Alterity Productions

Small World IFT - Head of Development

2012-02-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

Melissa has accepted a full time position with Small World IFT (International Format Television) as Head of Development. She will be responsible for much of the scheduling and communication between clients, investors, agents, broadcasters, and other distribution companies around the world.

Marvel - short film

2012-02-13T20:49:00.001-08:00

Called to set with only a moment's notice, Robb jumped on board a short film with Marvel Studios...

Matt Von Roderick - music video

2012-02-06T23:42:00.000-08:00

Matt Von Roderick's "Let The Trumpet Talk" music video debuted tonight at Cinespace in Hollywood, CA. The video was well received and the event was a blast- complete with live performances from Matt, his band, and sexy dancers.

Featuring: Autumn Reeser, Jerry Zucker, Matt Von Roderick.
Directed by Kristin Hanggi
Choreography by Kelleia Sheerin
Song Written by Matt Von Roderick
Song Produced by Swiss American Federation/DJ Prozak Morris/Matt Von Roderick
Video Produced by Wonderfalls Entertainmennt
http://www.mattvonroderick.com

Melissa was hired as 2nd AD for the production back in October 2011.

USC short film: The Prisoner

2012-02-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

To begin the new year, Robb jumped on board with a team of University of Southern California students and former students to assist Producer, Trent with Director, Matt Edwards's thesis film.

The short film, The Prisoner, is set during World War II and is the story of an unlikely friendship between two soldiers from opposing sides.

Much of the shoot took place high in the Angeles National Forest. Utilizing all daylight possible, call times were before sunrise and wrap times at nightfall. The resilient cast and crew managed to get some spectacular footage despite a range of mountain temperatures. A screening of the finished film is slated for December 2012.

Robb worked as an Associate Producer on the film and Melissa helped out one day as Script Supervisor.

RSA short film: Likeness

2012-02-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

In early January, Robb and Melissa completed work on a short film project with Ridley Scott's commercial production company, RSA Films, and their New Media division, IGGY.

The film "Likeness" is the directorial debut of Rodrigo Prieto, an Academy Award Nominated Cinematographer (Brokeback Mountian, 21 Grams, Babel, Amores Perros) starring Elle Fanning (Super 8) which addresses young women's distorted self-image and eating disorders. It is a highly stylized short film with little dialogue.

For the seven week production, Robb was Locations Manager and Melissa was Assistant Casting Coordinator. Likeness is slated for Cannes Film Festival and will most likely be viewable on-line after its festival run.

Envision Media Arts

2011-11-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

Alterity Productions's Melissa Thompson will be joining the boutique production company, Envision Media Arts (or EMA), as an intern.

Small World IFT

2011-11-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

Alterity Productions's Melissa Thompson will be joining the television distribution company, Small Work IFT, as an intern.

Chester See - music video

2011-11-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

Alterity's Melissa helped on the set of a music video for Chester See. The song is "Baby Come Home" and it is a very moving, heartfelt piece about losing a loved one. The music video is directed by Matthew Hill and Justin Safaei, who is also the cinematographer.

Fresh Hell - second season wrap

2011-11-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

Joining the crew of Fresh Hell for the fourth episode of season two, Alterity's Melissa started as a Production Assistant but quickly moved into whichever position needed to be filled- among them: Behind the Scenes Videographer and Second Camera Operator. For the last four shoots, Melissa found her niche as the Script Supervisor, prompting lines, checking continuity, and making notes for each take.

Also: Look for Melissa "acting" as an extra in a couple webisodes!

This picture is from the second-to-last day, with Chris Ellis, Director, and John Ealer, Director of Photography. We had a skeleton crew, despite shooting the episode with a famous special guest star, so John rigged up a two-camera mount. We were all very impressed.

Fresh Hell continues

2011-11-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

After almost a week long break due to scheduling conflicts, Fresh Hell is back into the swing of things. The humor and character development are outstanding- you can get some sneak peeks of the show on the Fresh Hell facebook page. There are so many reveals, though, that a limited number of picks can be posted so as not to give away anything.

