Media Kit - Circle (Short Film)

Contact: John Fazen Phone: 856.449.4099 Email: [email protected]

Press Kit

Cir

Circle a short film

Produced by

John Fazen & Shawn D. Caple

Written & Directed by

John Fazen

‘Circle’ - Orange Ocean Films Page 1

Press Kit [email protected]

Film Specs:

Running Time: 15 minutes

Language: English

Genre: Drama/Art House

Camera: Sony Z1

Format: HDV – Color (Edited in Black &

White)

Aspect Ratio: 16x9 – 29.97fps HD

Logline:

After an attempt at suicide, a young woman joins a small support group in hopes to find

meaning in this grim world. She soon comes to realize that she may be the only source of

strength in this circle of tragic souls.

Synopsis:

How does life go on after it had been attempted to end abruptly? This is the question, along

with many other doubts, that plague the circle of tortured souls. In the lowly basement of a

church, a suicide support group houses seven individuals with their own tragic story, each

more bleak than the next. Jen (Amanda Damron) is angered by her very presence in the

circle, denying her suicide attempt. Sylvia (Cricket Batz) struggles to get on with her life,

but for what purpose? Charles (Chris Ready) is trapped in this prison of a world and yearns

for freedom. Larry (Tom Tansey) is the calmest of them all, knowing full well what is on the

other side – nothing. Even the support group leader (Michael Broussard) has been left

jaded by the lack of hope amongst the participants. The only one who sees a glimmer of

hope in her second chance at life is Violet (Brittany Holdahl), but struggles to have the

circle see it that way. Though she still experiences disturbing nightmares of her demise, she

believes that there is an opportunity to find peace in a once dark and bleak world. She

especially expects it from Thomas (Brian Iannelli), her true love, to feel the same and to

bring everyone together, but the tales have seemed to make him worse off than before. No

matter how she attempts to help them, Violet cannot control what the circle does when the

session is over.

‘Circle’ is an independently financed short film shot over the course of four days in the

spring and fall of 2010 in Collingswood and Alloway, New Jersey.



About the Production:

‘Circle’ is the next in line in a continuing trend of filmmaker John Fazen’s showcase of

personal, abstract pieces. An idea that was initially conceived in 1997, Fazen would not pen

the script until the fall of 2009 with the desire to take his unique storytelling style to the

next level from his previous project, ‘The Party’.

The cast for ‘Circle’ would need a diverse and

extremely talented ensemble to bring the

tragic characters to life. The group of actors

was compromised of actors and actresses that

Fazen had worked with on previous projects.

Actors Tom Tansey and Cricket Batz, two

Philadelphia based actors, had worked with

John on his prior directorial effort, ‘The Party’.

Fazen had met Brian Iannelli on the set of ‘Zombie Love’, an independent feature film

produced in New Jersey. Amanda Damron and Chris Ready had audition for ‘The Party’, and

though they didn’t get a part in the film, Fazen recognized their talent and knew he would

want to work with them on the future production. Michael Broussard came to Fazen as

recommendation from Cricket Batz to play the jaded support group leader. Finally, Fazen

needed a lead actress to round out the cast to play a suicide survivor looking for salvation.

John initially had an actress set for the role, but had to drop out a month before filming.

Desperate to find someone to fill the part, John had been given stills from a short film

featuring a beautiful, young actress who met the qualities of the character he had

envisioned. Both Cricket and Brian had worked with Brittany Holdahl, knowing she would

fit the part well. Taking a chance, Fazen messaged Brittany with the script and an offer to

play the lead role, to which she accepted.

Fazen then began building an elite crew to help

bring his vision to life. Collaborator Shawn

Caple was already editing two projects with

Fazen when he asked him to work on ‘Circle’,

taking on multiple roles as Producer, Assistant

Director, Director of Photography, Art

Direction and Editing. Doug Seidel of Justice

Productions had been worked on Fazen’s first

two projects and signed on without hesitation when asked, knowing the tediousness that

would be needed to accent the tone of the film. Cyd Katz had worked on ‘Burn’, a music

video, with Fazen, and was brought aboard for her eye for detail. Longtime friend and

collaborator Lance Feltman, a multi-faceted artist, joined the crew to assist where needed.

Lastly, Michael Fromm, who had never worked with Fazen before, was hired as per the

recommendation by Doug Seidel.



