Introducing St. Louis' newest country sensation: Ashley Lusk!

Back in January, I had the privilege of working on the set of the first music video for teenage country artist, Ashley Lusk for her debut single: "Crazy For You." Produced by Tony Esterly and Luke Arens at Shock City Studios in St. Louis, MO, the song is a country/pop hybrid in the vein of Taylor Swift that emotes the kind of puppy dog love you can only find in middle school.

And that's exactly where we shot the video! Working with the amazing crew at Lamplight Films, the video was filmed enitrely in one day at LaSalle Springs Middle School, outside of Eureka, MO (about 30 mins West of St. Louis). The man behind the camera, was also the one calling the shots... Cinematographer, Chris Benson served as director, while Esterly and Arens moved out of the recording studio to help keep things organized on set. 

Being both a Director and Editor, this was a unique experience for me. I knew in advance that I wuld be editing the final product, so to actually be on set while the video was filming was a rare occurance, that I usually only have when it is one of my own productions. The ability to see the storyline unfolding during production allowed me to piece shots together in advance, and when it came time to cut... the edit was that much easier because of it. I sat down a few weeks later to begin the first draft of the video, and after a marathon 48 hours, I was convinced that I had it in the bag.

Its is extremely rare that a first cut is the one that sticks, but in the case of "Crazy For You" it was damn near close. The first showing to the Director and Producers was extremely well received, with very few changes needing to be made. And after another day of editing, the video was finalized - one of the fastest edits/approvals that I have experienced thus far in my career. 

On Tuesday, May 28th, the video premiered with a Release Party held at Shock City Studios, where the original track was recorded. In attendance were Ashley's family and friends, as well as industry professionals and members of the film crew (myself included). It was a true pleasure to be a part of this production, and I hope we get another chance soon on Ashley's next big single!

Thanks for viewing!

-P

"The Stakes" Premieres TONIGHT!!

Tonight is the NIGHT! (is the night).

After six loooong months in post-production, not to mention almost a year in conception,"The Stakes" (My FIRST major short film) will be seen for the first time ever TONIGHT!

I was told late last night that capacity is at 75%, so the walk up ticket sales should pretty much SOLD OUT before 7pm.

If you have not done so, please purchase you tickets in advance at:

SLFS "Fatal Call" - Thursday, July 12th 7PM

"The Stakes" will show before the Feature Presentation of Jack Snyder's "Fatal Call," a movie that I not only worked on, but also made the trailer for.

Make sure to get there EARLY for seats are LIMITED!

Here is the info:

THE STAKES / FATAL CALL
Thursday, July 12th The Tivoli Theatre
(6350 Delmar Blvd., University City, MO)
7pm, Tickets - $12

I hope to see you guys there!

-P

2 Days Until the Premiere of "The Stakes"

Last week, the University of Missouri - St. Louis released another article detailing the production of "The Stakes" and highlighting its premiere at The Tivoli Theatre in St. Louis this Thursday night.

The article interviews Producer, Joshua McNew and Writer, Jack Snyder about the inception of the film and how our team came about making it a reality.

"The film is the culmination of hard work by UMSL students and professionals, like Chris Benson, who owns the St. Louis-based production company Lamplight Films. He was the director of photography on the film and tasked with making it look like a high-quality movie."

You can read the full article HERE: Students pull out all stops to make ‘The Stakes’

-P

"The Stakes" Trailer - Finally Released!

Officially coming out THIS SUMMER, "The Stakes" will be hitting the big screen in a big way!
In the mean time check out the official trailer and ask yourself... "Are you willing to go ALL IN?"
-P

The Game - Production Begins

Whoah, sorry it's been a minute, but I had to take some time off for the Holidays and get my life together before filming begins on my next short film THIS WEEKEND.

Yes, after 4 months of develeopment, planning, a script change, two location changes, casting and rehearsals, we are finally ready to roll on the filming of "The Game."

Based on a short story by director and my personal mentor, Jack Snyder, "The Game" focuses on a group of blue-collared workers who play a dangerous prank that goes terribly wrong. We are extremely lucky to be working exclusively with Lamplight Films and Bad Dog Pictures out of St. Louis, as well as with Director of Photography Chris Benson (Up in the Air, Ghost Image, 23 Minutes to Sunrise).

The film stars all relatively up and coming actors from the St. louis area: Josh Thomas, Maurice Walters II, John Lewis and Aleh Neliubin. It is Produced by Joshua McNew, who has worked tirelessly over the last few months to keep this project on track and get it in front of the camera.

We are hoping for a limited premiere this Spring at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, who generously helped fund the project.

On behalf of myself and the rest of the crew, thanks so much for all of your continuing support.

Wish me luck,

-P