Movie Goers: Become the change that you've been asking for

Hey Movie Goers,

It's time to stop complaining about the quality of films you have available to watch and become part of the movement to bring back original films, which are based on plot and character instead of just sex, violence, and special effects.  Be the change that you need by empowering us to produce Never Can Say Good-bye.  Even if you can contribute, you can still make a difference by sharing our request with your endorsement as well as attending our virtual event on Facebook.  By saying that you will attend you prove that there is a market for Never Can Say Good-bye. Please join us by clicking here.

Next April you will have the opportunity to learn how love can be a blessing or a curse that will destroy an entire town. But if you can't wait that long one of the gifts we are offering for endorsing us is to read part of our script. You will also have the opportunity to speak with our very talented cast and crew.

By going to our website you can see who has been cast and which roles are still available as well as listen to some of our music, including the snarky love duet written by Bill Hayes.

Reviews have already endorsed it with rave reviews.

Never Can Say Good-bye reinvents the reincarnation conceit (Somewhere in Time, Ellen Burstyn’s 1980 film Resurrection) in the guise of gothic paranormal psychodrama (Nicole Kidman’s 2001 film The Others, Julie Harris’ 1963 film The Haunting, Deborah Kerr’s 1961 film The Innocents). The plot concerns two families united by a doomed marriage in the 1950s and explores the dissonant legacy that familial discord has had on subsequent generations. (See the Stephen King/John Mellencamp musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County for another take on this thematic concept.)

I finished reading the script earlier this week. It is so well done and layered and clever. I love the notion of turning a ghost story on its head through the lens of reincarnation. I thought the characters were all clearly and thoughtfully drawn, and the script is definitely a page turner in the best sense. The disparate threads cohere in a denouement that is both chilling and poignant. The dialogue is believable, and the insular college-town setting (somewhere in northern Michigan, I believe) lends a nice chilly, hierarchical vibe.

Different actors are reported to have been attached at various points, including Lauren Holly, Bill Hayes, and Dyan Cannon. Stanley Livingston is connected to direct. Obviously, “name” performers would bring added attention to the project, but I daresay a cast of unknowns would keep audience attention focused on the narrative and the dense web of challenging relationships therein.

Roy Sexton

Reel Roy Reviews

I am still digesting the story, but I do love it. I can't write a proper review until I digest it. A lot of relatives to think about, etc. (in the story)... But here is something more of a blurb. Would this be enough to get you started? I will try to write something longer tomorrow.

“Never Can Say Good-bye” is a gripping, ghostly tale of love, betrayal and revenge. With ghosts interacting with humans, who will win? This unique story has so many shocking twists, it made me gasp for breath.” –

 Betty Dravis, author and creator of “The Snack,” a coming short-film

From our cast and crew.

"I've always loved ghost stories as a genre. The "Never Can Say Goodbye" screenplay came to my attention via writer and executive producer, Theresa Chaze and Cosmos Productions. The idea of an epic love story that transcends the physical boundaries of life and death - and crosses the boundaries of inter-dimensional time and space really caught my eye. I am excited to be on board and involved in the project as Director and Producer. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to bring this exciting and imaginative love story that is full of ghostly thrills and chills to life as a feature film."

- STANLEY LIVINGSTON
Director & Producer

Some souls will stop at nothing to reclaim a lost love, including reincarnating and returning to the home that they shared together.

"I will portray Shane, Michael's new wife. Shane loves him and wants to create a good life for them. But a crazy possessed woman, who has traveled across time, wants him back. Shane doesn't know if she can stop her from taking revenge on the man she loves. It's so exciting to be able to play Shane in this film, as it is such a complex role that touches on so many human emotions like love, jealousy, narcissism, passion, anger, and nonhuman things like possession and feeling haunted.

As an actress, to have the chance to be able to explore these emotions, along with portraying someone who is possessed, and express this on film is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It has been a dream of mine to play a role where I get to sing, and this character is a singer in a bluesy band, which involves another element of challenge as an actress to train and sing well as part of a film.

If you can contribute a little something to make this film come alive, you'll increase your good karma and help produce a quality film that you will be very proud to be associated with."

