READ THROUGH
They say in this film business “it’s all about who you know”… well, it is my belief that along with that, you also have to have follow-through, persistence, and be in the right place at the right time in order to meet the ‘people to know’.
In the Fall of 2006, Brian Wessell and Larry Zeis were working as volunteers at the St. Louis International Film Festival. I was helping out as a Venue Captain for the festival, and during the down time got talking to these guys. They talked about some films they had made documenting ski trips they had been on and other creative ventures. Knowing that we were going to be filming Shadowland that following spring, I told the guys to send me their info and keep in touch if they were interested in helping out.
Despite our start date getting pushed back a few times, Brian and Larry kept in touch, let me know they were definitely interested, and eventually they became our Behind The Scenes Production Team. The two of them shot over fifty hours of footage, capturing the making of Shadowland. The documentary they assembled is one of the Bonus Features on the DVD, and will eventually be posted on this blog. (The documentary “Beneath The Soil” is also where I got the name for this behind the scenes blog!)
Stephanie Kronenberg (Sister) embodies some of the traits a producer looks for in an actor. She had originally tried out for the lead, Laura. She wasn’t quite right for that part, but we really liked her. Three days before filming began, the role of the sister opened up when the actress the part was written for was suddenly unavailable. We called up Stephanie and asked if she would be interested. With literally three days to prepare, Stephanie showed up ready to go and did a fantastic job, happy to be part of the project, even after being turned down for the lead.
Brock Roberts (Police Officer) is one of those great guys who is wonderful to work with, and we have, several times.
Brian Wessel, Larry Zeis, Brock Roberts, Stephanie Kronenberg
[Photo: BreaPhotography.com, June 13, 2007]
Beneath the Soil 
Hey Gayle! I had a blast working on this doc. I wish more movies were made in St. Louis.
We’ll keep you posted!!!
You guys did such a fantastic job on that doc! And honestly, Wyatt and I have yet to sit down and wade through the raw footage (so glad that you guys were there to do that!!!)