The Low Budget Scene Shop was an idea I had a while back when I first got my own video camera. The idea was to have some fun by writing scenes designed to be shot simply, and enlist friends/talented people that I've always wanted to work with. A lot of indie projects die out because of lack of funding or resources, so these are designed to be completed using whatever resources we have. If we have access to a hi-def cam, we use it. If we don't, we use my trusty handicam. It's all about working with cool people and telling fun stories. That's it.
There's only one currently posted on the YouTube channel ("Negotiate"), which was a monologue scene done as a test. I wish there were more posted, but that doesn't mean the project died off. There are multiple LBSS projects in various stages of production that should be coming to an Internet near you.
"Pedestrian Crossing" was written and directed by John King, who I first did a play with a few years ago. We had also previously collaborated on the "Cute Kitten Company" web series a while back, writing six episodes for it. "Pedestrian Crossing" features the two of us at a crosswalk, and hijinks ensues. It is currently being edited. John's a really talented actor and writer. He also rocks a flair-filled vest like no other... :-)
John also played a role in "Stakeout", another scene that's currently in the sound design stage. The scene also features Kevin Thomsen, who I first met on a set a while ago. He also has a group of peeps he does skits and scenes with, so we help each other out whenever we can. Christy Siebert plays a main role, and we first met on a shoot for the show "Vegas" where we were part of the entourage for the guest star. It was a fun three days, and we kept in contact after that. When the first Low Budget Scene Shop production "Negotiate" hit YouTube and I described the concept behind the whole thing, Christy immediately hit me up and wanted to collaborate on something, which was awesome. We came up with something that I'm really proud of, and the rough cut's really funny. We couldn't have gotten it show without the help from Tony Konopski and Cody Murray, who supplied equipment and manpower to help us get it shot. They are both slated to appear in an untitled scene that is in the writing stage, and is likely the next scene to be shot Kevin should be appearing in that as well.
The score and sound design on "Stakeout" is being done by Dave Beukers, who I first worked with on "The Miracle Man." Dave's a brilliant composer who also did the music and sound for "Negotiate," so I can't wait to see what he comes up with here.
Another scene that's been edited together and is awaiting some post-production work is "Baller", which co-stars Jeremy Roberts. Jeremy's been a friend of mine for years, and I always wanted to work with him on something, so this gave us the platform to finally do so. I'm really happy with it thus far, and it was another that couldn't have come together without the help of Kevin and Tony.
There's another scene that's fully written, but won't be shot until after the untitled scene with Kevin, Cody and Tony gets shot. I want to get some of these others through the pipeline and posted before moving forward on it so we don't have too much of a traffic jam.
So that's what the "Low Budget Scene Shop" is. A small sandbox that I can play in with people I respect whose company I enjoy to do some fun work. It's all coming to a (small) screen near you...