The Tested The Movie

2012-02-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

The Tested at BAM!

2011-12-24T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Tested screens at BAM Friday, February 17th at 6:50pm and Sunday February 19th at 2pm. Q and A with director Russell Costanzo and actress Aunjanue Ellis after screening. Buy Tix here THE TESTED SCREENING

Great Response at Our Image Film & Arts Fest

2011-10-24T11:28:00.001-07:00

A quote from OUR IMAGE FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL

An audience favorite!! The audience actually held an hour long discussion of the film after the screening. They loved the "complexity of the characters; the accurate portrayal of how a life of deep poverty & injustice can lead to extremely difficult choices; the powerful writing, directing, and performances....." They also all agreed that although difficult to watch, this is story that needed to be told.

HOUSTON THEN DENVER

2011-10-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Tested screens in Houston next week than off to Denver where the film and the director Russell Costanzo is compared to Sidney Lumet and Spike Lee.

Check out the description HERE

The Tested Going International

2011-09-01T13:43:00.001-07:00

The Tested will be screening in Quebec at the Cinema Du Parc as part of the Montreal Black Film Fest.

If you happen to be there:

screenings:

Sunday, September 25th at 5pm
Monday, September 26th at 9pm

Aunjanue Ellis in The Help

2011-08-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all the attention Aunjanue Ellis is getting for her movie The Help. She's an amazing actress and we've been honored to have her in The Tested.

Textiles, Dancing, and The Tested!

2011-07-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Wellesley Townsman does a nice piece on producer Melissa B. Miller. Read it HERE

Dancing and Filmmaking not so Far off

2011-07-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Producer Melissa B. Miller recently interviewed by the Boston Herald for The Tested. Read it HERE

Aunjanue Ellis talks about The Tested (and a little film called The Help)

2011-07-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Adepero Connection

2011-07-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

We just found out a great short called MEN IN LOVE will be playing before our film at the ROXBURY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL we haven't met the director yet but we're already connected through the wonderful and talented Adepero Oduye (Pariah) who stars in his short and was in our original short of The Tested. Gotta love the independent film world. To learn more about the short, please visit the MEN IN LOVE WEBSITE and see us both at the festival at the end of the month.

Next Stop Boston!

2011-07-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY JULY 30TH 5pm at Wentworth Institute of Technology - Blount

The Tested wins Grand Jury Prize for Best Film!

2011-07-09T20:45:00.001-07:00

Congrats to the Cast and Crew!

The start of something great

2011-07-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

That something great is the line that started to form an hour before the screening for The Tested at ABFF over the weekend. The turn out was amazing and the audience was even better.

ABFF Screenings

2011-06-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Colony Theater, 1010 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach
Friday, July 8 at 12:50 pm & Saturday, July 9 at 10:30 am

The Tested sizzles in Miami!

2011-06-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Need a way to beat the heat in Miami this summer? Chill out in the theater for a special screening of The Tested July 6 - 9. Details to follow.

Focus Project 2011 selects Russell Costanzo's DEAN BARKER Collection

2011-04-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

Focus Project 2011 has selected Director Russell Costanzo's DEAN BARKER photography collection as one of it's featured portfolios.
vote for it here Focus Project 2011

A great Article from Indiewire and Shadow and Act

2011-04-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Click on the Link for a great interview with our lead actress Aunjanue Ellis and Director Russell Costanzo.

The Tested Interview

Odessa Inspiration

2011-04-14T07:47:00.001-07:00

These two pictures are of Annie Novack, taken by The Selby on one of her urban rooftop gardens. They also happen to be a huge inspiration for my Odessa character in my script An Ode to Odessa. I love the farm girl meets city girl dress. The story is about a teenage boy who becomes infatuated with her, and I think it's easy to tell why.

The Tested nominated for "Best Diaspora Feature"

2011-02-26T09:29:00.001-08:00

click on the link here: AMAA NOMINATIONS

Upcoming Aunjanue Ellis Interview

2011-02-17T10:07:00.001-08:00

Tambay Obenson will be doing an exclusive interview with Aunjanue for his ongoing coverage of The Tested. Click on the link below and get the opportunity to ask her your own questions.

http://www.shadowandact.com/?p=39493#more-39493

The Tested PAFF Screenings

2011-02-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

Pan-African Film Festival
Culver Plaza Theatres (across from Sony Studios)
9919 Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles 90232

Screening Times

Monday Feb. 21 @8pm
Tuesday Feb. 22 @ 6pm

for more info and to purchase tickets PAFF

The Tested taking it West Coast

2011-02-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Tested will be at the 2011 Pan African Film Festival. The Festival runs from Feb. 16 - 23 in LA and we'll have two screenings on Feb. 21st and Feb. 22. For more info you can go to The PAFF Website

We're also excited to be getting a shout out from Shadow and Act

An Ode to Odessa

2011-01-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

I have found a title for my script. Or maybe it's found me. As fun and mysterious as it is to keep referring to something as "Untitled", I've taken a deep breath and changed the title page to read An Ode to Odessa.

