It is our belief that filmmaking is the ultimate collaborative medium, and the strength of our film will come from the strong team of creative
individuals that we have assembled to create this film. "Where we go one, we go all."
A word from the director: "Ever since I was a young boy, I've dreamt of this moment ... the day I would direct my first feature film. I always
wondered what kind of team I would work with when that day came, what kind of people would be there to help make that film. Never could I have dreamed
that it would be a team of such talented and passionate individuals, all sharing this same dream to make our vision a reality. Every single member
that has joined this team throughout this process has shared that passion, and become a cohesive part of this production, a perfect fit ... as if they
were destined to be there all along. For their tireless work and dedication, I personally say thank you, and I can't wait for the day that the audience says
thank you, as all these efforts produce one hell of a great motion picture. We did it together, and I can't wait until we can do it together again." Jason O'Brien
The guy with the sparkling baby blues is a truckload of pure passion (grrr, baby…) That’s our Jason O – director, producer, fearless leader,
and evil genius. As the “mad scientist” behind the making of Killing Christian, Jason’s the man who seriously made things happen –
and keep happening until we had a movie. From his superhuman ability to create a production schedule from moving targets –
to his endurance and unnatural calm throughout late, late nights of filming - to his calm assimilation of the abundant opinions .. oops,
we mean creative input of the actors, film crew, support crew, and possibly the continuity person on the script and shots –
to the strategic design of astoundingly beautiful scenes, no one worked harder to bring the vision of Killing Christian to life than Jason O'Brien.
Jason wanted to make movies since he was 6 years old, when he first saw those huge yellow letters scroll up the screen during Star Wars at a
local drive-in. Jason began his dream by writing screenplays, the first in 1989 called Red Rain. Jason has also written a number of
short film scripts, one of which, Potawatomi, was sold to a Canadian filmmaker who will be producing it this year. Jason is no
stranger to the director’s chair, though…having directed a number of films in college, including a 17 minute short film called The Fast Lane.
Though Killing Christian is Jason’s first feature film, his natural talent and creative ability are evident in every scene.
On the set, Jason always knew exactly what he wanted from the shots, scenes, and the actors. He had an inspired and well-planned vision that
brought the subtleties of the characters into view through the story. At the same time, he also showed a genuine willingness to listen and
utilize the ideas of everyone to expand (and share) his vision. This display of true leadership made this an incredibly fun and dynamic
experience for all involved. And back to passion ... Jason is passionate about everything he loves, whether it’s his friends, family,
the filming of Killing Christian, or the artistic talent in the state of Alabama. In his own words, Jason says,
“In 1994, I was making the decision to move away from home in Minnesota, wanting to begin a career in film. I figured that California
was where I needed to be, but I instead made the decision to return to the state I loved so much, Alabama, and moved to Birmingham.
It may have taken longer than I expected, but I am so proud to have directed my first feature film, and done it in a city filled with such
talented and dedicated actors, writers, and crew. They all made my first feature film experience an absolute joy.”
Currently in pre-production on his second feature film, Jason’s dream of directing and producing movies has finally come true.
Laura is a gifted storyteller, who since childhood has been entertaining those around her with tales woven from the depths of her imagination.
She wanted to be a cowboy, a superhero, and a screenwriter when she was little, and has now achieved each of those in one form or another.
Laura developed the script for Killing Christian with co-writer Jason Kendall as a character-driven tale about the dreams people
have for the one person or thing they think will make their lives complete. The characters Laura created are intriguing, everyday people
who begin to recognize that true completion comes from appreciating what you have. Anyone who has heard Laura tell a story has experienced the magnetism with which she seduces you with words into her larger vision.
Laura also has a BA in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is a budding guitarist, and has the unique ability to
recognize and cultivate the potential in others (often strangers). It is through her foresight, intuition, and charisma that
most of us were drawn into the world of Killing Christian. Laura is currently working on two other screenplays, and has an
infinite number of stories lurking beneath her penetrating eyes.
Try to put a definition on Jason Kendall and you won’t be able to find one. He’s a screenwriter, poet, actor, musician, and a
host of other titles we have yet to discover. Spend a short amount of time around Jason, and his magical, elusive quality will
leave you strangely inspired. As a writer, Jason worked with Laura Mullins on the Killing Christian screenplay to paint vivid characters
in ordinary situations - with a twist. As an actor, his mannerisms and facial expressions embodied the emotions and complexities of
Hunter Chase, a depressed gay chef in love with his best (straight) friend. Jason also has original songs featured on the soundtrack of
Killing Christian, and is currently working on another screenplay based on a true story.
Production Manager, Co-Executive Producer, Location Manager, 2nd Assistant Director: CHRISTIAN RAY "Blondie, Spaz" IMDB Page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2152155/
One look at this Egyptian goddess and you wonder why she’s not spending more time in front of the camera, but Christian Ray is more than
just a pretty face. An Alabama native, she dreamt of being a rock star, but instead graduated with a business degree from the University of Alabama.
