Life Is Bittersweet in Dir. Leslie Langee’s Short Film “Eulogy Maker”
SHORTFILMTEXAS (SFT): What is your film Eulogy Maker about?
LESLIE LANGEE (LL): It’s a bittersweet film about Elliot, a young boy who gives eulogies for his friends’ pets. His grandpa used to give eulogies at funerals for people and Elliot is following in his steps. Elliot starts off kinda rough, but he gets better and in round about way, makes his grandpa proud.
SFT: Where was Eulogy Maker filmed?
LL: About 20 miles southeast of Austin Texas, there is an incredible filming location called Ball Farm. I forgot how many acres is out there, maybe a hundred? But everything was there. The rusted out cars, open fields, cows, woods, the old house for the exterior and interior shots – everything we needed.
SFT: What advice can you give filmmakers working with child actors on a difficult subject?
LL: I love working with kids. They are eager learners and love to play with character choices. During the auditioning process, the kids have read (or have been read) the sides, and they should know what to expect. So, don’t hesitate to ask them to go to those dark places. You must see if the child can do it, or has the potential to go there. Have them ad lib and play games, they may bring something to the scene that blows you away. (and always video tape the auditions.)
During shooting, you the director, should create a fun and safe environment. They need to feel supported if they are going to give you what you’re looking for. Keep things positive, but let them know when it’s time to work. For me, it’s kind of like being a camp counselor (which I did for years). Be friends, but always be in control.
Also, give lots of praise! But once you’ve gotten what you need, crack a joke, prank a PA, then have everyone shake it off and move on.
SFT: Tell me about your outstanding cast and crew.
LL: I can’t say enough wonderful things about my cast and crew!! My lead actor, Brayden Whisenhunt , is a talented, dedicated actor. I loved the vulnerability and subtly he brought to his character. He can most recently be seen in Terrence Malick’s, Tree of Life. Sonny Carl Davis, who plays the grandpa, brought amazing depth to his character. He’s an Austin treasure and has appeared in many films (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Thelma & Louise, etc.) and tv series (Lonesome Dove, The Magnificent Seven, etc.). Greg Omelchuck, my DP, was my Mr. Easy Going Guy, insightful , a great eye and a joy to work with. I also owe a lot to my producer and editor, Nancy Gresham. She’s super talented and has this positive energy thing, so that whenever I got discouraged, she’d figure out a way to get it done. I know it sounds like I’m laying it on thick, but it’s true when I say that everyone associated with this film was amazingly talented, hard working professionals and all around nice people.
SFT: The film looks beautiful. What did you shoot on? Likes or dislikes?
LL: Thanks! The weekend that we shot, a cold front came through causing fog to settle over the area. It was so thick, that we had to delay shooting for a few hours, but it ended up created a stunning effect.
We shot on an EX1 with Nikon Lenses. The only major dislike I had was the night we wrapped, a group of low life scumbags stole all of my DP’s equipment. Fortunately, I had a data wrangler on set and the raw footage was still on my laptop. Unfortunately, we never got Greg’s equipment back.
SFT: Who are some filmmakers that inspire your work?
LL: I’m kind of all over the place about filmmakers: Kathryn Bigelow, the Coen brothers, Terrence Malick, Debra Granik, Tarsem Singh, etc. On a day-to-day basis though, I’m incredibly inspired by my filmmaker friends, for their talent, tenacity, and vision. They don’t give up on their dreams and kick my ass when I pull a pity party.
SHORTFILMTEXAS (SFT): What’s next for you?
LESLIE LANGEE (LL): I just finished a short film “submerged” (a young girl goes to a wild party in the hopes of seeing her lifelong crush, but he doesn’t recognize her or their shared tragedy.) and I’m in the process of submitting it to festivals. I’m also making a short in the spring, which is based on a feature that I will be directing in 2013.
Eulogy Maker
We’re Here Productions: www.werehereproductions.com
Greg Omelchuck (DP): www.moontowerfx.com
Brayden Whisenhunt (Actor) www.imdb.com/name/nm3077316/
Sonny Carl Davis (Actor) www.imdb.com/name/nm0205479/
February 10th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
I thought this short film was great! Inspiring! Just goes to show how a child can really commit to a character bringing a great storyline to life. Very nice piece.
February 12th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Leslie, I just have to leave a comment. That was short, precise, and deeply moving. The script was expertly written, the acting was more professional than I ever expected, and editing was perfect. I actually found myself swelling with emotions. This one is a keeper…well done!
February 14th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Hello Leslie,
Oh my do you have a wonderful gift . My son’s are going to film school in Austin and I was looking around on the web for film stuff. I came across
your short film and it is fabulous!!! Your just a natural great job and don’t
stop you will be big, I can see.
Good Luck and God Bless ,
Rhonda
February 17th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
I loved it! I’m a student at the Art Institute of SA and have barely started getting into filming, camera techniques and all that stuff but i can say that your film is so Amazing! Hopefully i can make some cool film like that some day :D
March 2nd, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Frankly, I didn’t expect much before watching this short. Thanks for absolutely blowing me away! Truly a beautiful film with some great acting. In the words of Oliver Twist, “Please, I want some more.”
March 24th, 2012 at 6:47 am
Incredible. Amazing. Well done. Not a dry eye in the house.
April 13th, 2012 at 8:12 am
Very touching. Loved it.
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:01 am
I like this Film.!
Good Work
Robert
May 4th, 2012 at 10:51 pm
Congratulations to all the people who made this film possible, from the techs, to the actors, producers, writer, and director!
Fantastic Job! A very profound story with a good message. Great acting, and great directing :)
Keep inspiring the world with such amazing projects c;
Karla Jimenez
May 7th, 2012 at 7:55 am
Beautiful film. Great production vaue and editing excellent. The writing was perfect and the shots let the audience experience the event themselves. The casting was excellent-all the characters were good in their roles and consistent in performance level. The visual, sound, shots, characters, energy all fit together perfectly for a great film experience. Congratulations to all.