RSA short film project

2011-11-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions will be represented by both Robb and Melissa Thompson on an upcoming short film for RSA, the production company founded by Ridley Scott. An interview today solidified their roles as part of the production team.

An award-winning Director of Photography will be directing the short film, which will feature a rising young star. Stay tuned for details!

Let The Trumpet Talk

2011-11-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Alterity's Melissa Thompson spent Halloween weekend (and a couple of prep days before) working on a music video as 2nd Assistant Director. The musician, Matt Von Roderick, and Production Company, Wonderfalls Entertainment, kept the energy on set positive even into the wee morning hours. A sneak peek of the footage reveals not only beautiful people, but the expertise of those involved with costumes, hair/makeup, lighting, camera work, choreography, etc.

Locations for the music video shoot included: an office, a soundstage, a nightclub, and downtown LA. The song, Let The Trumpet Talk, encourages a chorus of chants throughout. The background dancers took to the streets as though protesting for more rights... for trumpets. Dance numbers included throughout. It was a fun shoot and we look forward to seeing the finished product.

Look for a cameo of Jerry Zucker in the music video. He was a pleasure to meet and very funny on set!

Net Nutrality spec PSA

2011-10-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Alterity's Robb Thompson worked overnight as grip for a spec shoot by Varona Productions. Shot on two Reds, the spec Public Service Announcement, titled "Blown Away," involved many extras for a party scene in Shadow Hills, California. Hopefully Net Nutrality will pick up the project for broadcast.

Backyard Prop House

2011-10-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions represented with both Robb and Melissa for one day last week as the "Fresh Hell" web series shoot continues. The crew shot in an unassuming residential neighborhood in Studio City, where just off the road is a back yard called "The Barnyard" which hosts an amazing amount of... stuff. The owner has contributed to over two hundred films and television projects - most recently: Memoirs of a Geisha, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Scooby Doo 2, Minority Report, A.I., Castaway, Saving Private Ryan, The X-Files, and Contact.

Central Wisconsin Film Festival

2011-10-19T19:17:00.001-07:00

Alterity Productions is pleased to announce that SHC has been accepted to the Sixth Annual Central Wisconsin Film Festival and will screen on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 7:30pm in Plover, Marshfield, and Amherst. SHC will screen again on Sunday, November 6, 2011 in Stevens Point and Marshfield at 2:00pm.

Fresh Hell

2011-10-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions's Melissa Thompson has been helping on the set of the web series, Fresh Hell. She as so far worked as a Production Assistant, the Behind The Scenes videographer, an extra, and 2nd Camera Operator. The crew is terrific and the atmosphere is as comedic off-camera as the actual webisodes will be.

Fresh Hell is produced by Brian Smith, directed by Christopher Ellis, written by Harry Hannigan, and stars Brent Spiner. Production is at the halfway mark for the second season.

Assistant Camera

2011-10-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Robb's work on set for Seeing Each Other has consisted of some long days on set. Andrew Fisher and his crew have been great, and everything seems to be on schedule for the feature to wrap shooting by October 15th.

Seeing Each Other

2011-10-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions's Robb Thompson will be working as a production assistant for the film Seeing Each Other from October 3 - 15 in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and other locations around Los Angeles. The film will be directed by Andrew Fisher, who wrote the screenplay and will act, as well.

Driftless Film Festival

2011-09-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions is please to announce that SHC will be showing in this year's Driftless Film Festival. The festival runs October 6-9 in the following Wisconsin cities: Baraboo, Mineral Point, Platteville, Richland Center, Spring Green, and Viroqua.

SHC accepted to Black Earth Film Festival

2011-08-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions would like to proudly announce that SHC has been accepted into another film festival: the Black Earth Film Festival in Galesburg, IL. The festival runs September 15-17 at the Carl Sandburg College Theatre.

SHC will be shown Friday September 16 during at the late night session. (Yeah, we think it's a late night kinda film, too.)

Video projects for Katie Powderly

2011-08-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Singer, songwriter Katie Powderly has been busy with her film team, Alterity Productions. This past weekend included over 30 hours of production time!

