April of 2003

During the country's heightened state of alert from terrorist threats and the continuing war against Hussein's regime in Iraq, the Associated Blast was approached by veteran film director, James Soeffner, of Associated Films to talk about the direction his company is headed and to answer some of the looming questions that has plagued its fans over the past months. In a "State Of The Company" Address, James Soeffner writes:
Greetings to both members and fans of Associated Films,
As the month of April comes upon us, I felt it was time to submit my first entry to the Associated Blast and give a “State of the Company Address”, as from my perspective.
Although it has been a bit of down time for us, one short film was shot and completed, “Pursuit Kids: Hit and Son”. It’s a film directed by Ralph Apel, produced by S. Dylan Kirkland and shot and edited by myself. It’s a continuation of the fan favorite, the Pursuit Series. It has tested very well in limited showings and will be a welcomed addition to any future show. In the month of February, a small short film was created for the Birthday Party Fun-Pack. It showcased clips and music from the four birthday people’s favorite films. While this was a small project, really meant for the sole purpose of entertaining the guests of that evening, depending on group approval, it may be shown again as “pre-show” entertainment for the next show.
Another project, which will be apart of the next show is, “The Marriage of Tony”. This film, written and directed by Benjamin Johnson, is in post-production and currently within the capable hands of one of our newest editors, Ryan Moore, at the “P-Chop post house,” located in P-Town. This comedic short show might also include an original score by Jack Maher.
Other project ideas that have begun since last October’s show include:
Space House – A film idea created by Ralph Apel about a group of mismatched people flying through outer space in their ship which is actually a house. Originally intended as straight comedy, this movie, through the assistance of Kelly Merrell working on the score, is evolving into a Rock Opera. This project currently has a teaser trailer being made for it and may become a full-length trailer in its completion.
Knight Brothers: Brotherhood of the Night – This project is a high concept fantasy adventure created by Ralph Apel and Anthony! Ardisone which follows the quest of two brothers trying to claim the kingdom they are rightfully heirs to. While there are no real aspirations in making this project more than a full-length trailer, a CD featuring music to “inspire the movie” has been made by Apel and there was word of a possible original score to be created by Dan Downing. As of now, locations are still being talked about and costumes are currently being created.
The unnamed project with a working title of “Baby Blue Jacket film” – This is an idea I have been working on in the past few weeks involving the aforementioned blue jackets that reside at the Rochester. A short film might be in the works, but as of now I have written a very loose treatment for it. This caper film would be shot in and around downtown LA, Chinatown, and Boyle Heights near the rail yards. This still has yet to be submitted to the committee for group approval.
I will just finish up with these Bits and Pieces…
-Associated Films is currently in Post Production of a live concert film, “An evening with d”. This is Darron Bergdorf’s band that played in Newport Beach on March 29th.
-Preliminary footage has been taken and a loose script has been put together for one of the surprises to open the next show, involving Jocelyn Jazwiec and Benjamin Johnson.
-A non-narrative film, using just the “cigar camera” is currently being put together (the cigar camera is the piece of equipment that helped shoot the car footage in the Pursuit 2: Hit and Run trailer). This hopefully will be a fast paced and highly energetic short film, set to some kick ass music.
-A comedic short is being thought up by Ralph Apel and S. Dylan Kirkland based upon the very funny, ex-Bravo channel series starring John Laurie.
-I regret to inform everyone that “Tecate and Pudding” will not be completed due to creative differences and budget concerns.
-Project: Mass Distribute has had some success in it first run. Our flyer campaign to further spread the word about Associated films will continue in the weeks ahead.
-A successful post card campaign, highlighting both Associated Films and certain past projects, has being tested out by Jocelyn Jazwiec (head of Jazwiec Press). Conversations have begun about distributing these well-made cards to potential production companies throughout the LA/OC area.
-A DVD for the 2nd show is being created by Ryan Moore at his studios. A release date for it has yet to still be determined.
-Merchandise sales have been strong early on, thank you to all those helping us spread the word about associated films by wearing and using products with our logo and films on them.
-An S. Dylan Kirkland project is still being discussed at this time with the powers that be. It would involve the talents of Jack Maher in a music video. A script is still being worked upon, but at the very least a filmed concert of a Jack gig seems strong to happen. Also Kirkland has done some minor test footage for a comedic short called, “Ben in a Tuxedo” and another film involving the mysterious Papago.
-A project involving a script written by Michael Magdalena called “Two pages” is being looked into for further development.
-Finally, there is a major surprise in the near future to be released to the mass public. I have been working this past week on it and I am very excited to have it become known in the coming weeks. For those of you who know, continue to keep it a secret, and those of you who don’t, I hope you will enjoy it when it becomes known. Those unable to be present, photos of this surprise will be made available on the website.
So, while it may appear that Associated Films has taken a break, in reality there are many things to look forward to in the coming months.
-James Allen Soeffner, XXII April 8th, 2003
Edited and revised by AJA, April 8th, 2003

Despite the war and the Homeland Security Alert maintaining it's Orange status, the Blast is doing its best to keep the news current and getting every breath of anything interesting, exploiting it to its full potential, and bringing it to you, the loyal fan, to read and enjoy. Though Associated Films seems to be on hiatus from working on projects as a group, James Soeffner's address has made it clear that there is much going on that the untrained, non-industry eye may be blind to.
Though the project threshold is small, as compared to last year's quantity of blockbusters, the members of Associated Films are still keeping busy. Whether it be brainstorming for new ideas or trying to work existing ones in to something beyond treatment form, the group is doing its best to provide you with the quality film entertainment it always has since its conception. However, despite the goings-on, a few members have taken the time to engage in other projects outside of the group in order to keep the creative juices flowing. Anthony! Ardisone is one such member. Ardisone took to a local Cable Access channel to be a part of a comedy improv show. The access channel was more then excited to have this esteemed actor in their midst. The show, titled "The Comedy Survivor Hour," is a 30 minute improvisation game show where 6 contestants perform improvizational acting games. After each commercial break, they cut several actors out... narrowing it down to one king survivor by the episode's end.
We caught up with Anthony! Ardisone at the Associated Films Studios building as he was getting some refreshments to ask him a few questions about the show.
"The show is a lot of fun to do. Ben (Johnson) and I used to partake in such improv shows for fun and to keep us fresh and quick." When we asked about the cast he worked with, and how it was being in a completely non-Ass Film environment, he responded, "The group at the college was quite courteous and very professional. The talent was great and very funny and the crew were organized and quick to resolve any technical problems they encountered. I think we only had one delay and it was in the first episode."
Though there were no on-stage or off-stage clashes with the professional actor, Ardisone did mention this: "It seemed like a few of them were a bit green. I tried to help them and carry them, as I did with many of the actors in Associated Films. I think the show was saved in the end."
The Comedy Survivor Hour has been wrapped and should be aired this May on the Fullerton College Cable Access Channel (check local listings for times).
-AJA April 9th, 2003

</p></div> </body> </html>