Greetings readers!  After a bit of a hiatus from posting any new material on this site, I am VERY pleased to report THAT will be changing this weekend, as several new film reviews will be posted over the course of the next 3-4 days.  HOWEVER, I am FIRST proud to bring you another EXCLUSIVE in the ongoing coverage of the making of the new indie paranormal thriller, “Urban Myths”, being brought to in partnership with Renee Shaw and ReSource Marketing.  For this new piece, I have my interview with the film’s writer, executive producer, AND director herself, Kim Marie, to whom I am extremely grateful for taking the time out of an assuredly busy filming schedule to give insights on her background, career journey, and taking on the supernatural in a fresh, life-lesson infused way.  So, with that “THANK YOU, KIM!” said, I give you the interview.

One Film Fan:  The story so far, how were you first drawn to the film/entertainment industry? When did it become evident that this was going to be your career choice?

Kim Marie:  I was first drawn to the film industry when I was very young. I loved being behind the camera and writing stories, telling them through my photographs and ‘home videos”. I was always driven to help community, stand up for rights of animals, children, seniors. Those who did not have a voice so to speak. I have always been purpose driven. I found after my pursuit in law enforcement, fire fighting I couldn’t serve my purpose to the level it burned inside of me. I was drawn to the film industry because there is no other industry in the world that you can be in thousands or millions of peoples home, all at one time, planting seeds, helping to make change, entertain, touch lives, and reach people on so many levels and emotions. That’s when I knew.

O.F.F.:  How did you further learn the various aspects you’re involved in to date (ie: mentors, influences, schooling)?

KM:  I started with schooling in my home town in Michigan at my local community college and shifted from criminal justice to theatre. During my transition to moving to LA, I had a private investigation/executive protection business working with various public figures. I was very blessed when I moved to LA. Found myself with an agent within my first 30 days of moving there, learning from an amazing writer mentor who taught at UCLA Script writing, former WGA President and amazing man. I also worked with various producers, actors, and learned every aspect of the business from production assistant, hair/makeup, etc.

O.F.F.:  What was the initial experience ACTING like in the 2007 indie drama film “Cosmic Radio”? What was learned from that effort?

KM:   I wore a couple different hats with that production. Acting was fun. It is definitely a passion for me. It’s the artist in me. I learned a lot about the industry from that experience. It was exciting living in the mountains of Idyllwild for 9 months. It’s a wonderful community, so much history and beauty as well as amazing hiking!

O.F.F.:  Before we get to THE film at hand, can you elaborate a little for us about your company, Mirror Dog Productions?

KM:  What can I say about Mirror Dog Productions… Love to see if your readers can decipher the meaning of the name! Be a great challenge or contest. As a company I hope to bring back movies and stories with morals, entertaining. Bring back the true integrity of what Hollywood films used to be, the magic, elegance, the story. Build a company for profit that can help support various causes and charitable businesses. It’s a wonderful platform for change.

O.F.F.:  So, onto your current project, “Urban Myths”, currently filming…..What drew you to make this film?  

KM:  My passion to bring a message and plant seeds in people of all ages through entertainment.       

O.F.F.:  As the writer, producer, AND director of the project, how has it been early on wearing all 3 “hats”?

KM:  Wearing all three hats on a low budget indie film was very challenging on every level. Imagine having dozens of people coming to you with different questions all at once from catering, hair/makeup, wardrobe, script, lighting, camera, direction for actors, etc. 

O.F.F.:  How was the process to assemble the cast you’ve brought together, including Lou Ferrigno, Jr., Courtney Gains, Kassandra Voyagis, Joe Estevez, Sophie Simmons, and the others?

KM:  I took the process very serious in my casting. It was very important to find the right cast that could bring these characters to life for our audience to be able to have at least one character they could connect with and relate too. I personally met with every actor or spoke over the phone after they read the script. There were so many very talented actors and many that were passionate about the story/script and connected with the meaning. Everyone that was chosen related to the story and the deeper meaning. They were passionate about the project, it’s uniqueness and it seemed to come across as a passion project from them. 

O.F.F.:  Ok, gotta ask….how has it been to direct these young actors in a film format? Any funny tales to share early on in the journey so far?

