Producer's Corner Archives

In case you haven't seen any good locally produced indie movies lately; you should see "Phasma Ex Machina", which means "Ghost from the Machine". Litt magazine rates it 4 stars-this movie is a definite "GO".

This particular reporter recently had the pleasure of chatting with the Producer of Phasma Ex Machina, Jennifer A. Kramer after its crowded screening at Block E in downtown Minneapolis.
She looked tired, but a happy tired. A case of been up working late; got up working early. She loves it!

Litt: Where are you from?
JK: I'm from Minneapolis and Matt Osterman, the Director is from Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

Litt: For those of us who don't know, what exactly do you as Producer?
JK: The short answer is my job is to take the vision that is in the head of the Director and put it on screen as true to his vision that I can.

Litt: What's the most challenging part of that task?
JK: The most challenging dynamic of my job is to do it with almost zero money.

Litt: How do indie films get made?
JK: Through the good faith and effort of a lot of people. Our investors are supporters of indie films, as well as folks who believe in our talent and ability to get the film done. From the restaurants big and small, who catered; to East Lake Liquors; I want to give them all a sincere hug and a HUGE thank you, to thank them on a personal level for all their help.

Litt: How important is location and shooting sites to a movie?
JK: Locations are key! Everyone I contacted was very cooperative and very accommodating; especially Lakeland Cemetery, Ax Man, Dotronix, all awesome folks. Not to mention my friends that allowed us to shoot in their homes.

Litt: Is of what importance is a legal consultant?
JK: Legal consultation is very important on my list..., an objective eye, that takes a sincere interest in our success. Mike Spence of the Spence Law Firm has been amazing to work with.

Litt: Were you involved in the casting?
JK: Yes, Matt and I together decided on the cast.

Litt: Did you use an agency to sift through talent until you got your "A" team?
JK: Casting was done by Walden Entertainment, in Bloomington, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the actors we finally selected.
The talent was excellent from Sasha Andreev, who is host for "Curb Appeal" on HGTV-

Before she could finish her list she glanced down at her watch, and we both realized that her valuable time with Litt had come to end.

Litt: Where does the film go from here?
JK: We now have an international sales company, and we're working on a deal with a national distributor.

Litt: If you will, give me your view on the process of making a good film?
JK: Filmmaking is a collaborative art form; the result of many people working together for a common goal and, being respectful in the process.

With that last thought Jennifer Kramer had to bounce. She was due at yet another film festival in another state to promote and receive praise on behalf of "Phasma Ex Machina"
Phones were ringing, invitations to film festivals looming, transportation and accommodations to acknowledge, and logistical magic to be made; she was tired, but happy tired; she's a Producer.
R
"Phasma Ex Machina" means "Ghost From the Machine" in Latin. We urge everyone to go see and support this really GOOD movie.
Find out more about Phasma Ex Machina, directed by Matt Osterman- go to www.phasmamovie.com