Filmmaking | Reports

Ready! Action! Kill!

1 Jun , 2001  

Written by Alex Rapp | Posted by:

Roger Corman helps a first time feature-film director and producer make their own 'slasher' film.

These words from assistant director Jack Bradley were among the first I heard on the set, leaving no doubt what kind of film was being made today. Immediately, a young man dressed in black popped out from behind a doorway and firmly wrapped his hands around a pretty blonde woman’s neck.

The man was Ciaran Crawford (pronounced Karen), local actor and lead strangler in the new, somewhat unique film production, "The Strangler’s Wife," being shot this day in an old home in Dorchester.

Of course in Boston, a town better know for "intellectual works" like indie art films and documentaries, it’s no surprise crew members did try to put a bit of a spin on this work. "Really, it’s about a repressed woman, who [while discovering her husband is a serial killer,] turns into a confident human being," explained director Michael Allosso. Others cited the wonderful, historic parallels with the Boston Strangler.

And I suppose this all could be partially true. But the simple fact is, it’s a slasher film, with the money (under a million dollars of it) coming from the king of low budget slasher films himself, Roger Corman.

In fact, the only thing that really makes this slasher film different is the

way it’s being made. Produced by the folks at Cityscape Motion Picture Education, the film is a serious production and educational experience. On hand throughout the entire film process are a number of apprentices — people who are paid a small fee to learn first-hand what it means to be a director, cinematographer, editor, or any other position they choose. No experience required, just a willingness to learn, and to show up for about 8 to 10 consecutive days. It’s an experiment for sure, but so far the results have been positive.

"This has been fantastic," said directing apprentice Dan Thron, a computer filmmaker by trade. "Without a doubt, I’ve learned more than I’ve learned in any film class in my life."

And the apprentices are not the only folks who can learn from being on the set of a low budget film.

The director himself asserts the low budget model has taught him a great deal about compromise. Specifically, "…when not to give up on what I want, and when I should." Adding that in general, he’ll "…give up anything that isn’t going to further the story along."

Yet, despite the fact that this is day 24 into director Michael Allosso’s first feature film, he is showing no signs of wear. In fact, it would seem that this guy never gets tired. He bounces around in between takes, and talks easily with cast, crew, and even this visiting journalist as if we were family. Judging from his explicit description to apprentice Dan the details of the next shot — a close up of an apple being knocked to the floor by the dying woman, grasping for life — you can tell he is enjoying himself.

Naturally, on the opposite side of the spectrum, is co-producer Laura Wilson. A first time feature film producer, she is feeling the effects of the constant strain of time and money. Proud to point out that the shoot so far has gone on schedule and "mostly" on budget, Laura, however, has her disasters to deal with. Most notably, it seems that two rolls of film came back scratched, and will need to be re-shot. Will she be relieved when it’s all over? "That’s putting it mildly," she laughs.

And how does Roger Corman fit into all of this? Well, first of all, he’s no stranger to educating young talent. In fact, he’s been credited with mentoring the likes of Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Peter Fonda, Bruce Dern, Diane Ladd, Talia Shire, Peter Bogdanovich, Robert DeNiro, Martin Scorsese, Sally Kirkland, Ron Howard, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Jonathan Demme, and James Cameron, to name a few. And all this over a career of producing over 300 films and directing 50 more with titles ranging from "Attack of the Giant Leeches" to "Slumber party massacre II," and of course, the legendary "Rock n’ Roll High School."

So, basically, Roger saw an opportunity to cultivate new talent in a new place. He provides the money and years of expertise, but mostly he’s been a hands-off manager.

"He left us alone, which is great. He gave us money and a distribution deal," explained Laura Wilson. "It’s almost like a challenge," she added, suggesting Roger was saying something like, "Here is a small sum of money, see what you can do with it." And if all turns out well, the possibility exists for additional, more expensive films down the line.

So, in the end, where is this film going to end up? Well, the producers decided to shoot on 35mm because of a slight chance of a theatrical release. Most likely, however, "The Strangler’s Wife, " starring Sarah Huling, Ciaran Crawford, Nivya Frabetti, and Christy Scott Cashman, will be a Saturday night special in the video store, sometime in the next year.