From Director Joe Ripple:
After seeing both national and world-wide distribution on four of their first five features, Timewarp Films, LLC will be holding open auditions for its sixth project, tentatively entitled “Sealed Fates.” This horror anthology project is slated to begin filming in late June. Several roles are available for both men and women, all races are welcome. Respectfully, no roles for children are available at this time. This is a non-union production, shooting on weekends with deferred pay, but meals will be provided. A DVD copy of the completed project will also be provided to each actor.
We will be holding auditions at “The Days Hotel Timonium,” 9615 Deerco Road, Timonium, Maryland, 21093. The audition dates will be Sunday, June 8th and then the following Saturday, June 14th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. both days. The audition will be a cold read. Please bring a headshot and resume; however you MUST audition to be considered for a role.
Please do not call the hotel with any questions. All questions can be answered by Director Joe Ripple, via email at timewarpfilms@comcast.net
For more information about our company, please visit www.timewarpfilms.com
If you’re a fan of George Romero, or just love zombie movies, you don’t want to miss the March Horrorfind Weekend. It features reunions of Night, Dawn, Day, and Land of the Dead. Click here for details.
And don’t forget to visit us at the Timewarp table any time during the weekend. We’ll be selling copies of our films, and will have some of the actors available for autographs.
Here’s the extended version of the Horrorfind commercial we filmed last month. It’s over 3 minutes, with lots of zombie goodness and eerie music. Enjoy.
Today Mike, the head honcho of Horrorfind, approved our cut of the commercial. So, here it is:
Monday, Joe will pick up the DV tape and get a digital beta (I think that’s what it’s called) made. He will then send it to…wherever you send commercials, I guess. I know nothing about that end of the business. I’m just ecstatic that something I shot and edited will be on local and cable TV.
Stay tuned for an extended version later in February.
Saturday we shot a commercial for the March Horrorfind convention in College Park, MD. Since George Romero is one of the guests (along with cast members of the Dead movies) we wanted to do a zombie- themed commercial. One with some zip.
Joe, our director, came up with a great idea: a hip granny reminisces about Romero movies and then kicks some zombie ass. And there was a lot of ass to kick. We were expecting 10 extras at the most, but wound up with at least 25–plenty to pull off a Romero-esque horde. Of course, we only have 30 seconds to work with–it’s amazing how short that really is–so we couldn’t do all that we wanted.
Overall, the shoot went very well. The weather was cold but clear, and not too sunny; too much sun wreaks havoc with digital video. And the setting was awesome. We have to shoot there again.
To be honest, I was a little nervous going into the shoot. This was my first time behind the camera for Timewarp. That role was always reserved for Don Dohler, our mentor–and this was the first shoot since he passed away in 2006. I was fully aware of the large shoes I was filling. But just kept thinking about making him proud.
Many thanks to Joe for keeping the zombies under control, and for checking to see if I focused the lens 
, and thanks to Stewie and Zig, our faithful crew, for helping out. Zig actually reminded me about the ND (neutral density) filter on the XL1. It helps with overexposure so you don’t have to stop down too far. That was a big duh.
I mentioned earlier that 30 seconds is a very short time. Well, I did my first pass cutting the commercial, and it came in at 45 seconds, an eternity in editing. After a couple more passes, I’m down to 34 seconds. I’ve had to chop some lines, and make some shots shorter, and generally be creative. But it’s not over yet. I guess I need a chainsaw. Luckily, we plan to make an extended version so we can put the rest in. We filmed a ton of zombie footage. No way we waste that.
And, by the way, everything was in focus. 
I’ll post the final version of the commercial when I’m done.
From director Joe Ripple:
Timewarp Films is proud to present its latest two-disc Horror DVD release, entitled “Dead Hunt.”
Synopsis;
Ten movie reviewers are invited to a party by the host of a website devoted to horror films. The party is in full swing when the power – and the lights – abruptly go out. A mysterious, black-hooded figure has cut the main wiring.
The party’s over.
After the host goes to check the circuit breakers, the guests are shocked when they find one of their fellow reviewers dispatched in a grisly fashion. Panic sets in after another reviewer is found killed in a bizarre manner. Cryptic notes left with the bodies hold the only clue to the reason for the psychopath’s rampage.
