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Page 1: Liar press kit
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‘The Liar’ - AtassiFilm Page 1

LOGLINE:

SYNOPSIS:

THE LIAR is a story about choice set at the turn of the 20th century. Lucas and Gabriel are criminals trying to escape the law through a forest path, but quickly !nd themselves o" the path and lost for days. After joining a mysterious Man who o"ers to show them the way out of the forest, Lucas and Gabriel come intocon#ict on a trajectory towards violence.

What choices do we make in the absence of authority given the temptations of free will? It is the turn of the 20th century. Two criminals on the run are traveling to their safe house through a hidden forest path. Lucas is a headstrong veteran criminal, but his younger accomplice Gabriel is a novice and easily spooked. They quickly !nd themselves wandering deeper into the forest and o" the path they initially set out to follow. Mysterious circumstances abound for the !rst few days.

On the second night Gabriel discovers a camp nearby with a shotgun and much needed supplies. As thecriminals are about to leave with the stolen goods, a Man dressed in black reveals himself and o"ers to help escort them out of the forest. Lucas wants to kill the Man but Gabriel insists they give him achance to help lead them out of the forest.

True to his word, the Man takes them back to the path by the third day. At night Lucas goes to sleep early and the other two men sit at a camp!re. The Man suggests that Gabriel join him and that they leave Lucas behind. Gabriel considers it but fears treachery. The Man goes to sleep and Gabriel sneaks the safe house keys from Lucas.

The next morning Gabriel wakes up alone. He searches down the path for Lucas and the Man. Finally Gabriel !nds them, and he sees that the Man has now tried to provoke treachery in Lucas. After a few words Lucas shoots Gabriel and kills him. When Lucas approaches Gabriel’s body, the Man mysteriously disappears.

Lucas heads to the forest exit, but feels in his pockets and realizes the keys are missing. He plunges headlong back into the forest in a mad rage. But Gabriel's corpse is nowhere to be found. Finally Lucas turns back to lookfor the exit but the woods now extend as far as he can see.

Produced over four days on a budget of $11,500, THE LIAR is an evocative and suspenseful period drama witha burning central question. In uncertain times, who will you choose to trust?

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:Running Time: 22 MinutesLanguage: EnglishGenre: Period DramaCamera: RED ScarletExhibition Formats: DCP, Blu-Ray, ProRes 422Audio Format: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, StereoAspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (SCOPE)

Press Kit atassi!lm.com

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Press Kit atassi!lm.com

‘The Liar’ - AtassiFilm Page 2

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION:THE LIAR is the latest short !lm from Writer/Director Remsy Atassi and Producer Rami Atassi, a Chicago based !lmmaking duo who explore stories of trust, spirituality, and human agency. The idea for THE LIARwas originally conceived by Remsy in 2010 as part of a feature project. When development slowed the story was shelved. But in early 2012 theidea was ressurected as a short form period drama, written in just a few weeks, and launched into pre-production.

Knowing that their aim was larger in scale than their previous short ‘Boxer’ (2010), the Atassi Brothers planned for a $5,000 budget to be raised via crowdfunding on Kickstarter. They decided to document their pre-production processes on the internet in order to help generate awareness and support for THE LIAR. This involved sharing concept art, story ideas, and pre-production videos to over 1,000 followers on Twitter and a production blog before beginning to fundraise.

At the same time, they assembled their key Chicago collaborators on the project. Chris Mickens enlisted her skills as Concept Artist, helping shape the look and feel of the !lm early on. Additionally, she painted !ve original artistic depictions of the !lm, later given as rewards for Executive Producer backers on Kickstarter.

Since the !lm is a period drama, production design was going to be essential. The Atassi Brothers recruited Lauren Adel Klich, a Chicago based expert designer with experience in the period of THE LIAR. After several sessions of auditions, the SAG/AFTRA cast was decided on, featuring Ted LeBlang, Jordan Brown, andShannon Parr in the lead roles. Director of Photography Trevor Kodat rounded out the early team, and he brought in additional camera support and resources to help shape the !lms stunning cerebral visuals.

The Kickstarter campaign was completed on September 28, only three weeks before production. The

Preliminary Concept Art by Chris MIckens

brothers raised $5,452. Despite this, production costs were steadily increasing and additional !nancing was raised outside of Kickstarter. By the !nal day of shooting the budget had increased to $8,500.