Lillian Lamour
"Shane"

"Unexpected, clever, moving, frightening, twisted, fast paced... All words that easily describe the Script for Never Can Say Goodbye. Yet even as I write them I am not sure they do the story justice. We all love a great ghost story. Undying love, the idea that a love can be so strong as to transcend death. Or a hatred so deep it can do the same. This film touches on all of these ideas while carefully not detracting from the interesting relationships between the well thought out characters. It's ambitious and that draws you in as a performer. The role I will be playing is that of Jefferson. Jefferson is intriguing because the character both displays bravado,confidence and insecurity. Blinded by love he doesn't see what everyone else does. So in essence he is written very human. There is no need to guild the Lilly here. I think there is definitely aspects of myself in the character. I genuinely look forward to getting to know him better. It will be my honor."

John Thomassen
"Jefferson"

Supporting our campaign enables us to produce  Never Can Say Good-bye! We have some great rewards on our INDIEGOGO campaign!

CHECK OUT OUR CAMPAIGN HERE: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-ghostly-tale-of-love-revenge/x/94403

Ask yourself: If you were given a second chance, would you choose love or revenge?  If you said love, would the answer be as quick or simple if the revenge was on the one who murdered your child?

Scenes From Haunting Tale of how love can be a blessing or a curse

Lillian Lamour and John Thomassen appeared on my radio show to run lines and talk about Never Can Say Good-bye.. I have edited the audio into a a video that highlight their talents and two scenes from Never Can Say Good-bye.

With so many films running crowd funding campaigns, you have to be asking yourself why should I support Never Can Say Good-bye over another film. What is different about it? What makes it special?  Lillian and John answer these questions not only by telling you why they are excited to be part Never Can Say Good-bye, but their performances give you a glimpse into why it will be one of 2015 most successful films.

One of our incentives is being able to read the first ten pages of the script. The little bit of money will give you a peek ahead so you can learn why the actors are ecstatic about their roles and why reviewers have already eagerly endorsed it . Please choose Never Can Say Good-bye. You will be even prouder when you buy your ticket next April and are able to brag that you were part of our team.




If you like what you hear, please support out Indiegogo campaign, which will give us the funds to produce the sizzle reel.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-ghostly-tale-of-love-revenge/x/94403

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Elizabeth was asked by her mentor to teach a writing course at a small college. Since she never forgets a kindness, she reluctantly agrees. Arriving in town, she instantly regrets her decision. She wants to run, but she is honor bound to stay. Even as the ghost of a small child begs her to forgive, the memories of another time arouse feelings of hatred that she doesn't understand and cannot control. When she meets Shane, all of their lives are thrown onto a dangerous collision course from which they can neither run, nor can they hide. The question is, "Can they overcome their tragic past or will they be doomed to repeat it?"

To watch our  other videos and learn more about our team, please visit our website by clicking here.

Dark Shadows Fans: Do you miss the suspense of the original series?

Dark Shadows Fans

 I will always be grateful to the cast and crew for giving me my love of cliff-hangers and in many ways made me the writer I am today. We are producing a paranormal thriller called Never Can Say Good-bye. It's suspense builds very much like what they did in the original Dark Shadows--you know the good one. Lillian Lamour's audition footage reminded very much of Lara Parker's Angelique.  I would interested in hearing your feedback.





To learn more about Never Can Say Good-bye please click here to go to our website.

Slated

Facebook

Linked In





Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.

Honky-Tonk Boogie by Bill Hayes: A Snarky Duet for Paranormal Thriller

Bill Hayes wrote Honky-tonk Boggie for Never Can Say Good-bye. He will also be starring as Daniel. Tyana Parr sang the duet with Bill for this video. However, during film the snarky duet will be sung by Lillian Lamour and John Thomassen.









.Never Can Say Good-bye is a traditional ghost story

We have 17 days left on our Indiegogo campaign and we need your support. If you love ghost stories or miss seeing Bill Hayes, please support Never Can Say Good-bye. You have the power to make it happen for all of us.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-ghostly-tale-of-love-revenge/x/94403

 

Slated

Facebook

Linked In

Blog

Website

Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.

Crowd Funding: It's more about the politics than the money

Sylvester Stallone and Spike Lee both using crowd funding has been a mixed blessing. They have given more credibility to crowd funding, but they have also changed the expectations of donors. With so many projects seeking different levels of funding, donors have begun to feel overwhelmed. How should they decide which film to support? Which film has the best chance of being made?

When choosing a project supporters need to decide what is important to them. Do they want to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond? Donors, who support large films, will be nothing more than an anonymous name in a long list. Small Independent films are more heavily dependent on public support and small investors. Unlike Stallone and Lee, more often than not they don't have access to traditional funding venues, therefore they are more grateful and offer more to those who support them. Those who enable independent films to be produced, not only give themselves more options at the box office, but they can legitimately take credit for launching careers and changing the entertainment industry.

