RAW
A Film by Suraya Erikkson
OUR STORY
THE ROAD TO MAKING A QUALITY FILM is a grand creative challenge and very frustrating at times, but it’s a journey of discovering the angels out there in the film industry and a journey of passion and heart. And in the movie business, with all the sour stories of immorality, back stabbing behavior, and heartlessness, it’s a journey worth taking! You may be surprised to find a pool of true artists and true friends, kindred spirits of adventure, because making a film is a Wild West Show! As the saying goes “It’s not just the goal. It’s the journey along the way!” And I want to add; “You’re in for a ride!”
The journey to making “RAW” completely fell in my lap out of the blue. When I joined Gold’s Gym, the world-famous workout mecca, I thought I was going to come out with a rock-solid body. The last thing I thought I would get out of it was the inspiration to write/direct/produce a film about the Russia/Ukraine War with two scrappy, young meatheads, quasi-body-building types, Sean and Tom. If anything, life has taught me to let it surprise me, because it always does. Surprise, you just joined Gold’s Gym to make a movie!!!
Sean and Tom are two good hearted, fun, intelligent, wholesome, talented humans, and the good natures of all of us have pulled together to make a great team. We all gel! A sense of partnership between us has developed that we all have felt was destined, as the train of events leading up to making “RAW” unfolded so naturally, with a force that could not be stopped – Providence perhaps? Tom is Ukrainian, which inspired me to write a piece that was Pro-Ukrainian, Anti-Putin, and a universal story that puts the dangers of nuclear war on the table. The plight of the Ukrainian people is the plight of much of Europe in the face of Putin's promise to reclaim the "old Russian Empire," that if he is referring to the USSR, includes many neighboring countries that abhor the thought of being under a totalitarian regime, again. The subject and story have an urgent message and historical relevance that made me feel the need and worthiness of taking it on, since totalitarianism is on the rise worldwide and the world is now at war. The project was born!
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! That’s what they say drives up expenses in the real estate market, thus finding a location that we can afford has been the biggest expense and challenge in the production. You can’t believe the asking price for a piece of rubble or dilapidated house in Timbuktu! All we are looking for is a war-torn house or rustic barn.
First, Sean and I thought we hit the jackpot when we went out to check out a defunct military base that was falling apart. When we googled to inquire who to contact for the base, we learned that it was a toxic site, so we could have poisoned ourselves, since the reason they closed the base was due to the heavy chemical toxicity in the buildings and the soil itself! Talk about suffering for your art!
After speaking to countless people and contacting agents and properties that didn’t even return calls, I spoke to Tonya Winn. Instantly, she had a bubbly, welcoming, warmth in her voice. But even that fun voice had to ask the dreaded question: “What’s your location budget?” Then followed by a long pause on my end, as I was afraid someone else was going to practically hang up on me, again, Tonya didn’t miss a beat and the location angle said: “Don’t be ashamed of your budget. I deal with everyone!” She was so warm and encouraging! I shared the script and how it came about and after reading it , she said: “I can get behind this. I’ll waive my fee and I’ll go to my clients that I know may be willing to work a deal.”
Tonya says it’s not all about the money, it’s about the art and helping people get a start. I told her that she is an angel to which she replied emphatically: “No, trust me I’m no angel. In the business I’m known for getting it done, but not being too nice, but I’m a mom!” Doesn’t that say it all!”
TALLY HO AND PIP-PIP... my old horse polo coach, Ardeshir, --of all people--rode into the picture at a gallop, with his usual panache! Ardeshir is a top stunt man, horse stunt handler on films, and an actor. I called him regarding a recommendation for acting coaching and he confided he has coached some major players. He gave it a shot to work with our lead actors and he has been an amazing guiding light who is jumping in on so many capacities beyond his specialty, that he has become an invaluable part of the team and part of the heart of the production. So he is now a co-producer on the project!
Ardeshir even started coming to rehearsal with his own arsenal of props: guns and vests to help the authenticity of the rehearsals. And when we wanted to extend the time of the rehearsals because we so badly needed the work, he said :” as long as you guys want to go,” at no extra charge. “If you don’t love teaching, then you shouldn’t teach.” And that love for teaching he extended to the project and he then jumped on the band wagon of finding a location, procuring actors, and special effect make-up experts. That was it! Another producer was born out of the love of team and project. We are so lucky that he joined “Our Band of Brothers”!
The Cast listed on the "Cast & Crew" page refers to the roles for the first storyline that we will be shooting as Proof of Concept. The larger film that includes four other storylines has not been cast, yet.
I’ll keep adding to the story of the movie angels as they come aboard. The resounding experience I’m feeling on this journey is immense gratitude for our team and the people we have met along the way.