Logline: A sixteen year old boy's infatuation with a woman he meets on the bus further complicates his already tumultuous adolescence.

It's been cathartic to write from the perspective of a teenage boy and caused me to start to nod to them on the street, as if I were part of their pack. It is only when they respond with dirty looks that I am reminded of my gender and age, both of which have nothing to do with this rare breed of human.

- Melissa

Broken Smile and The Script Without a Name

2011-01-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

As things with The Tested heat up, we're excited to update you on our other projects.

Russell's Broken Smile, an exploration of sibling-rivalry set in the indie-folk rock world (check out the fictitious band's posters and a playlist at russellcostanzo.com), is about to enter it's casting phase.

Draft number two is underway on the Untitled Mel Project which centers around a sixteen year old boy's infatuation with a woman he meets on the bus.

Both projects are a bit of a departure from the weight and intensity of The Tested but still explore emotional themes like jealousy, envy, love, and adolescence.

You go Adepero!

2010-12-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Congrats to one of The Tested's own. Adepero Oduye, an amazing actress is going to Sundance with PARIAH. We are partial to her as she played Darraylynn in our short.

Congrats to all the other IFP alum as well!

Looking Ahead to 2011

2010-11-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

The Tested mentioned on Shadow and Act Films to watch for 2011

SHADOW AND ACT: LOOKING AHEAD

A New York State of Mind at Woodstock FF

2010-10-08T06:25:00.000-07:00

A New York State of Mind at Woodstock FF

A Motley Crew at Woodstock

2010-10-07T14:39:00.001-07:00

Director Russell Costanzo, Producer Melissa B. Miller, Nathan Corbett "Curtis", and Armando Riesco "Julian Varone"

"The Tested strikes gold"

2010-10-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

Review from the Woodstock Film Festival

2:53 p.m. Friday: Big hopes for ‘The Tested’

2010-10-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

2:53 p.m. Friday: Big hopes for ‘The Tested’

Documentaries, Backyards, and Deep Breaths

2010-10-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we saw Client 9 which was a powerful documentary about Eliot Spitzer and his down fall. Couldn't stay for the Q and A but would love to know the trade off the filmmaker had to make to get Spitzer to cooperate and sit for interviews. What I also found interesting is how many enemies Spitzer had made and how that was a huge reason he went down so hard, no one wanted to lay down a pillow for him. Well, maybe some of his mistresses, but you know what I mean.

Then we saw Eric Mendelson's 3 Backyards, which was a unique tale of three families seemingly not having anything in common. Edie Falco can act more with her face than any actress i've ever seen. There are layers of emotions in her without ever breathing a word. If you decide to see it, I'd love to talk about it over coffee.

Still raining here at Woodstock. Getting ready for our premiere tonight. Many people coming to support us.

deep breaths

Something in the Air

2010-09-30T06:27:00.001-07:00

Maybe it was Woodstock, maybe it was the converted barn we were watching the screening in, and most likely it was the amazing film that was Lennonnyc, and maybe the culmination of all the work we'd done to get to this point, but I lost it. cried and cried and became a nuisance to the people next to me. This film was so touching, such an intimate portrayal of a complicated love relationship. Of course they talked about "The Lost Weekend" in LA, and his death, but most of this film was about a man in love and what happened when he lost her. And what happened when he fell into the joys of fatherhood. Looking around the theater and seeing many 50 - 60 somethings (the woman in front of me was playing with the back of her husbands hair, it just struck a cord with me, and how no matter what else is going on in your life, career, success, failure, it sort of means nothing if you don't have someone to share it with.

It was so moving and the director was down to earth and led a great q and a. if this film is any indication of how the rest of the woodstock film festival is gonna go, then i might just have an emotional meltdown.

Hopefully i can hold it together until the end of my screening on Friday.

Houses for Sale?

