L R Squared Productions

Music Video Magic

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:31:00 -0400

An L R Squared Production.

Directed by Stephen Gibson, Goodbye details a love triangle which unfolds against the backdrop of the beautiful 1950’s south. Throw in a birthday party, the musical stylings of the talented Tiffany Kemp, and the most hardworking film crew in the business, Goodbye is sure to surprise.

While I can’t give away all the mystery, I can share a few set photos shot by Rex Yau. More information to come.

Goodbye
starring: Kristi Ray + Jeremy Bonham + Vanelle
produced by: John Cleveland + Lauren Nicole
directed by: Stephen Gibson
cinematography: Amos Kelso + Rex Yau
wardrobe by: Luis Machicao

In an interview with The Cutting Room Floor, filmmaker Stephen...

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:54:00 -0400

In an interview with The Cutting Room Floor, filmmaker Stephen Gibson talks with host Casey Ryan about Fall of the Hunter’s Moon, his experiences as a newcomer on the indie scene, creating projects on a low budget, the North Carolina film community, and much more.

For more on The Cutting Room Floor, visit http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/81947

LR2 TO LEAD PANEL DISCUSSION AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:32:00 -0400

L R Squared Productions hosts Micro-Budget, Major Film, a panel discussion led by indie filmmaker Stephen Gibson. Held on the campus of Morehouse College, Gibson and producer John Cleveland will discuss their latest feature Fall of the Hunter’s Moon and the changing landscape of independent film.

If you will be in the greater Atlanta area on April 21st, please join us at 7:00 p.m. for this wonderful event.

My Life in Music: Composer Marcus Brown

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:15:49 -0400

My background in music began with the piano at age six. Like many, I found myself in love with Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and “Für Elise”. I couldn’t get enough of beautiful piano pieces, despite a host of strict piano teachers. I continued playing however, attempting to wrap my mind around how composers created. At age 11, I begged my dad to buy me my first trumpet and from then on, my musical world opened up to other genres. I commenced interpreting and writing parts for music around the age of 12, influenced by the sounds of the big band composers and bandleaders ranging from Duke Ellington to Glen Miller. Since childhood and thereon, I have retained the pursuit of developing and composing music, namely original music.

I have recently been slated as composer for Fall of the Hunter’s Moon, along with Sandy Herrault, arising from a fortuitous encounter with filmmaker Stephen Gibson. Gibson, who listened to the budding elements of my upcoming album, offered me an opportunity to explore my first foray in composition for a feature-length film.

I am currently developing the leitmotif for FOTHM by studying the background of the characters and the music that would seem to fit them. Despite the medium, I approach composing through the eyes of my musical influences, likely to be best described as “engaging a virtual musical avatar”. In this case, I am attracted to the works of composers and arrangers like Quincy Jones and Ennio Morricone as well as those who faithfully write for film such as Alan Silvestri, Hans Zimmer, and John Williams. Their music spans generations and has transformed how film is perceived. I listen to and study their compositions and ask myself ‘How would they do this?’

Recurring themes are probably my strongest skill as a writer of music. I love the notion of arpeggiation that disappears into a composition, but yet continues to guide or even direct the composition. I am attracted to FOTHM because of the varying thematic elements where I can utilize my musical abilities. The film contains protagonist internal and external conflict, mystery, myth, life and death, and even fantasy. Although each character will have their own musical identity, Gibson’s vision is to bring together all the musical themes at a point during the film. This is excitingly challenging and elaborate.

Film represents an opportunity to reach across borders and boundaries. I have traveled to places in the world to include Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. I have watched many films, without subtitles, in a completely different language that I did not speak. Where language or barriers otherwise exist, the music within a film has the tendency to explain. The music brought me closer to the characters and I was led as a result to understand what the director intended.

I absolutely adore the art of filmmaking and of course am inextricably attached to music. I am honored to have been asked to compose for Fall of the Hunter’s Moon.