With a talented cast and dedicated crew, filming of ‘Circle’ began at The Church of Christ in

Collingswood, New Jersey on March 26 and 27, 2010 and at director John Fazen’s house in

Alloway, New Jersey on April 3 and September 12, 2010.

Director’s Statement:

The idea for ‘Circle’ came about in 1997. I was sipping coffee at Coffee House on South

Street (Philadelphia) and I had this idea of a man committing suicide because he thinks his

next life would be better and this world was ugly and he wanted to be free. So he comes

back as a beautiful butterfly. Only to be caught by a child. The idea stuck with me for years,

but I never did anything with it.

I didn’t start to write the script until the fall of 2009. I wanted to do a film with now two

characters where one is trying to talk the other out of committing suicide. It reminded me

of Marsha Norman’s ‘Night, Mother’, but wanted to go in another direction with it. There

was an actress I had worked with on two previous projects, and I wanted her in this project

as well, so I expanded that character to become the emphasis of the story.

Once I added the second character, Violet, the focus turned to her and her dealing with the

after effects of a suicide attempt. I liked the name Violet, as it reminds me of the word

violence, as well as the flower. So I see it as ‘out of the ugliness of self-violence blooms a

flower’. Though I had developed this character specifically for an actress I had worked

with, she couldn’t commit to the project a month before shooting was to take place.

Thankfully I was able to get an actress on short notice that truly embodied the character of

Violet, more so than I had envisioned.

The common themes of ‘Circle’ are

reoccurrence, cyclicality and rebirth.

Violet understands the truth behind

Thomas’ teachings even though by the end

he has not followed his own wisdoms. Both

are reborn in the end - one of a physical

nature and one of a spiritual. Thomas

suffers the eternal return while Violet

breaks the circle of karma. With Violet I

wanted to give the story an idea of hope.

- John Fazen



Cast:

Brittany Holdahl

Violet

Brittany is currently a senior at Temple University with a

concentration in acting. She has appeared in various student

and independent features associated with Cerulean

Films/NTN Productions, Multiple Eye Productions, and

SmokeyScout Productions, in addition to Orange Oceans

Films. Her theatre affiliations include Philadelphia

Dramatists Center, Secret Room Theatre, otherWords

Theatre Co., The Society of American Fight Directors, and

Save the Day Productions.

Brian Iannelli

Thomas

Brian has immersed himself in nearly every medium of visual artistry. Along with being a talented actor, Brian is a gifted screenwriter, photographer model, music composer, visual designer, and 2 and 3-dimensional artist, to name a few. Brian’s film work includes Circle and Love Terror for Orange Ocean Films. As

well, he has appeared in the short independent films Puncture, Elevator, The Prison and the feature film ZombieLove.

Michael Broussard The Counselor

Michael Broussard studied his craft at the Walnut Street

Theatre and Philly Improv Theater. Notable works include

the upcoming Dan Fogler feature Don Peyote, the award-

winning short film A Turn of the Blinds, Bang Pop, a music

video for the band Free Energy, and the Change for Earth Day

PSA for the Sundance Channel. In addition to his work as an

actor, Michael emcees and produces The Five Minute Follies,

an onstage tribute to the golden age of variety. More info can

be found at http://mbroussard.com, and

http://fiveminutefollies.com.



Cricket Batz

Sylvia

Cricket’s acting career began after a mild midlife crisis.

Through a strange series of events, she was able to parlay

her previous athletic experience into a commercial for a

Spanish cell phone company. Having no acting experience

whatsoever, Cricket decided upon her return from a trip to

Barcelona to get an agent and take some classes. Shortly

thereafter, she began winning roles in commercials and

independent films in both New York and Philadelphia. "The

Party" is her 13th film. Currently, Cricket is concentrating

on comedic improvisation and theatre. She also plays the

violin and continues to torture herself by competing in triathlons (though not at the same

time).

Tom Tansey

Larry

Tom’s theater credits include work with the Wilma Theater and Azuka Theater in Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre in Bristol, PA, People’s Light & Theatre Company in Malvern, PA, Montgomery Theater in Souderton, PA, the New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch, NJ, and The East-Lynne Theater Company

in Cape May, NJ. Tom’s independent feature film credits include starring roles in Victim’s Song, Sealed Fates, and Framework as well as featured roles in Judy Goose, The Obsession, Unpull the Trigger, and Lost in Ashes. In addition to theater and film projects, Tom also appears on QVC and in promotions and industrial videos for Trump Taj Mahal, Time-Life, and Wyeth-Ayerst, to name a few. His work on stage has been praised in the New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Newark Start Ledger, and Variety.



