Kooldex Productions Presents
EL TAXISTA
written & directed by
Luis Robledo
inspired by song,
"Historia de Taxi"
by
Ricardo Arjona
Running Time:
Shooting Format: HD
WINNER
Best Short Film - INDIE FEST USA 2008
Judges' Award for Best Film - McALLEN ART & FILM FESTIVAL 2008
Festival Choice Award - PASO ROBLES DIGITAL FILM FESTIVAL 2008
OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:
Honolulu Film Festival 2009
Ft. Lauderdale Int'l Film Festival 2008
Cinesol Int'L Film Festival 2008
NewFilmmakers LA 2009
Santa Fe Film Festival 2008
Hollywood Film Festival 2008
Ft. Worth Int'l Film Festival 2008
Radar Hamburg Int'l Film Festival 2008
Contact info:
Luis Robledo
lrobledo@kooldexproductions.com
SYNOPSIS: On a dark night, what seems to be a routine shift for taxi cab driver, Ricardo (Luis Robledo-American Family, Havoc), turns out to be a night where questionable morality and loneliness collide. Norma (Jana Mitsoula-Tru Calling, Stargate: Atlantis), a beautiful stranger enters the cab and the ensuing events change the course of their lives forever.
Nothing as it seems...our strangers soon discover the commonalities between them and the secrets they share.
Production Notes
"PRE-PRODUCTION:"
Very early on I knew the story needed to be told in black and white. I went back and forth between shooting inside an actual moving car and shooting in front of a green screen. Normally, I am not a big fan of green screen. However, in this case, I felt it would actually add to the isolated ambiance inside the cab; that "safety" that enables people to open up to a complete stranger. After all, cab drivers are not only for transportation; they prove to be a good depository for one's woes as well. The production design was clear in my mind from the onset. I used dolls to storyboard as opposed to my usual stick figurines on paper. This proved to be quite hilarious on boys' nights at my house or when my girlfriend would come over. I have to say, though, I LOVED storyboarding with dolls. I photographed the dolls in front of green poster board and then with Photoshop, put them inside the actual vehicle we used in the film. This allowed me the freedom to play with all kinds of angles from outside the car. I storyboarded the entire movie this way. By studying the storyboards, I realized that the film had to move at a cool pace with few cuts. I then moved onto the shot list which ended up being rather short, considering the length of the film. "Alright, enough with the plans…let's shoot this thing!"
"PRODUCTION"
The best way to describe the production of the film is: "problem after problem, followed by miracle after miracle." I was truly blessed in having the most amazing crew I could have asked for. This was an extremely low budget production. Everybody had more than one job. Entire shoot days had to be re-arranged at a moment's notice. The hours were long and everyone on set was trying and learning something new, and yet…the energy on set was high and focused. People were having fun. It was inspiring to see such people of talent go so far and beyond what was expected…and for MY MOVIE! Having Bryan Ross producing was the key to a successful shoot. He made sure the cast & crew were fed on time, kept a tight, fast-moving schedule, and would often inform me that whatever shot I was trying to get just "wasn't gonna happen" and we'd have to move on. The real challenge for me was to learn to let go of the "movie" as director, and take on the action of the character, once the camera started rolling. Luckily, I had Evangeline Avila and her wonderful instincts behind a Panasonic HVX-200; Jeff Hohimer, who did an amazing job as assistant director; Geoffrey Rhue, who helped keep the environment on set almost Zen-like; and Jana Mitsoula who was riveting as Norma and gave me so much to work with, all I had to do was react and not trip over the furniture.