‘The Liar’ shot for two very rainy weekends in October 2012. Three days and one night of !lming took placeat and around the Indiana State Dunes. Since all of the scenes took place in forest exteriors, the team had to deal with the elements in creative ways. In onemoment of serendipitous !lmmaking, the !lms’dramatic conclusion was rapidly shot during atornado warning. This added to the urgency of theperformance, and the reality of the production! Though the day ended early these shots in the eyeof the storm proved essential.Remsy Atassi directs a night scene behind DP Trevor Kodat

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The !rst germ of a story idea for THE LIAR came from an unlikely place. I was making one of many failedattempts to read James Joyce’s Ulysses, and came onto a passage at the end of !rst chapter:

The image of a man standing by the sea, and the idea that he was there to deceive . Sometimes that’s all it takes. I became so entranced by these two concepts that I began writing a feature script. But it was slowgoing, and I wanted a project to work on. In early 2012 I had a #ash of inspiration to transpose these ideasto a short !lm set at the turn of the 20th century. Thus THE LIAR was born.

“A voice, sweettoned and sustained, called to him again from the sea. Turning the curve he waved his hand.A sleek brown head, a seal’s, far out on the water, round. Usurper.”

My writing always seems interested in questions of personal choice. Con#icts of choice resonate in both ourown lives and the nature of compelling drama. But part of all choice is partially beyond our control. Whether it is a design of fate or driven by randomness, learning to reconcile this inevitability is an important aspect of the human experience.

THE LIAR puts its’ characters and their choices to theultimate test. Their lives are in very real danger, but

there is also the looming reward of riches nearby. And while neither of the criminals sets out to deceive the other, their encounter with the Man raises the stakes and reveals greedy insecurities.

This is an American story, encountered countless times in our history. That was what attracted me to theperiod. But it is also a very personal one, as every choice ripples outward shaping our future selves.

- Remsy Atassi

Press Kit atassi!lm.com

Page 3‘The Liar’ - AtassiFilm

The !lm entered post production immediately upon completion, with Remsy Atassi editing the !lm under the pseudonym Tony Sebaccus. A !nal round of fundraising was conducted on IndieGogobringing the total budget to $11,500. Next the picture lock was sentto ARU Chicago for post audio. Sound Designer / Composer Tom Haigh’s work at this stage proved invaluable, crafting moody andambient soundscapes to mirror the characters‘ spiritual descent into the forest. Meanwhile, Color Correction and Finishing was performedby Elliot Rudmann at NOLO Digital Film in Chicago, rounding out the!lmmaking team and completing the release print by July 2013.

Over a year in the making, THE LIAR is the Atassi Brothers’ largest and most ambitious project to date. It is a powerful period narrative of choice, spirituality, and betrayal. The brothers are excited to share the !lm at festivals and are eagerly looking forward to their next project.

Sound Designer / Composer Tom Haigh works through an ADR session

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

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Press Kit atassi!lm.com

Page 4‘The Liar’ - AtassiFilm

CAST BIOS:Ted LeBlangLucasAfter a distinguished professional career in health care law, Ted LeBlang returned to his true passion: acting. He has acted in over 25 short and feature length !lms, including roles as Lazzario in THE RISE AND FALL OF THEIR AMERICAN DREAM and Joe Lucci in FALLEN SOULS.

Most recently, Ted played Rick Tullivan in YES, YOUR TIDE IS COLD AND DARK, SIR, an o$cial selection at the Chain NYC Film Festival 2013.

Jordan BrownGabrielBorn in Kansas City, KS, Jordan attended the University of the North Carolina School of the Arts to study Drama. He then moved to New York, where his credits include River Valley Rep's THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, Oberon Theatre Ensemble's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, and an episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS for CBS Television Studios.

Since moving to Chicago, Jordan has played Young Scrooge in ACHRISTMAS CAROL at The Goodman Theatre and is currently playing Chad in the world premiere of Neil LaBute’s revised play IN THE COMPANY OF MEN at Pro!les Theatre. 

Shannon ParrThe ManShannon Parr began acting in Chicago theatre in 1995 working with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Oak Park Festival Theatre and the late Center Theatre Ensemble where he continued his post college training. He also appeared in Clubland at New York Fringe Fest.

In Film Shannon worked on the features the Going All The Way, Chi-Girl, Mercury Rising and Fortunes. After taking a break from acting for about 10 years, Shannon returned to the Chicago stages. This spring he can be seen in the Chicago Premier of Howard Korder’s play In A Garden at A Red Orchid Theatre directed by Lou Contey.

He and his wife Anna live in Chicago and have three beautiful little girls.

