Crazy8s 2014 Films go to Camera Feb 14

Here’s an update on what’s been happening…

Bedbugs: A Musical Love Story

Director: Matthew Kowalchuk
Writer: Shauna Johannesen
Producer: Sean Tyson
Composer: James Danderfer

Poor Tracey Polokowski! She's allergic to Mr. Pickles, the cat she's taking care of for a friend, her parents only invite her over to dinner when she agrees to cook the meal, and her gluten-free boyfriend Dale just dumped her wheat-loving ass. Her only true friends? A bevy of bedbugs. Can they help Tracey discover the greatest love of all?

"With four days to go before we begin our shoot, we are just beginning to see some finished props and costume bits; rehearsing musical bits with actors; and seeing the first few of our Bed Bug puppets come to life. All of which is inspiring to put it mildly. But there are still a number of challenges we are facing so time to think out of the box.

As pressure filled as this time is, it’s also the most exciting, since new ideas bubble to the surface due to budget, time, or location constraints. But the great thing? It’s contagious – I see the entire team being sparked by this part of the creative process."
Matthew Kowalchuk, Director

Cast who may or may not have bed bugs so far include Shauna Johannesen, Jennifer Copping, Dan Deorksen, Kelly Ogmundson, Robyn Johnson, Blu Mankuma, Christine Willes, Toby Hargrave, Viv Leacock, Sebastien Archibald, Eliza Norbury, Jacqueline Robbins, Joyce Robbins, Pippa Mackie and Paralee Cook.

Body Language

Director/Writer: Maeva Thibeault
Producer: Jon Warne

The story of a lonely man who longs for human connection but believes he has no place in the world other than the embalming room in which he works. What he discovers about the life of one young woman as he prepares for her funeral gives him the strength to push past his fears and rejoin the living.

"I'm feeling excited and nervous. We have five locations in three days! Two of which are funeral homes, so I've been spending most of my time in funeral homes these days, but it's been great!"   
Maeva Thibeault, Director/Writer

Cast who will be learning the language of body so far include Ben Cotton, Rebekah Asselstine, Craig March, Jessica Harmon, Bruce Dawson and Blair Penner.

Dial Y for Yesterday

Director/Writer: Greg Crompton
Producer: Darren Borrowman

The only thing schlubby telemarketer Pete has to sustain himself through his solitary and neurotic existence are memories of a wonderful, bucolic childhood spent with Igor, his beloved dog. Given the opportunity, will Pete make a deal with a smooth-talking salesman to return to his childhood? Can you really go home again.

"We recently confirmed a well-trained dog for the shoot. That is a big load off. Our last big hurdle from a prop perspective is to make a stunt double dog torso. Anyone have any dirty blond hair they want to lop off and donate? All our locations look great and we have a really strong team on this. Four more days to shooting. Wow. Overall I'm nervous and excited." Greg Crompton, Director/Writer

Cast making the call so far include Adam Kozlick, David Lewis, Kelly Metzger and Andrew Francis.

Earthlickers
Director/Producer: Tony Mirza
Writers/Producers: Justine Warrington & Alison Araya
Producer: Jim McKeown

In a barren post-apocalyptic future, the seven sexy Goddesses of the Merkabatron descend upon a wretched Earth to convey the message that the Vibration of Love can heal all. A campy, erotic, science fiction comedy, this cinematic love child of Barbarella and Ed Wood Jr. will soon have your Titillator vibrating on a cosmic level.

"1. The Energy of Love binds the universe, but a hot glue gun will be holding our sets together.
2. The Bible tells us that God created the world in 6 days and rested on the seventh day. Crazy 8 tells us to create everything in 8 days with no rest day.
3. When I close my eyes I see… Hey wake up! We don’t have time to sleep!
4. It's amazing what you can do with a space blanket."
 Tony Mirza, Director/Producer

Cast licking the earth so far include Justine Warrington, Alison Araya, Jed Rees, Johannah Newmarch, Tegan Verhuel, Elysia Rotaru, April Telek, Lossen Chambers, Carrie Anne Fleming and Mackenzie Gray.

Mattress

Director/Writer: Michelle Kee
Co-Writer: Quinn Spicker
Producers: David Kelso & Emma Peterson

Under cover of darkness, the Lees discard an old mattress in a Strathcona alley, right next to a No Dumping sign. The next day, a near-riot breaks out in the neighbourhood when no-one takes responsibility for it. Dodging rotten eggs and Molotov cocktails, it's up to the youngest member of the Lee family to do the right thing.

"I think I'm at this point where my body is rebelling against the lack of sleep. I've taken to wearing a baseball cap, glasses and sweaters with high necks for the greatest anonymity. Our website just went up:
www.whosemattressisitanyway.com.
It's amazing. My room has been stripped and I'm living in a little boy's room for the whole week!  Hahaha I don't even know how but we've had mini production meetings inside my tiny kitchen! It's been nuts! I'm looking forward to rehearsals this week!"
Michelle Kee, Director/Writer

Cast riding the mattress so far include Sean Quan, Doralynn Mui, Valerie Sing Turner, Kenneth Chan, Fiona Vroom and Aaron Hutchinson.

Sacrifice
Director: Ryan Atimoyoo
Writer: Ryan Bright
Producers: Peggy Thompson & Alex Cichon

Peter Bishop will do anything to save his ailing ten-year-old daughter, Mary — even if it means sacrificing the lives of 'sinners' in a deluded attempt to bargain with his God for his child's life. When Peter's mission of violence and misguided faith reaches a breaking point, Mary takes matters into her own hand".

"I knew all about the Crazy8s before, but I totally underestimated just how crazy it gets. You have to be on your game from the get go, but my team and I wouldn't have it any other way!"     
Ryan Atimoyoo, Director

Cast making the sacrifice so far include Stephen E. Miller, Genea Charpentier and Jack Irvine.