Cape Independent
Film Association
CAPE GIRARDEAU
THIS JANUARY!
It is raining today in Cape. There will be no filming today. The town is still talking about what has happened!
1-9-06
Well, the filming has begun! So much has happened today, that I do not know where to begin! I will write a detailed account in a few days of this exciting event (and we will have hundreds of photos to show you), but in the meantime we will give you a brief rundown of what happened during the first day of the shoot! (And it is just the first day as it now looks like they may be here into next week!)
The weather was fantastic, with clear skies and warm tepertaures for January. Production began in the downtown area at around 6 a.m, with filming starting with the sunrise light.. The first scenes were shot with Thomas Jane on the steps of the Common Pleas Courthouse. I was able to talk to director John Madden here and welcome him to our town. We had unbelievable access to the filming the entire day! There were nearly 100 crew and PAs and equipment, cables , and cameras everywhere.
The filming than moved to the riverfront, where Thomas Jane and Diane Lane shot some moving scenes overlooking the river. Got to see Caleb Deschanel in action, working out scenes with Madden. Production then turned around to shoot back towards the Courthouse. These were alternate angles for the river scene.
We all then moved back to the Couthouse step, where the previous scene there was continued with Diane Lane. Jane wore a green jacket, jeans, and a cap. Lane had on a tan jacket and jeans. We watched then eat lunch in-between takes. Got up-close to Diane in the corner coffee shop. She is very beautiful in person.
Filming then moved to Themis and Main, near the clock. Diane Lane and Johnny Knoxville rehearsed scenes in front of the Hecht's shooting location. He was dressed casual and wore sneakers. Knoxville plays Cape Marshall Ferris Britton. Jane, not in this scene, hung out and looked in windows of downtown businesses.
For the actual shoot, which takes place on the entirety of Main Street, we repositioned ourselves near Carmen's red car. Knoxville and Lane have a walking scene to the car as it is parked in front of Broussard's (they altered the exterior, covered the windows, and put up musician's billboards).
The remainder of the days shooting consisted of this one scens from a variety of angles and multiple takes. I hung out with the crew making of the "Making of..." documentary for the DVD. Onlookers were not that large, spectators came and went throughout the day. The PAs were very accomodating.
Filming began to wind down at around 5 p.m. and one of the last sequences was of Diane's driving stunt double tearing down Main Street away from Knoxville's character. The stars went to their trailers and soon took off and the crew then began to pack up the mountain of equipment. The end of an incredible day! As I ahve said, we will have a more detailed account in the near future, as there is much more to tell about!
What's new that we have learned about the filming:
* They will be here for over a week.
* Buckner's was a staging area, not a location.
* There will be a travelling car scene on the Emerson bridge.
* The next day's shooting will be at the Dry Docks and the bridge.
* There will be interior scenes shot in a local diner.
* They will not be shooting in Sikeston or Cairo.
1-8-06
Evening. The production trucks are now parked in the downtown parking lot! The dozen, or so, trucks, trailers, and vans are being guarded by Cape police and crew members. These are filled with equipment, costumes , and props. Lights are on on the third floor of the closed Buckner's establishment and recent construction is visible from the street. Street cleaners are busy pressure-spraying the streets late into the night.
Afternoon. The police have announced in a TV interview that they will arrest anyone disrupting the filming for "trespassing" and/or "violating police orders" if they refuse to leave. (I wonder if they would do the same for our local filmmakers?)
Morning. All is quiet so far. We have photographed all of the filming locations and will have those on this site in the coming days.
1-7-06
The cast and crew have begun arriving in Cape! They have set themselves up in a local hotel which they have completely rented out for themselves! Security at this place is tight. Rumors abound as to who is in town, but nothing is as yet confirmed. Tarantino and Knoxville were rumored to be here today, visiting the downtown area! They are booked to be here. Production folks have been seen in local businesses, restaurants, at at filming locales. In the past couple of days, I have met a number of chosen extras, production assistants, and crew who are a part of the production.
According to sources, a Cape bank (we won't tell you which one) is handling the "Killshot" funds account and have deposited "a considerable amount" of cash for the production.
Reportedly, downtown's Mollie's is being frequented by production folks as is Buckner's, which will be catering the cast and crew during the shoot.
1-7-06
The whole of the local indie film community continues to express their disappointment at being shut out of the "Killshot" production. They feel "outrage" and like they have "been played" by local dealmakers and business interests. Many have said that they think that the promises made by some civic leaders were merely meant to "placate" our film community and that they feel now that there was no intention from the start for local artistic inclusion. Some feel that this film coming to the region did much to nearly destroy independent filmmaking! What is believed most unfortunate is that the "Killshot" production does not know what has been goin on and that civic leaders have "insulated" them from that knowledge.