Although the amount raised is important, the number of people supporting a project is far more of a game changer. Like the Nielsen Ratings, each donor represents a level of interest, which translates into box office receipts. The more people who back a project, the more likely the film will be produced. Each donation is an endorsement. The number people endorsing a film is what investors, studios and distributors look at when making their decisions.

One person donating $100 helps the producers short term, but four people donating $25 or ten people donating $10.00 proves there is a greater support for the film. The multiple small amounts actually make a great impact even thought the total remains the same. It is the difference between a single vote of confidence and ten votes. The only exception is when the amount reaches investors status, but that is an entirely different situation.

Those who support independent films have the power to create change for everyone involved. The only question that remains are you one of those who want to make a difference?

Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life? 

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique plot twists.

Please become part of our team by supporting our campaign. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-ghostly-tale-of-love-revenge/x/94403

Slated

Facebook

Linked In

Blog

Website

Failing Box Office a Symptom of Bad Industry Leadership

Normally, during economic challenging times the entertainment industry continues to do very well. People need the diversion from their personal challenges. Yet, in the last decade, film and television projects have not had the ROI of previous years for three simple reasons.

* Diversification of venues

* Redundancy

* Lack of leadership 

The diversification and increase of venues gives the audiences more options, thereby increasing the competition for the audiences' attention. With every challenge comes opportunity. They are the flip side of the same coin. Yet, instead seeing the possibilities, studios are using it as an excuse for failure. The increasing venues also mean an increased need for content. However, instead of producing a couple of hundred low to medium budget films a year, studios have been gambling the whole pot on one role of the dice. The former spreads the economic risks among many projects and provides content for many venues, which decreases the gamble factor and increases the profitability margin for both the studio as well as the investors. The latter increases the failure rate and lowers profitability, while opening the door for competitors. The venues need content; they will get it from wherever they can.

The industry used to be about innovation and entertainment with 80% original projects and 20% remakes or rehashes. However, those numbers have been reverse. Instead of new films the SOP has become remaking, rehashing, and rerunning old television shows and film--good, bad or indifferent, it doesn't matter as long as someone else did it first it should be a safe bet. But following someone else' s lead means that the projects are always a day late and a dollar short.

Realistically, how many super hero movies to they think the audience will watch? How much gratuitous sex and violence can a film contain before it crosses the line into porn? How many animated features, which are little more than thinly veiled toy commercials, will parents sit through? Could that be why the July 4 box office receipts were down 44% from 2013 to 2014 even with the rainy weather? If it was because of the World Cup as some studio heads claim, why was June box office down 16%?

Thirdly, but more importantly the quality of the projects have become stagnant due to lack of leadership. In order for any company, but especially those industries that are so heavily dependent on the whims of the masses, to be successful the leaders must know their industry enough to know how to push the boundaries and have the courage to do take those risks. Front runners don't follow trends; they create them. That is the difference between Gone with the Wind and Transformers: Age of Distinction, which is latest of the super hero movies.

Early television was a new venue that became successful very quickly because the networks and studios were smart enough to bring on the people from film, vaudeville, and the theater, who knew what they were doing. They had track records for producing, directing, and acting in successful projects. The creative people created the projects; the bean counters followed their lead and took care of the financial details. However, the bean counters have been pushing out the innovative and creative leaders. In their little world of ledgers and spreadsheets, the numbers always add up the same. In accounting, two plus two always adds up to four. The reality is that people aren't so simple. They can't be summed up on a balance sheet. What worked once doesn't guarantee that it will even work once more. The failure of the leadership has been to keep the experts doing their jobs and to keep the budgets in perspective. Creative people don't always make good business people, nor are business oriented people always capable of seeing past the numbers. It is only by working together as a team that projects are successfully produced and make a profit. 

 

 

When promoting our Paranormal Thriller-Horror feature, Never Can Say Good-bye, I compared it to Ghost, Always, and What Dreams May Come. I was advised by a friend to change the comparison, because all three films were so old that no one in the industry remembers them. She advised that I update the list to more current projects so that the younger studio executives would be able identify with our concept. Her advice started me researching. However, with the exception of "The Others", there aren't any current movies that are comparable. Even then the only things Never Can Say Good-bye and The Others have in common are the ghost theme and the unique twist at the end. 

