"Fitful" Behind the Scenes

Wow, has it really been over a month since I last posted anything??? Sorry about the dry spell. Lot's going on with corporate projects but not a lot of film action - we're in the micro fine tuning stage and still in talks with distributors.

But the really big news is that the behind the scenes is complete and ready for your viewing pleasure! Check it out here. A shorter version is available on the Michigan Film Office web site here.

We'll keep you posted.

Garden Theater Fundraiser

There will be a matinee screening of the beloved Brauer Productions family film The Lost Treasuer of Sawtooth Island at The Garden Theater in Frankfort on February 27th at 3pm. The Garden Theater is under new ownership and Brauer Productions is donating the use of the film as a fundraiser for the theater.

"This was a great opportunity for me to work with four, hand picked graduates of Interlochen Arts Academy, our pal Ernest Borgnine, and a great community of actors and film folks," said Rich Brauer, Brauer Productions president. "Everyone came together to make this wonderful adventure at a time when making films in Michigan was unheard of!"

Ready for the Premier

A few tweaks have been made since the January preview of Fitful in Manistee and it is all ready for its LA premier next month!

Several distributors have voiced their interest in the picture already and more are expected to attend the February premier. Good things are brewing.

Manistee Preveiw of "Fitful" Sold Out

Fitful was previewed last Saturday by a sold out audience. The Ramsdell Theatre was packed with film and Manistee enthusiasts.

After the movie, filmmaker Rich Brauer fielded questions from the audience.

Thank you to everyone who made the night such a huge success!

Bihlman Bros. to be Featured on "Fitful"

In a new Fitful development, The Bihlman Bros. band will be featured in the movie. Their song "Angel Wings" plays perfectly against the final scene of the film.

"Their strong rock influence and lyrics make for a great resolution in our film. I'm glad we were able to work with them on this," said Rich Brauer, Brauer Productions president.

"Fitful" Preview in Manistee on Jan. 16

A sneak peak of Fitful is scheduled for a single showing at the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee on Saturday, January 16 at 7 pm. Admission is $5.

We really want to share it with the Manistee community before it heads out for an LA premier in February.

To purchase tickets in advance go to: www.ci.manistee.mi.us or www.treatickets.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ramsdell Theatre box office starting at 5:30 pm the day of the event, cash only.

"Fitful" Plays to Sold Out Theater

The newest Brauer Productions independent feature Fitful played to a sold out audience Wednesday night at the Traverse City State Theatre. Both stars of the film, Actors Larry Joe Campbell and Renee O’Connor, flew in from Los Angeles to attend the event.

“The fact that 600 people turned out to watch our movie the week before Christmas is another testament to just how supportive of film this community is. A big part of the reason I have been able to keep making films is this amazing place and the people I share it with,” said Brauer.

Michael Moore introduced the film and Brauer, O’Connor and Campbell fielded questions from the audience and talked about their experiences making the movie after the showing.

“I had a great time making Fitful. In fact, I would love to make a movie a year with Rich,” said Campbell. Originally from Cadillac, MI, Campbell said he felt right at home in Manistee where the movie was filmed.

Both Campbell and O’Connor spoke highly of their overall experience making the picture. “I really enjoyed working with Rich,” said O’Connor. “There was a sense of family between Rich, the crew, and us that was truly unique.”

“That’s just how we do things. When you make a small budget indie, a big part of bringing the project together is passion and teamwork.” said Brauer.

The next stop for Fitful will be a premier in LA this spring.

Fitful, a dark comedy/suspense feature written and directed by Michigan Film Maker of the Year Rich Brauer, is Brauer Productions sixth film and the tenth film the company has been involved with overall. For more information about Brauer Productions, Inc. and other features it has produced, visit www.brauer.com.

Photo provided by Don Rutt.