1-6-06
The third floor of Buckner's will be used as an interior filming location! Scenes will, reportedly, be filmed there on Monday. Construction of the set has been worked on for the past few weeks.
1-5-06
Local Cape police officers will be participating as security for the film. They have been told to report at various locations at specific times. Extras will participate in a meeting this weekend to receive instruction on their roles in the picture. Most of the extras will be used for the Downtown shooting. Various locales, streets, and buildings will be closed to accomodate the filming.
1-4-06
Many from the "Killshot" production team are already here in town. They have set up at one of the local hotels (we won't tell you which one) and have had a number of production meetings to plan the shoot. Many of those in the community who will act as extras and production assistants have been notified, but more are still to be contacted in the coming days. The production trucks begin to arrive on Friday and will be staging in the downtown parking lot across from Hutson's furniture. The principle actors and filmmakers will arrive in Cape this weekend. Shooting begins Monday at 6 a.m. They will film here for about a week.
1-3-06
It seems that alot has been going on behind the scenes with the "Killshot" production and some local business and civic folks. There have been a number of meetings will local officials and many of the decisions regarding filming, logistics, and hiring have already been planned out. The fix is, unfortunately, in. It looks as if our local filmmaking community is going to be shut out of participation with the film entirely in favor of big-wigs with connections, friends-of-friends, and out-of-towners. It just goes to show that it's not what you know but who you know! And that alot of this all comes down to money and egos. I guess this is the Hollywood way! Influence over inclusion.
Bitter? Of course we are. We are hurt. Those that could most benefit and do a good job, our local filmmakers, will have to watch from the sidelines. We've tried to prevent this from the beginning. We have been working for years to try to put Cape on the filmmaking map, to only now be put to the side!
Those that will be benefitting locally from the filming will be the city's elite, those connected to the Chamber of Commerce, and friends of Chuck Martin. They will all get their photo-ops and bragging rights and dinners with the stars.
The coveted Production Assistant jobs will go entirely to SEMO professor (and Chamber member) James Dufek's students. We are happy for these 25 lucky kids, but disappointed that NOT EVEN ONE local filmmaker was given an opportunity. Local film has been shut out since the beginning and certain people have worked actively to sideline us and disrupt us due to petty arrogance and egogism. Inclusion of the local film artists of the Cape Film Movement has proven to be an alien concept to many of those pulling the strings of influence.
I will have more on this and the sordid politics behind it in a future rant. We will continue to cover the "Killshot" filming and provide as much info as we can to let people, not in the know, see what is going on with this exciting local film event!
12-28-05
EXCLUSIVE! We have been sent the first image from the "Killshot" film! Check it out here on this page! It shows Thomas Jane and Diane Lane playing the Colsons!
12-28-05
We now have word on some details of the "Killshot" shoot in Cape this January! The first day of filming will take place in downtown Cape starting at 6 a.m. near the Courthouse. The following days will then move to the Dry Docks and the Riverfront areas. The bulk of the cast and crew will begin arriving after the first, with local paticipants being notified prior to shooting. No word yet on if any local filmmakers will be participating.
12-12-05
It is official, the "Killshot" filming has been rescheduled! According to KFVS12-TV, the movie will now film it's Cape scenes beginning January 9th with shooting lasting a week or more! Extras will now be notified around January 4th if they are being considered. Production delays, and probably the weather and the holidays, precipitated the rescheduling. The advance team will still arrive by December 15th, however! We'll let you know as we learn more!
12-04-05
The deadline for the extras casting has ended! Thousands have applied and wait anxiously for the news on who will be used! The casting director Joni Tackett wll begin to contact prospects by the 8th! Let us know if any of you are contacted and what is going on with that! Good luck, all!
12-04-05
I was recently contacted by "Killshot" Production Secretary Eleanor Mendes about PA jobs for the filming. They have received the resumes from some of our local filmmakers and have forwarded them to the Production Manager for consideration! We should begin to know in the coming days if any of our local talent will get to work on this exciting production! Fingers crossed!
12-04-05
The word is that Mollie's will be used by the production team for the shooting! There is something going on there on the 19th. Still no official confirmation on the wrap party, but we have sources looking into it! More later!
