Recently I have been working tirelessly on finishing up The White Faced Man. I find this project to be the best West 2nd Production to date. This was a film that was originally supposed to be a one day shoot about the Grim Reaper picking off a few random people. As the story evolved early on, it became more of a character study of the humans involved. The film centers around Draven (yes, that is also my son's name, who wouldn't name their killer-for-hire character after their own son?!) who is a seasoned professional killer. Draven is a good guy at heart though, he only kills the scum of the earth. That's not to say he doesn't enjoy his profession. I'm getting off topic now...basically this film became something much more than it was originally supposed to be. I'm very excited about getting this finished and out to everyone to enjoy. It has been a tough process. Our son was born LITERALLY days after shooting wrapped. There are actually scenes in the film in which I left the neonatal intensive care unit to go shoot and then came right back. Anyway, enough ranting for now, but I promise that you will soon see what "The White Faced Man" is all about when it is unleashed on you this summer! Thanks for supporting us and our films! -luke

Hey everybody! We are reviving this blog to keep everyone up to date on happenings here at West 2nd Productions. We will be updating on a day to day basis. A little update on what's happening around our corner of the universe: Our feature films, "Under the Rainbow", and, "The White Faced Man", are both nearing the very end of post-production and WILL FINALLY SEE RELEASE THIS YEAR! Thanks to everyone involved in these projects as well as our supporters who have stuck with us through this tough and lengthy process. Filmmaking is quite a challenge as it is...throw in a baby and a wedding and you have a SERIOUS challenge, but we are persevering and ready to release some great, disturbing shit upon all of you! Today we submitted our no-budget short, "A Family Affair", to the first annual “COME TO DADDY: HORROR SHORTS SOIREE”, hosted by FANGORIA MAGAZINE contributor John Nicol. Check out the film festival website HERE. If you haven't seen it yet, here is your chance to see "A Family Affair"!

SANTA CLAWS RELEASED!

Shot two years ago...our new West 2nd Productions' short film, "Santa Claws", is finally finished and online. The film is an example of micro-budget film making, as it was shot in one day for about $50. It's not meant to be a masterpiece by any means, more a fun side-project. Please check it out and leave any feedback. The film stars: Brian DiBonaventure Rae Labadie Gerald Prince Dessaline Stevens Chris Pierce Robin Ramer Allie Houle Make-Up effects by Amy Trauger. Lighting by Ed Ballinger Shot by Ed Ballinger and Luke Ramer Edited by Luke Ramer Production Assistant and On-Set Photographer: Scott Cameron. Special Thanks to everyone involved for their patience on the project being finished. A Very Special Thanks to Ed Ballinger for his help with this project.

Under the Rainbow wrap

My first feature length film, "Under the Rainbow", wrapped this week after about a year of shooting. In total the film took 13 days to shoot. It was an incredible experience. The hardest, most stressful thing I have ever done in my life, but such a satisfying feeling to finish filming.

The cast and crew were incredible, they stuck by the project for a long time and everyone was extremely dedicated and hardworking. That's one of the things I love most about filmmaking, seeing people come together and work so hard, not for a paycheck, but for the passion of making a film. Everyone pitched in in so many different ways to make everything come together, so I definitely want to thank everyone sincerely for their efforts and for believing in this project. People don't realize how much time, effort, dedication, thought, and money goes into making a full length film...it truly is an exhausting process, especially working at a no-budget independent level where you need to utilize your imagination to make the film work. But that's what makes it worth it in the end I suppose.

Now the post-production process begins. Hopefully the film will be finished by summer 2011. Look for updates, teaser trailers, and many many more pics to come. In the meantime, here are some stills from the production...

Also, please check out and become a fan of the Under the Rainbow Facebook Page

Pics...

Stills from the forthcoming short film "Santa Claws"...

"Santa Claws" werewolf shot

Here's a great close up on the werewolf from the upcoming short film, "Santa Claws", which is currently in the post-production phase.



"Santa Claws" is the story of Eddie, a traveling santa claus who also happens to be a werewolf. Although he wishes to live in peace, Eddie finds himself caught in the middle of a power struggle between the Vampires, the Witches, and a psychotic blue-masked, screw-driver wielding bounty hunter...all of whom wish to use Eddie for their own personal gain.

"Santa Claws" is a fun horror film, inspired by late night cable re-runs such as "The Twilight Zone". The film is slated for release this summer where it will be posted, in full, online . Check back for more updates!

The film stars Brian DiBonaventure, Rachel Labadie, Gerald Prince, and Dessaline Stevens.
Make-up effects by the brilliant Amy Trauger.