A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal visual effects update

Director Joshua Siegel gives an advance look at the fairies of "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal"

Indiegogo update

Hey guys,

The Midsummer crew is hard at work on visual effects. Here's concept art and animation of one of the fairies. Not your traditional type but deadly non-the-less

And here's the same concept put to animation:

As always your contribution to our Post production campaign is much appreciated and don't forget to spread the word on this great project.

Midsummer Nighmare: Post Production Campaign

We're almost there. Check out the video below to see a sneak peak of the much anticipated short film: A Midsummer Nightmare: The Betrayal. If you want more information you can always go to our indiegogo site. Enjoy!!!

indiegogo post production campaign from jeffmoore on Vimeo.

Small clip from A MIDSUMMER NIGHTMARE: THE BETRAYAL

This small snippet from the upcoming short film includes a temp audio track and visual effects. Make sure to go to our FACEBOOK page and "like" it.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

http://midsummerfilm.blogspot.com

http://bit.ly/ifpdntAMSN

https://www.facebook.com/AMidsummerNightmare

New horror film inspired by William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream to shoot in Butte County in… well… Midsummer.

Chico, Ca 4/11/2011 Two years ago, a group of local artists got together and used the natural beauty of Butte County to create a horror film. The result was the feature length gore-fest "Bloodwood". The film screened at the El Rey Theater last year in front of a full house and was distributed by Eagle One Media with a new title. "Bloodwood Cannibals" can now be found in such online stores as Target, Best Buy, and can be downloaded from iTunes.

Now writer/director Joshua Siegel has reteamed with old friends to bring more splatter to the Chico area. The film, titled "A Midsummer Nightmare – The Betrayal", is a fantasy horror based on Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and is set to begin filming in Butte County on June 15th.

The filmmakers are raising post-production funds for this project through the Independent Film Project and have been promoting the effort via social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Director Joshua Siegel says, “This film will showcase local talent, and the fund raising campaign is a fun way to get the public involved. People can get exclusive perks related to the movie and be part of the project just by contributing a few dollars. These grass roots efforts are essential to independent films. I hope our work will bring more film productions to Butte County.”

Producer L. Jeffrey Moore added, “Raising money by way of crowd funding gives the viewing public control over the types of entertainment they want to see. The Production staff has worked tirelessly in bringing fresh ideas to 'Midsummer' in the hopes that the viewing public will be confident in contributing their hard earned money towards this project.”

Those familiar with “Bloodwood Cannibals” will be treated to some familiar faces in "A Midsummer Nightmare – The Betrayal". Kate Forsyth Corey, who starred in “Bloodwood Cannibals”, will be playing Queen Titania. King Oberon will be played by Kate's on screen nemesis “Big Papa” Joe Calavita.

Another Chico resident and former Bloodwood Cannibal is Braidon Thorn, who will be giving up his thirst for human blood to play one of "the good guys". New to the cast is Butte County native Dedeker "Becky" Winston, now a working actress in Los Angeles. Becky will be playing the story’s sword wielding lady warrior.

Chico residents and other fantasy and thriller fans around the world who want to be part of the mayhem and contribute their tax deductible donations are encouraged to visit the Independent Film Project link http://bit.ly/ifpdntAMSN and the film's website: www.midsummerfilm.com

Visual Effects Artist Tracy Chen

The Makers of A MIDSUMMER NIGHTMARE: THE BETRAYAL is pleased to announce Tracy Chen as our visual effects artist. Check out her reel below or go here to visit her website.

Post Production and Beyond

Now that Principle photography is done and I've had a chance to recover with sleep and being with my family, the time has come to begin post production on our project. Our projected budget through our fundraising campaign was not met, however we were still able to meet a majority of our goals with little sacrifice to production value.

As we head into post production we just wanted to let all of you know that it's not too late to contribute. Through our fiscal sponsorship with Independent Film Project, you are still able to contribute and write it off on your taxes. We are still honoring incentives like the ones through our indiegogo campaign so simply put: the more you give the more you get.

The filmmakers would like to thank all of you who has taken the time and money to support our production. We are truly grateful and we encourage you to check back with us from time to time through our blog and our facebook page (make sure to like it). Don't forget to pass this along to others and we'll SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES!!!

Lj Moore

KHSL CBS FEATURES MIDSUMMER

IFP contribution

A HUGE thank you to to Pete and Rosemary Cronkright of Old Skool Motorcycles for a contribution of $500 through our fiscal sponsorship page. http://bit.ly/kjrbdm

Another Funder

Thank you to Dennis Flynn for his $50 contribution through Indiegogo.