"POST-PRODUCTION"
My initial intention was to have a professional editor cut "El Taxista." I had edited a number of scenes over the years and cut a few short videos, but I did not feel I had the chops to take this on. I needed someone else. The problem was no one was breaking down my door to edit my movie. My only hope left was a neighbor of mine, a solid, professional editor, who as far as I could tell wasn't working because of the strike, "so surely he must be interested," I thought. He couldn't do it either. So there I was...trying to figure out what to do, when, suddenly, the thought struck: "C'mon. You know this movie." I began cutting. Sure enough, the more I cut, the clearer the story became in my mind, clearer, even, than when I wrote the script. After a few weeks and about 15 cuts later, we had a movie. Now, all we had to do was get our green-screen footage composited. This was something I did not want to attempt. I pick my battles wisely. Through Bryan Ross, I met Salem Rabadi, CEO of New Generation Media Services in Burbank, CA. His team of professionals did a wonderful job of compositing all our interior cab shots. Musically, I put "El Taxista" in the very capable hands of John Bagnato. I mailed him the cut he would be scoring, along with two simple pieces of direction: 1. organic sounds and 2. texture over melody. The rest was up to him. After some back and forth we had a score that I felt, really helped propel the story. Through the combined efforts of many extremely generous, talented people, as well as the administrative genius of my assistant and pride of Kooldex, Marisilda Garcia, I was able craft a piece of work that far exceeded my expectations.
Cast & Crew:
Jana Mitsoula - Norma
Geoffrey Rhue - The Man
Marisilda Garcia - Sexy Wife
Luis Robledo - Writer/Director/Editor/Exec. Producer/Production Designer/Sound Editing
Bryan Ross - Producer
Jeff Hohimer - Associate Producer/Assistant Director
Geoffrey Rhue - Associate Producer/Crane Operator
Marisilda Garcia - Associate Producer
Evangeline Avila - Director of Photography/Cinematographer
Mike Hoover - Assistant Camera
David Miller - Gaffer
Ted Woods - Boom Operator
Bill Miller - Sound Mixer
Lisa Harman - Script Supervisor/Production Assistant/Catering
Roxxi Dott - Make-up Artist/Hairstylist
Justin Kade - Assistant Make-Up Artist/Assistant Hairstylist
Ian Lamb - Green Screen Compositor
John Bagnato - Original Music/Composer
Vivian Robledo - Vegan Catering/Joint Rolling
BIOS
After years of appearances, voice over work, and continued study, Luis decided to push the envelope and explore several other facets of his career...writing and directing. His first two screenplays, El Taxista and The Whistler encompass characters from diverse backgrounds that easily connect to the lives of those watching. From the conception of El Taxista to its debut on the screen, Luis stamps his involvement every step of the way as writer, director, actor, editor and musician on this project. Those fortunate enough to witness his work attest to the natural ability and ease in which Luis delves into projects such as this and are eager to see his visions come alive onscreen. His ardent thirst for true filmmaking has enabled him to be in both pre-production of one film and post-production of another while working as an actor and performing in a band.
From humble beginnings in Mexico to being a prolific performer in the hub of the entertainment industry, Luis Robledo remains a force to be reckoned with among those he encounters. His electrifying presence both in front of the camera and behind establishes him as a rarity in an industry where people classify themselves as "just actors," or "just directors." Luis integrates his skills as a screenwriter, editor, director, musician and actor with such finesse that one is unable to classify one gift as better than the other.
Jana Mitsoula: (Lead Actor) Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Jana Mitsoula began her career as a top model landing numerous international magazine covers. Anxious to extend her talent beyond the borders of international magazines, Jana delved into the world of acting and found success in numerous commercials. It was there that Jana found her true calling as an actress and decided to attend Atlantic Theatre College in New York City. While in training, Jana explored her profound emotional range and emerged more versatile and driven.
As an actress, Jana garnered praise for her guest starring appearances in various network television shows such as; Days of Our Lives, Tru Calling, Stargate: Atlantis, and a recurring role in the series Kaya, as Victoria, a hard-nosed publicist. Her work in Stargate: Atlantis was so widely recognized that "GateWorld: The Complete Guide to Stargate!" sought her out to interview her.
In an industry where actors fall into a specific TV or film category, Jana fluidly transitions between television and film roles in features such as; Elektra, Scary Movie 4 and most recently as Kate in Cole, an independent feature directed by Carl Bessai.
Beauty and brains…so many actresses in the industry are categorized as one or the other. Jana Mitsoula breaks the mold and allows herself the opportunity to emotionally portray each character she delves into. More than just the sum of the parts that make her who she is, Jana commits herself wholeheartedly into each project and brings it to a level beyond convention.
