Blue Seraph Productions » Current

Taking Movie Audiences to ‘The Dark Place’

Carlos Pedraza — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:25:45 +0000

Indie Faves Sean Paul Lockhart and Timo Descamps signed to star

2011 Rising Star Award winner Sean Paul Lockhart

LOS ANGELES — Fresh off the successful debut of their acclaimed scifi-fantasy, “Judas Kiss,” Blue Seraph Productions announces its second follow-up feature, an original mystery-thriller called “The Dark Place.”

Based on an award-winning script by Jody Wheeler, “The Dark Place” tells the story of Keegan Dark, who returns to the the heart of California’s winery valleys to make peace with his long-estranged family. Instead, he finds a harrowing mystery that endangers his family’s lives and livelihood.

The film stars Sean Paul Lockhart and Timo Descamps, up-and-coming actors who appeared in 2011’s “Judas Kiss.” Lockhart, also known by the stage name of Brent Corrigan, won the 2011 Rising Star Award, while Descamps is a Belgian television and pop star.

“The Dark Place” will be directed by “Judas Kiss” helmer J.T. Tepnapa, and includes “Judas Kiss” writer Carlos Pedraza as a producer.

With Lockhart and Descamps on board, the search now focuses on casting the lead, Keegan Dark, in time for principal photography to start later this year, eyeing a 2013 release.

ABOUT THE STORY “‘The Dark Place’ is a twisted thrill ride of betrayal, hope, greed, love — and mommy issues,” Tepnapa said about the script. “We were looking for a follow-up to ‘Judas Kiss,’ and realized we had it right in front of us. ‘Judas Kiss’ enabled us to bring something fresh and exciting to the marketplace, and we want to do that again, but in a new genre.”

The screenplay is by Jody Wheeler, an established Los Angeles writer-producer of film festival favorites “Tell Me” and “In The Closet.” Wheeler also co-produced “Judas Kiss.” “The Dark Place” script won UCLA’s Carl David Memorial Screenwriting Award in 2007. Wheeler recently joined Blue Seraph Productions as a partner.

“Having a gay main character makes familiar worlds and genres become brand new landscapes,” Wheeler said about the project. “As with ‘Judas Kiss,’ ‘The Dark Place’ appeals to our core audience’s desire for unique, well-told stories, while also garnering mainstream interest in an interesting and entertaining tale.”

Belgian pop star and actor Timo Descamps

INDIE BREAKOUTS ON BOARD “The Dark Place” has already landed two talented actors, international actor-singer Timo Descamps and 2011 Rising Star Award winner Sean Paul Lockhart. Both stars broke out in Tepnapa’s “Judas Kiss” and were eager to work with the talented director again.

“I’ve worked with J.T. and Jody on several projects,” Lockhart said. “When they told me about the new film, I didn’t even ask about the story or my role. I just said, ‘Count me in.’ When I read the script and the leading part, I was totally glad I did. It’s a wicked script that will make a fun movie.”

Descamps echoed those thoughts.

“Of course I said yes when they asked me to be in “The Dark Place,” he said. “I get to play a character completely different from the one I did in “Judas Kiss,” which is an even bigger bonus.”

While the names and nature of their roles are being kept under-wraps, their presence is key to the hunt for the lead for the film, that of Keegan Dark, Tepnapa said. “Finding the perfect anchor for a film like this is always the challenge. We need an actor with the right chemistry to be able to pull off the contradictions at the heart of the role.”

“The Dark Place” is the second scheduled in-house production from Tepnapa, Pedraza and Wheeler’s Blue Seraph Productions. “The Dark Place” joins “Something Like Summer” as follow-up projects to the producers’ festival hit, “Judas Kiss.”

“Something Like Summer” is a co-production with Seattle’s Jade Knight Productions and is based on author Jay Bell’s award-winning book.