Scott Brown as "Calvin" in "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal"

Scott Brown as Calvin, an American member of the Order of St. George who transported an enchanted book from Texas to San Francisco after the fall of the Alamo. Calvin has spent years traveling the American frontier, seeking supernatural creatures for the Order to exterminate. He carries a long hunting knife and a six-shooter that is often loaded with silver tipped bullets.

An award winning actor and filmmaker, Scott Brown has had a 20 year passion for the visual and performing arts. Originally from Los Angeles, Scott has been pursuing that passion in Northern California producing such films as The Intermission Man, Shakespeare's Dead and Little Boba. He continues to make films from his home with his family, friends and way too many animals.

Braidon Thorn as "Blake" in "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal".

Braidon Thorn as "Blake", a mercenary and bounty hunter. Blake was hired as protection during the hunt for a protected cave. He has a fast draw and good aim but can be clumsy.

Braidon Thorn discovered a strong interest in both acting and film making at an early age while observing on set as a scene for a popular television show was being filmed. His interest eventually became a passion as he became involved in various stage productions. Braidon has appeared in a number of independent films including "Bloodwood Cannibals" (Arcadian Entertainment) and "Lesser Miracles" (Film Future) as well as National Geographic Channel's "The Witch Hunters Bible" (Hoff Productions).

New Contributor

Thank you to Michael Luna for his contribution to A Midsummer Nightmare!

To make a contribution of any amount (and get cool perks in return) please visit our IndieGogo page.

http://bit.ly/hl7Jfd

Robert Donnelly as "Thomas" in "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal"

Robert Donnelly as Thomas, an Englishman sent to California by the Order of St. George. Charged with hiding an enchanted book forever, he is completely dedicated to his mission. Though he carries a revolver, Thomas has spent most of his life in libraries studying ancient texts.


Robert Donnelly has participated in more than sixty theatre and stage productions, and practiced singing and music over the past forty years. His range includes drama, comedy and musicals, and has included on-stage roles, tech, direction, chorus and dancing. His additional experience has included extensive voice over work and video media production.

Robert has recently held roles in two indie short films produced in
association with CiAO (The Consortium of indies, Artistes and Others).

Tax Deductible Donations

Beginning today donations to A Midsummer Nightmare can be 100% deductible through IFP.org.

Contact producer Steve Everson for details.

steve@steveleverson.com

The newest funder

A HUGE thank you to Phil Chidel for donating to our IndieGogo campaign!

The support of our friends, family, and fans is essential to making our short movie "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal". Please keep spreading the word and sharing the link.

http://bit.ly/hl7Jfd

Thank you!

A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal cast swings into action

Watch actors Braidon Thorn and Brent Boyd of "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal" swing into action!

Meet the Cast

Meet the “good guys” of A Midsummer Nightmare – The Betrayal.

• Robert Donnelly as Thomas
• Brent Boyd as Jeb
• Braidon Thorn as Blake
• Scott Brown as Calvin

A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal location tests

Director Joshua Siegel shows off several forest locations for "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal" with help from Darren Courtney.

Reverse Sword Hit test

Director Joshua Siegel filmed a test shot with a Canon point & shoot to see if "reverse acting" would be an effective way of filming a quick decapitation. Watch the results!

Another funder

A belated THANK YOU to Stephanie Lind for donating to our IndieGogo campaign!

The support of our friends, family, and fans is essential to making our short movie "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal". Please keep spreading the word and sharing the link.

http://bit.ly/hl7Jfd

Thank you!

Film-Method Podcast

Today, Film-method.com released their latest podcast episode. They were nice enough to promote the Midsummer Nightmare crowd funding campaign. Be sure to subscribe to their Podcast. It has great info for indie filmmakers!

http://bit.ly/kwpOZE

or download the episode here!

Episode 69

D.P. Demo Reel!

Check out the Demo Reel from A Midsummer Nightmare's Cinematographer Vitalie Ungureanu!


A clear sign of GREAT things to come from this project!

Midsummer welcomes Dedeker Winston to the Cast as The Feyist!

Yes, I know that the Feyist picture is already up, but we thought it would be nice to actually show everyone what Dedeker actually looks like. (My fault - Steve).

Dedeker Winston has been acting, dancing, or performing for most of her life. She graduated from CSU Chico with a BA in Theatre Arts and shortly afterward relocated to LA to act professionally. She has recently made appearances in SpikeTV's "1000 Ways to Die" and The Discovery Channel's "The Science of Fear". She is currently in production for a new comedic television pilot, "$1 Book Heaven."

Midsummer welcomes editor/colorist Mike Wilhelm to the Team.

