Multi-award winner director Megan Griffiths brings her extensive indie film experience (EDEN, THE OFF-HOURS, LUCKY THEM) as a visual storyteller to create THE NIGHT STALKER. The film crew's key players are women: Alisa Tager (Producer), Celia Beasley (Editor), Rebecca Lake (Key Costume Designer) and Conner McKinley (Set Designer). THE NIGHT STALKER delivers on so many levels and you'll discover a film that's carefully crafted. It packs a wallop. Producer Alisa Tager not only nurtured the project but also secured the financing.
But it wasn't "Love at first sight" when she first read Ramirez' story. When someone suggested if she would adapt it into a film she reacted differently. "ABSOLUTELY NOT" Tager said, "I was not interested in telling a story that would glorify the life of a man who had done such hideous things." Then she met Megan and it was her film, EDEN, which impressed Tager because of "the incredible job she did by bringing humanity to a story where terrible people did terrible things." Tager's point of view changed and the rest is history.
What drew Megan to the story?
"I grew up in Riverside, California, and I was ten years old the summer of Ramirez's murder spree. He terrified me. I would check my window locks and pin my curtains shut every night. I wanted to wrap my mind around what formed Ramirez, to take him away from the scary monster and into the realm of severely damaged human being." THE NIGHT STALKER was filmed in Los Angeles. You'll see the great attention to detail to recreate the time period setting.
Lou Diamond Philips gives a critically-acclaimed portrayal of serial killer Richard Ramirez, the “Hillside Strangler”. Philips is an actor who has mastered his craft. His performance as the serial killer who slowly lost his humanity from a very young age through a controlling family member who was battling his own inner demons is chilling. Megan said "Lou's internal work was the most important element. His passion and focus [for the role] was incredible.”
Bellamy Young portrays Kit, an attorney, who tries to get Richard Ramirez to confess to the crimes attributed to an inmate facing execution who is a client of her firm. Kit is steely in demeanor when she meets Richard Ramirez, while on the inside she is a sensitive soul because of a painful past.
Eddie Martinez is in a supporting role as Mike, Richard Ramirez’ cousin. Martinez’ acting is on point. The dark undercurrent of Mike’s character is apparent by a sudden decision he makes that leads to a shocking scene in the movie. It left me speechless. Ben Barrett (who plays Richard Ramirez as a teen) gave a chilling, breakthrough performance. “[Casting Ben] as a young Richard was serendipitous”, says Megan. "Ben's friend was auditioning and was struck by how much Ben resembled [Ramirez]. When his friend was done auditioning he said [to me] ‘I never do this, but I have this friend who looks just like Ramirez and a really good actor. Will you see him?’ [Ben] came in and the resemblance gave me the chills. His read was excellent. It was fate."
Celia Beasley, the editor of THE NIGHT STALKER, agrees, “Amey René nailed it with the casting of the 4 differently-aged Ramirez's.”In addition to extensive editing, producing and writing experience including the award-winning series "Hoarders", Celia spent a lot of time overseas, in countries like Madagascar, where she was producing, directing and writing for non-profit organizations. When Celia returned to Seattle with her family, she met Megan through the Seattle indie film community. "I have known Megan since 2001 when we became friends. We worked together on [many projects] and I got involved with THE NIGHT STALKER because Megan asked me to [be the Editor]."
Celia's editing work in THE NIGHT STALKER will be evident as you watch the flawless transitions between time periods. "As an editor I had very little contact with crew most of the film. My situation is a little different because I was never on set. The bulk of my work with Megan took place after the shoot wrapped. I started working with her on a daily basis. I was working on my own with some guidance from Consulting Editor Eric Frith. We used music and sound design to lead us in and out of flashbacks." Celia gives accolades to Set Designer Conner McKinley and Key Costume Designer Rebecca Luke, "They did an absolutely incredible job. The look between the different time periods was so distinct that it made it very clear that we were moving back and forth in time." Rebecca's film credits are "What Happened Ms. Simone" (Oscar nominee), "Take Me To The River, "Eden" & "The Off-Hours (both Megan Griffiths films).
As I watched THE NIGHT STALKER I was immediately immersed in the 1980's because I could relate to the clothes! It was a trip down memory lane. Costume Designer Rebecca Lake chose them with great attention to detail. "The choices [I made] for Kit's costume pieces were a non-traditional yet appropriate for 'work' look. Its a big part of her character." Rebecca searched for the right looks for Bellamy and Chelle Sherrill (who plays teenage Kit) to wear in the film.
Many designers use costume houses but Rebecca says she "chose to search high and low to find the looks I wanted so we can create an authentic period look."
THE NIGHT STALKER'S set designs are also testament to Conner McKinley's experience in shows like FRASIER. "I worked with Madelaine Frezza (Set Decorator) on a daily basis - from Prep through Production to make each and every set happen and come alive. I depended on her a lot to help make my vision come into fruition."
The jail scenes in the film took place at a closed prison in the LA area that's only used for filming. "Megan and I spoke every day about the current set design we were filming. [I would check] upcoming sets to confirm I was going in the right direction, that our visions were aligned."
Comments