“The Dark Place” is completing casting and financing, with a view to shoot later this year for a 2013 debut. “Judas Kiss” is currently available for purchase through Amazon and iTunes. Blue Seraph Productions is a Los Angeles company headed by Tepnapa, Pedraza and Wheeler. Their previous work has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Variety, The Advocate, Edge Magazine, ATV Network, Frontiers, Fab magazine, the Today Show, MSNBC and other international news outlets.

Links

Bringing ‘Something Like Summer’ Novel to the Screen

Carlos Pedraza — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:01:20 +0000

The cover for Jay Bell's acclaimed novel, ‘Something Like Summer.’

‘Judas Kiss’ director, producer re-team for adaptation of one of 2011′s Best Books

SEATTLE — The makers of this year’s acclaimed scifi fantasy, Judas Kiss, are teaming with Seattle-based Jade Knight Productions to adapt the bestselling coming-of-age love story, Something Like Summer, for the screen.

The new project will be helmed by director J.T. Tepnapa, with screenwriter Carlos Pedraza penning the screenplay, based on the book by author Jay Bell. Tepnapa’s and Pedraza’s Los Angeles-based company, Blue Seraph Productions is a co-production partner.

“I’m honored that Jay Bell and producer Tom Ly have asked Blue Seraph Productions to turn the critically acclaimed novel into a movie,” Tepnapa said. “The life of the main character, Ben, mirrors so many moments in my own life, I cannot help but want to treat his own journey with care. I love this story, and I want to see it come to life.”

ABOUT THE BOOK Something Like Summer traces the tumultuous relationship of Ben and Tim, secret high school sweethearts who grow over the years into both adulthood enemies and complicated friends.

The novel is Bell’s second and most acclaimed, earning a spot in Amazon’s Best Books of 2011 list, with a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5, and outstanding reader reviews on the popular literary site Goodreads.

Queer Magazine Online said the novel “not only has lots of passion, humor, angst and twists and turns, it also takes an in-depth look at how the choices we make in life affect not only ourselves, but everyone around us.” The Alpha Reader review commented: “Jay Bell has written one of the most heartfelt and sincere romances I have ever encountered.”

The book was optioned by Jade Knight Productions of Seattle and producer Tom Ly. With Blue Seraph Productions on board, the project moves into development immediately.

Key art for Blue Seraph Productions' 'Judas Kiss,' distributed in North America by Wolfe Video.

IN DEVELOPMENT “We are on track to have the screenplay ready by Spring 2012,” screenwriter and co-producer Pedraza said. “J.T. and I are looking forward to translating the magic of this story from page to screen.”

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with J.T. and Carlos,” Jade Knight producer Ly said. “I was so impressed by what they accomplished with Judas Kiss. I know they’ll take us to the next level with Something Like Summer.”

Author Bell had similar praise for Judas Kiss.

“I was blown away after seeing the film in Germany this year,” he said. “My heart was pounding when I left the theatre and I knew that this was the right creative team for a Something Like Summer movie. Ben, Tim, and Jace are in very safe hands, and I can’t wait to see them on the big screen.”

Something Like Summer will be Tepnapa’s and Pedraza’s second feature film, following quickly on the heels of their debut, Judas Kiss, the genre-bending scifi fantasy released in 2011, garnering critical acclaim and multiple awards from film festivals around the world. The film is in distribution worldwide, and continues at the top of the sales charts in its genre.

Blue Seraph Productions is a Los Angeles company headed by Tepnapa and Pedraza. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Variety, The Advocate, Edge Magazine, ATV Network, Frontiers, Fab magazine, the Today Show, MSNBC, and other international news outlets.

###

LINKS

Something Like Summer Facebook page
Amazon’s Best Books of 2011
Goodreads reviews: Something Like Summer
Jay Bell Books
Director J.T. Tepnapa’s IMDB profile
Writer Carlos Pedraza’s IMDB profile
Judas Kiss reviews | press kit

Blue Seraph, Runic Team Up for Western Adventure

Carlos Pedraza — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 07:27:53 +0000

'Cowboy Creed' shoots this fall, directed by Runic Films' Ben Alpi, and produced by Blue Seraph Productions' J.T. Tepnapa.

