Ratred News
The Ratred Prophecy "Short Film" Scheduled to begin filming July 8th, Production Studio announced for short, Update on NEHST pitch session, New Pics now on myspace page June 19th, 2007 First things first, The Ratred Prophecy is set to begin filming on July 8th. MikroTone is holding casting auditions this sunday the 24th for all roles not yet cast. The winners of those roles will be announced on July 2nd, at www.jointhefollowing.com Filming the short film will be JerZFresh Productions, a studio in northern NJ that is very familiar with the main location of the short film. Harrington Talents is still currently attached to the feature length version. The pitch with NEHST went very well. A copy of the feature length script is currently in their possesion. Now we play the waiting game. Expect more interviews with the cast & crew of Ratred as filming of the short progresses. and finally, check out these great pictures from the set of the Ratred Short. These where done as test pics for publicity. |
MikroTone Pitching Ratred to NEHST May 20, 2007 NEHST is a group of producers who are well known for funding independent projects. The group is based in NJ and MikroTone has reserved a spot in their live pitch June 2nd in NYC. We will be covering the news on this event as it develops. |
Waterloo Village to Double as Walpack in The Ratred Prophecy May 16, 2007
MikroTone was granted permission to scout the area of Waterloo Village this past weekend in hopes of using the area as an alternative to Walpack for the short film. Waterloo Village recently closed down and is now owned by the NJ Park Service. The area is completely underdeveloped and abandoned now, perhaps making it even better suited for filming than Walpack. The property is much larger and is filled with old homes, rivers, and even an old island where indians once lived. |
Casting Underway for The Ratred Prophecy May 12, 2007 A Casting call was placed on Craigslist.org for The Ratred Prophecy this week. From what we understand, there has been a tremendous response for people looking to play roles in the short film. At this point in time we do not know who is playing anyone. MikroTone has stated that for the short film, they could very well go John Rogers for the title role of Ratred. The interesting note is that Wayne Higgins, of MikroTone's in development webshow FitIn6, has expressed a great deal of interest in playing Neal Heisen. Higgins was last seen reading lines as Tercel in the script reading for Ratred: The Following. Im sure they will make everyone audition for roles, however it would be interesting to see Rogers and Higgins collide.
|
The Ratred Prophecy Begins... May 1, 2007 It is official, A short film version of Ratred: The Following is going into preproduction. The Title is "The Ratred Prophecy" and it is being described as a story that actually takes place between events in Ratred: The Following. Also, it seems that for the short, MikroTone may be developing the project alone, Jon Jorgensen is attached to direct, however, Harrington Talents nor their sub title, Sold Out Films have been announced as the studio helming the project. Will see who winds up producing the short as more develops. |
We Have A Director... April 15, 2007
Seekers Director Jon Jorgensen is officially attached to Direct Ratred: The Following. You may remember a little while back we broke the story that MikroTone had been meeting with Mr. Jorgensen. It seems they stuck a deal. You can view more info. on Jon Jorgensen at his official website here. |
A Month of Let Downs... April 8, 2007
As editor of this site I am priveledged to information regarding the production of Ratred: The Following that nobody else is. I suspected April to be a good month, with a lot of casting speculation recently, I was certain some news would break this month. Well it did, but it was not what I was looking for. It has been 100% confirmed that Henry Ian Cusick declined the offer to play the cult leader Ratred. I am heavily dissapointed in this news and I know many of our fans are as well. Cusick most known for his role on Lost was a major favorite for the role. Who will wind up in Ratred's throne now, that is a question with no answer at this time. A short film based upon the feature film titled "Ratred: Prophecy" was written recently and the plan was to film this short in order to tease the fans and gain more of a Following if you will for the feature. The short was going to be released as part of the viral campaign for the project. It seems as if this concept may not make it to the net due to budget restrictions. I have read the script for this short, and it was very good, Im very sad that we may never see it come to be. On a plus note, there are rumors afloat that Mikrotone may be courting a new investor to increase the budget of Ratred: The Following, allowing the short to be made, and giving them more freedom in casting decisions. |
March Madness!!! March 23, 2007 Still no word on the casting of Ron Jeremy as Bill Caleb, however a good amount of casting news has surfaced. First off is Robert Joy. Who is Joy, Watch Hills Have Eyes, the remake. Joy was Lizard, the thin mutant. Mikrotone was after him to play the role of Walpack Guide. Here was the character report from the script.
