R. Michael Gull's commitment to Wisconsin is clear. He effectively created a film career in Milwaukee, writing, producing and acting under a production company all his own. L'oiseau Blanc Films, Gull's film production company, produced the short film "Victim" and is now gearing up for its first feature production, "New Day."
"We are trying to keep things as local as possible. We are shooting the entire film in Wisconsin and are really hoping to include quite a few local actors," says Gull.
"New Day" is truly independent. The film is privately financed by local investors who all believe in Gull's persistence in cultivating local talent and opportunity.
Co-written by R. Michael Gull and Olivia Barash, "New Day" is an action-drama telling the story of a man whose wife is on a plane that crashed into the Pentagon.
"Michael came up with the film's concept. I'm elaborating on it with him and re-writing ideas," Barash explains. "I'm really caught by the sub-plot love story. I think it will be very griping for viewers to watch."
Barash, who starred in the 1984 cult classic "Repo Man," lives in Los Angeles while Gull, previously known for his stand-up comedy and acting work, resides in Milwaukee.
Continuously communicating through phone, email and screenwriting software, Gull and Barash spent months writing together despite never meeting face to face.
"We've known each other for a number of years but this is our first professional collaboration," Gull says. "She of course was in 'Repo Man' and so many other roles but for awhile, she sort of stopped acting to pursue music. The opportunity with 'New Day' is kind of bringing her back to film."
Barash, who acted in a series of television shows and films throughout the 1980s, gravitated away from acting in order to pursue a music career in the '90s. After creating and compiling several indie film soundtracks, Barash's partnership with Gull captures her musical talent and expands her experience in film production.
"This is a big event for me because I've been involved on this film on other levels than acting and music. I'm coming in as a producer and it's exciting," Barash explains."There's a momentum that's taking place; a natural progression. We're trying not to interrupt it and everything is just falling into place perfectly. We work really well together."
Barash and Gull first collaborated on Gull's 2008 short film "Victim." Gull, who wrote, produced and starred in the film, started L'oiseau Blanc Films with fiancee Jon Anne Willow in order to self-produce and edit the film.
Gull featured Barash's music in the film and Barash made a small cameo appearance. Initially Gull talked of expanding the short into a feature film starring Barash, but decided to keep "Victim" a short and focus on collaboratively writing and producing "New Day."
"I trusted Michael instantly because everything he said he was going to do with 'Victim,' he did on time. It's rare to find people who do things when they say they are going to do them in this industry," Barash says.
The film, which is still in pre-production, will draw on both recognizable Hollywood actors and local talent and shooting begins in November.
"I will be playing a defense intelligence agency special agency. We're looking at a couple pretty high-profile actors for the male lead and Olivia will be playing the female lead," says Gull.
The cast includes Gull and Barash as well as Kin Shriner and Carly Schroeder both of the daytime television series "General Hospital."
"The film has some recognizable names attached to it but there are definitely roles available for local actors. We've got a lot of primary roles and a bunch of smaller roles and lots of extra stuff as well," says Gull.
The film's extensive collaborations continue with the addition of writer and producer Dylan Avery. Avery, best known for his work on the Sept. 11 documentary "Loose Change," plays himself in the film also serves as consultant on the film's facts.
Gull and Barash remain optimistic if not enthusiastic about the film industry in Wisconsin.
"Chicago has always been the Midwest place for shooting but now I really think the Milwaukee area is gonna be able to, if we concentrate more on this as a place, be a new Chicago," explains Gull.
"In L.A., they say Wisconsin is one of the great places to shoot right now. The locations are beautiful and it's more real. Stuff in L.A. has been seen before," Barash continues. "I think because we are filming in Wisconsin, you're going to have a real feel for these real people."
Gull currently has a reccurring role in the new Patrick Swayze television series "The Beast." The show shoots entirely in Chicago, a fact that reinforces Gull's conviction for a thriving film industry in the Midwest.
"I just see that we have the capacity for film here. It will probably take a couple of years to have a place to shoot films and television shows in Wisconsin but it can definitely happen," Gull says.
"New Day" is expected to open in fall 2009.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
