include: Inspector Mom 1 and 2 for Lifetime Movie Network, Prison Break with 20th Century Fox, Veredicto Final with Telefutura, and various television commercials such as Wing Stop, Under Armour, Southwest Airlines and American Heat Association to name a few. This is Julio's first time working on a Shoot The Sky Production project and he is excited to have been chosen for this project.

Lindsey Brown - FX Makeup Artist

2009-04-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

Lindsey Brown was born Friday the 13th of April in the cultural mecca of New Orleans, ready for world domination. She spent most of her early youth in Sugarland and the past 10+ years in another cultural mecca we call Austin. When the concept of world domination seemed a little too far out of reach, Lindsey turned her focus to FX Makeup. With her love of horror films and lifelong artistic talent, FX Makeup just seemed to fit. Lindsey went to the Joe Blasco School for TV and Film Makeup in ’06 and had the privilege of being trained by Lee Grimes and Bill McCoy. After graduating, she returned to Austin and spent time trying to find the right paths to pursue her career. Through a strange series of events, she was referred to Hawgfly Productions (http://hawgfly.com/) and instantly knew it was a great match of amazing talent and fantastic personalities. Now teamed with the wonderful women of Hawgfly, Lindsey knows that domination of the horror FX world may very well be within their grasp.

Heidi Howell - Costume Designer

2009-03-30T13:16:00.001-07:00

Heidi Howell is a native of Austin and a Daughter of the Republic of Texas. She studied Cultural Anthropology at the University of Texas and received a Certificate in Film Production from the New School University. While at the New School, she wrote, directed, and edited two short 16mm films.

Heidi has been sewing and designing clothing since the age of six. She began working in commercials in New York City as a Stylist. Since returning to Texas, she has worked as a Set Costumer on great projects such as the Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Friday Light Lights. In her spare time, Heidi has been directing a "Rockumentary" based on a local Austin band. She has been fortunate to have had her directorial efforts shown on the Rachel Ray show and Austin Access Television.

Heidi recently launched a clothing company, Truckpatch Designs, selling hand silk screened t-shirts featuring her art work and hostess aprons made from vintage table linen. She is very much looking forward to working on Death Ranch and making that cowboy costume magic happen.

Audition Release Form

2009-03-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

"Older Cowboy" Audition Sides

2009-03-30T13:07:00.001-07:00

Audition Tape: John Rutland

2009-03-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Ross Nolan

2009-03-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Larry Jack Dotson

2009-03-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Al Bianchi

2009-03-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Andrew Kantowski

2009-03-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Bill Ross

2009-03-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Billy Kring

2009-03-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: CJ Wostal

2009-03-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Clement Beard

2009-03-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Dean Reading

2009-03-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Frank Steele

2009-03-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Garry Peters

2009-03-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Gary Anderson

2009-03-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: James Ireland

2009-03-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Jay Blumberg

2009-03-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Jerry Rozzell

2009-03-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Jodie Moore

2009-03-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Joe Freeman

2009-03-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Larry Dodson

2009-03-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Leonard Lay

2009-03-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Lonnie Hillard

2009-03-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: McLean Smith

2009-03-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Pat Kemp

2009-03-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Patrick Lambke

2009-03-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Paul Camp

2009-03-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Peter Cornwall

2009-03-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Ripley Lowe

2009-03-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Royce Boswell

2009-03-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Scott Jefferies

2009-03-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Scott Teeters

2009-03-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Steve Powers

2009-03-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Steve Uzzell

2009-03-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Ted West

2009-03-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Audition Tape: Tony Bottorff

2009-03-26T13:45:00.001-07:00

Gracey Jarosek - Horse Wrangler

2009-03-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Gracey Jarosek is a native of central Texas. Raised on a cattle ranch, she comes from a long line of ranchers and horsemen. Gracey runs her own cattle and horse operation outside of Austin, Texas. The horses she provides to the film industry are exceptional, beautiful, well mannered Quarter horses. These are working ranch horses who are unique because of their exposure to the action, lights and noise of film sets and professional rodeos. These animals are well bred, well mannered, and easy to work with. Most recently she has provided background and stunt horses for Friday Night Lights. Gracey is a graduate of Texas State University with a degree in Agriculture Science.

Alice Chang - Script Supervisor

2009-03-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Alice Chang is a film major at Vassar College. She is currently involved in several projects, having just finished work on "Time Well Spent," an entry in the International Documentary Challenge. This will be Alice's fourth project with Shoot the Sky Productions, having already collaborated on Tushie Tango, Statue of David, and Fades with Age. She is very excited about working on Death Ranch, as it is widely anticipated to be friggin' awesome.

Eric Schuman - Production Assistant

2009-03-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Eric Schuman is a freshman at Vassar College. He currently plans to double major in English and Film. Schuman has been creating and studying films for a few years now, but is eager to improve his production skill set and motion picture knowledge. He is in plans to make a film this semester, which he co-wrote with fellow Production Assistant, Tim O'Connor. With Shoot the Sky Productions, Schuman is quite excited to be working on Death Ranch.