2010-09-28T20:06:00.001-07:00

Getting a little too comfortable in the chalet, and know why people say "hell, let's move to Woodstock". typing at my computer, staring out into the woods, yeah i could get used to this.

Tomorrow the festival starts and things will get hectic. Many films and panels and parties to attend.

Anticipating the screening and excited to see a lot of the cast members. i think there will be some wild cards in the audience as well.

Thanks again to the great sponsors from Manhattan Beer Distributors and Nuvo for helping us out with our party.

Ashewood: How I learned to live in the woods

2010-09-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

Arrived at Ashewood, our house in Woodstock last night as the rain and acorns pounded our car, and the dirt road threatened to end us all together.

It's still raining but to be honest, it just makes the experience that much spookier, i mean better.

Currently sitting in the sun room staring out into endless woods and greatly anticipating the festival. We got to check out the Bearsville Theater, and we couldn't be happier with our venue. It's at once modern and cozy at the same time, and is equipped with a bar, if audiences want to loosen up before the screening.

It's time to get your tickets and stop wondering whether you can make it here. You can make it.

get tickets online at or just show up, surprise us, and get 'em when you get here.

Fri 10/1 @ 7:15pm - Bearsville Theater - 291 Tinker St., Woodstock, NY 12498 (premiere)

Sun 10/3 @ 5:30pm - Rosendale Theater - 401 Main St., Rosendale, NY 12401

ONE WEEK OUT: “THE TESTED” GOES TO WOODSTOCK | The Filmmaker Magazine Blog

2010-09-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

ONE WEEK OUT: “THE TESTED” GOES TO WOODSTOCK | The Filmmaker Magazine Blog

We On a World Tour

2010-09-21T10:13:00.001-07:00

Russell and I will be doing two radio interviews in the next coming weeks leading up to Woodstock, you can listen live by going to their websites and clicking the "listen now" button:
WKZE on thursday, sept. 23rd at 1:30pm http://wkze.com
WDST on Tuesday, sept 27th at 11:30am http://wdst.com

You should get one of these... before there's none left of one of these

2010-09-15T10:06:00.001-07:00

Are we laying down a new track or doing some serious DIY looping?

2010-09-12T12:30:00.001-07:00

Melissa and Russell hit the studio for some looping. Were we in the film? No. But keeping with the spirit of independent film, we didn't let a small detail like that stand in the way.

Woodstock Launch Party at Libation

2010-09-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

From Left: Shirley Rumierk, Armando Riesco, Producer Melissa B. Miller, and director Russell Costanzo

The Tested tickets on sale now

2010-09-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Woodstock Film Festival

The First Review Is In!

2010-09-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

Woodstock Film Festival 2010 Preview
Return to the Fantasy Factory
by Jay Blotcher, August 27, 2010

*The Tested (Dir. Russell Costanzo)
Dre (Michael Morris Jr.) attends Manhattan’s Washington Irving High School where he’s trying to stand up to the thugs as much as he covets their brutal power. His mother (the powerful Aunjanue Ellis) remains obsessed by the slaying of her older son. Julian (Armando Riesco), the cop who shot the boy, tries to rebuild his life amid the suffocating guilt. As much an opera as an urban saga, The Tested soars thanks to naturalistic performances from an unknown cast and the nimble touch of its self-assured director.

The After After Party

2010-09-03T17:21:00.001-07:00

You've heard of the After, After party... This is the New, New Poster

Woodstock Schedule

2010-09-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

Fri 10/1 @ 7:15pm - Bearsville Theater - 291 Tinker St., Woodstock, NY 12498 (premiere)

Sun 10/3 @ 5:30pm - Rosendale Theater - 401 Main St., Rosendale, NY 12401

Finding the right balance between social issues and straight up entertainment.

2010-09-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Interview with actor Tobias Truvillion

Low Down Dirty James

2010-08-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Tobias Truvillion plays a bad ass with family values in the film. Find out more about him at tobiastruvillion.net

2010-08-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

EVEN MORE REASON TO STAY TUNED

2010-07-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

As if you even needed more of a reason to check in with our blog, In the coming months we'll be sharing news about our premiere, and you won't want to miss it. The film has been called "real", "gritty", and "socially important". And we couldn't be more proud of it. The cast and crew worked in a pressure cooker and went beyond our expectations to deliver this unique film.