LOS ANGELES — Runic Films and Blue Seraph Productions are proud to announce their first collaboration, a Western short film entitled Cowboy Creed.

Lead by writer-director Ben Alpi and producer J.T. Tepnapa, the film goes into production in November. To support the film, the co-production will launch a fundraising campaign Wednesday, September 28, 2011, on Kickstarter.com.

Alpi said about the film: “Cowboy Creed is about Phineas, a young man coming into his own in the strange new world of the California Gold Rush. Social changes from immigration, world cultural convergence and the American Civil War make this an incredibly rich period to set a film in.”

The production brings together a tight-knit group of filmmakers including Alpi, Tepnapa and cinematographer David Berry who all worked together on the award winning Star Trek: Phase II web series.

“J.T. and David just completed a feature, Judas Kiss, which is doing fantastically at festivals. It’s great to be working with them again,” Alpi added.

“I’m really excited about working with Ben and David again, this time on a Western.” Tepnapa said.

Phineas is an 18- year-old who has looked up to the gruff old Sheriff since the boy’s father was murdered. He wants to follow in the lawman’s footsteps, but Phineas’ world gets turned upside down when his lady love is kidnapped.

The filmmakers said they are thrilled to be fundraising with Kickstarter, a great platform that allows anyone to donate to worthy creative projects. The campaign for funding Cowboy Creed launches September 28, and will introduce some very cool rewards for donors.

“Our Kickstarter companion video will include an exclusive announcement,” Alpi said. “We can’t wait to share the news.”

Stay tuned for more great announcements and don’t forget to check out http://runicfilms.com for the link to the Cowboy Creed Kickstarter.com campaign starting Wednesday, September 28, 2011.

# # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bob Alpi, 818-588-6880
email

Runic Films is an Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company dedicated to upholding the traditions of mythic storytelling.

It’s a Wrap

Carlos Pedraza — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:56:36 +0000

First concept poster for Judas Kiss following principal photography.

After 20 days, 12 hours long each, from August 13 to September 4, principal photography for Judas Kiss is complete. Nearly 80 cast and crew in Seattle worked tirelessly to get the job done. Out of 20 days, only one day ran over schedule, and at that only by 30 minutes — unheard of on a film set.

A lot of real-time reactions, comments and photos posted by cast and crew are available on the Judas Kiss: The Movie Fan Page on Facebook (join by pressing the Like button at the top of the page!). We’ll be posting photo galleries and other art here on the official website pretty soon, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video. Subscribe to our RSS feed or join our Facebook page to learn when this content will be posted.

NEXT STEP Judas Kiss now enters post-production, scheduled from now until early 2011, with film festival screenings beginning in 2011. As festival appearances are scheduled, they’ll be posted here and on Facebook, so you can learn when the film will be coming to you.

‘Caprica’ Actor in ‘Judas Kiss’

Carlos Pedraza — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:05:09 +0000

Eighteen-year-old Richard Harmon has been cast in the lead role of Danny Reyes in 'Judas Kiss.'

SEATTLE — Fresh from his pivotal three-episode guest-starring role in the Syfy network hit, “Caprica,” hot young actor Richard Harmon has been cast in the time-bending campus drama, “Judas Kiss,” the film’s producers announced today.

The 18-year-old actor from Vancouver, B.C., has landed roles in a broad swath of hit television series and feature films, including “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” “Smallville,” “Fringe” and the Cartoon Network’s new live-action series, “Tower Prep.”

In “Judas Kiss,” Harmon will play Danny Reyes, a gay film student at a university at the crossroads of parallel timelines, where he is caught in a tug of war between a tortured past and a troubled future.

