The Cult

"The Cult" - An FMPTA-JFC Production

Welcome to the Jacksonville First Coast chapter of the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association's web page for "The Cult".

"The Cult" is a short film production that the members of the Jacksonville First Coast chapter are producing as a chapter. This short film is written by, produced by, and finished by our members. The film serves two purposes; first to provide our members an opportunity to perform film jobs they normally don't get to do. In fact, members who work on the film are required to perform a function that is normally outside of their "Comfort Zone". This aspect is in keeping with the FMPTA's Mission of providing educational opportunities to it's members.

The second aspect is the making of a documentary "The Making of The Cult". The purpose of this documentary is to create a short documentary that showcases FMPTA-JFC members working on a film. We will use this documentary, along with the film to raise awareness of the chapter and for recruitment.

It's A Wrap!

We have completed principle photography and production on "The Cult". We filmed during the weekends of October 11 & 12, and 18 & 19. We shot at a members home the first weekend which doubled as "Gary's" apartment, at Jacksonville University on Saturday the 18th for the classroom scenes and at 7 different locations around Jacksonville for the conversion scenes. We completed on schedule despite the mishap at our 3rd conversion location where 8 of our crew members cars had 11 tires slashed. We were able to get roadside assistance for all and quickly rearranged our transportation plans. Then with the professionalism the crew exhibited through the rest of the day were able to get back on schedule and get the last shot before dark.

Below are production pictures from the first weekend of shooting. We will post the pictures from the second weekend soon.

Tommy Riccio (r) shows Wes Nielson how to use the camera Tommy was the Camera Mentor for Wes and Kate Lynch over the two weekends. Wes and Kate were first time camera peeps.	First time Camera, Wes Nielson, and first time sound, Claire Michel on the set.
First time director Mac McDonald with Wes and Tommy blocking the shot	Adjusting the lighting
With 25 years of experience Art Riccio was Mac McDonald's Mentor	Setting the shot
Kate Lynch (l) mentored Cathy Currier on Script Supervision (Note: Mac's good luck chicken and torture device on the monitor)	Mac threatening some of the crew with the "Rubber Chicken of Death"
Action! The happy cult members go off to convert the world!	Take 10! (not the tenth take, but a quick break)
Kate Lynch, Script Supervisor mentor and 2nd weekend Camera Peep	Kenny Logsdon, playing Kenny, Gary's Roommate
Nick Berrera, Portraying Gary, Tries to escape his fate with the cult	The Cool Blood Pool Coming Under the Door!
The Cult Returns To Gary's House With More Members	The original five cult members have multiplied (See Anyone Famous?)
Some of our GREAT Production Assistants Paul Parnell, Corrine Englegau, and Adam Darragh (Why are they standing Still?)	Paul and Adam waiting for their cue

Here are Production Pictures from our 2nd Weekend of shooting

The first group is from Saturday, the 18th, where we shot at Jacksonville University. Special thanks go out to Ellin Iselin, Carolina Conte and the faculty and staff at Jacksonville University.

Sam Rooks Jr. (l) and Paul Parnell (r) load in some of the equipment at Jacksonville University	Tommy Riccio (l), Adam Darragh (m) and Ryan Cooper (r) carry in the camera equipment.
Setting The Scene! In picture: Walter Colson, Kate Lynch, Mac McDonald, Mike Hahn, Cathy Currier and Zdravko Rozic	The Staging Area! Where Extras and Cast "Hurry Up And Wait".
"Z" and Eric Snook in "Hurry Up And Wait" mode!	Ashley Chlebus, Julianna Milton, and David Carrero
John Lucas, "Professor Getsy", getting Make-Up by chapter member Julianna Milton (first time make-up artist) with Sam Rooks looking on.	Kedra Curry, "Extra", and Walter Colson "Paul" waiting.
The Class is Set and getting ready of "Action".	First time director, Mac McDonald, with first time "Camera Peep" Kate Lynch.
John Lucas as "Professor Getsy" Ain't he Intimidating???	Professor Getsy drinks on the job!
Chug! Chug! Chug!	Nick Barrera portrayed "Gary" and is the reason why Professor Getsy Drinks!

Here are pictures from our 7 location shooting schedule on Sunday, October 19th.

We shot at 7 locations around Jacksonville on this day, starting out at the Neptune Beach Town Center, moving to Craig Airport, then to the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena where 11 tires were slashed on 8 of our crew cars by some miscreant. The crew in testament to their professionalism, quickly overcame the situation and proceeded to get the next four locations; Forsyth Street, San Marco, Five Points, and Avondale before sunset.

Our first location was Neptune Beach Town Center. Thank Goodness for the walkup Starbucks!	Everyone setting up the first shot.
Tommy Riccio is a genius! Tommy found a way to hook up the camera to the video screen in his SUV so we could watch the action on the monitor.	Walter Colson, Paul, and Sheri Bianconi, Convert #1, during the scene. The magic of "The Ball Goes In the Hole"!
Our second location was at Craig Airport. Special thanks to Debbie Jones of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority for arranging for our shoot there and for this awesome twin turbo prop airplane to shoot against.	Cheryl Kaleda, Convert #2, pre-flighting the plane.
Mike Hahn, Jim, demonstrates to Cheryl the magic of "The Ball Goes In the Hole".	First time director, Mac McDonald, has a cameo as the "Homeless Guy" in our scene down at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
Ali Williams, Megan, converting Mac to the Cult of Gary.	Shooting "Megan's" close-ups is first time camera peep, Kate Lynch, with camera mentor, Tommy Riccio, demonstrating how to "hand hold" during the shot.
While shooting the scenes at the Arena, some person of questionable moral standing slashed 11 tires on 8 crew member's cars. Here Ryan and Maury assist first time Script Supervisor, Cathy Currier, by changing her tire.	In all, three vehicles had to be towed with double flat tires and five more had to have tires changed. The crew was amazing through the whole situation, we took lunch while fixing the issue and got back to work and made the day. AWESOME PROFESSIONALISM!
Amanda Ayres, Convert #4 (the Lawyer), standing on her mark while we block the scene down on Forsyth Street, across from The Florida Theatre.	Mike Hahn (Jim) Ali Williams (Megan) and Sam Rooks Jr. (Convert # 8) rehearse their scene in Five Points.
Sam trying not to laugh at Mike's "Super Slow Motion" dunk in the garbage can. It was pretty hard not to do, wait until you see it on the big screen.	Harlow Logsdon and Erin Searcy (Convert Lady with Baby) rehearsing Harlow's big "The Ball Goes In The Hole" scene with Mary Johnson who played Taylor.
Walter Colson (Paul) with Ellin Iselin who played Convert Lady #2 explaining the Cult of Gary with out success.	Walter and Mary waiting for their cue to go "Convert" the Ladies that shop.