David Perlick-Molinari - Music, Sound Design & Mix

2009-03-23T08:07:00.001-07:00

David Perlick-Molinari is a multifaceted artist who specializes in music composition, music production, original sound design, mix, engineering, and mastering. Within these fields and others, David explores the infinite broadness of human expression through art.

From years of effort and a sincere passion, David has developed a knack for creating and collaborating on original material. It is because of this reputation that groups like Cantora Records (MGMT's independent label), MTV networks, and Anonymous Content continue to seek his creative talents through his self-owned production company, YouTooCanWoo. Here David has created an environment for exciting and imaginative initiatives with his long-time friends and colleagues Paul Hammer, Deidre Muro and brother Robert.

Some recent projects include, creating the original audio branding/packaging/sound identity of MTV through their "orb image campaign," this year's mtvU Woodie Awards, and past MTV VMAs and MTV Movie Awards. He is currently revamping the acoustic aesthetic through the sound branding of Viacom's LOGO channel. Clients have also sought out his work for commercial projects including writing music for national advertising campaigns like McDonald's new salads, Mercedes Benz M Class, and Miller Genuine Draft (a collaboration with famed beat-boxer Rahzel).

David has produced and engineered numerous albums including MGMT's "Time To Pretend EP," and the releases of his own electronic/dance/rock band, French Horn Rebellion. He has also worked on and mastered many releases from Cantora Records' catalog, including albums by Savoir Adore, Violens, and Francis and the Lights.

The underlying philosophy behind YouTooCanWoo, and most of David's work, is to encourage responsible individuality and to seek the stuff that truly inspires us. With the confidence to pursue this ideal, we will be better equipped to make use of our own unique influences, tapping into our childhood, the present, and how we think about the future along the way.

David is excited to be a part of the esteemed Death Ranch creative team, and to contribute to the project in any way he can.

Script Excerpt 3: Dementia

2009-03-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

The two cowboys smoke in silence. After a long time...

OLDER COWBOY
My mother had dementia.

He turns to the YOUNGER COWBOY.

OLDER COWBOY (CONT’D)
Do you know about dementia?
What it can do?

YOUNGER COWBOY
(quietly)
No.

OLDER COWBOY
Well, in the years preceding her
death, my mother came to believe
she was floating naked in the
middle of the ocean.

He lets this strange remark sink in.

OLDER COWBOY (CONT’D)
Our home, our family, our friends,
ceased to exist for her entirely.
The dementia took everything she
knew and loved and replaced it with
isolation and fear. It was so
intricate, this substitute reality.
Even sleep had been changed. To
close her eyes was to slip below
the surface. To fall asleep was to drown.
My mother drowned slowly for ten years.
(a beat)
She died afraid for her life.

Jonathan Miller - Production Assistant

2009-03-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Miller is a sophomore student of film and political science at Vassar College. He has contributed articles and personal essays to New York Family Magazine, written and edited news packages for a New York-New Jersey cable news network, and worked as a production assistant at Gigantic! Productions (producer of the True Life! series). Miller has also won first place in the New York State National History Day competition three years in a row in the documentary and play-writing categories; one project, on Japanese Internment Camps, was honored by a New York State legislative resolution.

Tim O'Connor - Production Assistant

2009-03-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Tim O'Connor is a Vassar College freshman and a prospective film major. O'Connor has been interested in movies ever since he received the Steven Spielberg Movie Maker LEGO set for Christmas in the third grade. Since then, he has made various short films in middle school, high school and now at the collegiate level through Vassar Filmmakers. He is currently acting in the senior film, Till the Cows Come Home, and is preparing to shoot a screenplay he co-wrote with fellow Production Assistant, Eric Schuman. O'Connor has all kinds of excitement for Death Ranch!

Script Excerpt 2: Character Establishment

2009-03-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

EXT. CAMPFIRE - NIGHT

Two COWBOYS sit side by side watching the flames crackle. The first is young, skinny, in his late teens or early 20s, it’s hard to tell in the dim firelight. The second is much older, well into his middle age, and heavier. His cheeks glisten with perspiration as he takes a long drag from a cigarette.

The YOUNGER COWBOY takes out a leather tobacco pouch and begins to roll himself a smoke. He does so with difficulty, his hands are shaking quite a bit, the tobacco keeps spilling out of the paper onto the ground.

YOUNGER COWBOY
Fuck.

Kyle Porter - Boom Operator

2009-03-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

Kyle Porter is a Junior Film Major at Vassar College. Though he has worn many different hats on many different film sets, Porter has felt most satisfied with his efforts directing and recording sound. At Vassar, he is finishing cutting and composing the score to his most recent short film and is currently working on a film noir screenplay. This will be his fourth endeavor working on sound with Shoot the Sky Productions and Porter is very much looking forward to booming Death Ranch.

