Blue Seraph Productions » Charlie David

‘Judas Kiss’ Behind the Scenes

Carlos Pedraza — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:59:26 +0000

Get a peek behind the scenes and meet the stars of 'Judas Kiss' in the 'making of' documentary by award-winning filmmaker Matt Bucy.

LOS ANGELES – Get a look behind the scenes at the genre-busting, time-bending 2011 film festival favorite, “Judas Kiss,” the best-selling movie critics cite as taking gay cinema in a bold direction.

Award-winning documentarian Matt Bucy spent weeks on the set shooting footage for “Judas Kiss: Behind the Scenes,” which chronicles the production of the acclaimed film, the first feature by director J.T. Tepnapa and writer-producer Carlos Pedraza via their production company, Blue Seraph Productions.

All four episodes of the series are available now on the Judas Kiss channel on YouTube. The film itself, distributed by Wolfe Video, is at the top of the sales charts in its category on Amazon in the United States and in Europe. Here’s the first episode:

WATCH THE ENTIRE ‘BEHIND THE SCENES’ SERIES

The first episode of the Web series introduces the film’s stars Charlie David (star of Logo TV’s “Bump,” the TV series “Dante’s Cove,” and the feature, “Mulligans”), Richard Harmon (of AMC’s “The Killing”), Sean Paul Lockhart (aka adult star Brent Corrigan) and Belgian TV and pop star Timo Descamps, as well as director Tepnapa and writer Pedraza.

Critics have lauded the film’s high production values, strong ensemble cast, and its ambitious effort to meld drama, science fiction and magical realism; the film has won multiple awards at film festivals for its screenplay and acting. “Judas Kiss” tells the story of a washed-up filmmaker (David) who returns to his alma mater, where he gets the chance to reshape his destiny.

The four episodes:

• Introduce the principal cast and crew, especially the hot young stars getting so much recent press around the United States.

• Document the creative tension at the heart of the partnership between director Tepnapa and writer-producer Pedraza.

• Explore actor Sean Paul Lockhart’s past as controversial adult film star Brent Corrigan, and what it means for his new career as a mainstream actor.

• Offer a sneak peek at the Bollywood-style end musical number, “If I Fall,” performed by the Judas Kiss cast and crew, joined by the song’s composer, American Idol alumnus Brian Lam.

SELECTED REVIEWS AND AWARDS

“Brilliant production. Excellent cast.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
“Incredibly original and extraordinarily well-made. Transcends all genres, and features solid performances from really charismatic actors.” (Examiner.com)
“A deep, insightful film that explores the shadows we run from as gay men and the toxic and self-destructive decisions that can change our lives.” (Edge Network)
“A metaphysical rumination on lost opportunities, Judas Kiss uses magical realism to convey its message. To that end, the film is pure joy.” (Men of Color blog)
Best Debut Feature (Q Cinema, Fort Worth, Texas)
Best Screenplay (Q Films, Long Beach, Calif.)
First Place, Alternative Spirit (Rhode Island International Film Festival)
Best Screenwriting (FilmOut San Diego)
Honorable Mention, Youth Jury for Best Picture (Rhode Island Film Festival)
Rising Star Award, Sean Lockhart (Q Fest, Philadelphia)
Official Selection, Frameline 35 (San Francisco)
Official Selection, NewFest (New York City)
Official Selection at dozens of other film festivals worldwide

WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION “Judas Kiss” is distributed in North America by Wolfe Video, in the United Kingdom by TLA Releasing, in German-speaking Europe by Pro-Fun Media, and in French-speaking Europe by BQHL.

Blue Seraph Productions is a Los Angeles company headed by Tepnapa and Seattle-based Pedraza. Their previous work on the Web’s longest-running series, Star Trek: New Voyages and Star Trek: Hidden Frontier has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Variety, Rolling Stone, the Today Show, MSNBC, and other international news outlets.

Tepnapa’s short films include the multiple award-winning parody of 1950s teen health films, “Masturbation: Putting the Fun Into Self-Loving,” the comedy “Drag Queen Heist” and the drama about homeless youth, “Begging for Change.”

First Look: ‘Judas Kiss’ Behind the Scenes

Carlos Pedraza — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:10:03 +0000

BEHIND THE SCENES on the set of Judas Kiss with stars Richard Harmon (left) and Charlie David. Director of Photography David Berry sets a light in the background.

Watch this video featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the Judas Kiss shoot this past summer. The video introduces the film’s principal cast and shows off talents of the mostly Seattle-based crew.

The video was shot by the film’s videographer, Matt Bucy, who also edited it together in record time for its premiere at the fundraiser held at the end of August at The Lobby Bar in Seattle.

OTHER NEWS The film wrapped production on September 4, and is well into post-production. Judas Kiss is currently being edited, and preparations are well underway for sound design, visual effects, color correction, soundtrack, the score and other aspects of its completion.

The post-production timeline is scheduled for about six months, which means the film should be ready for exhibition at film festivals around the world starting in Spring 2011.

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.

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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.”

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