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http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Local Issues Obituaries Weather Archive Revels Etcetera Backpage Hot Topics Most Viewed Forum Photo Galleries Video Readers Polls O-Zone Online Games Movie Preview Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Featured Galleries: April 21, 2007 Local talent cut teeth and lose heads working on Campbell film By Mark A. Curci For the Tidings His name is Bruce. Any cinephile knows that. But when Bruce Campbell decided to film his latest opus, "My Name is Bruce," locally, he opened several doors for local talents to strut their stuff. The film, a horror/comedy that enjoyed its world premiere last Friday at the Historic Ashland Armory, has created a palette of memories and opportunities for blooming local actors, technical crews and film aficionados alike. Ariel Badenhop found the production to be the break of a lifetime. The young actress, who gained most of her thespian experience in local theater, found out about casting auditions through a neighbor's e-mail asking if she was interested. "I was like, 'hell yeah, I am!'," said Badenhop. "I figured I had nothing to lose." Two days following the audition, Badenhop received a call back. She was informed that the production was seeking a "punk rock chick who hangs out in graveyards." "I didn't hear from them for two weeks, until I received a call from a lady in wardrobe," said Badenhop. "That's how I found out I got the roll." The roll proved a dream come true for Badenhop, a lifelong fan of horror films, because, in addition to working with a cult icon, her character gets decapitated in the film. "It was fun and amazing," said Badenhop, the first to go in the picture. "I sit on a log and a demon cuts my head off. Getting the role in this film is the best thing that ever happened to me." So much so that Badenhop has since moved to Los Angeles with dreams of stardom in her eyes. Filling her days with temp jobs and Starbucks while taking additional acting classes through the University of California, Los Angeles, Badenhop has this resumé headline and grand memories to get her through the professional growing pains. "I saw the part as a way to really examine the film-making process and see if it's really something I could do with my life," said Badenhop. "I now know that it definitely is. I want a life in movies." Brent Streeper, of Jackhammer, served as the video assist/playback technician. His job was to take the video signal from the camera and record each take onto a DVD player. He would then play the takes back to Campbell on a portable wireless monitor, allowing the star to continue to direct while acting. Streeper would also burn the dailies for review using high-definition digital. The film, offering a $1.5 million budget, was one of the larger productions thus far handled by the growing local film working company. "It was a big deal because Bruce is a professional and knows what he's doing." Streeper also admired Campbell's graciousness and wit. "One day he noticed I was having a really stressful day," said Streeper. "He looked at me and said, 'did I ever tell you about that time I had amnesia? It was a sunny day. Or was it cloudy?'" "I remember being in high school watching 'Army of Darkness' with my friends and really connecting with him as the cool action star," said Streeper. "It's just one of those weird paths you go down in life; I'd never have expected to work with Bruce Campbell 15 or 16 years ago when I saw him in a movie for the first time!" Streeper continues his work with Jackhammer, taking on larger projects, including the recent release, "Conversations with God." As a side project, he is participating in a soon-to-be debuted pod cast called "horsegirl tv." Bryan Planner, recent Southern Oregon University graduate, UCLA hopeful and local author/film-maker got his shot at the big leagues as an office PA on the set. "That's basically doing anything that's required, or that no one else has time to do," said Planner, "Some days that's getting lunch, other days it's moving 150 pound air tanks." It also meant long, long days, minimal pay and every kind of stress a vocation can offer. "One of the values the experience had for me was the opportunity to look at (larger) production from the business angle," said Planner. "I got the job because, as a video production minor (at SOU) I had to learn every aspect of video production." Though Planner's role in production may seem small on paper, it was actually an eye-opening look for him at the form and function of larger production. "Above all, in order for the process to flow smoothly, everyone in the production have to be happy people," said Planner. "It's not like I was working on 'Evil Dead part IV,' but it was neat to see things on a lower angle. As a (smaller scope) filmmaker I hadn't seen so much corporate bureaucracy. And I met a lot of intelligent, cool people who loved their jobs. Being from the suburbs I hadn't really seen that before." "A little bit after production we all went out on the town with Bruce," said Planner. "There's a reason he's a star; he's intelligent and learned a lot over the years. Independent productions can make or break someone. After the job was done, I found my mind sharper; constantly looking for new ways to solve problems." Current Comments: It's great that S Oregon is making films! We have lots of creativity and ingenuitity to offer, and it would benefit our economy well. However, a caveat: WE NEED OUR OWN FILM INDUSTRY, and should not welcome LA here. It would be BAD! Just look at Mr. Campbell! He's local, he made one good movie with Sam Raimi, now he gets respect around here. But he's rude, dismissive, and insulting to his fans. Whether he was always like that or not, that's what LA will do to Oregon. LA out of OR! just shy of a fan - ashland - April 23rd, 12:15 PM I was the Key Grip on "My Name Is Bruce" I had a great time working on the film. Bruce was extremely cool and a great host. I love the town of "Gold Lick" even though I will never ever return. Too bad about all the Poison Ivy. I think I was the only one who didn't get afflicted. Although I did like the killings, muah ah ah ah ah. Gary '7Ft Sauer' www.photosbyseven.com Gary Sauer ( [email protected] ) - Las Vegas NV - April 24th, 12:44 AM Bruce is just a normal guy and wishes to be treated as so. And by the way he made many "good films" with Sam Raimi and then became a local. Max Power - Ashland, OR - April 27th, 3:46 PM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising: Debt Help Inkjet Printers Payday Loans Free Ringtones Debt Consolidation Security Systems Debt Relief New Hampshire Primary Advertisement: Copyright © 2007 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved. Del.icio.us