Local filmmaker, Will Von Tagen is bringing Boise to the big screen with the release of his feature film, Almosting It. It’s always impressive to see films with budgets of near-to-nothing make it all the way through to completion, and Will has gone far beyond that. Being a man of many talents, Will wrote the script, raised the funds, directed in the film, acted in the lead role, and is now working on its distribution. The film was produced here in Boise last summer, highlighting our great locations and local talents, Jessica Sulikowski, Annie Bulow, and Cassandra Lewis. They starred alongside notable actors like Lee Majors, Terry Kiser, and Jane Merrow.
Projects like this take incredible amounts of work, resilience, passion, and the support of a large community of contributors. We were proud to back this film as a production company not only because of its merit, but because of our personal connection to Will, who interned at Wide Eye during the production of Idaho the Movie. His media knowledge and skill with a camera was evident in his work here and in his early short films.
Our role as a production company came in the form of cameras and gear to shoot the film. This was truly an uphill climb with no budget to spend, a skeleton crew, limited time, and a significant change in weather (the film is supposed to take place entirely during summer, but many of the scenes were shot in December!). Will rose to every challenge, and like all independent filmmakers, did whatever it took to get the shots he needed.
Actors, Will Von Tagen, Lee Majors, and Terry Kiser on set
Will and Co-star, Jessica Sulikowski work out their scene
One scene in particular was shot three times, each during a different season. One day the challenge was hiding bare trees and snow while actors tried to not shiver in their summer costumes; another it was recording good audio over squawking geese in the middle of spring. With good direction, a little innovation, and some movie magic, the scene plays flawlessly. This was the story for nearly every shoot during pickups, from turning a family living room into a futuristic sci-fi scape, to Will acting with an imaginary person in Camel’s Back Park that would later be matched with his co-star’s scenes at the Lucky Peak Dam.
The photo on the left is just one of three shoots to piece together this scene. His conversation here with Boise actress, Annie Bulow, will be matched with the takes from the photo on the right: Will’s one-man-band shoot at Camel’s Back Park
Cinematographer, Ryan Hondo, and I survived the treacherous hike hauling props and equipment. It was a miracle no one got frostbite.
Will has recently been a featured filmmaker on the site, Way Too Indie, where he has written several articles on each aspect of his film making process. In this article he talks in depth about executing re-shoots and how Wide Eye was able to jump in and play a pivotal role in making them happen:
Inside Indie Filmmaking-Shooting Pickups: http://waytooindie.com/features/inside-indie-filmmaking-shooting-pick-ups/
Visit the Facebook page to follow the film and find links to the rest of the Almosting It articles: https://www.facebook.com/almostingit/timeline
Almosting It is having a special premiere at the Egyptian Theater on June 24th at 6:30 pm. All attendees will receive a CD of the film’s soundtrack, composed by Boise band, Edmond Dantes. They’ll also be playing a live set before the screening. KTVB’s Larry Gebert will guide a Q&A with the filmmakers and cast afterwards. All proceeds from the event will go to Make-A-Wish Idaho. Tickets are $30. VIP Tickets are $50, and include a special reception at the Amsterdam Lounge, meet and greet with filmmakers and cast, as well as special memorabilia from the film.
Tickets can be purchased here: http://almostingit.brownpapertickets.com/
The film will start its theatrical run later that week. Watch for it playing at The Flicks, Parma Motor Vu Drive In, and other select theaters throughout Idaho.
Pulling off a little illusion on another solo shoot
We shot the opening credits in Will’s actual bedroom. With four hands we set up shots, held lights, recorded audio, ran camera, and Will nailed his lines…which were naturally impromptu for the most part
