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PRESS KIT
PURPLE ROSE
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
“We have about 8 hours to shoot 18 pages,” Chuck Marra, the Director said to the cast and crew at the beginning of the shoot. “Let’s make it work,” shouted Allie Raye, the Producer and Writer. Chuck’s face becomes ashen and he pulls at his hair, something he does routinely when stressed out on the set. He smiled and began to block the first scene.
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In fact, they not only made it work, they shot the entire weekend for no money. The cast and crew worked long hours to make this the best production ever. They built fences, painted sets, moved furniture and ate tons of food for one weekend. The payoff? Everyone had a lot of fun making a great film, in addition to free motel rooms, a pool to splash around in and great scenery.
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This film was shot entirely on location in the small town of New Cuyama, CA. (Population approx. 600) The locals gave whatever the cast and crew needed freely. They were excited that someone chose their town to shoot a small film. It will put them on the map.
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This is the fourth time in 4 years that Allie has attempted to make this movie. The first time, she raised money and everyone pulled out. The second time, she found a Director and crew but the Director was relocated and left her weeks before the shoot was to begin. The third time, Allie had collected names and numbers of people willing to donate to the film, drew her own storyboards (stick figures) and rewrote the script. All that, and her laptop, scripts, and everything else, were in her Toyota Camry, which was stolen one Sunday night in front of her apartment. It would seem that all odds were against her.
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After working closely with Steven Spielberg on “Minority Report” and Eric Stoltz on “Once and Again,” Allie was inspired not to give up. Spielberg called her a “Jewish Soprano” and Stoltz called her a “Gem.”
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She called Chuck after being out of touch for almost 2 years and asked him once again to direct her film. He was the one, 4 years earlier that had pushed her to make her short story into a short film. Chuck originally turned her down a few years back due to a conflict of interest, but this time, he said yes without even giving it a second thought. With no money lined up, no cast or crew, they went forward without ever looking back.
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Allie emailed all her friends and family and people she barely knew, and asked for money to make her movie. Almost nobody turned her down; they sent checks. It was as if they had waited years for this moment. The more she asked, the more money she raised. “Purple Rose” was made for under .00. The money came from people that believed in Allie as a filmmaker and an actress.
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With the unbelievable talent of the Director and his guidance to his Producer, they created an amazing team. Chuck, being a Producer himself, taught Allie what he knew. One step at a time, she did the tasks at hand. He asked, and she got it. She asked for a miracle on less than a shoestring budget, and he gave it to her. When these two people commit to a project, there is nothing that can stand in their way. Allie doesn’t hear the word “No.” She’s tenacious and has drive and Chuck put that in perspective to help turn her into an efficient Producer.
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Also featured in this film, are some very talented actors. Allie’s parents flew to LA from Rockville, Md. to not only watch the film being made, but to be a part of it as well. Her mother has been a stage actress for over 40 years.
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Allie used all her connections to get an amazingly talented cast and crew and the group bonded beautifully. It was a wonderful learning experience and an opportunity for each person to shine, and so they did. Allie is extremely appreciative because without them, this film wouldn’t have been possible.
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The Filmmakers wish to extend their
Personal thanks to the following for their
Contribution to the making of this film:
The Town of New Cuyama, CA and the Locals
The Cuyama Buckhorn & Motel
Bobbie‘s Pizza in Cuyama
Jerry Hannah and his house
Ann Ray and her horses
Willards Flowers of North Hollywood
Tarry and Debra Howard
Theresa Lotta and the Lotta Kids
Karen Duncan
Megan Foley
Douglas Spain
Douglas DeCesare
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Barbara Bonds
Fionnula Flanagan
Eyewear by AB Cee Optical
Public Relations by Linda Madison
South Coast Engineering Group
Country Inn & Suites Calabasas
Country Inn & Suites Pt. Hueneme
Country Inn & Suites Camarillo
John, Michelle, Taylor & Rikki
Ruth Garbett-Lewis from SAG
The Screen Actors Guild
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VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO THE ALL THE "CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS"
Tracy Baker Turner
Simon & Jodi Rakoff
Eve Ng
Johnny Murdock
Wendy McDowell-West
Gary Lucas
Mika & Cameron Moulton
Judy Callanan
Neil Pizzano
Nathaniel & Melynda Schudrich
Jimmy Quintero
Valerie Foust
Patricia Hale
Mark & Suzanne Frank
John & Jill Bancheri
Fionnula Flanagan
The Lotta Family
Mary Jackson
John & Sylvia Cosby
Patti O’Toole
Andrea DeCuzzi
Jeff & Gloria Farnham
Peter & Lesli Kraut
Rob & Sue Ulisney
Stan & Polli Talmud
Elizabeth Reynolds
Dick & Diane Salsitz
Monica Dietrich
The Krevsky Family
Sid & Dot Talmud
Tim & Celeste Wheeles
Lisa Nussman
Jake Bieber
Caroline Carter
Debby Gorman
Lali Caymares
Zoe Pfaeffle
Perry Goldberg
Seth Goldberg
John & Michelle
Taylor & Rikki
Sabrina Kimsey
Jeff & Marianne Falkner
Erik Burrow
Holly Bartlett
Evlyn/Cory/Silvia
Sandra gonzalez
Evlyn Moris
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This film is dedicated to the memory of Gregg
Ecton.
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ABOUT THE FILM
The story is based on a real love story that has no end. Photographer Jill Meyers returns to her small hometown on the one-year anniversary of her best friend’s death. She meets a Stranger who gives her a gift…a second chance to say goodbye.