With laser-beam focus, Christian orchestrated the people, resources, and locations that made the production of Killing Christian a reality.
Christian may have the distinction of having held the most titles on this film, functioning as the Production Manager, Location Manager, Unit Publicist, 2nd Assistant Director, and on-set Publicity Photographer for Killing Christian. No one in their right mind would ever contemplate killing our
Christian, and this visionary strategist is one to watch.
Strong, calm, and focused, Annis kept the production rolling smoothly as the Assistant to the Director on the set of Killing Christian.
Most often found behind the monitor and by the director’s side, little escaped the eagle eye of this modern-day filmmaking shaman.
Annis is a Birmingham native, and also a talented singer featured during one of the pivotal scenes of Killing Christian. She has the
voice of an angel, and had the cast and crew mesmerized when she stepped out from behind the monitor and in front of the camera.
Annis is also a phenomenal editor, muse, and production coordinator, and her unshakable presence on the set of Killing Christian made sure
the cameras kept rolling and everyone had the momentum to get the job done.
Underneath the easygoing and humble demeanor of Michael Praytor lies an exceptionally brilliant and talented filmmaker.
A Birmingham native and graduate of Full Sail University Film School in Orlando, Michael has worked in every camera crew position on a
set and knows the mechanics of shooting a film inside and out. As the DP on the set, Michael and his team created art and magic through
the angles, movement, and extraordinary lighting that captured the intricacies in the storyline of Killing Christian. Michael’s crew
brought a professionalism and camaraderie to the set that fostered an environment of collaboration. Michael is also a musician and screenwriter,
and has shot a number of short films and commercials in the Birmingham area, in addition to 2 other feature films. His knowledge of filmmaking
and his innate talent for designing ‘the picture to go with the story’ is a true inspiration.
Logan wanted to be a performer since he was 4 years old, and is already an accomplished actor, model, and musician. He has been featured three times in
Cosmopolitan and appeared on an episode of Sex and the City. Logan also had a chance to study the art of moviemaking
up-close and first-hand as an extra in Tim Burton’s Big Fish. While Logan definitely has some natural charm and good looks,
go deeper and you will find a true visionary with the heart of a king. In addition to being behind the camera as the 1st AD, Logan also
played the role of Andy in Killing Christian. Logan is an avid dirt bike rider, and is currently working on a new screenplay with Laura Mullins.
Andor Becsi is simply a legend. A native of Germany and a former instructor at Full Sail University, Andor moved to Birmingham
recently to shoot films full-time with Michael Praytor, his one-time student. Andor’s tireless pursuit of the perfect camera angle and
flawless shots kept everyone striving to do their best throughout the filming of Killing Christian. With a wicked sense of humor
lurking beneath a mild-mannered air of diplomacy, Andor worked diligently to bring a unique sense of artistry to the film.
His ingenuity in staging and design created beautiful takes during moments where the right shots seemed impossible, and his
creative vision captured images in the monitor that were better than what anyone had imagined. With a work ethic that wouldn’t quit,
Andor made everything on the set more productive and fun.
One day in the distant future, one wonders what our tombstones might eventually say about each of us.
For Stacy Vance, one would hope that her tombstone would read “She embraced the journey.”
The production of Killing Christian could not have found a more perfect match between actor and character than it did
when Stacy was brought on board to play Faith Grayson. Both Stacy and Faith embarked on a personal journey to find their place in the world,
and in the process of filming, Stacy ended up inspiring the entire cast and crew with her ability to make everyone think more deeply about
themselves as spiritual beings. It could be thought of as akin to the Australian aborigines and their custom of Walkabout -
a trip undertaken by each member of the tribe to find their own sacred place of “belongingness.” In many ways, the production of this film
found Stacy very much in the middle of such a journey to find her place and her own “Faith.” The holder of three degrees
(a BS, MBA, and postgraduate degree), Stacy showed a remarkable ability to tackle multiple things by playing a lead character and
helping in many positions behind the camera as well! Stacy and Faith encountered each other at a great crossroads,
where Stacy’s inner and outer adventures into the unknown collided with a character’s similar path, someone also not immune
to the dark side of desire. Stacy’s growth as an actress was remarkable to watch, as was watching her navigate her own personal journey.
The best description of Carrie is to ask the question - What can’t she do? (answer: nothing. she can do it all.)