Mike Wilhelm has been involved in shooting and editing video for nearly fifteen years. He is motivated by a passion for visual storytelling. In 2005 Mike graduated from California State University Chico with a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Design. For the past five years, Mike has worked as a professional television commercial producer. Throughout his career, Mike has produced hundreds of television commercials, as well as assisted on and off set for local cinematic projects.

The Feyist

Here is the first look at a character from A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal!

Ms. Dedeker Winston as "The Feyist"

Stay Tuned for More Updates!!!

New Contributors on Indiegogo

THANK YOU to the newest contributors to "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal": Sadie Agueda, Claudia Calhoon, and Gary Siegel.

My dad is the first to contribute at the Producer level, putting $1,000 into the effort! He's always supported my artistic endeavors and I'm so thankful that he's supporting my newest movie this way.

Every dollar helps, so please consider making a contribution on our Indiegogo page. You'll be supporting independent film, and you'll get some cool exclusive perks.

Can't afford to make a contribution? You can still help us by telling others about "A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal" and our fundraising effort.

Thank you!

- Joshua Siegel

Another Funder

Thank you Andrew Jervis for your contribution to A Midsummer Nightmare- The Betrayal. Make your contribution here: A-Midsummer-Nightmare

Another Funder

A huge thanks to Adam Bruns, the latest donator for A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal.

Another Funder

A big thank you to Susan Musgrove for her donation to A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal. Thank you Susan.

Another Funder

A big thank you to Leilani Metry for her donation to A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal. Thank you Leilani.

Another Funder

A big thank you to Rebecca Rhodes for her contributions to A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betryal.

Another Funder

Special thanks to Jennifer Moore for her donation toward A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal. Thanks Jennifer!

First Funder

A Huge thank you to our first funder, Heidi Nalley. I am proud to say that I had the opportunity to work with Heidi in years past. What a great start to a great campaign. THANKS HEIDI!

Everyone! Checkout the Indiegogo page for A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal. This short film will be shot this summer and we could really use YOUR help! Pass it along!


We will be aggressively promoting this, so Please Help Out!

Now Casting in Northern California

"A Midsummer Nightmare - The Betrayal" is a dark fantasy / horror short film inspired by Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. After being trapped within a magical book for over 250 years, the Faerie Court is accidentally freed in 1865 in a California forest. Three cowboys fight to survive a swarm of angry faeries and the murderous prankster called Puck.

We will be filming in Butte County, Northern California in June for 5 days and 1 night.

Please visit our Casting Page for a list of available roles and how to apply.

The Midsummer welcomes Renee Boyd to the crew

Renee Boyd is coming aboard as Assistant Director for "A Midsummer Nightmare: The Betrayal."

Renee has worked with several local community live theaters for the last 10 years as performer, stage manager, and technical crew. She especially enjoys designing and building sets and props. In September 2010 her directorial debut in the theater was on Evil Dead, The Musical at the Chico Cabaret, where she doubled as Special Effects Director.

In 2008 she became more interested in independent films and was involved in short films as cast and/or crew for The Mistake and Bloodwood Cannibals. She is a member of CiAO, a group of people interested in independent film, and is currently on the production staff organizing the “Show Us Your Shorts Film Festival” at the Chico Cabaret to be held in August.

Midsummer Welcomes Ipek Kemahlioglu our new Production Designer

The Midsummer Production Department is constantly growing. A few days ago Joshua, Steve and myself have met with Ipek and we believe she will be a great fit for our production. Read on to find out more about her.


BIOGRAPHY
I was born in 1983 in Izmir, Turkey. I spent all my childhood in Izmir and studied in American Collegiate Institude (ACI) through middle and high school. I got my first bachelor’s degree from Sabanci University on visual communication design. I got interested in motion pictures during this period. By the time I graduated from college in 2006, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in film productions. In the summer of 2006, I got a job at Atlantik Film in Istanbul. I worked as assistant director and assistant art director in television commercials for a year until I took part in the feature film by Reha Erdem. I worked as second assistant director and assistant art director for his film Hayat Var. In the summer of 2008, I decided to concentrate on art direction and further my knowledge on the subject matter. I enrolled in Academy of Arts, San Francisco in Spring 2009. I am completing my second bachelor’s degree concentrating on Production Design in Spring 2011, looking forward to work in art departments for films.

Welcome to the Midsummer Crew Robin!!!

The Midsummer NIghtmare Crew would like to welcome our newest team member: Robin Rosselli. Robin is a make-up fx goddess here in the Bay area and she is AMAZING! I met Robin when I asked her to be a part of my production team on a short film I directed called: "The Experiment". Since then I knew I wanted to keep working with her, because of her passion and tremendous talent. To check out her work click HERE. and HERE. .