My Life in Music: Composer Sandy Herrault

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:00:00 -0500

Some of the most important moments in my life have been when someone asked me a question. When I was 7 years old, a teacher in the Philadelphia public school system queried, “What instrument would you like to play?” I answered with the only name of an instrument I knew, “violin.” This started a pursuit of perfection on the instrument and an involvement in area-wide student and adult orchestras in Philly. After graduating high school, I attended West Virginia University as a violin major.

Years later when I joined a Celtic Rock band, one of my band-mates asked me, “Can you write parts for these pieces?” “Yes,” I answered though I really had no experience at the time. The next 12 years were filled with writing fiddle parts and solos for various types of bands. The genres I became familiar with kept expanding. I currently perform with a modern Celtic Americana band, The Merrows, www.myspace.com/themerrowsband

When I developed an interest in making music for film, I had no idea how to start. One day I was jamming with a guitarist outside an office building, when I met Composer Marcus Brown. We discussed music composition for film and Marcus asked me, “Can you write for multiple instruments?” “Yes,” I replied, thinking, well, I’ve actually never done that, but I should try. That led to a discovery; if I can envision what I want around a melody line, I can create it. I went home and immediately started using my composing program to write for up to three instruments. Then I expanded it, up to seven individual harmony parts. Yes!

I came to another crossroads when my husband posed a question while I was writing my fourth book of music for violinists. I decided it should have piano accompaniment. My husband asked me, “Can’t you write your own piano parts?” I contemplated and responded, “I don’t know, it won’t be easy.” I should know by now to listen carefully when I hear those life changing questions! I tried and I am happy to say I wrote the piano parts for Smart Violin Method Book Four, which is going to print in early March 2011. Details coming soon on www.smartviolin.com

I recently met Filmmaker Steve Gibson, Jr., and was inspired to write music for the Fall of the Hunter’s Moon trailer. Now Steve has asked Marcus and me, “Can you compose the score for the film?”

In Fall of the Hunter’s Moon, John ES Richardson plays the Shaman of the White Eye Clan, the...

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:53:00 -0500

In Fall of the Hunter’s Moon, John ES Richardson plays the Shaman of the White Eye Clan, the evil antagonist of the Hunter. A member of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe, his lineage shapes who he is today. Below, he shares some of his history with our tumblr audience.

***

Haliwa-Saponi (Saponi means : people of the Red Earth or Red Earth people) are a group of American Indian people who migrated from Fort Christanna in Virginia to “The Meadows” which includes Warren, Halifax, Nash, and Franklin Counties of North Carolina. Native origins descending from Saponi, Nansmond, Tutelo, and Tuscarora Indians give the people its tribal foundation.

According to the 2000 Census, Haliwa-Saponi is the 3rd largest tribe in NC with approximately 3800 people. They hold the largest and oldest pow wow in the state of North Carolina each year. The Tribe also has a strong government and active community involvement in local, state and national Indian Affairs and issues concerning its people.

Haliwa-Saponi tribe serves its native community with programs such as economic development, meal sites, day care, housing programs, educational classes and workshops. Haliwa-Saponi members have established a K-12 charter school in Hollister, NC, where tribal arts, foods, and language are being taught in addition to general educational requirements.

More information can be found at:

http://www.doa.nc.gov/cia/index.htm

www.haliwa-saponi.com

Fall of the Hunter’s Moon Back Story Featurette

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 12:47:00 -0500

Fall of the Hunter’s Moon Back Story Featurette

Women of the Moon. LR2 wanted to highlight some of the...

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:03:00 -0500

Women of the Moon. LR2 wanted to highlight some of the gorgeous, talented, hardworking women of Fall of the Hunter’s Moon.

Behind the Moon: Director of Photography Chris Medico

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:01:00 -0500

Q: Tell us a little about your alter ego, Chef Medico?

A: Chef Medico grew out of a basic love of life. The original reason for attending culinary school was one part of a plan to change careers and run a Bed & Breakfast in the mountains of North Carolina. That plan fell apart when my first marriage ended. I have since decided to use my cooking skills to help others escape the trappings of fast food. I have strong opinions about making things at home versus using unhealthy conveniences. What I’ve learned along the way is that food can be so many things. Food can be comforting. It can be sensual. It can be entertainment. It does more than just sustain our bodies. It brings people together. It challenges and tickles some of our most primal and emotional senses. I enjoy being able to work with people in the kitchen and show them how easy it is to cook something completely delicious and in turn make better food choices. I’ve especially enjoyed working with kids and teaching them how to cook. It’s something I hope to continue for a very long time.