Not too many lines there. That would explain why we have heard that Joy's agent turned down the role. So Robert Joy will not be in Ratred: The Following. On a brighter note, MikroTone is negotiating with a few other actors and actresses at the current time. Apparently the agents of Henry Ian Cusick, Dane Cook, James Denton, and Mila Kunis have been contacted. Scripts have been sent thus far to Denton & Cusicks Agents.
|
Is Ron Jeremy Bill Caleb? March 9, 2007
Ron Jeremy, star of the sureal life, as well as a few other unmentioned projects, is in talks to play the father of the cult leader Ratred. The role is rather small, however a pivitol plot point in the film. Without his characters actions, Ratred might have never become a killer. More news should break on this before the 20th. |
Ratred a Short First? March 5, 2007 There is a high possiblity that in order to start a viral campaign for Ratred: The Following, that a 10 minute short film could go into production this summer. What this would do is give the crew something visual to show potential investors/distributors. No word yet as to what the plot of the short will be. |
Studios & Actors & Rewrites, Oh My! February 13, 2007 RatredMovie.com has done some digging into the development of our favorite horror film to be. Seems the rumors of Jon Jorgensen directing may have some truth to them. Executive Producer Tone did meet with Jorgensen last week at his house. Frank Giglia was with him. Then we recieved word that another rewrite on the script was ordered at the last minute. This may mean that Jorgensen had some additions that are being added to the final draft. This is common when a director comes aboard the project. Now onto studios. It seems Harrington Talents has put together a new brand strictly for the horror genre, and Ratred will be one of the first projects under the new brand. You can view a special GrindHouse Trailer created by the brand on Harrington's MySpace page.
|
Finally, A new name
for Ratred has popped up and he has got two words for ya... None other
than the WWE's Triple H has been mentioned for the main role of the
cult leader. The self proclaimed "King of Kings"
will be recieving
a copy of the script before the month is up. This could be a major risk
for MikroTone, however, this could also lead to a much quicker funding
for the film. Im sure if HHH is signed, the WWE will flip the bill to
get the project rolling.
Directors February 2, 2007 Jonathan Liebesman is out. That is definate. His schedule simply is too hectic. He is attached to the new Friday The 13th Remake. However his representatives had nothing but great things to say about the project. On another Director note, we were givin a portfolio page to view and figured we would pass it on here. Seems MikroTone is working on another potential candidate for Directing known as Jon Jorgensen. This would really make sense since he just finished directing Seekers, a short film which Harrington Talents produced. Will report more news on this as it develops. Here is a trailer for the film Seekers |
A whole lot of news has rolled in this weekend January 20, 2007 For starters we were sent a video of Executive Producer Tone and his colleagues reading over the final script for Ratred: The Following. Thats right everyone, the final draft is complete. Now the story here is in what the video itself reveals. There is a few moments from the script read aloud, including a brief discussion on the abandoned town of Walpack.
In other news... Executive Producer Tone has been setting his sights high for one particular Director.
Anything Else, actually yes, a bit of casting news and rumor. For the role of Neal Heisen, we are hearing three names consistantly. Cillian Murphy, James Denton, & Dane Cook, thats right Dane Cook the comedian. We will dig further into this as it develops.
There is also a major rumor floating about them having already hired Adam West for a small role in the film. Many know West as the 1960's Batman, he also is the mayor on family Guy.
|
John Rogers the actor
playing Young Ratred is there to read all of Ratred's lines. Tone and
his wife Jessica are of course present, and there are three others in
attendance. Two of the three are actually from Mikrotone's fitness show
currently in preproduction titled Fit In 6. They are Wayne Higgins and
Mikel Shardt. The female next to Wayne in the video is apparently his
girlfriend. Now word has it that Higgins is there for two main reasons.
Mikel is set to
play one of the lead members of the Following. A huge maniac running
around with a Cut-off saw. A bit more news surrounds him as well in
the fact that Mikel Shardt has been named as an Associate Producer on
the project along side Jeff Kalvin. This makes one wonder what happened
to Aaron Montgomery. Why was he pulled from the project, and replaced
with this man???
His name is Jonathan
Liebesman. Thats right, the Director of the hit film, Texas Chainsaw
Massacre: The Beginning. Word has it the final script was sent to his
office for him to read this weekend. This would be great for the project,
however their is one major roadblock. Liebesman has been hired to revive
the Friday the 13th Franchise, and schedules may conflict. 