A loyal and dedicated crew member, Carrie was an extra in more scenes then we will admit (hey - thank goodness she looks completely
different with her hair up, with a hat on, and from the back). Though her title was the Official Costumer for Killing Christian,
Carrie did much more than that during the filming. In addition to keeping our cast members dressed and looking good,
Carrie pitched in on the set to help with food, set decoration, hair and makeup, cleanup, creative drinkmixing,
and a variety of other emergencies that happened during the making of this film. As a lady with a healthy balance of her yin and her yang -
Carrie is an expert seamstress with a passion for film and theatre, a competition rifle shooter (she likes to aim and point),
has built 3 houses with her family, works on cars and motorcycles, and bakes professional wedding cakes
(along with making wedding dresses, veils, and flowers). She went to college for medical technology until she was introduced to
costume design at Montevallo and she was hooked. Locally, Carrie has worked with Children’s Theatre, Birmingham Festival Theatre, and the
Terrific New Theatre on: The Little Foxes, Hedwig, Copenhagen, Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas, Take Me Out, Godspell, and
Judge Roy Moore is Coming to Dinner. To Carrie, working on KC was the fulfillment of a dream – to have her name go across the screen
as a costume designer. She thought it was a fabulous group to work with (awww, thanks, Carrie) and there was a natural “lucky” air
around the whole production. We definitely feel lucky to have had her on our crew.
Words hardly seem appropriate to describe the true genius of Mark Fadlevich –
our principal Hair Stylist and Assistant Makeup Artist. A born entertainer, Mark
began dancing at age 2 - performing in theatre at 6 - and acquired a range of
talents in acting, hair, make-up, singing, fashion, and stage production along
the way. He also has a sharp, analytical, booksmart mind that is tucked away
beneath the jokes and the glamour. Mark came to the Killing Christian set to be
an extra (you can see his stand-out performance in one of the opening sequences
at the bar with Hunter) and ended up taking on the position of our chief Hair
Stylist for the remainder of the production. He enjoyed being on the other side
of the camera (Mark previously acted in 8 films while at the Savannah College of
Art and Design) which gave him a completely different perspective on filmmaking.
His favorite thing about the production process was the fact that every crew
member had their particular area of control to make decisions about - which then
came together to create the whole. He enjoyed that combination of teamwork and
individual responsibility on the set. Mark plans to pursue a masters degree in
Fashion Merchandising and learn more about the business end of fashion, though
I’m sure we will see him in action in other ways in the entertainment field.
Forrest Pitts – man of mystery - was unable to be contacted (or traced) for an
interview, so we have pieced together a few, scant details of his life from our
sources that have begged to remain anonymous. None of these facts can be
verified, and we are also not sure that is even his real name. His mysterious
accent also offers no clues to his true origin, and the cast and crew of KC
remains in fear and awe of this dark (and curiously sexy) crewmember. Forrest
was a tireless worker on the set in his many roles, and when he was not
tormenting Andor with unexpected taglines (some favorites: Andor is a lobster,
and Andor – you had me at hello), he was diligently working with the rest of the
crew to set up the scene. Forrest was acting in another feature film when he met
the crew, and soon linked up with them to work behind the camera. Rumor has it
he is also an accomplished musician, and an incredible songwriter and
scriptwriter. We can’t wait to see where our mystery man pops up next.
The man behind the curtain is Morgan Faulkner: sound mixer, sound designer, and a true wizard. As a man of many talents, Morgan worked in
stage production for 10 years doing both light and sound, but discovered that sound was his burning passion. In the process of mixing music
digitally, he developed an expertise in computers also and has a secret gift for graphics (that we were delighted to discover – thanks Morgan
for the business card design!) as well as music. With musical interests spanning many genres (including a special penchant for electronica,
and some exceptions we won’t mention here), Morgan’s love of all things sound captured the vocals of Killing Christian with finesse and
creativity. Morgan once hitchhiked across the U.S. from Wisconsin to Arizona, and brought that same wanderlust and sense of adventure to
his work with Killing Christian. He will reside in infamy as the man who was “able to leap over loud freezer buzzes and an on-set
snorer in a single bound.” Often relegated with his equipment to dusty rooms, far-away places, and the corners of nowhere in which lived
the solitary outlet on a set, Morgan maintained his composure through the time (ok, times) we neglected to tell him it was a wrap and we were
leaving the location. The cast and crew would like to offer Morgan our formal apology, and express our appreciation for his skillful work
in providing the genius behind our sound for Killing Christian.
As a “man of many talents” on the production crew of Killing Christian, Brooks Toran proves that it is truly the quiet ones in life that we should
watch (hey guys, he’s really not that quiet). With a degree in Film and Video Production from Full Sail University, Brooks was well equipped for
his multiple roles on the set such as dolly grip and gaffer. Brooks has a zen-like finesse for lighting a scene as well as an “aw shucks” demeanor
that is his secret weapon with the ladies. A former naturalist with a masters in biology, Brooks has traveled to every state in the U.S.
and extensively in Costa Rica. In addition to his film talents, Brooks is a photographer and musician -- with African Drums and the Australian
digeridoo in his repertoire of instruments. Brooks's passion for filmmaking stems from a true enjoyment of the chance to create technical magic,
and the opportunity to work with others to create something greater than any one person could do alone.