Storyboard Option: The Attack

2009-03-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Storyboard by Grace Statwick

Grace Statwick - Production Assistant

2009-03-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Grace Statwick is a second year student at Vassar College, majoring in film and working as a journeyman for Vassar's Theater Department and set crew. With a healthy interest in special effects, props, set dressing and technical wizardry, Statwick is excited to be a part of the team. This will be her third collaboration with Shoot the Sky Productions, having assisted with Fades With Age (2008) and Statue of David (2008).

Alex Levy - Production Assistant

2009-03-19T15:16:00.001-07:00

Alex Levy's film career began at the age of 11 when he starred in his first short film as Indiana Jones, Batman, Spiderman, and James Bond - a humbling introduction to the art of cinema. Ever since, he has taken a liking to film and has continued making movies for pure enjoyment. Levy has made over 15 short films and his work has been recognized on the local, regional, and national levels, being honored as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts his senior year in high school and most recently as a finalist in youngArts. At Vassar College, he hopes to find inspiration from his new environment and is extremely excited to be participating in this Shoot the Sky Production. Death Ranch or bust!

Danielle Sloan - Production Assistant

2009-03-19T15:08:00.001-07:00

Danielle Sloan is a freshman at Vassar College. Her friends call her, "Sloan." She is an aspiring Cognitive Science major. Sloan spent much of her formative years watching movies, but Death Ranch will be her first time behind the scenes. She told her mother that working with fake blood as a make-up P.A. will help prep her for a future in the medical field. This was a lie. Nevertheless, she is very excited to be a part of the crew on Death Ranch.

Storyboard Option: The Next Morning

2009-03-18T21:10:00.001-07:00

Storyboard by Grace Statwick

Alex Camilleri - Production Assistant

2009-03-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Alex Camilleri is a third year student at Vassar College with a double major in Film and English. Filmmaking occupies most of his time inside and outside of the classroom, as he tends to completely immerse himself in all aspects of production, from conception through distribution. Recent notable credits include, Keep Smiling, a 60 minute film shot over the course of a school year as well as a 17 minute short entitled, Elli and the Astronaut, which is now pending acceptance at film festivals throughout the U.S. and one festival in France. Currently, Alex is wrapping a new 8 minute short, Stop Doing Bad Things, for his Junior filmmaking class amidst recently being awarded the prestigious Vassar Ford Scholarship for the summer of 2009, during which he will work as an assistant on location in Hawaii to Vassar professor and filmmaker, Kathleen Man.

Ben Rutkowski - Still Photographer

2009-03-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Ben Rutkowski is a still photographer and aspiring cinematographer currently completing his final year at Vassar College. As co-founder of the student run organization, Vassar Filmmakers, Rutkowski believes that anyone with a stellar story or an ambitious vision should have as much access to professional resources as possible. He has spent his summers working for Anthology Film Archives, Partizan Entertainment, Passion Pictures, Break Thru Films, Axis Films, VBS.TV and shooting freelance photography. At this moment, Rutkowski is directing his senior thesis film entitled, Till The Cows Come Home. He is extremely excited about tackling his still photography assignment on Death Ranch and plans to shoot using a wide variety of formats, including: digital, 35mm, medium format and pinhole.

Abigail Kreitler - Location Scout

2009-03-12T07:24:00.001-07:00

Born and raised in Austin, Abigail Kreitler is a native of Texas. Having grown up during and experienced first hand the artistic boom of Austin, Kreitler is extremely familiar with the high caliber requirements demanded by professional productions. Kreitler graduated from Vassar College in 2008 as a Geology major and currently lives and works in Austin, TX as a medical assistant and freelance artist. Her interests have allowed her to frequently travel and familiarize herself with the state of Texas and its diverse characteristics and make-up. As an outdoors enthusiast, Kreitler is very familiar with the Ranch lifestyle and offerings throughout the southwest of Texas.

Brian Hedden - Behind the Scenes Documentarian

2009-03-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

Brian Hedden graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Film and Television. He has directed and produced many short films including, most recently, Horses Eat Each Other (2009), starring Louise Lasser. Hedden is fascinated by work that is not only dramatically compelling in its own right, but also political in nature and in relation to the world at large. This summer, he will be producing the play, New Beulah, written by Dan Moyer for the Manhattan Repertoire Theater Festival and the Planet Connections Theater Festival. As Documentarian, Hedden is very excited to be a part of this Shoot the Sky Production.

Sean McCormick - Location Sound Recordist

2009-03-07T15:59:00.001-08:00

Sean McCormick is a native of Texas with over 15 years of digital audio acquisition and manipulation experience. With strong roots in the music industry, McCormick has worked on both location and post-production sound for well over 30 films and videos. Starting in 2000, McCormick has been an in-house audio and video recording/editing/output resource for a major educational publisher and has since moved into location and post-production audio as a full-time freelancer. McCormick currently resides in Austin, TX where he owns and operates an extensive amount of filmic sound technology.