Geoffrey Rhue: (Associate Producer, Supporting Actor, Crane Operator) Geoffrey Rhue's ability to stand firm against convention extends beyond the talent you see today. As a teenager at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, a bet among friends that he lacked the ability to perform in the local production of Bye, Bye, Birdie proved to be his ticket to finding his innate talents. Geoffrey was cast as both a dancer and actor in the local production, a feat most individuals would be incapable of accomplishing without prior training. It was here that he found his talent as a dancer and continued to study. A short stint at Georgia State University further cemented his passion for the arts and he quickly packed up and headed to New York where he studied under acclaimed dancers and choreographers, Judith Jameson and Alvin Ailey. Known for having both grace and strength, Geoffrey made his way to the top as a dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and after a move to Boston, with the Boston Ballet as well as Twyla Tharp & Dancers.
A chance meeting with renowned acting coach, Peter Kelley and an invitation to join the Harrison Project sparked yet another hidden talent…acting. It was here that Geoffrey delved into emoting through words and actions rather than movement alone. He booked work in Squeeze, a feature film by Robert Spruill and subsequently met Luis Robledo, his long-time friend and collaborator.
Years later, a move to Los Angeles and a reunion between Geoffrey and Luis, several other hidden talents emerged and continue to do so today. As actor, associate producer and suave JIB & crane operator on El Taxista as well as percussion master for the Los Angeles based soul band, Sorry, Nelson, Geoffrey continues to prove that stepping outside the lines of convention is key. A proud Bostonian, he graces Los Angeles with a presence that is both spirited and compelling. His abilities range beyond the traditional to include Pilates instruction, martial artistry, Reiki, percussion mastery, and production thus confirming his everlasting presence in this industry.
Marisilda Garcia: (Associate Producer, Supporting Actor) Marisilda Garcia has come a long way from being an aspiring actress from a small town in Texas. She left an indelible mark in the Houston, Nashville, and Cincinnati film markets, an achievement only outdone by the mark she hopes to leave in Los Angeles. Her experiences run the gamut between the mundane and the coveted as well as the musically profound and the theatrically reflective.
As a child, Marisilda found her voice singing in church and performing in the local theatre. Not one to be inhibited by the lack of opportunity in her small town, she formed a Christian group at her church called 3M Pro and was quickly invited to perform at the United Methodist Church camp in Sacramento, NM. In an attempt to find work while pursuing her music and acting careers, she received a B.S in Communication Studies from The University of Texas at Austin and went in pursuit of her chosen path. Several jobs, moves across state lines and years later, Marisilda landed in Los Angeles without a job and very few connections. Unable to sit on the sidelines and let work come to her, she quickly found work as both an actor and personal trainer. In an encounter on Myspace, she met a friend who introduced her to Luis Robledo and a lifelong partnership was born. Within months Luis and Marisilda; along with Geoffrey Rhue and Jeff Hohimer, wrote over 50 songs, formed Sorry, Nelson, a Latin soul fusion band and began performing around town. Subsequently, she also played a role in El Taxista and began working for the administrative side of Kooldex Productions. As an actress she was one of the leads in Cornhole: the Movie, the lead in Forgetting: An Alzheimers Story and for 3 years played Ana, the art teacher for The United Methodist Church's Live B.I.G. DVD series.
In an industry where so few follow through with their intellect and talent, she garners attention for being able to do both with equal ease and passion while maintaining her Hispanic roots. Marisilda continually aims one step above the norm in attempt to stay true to who she is and the craft that embodies her. As a singer/songwriter and actor, she earns praise for her ability to put emotion into her music and wholeheartedly commit to her characters. Whether performing in Spanish or English, musically or theatrically, one can see the ineffaceable path she leaves among those she encounters.
Bryan Ross: (Producer, Production Manager) Known by many as the guy "who can get you pretty much anything you need" and "knows everyone in this business," Bryan proves time and again that no request is too large for him to fill. His combination of confident humility and social likeability allow him to consort with studio executives and guerilla filmmakers alike, enabling him to bridge the gap that is usually visible in many mainstream films today.