Get your ticket

2010-06-13T15:54:00.001-07:00

Get your ticket to exclusive behind the scenes footage of The Tested, coming soon. Be lucky that you don't have to be the one to go through all the footage and import it, you just have to sit back and relax and watch all the drama that went on behind the camera to deliver the drama on camera!

check back soon

It's gonna take Air Force One

2010-02-17T08:43:00.001-08:00

Getting ready to transport our 55,000 feet of raw footage to it's new resting place. We are starting our much anticipated color correct and conform. Russell has very specific ideas for the look of the film which include keeping the integrity of it's gritty look but with a finished eye. He's excited to play with the saturation and stay true to his original story perception of each character playing within a specific color palette. He worked closely with the costume designer and production designer to tell the color story.

I'm a Fan, Your a Fan

2010-02-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone's got a fan page. click on the facebook button on the front page to become a fan of The Tested.

We're not just blowing smoke!

Whether you call it PUSH or PRECIOUS

2010-02-02T11:10:00.001-08:00

I worked in the art department on this film and I'm so proud of all the awards it's won and now all of it's Oscar nominations. I remember reading the script in the coffee shop down the street and felt proud to be a part of it even then and if it had just played at an art house theater, would have been fine with me. Fortunately, it's gone a bit beyond that.

DIY DAYS

2010-01-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

I'm keeping my publicity team pretty small for the film. You're looking at her.

The Title of this post is Titles

2010-01-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

Very excited to be working on our titles. such an important part of the process. I think it's something that goes overlooked by many audiences but when you think about it, it's the first impression you are giving them of your film. what the vibe is gonna be, what the tone is gonna be, and where you're going with it.

Even deciding to just have white titles over black, is a choice and one that speaks to the type of film you have. If you have a drama, you're not going to have a comic font.

We're thinking of our titles as a bridge to our different storylines and a way to introduce the characters. We're working with Studio Collective and Jon Thomas who has presented us with so many ways to go.

really enjoying this really important part of the process

REARVIEW MIRROR

2009-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Day is done, gone the sun... Independent Film Week is over and all we have now is our memories and business cards. Serious bonding with the other filmmakers and I really believe we'll all support and promote each others films moving forward.

It may sound a little saccharine, but it happens to be true, and in this dog eat dog world - I can be confident there is a small group of people who will smile when they see me coming.

And these are them...

BANNED IN NEW YORK - Filmmaker Magazine blog series Part II

2009-09-22T14:28:00.001-07:00

Filmmaker Magazine: Blog

Look Ma, I'm a Blogger!

2009-09-18T08:44:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited to have been asked by Filmmaker Magazine and IFP to share my thoughts and experiences on the upcoming Independent Film Week. The Tested is part of the Emerging Narratives section and this post is the first out of three that I'll be doing. Check back next week for the 2nd installment

Filmmaker Magazine: Blog

Handshakes, Postcards, and Lanyards

2009-09-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Independent Film Week. I want to make sure the whole experience doesn't end up being a big blur of handshakes, postcards, and lanyards. I'm going to take the time to really enjoy each panel and each meeting, and all the cocktail hours! We've put together press kits and have some shwag hidden up our sleeves. And post importantly I've got my game face on. I'm going to be social and like it!

You're Invited!

2009-09-08T17:23:00.001-07:00

labs_sneak_preview, originally uploaded by The Tested.

Come see a sneak peak of The Tested on Sunday, September 20th

The Reality of Tragedy

2009-08-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes tragedy is tragedy. As humans we constantly find ways to overcome adversity and find the light through the darkness. But also as humans, we can't all do that. We don't all have the strength to lift ourselves out of the well. Sometimes we die in the well. This is an important part of human nature that sometimes goes ignored. It's probably because there's nothing very uplifting or cheerful about it. But isn't it important to acknowledge the suffering and destruction and confinement?

Shwag, Shwag, Shwag

2009-08-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

We'll be giving out some cool stuff at independent film week to raise awareness of The Tested so be sure to come by and find us to get your hands on the goods.

Kanye and 18 Hour Days

2009-08-25T04:54:00.000-07:00

Feeling nostalgic, my production manager just informed me that he hadn't worked an 18 hour day in a while. I knew those fond days of which he spoke of were 14 hour days, but when they've reached that number, who's really counting anymore. I am reminded that a year has gone by since we shot the feature and it's been three years since The Tested was originally conceived as a short film. Our lead actor Michael Morris Jr. was 16 when he started this journey and now he's on the verge of being 20. When we met him, he wore t-shirts down to his knees, now he dresses like Kanye. If that's not progress, I don't know what is. And as far as my production manager goes, I'll tell him what people have told me... If you're not working an 18 hour day, you're only working a half day!