Harmon won the role with a videotaped audition over more than 1,000 Los Angeles actors, wowing “Judas Kiss” director J.T. Tepnapa and writer-producer Carlos Pedraza.

“Richard nailed every beat in his audition,” Tepnapa said. “Carlos and I watched the tape and instantly agreed we’d found our Danny.”

For Harmon, “Judas Kiss” represents a leap from a strong résumé of supporting parts in Web series, TV roles and features to a lead in a feature that suits his edgy take on youthful roles, Pedraza said.

“Danny struck me right away as a very relatable character,” Harmon said. “Once I read the whole script, I knew this movie was something that I would be so blessed to be a part of. I know people will be able to really connect to what he feels throughout the movie, and I’m going to have lots of fun with it.”

CARLOS AND J.T.’S SECRET MISSION TO CANADA Tepnapa and Pedraza were so impressed by Harmon’s audition they immediately flew from Los Angeles to Vancouver to sign him for the role.

“Richard really is perfect for Danny,” Tepnapa said. “His talent ups the ante for this film, and his performance is going to catch a lot of people’s attention.”

“Judas Kiss” is Tepnapa’s first feature film. He has won many international awards for his short films, including the multiple award-winning parody of 1950s teen health films, “Masturbation: Putting the Fun Into Self-Loving,” the comedy “Drag Queen Heist” and the homeless youth drama, “Begging for Change.”

Harmon has been a working actor since age 10, appearing in such series and films as “School of Life” with Ryan Reynolds, “Jeremiah” with Luke Perry, “Aliens in America,” the 2007 “Flash Gordon” TV series and the hit Web series “Riese.”

He recently appeared in three pivotal episodes of Syfy’s hit series, “Caprica” — the prequel spin-off of the network’s seminal “Battlestar Galactica” — as a virtual game hacker who befriends Joseph Adama (Esai Morales).

Harmon’s father is director Allan Harmon (“Afghan Knights,” “Passion’s Web”) and his older sister is actress Jessica Harmon (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Black Christmas”). Harmon is represented by Melanie Turner of Pacific Artists Management of Vancouver, B.C.

“Judas Kiss” is being produced by Blue Seraph Productions, a Los Angeles company headed by Tepnapa and Pedraza. Their previous work has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Variety, Frontiers, Fab magazine, the Today Show, MSNBC, and other international news outlets.

The film, scheduled to shoot this summer in Seattle, has already attracted attention for casting “Dante’s Cove” star Charlie David (host of Logo’s travel show, “Bump,” and writer-star of last year’s feature film, “Mulligans”). Also cast is controversial adult film star Brent Corrigan, who appeared in last year’s Oscar-winning “Milk” and the comedy, “Another Gay Sequel,” and rising European TV and pop star Timo Descamps.

###

Time to eScape: Kids’ Adventure Series Comes to the Web

Carlos Pedraza — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:36:20 +0000

CHECK OUT the eScape preview at www.eScapeTheSeries.com

LOS ANGELES — What if you woke up one day at summer camp to discover all the adults had disappeared? That’s how the kids’ adventure series, eScape, begins when it comes to the Web this summer, producers announced today.

Created by Mike Feurstein of New York-based MovieQuest Productions and co-produced by Blue Seraph’s partner company, Runic Films, eScape tells the story of a group of campers seemingly abandoned by their counselors. They soon discover they are trapped in a video game that grants them amazing abilities. But in the real world, this game is the object of a power struggle between powerful corporations and mysterious military interests.

The first three seasons of eScape will premiere on the Web this summer on its Web site, www.eScapeTheSeries.com. A trailer and a preview of the show are available on the site now.

“The show tells a great story in the same vein as Lost,” said Feurstein. “Young and older viewers alike connect with its characters’ struggles to make the right life choices in the face of adventure, danger and unimaginable odds.”

eScape’s third season is currently in production in and around Albany, N.Y., starring local actors and school children. The students also worked behind the scenes to help produce the series.