12-03-05
It has been confirmed now that the "Killshot" crew will begin to arrive in Cape Girardeau by the 15th! They will be using Buckner's as their headquarters for the production. Some are already here now, but the rest will be here by the stated date! Word has is that the cast and crew will be staying at one of our local Drury hotels during their visit! Get ready, they're coming!
11-29-05
News from the rumor mill: this is unconfirmed, but sources have heard that the "Killshot" wrap party will be held at Mollie's in downtown Cape! This star-studded cast and crew celebration may be held at this popular restaurant on Spanish Street when filming is completed! According to our sources, the establishment will close down for two days to set up, hold the event, and for clean up. We are going to check up some more on this and get some confirmation. I know the owner and see him nearly every week! More as we find out!
11-28-05
The increased infux of British citizens to our city has some people wondering if they are from the production. Some actually are! We have met a few of these "accented" folks that have said that they were "here for the production," but they were tight-lipped as to who they were or what they were up to! As the director, John Madden, is a British subject, it only makes sense that he would use familiar crew for the filming! So, if you meet a Brit in the coming weeks...say "hello" and welcome them to Cape!
11-28-05
The numbers of people trying out to get an extra part in "Killshot" is phenomenal! Over 1,000 local and regional folks have applied to the production! (see related article) The deadline/cut-off for the 150 or-so extra parts is this Wednesday! So if you want to apply, download the application today and rush-mail is to St. Louis ASAP! Time is running out for your shot to be a star!
11-19-05
It is confirmed, from two different inside sources, that "Killshot" will be using the third floor of Buckner's Brewery for the production here! It is being used as either a production staging area or a filming location! Some of the "Killshot" team are reportedly in town right now utilizing that location! We'll keep you posted as we learn more as to what is going on there as well as other news on the film as it comes!
of "Killshot" filming. (Op) 7-19-05
In an article in the Southeast Missourian, Matt Sanders reported on the CFC/Killshot debacle and it's effects on the local film community. We at the CIFA appreciate Matt's efforts to be fair and balanced. Of course, one always wishes there was more room to get the whole story out - to explain certain things - but, we are generally satisfied with the article! We hope for this to get behind us and for local filmmakers to once again work on exciting projects. We even still hold out hopes for a change in the culture of local civic groups to that of more open accomodation to artists. we wish the CFC the best for thier fil festival and even greater accomplishments for all in local film and art.
11-10-05
Hundreds of local people have been picking up or downloading the application to try out for extras in the "Killshot" film! This is great! The community is really taking and interest and getting involved in participating with a film being made in their community! Hopefully, we'll see alot of Cape faces on the big screen next spring!
11-8-05
The "Killshot" extras casting application is now available! You need not pick one up as thay are available to print out through this site! Simply click on the "Want to be an extra?" link , print it out and mail it ASAP to:
"Killshot" Extras Casting
Box 312
9051 Watson Rd.
St. Louis, MO. 63126
11-7-05
Was that some of the "Killshot" crew I saw photographing, in detail, the Common Pleas Courthouse a couple of days ago? We do not know, but, a couple of individuals were seen photographing the possible movie location from a wide variety of angles and positions! And, reportedly, they looked very professional! Could it be the location team that has been here? It is rumored that the Courthouse will be in the film as the location in which Wayne Colson seeks employment while under witness protection. We'll know, for sure, soon enough! Stay tuned!
11-6-05
When submitting a resume to the production it is a good idea to list qualifications that will be directly usable by the production. Tell them specifically what you are qualified to do (driving, location, crowd control, craft services, run errands, etc.). It also may be useful to send an attached cover letter telling them what you specifically would like to do as a production assistant crew member. Make it good, as you will be competing with others who would really like the opportunity to work on a big-budget Hollywood film in our community!
11-6-05
Those in the local filmmaking community who seek to submit their production talents to the producers are first encouraged to send their resumes to the Missouri Film Office to be forwarded to the film's Production Manager. Unfortunately, the situation has come about to where a number of government officials have set themselves up as gatekeepers on behalf of the production and are playing favorites to some (many from outside the community) and excluding others (from our community). Thus, it may be necessary to try and get your resumes directly to the production. All are first encouraged to try to get these appointed officials to do their jobs and act as conduits instead of controllers and wanna-be producers. The CIFA will give you contact info if your efforts with MO FILM or the CVB are unsuccessful. When sending your qualifications to MO FILM it is encouraged that it be sent in a sealed envelope and marked "Private: PLEASE FORWARD TO KILLSHOT PRODUCTIONS LTD. - attn. Production Manager - from Cape Girardeau" .