Amanda Leigh Damron

Jen

A performer since the age of five, Amanda knew

at a very young age that she was meant to be a

star. After studying acting at Arcadia University

Damron planted her roots in south Philly, making

a name for herself as an actress, singer,

songwriter and performer. Amanda has also had

vocal training with Joella Arts and training in

Commedia dell’Arte. She has worked on a number of short films for Justice Productions,

including Starwares, Misfortune by Fortune, Un Pugno di Lattuga, and Lovebytes. Her theater

credits include Bachelorette for the Luna Theatre Company, Lady M for Live Arts 2011 and

Haunted Poe for Brat Productions. Damron has also been featured on the television show

Hack for CBS and commercials for Allied Nurse Training, Philadelphia Zoo and South Jersey

Lumber, to name a few. When not acting, Amanda can be found heading the dance punk

group GANG.

Chris Ready

Charles

Well recognized within the Philadelphia filmmaking

community, filmmakers and audiences alike are

enthusiastic for the “Chris Ready experience.” A Philly

native, Ready has brought his character acting talents

to short films such as Knock ‘em Dead, When Beliefs

are Questioned, and Solace. He also has a role in Living

Will, a feature film starring the late Ryan Dunn, and

the web series Off Campus. Recently, Ready has

starred in the short films The Fairy Prince…? and

Unusual Occurrences. When not acting, Ready can be

found under the pseudonym J.P. Russ, a supernatural

survivalist and the creator of the comic book series

The Monster Hunters’ Survival Guide.



Production Team:

John Fazen

Writer/Director/Executive Producer

John developed his desire to become a film

artist out of sheer passion for the craft. A self-

taught writer/director/producer, John has

spent the last three years perfecting his craft to

become an established filmmaker of the New

Jersey/Philadelphia region. Utilizing friends

within the film industry and pulling money out

of his own pocket, John has developed music videos for longtime friend, Lance Feltman, and

his band ‘Diver’s Lust’. John’s influences range in a variety of art-forms. In film, names such

as Godard, Lynch, Welles, Kubrick, Tarantino have inspired John to create his own stories in

this medium. Artists such as Dali, Man Ray, Fever Ray and Graham Greene are some of the

names that have helped create John’s unique visual style for his film-work. As well, the

band ‘My Bloody Valentine’ shaped the way John tells his stories. Fazen is hard at work at

his next projects, including three original short films - ‘The Last House’, ‘Russia Roulette in

Istanbul’ and ‘The Exchange’.

Selected Filmography:

Girl in Leather/Objects of Desire, 2011; Writer/Director/Producer - Short Film/Music

Video for band ‘Divers Lust’.

Circle, 2010; Writer/Director/Producer - Short drama about the tortured individuals

within a suicide support group.

Burn, 2009; Writer/Director/Producer - Music Video for indie rock group ‘Divers Lust’.

The Party, 2008; Writer/Director/Producer - Short drama about a delusional party host.



Shawn D. Caple

Producer/Director of Photography/A.D./Editor

Shawn is an up and coming director and editor who has

already established himself as a compelling and intriguing

storyteller through multiple mediums. Since 2000, Caple

has edited short films and projects for personal and

commercial distribution. He is a master at pacing and

tone, working quickly and efficiently. He made his

directing and filming debut in short films, winning Best

Director at the Rutgers New Century Film Festival in 2007.

He is also an accomplished contest winner, having won

awards for NBC, Sundance, as well as various name band

product promotions. Caple is featured in the credits of the

Gary Winicki directed feature film Bride Wars. Caple is currently co-writing, directing, and

filming 'Underbelly', a geek pop culture review show.