ABOUT THE CAST
QUINCY DAVIS (Jill) has been with this project since it all began. She did a superb job of bringing life to the character. Quincy had the leading roles in the films “Undercurrent” and “Horses and Champions,” which can be seen on Animal Planet. She has also guest-starred on several episodes of “Renegade” and “Silk Stalkings.”
Originally from Missoula, Montana, Quincy has been acting in the theater since the age of 10. She brings a range of emotions to this film with her sparkling eyes telling a story of their own.
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ALLIE RAYE (Sam) Allie is one of Hollywood’s favorite character actresses. In this film, she brings her own personal attributes, zany yet compassionate, to her character. Currently, she can be seen in Steven Spielberg’s “Minority Report” as the Hamburger Mom. Spielberg saw her audition tape and created a role specifically for her. Allie and Tom Cruise worked side by side and she kept him laughing.
Some of her other credits include “The Practice” and “Once and Again,” which was directed by the multi-talented Eric Stoltz. Allie is truly grateful as Stoltz, like Spielberg, added additional scenes in for her.
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JOSH CARMICHAEL (The Stranger) with his low, soothing voice and intense eyes, Josh portrays the role as the mysterious Stranger, magically. He fit the role perfectly. He has appeared on episodes of “JAG” and “Touched by an Angel,” and in the film “Tumbleweeds.” Josh can also be seen in numerous National commercials.
Recently, he spoke of how great it is to be working in this business and be able to raise a family of which he says. "Having children, expands your heart to a level of love, that is so full...” His true dedication showed through in his work.
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DANIEL RHYDER (Bobby) began studying the intense Stanislavsky method in 1997, with exceptional results. Since 2000, he has played the lead in 4 Indie films and has a recurring role on MTV’s “Undressed.” He’s also appeared in a national Tommy Hilfiger campaign.
Daniel showed amazing commitment in the role of Bobby. He brought real love, and strength to this film as he embraced the character as himself.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
CHUCK MARRA (Director/Editor) began directing in 1999 with his first 16mm short film “Sugar.” He has since directed “In Search of the 13th Floor” as well as other films. He is also a Writer, Producer and Editor and plays the lead in “The First Ten Pages.”
Chuck has been a professional actor in LA for 15 years. He played Mr. Bogner in the Amblin/ABC TV series "Fudge,” which was based on the novels of Judy Blume. He began his career studying with Lee Strasberg in New York and has performed in numerous stage plays in New York and LA.
Some of his many stage credits include the role of Peter in “Light up the Sky,” Stanley in “Broadway Bound,” Lash in “High Strung Quartet for Unstrung Voices," Joe in “Waiting for Lefty.” and Seyton in “MacBeth.”
His other full-time career is being a father and husband, as well as an acting coach. He’s very dedicated to his students and teaches all levels of acting. It’s very apparent to those around Chuck that he enjoys what he does.
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ALLIE RAYE (Producer/Writer) grew up in West Virginia, and Rockville, MD. She began writing short stories at the age of 10. Allie went to college for 1 year and off to experience life, starting with an 8 month trek in Israel and doing Stand-up Comedy for 7 years.
As a Writer, Allie has a wide variety of completed scripts with original characters, just waiting to be brought to the screen. Her imagination and wild story telling keeps people wanting more. “Purple Rose” is Allie’s first film as a Producer. From day one, the Director said she was a natural and in her element. He had her perform most all the tasks by herself so that she could learn everything about filmmaking. She has since found great relief in knowing there are actually assistants that help out.
Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise and Eric Stoltz have immensely inspired her, as they have shown her first hand, that she has the ability to do anything she sets her mind to. And, they were right.
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SHAWN MARCHETTI (1st Assistant Director) Shawn began his filmmaking career at the tender age of 9, making short films with his friends. Winning his first award for “Best Special Effects” at 14, he soon excelled to more serious subject matters. In 2000, his short film “Carpet Joints,” about the underground poker circuit of Los Angeles, won “Best Screenplay” at the Berkley International Film Festival.
Recently, he completed Production Coordinator work on two Indie Features, “Who’s Your Daddy?” and Nicolas Cage’s debut “Sonny,” as well as voicing a lead character in 2004’s upcoming animated feature “Doom Machine.” He is currently working in pre-production on an upcoming Indie feature “Killer
Diller.”
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MEGAN FOLEY (Casting Director) Megan has been casting commercials, television, features and theater in Los Angeles since 1987. She has an extensive background in theater and in commercial production. She has cast over 1500 commercials to date, including the Tostitos IRS spots, the Paul Reiser AT & T spots and the current MCI Celebrity spots, along with Pizza Hut, Chevy and American Express to name just a few.
Theatrically, Megan cast the TV series “Fudge” and “Bailey Kipper’s
POV.” as well as numerous Independent films.
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SOUNDTRACKS
“No One Knows But You”
Written By Beth Nielsen Chapman
Performed by Beth Nielsen Chapman
From the Album “Sand and Water” 1997
Used with permission from Beth Nielsen Chapman
“Purple Rose”
Words & Music by Mark Frank
Performed by Mark Frank
Additional Vocals by Bridgette Vela
Produced by Mark Frank
Engineered by Scott Thomas
Copyright 2002, Mark Frank Productions
“Stairs to Yesterday”
Words & Music by Mark Frank
Performed by Big Al & The Kaholics
From the Album "Hype"
Copyright 2001 Big Al & the Kaholics
“Come Out and Play”
Words & Music by Matt Connel
Performed by Big Al & The Kaholics
From the Album "Hype"
Copyright 2001 Big Al & the Kaholics
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