Send your resume ASAP to:
Missouri Film Office
165 McReynolds
University of Missouri - Columbia
Columbia, Missouri, 65211
11-4-05
MO Film Commission Director Jerry Jones met with Southeast Missouri State University video production students to accept resumes to forward to the "Killshot" production. He visited the SEMO campus to speak to a few of ProfessorJames Dufek's students to talk about opportunites for them to become involved.
11-3-05
Missouri Film Commissioner, Jerry Jones, met with Cape Filmmaker's Cooperative (CFC) members today to accept resumes from chosen members of that group. (The threatened blacklist by Chuck Martin having been lifted due to CFC capitulation in organizational "restructuring"). There is no word, yet, if other filmmakers in the community will have the opportunity to submit their qualifications to the production. They, Jerry Jones and Cape CVB's Chuck Martin, are NOT official representatives of the production, but are merely making personal recommendations. Those wishing to bypass the bureaucrats and submit their talents for consideration are encouraged to contact the CIFA and we will provide info on contacting the production directly! ALL should have a shot, if they are talented, at being considered for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - regardless of politics or personality conflicts! The production (filmmakers) should decide who works, not the local bureaucrats!
11-3-05
The "Killshot" production has put the word out that it will be seeking around 100 local extras for the film! The talent must be available to shoot during the scheduled production dates of December 19-23 and must submit photos along with their application. These will be made available (starting Nov. 8) at the Cape Public Library , through the the Missouri Film Commission website, and from the Cape Convention and Visitor's Bureau! Extras WILL BE PAID for their time! (see "extras" article for more information)
11-3-05
More on the rumor of the "Killshot" production setting up in the third floor of Buckner's. The production has NOT yet set up here in Cape! The location manager has visited the area, but the advance team has not begun to set up yet! Just some scouting by Daniel Kinkade, the LM from St. Louis, is all. According to sources, Buckner's IS being considered as a possible staging area or even location by the production. More later as we learn more and get to the real scoop!
10-30-05
The CIFA now has the names and the contact numbers for various "Killshot" producers, managers, and crew! We even have the direct contact info (numbers and addresses) for the production in Canada! Look forward to better information to come to this site as a result! No more going through secretive intermediaries and gatekeepers... we'll get the scoop directly from the horse's mouth!
10-30-05
Was that some of the "Killshot" crew I saw filming in downtown Cape this week? The answer is, no. It was actually a crew from the Court TV show 'Forensic Files' which was here to film an episode (entitled "Bump in the Night") about an early 90's murder that happened here. It will air on the network in a few months! We are quite the popular town, aren't we?
10-29-05
Elmore Leonard to visit Cape for filming and wrap party? The word is that the "Killshot" author will visit our town sometime during the film's production! He actually has promised some that he would. This would be great! Maybe Quentin Tarantino, the film's executive producer, could make it too? Please!?
10-28-05
The "Killshot" advance team is in Cape now doing some scouting and setting up! Rumor has it that they have set themselves up on the third floor of Buckner's Brewery in downtown Cape!
10-27-05
Pay to be an extra? Rumors from Toronto say that extras had to buy headshots from a company to be considered for parts as extras there! That would stink! We hope not!
10-25-05
Possible Cape locations being looked at: the Cape Riverfront, the River Wall, downtown businesses, the Common Pleas Courthouse, the Missouri Dry Docks, West Park Mall, and various houses near the downtown area!
10-24-05
Jerry Jones of the Missouri Film Commission will be in Cape in the coming weeks to meet with local filmmakers and video students to accept applications to submit to the "Killshot" production! Mr. Jones and Cape CVB director Chuck Martin will submit resumes for various crew positions to the producers in the coming weeks.
10-19-05
Possible Cape shooting date: December 19-23! Right before Christmas? We'll see. It is likely that the shoot will be moved into January if the weather is uncooperative or there are delaying logistical problems.
10-19-05
The CIFA begins to set up the unofficial KILLSHOT PRODUCTION INFO page due to popular demand and the lack of an official information webpage. It seeks to be THE community's central source for local production news and rumors, and hopes to act as a clearinghouse for the numerous articles about the coming film. If we hear about it, you will hear about it! It's our town!
10-19-05
"Killshot" is set to be released in theaters nationwide on March 17th, 2006. There is no word, yet, if this date is solid or where the premiere might take place. More on this later.
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Michael Huntington,
Webmaster
Call 573-334-5273 or e-mail us at: mhuntington7@sbcglobal.net