REPLACED : The Web Series

Interview With Replaced Producer, Allison Vanore

How did you become involved with Replaced?

I met Heath over a year ago at a lunch that was inspired by a Twitter conversation.  A few of us were discussing how to market and promote our shows online.  Bernie Su and Matt Meeks had amazing insight as to how they were promoting their shows and so we all decided to meet for lunch to discuss.  At the lunch: Bernie, Matt, Jamie Fishback, Jonathan Nail, Heath Vinyard and myself.  After meeting Heath I learned that he had created a series, End Result, and he was thinking of re-launching the show while also in development on new ideas.  After seeing my work on S.O.L.O. The Series, Heath approached me about being involved with Replaced.  I knew that given Heath's talent with End Result, his passion for his projects, and the fact that he had a great script, I wanted to be a part of the team.

Over the past few years you've been involved with many different projects, many of them independent television but overall, mostly romantic and sci-fi comedies. What types of projects do you gravitate toward?

If you asked my friends and family they would tell you, Allison likes dark, depressing stuff that makes you want to kill yourself. While this is somewhat true, I would describe my taste being character dramas about social, moral, and ethical issues usually in the science fiction realm.  Films like Children of Men and Sunshine, and shows like Battlestar Galactica, Fringe and 24 are the types of stories I'm drawn to. This is why I gravitated toward Replaced -- it's right up my alley.

What is the hardest thing about making indie television?

In the beginning of a project we usually have little to no money to put toward the show.  Without something to show people and without an audience or fan base to begin with it's hard to raise money and to show investors and donors that there is a desire for a show like ours.  It's also hard to give people an idea of what the show will be like without showing them a teaser or trailer.  What we aim to do with Replaced over the next few weeks is to shoot a promo so that people can get a sense for what our show is about, the tone, the feel, the intensity.  We hope that with a promo up on our IndieGoGo Campaign page we can begin to build an audience and maybe even attract people who are willing to donate money to our cause.  We don't need much, but we do need the help of others who have similar interests.  If you like shows like Lost, Fringe or The X-Files you're going to like Replaced. This show is going to be amazing and we can't do it without an audience and without support.

Now a morbid question, if you uncovered the dead body of yourself, what would your first reaction/thought be?

I would probably think...am I dead? Am I a ghost standing over my own body?  My next thought would probably be revenge if I had been murdered. Needless to say, I think I'd be pissed and creeped out!

You can read more about Allison Vanore and her projects at http://alliecine.com.

“REPLACED” is currently raising money on IndieGoGo. Please take a moment to read about the perks and possibilities available to those who support “REPLACED.”

Interview With Replaced Casting Director, Laurie Records

How did you become involved with Replaced?

I met Heath at a social networking event about a year ago, and we kept touch. I knew he had several projects in the works and I liked him. And I liked his previous work. It isn't a big stretch to say I hunted him down and talked him into letting me be a part of the Replaced team, actually. Not exactly, but almost. :)

I know you've done a lot of commercial casting - how does casting for Independent Television differ?

Well, the Indie TV pace isn't quite so crazy. I enjoy that. But, typically I pack a lot into a casting day, due to a small casting budget, so in that way it's similar to commercials. I am queen of getting a lot of actors in and out in a day. Commercials prepared me for that.

I am finding a huge amount of interest in Independent Television, certainly amongst some brilliant actors, but also with agents/managers as well. It's surprising due to the fact that the compensation for the most part (at the moment) is low. When I am casting a low budget non union or Internet only commercial... it can be like pulling teeth to get quality submissions, so that's a big difference. I think respect for Independent Television is growing as the days go by and the caliber of the talent interested in being involved is only increasing.

Tell us a story from the first round of casting for Replaced. I hear that the day involved sprinting down the street...

There's never a dull moment in casting. A beautiful young woman came in and gave a great read, but wasn't quite right for the role of Samantha. She thanked us and left. The team was buzzing about how much they liked her, that she wasn't right... and realized she could be perfect for a fantastic role we weren't yet casting for. I was too late to catch her in the lobby, so I sprinted down the sidewalk hoping to catch her and bring her back in to read for the other role... I didn't catch her, but you can't say I'm not dedicated. I sprinted! We called her cell and got her back in.

What would you tell Producers who are in pre-production on their own Indie TV project regarding casting?

I'm a Casting Director, so I'm biased. But since I have a podium... I think we all agree casting is ridiculously important. I have no doubt the producers out there know some amazing and talented actors, especially Indie TV producers. But I will bet you that I (or any other casting director) know more. We certainly have access to more. Take your project to the next level by having a rock solid cast... from the leads to the smallest roles. I firmly believe you will get the best cast using a casting director. We can be bribed with more than buckets of money. Use your imagination and approach one. You don't lose power in hiring a CD. You still make the decisions. Casting Directors potentially (I'm not trying to insult anyone) add credibility to your project, introduce you to fantastic talent and make life a little (ok, a lot) easier for you.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

It's a great time... for everyone in all parts of the process... to be in Independent Television. Do it now. The community is supportive and creative. You want to be a part of it.