August 6, 2011: Katie performed three of her original pieces, accompanied by Charity Grant on cello and Josh Harty on guitar.

August 6-7, 2011: Alterity Productions, with a crew of nine, shot Katie's latest music video in 7 different locations with 18 different camera set-ups. Josh Harty also participated in the video with Katie Powderly.

Principle photography is complete and the consecutively long days ran smoothly. Many thanks to everyone involved!

Katie Powderly Music Video

2011-08-03T14:53:00.001-07:00

Alterity Productions is currently working on a music video for local musician Katie Powderly's song "Tables, Turning". Principle photography begins this weekend.

We have worked with Katie Powderly on her Electronic Press Kit (EPK) and her "Kickstart Katie" Kickstarter campaign video. We're looking forward to the shoot.

Photo by Mick Mckiernan

"She's All That" by The Picture People now online

2011-08-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions Robb Thompson was camera operator for Tim Olsen's music video "She's All That" by The Picture People.

Principal photography complete for "Sometimes Always"

2011-07-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions had a GREAT shoot on Sunday July 24th with a crew of six and cast of three. Thank you to everyone involved!

"Sometimes Always" is a film vignette about a recovering drug addict / alcoholic reuniting with her daughter for the first time in two years.

Debra Lopez, Frank Sommers, and Olivia Sommers were absolutely wonderful to work with. Their performances were spot-on take after take, which was necessary on our extremely tight budget and timeframe.

Randy Lee, Brian Alberth, Jim Bugge, and Nick Chenow are four of the best people to ever have on set for a production. Their dedication to the task at hand and devotion to the work of fellow filmmakers is outstanding.

For us, it was fun to produce our own screenplay and utilize top-notch equipment from Red Star Pictures and Fourth Line Films.

Thanks for all the support and stay tuned for updates!

SHC accepted into KahBang Film Festival

2011-07-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions is pleased to announce that SHC has been accepted into another fest: the KahBang Film Festival in Bangor, Maine.

From their website: "The KahBang Film Festival is a 9-Day event featuring over 50 films and showcasing work by a variety of up and coming filmmakers who represent the future of independent cinema. KahBang exhibits feature films, documentaries, shorts and more."

The festival takes place August 5th – 13th, 2011. If you are in the area, I highly recommend checking it out!

Casting Call for short film shoot - July 24th, 2011

2011-07-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

We are currently auditioning for our next short film:

[SHARON] [GENDER: FEMALE] [AGE: 35ish]
Sharon is a recovering drug addict. She is spending time with her daughter for the first time in two years.

[MATT] [GENDER: MALE] [AGE: 35ish]
Matt is a tender-hearted blue collar worker. He is a good dad to Ashley and supportive of his ex-wife, Sharon.

[ASHLEY] [GENDER: FEMALE] [AGE: 7-10]
Ashley is timid toward her mother. She looks to her father for reassurance. 1 line of dialogue.

Please send us an e-mail (with a photo of yourself) if you are interested!
alterityproductions@gmail.com

This is an unpaid, one day shoot. We provide food, film credit, and a copy of the DVD.

EPK for Katie Powderly

2011-06-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this Electronic Press Kit for singer-songwriter Katie Powderly. Her highly anticipated, soon-to-be-released album, "Slips of the Tongue," kicks off an ambitious fifty state tour.

Help make this album a reality! Kickstart Katie at http://tinyurl.com/kickstartkatie
Watch to learn more!

Katie was part of the alt country duo, The Kentucky Waterfalls, for whom we produced a music video last year. "Slips of the Tongue" is her first solo album. We have truly enjoyed working with Katie and feel privileged to be part of her creative process.

Many thanks to our right-hand man, Randy Lee, for shooting with us, and to Nathan Clarke for loaning us gear.

Alterity Productions - new logo!

2011-05-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

Alterity Productions has finally decided on a logo, designed by our friend and talented graphics guy, Ian Park.

Based on a short description of the company and a small collection of logos we like, Ian incorporated both the film aspect of who we are and the meaning of "alterity" into the design.

We look forward to animating the new logo for the introduction of our next short film!