“Wide release of eScape this summer will introduce viewers to the space- and time-bending world of the show,” said Runic Films producer Ben Alpi. “It’s a world we plan to continue to explore.”

eScape is the latest project from Runic Films, which comprises the creative team behind the Web series Star Trek: Phase II, winner of TV Guide’s Online Video Award for Science Fiction, and nominee for the Hugo and Nebula awards — science fiction’s highest honors.

Alpi, who had contributed visual effects to the first two seasons of eScape, introduced series creator Feurstein to his Runic partners — writer-producer Carlos Pedraza, cinematographer David Berry, and visual effects artists Joël Bellucci and Matt Jolly — after their recent departure from the Trek series.

Watch the Trailer

Feurstein and his young filmmakers have produced movies that have won gold medals in New York state competitions and top prizes in regional film contests. Feurstein himself earned Best Local Filmmaker kudos in readers’ polls from the Albany, N.Y., Times Union, and the Metroland newsweekly. He has also produced an international educational DVD series on autism, contributed to the blockbuster award-winning Guitar Hero video game and owns Cucumber Alley, a film lighting rental company.

“Ben, Carlos and the rest of the Runic guys came aboard to help make the third season of eScape the best yet,” Feurstein said, “and its release on the Web is an exceptional showcase for the cast and crew.”

Runic Films is a production and entertainment company developing original properties for Web, film and television. Now located in Los Angeles, Runic was founded by two brothers in New York, and has grown to a staff of award-winning writers, directors, artists and technicians. Dedicated to upholding the rich traditions of storytelling, Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

Based in historic Schenectady, N.Y., MovieQuest Productions is a motion picture production company dedicated to offering young people educational opportunities to create quality films.

###

Links

eScape Web site http://www.eScapeTheSeries.com
Runic Films http://www.runicfilms.com

Belgian Pop Star, TV Host Cast in ‘Judas Kiss’

Carlos Pedraza — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:32:21 +0000

DIGITAL AUDITIONS via IMDb, Facebook and Skype facilitated cross-Atlantic casting of Belgian TV star Timo Descamps.

LOS ANGELES — Rising European actor, television host and pop singer Timo Descamps has been cast in the time-bending campus drama, “Judas Kiss,” the film’s producers announced today.

The 23-year-old Belgian was recognized last year by the preeminent Dutch and Belgian musical awards. Nominated in both nations, he won the Belgian award for Rising Talent. Descamps recently began a stint as a host on the Belgian VT4 channel.

In “Judas Kiss,” Descamps will play Shane Lyons, an amoral college senior who will do whatever it takes to win the love of film student Danny Reyes.

“Judas Kiss” is the story of a disillusioned filmmaker’s visit to his peculiar alma mater, where he is trapped in a tug of war between his tortured past and a troubling future.

Descamps’ cross-Atlantic casting for the film was made possible by a combination of the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), Facebook and Skype, said “Judas Kiss” writer-producer Carlos Pedraza.

“I always play good characters,” Descamps said. “I’m happy for the challenge playing someone different in an inspirational project like ‘Judas Kiss.’”

Descamps made headlines in his home country last year when he came out as gay.

WHAT IT TAKES “Timo wanted to be on this project the instant he learned about ‘Judas Kiss’ on IMDb,” Pedraza said. “We communicated via Facebook and Skype and had him shoot a screentest in the Netherlands with two scenes from the screenplay.”

The digital audition impressed “Judas Kiss” director J.T. Tepnapa, who saw an opportunity to showcase Descamps’ musical talent in the role of singer Shane Lyons.

“Timo showed us he has what it takes to play an unsavory character who has an entire campus twisted around his little finger,” Tepnapa said. “You can’t take your eyes off him.”