 

 

Part of the issue is that the leaders don't know their industry history. They don't know what has been done, so they don't know what can be done. In 1946, Howard Hughes produced and directed a western called, The Outlaws. Starring Jane Russell as the vamp Rio McDonald, Hughes created an immediate interest and a media flurry when he shelved the film for a year, claiming the censors said it was too racy to be released. By today's standards, the film would be considered tame. Most people think it was a dreadful movie, but it made history because of its presentation. John Carter on the other hand is an excellent movie that cost way too much, but it was horribly marketed. The marketing staff should have been fired along with the head of the studio. The lack of team work and fiscal responsibility turned what could have been very profitable venture into a financial disaster.

Until innovation, leadership, and team work once again become the standard in the industry, the audience will continue to look else where for their entertainment.

Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life? 

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique plot twists.

Slated

Facebook

Linked In

Blog

Website

 

Do Ghosts Kill?

Never Can Say Good-bye has had two excellent reviews. The reviewers loved the script.

“Never Can Say Good-bye” is a gripping, ghostly tale of love, betrayal and revenge. With ghosts interacting with humans, who will win? This unique story has so many shocking twists, it made me gasp for breath.” –
Betty Dravis

Roy Sexton compared it to:
"Never Can Say Good-bye reinvents the reincarnation conceit (Christopher Reeve’s/Jane Seymour’s 1980 film Somewhere in Time, Ellen Burstyn’s 1980 film Resurrection) in the guise of gothic paranormal psychodrama (Nicole Kidman’s 2001 film The Others, Julie Harris’ 1963 film The Haunting, Deborah Kerr’s 1961 film The Innocents). The plot concerns two families united by a doomed marriage in the 1950s and explores the dissonant legacy that familial discord has had on subsequent generations. (See the Stephen King/John Mellencamp musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County for another take on this thematic concept.)"



Never Can Say Good-bye is a new film, which combines genres to create a ghostly tale that will scare you sock off. Reading the first ten pages of the script is our gifts to our team mates. Give yourself an option other than the remakes, sequels and super hero movies by joining our team.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-ghostly-tale-of-love-revenge/x/94403#activity



Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.

Website

Slated

Facebook

Linked In

Following the Tradion of The Others, The Haunting, The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County...

My my downright caustic review of the latest Transformers installment caught the attention of Traverse City-based independent filmmaker Theresa Chaze (click here for her website). She is also a published author, experienced video producer, and accomplished communications professional, and she is hard at work launching her new film Never Can Say Good-bye (IMDB page). I was honored when she asked if I would read her script and offer my thoughts.

(And the animal lover in me adores this part of her impressive bio: “As the media specialist for Angel Protectors of Animals and Wildlife, she produced several public service announcements and micro-documentaries. The messages remained informative and promoted positive action to save our nation’s wildlife.” Yes! Another of her potential projects is a TV show about equine therapy for veterans – Horses and Heroes.)

Never Can Say Good-bye reinvents the reincarnation conceit (Christopher Reeve’s/Jane Seymour’s 1980 film Somewhere in Time, Ellen Burstyn’s 1980 film Resurrection in the guise of gothic paranormal psychodrama (Nicole Kidman’s 2001 film The Others, Julie Harris’ 1963 film The Haunting, Deborah Kerr’s 1961 film The Innocents). The plot concerns two families united by a doomed marriage in the 1950s and explores the dissonant legacy that familial discord has had on subsequent generations. (See the Stephen King/John Mellencamp musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County for another take on this thematic concept.)


I finished reading the script earlier this week. It is so well done and layered and clever. I love the notion of turning a ghost story on its head through the lens of reincarnation. I thought the characters were all clearly and thoughtfully drawn, and the script is definitely a page turner in the best sense. The disparate threads cohere in a denouement that is both chilling and poignant. The dialogue is believable, and the insular college-town setting (somewhere in northern Michigan, I believe) lends a nice chilly, hierarchical vibe.
Different actors are reported to have been attached at various points, including Lauren Holly, Bill Hayes, and Dyan Cannon. Stanley Livingston is connected to direct. Obviously, “name” performers would bring added attention to the project, but I daresay a cast of unknowns would keep audience attention focused on the narrative and the dense web of challenging relationships therein.


And, as in seemingly all creative efforts these days, there is a crowd-source funding campaign afoot through Indiegogo – you can donate here. From the campaign’s page …

We love a good ghost story. How about you? We are not talking about films that gross out the audience or are so dependent of special effects that the producers forgot to give the characters personalities or have plots that are based on clichés or simply don’t make any sense. Much like Dark Shadows, Never Can Say Good-bye is based on suspense and plot twists that will scare the socks off the audience and make them suspicious of the dust bunnies under their beds.