Q: If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: With all the great things out there to eat settling on just one would be torture. If I did have to choose only one it might be a thick, juicy, medium rare cheeseburger. With bacon. EVERYTHING is better with bacon. Hmm… Maybe I should reconsider my stance on healthy eating from the first question. I sound a bit hypocritical here.

Q: Haha, so then how’d you get into movie making?

A: I’ve always been interested in images. I am a very visual person. The quest to capture compelling images is a serious passion. My main outlet for that endeavor over the last 25 or so years has been still photography. It was only natural to expand into moving pictures. I found out about FOTHM via social networking. I sent Steve some of my previous work and had a few long telephone conferences discussing how we could overcome the challenges of shooting a horror movie at night with no budget. I guess you could say I talked my way into the job. It turned out to be a good fit and a great experience.

Q: What was your favorite part of shooting FOTHM?

A: Hands down my favorite part of the experience was how everyone worked together. With such a small crew everyone had to jump in and do multiple jobs. We worked very long days, at times under unpleasant conditions, but no one gave up or complained. As an example of the dedication, at one point during the production Director Gibson was running audio boom. That is not exactly in a Director’s normal scope of work. There were no “Divas” on the set. It was great.

Q: Name a movie that you would have wished you had a hand in, production wise. Why?

A: Easy - Forrest Gump. This movie had great visuals displaying an area of the country that I find absolutely beautiful (Charleston, SC). It used special effects in a very different way from many effects heavy movies. Putting the movies characters into known historic events had to be more difficult than say - creating a space alien. I would have loved to be on the production team for that movie.

Q: Elements of fear and horror are definitely present in FOTHM. What scares you?

A: I’m not afraid of the normal stuff like monsters or snakes. The things that scare most people fascinate me. My fears revolve around those dark areas of the human mind. I fear things like apathy.

Q: How would you describe working with Director Stephen Gibson?

A: Steve is a cool guy. I enjoyed being around his energy and enthusiasm. He has a great work ethic. When I sat down and read the script, I could see immediately there was real talent there. When we talked about shooting the film, things really clicked between us. People saw our interactions and thought we were long time friends even though we had only met a couple of weeks earlier. By the time we wrapped the shooting, I felt like a member of the family. Steve and his whole family are some of the best and most down to earth people I’ve ever met. I look forward to the next project we can work on together.

Q: FOTHM has a multicultural cast and it was a very diverse set. How do you feel about the progress of race relations in America?

A: The crew, both in front and behind the camera, proved we don’t have to let race or other differences be a factor in how we treat each other and work together. In contrast, even as far as society has come from our darkest days of race relations, there is still plenty of room for improvement. I propose that if society in general worked as well together and with as much openness and honesty as our crew did, then the world would without question be a better place to live.

Q: What is the biggest lesson FOTHM taught you?

A: That with the right people and a good script you CAN shoot a feature length movie worth watching in a very short time and with a microscopic budget.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?

A: The best advice I’ve ever received was from my dad. He told me that when we accept “No” or “I can’t” as the answer, we are cheating ourselves out of an opportunity for growth. The lesson I took away from that is we can’t be afraid of change or from the threat of failure. We should make a point to push beyond our comfort zone and continuously improve ourselves. I work to live up to that in every thing I do.

The Behind the Moon Series highlights the Cast, Crew, L R Squared Productions, Family & Friends supporting FOTHM. Check back weekly for new interviews.

Behind the Moon: Casting Director Allison Gaines

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:46:00 -0500

Q: Your name is Allison, those close to you call you Ally, do you have any other nicknames?

A: Oh too many! Al, A, Ally-Cat is a favorite- Lemon Drop was recently added.

Q: What were you like growing up, were you more of the dress-up girly girl or a rough and tough tomboy?