Grass Roots Baby

2009-08-21T19:42:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Big Eddie and the crew at Fine Tune Music for promoting the film along with their artist Pareece who has a cameo. They are making it happen with their street marketing campaign, and we hear they made a whole event out of it, covering the Boogie Down Bronx on foot. We love that they are getting the kids to help put the word out.

2009-08-10T18:59:00.001-07:00

It's here and we'll be there! The Tested will be showing it's trailer as part of rooftop films showcase of emerging narratives on sunday sept. 20th. Come out and support the film!

Out Your Window

2009-08-09T19:19:00.001-07:00

The window was yellow from years of dirt, and the crack widened. Darraylynn Warren, transfixed on the sidewalks and the people moving swiftly from place to place, was stuck and desperate and couldn't remember the last time her face reflected any joy.

The Tested Rolls Out The New Poster

2009-08-06T04:02:00.000-07:00

Gun Control

2009-08-04T04:32:00.000-07:00

Our character Julian Varone is faced with the harsh realities of what it means to be a police officer. You are given a weapon to use when needed. But you are also expected to go through a clear, focused thought process before you use it. How does that happen in a split second? How can any judgment be reached in a pressure situation. Training can pull from past experience and give you a foundation. When you're in it, you're in it and all you got is your training, your emotions, and that weapon. The weapon that sits on your hip and taunts you. It's heavy metal scrapes against you and dares you to use it. Then you do... Then it's over.

White House Beer

2009-07-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Whether it's served at The White House or served at the pub down the street, and whether it's shared with The President or the local bartender - is it really going to change things? Race relations or rather lack of relations is still as prevalent as its ever been. When we made The Tested we knew it was a hot button topic but the button seems to get hotter by the minute. Issues of race are still issues and the conversations are getting louder. Our film seems to fall directly in line with our culture and what's happening in our society. But do we get the credit? Or is it simply an issue that doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon and will continue to have a constant relevance every minute of every day.

Picture Lock

2009-07-22T04:46:00.001-07:00

We've officially locked picture. And we're clocked in at a solid 99 minutes.

Those Damn Index Cards

2009-07-15T03:59:00.000-07:00

The closer we get to picture locking, the more we start to scrutinize the film. Do we need this scene? How does it move the story along? Is this take the best performance? It's amazing when you think you've addressed the pages and pages of notes, then you say okay, we'll screen it one more time. still more notes. I am of two minds. When you watch your material you get way too close and lose perspective. But sometimes when you know it so well, you can lose yourself in it and find clarity - like those paintings where you can see the rocket ship if you squint. I never saw any damn rocket ships. But the edit process really does start with the index cards. Just the excercise of making them and affixing them to the wall familiarizes you with the story you set out to tell, and it also becomes glaring what scenes can go. We're close, I can feel it, and we're lighter and leaner.

20 Minutes

2009-06-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

We went through an interesting process during the lab, where we only saw 20 minutes of each other's films. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get a grasp on the flavor of each. What I discovered was two fold. Not only can you really get a handle on the artistry and story telling from these clips, but you have to. In most cases, that's what people are going to get. It's similar to the first 10 pages of a script. If you don't grab them then, you're a goner. So, what did I see in these nine other films? I saw in The Mythe of Time: Innovation, Au Pair, Kansas: Wit, Phasma Ex Machina: Curiousity, Perfection: Pain, The Imperialists Are Still Alive!: Aesthetic, Stranger Things: Intimacy, City on a Hill: Vision, Postales: Culture, Wanderlost: Richness.

What emerged from this exercise was a clarity of how different we all were from each other and how clear that was in only 20 mintues.

IFP Lab - DAY 5

2009-06-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today's workshops were held at the American Can Company, somewhere in Brooklyn. Got lost on the way, If someone asked us to find it again - not sure that we could. Were again exposed to some great speakers ranging from Galt Niederhoffer of Plum Pictures, to Todd Sklar of Range Life Entertainment.

We then came back to good 'ole Manhattan to meet with Jonathan Gray of Gray Krauss who basically told us our sh-t better be buttoned up if we expect to deliver our film to a distributor.

The IFP Lab is a scared straight, tell it like it is, reality check... INSPIRATION! We left feeling exhilaratingly exhausted but completely supported. We now feel like there's a group of people out there looking out for us who have our best interest in mind.