Best of luck, Theresa – hope this script makes it to the silver screen soon – it’s a keeper!

To read the review on its original blog click here.

Slated

Facebook

Linked In

Blog

Website

Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriler-horror that combines a traditional ghost story with unique twists.

Are you ready to have your socks scared off?

We love a good ghost story. How about you? We not talking about films that gross out the audience or are so dependent of special effects that the producers forgot to give the characters personalities or have plots that are based on clichés or simply don't make any sense. Much like Dark Shadows, Never Can Say Good-bye is based on suspense and plot twists that will scare the socks off the audience and make them suspicious of the dust bunnies under their beds.

So many films in the genre use shock value with graphic sex and violence to gain an audience. But that is the easy and chintzy way. It's much harder to draw the audience in not only because they identify with the characters, but they also want to know what happens next. More than just a thriller, Never Can Say Good-bye is about forever love and how those we love are never really gone. Unfortunately, the same can be said about those we hate and those who hate us.

We are a new team. This is the first of many projects. Many of the names you will see attached, you will recognize. Some are just beginning their careers. Several are coming back to the industry. The one thing we have in common the belief that quality comes from well developed character and plot rather than sex, violence, and the latest special effects. The box office receipts are down, because the audiences are tired of the endless remakes, sequels, and comic book movies.

Helping us will be giving you another option at the box office. Instead of having to chose between remakes, super heroes, and two-hour animated commercials, whose sole purpose is to sell to kids, you will be able to choose a movie that will give you a window seat with a view into the unknown that is most people's greatest fear--death. Only we will show you that death is just a doorway to another room, another life, and another chance to make difference choices.

Contributing to our campaign will make a world of difference for our production. It would be really nice if we could get our full production budget from this campaign. But that would take a major miracle. We have created this campaign to produce a professional sizzle reel to present to investors. We can't expect our cast and crew to work for free. A professional reel will also help the presentation to distributors, who have a history of paying pre-sales. It's easy to find distribution afterthe film is finished, but finding one that is willing to come on board before completion is more of a challenge.

Like most campaigns we have some really good incentives for helping us. However, we are doing something that is just a little different. We are asking you to putting in the equivalent of your two cents worth in and let it be your vote for the kind of entertainment that you would like to see. The first option is two dollars. That little bit of money will prove that you have the means to go the theaters, but are choosing to stay away. Another incentive is to be able to read the first ten pages of the script. If you are unable to help us financially, please share our campaign with your friends, family, and on your social networking sites. Every posting and every tweet is one more person and one more opportunity to make miracles happen. 

 Please go to https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-ghostly-tale-of-love-revenge/x/94403 to help us produce Never Can Say Good-bye and share our link so that the six degrees of separation will make miracles happen. 


" Instant Karma is going to get you."
                                       John Lennon
Have you ever met someone and suddenly  felt love or hate? Yet you couldn't remember  them.  Would you want to  remember? Would you want to know if it could save  your life?

Never Can Say Good-bye is a paranormal thriller  feature film--If you were given a second chance, would you choose love...or revenge?

Website

Courage isn't the lack of fear, but the ability to set it aside and  focus on what is truly important

Love can be a blessing or a curse

Love can be a blessing or a curse.

Even as the ghost of a small child begs her to forgive, the memories of another time arouse feelings of hatred that they  don't understand and cannot control. When they again meet  their lives are thrown onto a dangerous collision course from which they can neither run, nor can they hide.  The question is, "Can they
overcome their tragic past or will they be doomed to repeat it?"

Never Can Say Good-bye-when love and hate survive death.is a traditional ghost story with a unique twist.  It combines the best elements of a paranormal thriller with that of a horror to create a suspenseful tale, which asks, "If you were given a second chance, would you choose love or revenge?"



Slated

Website

The past and the present collide as love and hate survive death

Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Elizabeth was asked by her mentor to teach a writing course at a small college. Since she never forgets a kindness, she reluctantly agrees. Arriving in town, she instantly regrets her decision. She wants to run, but she is honor bound to stay. Even as the ghost of a small child begs her to forgive, the memories of another time arouse feelings of hatred that she doesn't understand and cannot control. When she meets Shane, all of their lives are thrown onto a dangerous collision course from which they can neither run, nor can they hide. The question is, "Can they overcome their tragic past or will they be doomed to repeat it?"

Website 

IMDB Page