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DAVE MATEYKA - Producer
Dave met Robert in the early 80's when the two were working at a south side nightclub called the Turning Point. Knowing Dave's musical background, Robert asked him to do some special sound effects for a movie he was doing called Barrymore's Dream. Never having been involved in the production of a movie before, Dave jumped at the opportunity.
Then in 2003, Robert called Dave and asked him if he would like to help produce a new film called Timeserver. "It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. We had around 1,000 people at the premiere!" Dave reminds. After the success of Timeserver (not too many independant films make their money back) the two producers decided to do a remake of the film that originally brought them together, this time with a more experienced crew and bigger budget.
Besides being a musician, Dave is a hardwood floor finisher by trade and lives in Oswego with his wife and 4 children. When asked what's next for the part time producer, Dave replied "Whatever Robert comes up with!"
WALTER WALSH - Assistant Director
My name is Walter Walsh and I live in Frankfort. I made movies in high school and have always had an interest in the process. The last few years I have been working in video production and computer animation.
Last year I had seen articles regarding Timeserver. But I learned of it to late and missed the opportunity to get involved in the production. When I read the crew and casting call for Robert Alaniz's new production, Barrymore's Dream, I checked it out and was invited to join the crew as a cameraman.
The experience of working on this picture is priceless. The creative environment which Robert is generating is enabling me to learn a great deal from a talented group of people. They are all truly generous with their knowledge and creativity and are all willing to work for a common goal of making a thrilling and entertaining picture.
This is what picture making should be, people who truly love what they do and do it for the love of it.
TYRONE LANCASTER - Composer
This is my second time working with director Robert Alaniz
and I am honored to be a part of his new film Barrymore's Dream.
After working on Timeserver together, Robert and I developed an
almost subconscious level of synergy. When he approached me about
working on Barrymore's Dream I knew that this project was going to be
something special. I was going to be a part of the production from the very
beginning. Being on-board from day one allows me to work with and get to
know all the amazing people involved. It is wonderful to see all of these
people come together for a common goal: To make the best damn movie we can.
I believe Barrymore's Dream will be successful for everyone involved as it
has already proven to be a memorable experience for me (Not many composers
get to score their own death). I am excited at seeing how far our dreams
will take us. Thank you to all the talented people involved in this
production; It is a joy to work with you. And to Robert, "Everything happens
for a reason." Cheers!
KAREN MARJAN MCPHILLIPS - Hair and Makeup
After working in several salons in Oak Lawn and the surrounding areas, I found with having two children (Sarah 10 & Wil 3), that working from my home would be best suited for me. After much construction and paper work to incorporate my "name," I now run a very successful home salon business.
After working with Robert Alaniz on Timeserver, I was ready to take on another project, so when he called me and asked me to return as head make-up artist & hairdresser, I immediately jumped on board. I never thought an opportunity like this would come my way twice, especially in the suburbs of Chicago! What an awesome experience this is. I can't wait to see the finished movie and see how everything turns out. I am honored to be a part of another Sole Production. To Robert, cast and crew…"Thank you for this experience, new friends, new connections…priceless!"
"Karen is a true professional in every sense of the word. Her hair designs and make up ideas have brought the characters that I created in my mind to life. Her experience and ability to adapt under just about any circumstance has been invaluable! She is not just "someone who does hair and make-up". She is an artist. I literally could not have done this movie without her!" - Robert Alaniz
AMANDA BLAKLEY - Script Supervisor
Amanda Blakley is 18 years old and resides in Frankfort. She recently graduated high school, but not before achieving a .Silver Place Award. in the Chicagoland High School Video Festival for a documentary on college.bound students. She will be attending Columbia College Chicago starting in September; she plans on studying Film. Amanda was a part of the production crew for Timeserver. She is excited to be working on Barrymore's Dream, reprising her role as Script Supervisor
BRAD PODOWSKI - Cinematographer/Art Director
Barrymore's Dream is Brad Podowski's second feature film that he has worked on. His first feature, Boriqua was shot in 2004 in Chicago, Illinois where he assisted as a grip. Boriqua received film festival recognition in the Tribeca Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival.
