The Night Visitor is Jennifer Blanc-Biehn's directorial debut and we previously brought you some of the first casting news. Filming has wrapped and we have additional details on the project, an exclusive Q&A, and exclusive photos:
"Actress and producer Jennifer Blanc-Biehn has wrapped filming ahead of schedule on her directorial debut of the digital feature, The Night Visitor.
With nine actors, a seven person crew, and a shoe-string budget made up almost 50% in trade dollars, Blanc-Biehn along with Streamy Award winning producer Mark Gantt (THE BANNEN WAY), and Lony Ruhmann who Executive Produced alongside Blanc-Biehn, wrapped filming The Night Visitor in just five days, one full day ahead of schedule.
The Night Visitor is a unique mix of sci-fi and horror, lensed with the found footage style that has become popular in the genres. 'I don't think there’s another story out there like this one, I'm super excited about bringing something, maybe a little bit different but in a style that people seem to like,' says Blanc-Biehn.
The Night Visitor stars, actress and executive producer Brianne Davis (PROM NIGHT, AMONG FRIENDS, JARHEAD), 'I knew how good of a producer Mark is and knew the drive that Jennifer had, so I felt confident that we'd be able to create something very unique and creative, regardless of the budget and schedule restraints. I'm very proud of The Night Visitor and what we were able to accomplish.'"
The Night Visitor: Exclusive Q&A with Mark Gantt, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, and Brianne Davis
by Leah Cevoli
Hi Mark. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us today. We've been covering a new film you're producing, The Night Visitor. Who's involved in this project with you?
Mark Gantt: The Night Visitor is based on a story by Executive Producer, Lony Ruhmann and written by The Marcus Brothers (HIDDEN IN THE WOODS – remake). The movie is actress/producer, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn’s directorial debut. Her first Producing credit was on AMONG FRIENDS, directed by scream-queen Danielle Harris and starring Brianne Davis and Jennifer. Jennifer and Michael Biehn have formed Blanc Biehn Productions and have six projects in pre-production, TREACHERY in post and THE VICTIM released last year. Brianne Davis Co-Executive Produces and stars and Jen Stevens, a wife and mother willing to do anything to save her marriage and protect her son. Rounding out the cast are Gary Cairns (JUSTIFIED, HERO WANTED), Hudson Pischer, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, TRUE BLOOD’s Tara Buck and Vedette Lim and myself.
Would you say it falls more in the horror or scifi genre?
Jennifer Blanc-Biehn: I think it’s a mix. The Night Visitor is a true mix, but Sci-Fi definitely. As for horror, I think the audience will be drawn in by how real this situation can be for any of us and how scary that is.
What attracted you to the story?
Jennifer Blanc-Biehn: I was drawn to the idea of an alien abduction of a young child. I don’t think I’ve seen that before. I really wanted it to be about the family and their struggles to keep it together.
Brianne Davis: I loved the character of Jen, she’s a strong woman who really wants to protect her son and save her marriage, but is willing to forgive and move on for the greater good.
Mark Gantt: What I really liked about the story and the script was how real it felt. I think we will all be able to relate to the relationship issues that they are having, but more importantly the fun and goofiness that exists in successful relationships. I think it draws you in more, you care about the characters more and you want to see them win.
We like to regularly spotlight Indie Films that catch our eye. As an indie producer, what does the word "Indie" mean to you?
Mark Gantt: These days Indie really means anything that isn’t a tent-pole studio film, so basically 95% of the films being made. But to me it’s always translated to be more about the passionate filmmakers telling stories that they want to watch. Willing to take a risk financially to tell compelling stories and entertain audiences. I think with all the new distribution avenues available to independent filmmakers today, it’s a great time to be making films.
Jennifer Blanc-Biehn: Michael and I started Blanc Biehn Productions because we wanted to take our passion for acting and filmmaking into our own hands. Michael has worked with some of the best directors out there and we just felt it was perfect timing for us to start creating projects that we wanted to see. Being an indie producer has great creative freedom and is extremely rewarding.
You've wrapped shooting on The Night Visitor. What's next?
Mark Gantt: We shot The Night Visitor in only five days, with a super tight budget and seven-person crew. We are extremely happy with what we’ve shot. We are now starting the post-production process and launching a Kickstarter Campaign to help fund this next phase of the process. Jennifer and I have both had success with Kickstarter and it’s such a great way for the fans and audience to be a part of a project. We’ve got so many great rewards like; limited edition autographed photos of Michael Biehn, TRUE BLOOD’S Tara Buck, and rest of the cast as well as unique perks like one-on-one consulting with Jennifer or myself, Creator Up educational videos on web series producing, lunch and phone calls with a cast member and some secret stuff we can’t announce yet. In regards to other projects, I’m pitching a TV series with Hazy Mills (GRIMM, HOT IN CLEVELAND), in post on sizzle reels for two comedies as well as gearing up to direct a feature myself.
Jennifer Blanc-Biehn: Yes, the Kickstarter is crucial for us to get this finished and out into the world. We’ve already been getting strong interest from several companies and festivals, so we’re optimistic that this is going to find a good home and have a great run. Under Blanc Biehn, in June we begin shooting the English language remake of HIDDEN IN THE WOODS in Texas, finishing post on TREACHERY and in pre-production on six other movies. Oh and off to Cannes to try and sell all of these!
Brianne Davis: I’m off to Vancouver to shoot my Lifetime series, WITCHES OF EAST END with Julia Ormond and Jenna Dewan-Tatum. Mark and I have a couple of other projects we are developing and it’s been exciting to be producing together.
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Check out our gallery below for the first teaser poster and photos, including a number of exclusive images. For more information on The Night Visitor, visit:
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