Death By Fruitcake wrapped just before noon on Saturday (Aug. 31), after eleven days of an intense but fun shoot. A great cast, headed up by Paula Sands, Alisabeth Von Presley and Rob Merritt, came through and then some. The small crew, led by Chad Bishop, moved fast and furious and created great images. The rest of the behind-the-scenes bunch, helmed by one Barbara Collins and the indefatigable Jodi Hansen, kept the cast happy, on time, and well-fed. It was one of the most satisfying shoots I’ve ever been on.
It’s not quite over. We have a day of shooting at Meg’s Vintage Collective antique shop, filling in for Brandy and Vivian’s Serenity, Iowa, shop in the script (and all those Barbara Allan-bylined books by Barb and me). And my buddy Phil Dingeldein is coming aboard when things get Fall-ish to shoot some Second Unit exterior photography.
But the body of the film is done, and Chad Bishop (the d.p. and one of the producers) will begin editing soon with me in the editing suite with him, causing trouble.
I couldn’t be happier. My 76-year-old frame held up just fine, to my wife’s amazement (and, frankly, my own).
More later. For now, take a gander at a few of the photos that star Rob Merrit snagged during the shoot.
Paula Sands and Rocky Raccoon.
Robert Merrit (Tony Cassato), Paula Sands (Vivian Borne), Max Allan Collins, Alisabeth Von Presley (Brandy Borne).
M.A.C. directing Keith Porter (Victor Forman).
Director of Photography Chad Bishop getting Cassidy Ptacek (Kimberly) in focus.
Tommy Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt (Miguel).
In the prop area, Barbara Collins gives Baby Jesus the heave ho to borrow some of the hay in His manager.
Paula Sands as Vivian Borne ponders a clue.
The cast of “The Fruitcake That Saved Christmas” react.
The lovely Brandy (Alisabeth Von Presley) and her mother Vivian (Paula Sands).
Director of Photography Chad Bishop.
Tracy Pelzer-Timm (Martha; wardrobe), Jodi Hansen (continuity) and Barb Collins (Production Manager).
Alisabeth Von Presley and Barb Collins.
Alisabeth Von Presley and Paula Sands.
Rene Mauck (Louise Lamont).
The Kickstarter for True Noir: The Assassination of Anton Cermak (from the casebooks of Nathan Heller) has 9 days to go! If you enjoy my work, please jump on board.
M.A.C.
Tags: Antiques, Barbara Allan, Death by Fruitcake, Trash 'n' Treasures
Great photos, thank you! Looking forward to the film. Lol, gotta ask… as film is a visual medium, did you make some artistic adjustments to the adaptation and make Vivian a bit younger than in the books and also ditch her comically large and thick-lensed glasses, thinking maybe they were “too much”? If so, quite understandable and no problem. Good luck with the final stages.
Have you already had any coverage on KWQC since Paula Sands spent many years there or are you waiting for a date closer to the release of the movie? She’s an amazing choice for Vivian. I can only imagine how you talked her into it.