As a Columbia College of Chicago graduate, Brad has worked on numerous short films, commercials, music videos and television show pilots. Since his graduation in 2002, he has formed a production company, Podozzy Productions with two other partners. Podozzy Productions just recently wrapped up post-production on their first major short film entitled Nausea. Nausea was shot on super 16mm film and included the expertise of 25 crew technicians and over 10 Chicago-based actors. Brad co-wrote, produced and directed this 18-minute short. After a successful premiere earlier this year, Nausea will hit the film festival circuit in September.
On this film, Brad has worked as cinematographer, cameraman and art director. The crew on Barrymore's Dream has gelled together nicely, filling in for one another in hopes of maintaining a consistent and professional quality. Along with production work, Brad also designed the film's logo and promo poster.
Currently working as a full-time graphic designer, Brad hopes to build and develop Podozzy Productions into an independent film and video production facility. Podozzy is currently in pre-production on their debut feature film, under the working title, The Forgotten Locker. 'TFL' is a mystery/thriller film described as a hybrid of Blue Velvet and Rosemary's Baby. The film's trailer will be shot by the end of this year and Podozzy will begin the daunting task of raising funds for the film's principle photography immediately after.
DAVE WADDELL - Lights and Camera
My name is Dave Waddell and I have lived all over the south suburbs and currently reside in Harvey, IL. I got my associates in arts from South Suburban College and currently attend Columbia College.
I first met Robert at one of the showings of Timeserver and told him of my interest of working with him on future projects he might have. Well I got the chance to do the documentary for Timeserver and learned that he was going to be doing another movie called Barrymore's Dream. We had many meetings at Starbucks coffee in January and thru the winter months and I was able to see him rewriting the script for Barrymore's Dream. At the time I was not sure what I wanted to do so Robert told me to just feel my way around and that I would just fall into place. Well about seven months later I think I have fallen into that place of primarly setting up the lighting for this film which needs a darker feel to it and I hope that when it premieres I have met those expectations. I feel like we will give the film the look it needs because Robert has stumbled upon some talented crew and cast members.
MAX NAYDEN - Production Asisstant and Medical Advisor
As fate would have it, Max Nayden, a physical therapist by profession, was relaxing in a local coffee shop, reading a trade magazine on independent films when Robert Alaniz walked in. Max and Robert struck up a conversation regarding the creation of independent films and Max's life was changed forever. He became hooked on filmmaking. Max, a new father-to-be, signed on as a P.A. and tried on as many hats as he could during the shooting of Barrymore's Dream.
True to the running theme of Alaniz's recent films, their meeting appeared to be destiny, as Max's skills as a therapist fit perfectly into the needs of several key aspects of the storyline in the film. Max supervised the technical aspects of the young character of Ellie Barrymore's gait, the mechanics of breaking a leg, as well as stunt coordination during the more physical scenes. "I feel as though I've had as valuable an education with this filmmaking experience as any film class I could've taken," says Max. He is grateful for the opportunity.
TIFFANY MIKES - Lighting and Grip Work
I grew up in Homewood, IL and went to Homewood-Flossmoor High School. I graduated with my Associates in Mass Communication from Prairie State College in May 2005. At Prarie State, I was a charter member and President of the Prairie State Broadcasting Club (PSBC). I am currently attending Columbia College in Chicago. From 2002 to present, I also volunteer for Homewwod Community Cable Network, (HCTV). I am resposible for editing and producing television shows, camera work and directing village board meetings. As a volunteer, on the sets of Barrymore's Dream I work with lighting and "grip work" for Director Robert Alaniz.
DAVID LANZAFAME - Boom Operator & Crewman
I'm Dave. Resident of Oak Forest, college grad, and an extras pair of hands on the set of this film. My jobs are random. Mostly, it has to do with whatever is needed for that particular day. So...I've done lights, clapboard, boom mic, etc. etc. etc. Most of my time revolves mostly around the boom mic. Working on the set has been nothing but constant fun. I'm never bored and I feel like I'm truly contributing. Not to mention that I'm working with some of the coolest people in the coolest profession. So when Barrymore's Dream hits the big screen later this year, don't be surprised when you see the movie and hear a scream from someone in the audience, "That's me! I did that!" Chances are that will be me.
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Photos by Sue O'Malley
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