Doug Seidel

Gaffer/Production Consultant

A graduate of Rowan University’s Radio/Television/Film

production department, Doug is no stranger to taking the

lead to create entertaining pieces of work. While at school,

he worked on the television program "Big Show of Justice",

which he starred, wrote, produced, directed and edited with

fellow Justice member Ray Willis. After graduation, he

formed Justice Productions, LLC with a group of fellow

Rowan Alumni. As President of Justice Productions, Doug

has overseen multiple award winning films, including

‘PassionS of the Christ’, ‘Night Light’, ‘Dinner for One’ and ‘The

Journal’s Paragon’. As well, Doug is at the forefront of the J-

Vlog, Justice’s video blog, which single-handedly won them the award for best marketing at

the Project Twenty-One Film Competition of Philadelphia in 2009 and honored two years

in a row with the Epic Award, for his unmatched efforts to bring the Philadelphia

independent filmmaking community together. Currently, Doug is working on several film

projects, including short comedy sketches for the Numa Network, as well as a web series

based on Big Show.



Cyd Katz

Script Supervisor/Production Assistant

Filmmaker Cyd Katz is one of main screenwriters for the Justice Productions. In addition to working for Justice, she has interned for WHYY in Philadelphia, as well as co-produced the 2008 Diamond Screen Film Festival. Passionate about writing and filmmaking, she attended Temple University

and pursued her degree in Film and Media Arts. “Dinner for One”, her directorial debut, won the best NJ based short film award at the Downbeach Film Festival in Atlantic City. She is also the creator of ‘Enterbrainment’ a popular all things entertainment and media blog. Currently, Cyd is working in the professional circuit as an Associate Producer for Leopard Films in New York City.

Michael E. Fromm

Sound Recordist/Production Assistant

Michael has been passionate about telling stories since middle school. To this day, it is difficult to find him without a pen in hand and an idea in mind. He took his desire to write and make movies to Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, where he graduated in the Spring of 2007 with dual BAs in Radio/TV/Film Production and Public Relations. After graduating, he became a member of Justice Productions, writing and producing award winning short films and garnering a positive reputation for the company. Not only does Michael love writing for the screen, he is also an aspiring novelist and film reviewer. Currently, Michael is using the moniker, The Observer, as a web series reviewer for the blog ‘EnterBrainment.’ He is also working

professionally as a content coordinator for Leopard Films in New York City.



Lance Feltman

Production Assistant

Lance has made it his life’s effort to pursue all things art related. A graduate of Rowan University’s Radio/TV/Film Department, Lance was honored to be elected Vice President of Cinema Workshop, the campus’ film organization. Since graduation, Lance has assisted on multiple short films within the New Jersey/Philadelphia area, helping out on various aspects of production such as cinematography, lighting and sound recording. Along with film production, Lance is a member of the music recording industry. Founder of Laoface Records, Lance is well known in Philadelphia as the founder and lead singer and guitarist of the indie rock group Divers Lust

Tim Syp

Composer

Tim is all about music. He is a frequent collaborator with

Justice Productions, providing the music for several award

winning films. When he’s not composing film scores, Tim is a

multitalented musician and songwriter, having played with

several bands, providing vocals, guitar, piano, and drums.

Tim is currently writing and recording songs for his debut

album. In addition to writing and playing, Tim has studied

music theory and history, earning him a BA in Music from

Muhlenberg College.



Credits:

Written and Directed by JOHN FAZEN

Produced by JOHN FAZEN

SHAWN D. CAPLE

Co-produced by JUSTICE PRODUCTIONS, LLC

Executive Producer

JOHN FAZEN

CAST Violet BRITTANY HOLDAHL Thomas BRIAN IANNELLI Group Leader MICHAEL BROUSSARD Sylvia TOM TANSEY Jen AMANDA LEIGH DAMRON Charles CHRIS READY Boy MAX FAZEN

Casting by

ORANGE OCEAN FILMS

Assistant Director SHAWN D. CAPLE

Director of Photography

DOUG SEIDEL

Cinematographers SHAWN D. CAPLE

DOUG SEIDEL

Sound Recordist MICHAEL E. FROMM

Art Direction JOHN FAZEN

SHAWN D. CAPLE

Script Supervisor CYD KATZ



Still Photographer DOUG SEIDEL

Edited by

SHAWN D. CAPLE

ADR/Sound Editing SHAWN D. CAPLE MAGGIE FARLEY

Original Score by

TIM SYP

Production Assistants LANCE FELTMAN

MICHAEL E. FROMM CYD KATZ

A Very Special Thanks To

STEPHANIE LONG FAZEN JUSTICE PRODUCTIONS, LLC

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST OF COLLINGSWOOD, NJ

© 2011 Orange Ocean Films

Media Kit - Circle (Short Film)

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