The Tested is coming at you so stay tuned for the next chapter.

IFP Lab - DAY 4

2009-06-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Gears shifted a bit today. Seems like we're all starting to think about the next phase and how we'll be able to apply this whole experience to our films. We've now got our eyes towards Independent Week. Day went by quick though. Maybe cause we covered so much: music rights & composition, color correction, sound design, & drinks.

The highlight of the day was hearing that our film made one of the lab leaders cry!

Bring on the tears I say!

IFP Lab - DAY 3

2009-06-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

The interesting thing about this experience is the more time we spend with all the other filmmakers, the more we feel the mutual experience. For some reason we keep thinking about rushing a fraternity. It's that intense and we've found ourselves "protecting the shield". There's something that has happened between day one and day three. Where at once we were sizing each other up and trying to find our pecking order - we have started to let our guard down and genuinely support each other and truly want good things to happen to each other's films.

Somehow this psychological aspect has been very much as part of this lab as the actual invaluable information and case studies.

Today we talked about deliverables and heard from a film that went through the lab last year. We were scared straight but in a good way if that's possible.

I suspect we may all burst into tears on day 5, again, but in a good way.

IFP Lab - DAY 2

2009-06-09T20:07:00.001-07:00

Editing sessions today. Unbelievable mentors, still a bit in awe. Editors from some of the best films in the last 10 years, "The Savages", "Boys Don't Cry, "Maria Full of Grace", "Requiem for a Dream", and "Frozen River". After awaiting our turn to take the stage and hit the hot seat (we were the last to go so it was an anxious wait!) we were SO excited to get to talk to our mentor Sam Pollard. The Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning, frequent Spike Lee collaborator passionately discussed our film, telling the room it's a must-see! His feedback was specific and insightful. And when he said "The Tested is real" it blew our heads off! So happy he dug it.

IFP Lab - DAY 1

2009-06-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Much meeting and greeting today and getting a chance to meet the fabulous programmers at ifp and particularly enjoyed the "tell it like it is" attitude of deputy director Amy Dotson and lab leader Gretchen McGowan for her genuine spirit. I have to say, we've had about a half dozen screenings of "The Tested" so far, and they've all been nerve-wrackingly exhaustive (in a good way!) but there's nothing quite like playing in front of a group of fellow filmmakers and IFPers. Luckily we screened early in the day so we were able to relax and digest our lunch properly. Our stuff played well, nice compliments on the film, the writing and the acting. And then we sat in the hot seat while we fielded questions about our goals for the film. We discussed running time, publicity, and music. And the all important festival circuit. But it was particularly nice to have Scott Macaulay tell us he really liked the film. Been reading Filmmaker Magazine for years, and am a daily reader of his blog so that was pretty cool. We ended with a summer camp group photo and are gearing up for Day 2 - the Editing Sessions!

Official Presidential Business!

2009-05-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

We never thought our film would ever cross paths with THE President of the United States but somehow that's exactly what's happening. As everyone has already read, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama had date night yesterday in NYC. They went to dinner and took in a Broadway show, not bad for a Saturday night. The show they chose was none other than Joe Turner's Come and Gone with a wonderful ensemble cast including our lead actress Aunjanue Ellis.

Now, we don't need a President to tell us she's great but it sure helps!

2009-05-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

We're very proud to announce that our film "The Tested" has been invited to participate in the 2009 IFP Narrative Independent Filmmaker Lab & Independent Film Week.

The Independent Feature Project is one of the biggest and most respected film organizations in the country. Besides financing, distributing, and acquiring films, they've acted as a conduit for countless filmmakers for over three decades now. Their annual week long market has had a hand in early works from Spike Lee, the Coen Bros, Kevin Smith, Jim Jarmusch, Ed Burns, Michael Moore, Quentin Tarantino, Richard Linklater, Todd Haynes and many more.

Over the course of 5 days they'll work with us to "find" the very best in our film and get it ready to face the ultra competitive film festival circuit and beyond.

Lighting Inspiration

2009-05-11T19:38:00.001-07:00

Before embarking on this journey, russell put together a look book for key crew to visually define what he wanted this film to be. Here was his first picture:

The Greener Mags interview

2009-04-29T07:01:00.001-07:00

click the "play" button then use bottom scroll to read article

THE ART DEPARTMENT

2009-04-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

ALEX BROOK LYNN (Production Designer) is a native New Yorker,
accomplished artist and still photographer. She has worked in the Art Department in a variety of ways such as a Set Dresser, Art Director, and Production Designer on such films as “Day Zero” (starring Elijah Wood, Ally Sheedy, and Ginnifer Goodwin), “Superheroes”(Dash Mihok), “El Camino”(Leo Fitzpatrick, Elizabetth Moss), and “Gigantic” (Zooey Deschanel, John Goodman, Ed Asner).