Tune in to Wisconsin Public Television

2011-03-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

Robb Thompson, of Alterity Productions, will be featured on this week's episode of Director's Cut, airing at 8pm Friday March 25 on Channel 38.

Host, Charles Monroe-Kane, interviews Meg Hamel, the festival director of the Wisconsin Film Festival along with Robb and four other short film directors. Clips from each film- along with a few others- are featured throughout the episode.

The taping was a lot of fun and the Director's Cut team was wonderful. Director's Cut is one of our favorite shows- it will be exciting to watch a snippet of SHC and Robb's interview broadcast this Friday!

New videos & Update on SHC

2011-03-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

March 14-20 is Fix a Leak Week, and Alterity Productions has helped to promote water awareness with a web video called, "Leaks Don't Fix Themselves." The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the Environment Protection Agency to offer facts about leaks, educational materials, and a Fixing Leaks Challenge.

Another new video is a promotional piece for Melissa Simonson, a singer-songwriter currently living in Madison, WI. She is hosting a fundraiser concert- this weekend- on March 12th at The Center for Conscious Living. Alterity Productions has contributed toward her future album by producing an Indiegogo web video.

Alterity Productions's latest short film, SHC, was accepted into a second film festival: EgoFest, in Brainerd, MN. Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend, but look forward to watching what participating films are available on-line.

Presenting... SHC (spontaneous human combustion)

2011-02-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

Alterity Productions has posted their short film, SHC, on YouTube.

You can view it HERE or on the "Short Films" page. Run-time is 14 minutes.

Pre-production for SHC started in May 2010. It was shot in three days (July 30 - Aug 1), completed in February 2011, and made for less than $5,000. So far, it has been accepted into the Wisconsin Film Festival and will screen there in Madison at the end of March.

More details and behind the scenes footage can be found at the blog.

Madison premiere date set for SHC

2011-01-13T17:24:00.000-08:00

Alterity Productions' short film, SHC, will premier in Madison on Thursday February 10th at the Chazen Museum of Art from 7-9pm.

The screening is FREE - sponsored by the Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum, a not-for-profit writers support group organized to provide educational, networking, and marketing support for individuals interested in learning the craft and business of screenwriting.

We are very excited to share the finished product with everyone who participated in the production of our short film. For more information about SHC, go to http://shcshortfilm.blogspot.com. For a sneak peek, check out the Behind the Scenes video, produced by Jackson Eagan.

TV spot for MMI - now airing

2011-01-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

The 60-sec. television commercial Alterity Productions produced for Madison Media Institute is airing now. Tune in to local Madison channels for a chance to see the broadcast version.

To watch it on-line, check out the new addition to our Commercial page or view it here.

Looking toward 2011

2010-12-10T07:44:00.001-08:00

What's in store for Alterity Productions in 2011?

Well, before the end of winter we will premier our short film, SHC.

In the next couple months we've got some web promo vids on our plate along with a music video for Katie Powderly. We will also be editing our first ~Demo Reels~ to highlight the work we've done thus far.

And if you've heard of kickstarter, you might have noticed how much a video can help someone's cause. We have gotten a few requests for kickstarter videos so we've been researching different styles/techniques. If you have a creative project idea for which you need funds, consider Alterity Productions to help you get started!

Reflections on 2010

2010-12-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

What kept Alterity Productions busy this past year? Well... April-Dec. we were consumed with the production of SHC and we've learned SO MUCH about filmmaking along the way!

We organized a fundraiser during pre-production with contributions from over 50 local businesses in Madison. We found and borrowed, rented, or bought props, furniture, wardrobe, make-up, locations, equipment, etc. from another hundred or so friends, family, and businesses.

More than a handful of people volunteered their time, money, and/or property for making SHC and we are grateful to everyone for the help! Check out the blog here: http://shcshortfilm.blogspot.com

Throughout the year we also managed to produce a couple promo vids for Madison Media Institute and we finished our first music video back in February for The Kentucky Waterfalls, called The Real Me. As a side project, Melissa produced some videos for Melissa Simonson, a local singer/songwriter.