More about Laurie Records here.

“REPLACED” is currently raising money on IndieGoGo. Please take a moment to read about the perks and possibilities available to those who support “REPLACED.”

Interview With Replaced Creator, Heath Vinyard

What inspired you to write/produce “Replaced”?

I wanted to write something that was more complex than anything I had ever written before so I could expand what I'm capable of with my writing. I was listening to a podcast one day about writing successful loglines and the “REPLACED” logline came to me. “A U.S. MARSHAL BROUGHT INTO A HOMICIDE CASE DISCOVERS HE IS THE MURDERED VICTIM.”

From there I developed the story and worked it out in the script until I had something that I thought was really good. Then I saw the movie Inception and realized I could take the story even further and add even more complexity and that really opened me up to more possibilities within the story. I was really able to expand my mind and dig deep. A couple drafts later I had what I was looking for.

How is “Replaced” different than your last show “End Result” (launching next month)?

Very different. "End Result" was written as we were shooting. We would actually shoot an episode and then write the next one and shoot. It was very spontaneous and allowed us to create the world literally as we were creating the world. It was difficult to go really deep. With “REPLACED,” I was able to construct a really deep story with complex characters and really take the story in new directions. I was able to have revolving subplots and really had no limitations to where I could go.

Also, no one knew who I was with “End Result.” Now that I’ve built up a trust with the community, people are more open to see what I’m doing and join the team. On “End Result,” I ended up doing a great deal of work alone, both pre and post production. Now with “REPLACED,” there’s a very effective team in place that’s way more talented than I am. Plus, we’re using new equipment, cameras, and a different workflow that I’m really excited about the possibilities with this new system.

I know that you do most of your production work in Orange County. What is it like shooting in the OC and does it benefit the project to shoot there?

Working in Orange County gives us the best of both worlds. We can access the talent pool in LA without worrying about the restrictions of the “jaded Hollywood” town. With “End Result”, we were able to shoot in locations that would have cost us a fortune to shoot in LA. We were able to do action sequences that would have been way too complicated and expensive further north. It really allowed us to put a ton of production value in the series for little to no money.

Who in the Independent TV world has been most influential to you and why?

There are a lot of people that are blazing the trail for independent TV. Bernie Su, Mark Gantt, and Felicia Day are some of those who have taken independent TV and have moved it to new levels. I love watching and supporting those that are constantly challenging the medium and raising the bar of what is possible.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

This show is unique and ambitious, and like those that came before us, we’re raising the bar a little higher with the concept of this show. From the start, I’ve wanted to push what is possible, not settle for less, and reach higher and higher. With the talented team that we have assembled, I feel in all areas we’re putting in more than 100% as we tell the story of “REPLACED.”

“REPLACED” is currently raising money on IndieGoGo. Please take a moment to read about the perks and possibilities available to those who support “REPLACED.”

Introducing the cast!

Hello everyone and welcome to the second newsletter of RePLACeD. There has been quite a bit of action in the RePLACeD camp lately and we’re excited to share some great news with you. First thing, casting. Our casting director Laurie Records has had her hands full putting together a very exciting cast for the series.

THE CAST

Jon Briddell as U.S. Marshal Alexander Finche. Jon has had a very exciting career and has been featured on a variety of TV shows including CSI: Miami, Lie to Me, All My Children and Criminal Minds. Jon brings great energy, edginess, and a realistic and human quality to the character of Alex and we’re very excited to be working with him in molding the character and seeing his stellar performance on screen.

Lisa Catara as U.S. Marshal Samantha Baine. Lisa’s collection of work is very impressive with films such as Holy Water and Charlie Valentine, TV shows the likes of NCIS: LA, Dexter, and CSI: Miami, as well as the exciting series Modern Warfare: Frozen Crossing. As well as a great range of talent, Lisa brings a wonderful attitude, complete professionalism, and a witty sense of humor to keep the set excited. Her incredible range brings a new level to the Sam character that we can’t wait to explore and we’re very happy that’s she’s joined the cast.

John T Cogan as Jesse Sinclair. With an audition that literally left us speechless, John’s excitement and energy level is off the charts. He is a truly talented actor of various commercial and film work. John brings Sinclair to life, adding his own touches to create a very vivid and realistic character. We’re very much looking forward to what he has planned next.

