BATTLE GROUND HIGH SCHOOL graduates Brett Caughie (left) and Michael Hull (right) plan to make an independent film in Battle Ground this summer.
Battle Ground resident Brett Caughie, 20, is currently seeking actors for a near-full length film project he plans to film in Battle Ground over the summer.
“Currently, we are looking for a lot of extras at this point,” said Caughie.
According to Caughie, the primary cast is “pretty much set,” but he hasn’t ruled out making adjustments to the cast as the project continues to develop. Describing the film as “a funny, inspirational, faux sports movie about a coming of age teen” who plays ultimate frisbee, Caughie says the film’s humor will largely rely on true parody rather than merely mocking other films in the genre.
“Right now, a lot of parodies are just puke, sex and fart jokes and that isn’t doing anything for anyone so we’re going for a mock sports comedy that won’t have any actual jokes because the humor will come from the dialogue,” he said.
According to Caughie, Battle Ground is an ideal setting for his project.
“Battle Ground is a beautiful area and the high school will be perfect for the film,” he said.
Caughie’s co-producer, Battle Ground High School graduate Michael Hull, 19, said the film may have a “negative budget,” but it will still have impressive results.
“We basically have zero dollars (for a budget) and we are going to make it look like a $30-million dollar project,” said Hull.
According to Caughie, the reason the film project will upstage its budget is because the film equipment at Mt. Hood Community College, where he is currently a student in the college’s Integrated Media Program, will be available for the film.
“The idea started as a short film for a class project and that expanded into becoming a longer project we can film over the summer and use some of the college’s equipment,” he said.
In addition to being able to film in their hometown, the budding filmmakers said they hope the film will encourage other area residents to explore film making as a career.
“Battle Ground is such a ‘sub-suburb’ that the weight of the suburban life makes people feel like they can’t produce independent films in the area, I hope our film shows them they can,” said Hull.
Caugie credits the film program at BGHS for nurturing his interest in film, even if the surrounding area is not known for filmmaking.
“Battle Ground High School has a wonderful film program but actual films are non-existent in Battle Ground,” he said.
Battle Ground High School film program instructor Jason Foster hopes Caughie’s project helps inspire students in his class to attempt local film projects.
“It’s great for students to see something going in their community, that you don’t have to be a big city to make a film,” he said.
According to Foster, Battle Ground High School’s film program offers six classes a day with more than 100 students each year, of which Foster estimates about 25 want to pursue “some type of career in film.”
While the economy may have taken a toll on big budget blockbusters in Hollywood, Foster believes the overall demand for film production is increasing.
“Video is a great marketing tool and more and more companies are looking for people to create videos for their advertisements and websites are looking to hire people who can make those videos for the company,’’ he said.
In addition to the film project, Caughie and Hull are also members of the Battle Ground based band, Neighbors, which has a sound equal parts traditional alternative and contemporary Indy rock.
According to Caughie, the date for auditions will be announced later. Interested parties may contact Caughie via email at brettcaughie@gmail.com regarding auditions or questions about the film.
For more information on the band, visit the band’s social network website at www.facebook.com/NeighborsBand.
