Helter Skelter

The shoot at Iris's Parents House was the longest, most intense,and most difficult Women's Studies shoot so far. Yet even with only two weeks hindsight, I flash more on how much fun we had than anything else. We had the honor of working with Emmy nominated FX Make-Up artist Jim Choate and his awesome assistant, Buddy "Captain Dammit" Garrett. They turned out some effects which are just bang-up. In addition Fight Choreographer Shanna Beauchamp outdid herself. I don't want to give too much away, but this scene should definitely be exciting to behold.

Women's Studies is at the halfway point in it's shooting schedule and we have almost two weeks of relative downtime with only one small shoot before gearing up for August's BIG shoots. I'll be using the time to get the second half of production organized and start pre-planning for autumn and winter's long post-production process. In addition, Producer Cindy Marie Martin will be getting everything ready for the Women's Studies teaser trailer premiere at Horrorfind Weekend 8 on August 10 - 12.

So, enjoy the ton of pictures. I have to get back to work.


Director Lonnie Martin makes some announcements at the beginning of the shoot.




Laura Bloechl (Iris) getting ready for a scene.




FX Make-Up Artist Jim Choate consults with Art Director Stephanie Petagno.




Shooting an exterior scene.




DP Aaron Shirley catches a catnap during fight rehearsal.




Lonnie Martin talks to Camera Operator Thomas Fant.




Tiffany James (Melissa) works with Fight Choreographer Shanna Beauchamp while Bruce Allen Dawson (Chair Man) looks on.




Phil Piruzzi Filsoof (Iris's Father) and Kelley Slagle (Diane) prep for a combat scene.





Lonnie Martin gives direction to Laura Bloechl (Iris) and Tara Garwood (Judith).




Jim Choate applies FX make-up for a blood effect.




DP Aaron Shirley checking the monitor.




The "Iris's Parents House" set.




Keith Haller (Bathroom Man), you've never looked better!




Things are looking up for the Lady Killers.




Art Director Stephanie Petagno helps Tiffany James (Melissa) get her face on.




Sound Engineer Sean Russell looks so serene, doesn't he?




Clockwise from Left: Tiffany James (Melissa), Kelley Slagle (Diane), Tara Garwood (Judith), Laura Bloechl (Iris)




The final minutes before rolling.




Lunchtime.




1st AC Jim Housell slates a scene.




Who ordered the bloody knife?




Lonnie Martin and Jim Housell look on while Stephanie Petagno takes the shine off Bruce Allen Dawson (Chair Man).




Shanna Beauchamp rehearses with Bruce Allen Dawson (Chair Man) and Tiffany James (Melissa).




Boom Op Kevin Nowak enjoys a moment of down time.




Tiffany James (Melissa) channeling Anne Bonny. (And if you get that reference, I'll give you a cookie.)




FX Make-Up Assistant Buddy "Captain Dammit" Garrett checks out David Crosby (Couch Man).




Tiffany James (Melissa) is far too happy and must be eliminated.




Sean Russell ensures that a scene with Tara Garwood ( Judith), Phil Piruzzi Filsoof (Iris' Father), and David Crosby (Couch Man) will be properly heard.




Tiffany James (Melissa) and Boom Op Kevin Nowak take direction.




From Left to Right: Sound Engineer Sean Russell, Camera Operator Thomas Fant, DP Aaron Shirley. (Shanna Beauchamp is obscured by Sean's shoulder. Jared Lidd is in the background stealing the script.)




Lonnie Martin is far too happy and must be eliminated.




Keith Haller (Bathroom Man), Jim Choate, and Captain Dammit in Make-Up Central.




Kelley Slagle pleads with producer Cindy Marie Martin, "Laura and Tara are eating all the olives!"




Even heartless killers must eat.




The Avon visit from Hell.




"It's okay David. This won't hurt. Trust us."




Laura Bloechl (Iris) and Tara Garwood (Judith) caught in the act of hoarding olives.




A brief moment of calm.




Bruce Allen Dawson rehearses some more with Shanna Beauchamp.




"I just can't figure out why boys don't like me."