KM:  As a Director I wanted to give each actor the freedom to bring their character to life and I respected their feedback and ideas for different scenes as they felt the emotions. There were many different levels of emotions the cast had to get in touch with on any given day. There were many challenges working with an assemble cast. One night of filming we had a scene where few of the characters had to run down a long hallway, run around a couch and out a door as if they were being chased. We had a few different takes, on the second take Sophie was running and tripped, did a complete summersault over the couch and landed on her feet, looked right in the camera. She didn’t miss a beat. She was fine! Gave a terrific bow. Lou probably had it the hardest as he was shirtless for much of the outdoor scenes. It was early spring in Michigan and with the harsh winter last year it was very cold at night, high 30’s low 40’s some nights. He was an absolute pro!  Kaya Rosenthal was one of our youngest actors, and this is her first feature film!  She was very dedicated to her role and followed direction amazingly. One scene she had to be picked up by Lou and dropped. She was a trooper, she wanted to keep doing it until it came out perfect.

O.F.F.:  And can you give our readers a quick background of one of the film’s primary NON-human stars, Shiloh? (who is one BEAUTIFUL animal, I must say!)  

   

KM:  It was a dream come true for me to work with Shiloh. I have always dreamed to work with wolves since I was very young. I had trained animals professionally for many years but had yet to work with wolves. Shiloh is a domestic half Arctic – half Grey Wolf. It is a great honor to work with such an amazing animal/spirit. There is something beautiful and magical about their presence, that words could never express. There’s a certain amount of patience and respect one needs to keep in mind when working with animals. Shiloh and his pack are native to Northern Michigan.

O.F.F.:  Your goal is to bring a totally different style and tone to this paranormal thriller…it actually has a MESSAGE to it. Can you explain some about that?

KM:  I wanted to create a film I hope to have left my audience with the ability to recognize each character is going through their own individual journey.  As the characters get deeper into their paranormal investigations, they also go deeper within themselves. On certain levels the paranormal myths and experience represent the fears they all face in real life. The representation of the chase is much like being hunted by a predator who recognizes their weakness and fears. I based each characters journey and style of the “thrill” aspect of the their history and path they each were on. The chase comes from different styles of how a predator would hunt its prey in the wild. I studied different animals from Sharks, Lions to Wolves on their style of family, hierarchy, hunting style. I incorporated different characteristics with human characteristics in a psychological sense. I don’t want to give away the movie. Lol. What I will say is there was extensive research, everything is based of real events, myths, legends and even personal experiences.

O.F.F.:  As this new adventure in making a film is unfolding, I can only imagine you already have a sense of accomplishment in attaining the ability to MAKE an independent feature. And given the larger message contained in the film, I can ALSO imagine you are looking forward to seeing HOW people react and how the story impacts lives BEYOND just being treated to a supernaturally-themed fright fest. What anticipations do you have currently about the project when it IS ultimately released?

KM:  I would like to think my anticipation is realistic. In that, I hope our work, dedication, passion, art and message speaks for itself.

O.F.F.:  What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the film industry in general?

KM:  That’s such a broad question. The industry is so vast and there are so many levels for one to get into. There’s the artist side to the business end. I think as with any career move or dream you need to search yourself. Be honest with yourself, find your strengths and move forward in those. If you’re an artist, be an artist don’t try to be a business person. If you’re a business person stay true to that aspect. As it was told to me by a very successful Director/Produce/Actor of many years in the industry. Learn every aspect of the business, find what you are good at, passionate about and stick with it. Only 1% make it as an “A” list actor, but If you can learn the industry as a whole, you are one step ahead of many.

O.F.F.:  Ok, always in conclusion….What is YOUR favorite film of all time? Why?

KM:  To be honest I don’t have a all time favorite film. Some of my most favorite films are from the 60’s and even the 50’s where there was more left to the imagination. There are so many films I appreciate on so many levels. From just the pure entertainment, to the message it gives, inspiration, education from a film makers eye on camera, color, sound. 

 

And there you have it folks!! Straight from the Writer/Executive Producer/Director’s mouth!  From the insights provided, I honestly believe this film will indeed change the whole concepts of the paranormal thriller and give us something new and invigorating in this much covered (and POPULAR!) genre!

And for continued coverage and interviews on the making of this project, please stay tuned RIGHT HERE at One Film Fan as I will continue to bring you content only found here!

In the meantime, please SUPPORT this project in the ways listed below!  Until next scoop, thank you for reading and TELL others about this site for news on “Urban Myths”!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/urban-myths–2/x/9199977

OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS!

FOLLOW the film on Twitter: @UrbanMythsMovie   #UrbanMythsMovie

LIKE the film on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanMyths

CHECK OUT the film’s Official Website: http://www.urbanmythsmovie.com/