Laura is not only a master at the art of makeup, but she’s also a foxy lady
with an intuitive nature and a razor-edged style that’s all her own. One look at
her dark hair (or red, or blond) and curious eyes and you can tell she is not a
person who is afraid to take chances in life. Though she is from Birmingham,
Laura’s traveling spirit led her to a life in Oregon, and then Atlanta, before
coming back to the great state of Alabama. During that time, she worked as a
photographer and photo assistant, before becoming involved in professional
makeup. Laura sees makeup as an art form that allows you to create the exact
results you want in the moment, and she definitely did that with style and
finesse (and punctuality too – which is more than everyone can say!) on the set
of KC. She has had extensive training in makeup and has also worked on the set
of other local films, including Johnny Flynton and the short film
E=mc3, where she also participated in wardrobe. Laura came to Killing Christian
because she had worked previously with the rest of the crew, and also because
she likes being a part of putting stories in motion. Her advice to the world is
to "be your best person", and to support and encourage others while knowing that
you can’t do it for them. In addition to more films and professional goals,
Laura’s future could also include some bass guitar playing, skydiving, and
tattoos. Sounds like there are exciting things to come from our edgy and sparkly
makeup artist, Laura S.….
A Birmingham native, Samford University Graduate, and theatre veteran, Laura Kilgore not only assisted with hair and makeup
during the film's production, but makes her film debut in the shower scene of Killing Christian. With more
than fifteen years experience designing and executing makeup for retail, fashion runway, print, video production, and, most prolifically, for the stage,
Ms. K has thouroughly enjoyed her first foray into the land of feature length film. She is known around the Magic City as the Queen of the
"Know-a-Guy Network", and was highly instrumental in getting Killing Christian off the ground in the very early days of pre-production.
Her most recent notable makeup work includes Angels in America, Part II:Perestroika, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and The Little
Foxes at the Birmingham Festival Theatre.
Click here to read an actual example of Laura's consulting abilities!
Technical Crew Assistant / Grip: ELI GRIFFITH
As a technical crew assistant and grip, Eli brought her many talents to the Killing Christian crew and often moved beyond her task.
With degrees in computer animation and in business, along with graduate coursework in art school in New York, Eli has a wealth of experience
in a variety of mediums. Eli was focused, creative, and hardworking on the set and felt that mastery within the technical aspects of filming
helped to make her a better artist overall. During her previous experience in the floral industry, Eli developed a keen eye for color and
design and utilized those talents in set decoration on more than one occasion. Eli is a passionate woman who wants to find ways to give a
voice to those in society who often don’t (or can’t) speak up for themselves. Her advice to others pursuing their life’s work is to
“be redeeming and be selfish.” Expect the unexpected from this complex crew member.
The woman that everyone loved to see arrive on the set is Lyndsay Benjamin – caterer extraordinnaire. Armed with a Culinary Arts degree from
Culinard in Birmingham, AL, Lyndsay graciously served the production of Killing Christian as the sole food provider for our hungry and tired masses.
As a military brat who has lived all around the United States, Lyndsay’s outgoing and casual attitude made her the perfect fit for this demanding role.
Lyndsay has a great love of foods that showed in all of her creations. She loves the feeling that food creates and the way it brings people together.
With a “macaroni & cheese masterpiece” that will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of the cast and crew,
Lyndsay plans to continue sharing her love of food in future studio catering opportunities.
Neil Bloomer and Franziska Wellner were involved with the Filmmakers Association at UAB, and decided to film the documentary of Killing Christian
because they liked the spirit of the team. They wanted to see how far this group would be able to go with nothing but a script and raw ambition.
In filming the KC documentary, they experienced the entire process, including its problems, fun, ideas, and frustrations.
Neil and Franzi feel that through their personal experiences and their footage, they captured the feeling that everyone can make it if they try
hard enough. Franziska is the international half of our dynamo documentarian team. Though we are dying to find more opportunities
to put her in front of the camera, she’s truly a master of interviewing behind the camera.
A native of Dresden, Germany, Franzi is fluent in French, Latin, and English (in addition to German) and is an experienced dancer since age 4 (!)
in Jazz, Hip Hop, and Modern Dance. She also has been a singer in several choirs (including a girls gospel choir), studied journalism,
and worked as a DJ in Germany before coming to Birmingham and enrolling in classes at the UAB film school.
Franzi plans to develop her filmmaking career, and her advice to others is to “be yourself and believe in yourself - never try to be someone else”. Franzi
is also an accomplished film editor in her own right, and was gracious enough to donate some of her time to helping Jason O'Brien during the editing process,
working as an Assistant Film Editor and color correcting the film.
The rest of our incredibly talented crew and remaining credits:
