Olympia in Obscura: Local Film Tells “Crime Noir” Tale, Oly-Style

olympia obscura film
Actors Jason Whited and Mariah Smith film a scene at Café Love in downtown Olympia. Photo courtesy of David Goodman
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By Gale Hemmann

mullinax fordChase scenes, shadowy figures and bad guys disappearing into the night. Olympia in Obscura, a new movie being made by local filmmakers, is a “crime noir”-style flick filmed entirely in Puget Sound.

Although the film is still in production, it’s already generating quite a buzz. With a talented cast and crew on board, and support from the local community, Olympia in Obscura promises to leave audiences with hearts racing. (Watch the first trailer for the film here – you’ll definitely be impressed.) Filmed entirely by volunteers on a “micro-budget,” this movie is also exciting because it brings together so many local people and businesses in the name of art.

The movie follows Colin Banks (played by Jason Whited), a former Olympia police officer who’s become a private investigator. He’s on the hunt for a mysterious serial murderer known as the Chehalis Trail Killer. To catch him, Banks must face his own past and elude the charms of Clara White (Mariah Smith).

olympia obscura film
Actors Jason Whited and Mariah Smith film a scene at Café Love in downtown Olympia. Photo courtesy of David Goodman

I recently visited the set of Olympia in Obscura to learn more about the project. The crew is currently filming at a warehouse in Shelton, a space donated by local business owner Fon Morcus. Morcus gave the group carte blanche to build and strike sets as they need – they have already created a nightclub set, and on the day of my visit, they were in their first day of shooting a domestic interior scene, filmed through a shadowy screen.

At the helm of the project are David Caulfield and David Goodman. The pair work together closely on set. Caulfield serves as Writer and Director, and the two share the role of Executive Producer. Goodman is Director of Photography and Visual Effects, and will be doing all the post-production editing and technical work.

The two came together working on a previous local movie, Spaced Out: An Intergalactic Crime Saga. This sci-fi action movie was three years in the making, with sophisticated visual effects by Goodman. (Catch a clip from Spaced Out here.) Together, they bring decades of experience in theater and film to the set. “We’re a great balance of art and tech,” Caulfield says of their respective roles. Including Spaced Out, Olympia in Obscura will be his third time directing.

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Connor Smith (left) lines up the camera and David Goodman prepares the slate on the set of Olympia in Obscura. Photo courtesy of David Caulfield

Caulfield’s inspiration for his current project ranged from classic crimes noir films like Double Indemnity to more modern takes like Blade Runner. You can also see echoes of The Twilight Zone in his work. He says the final film will be moody and “push the envelope” visually.

The film was originally going to be shot as a series of short webisodes, but Caulfield says he and Goodman realized both the logistics and storytelling impact of creating a feature-length film would best serve the project. The finished film will be an hour and fifteen minutes long.

Caulfield estimates that about 50 people have been involved in production so far. A public casting call was held at Thurston Community Television last fall. Filming began in September, and has included over a half dozen locations to date. An epic chase scene was filmed throughout downtown Olympia (with proper permission, of course). Quality Burrito and Cafe Love have also lent their spaces. Caulfield thinks viewers will enjoy seeing familiar Olympia locations as the backdrop to this dramatic tale.

olympia obscura film
The crew and actors have all worked closely together to create a successful film on a “micro-budget.” Photo courtesy of David Goodman

The crew has been filming two days a week. Caulfield says one of his many hats is that of “event coordinator,” as he strives to mesh everyone’s schedules. Since the film is being made on a tiny budget, and volunteer actors have busy work and personal lives, he says there are always many “x factors” involved. However, everyone is dedicated, and the group has clearly gelled well together. “One thing that’s great about this project is that, since no one is getting paid, it’s a fun experience for everyone,” Caulfield notes. “And there are always plenty of real tasks to do – everyone has a meaningful role and a sense of ownership in the film.”

I also got to speak with several other key crew members. Connor Smith serves as First Camera person and Assistant Director of Photography. A senior at The Evergreen State College, Smith began studying film in high school. He heard about the project from a friend. It’s his first time on a set, and he works closely with Goodman to carry out the camera work for the film. “It’s definitely been great hands-on training, and it’s really rewarding to see the film come together,” he says.

I also talked with Carissa Bramwell, the Wardrobe and Property Manager, who has earned high praise from the crew for her ability to source needed items on a shoestring budget (she says many trips to Goodwill are involved). And David Ross, a Tacoma-based makeup artist, offers his skills in magically transforming the actors for their roles.

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Connor Smith (left) and David Caulfield at work during filming of a scene in Olympia in Obscura. Photo courtesy of David Goodman

As I chatted with everyone, it was clear that they are a close-knit group. Gary Holland, Producer, worked with Caulfield at Behavioral Health Resources. He got involved in Spaced Out, and was excited to help with a new movie. Like everyone else, he was very complimentary about the players involved, especially Fon Morcus, who donated the filming space. Says Holland, “He’s basically our benefactor. He’s an amazing guy. We wouldn’t be here without him.” (An interesting fact: Morcus is an accomplished percussionist, and even makes an appearance playing drums in the film. Check out his YouTube channel here.)

Olympia in Obscura is also wonderful because it brings together so many segments of the local filmmaking community. Members of the Olympia Film Collective have lent their time to the project (read more about them here). And Film Production students at South Puget Sound Community College, such as Marina Texeira, have volunteered (read about the SPSCC film program here).

Help keep the momentum for the movie going by following Olympia in Obscura on Facebook and telling your friends. Though they already have a solid cast and crew on board, there are still opportunities to get involved and help out – contact David Caulfield via their website.

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Many atmospheric touches, like this screen, create the perfect mood for this crime noir movie. Photo courtesy of David Goodman

Olympia in Obscura will be completed early in 2015. They plan to premiere the film at a local theater (Spaced Out premiered at the Capitol Theater).

So how does the story end? Sorry, I’m not giving away any spoilers! The fate of Colin Banks and the rest of the characters remains a closely guarded secret. You’ll just have to watch it for yourself. Olympia in Obscura is Olympia…in the dark.

Editor’s Update: Olympia in Obscura now has four completed episodes available online. Links to view them are below as well as a link to behind-the-scenes footage and a trailer for the series.

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Behind the Scenes and Trailer

 

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