ELIZABETH RALSTON (Prop Master) Originally from Georgia, is always handy with a gun, she prefers the challenge of original and unique props whether it's a sawed off leg, or a squib. She has propped various films such as "A Kiss of Chaos" (starring Michael K. Williams, Paul Caledron, and Adam Rodriguez, "The Hungry Ghosts" directed by Michael Imperioli, as well as art directed several others "King of Paper Chasin'" "Queen of Media", and "El Camino" (starring Elizabeth Moss)

Co-Editor Michael Taylor

2009-04-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

MICHAEL TAYLOR has edited more than a dozen features, including Julia Loktev's award-winning "Day Night Day Night", which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and George LaVoo's "A Dog Year", an HBO Films production starring Jeff Bridges and Lauren Ambrose. Documentary credits include Margaret Brown's films "Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt," and "The Order of Myths”, which recently took home the Truer than Fiction award at 2009 Film Independen Spirit Awards.
Michael's narrative credits also include Adam Rapp's "Blackbird," Peter Callahan's "Against the Current" starring Joseph Fiennes and Mary Tyler Moore. His current Documentary "Youth Knows no Pain" will premiere at the end of the month as a part of Independent night at Lincoln Center/Walter Reade Theater

Director of Photography - Chris Scarafile

2009-04-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

Chris Scarafile was the Director of Photography for the Grand Jury Prize winning short film “Gowanus, Brooklyn” at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, as well as dozens of others shorts, documentaries, and features. He has won several awards for his camera work, including Best Cinematography for the films “Black Days”, “Cycle”, and the Academy Award Eligible “The Tested” (short). You can check out his reel at www.chrisfilm.com

Key Crew Spotlight

2009-04-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

over the next couple of days, we will showcase the key members of our crew who helped us make this film happen.

Brand New Flavor in your Ear

2009-04-07T07:47:00.001-07:00

Monday, Monday

2009-04-07T07:40:00.001-07:00

Had a wonderful screening last night. It was the type of screening where people laughed at the right time, leaned forward in anticipation at the right time, and jumped just a little when they were supposed to. It's amazing how you can feel the energy of the audience and how they are as much a part of the film as the film itself. Despite some hand washing and screening room maintenance during the film, it felt like something profound was happening. It re-invigorated us and made us remember what all that work was for. So, if you were there thank you for allowing us to see the beauty in it once again.

The Little Scene That Could

2009-03-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

No wonder it's difficult to be an actor. You put your heart into something and never know how much or even IF it's going to end up on the screen. As we move through this post process and lock picture, there is "that" scene that just won't give up. We've cut it. We've brought it back. Cut it. Brought it back, and so on. What does that mean? That it's a pivotal scene or an extraneous one? And how can it be both? How can a scene be both instrumental in the story telling and useless at the same time? The saga continues as the little scene that could wavers between the limelight and the cutting room floor. Stay tuned...

Film Glorious Film

2009-02-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

We recently had our 35mm print of our short film sent back to us from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. There is something about that metal canister with small rectangular handle. The celluloid that it houses. We felt that with it's return the occasion should be marked in some way, that it was a cause for celebration. Not sure why it felt so important. Maybe it's just the knowledge that we have a 35mm print just waiting patiently to be screened...

Five hundred eyes and a snicker

2009-02-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

Even though there has been a lot of talking about whether test screenings are beneficial or not - the one thing that stands out is the ability to continuously see the film through new eyes. If the room is filled with teenagers, than we become teenagers, If there is someone over 65 same thing. it truly enables you to put yourself in their mind set. some things that felt amazing all of a sudden are clunky. Other things that didn't work seem to soar.

And big reactions - bring them on. we want to see you jump when someone is shot, laugh out loud at something funny, and cross your arms when something makes you uncomfortable.

feel the movie

The Reality of Emotion

2009-01-31T13:24:00.000-08:00

We tried to capture the raw emotion of our characters and kept the camera on them well after the director yelled cut. Sometimes your best stuff comes when the actors don't think you're rolling...

