Students from the DU Film Production Club are producing a comedic, cannabis-infused horror film about the brutal slaying of a bong on High Street, sure to be a hit for our 420-friendly crowd.
Auditions were held a few months ago, and the cast and crew have been working hard since then to bring the idea to life, while also gaining experience in film production, acting, camera work, screenwriting and more.
The original idea came to mind after second-year students Angelo Vassalli, a business major, and Pierce Kimbrough, a film studies and production major, dressed up as detectives for Halloween. For weeks after, they continued to dress up and conduct fake investigations around campus. Fittingly enough, the two will be playing the roles of Detective Vassalli and Detective Kimbrough.
Cast and crew in the filming process | Courtesy of Cami Wateska
“Pierce reached out to me and asked that I join the team as the writer because I have experience writing scripts,” said Sophia Holt, second-year film studies and production major.
Holt is not only a co-writer and cinematographer of “Murder on High Street,” but she also has the role of “joint girl” on screen. Holt has worked on a number of DUFPC projects this year, including another short film titled Loop. She plays a major role in the function of the club, being on the E-Board as the Events Organizer.
Vassalli also played a role in the writing process, being the co-director and co-star of “Murder on High Street.” He considers this his “passion project.”
Every passion project comes with some challenges. According to Vassalli, the crew has “had to deal with a lack of funding and lack of available equipment.”
They began filming during week one of the spring quarter, after beginning pre-production meetings, conversations and writing in the fall. The team hopes to be done filming by week five so they can begin the editing process. If all goes as planned, a screening will be hosted by DUFPC around week eight, with a $5 admissions fee. All proceeds will go back to DUFPC, which will help fund equipment and other resources for future projects.
Currently, “Murder on High Street” is in the production stage after the casting list was finalized in late February. “The process has been slow and challenging, but we have really been getting some good work in and are having a great time doing it,” said Vassalli.
Courtesy of Cami Wateska“Murder on High Street” is not the only film being produced by DUFPC this year. “This quarter, we have two other projects being made as well. “La Baguette” is the other short film and the club is also making a music video for DU musician, Anika Erickson,” said Holt.
For students that are interested in being a part of this film, “we also will be posting a call for extras in the coming weeks so keep eyes and ears peeled,” said Holt. To stay up to date on screening dates/locations, production process and more, follow @murderonhighstreet and @sophiaholtfilm on Instagram.