The terrified group try to evacuate the building, only to find that they can’t – all the doors have been electrified. Realizing they are trapped in a dark, foreboding warehouse with a madman, the survivors look for another way out. Their search leads them to the creepy older section of the building, where danger and death lurk in every shadow.
Can they find another way out? Can the y hide from the demented killer? Or are they all destined to become targets of the DEAD HUNT?
This two-disc special edition DVD set contains the movie, a “Behind the Scenes” featurette, deleted scenes, two alternate endings, Bloopers, a stills gallery, and the audio commentary with co-directors Joe Ripple and Don Dohler. Sadly, this was Don Dohler’s last film, as he passed away from lung and brain cancer in December, 2006. (I miss you, my friend!)
DJ Benz, a reviewer for www.Horrortalk.com writes -
“…a fun ride and one I genuinely enjoyed. I have no hesitation in recommending Dead Hunt.”
This film Premiered to a standing-room only crowd during Horrorfind Weekend, 2005.
You can purchase your copy today, by going to: http://www.createspace.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=228629
Don Dohler’s legacy is going strong. Here’s the latest news, including showings of Blood Massacre and John Kinhart’s documentary, Blood, Boobs & Beast, about the cult filmmaker’s trials and tribulations in low-budget filmmaking.
From John Kinhart’s Newsletter:
There’s a lot of really great news this month and more to come soon!
++7 New Film Festivals!++
- Coney Island Film Festival (screens Sunday, September 30th at 5PM) http://www.coneyislandfilmfestival.com
- Atlanta Horror Film Festival (screens Friday, October 5th) http://www.atlantahorrorfest.com
- Secret City Film Festival (screens Friday, October 5th 11:30AM) http://www.secretcityfilmfestival.com
- Freakshow Horror Film Festival (screens Friday, October 20th 6PM) http://www.freakshowfilmfest.com
- B-Movie Film Festival (screens Saturday, October 27 11:30AM) http://www.bmoviefest.com
- Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival (schedule not yet released) http://www.thrillerchiller.com
- Asheville Film Festival (schedule not yet released) http://www.ashevillefilmfest.com
++2007 Fantastic Fest++
The wonderful staff at the Fantastic Fest and The Alamo Drafthouse are flying Director John Kinhart down to Austin, Texas to be in attendance. He’ll be flying down there tomorrow and staying with BB&B composer Christian Brown. BB&B will screen on Sunday, September 23rd (6:30PM) & Monday, September 24th (1:30PM) Tickets can be acquired at http://www.fantasticfest.com. Stay tuned to http://www.bbbmovie.com for UPDATES, PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF AUSTIN as it happens!!
++Don Dohler Halloween Gore Fest!!!++
This October 26th at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore get ready for a special double feature: Blood, Boobs & Beast and Don Dohler’s Blood Massacre. In the style of Grindhouse we’re showing Baltimore-made trailers between the two features AND we’re even having a BLOOD MASSACRE DRINKING GAME!!! Tickets can be acquired by following the link on this page: http://www.creativealliance.org/events/eventItem1207.html
A lot, actually.
First, and foremost, I became a daddy. ZOMG I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE IT! She’s so tiny and sweet and cute and…okay, I could go on for hours. Suffice it to say my wife and I couldn’t be happier.
And did I mention she’s cute?
Anyway, when I’m not feeding her or changing her or just holding her for the hell of it, I’ve managed to find some time to work on several tasks, some for Timewarp, some just for me.
I submitted a full-length script to Final Draft’s Big Break Competition. The deadline was June 15th and I just squeaked in at the last minute. Many thanks to those who proofread and offered feedback; I missed a few embarrassing typos.
I’ve heard mixed things about screenwriting contests in general, but I wanted to give it a shot so I could see how my writing compares to other potential screenwriters–at least in the eyes of the Big Break judges. If I place, I’ll be ecstatic, not to mention the nice prizes they offer. And if some A-list prod. co. is interested in the script, awesome! Final Draft, in case you’re wondering, is one of the premiere screenwriting packages on the market. It’s used by many industry professionals, and is my software of choice. “Just add words,” is so true.
