Cape Independent
Film Association
CAPE GIRARDEAU
THIS JANUARY!
Elmore Leonard
Quentin Tarantino
The town continues to buzz with "Killshot" stories and accounts of brushes with the star!. Photo developers report increased printing due to locals taking pics of the film and the visiting celebrities. A semi-major premiere is anticipated to be an exciting event in Cape when the movie is released sometime in the fall.
1-16-06
The "Killshot filmmakers have left Cape Girardeau. They are apparently happy with the shoot here and the experience. They will, reportedly, recommend Cape to other productions if a river town is needed!
1-15-06
The production is resting and all of the trailers and trucks are parked at the Drury Lodge. Everyone is probably catching up on some much needed sleep before attempting the big "move out" later today and Monday.
1-14-06
"Killshot" Day Six by Michael Huntington, CIFA Chairman and Webmaster.
Today was my birthday and if I was anticipating something special to happen, I definately got my wish! The filming started early at around 8 a.m. The crew filmed some process shots for a good portion of the day of Blackbird's sky blue Cadillac and Tom Jane in his truck. The trailer-filled basecamp was on Good Hope, but the crew travelled around the city to film these travelling shots. Spectators watched the action and were able talk to some of the stars and filmmakers.
Later in the day, the production began to prep for the evening shoot at Brenda's Place diner on Morgan Oak. The set prep took hours and cameras and talent began to arrive in position after sunset. The streets were again filled with trucks, equipment, and crane lights. The scene in the diner consisted of Mickey Rourke and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I was able to again watch from right behind the cameras, whilst the large evening spectator crowd was herded across the street. It was truly an experience to see this calibre of filmmakers and actors working so up close. I also got to see alot of interesting "behind the scenes" action as we were parked right behind the diner by the star's trailers. Mickey Rourke's Chihuahuas were on hand to keep the actor company. After a break in shooting for a reposition inside the diner, I was able to meet Thomas Jane and got a picture with him. He was very cordial and said that he was "having a blast" shooting in Cape. The production then filmed the interior of the dining scenes before wrapping the shoot late into the night. Clean up and truck-loading soon follwed before heading back to the hotel for a much deserved night of rest. All in all, it was another unbelievable day for a local filmmaker to witness. I got to watch some of the best filmmakers and actors in the world at work. It is definately some thing that I will not forget.
* We will have pictures of the day's events up on this site in the coming days! Please be patient and keep checking back!
The wrap party for the Cape shoot was held at Port Cape Girardeau last night. Everything was paid for by Thomas Jane. All the key players were on hand to party it up with the crew and the interns. Jane danced with a few people and everyone posed for pictures with each other. The celebration lasted late into the night in spite of the long day's worth of filming the next day.
1-13-06
An Account of the Day - by Michael Huntington, CIFA Chairman.
The "Killshot" filmmakers spent most of the day on Southern Illinois roads shooting travelling sequences with Rourke and Gordon-Levitt. It started to rain and snow throughout the day, but they got what they needed. They based themselves near Thebes. Later that evening, scenes were shot at Brenda's Place on Morgan Oak. The streets were closed off, but one could get a glimpse of the action. There were lots of trucks, trailers, vans, and some enourmous cranes for lighting the streets. There was little by way of spectators. It was very cold and wet outside this evening.
The crew then moved right down the street to the Hot Spot gas station and Jasper's gas station. This was for a scene with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a silver car. The location was unbelievably accessible. I stood with about 7 people RIGHT BEHIND Madden and Deschanel as they directed the filming ( I could reach out and touch them). Gordon-Levitt, wearing cowboy boots and a green jacket, and sporting dried-blood makeup, paced the streets and practiced his lines. The crew munch on french fires and onion rings while filming. When the shot was completed, Madden had some children amongst us (one of them on crutches) yell "it's a wrap!" Everyone then applauded and congratulated one another. They then began to pack up for the wrap party later at downtown's Port Cape Girardeau! Flyers were handed out to the crew, giving them directions to the celebration. First, back to the Lodge, then to the party. Everyone seemed both tired and happy at the same time. Another successful day of filming in the can.
I was able to talk to Joseph Gordon-Levitt and had my picture taken with him. He is a nice guy. I also was able to chat with John Madden and tell him about our local film movement. He told us to "keep at it." He was gracious enough, also, to allow me to have my picture taken with him. I'll have these up in a few days.
The whole experience of the evening was unbelievable, I had not even intended on going down there at all. I'm glad I went. I was able to watch of a shoot of the film and see it up close. I've learned alot as a filmmaker this evening about professionalism and courtesy. They were all a class act. I am truly inspired. Tomorrow is my birthday, I am going to try to relax and take a day off. I doubt I'll be able to stay away, though. The day after that, I am going to get some work done on our next film project.