Harrison White as Chief U.S. Marshal Richard Jacobs. Harrison comes to us with experience in the web series world, having worked on Venice the Series, as well as TV such as Modern Family and Better with You. Harrison created the perfect balance of sensitivity and authority and brought the chief to life in front of us. Seeing what he was capable of in such a short amount of time, leaves us wanting more and more from him and we can’t wait until we hit the set and see his performance and the character of Richard Jacobs come alive on the screen.

ADDITIONAL CREW

We have a few new additions to our crew. Adding to Jorge’s camera team are Keivan Fotoohi and Dawn Haldeman. Both are long time filmmakers with great experience and style. We’re very excited to have the two of them on board. Also joining the team is Jeff Sibal, as promo photographer. Jeff’s done a great job at building and shooting the stills for the website and all our promos. It’s amazing work and we’re excited to have them on the team.

THE WEBSITE

In case you haven’t seen, the RePLACeD website is now LIVE at www.replacedseries.com and ready! Head over and take a look at the exciting world we’re creating. Our amazing photographer Jeff Sibal and Jorge have been hard at work with the promo photos and website design and have put together an outstanding package showcasing the series. Their talent and determination have been off the charts and even seeing the amazing mockups didn’t prepare us for the sheer magnitude of seeing the site go live. We were literally jaws to the floor amazed with what they had done.

Now that you’ve seen a glimpse of our world, we hope you spread the word about RePLACeD by sending your friends to the site to have a look around. Along with the WEBSITE, keep up with us on TWITTER, FACEBOOK. Become a fan, like us, follow our show and suggest us to your friends and followers. We have some amazing things coming soon and we hope you enjoy the ride we have planned. Please, forward this email and tell your friends.

Our first newsletter!

Hello everyone and welcome to the first newsletter of RePLACeD. We have a lot of exciting things coming up in the next few months, but first let's give a warm round of applause to our newest team members:

Allison Vanore — Producer. Allison joined the RePLACeD team and has already proven to be a vital asset. She comes with incredible amounts of skill and experience in both film and the new media/web series world. Her projects include; SOLO -The Series (an NYTVF official selection), short films Kill Devil Hill, Purgatory Inc, A Note to Etienne, and film Hopelessly in June. She's done a lot and we're very excited to be teaming up with her.

Laurie Records — Casting Director. Laurie has casted an amazing array of commercials, television and web series. She comes to us with a very impressive track record at getting great talent signed on to projects and we couldn't be more excited to work with her on RePLACeD. Laurie is truly a talented and an overall great individual to work with.

Rob Gokee — Composer. Having worked with Rob on other projects, his skills are as impressive as his professionalism. Rob is always one to know exactly what needs to go where musically and his scores lift the project to new levels. Having him join RePLACeD is a blessing to everyone involved in the series and I am excited to see what he brings to the story.

James Callahan — 1st AD. James comes to us with amazing knowledge, skill and dedication. Fresh off of the action series End Result, James comes with great enthusiasm for the project and the series. His desire and determination are second to none and he always works hard to get the best results from everyone by leading by example.

Team members already in place:

Jorge Bicer — DP/Co-Producer. Jorge comes with immense knowledge in design, lighting, and camera work. Having embraced the wave of DSLR cameras, his knowledge and skill with these cameras allow him to visually paint a striking and vivid picture and bring first rate quality to the screen. An easy person to collaborate and work with, he strives to achieve the best in every project he works on.

Erika Gonzalez — Associate Producer. Erika comes to the project with extensive experience and great determination. Always a vital asset, Erika brings a smile to the set and knows exactly what needs to be done and accomplishes tasks quickly. Her professionalism and dedication make her a very valued member of the team and someone who is a great team member to work with.

Heath Vinyard — Creator/Director/Co-Producer. No stranger to the web series world, having come off the highly ambitious action series End Result, Heath powered his way through a very tough story to bring RePLACeD to the page. Not wanting to fall into the same trappings that cause other shows to fail, Heath sought out advice and story notes from everyone he could to create an action/thriller series that was intense, fresh, and intriguing to the imagination. He looking forward to bringing his script to the screen and showing the world the talent and hard work of the entire team.

What's next? CASTING! We're working hard at finding the leads for this show and bring Alexander Finche and Samantha Baine to life. Searching through the best talent, we're very excited to release names and more information as the days grow near.

The WEBSITE! You've seen the counter. We're counting down to the release of the page. We think you're really going to enjoy the process of this exciting and ambitious web series.

SPONSORS! We're looking at branding the web series with different sponsors. We'll keep you informed as to who is jumping on board with us.

What can you do to help? Spread the word about RePLACeD. Keep up with us on TWITTER, FACEBOOK, and our WEBSITE. Become a fan, like us, follow our show and suggest us to your friends and followers. We have some amazing things coming soon and we hope you enjoy the ride we have planned. Please, forward this email and tell your friends….