Wednesday, April 10th, 2013

Head inside to check out some exclusive set photos and behind-the-scenes images from THE NIGHT VISITOR that is currently in production and marks the directorial debut of Jennifer Blanc-Biehn.

Actress and producer, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn teams up with Streamy Award winning producer Mark Gantt (THE BANNEN WAY) and Lony Ruhmann (who is also helping produce HIDDEN In THE WOODS the remake ) for her directorial debut on the digital feature, THE NIGHT VISITOR. The film with a mix of both sci-fi and horror, will be shot with the found footage style that has become popular within the genres. Ruhmann helmed the story and will Executive Produce with Blanc-Biehn, Gantt will produce, screenplay written by the Marcus Bros (HIDDEN IN THE WOODS-REMAKE, THE FARM).

The cast includes Brianne Davis who  plays the role of Jen, a mother of six-year old Ricky, who’s being tormented by a demented Alien, Gary Cairns (HERO WANTED, JUSTIFIED), Jennifer Blanc-Biehn (DARK ANGEL, WRONG COPS, THE VICTIM), Mark Gantt (THE BANNEN WAY, OCEAN’S 11) and Tara Buck (TRUE BLOOD, JUSTIFIED, TOMORROW YOU’RE GONE).

Photography by Mike Skillsky

Jennifer Blanc of Blanc/Biehn Productions has spent a lot of time in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes as a producer, but now it’s time for the do-it-all to find herself a seat in the director’s chair for The Night Visitor.

From the Press Release
Actress and producer Jennifer Blanc-Biehn teams up with Streamy Award-winning producer Mark Gantt (THE BANNEN WAY) and Lony Ruhmann (who is also helping produce HIDDEN In THE WOODS, the remake ) for her directorial debut on the digital feature THE NIGHT VISITOR. The film, a mix of both sci-fi and horror, will be shot in the found footage style that has become popular within the genres. Ruhmann helmed the story and will executive produce with Blanc-Biehn; Gantt will produce the screenplay written by the Marcus Bros. (HIDDEN IN THE WOODS, THE FARM).

“’The Night Visitor effortlessly blends the sci-fi, horror and supernatural genres together with a beautiful balance of charm, humor and irony. I’m super excited to be a part of Jen Blanc-Biehn’s directorial debut; her vision and passion are leading the charge.” – Mark Gantt

Filming begins April 4th in Los Angeles with a tight budget and schedule. The ambitious shoot is helped along with the majority of the cast and crew, Blanc-Biehn Productions’ alumni, offering favors and deals to help elevate the production. “In my maiden voyage as a director, I feel fortunate to have such passionate friends and co-workers that have stepped up to the plate to bring this vision to life.” – Jennifer Blanc-Biehn

The cast so far includes Brianne Davis (PROM NIGHT, AMONG FRIENDS, JARHEAD), who’s jumping aboard before shooting the Lifetime series “WITCHES OF EAST END” in Vancouver. Davis and Blanc-Biehn worked together in Danielle Harris’ directorial debut , AMONG FRIENDS, written by Alyssa Lobit, which will be released this summer by Lionsgate Home Video and Grindstone Entertainment. Davis plays the role of Jen, mother of six-year-old Ricky, who’s being tormented by a demented alien. “I’m totally thrilled to be working with Jen on her directorial debut. ‘The Night Visitor’ is such a great concept, and I love the character I’m playing; she’s strong, passionate and desperately wants to save her marriage and protect her son.” – Brianne Davis.

Additional cast members include Gary Cairns (HERO WANTED, JUSTIFIED), Jennifer Blanc-Biehn (DARK ANGEL, WRONG COPS, THE VICTIM), Mark Gantt (THE BANNEN WAY, OCEAN’S 11) and Tara Buck (TRUE BLOOD, JUSTIFIED, TOMORROW YOU’RE GONE). “I’m a huge fan of horror and sci-fi, and ‘The Night Visitor’ provides a great role for me to sink my teeth into.” – Tara Buck

More casting news has come our way for Patricio Valladares’ English-language remake of Hidden in the Woods. Read on for the early word on just who has signed on for active duty in this horrific affair.

The cast is now comprised of Michael Biehn, William Forsythe, Jeannine Kaspar, Electra Avelan, Mark Burnham, Jennifer Blanc, Richard Gunn, Caitlin Keats, Matthew Alan, Mark Gantt, Cheryl Hawker, Greg Ingram, Evie Louise Thompson, Grace Powell, Larry Carroll, Nick Nicholson, Jeremy JD Norton, Rebecca Torellas, Nick Bateman, Cody Hackman, and Luke Massy.

Hidden in the Woods is a powerful tale of urban violence and “closely faithful to the atmospheres of the original“, in the words of actor/producer Michael Biehn. The film has been acquired to be handled internationally and launched in Cannes by Dimitri Stephanides of WTF, the Paris-based sales company who also represents Michael Biehn’s and Jennifer Blanc’s previous film, The Victim. Shot in Texas on an unannounced budget, Valladares’ Hidden in the Woods promises to be one of the most exciting thrillers to look out for in 2014.

Synopsis
Hidden in the Woods tells the story of two sisters who have been raised in isolation, subjected to the torment of their abusive, drug dealing father. When they finally decide to report him to the police, he kills the two officers and is put in jail. But things go from bad to worse when the girls must answer to their Uncle Costello, a psychotic drug kingpin, who shows up looking for his missing merchandise which is hidden in the woods.

Mark Gantt’s short film Donor focuses on a couple on the verge of a huge life event. Sammy (Alexis Boozer) is about to donate her eggs to another couple, and her commitment-phobic-until-now boyfriend John (Trevor Algatt) is not sure it’s the right thing to do. Over the course of their morning, the two go back and forth on everything from faith to fertility as they try to reconcile their feelings and fears.

A film like this is a straight-up acting showpiece, as it captures a moment in a day and lets the camera soak in the performances on display. Alexis Boozer and Trevor Algatt do an incredible job with the short time they’re given to make an impression in this film. The dialogue, which could be considered a little too stilted or on-the-nose on the page, comes across as natural when delivered by the duo; the film’s emotional gear-shifts never feel forced or false.

In the end, Donor is powered by performance above all, and the actors involved don’t disappoint in the slightest. If this were but part of a larger story, I would’ve kept watching. As it is, though, it’s an emotionally strong short film.

Written & Directed by Joe Penna (AKA MysteryGuitarMan)
Starring: Orlando Jones, Rick Overton, Mary Alyce Kania & Mark Gantt

Alexis Boozer wins Best Overall Actress at the Unofficial Google+ Film Festival for her role in DONOR.

Visit the DONOR official site