I’ve also been working on the Dead Hunt DVD set due to be released this summer (We’re hoping to have copies for sale at Horrorfind in August). This is the most ambitious DVD project I’ve worked on. The 2-disk set will have 2 audio tracks for the feature (including commentary), a stills gallery, alternate endings, bloopers, making of, and even an Easter egg. I have a few more tweaks, then it’s off to the presses. For those interested, I’m again using DVD Lab Studio for the authoring.
Finally, I’ve started research for a new feature I’m writing for Timewarp (while I am a wannabe Hollywood screenwriter, I do write for our low-budget film company.) I’m looking into the world of Military Special Forces, so to say the film will be action-oriented is an understatement. But don’t worry, it will have plenty of suspense and horror as well.
And for those eagerly awaiting news about Crawler, fret not, for my team and I will be picking up the pace once the Dead Hunt DVD is completed.
TIMEWARP FILMS, LLC
PRESS ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Come scream for a good cause!
Don Dohler, King of Baltimore Indie Horror: A Double Feature Benefit Screening
Cult hero filmmaker Don Dohler (1946-2006), master of low budget sci-fi and horror films and co-founder of Baltimore?s Timewarp Films, produced 11 movies and influenced generations of DIY (Do It Yourself!)
filmmakers.
Celebrate Dohler’s life and work with a double feature of his first and last films.
In Alien Factor (1978), an alien spacecraft makes a crash landing in Baltimore, releasing its bloodthirsty cargo of beasts?the lizard-like Leemoid, slimy Inferbyce, and wild and wooly Zagatile!
And in Dead Hunt (2006), ten movie reviewers at a horror film convention find themselves victims of gruesome traps and danger lurking in every shadow!
Beer, wine, liquor, sodas, juices, sparkling water and, of course, popcorn, will be available at the theater concession area.
Proceeds from the screening benefit the Joyce Dohler Foundation, a charity providing continued care for Don?s sister Joyce, who is developmentally disabled and for whom Don was guardian.
Date: June 23, 2007
Time: 7 PM
Cost: $15 general admission, $12 for Creative Alliance members
Location: Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore Maryland 21224
Parking info: ample street parking, especially bordering Patterson park, only a block from the theater
Creative Alliance contact: 410-276-1651 or www.creativealliance.org
Tickets may be purchased in advance from the Creative Alliance in person or by phone or by mail. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.
Tickets may be purchased online in advance through MissionTix.com.
Of course, tickets may be purchased the night of the event at the box office, if it is not sold out.
More detailed Ticket purchase information can be found at:
http://www.creativealliance.org/tickets.html#advance
More details on the Don Dohler double feature benefit screening can be
found at: http://creativealliance.org/events/eventItem1041.html
Now that I’ll be responsible for Timewarp’s cinematography, I decided to look into acquiring a Steadicam, a camera mount that allows the operator to move around while keeping the image stabilized. Of course, professional models can cost several thousand dollars, so I decided to look into making one. I was truly surprised how many Web sites provide plans and instructions.
I decided to start off simple and build Johnny Chung Lee’s $14 Steadycam (left). I had to alter the basic design to accommodate our larger camera (XL1S), and I added some padding to cover the galvanized steel, but it was easy to build and only took an hour or so.
When I tested it, I discovered two things: 1) it takes practice to make it work. Moving around with a counter-weight takes a little getting used to, plus you have to learn to work around the base as you walk. 2) A rig that relies completely on arm strength can get heavy–particularly with a prosumer-level camera. Ultimately, this rig can only be used for short periods, and I really want one without that kind of restriction. So I kept looking, and I found the ultimate site for home-built stabilizers. The name says it all: http://www.homebuiltstabilizers.com/index.htm
This site has more about the subject than you can possibly imagine. From info and tips on how to build your own rig, to forums to share your experience. There’s also a photo gallery that allows users to publish detailed photos of their creation. And these creations are amazing, and overwhelming. At this point, I can’t imagine building one. But the forum members are happy to offer advice and answer questions.
My first step will be to buy one of the books a forum member had published. It has detailed instructions on building a Steadicam that has a spring-loaded arm, a harness, and a mount for a monitor. This is serious stuff.
Here’s the link for the book: http://www.cafepress.com/stabilizer.31893959
In addition to Steadicams, the site has information on dollies and crane’s as well.
Photo provided by Robert Long II