Raised in Watts, CA, Bryan Ross always had a desire to be onstage. He went through numerous schools and programs for the arts further fueling his desire and building his foundation as a performer. Once out of school, Bryan's love for acting set in motion a self-solicitation for small movie roles, a choice that proved profitable by inducting him into the Screen Actors Guild. As the years continued, Bryan turned to writing and producing in an attempt to expand his talents and abilities. This turn inflated the career Bryan had built on his own as he found new ways to contribute to the industry. In a short time span, Bryan accomplished the unreachable for some and discovered his place in Hollywood.
Most recently, Bryan has completed 5 shorts that he produced, 4 of which he co-wrote. His work on El Taxista confirmed his talents as producer and provided Luis Robledo the resources in which his talents as actor/writer/director on this project would shine. Bryan is currently in talks with a major studio to develop one of his shorts into a series. With tenacity and flare, he will prove to be one of Hollywood's "go to" guys for fresh concepts and the prime example on how to achieve a lucrative career in the entertainment industry.
Evangeline Avila: (Cinematographer/DP) Evangeline Avila's cinematographic foundation began with an early interest in photography. From there she went on to formally study photography at Orange Coast Community College where her instructors stressed the importance of a fusion between the conceptual and technical aspects of the medium. This background stimulated her desire to study film at California State University, Long Beach and also her desire to grow personally within the film environment that allowed for collaboration, which she felt photography was lacking.
At Cal State Long Beach she worked on 6 short films as Director of Photography, 3 of which were shot on 16mm film and 3 shot in HD. Among the three 16mm projects was Costello (2006) shot on the Panaflex16 film camera, through Panavision's new filmmakers grant program. Costello went on to the Newport Beach Film Festival and played at the DGA student showcase. Evangeline also worked on two short films as Director: Counterpart (2006) and The Wall Between 3 and 4 (2007), both shot on 16mm film. She also lent her services to as many other films as possible, working in such capacities as Assistant Camera, Camera Operator and Still Photographer. Upon completing film school in 2007, Evangeline went on to work as Director of Photography on The Far Away Look of a Dreamer (2007), El Taxista (2008) and Lux (2008).
Evangeline's work on film provides her the avenue in which to conceptualize both her training and natural talent onto the screen with masterful form. Her ability to transform the director's vision from mind to screen proves to be a theatrical sensibility unseen in many of today's films. Evangeline transcends traditional filmmaking to convey the truth behind each moment as she ties each component of the process into a visually stimulating work of art. Her keen eye, likeability, and ability to capture and execute her director's vision, make her a priceless asset and a definite way to ensure success on any film project.
Jeff Hohimer: (Assistant Director, Associate Producer) Known among his peers as "The Dr.", Jeff Hohimer successfully combines his acting, musical and producing abilities to create a career most would envy. While wrapping as Assistant Director in the first season of "Rock and Roll Acid Test" for FUSE network, Jeff Hohimer simultaneously played Buddy Kincaid, the lead role in Boilerplate, an independent feature written and directed by Robert Romeo. Not one to be satisfied with one dimension of the industry, Jeff also plays lead guitar in the group "Sorry, Nelson," a hot Latin edged band out of Los Angeles.
In his earlier years, Jeff Hohimer's thirst for telling a story took him from one facet to another. His explorations in music, theatre, and film led him to California State University, Chico, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1999 while in Chico, California, Jeff headed for Los Angeles where opportunities found him quickly and he co-founded "New Frequency: Theatre of the Mind", an XM satellite radio show which ran for five seasons.
From associate producing for The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel and The Learning Channel and assistant directing for multiple films to playing in a band while acting in feature films, Jeff continues to discover the many facets that make him a commodity in the industry. While assistant directing El Taxista is not Jeff's first production for Kooldex Productions, it is the one he is most proud to be a part of to date. His acting talents will also be featured in Kooldex Productions' next project: The Whistler. Jeff looks forward to working with Luis Robledo and Kooldex Productions in their quest to bring great stories like El Taxista to the world.
John Bagnato: (Original Music / Composer) John Bagnato spent his childhood absorbing nature's music in the peace, beauty, and rhythm of the
No comments:
Post a Comment