A: I was the rough and tough tomboy wearing bright red lipstick.

Q: What was your biggest challenge working on Fall of the Hunter’s Moon [FOTHM]?

A: Being a part of FOTHM was an amazing experience, however I could do without the 25-30 degree all nighters- I have thin blood. I can accomplish just about anything in warm weather.

Q: Was working on a Indie Feature something you ever envisioned for yourself? What do you think makes you perfect for your role on the team?

A: I never envisioned doing anything like this. But, it seemed to be a good fit because I am open to new adventures, and I love people. I’ve learned so much in a short amount of time. I enjoy the folks I work with and am learning from. I’ve been able to establish friendships from this experience. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Q: You’re from Ohio, Is Lebron the villain or the victim? The hero?

A: In Ohio, Lebron is the villain. [To] me personally, he rose to fame so quickly because he is an amazing ball player. I don’t fault him for having a big head; it’s sort of understandable in his situation, but I think he should just own the villain instead of trying to convince people otherwise. Just follow in Kobe’s footsteps. Be an ass and play some ball. Can I say that? (laughing)

Q: Haha. Yes- you can say that. So would you rather go a day without deodorant or a day without brushing your teeth? (sans breath mints, mouthwash, etc.)

A: I would have to say a day without deodorant. If you stay layered, it can be hidden. It’s difficult to go a day without talking.

Q: Describe the character in FOTHM that seems most like you. Why?

A: The character in FOTHM that seems most like me… hmmm… I honestly can’t pick just one. It would have to be a mixture of characters. Suzy is a sweet, easygoing charmer. Alicia is the fashionista that wouldn’t be caught dead in the country and Julian let’s his heart lead him.

Q: Is there a unique family tradition you can share with us?

A: When I was younger, my mom would wake myself and my siblings up on Christmas morning playing piano music. That was our cue to come downstairs and open presents- on that cue, my twin would throw up. Every Christmas, never failed. I guess that’s more of a memory.

Q: In your wildest dreams, where do you want to see the movie go?

A: In my wildest dreams, I want the movie to be seen not just all over the country, but in multiple countries. I think the concept for the film is so unique. To see how excited people are at just this stage with only a promotional documentary and a back story featurette, excites me. Considering the limited resources we had to work with, FOTHM is… phenomenal. So many people have demonstrated their love and support in different ways- I can only hope that will continue. Film festivals, premieres, the whole nine. I see L R Squared Productions going very far.

Q: Seriously, what is up with the dumplings?

A: Chris Medico* did this to me!!!! Hahaha I have never tasted anything more delicious and the fact that I’m realizing I actually can make it myself makes it so much worse. My sister told me I have “food obsession tendencies.” I really never thought about it until these dumplings came into my life. I’ll make some for you- you’ll see what I mean.

*Chris Medico is our wonderful Director of Photography.

The Behind the Moon Series highlights the Cast, Crew, L R Squared Productions, Family & Friends supporting FOTHM. Check back weekly for new interviews.

Newly Updated FOTHM Website!!

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:38:00 -0500

Check out the newly renovated website for Fall of the Hunter’s Moon. And drop us a line or two in the Contact Us box!

Native Hunter and Turtle Clan Village

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:35:00 -0500

Native Hunter and Turtle Clan Village

The man in this 'Moon' wants to work magic - CharlotteObserver.com

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:33:55 -0500

The man in this 'Moon' wants to work magic - CharlotteObserver.com:

Front Page article on Director Stephen Gibson, Jr. and Fall of the Hunter’s Moon.

Special Thanks to The Charlotte Observer and Writer Lawrence Toppman.

Fall of the Hunter’s Moon Promotional Documentary

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500

Fall of the Hunter’s Moon Promotional Documentary

Welcome from L R Squared Productions!!

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:25:39 -0500

The Staff of L R Squared Productions, LLC would like to welcome you to our Tumblr page. Currently, L R Squared is in post-production on our first feature, Fall of the Hunter’s Moon. Our Tumblr will provide movie updates, trailers, insider looks, interviews, and much more. Follow us and stay tuned!!