Test Screenings

2009-01-31T11:33:00.001-08:00

Are these a necessary evil or a collaborative way to have a better film? We've had a few of these screenings so far and we can honestly say they help. They help to cloud your mind and confuse you even more. It seems like all the positive comments get lost the second the words hit the air, while the negative ones cling to you like a thick fog and keep you up for days.

The best way to handle all the notes upon notes that you get, is to sift through them and understand that it is okay to disagree with some. You'll soon learn the opinions you value and the ones that seem out of left field.

There is simply no way of knowing which notes are "right" and which are "wrong". It's best to give each one it's fair attention and pay attention to the ones that you get more often. If a certain sentiment is being repeated over and over than it has to be treated with some validity whether you agree with it or not.

We learn so much at each screening we have and have been given the opportunity to see our work from so many different angles, angles we never even saw in the beginning. It truly is collaborative and it helps you to move outside of your comfort zone.

As we gear up for our biggest test screening yet... I can't help but wonder - will we let them eat popcorn?

Get Those Rights!

2009-01-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

We're weeks away from picture lock and in that weird place most indie filmmakers find themselves of beginning to adjust to letting go of some of their temp music. We've learned through experience to not fall in love with temp music, but it's almost impossible. You wouldn't have put it in there in the first place if you didn't think it properly captured the tone and feel that you were going for. And over weeks and weeks of watching your film dozens upon dozens of times in all kinds of forms and lengths those songs begins to embed themsleves into the fabric of the film. They become not only inseperable of the image, but seemingly essential to tell the story, YOUR story.

So how do you defend against falling in love with a track you can't get? First off, you don't use something by The Rolling Stones (even though Russell played "Fool to Cry" on set dozens of times). Self-awareness is a virtue. Procrastination is another option! We're only half-joking. Filmmakers are a delusional bunch. Why not push that delusion just a little bit further? Festivals accept cuts with temp music. Some even allow you to play your film at the festival with music you dont have the rights to, or with just "festival rights". So you hold onto the idea that at some point some kind of set of circumstances will come into play where you'll be able to lock in all of your temp tracks. It's just a matter of time!

The most rational solution it seems is to do exactly what we're doing on this film: use music that feels right, that's not universally ungettable, and then sic your pit bull producer on the case to do whatever is possible to GET THOSE RIGHTS!!

Writer/Director Russell Costanzo

2009-01-20T14:07:00.000-08:00

Russell Costanzo originally wrote and directed the short film The Tested a few years back. It went on to win best of fest at the 2006 Los Angeles International Short Film Festival and best cinematography at the 2006 VisionFest Film Festival. It also went on to make its television debut on BETJ. After the win, he developed the story into a feature film and shot in the summer of 2008 in New York City.

From The Wire to The Tested

2009-01-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Nathan Corbett (Donut from The Wire) plays "Curtis", the bad influence on Dre who tries to bring him over to the dark side. Dressed like this... who wouldn't want to be down?

Don't sleep on James

2009-01-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

Tobias Truvillion plays James, a guy from the streets that values family, control, and respect. The actor impressed us so much with his total absorption of the role, that we sometimes forgot that he was playing a part.

Getting the Look

2009-01-17T16:32:00.000-08:00

We relied on companies like Nike, Adidas, Exact Science and others to help give the characters an authentic feel. Our make-up and wardrobe department did an excellent job keeping our actors looking like people you'd run into in your own neighborhood, and the production design helped to make the whole film feel "lived in".

It's On!

2009-01-16T18:33:00.001-08:00

Both Sides of The Coin

2009-01-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: One year ago while on duty as a plain clothes cop, JULIAN VARONE gunned down an unarmed teen. In that time DARRAYLYNN WARREN, the teen's mother, has spiraled into a pit of despair, while his brother, DRE, has gone another route... ganglife. As for Julian, it's time for him to get back to work.

It is a story about redemption, injustice of poverty, the cycle of violence and how these three lives, affected by a terrible tragedy, cannot find closure without the other.

This film explores a tragedy from both sides: The victims are no longer obvious and both sides suffer.

On-Set

2009-01-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Things got pretty hairy on set at times but the crew always reacted fast and swift and whatever the disaster of the day was, it was fixed with the quickness

Post Production

2009-01-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

We did most of our editing at postworks and created a "beautiful mind" scene wall for quick reference

writer/director Russell Costanzo and producer Melissa B. Miller

2009-01-16T09:14:00.000-08:00