“Judas Kiss” is Tepnapa’s first feature film. He has won many international awards for his short films, including the multiple award-winning parody of 1950s teen health films, “Masturbation: Putting the Fun Into Self-Loving,” the comedy “Drag Queen Heist” and a drama about homeless youth, “Begging for Change.”

CHARLIE DAVID (left) and Brent Corrigan also star in Judas Kiss.

Descamps started acting in television at 17, starring in the Belgian soap opera “Family.” At 19, he landed a leading role in the children’s show, “Spring.” A year later, he won third place in the Belgian celebrity singing contest, “Soapstar Superstar.” On the heels of his musical success, he wrote and released his first single, “Phone Call.”

He has dubbed voices in several European versions of Hollywood blockbusters, including “Happy Feet” (Mumble), “Surf’s Up” (Cody), “The Chronicles of Narnia,” (Peter Pevensie), and has hosted a show on Europe’s Nickelodeon network called “Superstar: The Battle!”

Descamps currently stars as Dolf in the Dutch musical “Crusade in Jeans,” and plays a South African student in the Dutch TV drama, “SpangaS.” He just began hosting a kids’ show on the Belgian network VT4.

The film, scheduled to shoot this summer in Seattle, has already attracted attention for casting former “Dante’s Cove” star Charlie David (host of Logo’s travel show, “Bump,” and writer-star of the film, “Mulligans). Also cast is controversial adult film star Brent Corrigan, who appeared in last year’s Oscar-winning “Milk” and the comedy, “Another Gay Sequel.”

###

LINKS

Additional hi-res photos of Timo Descamps

Co-star Timo Descamps’ IMDb profile

Judas Kiss movie site

Star Charlie David’s IMDb profile

Co-star Brent Corrigan’s IMDb profile

Director J.T. Tepnapa’s IMDb profile

Writer Carlos Pedraza’s IMDb profile

‘Judas Kiss’ Makes List of Year’s Anticipated Films

Carlos Pedraza — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:29:38 +0000

CASTING BRENT Corrigan (pictured) and Charlie David in Judas Kiss is getting people's attention.

One movie blog looking forward to the 2010 film year mentioned Judas Kiss in its recent post, “Gay Movie Preview 2010.” Thatgaymovie.com noted:

Will gay porn superstar Brent Corrigan be able to – ahem – pull off the move into ‘proper’ gay movies? He co-stars with Dante’s Cover, Charlie David, in a sexy, time-traveling drama. With this pair starring, Judas Kiss is already guaranteed to look good…

The full list of films includes one from our friends who produced Make the Yuletide Gay, in which J.T. worked on the crew, and our Star Trek: Hidden Frontier colleague, actor Matt Montgomery. The drama, Sticke Figures, is about a gay artist whose return to his hometown has some life-changing implications.

Read the rest of the 2010 list here >>

Blue Seraph acquires ‘Missed Conception’

J.T. Tepnapa — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:57:43 +0000

LOS ANGELES – Blue Seraph Productions has acquired the new drama Missed Conception, the story of a woman whose history of miscarriages endangers her new pregnancy.

The film marks actress Sharon Savene’s first outing as a writer; she will also star. Her past films include The Soloist and Dead Air. She also can be seen on the Web series Star Trek: The Helena Chronicles and Star Trek: Odyssey.

Missed Conception, directed by David Betances, is scheduled for a March 2010 release on the Internet.

Judas Kiss Investment Prospectus Released

Carlos Pedraza — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:06:08 +0000

COVER OF the Judas Kiss investment prospectus, available now.

Potential investors can read the full investment prospectus for Judas Kiss, which describes the story, cast, crew, target market, budget and business plan for the film project in one neat package.

Designed by Minneapolis-based graphic artist Andria Peters, the prospectus reflects the film’s fictional Keystone University setting by mimicking a campus recruiting booklet.

You can download an excerpted version of the prospectus. If you are interested as a potential investor, please email us for a copy of the full document.

INSIDE PAGE spread of the Judas Kiss prospectus