1-12-06
The filming continued today in Cape Girardeau. This time, the production shot at the Southern gas station on South Sprigg. The shoot lasted 3 hours and consisted of Jane's character making a pay phone call. The location was very accessible and local people were able to get close to the action. Some local filmmakers and high school video students were right next to the cameras during the filming! Check out the pics to see just how close we were!
The Mayor of Cape Girardeau, and his family, watched the filming today and talked to Tom Jane for a bit.
There may be an opportunity for some of us in local film to work on Saturday at the Brenda's Diner location (which will portray a Michigan restaurant)! We'll see if this pans out. Fingers crossed! Hopefully, more of us can get involved (there are SIU film students now working as PAs). C'mon "Killshot" people! Spread the joy!
Mickey Rourke and Joseph Gordon-Levitt fly into Cape Airport tomorrow and will film travelling scenes in Southern Illinois throughout the day. After the Sprigg shoot, Lane and Jane shot similar scenes across the river.
There is talk now that the film will be released sometime in the summer or fall. And that there may be a major premiere of the film in Cape Girardeau! We may see some of the stars back here for this event! Awesome!
Here are some new things that we have learned:
* Quentin Tarantino is NOT in Cape. At least, not yet.
* Johnny Depp was NOT in Cape. This is a goofy rumor.
* Johnny Knoxville did NOT have sorority girls in his room.
* Johnny Knoxville did NOT get knock-down drunk in any bars.
* Johnny Knoxville is NOT "hanging around." He is finished.
1-11-06
The filming continued today at the security-laden Dry Docks. Production trucks could be seen, as could a large white tent where the action was taking place. They are supposed to wrap there this afternoon. No word yet on where else the filming may take place afterwards. We will give word when we know for sure.
Brenda's Place, a local diner on Morgan Oak Street, will be a filming location on Saturday. The establishment will be closed for the shoot, but there should be plenty of room for spectators to see the filming from the street (There are alot of open windows here).
It is believed now that Mickey Rourke and Joseph Gordon-Levitt may shoot scenes here. They will be here in Cape on Friday.
Johnny Knoxville has finished his part, but was seen in area restaurants and convenience stores over the last couple of days.
Rumors persist that Johnny Depp was in town this past weekend. These rumors will not go away.
It is reported that Quentin Tarantino IS in town now and will stay for a day or so! He is the Executive Producer of "Killshot." He is reportedly staying at one of the Drury hotels.
According to sources, the production will film tomorrow at a gas station on Sprigg Street starting at 11 a.m. They will then film on the roads of Southern Illinois the remainder of the day. It will be Diane Lane's last day of filming. I met her stand-in today...I sold her a copy of "Killshot" in the book store I work at!
If anyone has any news, rumors, or a star sighting, contact us and share them with us! We are also looking for pictures if anyone has them. We are looking to be the site of record for this exciting event in Cape filmmaking!
1-10-06
It is raining today in Cape. But despite this, the previous report of a cancelled shoot was wrong! The production did film scenes at the Missouri Dry Dock throughout the day. Thomas Jane was there, as was Johnny Knoxville. We were not able to get close to this location, as it was private property and it had alot of security. You could see the action from a distance, however.
After last night's shoot, it was learned that Johnny Knoxville, who was gracious with signing autographs and posing for photos, was looking for a place to play pool and drink after a long day of filming. Someone recommended Breakaway's. So, out of the blue, Johnny shows up at the downtown hotspot to hang out! People were surprised and he was soon swamped with fans. Amazing, huh? What makes this more amazing is that some of us joked about the possibility of him coming into the local filmmaker hangout!
We had some good news today for local filmmakers. The production hired Pat Bond as a Production Assistant! We are happy for him! It is good to see that at least one of our local film community people are able to participate with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Thank you.
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 temperatures 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 with equipment, cables, and cameras everywhere.
The filming then 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 angle shots for the river scene.
We all then moved back to the Courthouse steps, 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 them 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 Marshal 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). Extras from Cape were used as folks walking the downtown streets, they did a great job.
The remainder of the day's shooting consisted of this one scene from a variety of angles and with multiple takes. I hung out with the crew making of the "Making of..." documentary for the DVD. They did not break for lunch, but had it served by Buckner's during filming. 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. The crew then began to pack up the mountain of equipment. The end of an incredible day! As I have 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 and caterer, 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 going 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.
of "Killshot" filming. (Op) 7-19-05
John Madden
to scout for locations. 7-05
Cape Girardeau (day one). 1-9-06
Tell them the CIFA sent you!
Michael Huntington,
Webmaster
Call 573-334-5273 or e-mail us at: admin@capeindiefilm.com