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DIRECTOR & PRODUCER BIOS:

Remsy has a passion for images that tell a story. He is a hands-on director, taking an active role in the writing, cinematography, and editing of his !lms. His work explores themes of spirituality, trust, and human agency.

THE LIAR is Remsy’s !rst professional short, but he’s been making !lms since his early teens. He has a growing library of original screenplays, both short and feature. Remsy’s passion for !lm is comprehensive, including both narrative and technical elements. His expertise in digital !lm formats was recently featured on Forbes.com.

When he’s not writing or directing !lms, Remsy is a commercial director and editor, based in Chicago with clients all around the country.

Remsy AtassiWriter / Director

Rami’s passion is building creative teams around a focused artistic vision. As a producer he dives deeply into in every aspect of the !lmmaking process, from building an audience through production and post.

His network of collaborators and studios was instrumental in bringing THE LIAR to life. Rami’s multimedia producing experience gives him a unique approach to modern !lm production, combining crowdfunding and web marketing alongside a more traditional production approach. He connects it all with a drive to tell powerful stories.

When he’s not making !lms, Rami produces websites at EDUCO Web Design. He’s an avid musician, composer, and guitar instructor in Chicago.

Rami AtassiProducer

Press Kit atassi!lm.com

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Chris MickensConcept ArtistChris’s creative mix of hand-drawn illustration, graphics, and digital design played a critical role in art direction for THE LIAR. When she’s not drawing, Chris builds custom websites and applications. As lead UX designer and partner at EDUCO Web Design, she has designed interactive experiences for hundreds of clients.

You can see more of Chris’s art at www.chrismickens.com

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Press Kit atassi!lm.com

KEY CREW BIOS:

Trevor KodatDirector of PhotographyTrevor’s sharp eye has brought countless !lm and video productions to life. His recent DP credits include WHERE THERE’S A WILL (2013) and DECENT MEN (2011). He has directed music videos for numerous Chicago artists, including Model Stranger, Toxic, and Daddo. Or you can !nd himworking as a day player for bigger productions around Chicago.

You can view Trevor’s work on the web at http://vimeo.com/trevorkodat

Lauren Adel KlichProduction DesignerLauren’s design work has appeared in a wide range of !lm, television, and print publications. As the production designer for The Onion’s web series Sex House (2012), her work was featured in Gawker and Filmmaker Magazine. Her interiors have appeared in Metropolitan Home, INStyle, and Ebony.

You can see more of Lauren’s work at http://www.laurenadel.com

Tom HaighSound Designer / ComposerTom’s unique blend of sound design and music composition has earned him a strong reputation in the Chicago production scene. His original composition work was recently featured in Reel Chicago. Tom’s sound design credits include TWO DAYS IN FEBRUARY, DRIVER’S ED MUTINY, and many more; his compositions have been featured in numerous national advertising campaigns.

Learn more about Tom at #avors.me/thaighaudio

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Press Kit atassi!lm.com

CREDITS:

Written & Directed byREMSY ATASSI

Produced byRAMI ATASSI

CAST

Executive Producers

Co-ProducersZACH LEWIS

SEAN GRAVES

Director of PhotographyTREVOR KODAT

Production DesignerLAUREN ADEL KLICH

ComposerTOM HAIGH

CastingWILL JOHNSON

Concept ArtistCHRIS MICKENS

Cut byTONY SEBACCUS

Associate ProducersTERRY LEWIS

DOUGLAS DOWDANNE RAMSELL DOWD

SEAN DUGAN

Lucas TED LEBLANG Gabriel JORDAN BROWNThe Man SHANNON PARR

JAMIL ATASSI TED LEBLANG STEVE VERNON TREVOR KODAT SRIDHAR AYALA AJ MESTER BRIAN ZWIENER NOUR AL ATASSI BRETT RICHARD BALSIGER

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1st Assistant DirectorSEAN GRAVES

1st Assistant CameraCARLOS GINARD

Ga"erCURT ROCHON

Sound RecordistPHILL LEONARD

Data ManagerANDREW JUHL

Swing ElectricVALERIE MUCH

Swing ElectricKEVIN OSTERHAUT

Set PhotographyMARTY VERNON

Production Assistant BTSADRIENNE THOMAS

Production AssistantNICK WELKIE

Sound Design & Re-RecordingTOM HAIGH

Mixed & Recorded at ARU CHICAGO

ColoristELLIOT RUDMANN

Colored at NOLO DIGITAL FILM

COPYRIGHT ATASSIFILM 2013

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Press Kit atassi!lm.com