Ratred Gives an Interview January 12, 2007
RatredMovie.com: As many first questions go, how did you become involved with this film and the people making it? Where did it all begin? John Rogers: Well, I've known Tony for awhile...we went to high school together, and we worked on a couple of projects together back then - not the least of which became the idea behind Ratred. When he came to me and asked me to work with him in the film, I jumped on the opportunity. Click here to read the full interview |
Frank Giglia gives a quick Holiday Interview December 27, 2006 RatredMovie.com: ok, and finally… Frank Giglia: When NJ police detective
Neal Heisen finds out his latest case, a gruesome series of murders,
was ordered by the man who crippled his friend years earlier, he will
stop at nothing to bring the killer and his cult down. Little does he
know, the killer, known only as Ratred, has plans of his own that threaten
Neal and all he holds dear. For more of the interview click here |
The New Writer Revealed & Another Webisode December 11, 2006 This was posted as a bulletin on the Ratred: The Following MySpace page by Frank Giglia, a man who has suddenly been bumped onto the favorite friends list over the weekend.
"Hey everybody, check out the friend in my top 8 "Ratred: The Following" I'm about to start writing the screenplay for the movie, become a fan now because there will be a line later on!" Well, I guess we know who he is now, will see if we can score an interview with him, In other news, There is another location scout video up in webisodes, this one is hosted by Lost In NJ. A crew of adventurers led by none other than Exec Producer Tone. They take us on a tour of Shades of Death Rd. Rumor has it that the famous Ghost Lake plays a part in the film at some point. Click here to check it out |
Executive Producer Tone gives us a a personal interview December 10, 2006 RatredMovie.com was priveledged to speak with The Executive Producer of Ratred and discuss the current status and the future of the film. Here is a clip from the interview... RatredMovie.com: The film obviously has
gone through more than one draft in Executive Producer Tone: Well, when David
finished his draft I pretty much did my Looks like confirmation on our new writer, now if we could find out who he is??? To read the interview in its entirety, click here: interview |
David Coupe Speaks
November 28. 2006 RatredMovie.com cought up with Screenwriter David Coupe for a 1 on 1 interview, heres a clip... QUESTION: (RatredMovie.com) What's your involvement in the Ratred film? ANSWER (David Michael Coupe): Basically I wrote the first draft of
the click here to read the remainder of the interview |
John Rogers is Ratred
Principal photography on the film is expected to begin in early 2007. The movie is written by David Coupe and Tone Purzycki, and will follow the early career of a cult leader. Said Tone, "What I see in John is the ultimate evil. He has exactly the balance of charisma and darkness that we were looking for." Kalvin stated, "Now that we've found the best person to play Ratred 2, we are really looking forward to moving ahead with the rest of our Ratreds, and are excited about the exceptional group we are assembling." Now, according to Aaron Montgomery, Associate Producer of MikroTone "We now have the middle Ratred cast, we still need the child and adult." And the film will also include the abandoned town of WalPack NJ as a setting. What does Tone and David have cooking? The great thing is that we soon shall see! It is on! After over five years of reporting for MikroTone. Over five years of trying to make sure that Tone would stay in the film industry and would give us the ultimate horror film. After five years of wishing and hoping, and ups and downs. We have finally won! We perhaps ARE finally getting the ultimate Horror film! With a great production company, screenwriter, and now an actor that most of our fans wanted, how could this go wrong? Good job guys, you got this one right. And I gotta wonder if Mike Wills is looking down smiling that this thing is on its way? Now Harrington Talents, get that damn movie out--which by the way, is scheduled for a 2008 release. Late. |
Executive Producer Mike Wills has Passed Away
October 25, 2006: Mike Wills spent the majority of his life battling a disease known as Muscular Dystrophy. His heart finally gave out, ending the battle this afternoon. Mike past away surrounded by more friends and family than the hospital had ever seen. Mike Wills was an inspiration to all of us and Ratred will be dedicated to his memory. Rest peacefully old friend. You will live on in our hearts forever. |
|
Tone finally talks Ratred! Tone: Ratred is still in the extremely early stages. The 1st draft of the script is almost done and is shaping up to be a tremendous story. To call this film a horror would be selling it short. I think of it more as a thriller with Horror scenes. When Mike & I made Seduction of the Innocent years back, the entire film took place over one time frame, this story takes place over three. We have Ratred as a little boy, a young man, and finally the man he will come to be. All three roles will call for differnt actors for which we are already considering. Our production team (Harrington Talents) is extremely talented, and has been pointing us in all the right directions when it comes to planning for preproduction. They will be essentially aiding us with obtaining the funds to bring Ratred to life. I really cant discuss any more regarding the film at this time. |
Tone
has his eye on a God-like actor?
|
John
Rogers confirms Ratred-interest? September 6, 2006: Actor John Rogers (Seduction of the Innocent) was quoted recently saying: "Tone seems to think I'd still make a good Ratred", RatredMovie.com: "When did you turn that down?", John Rogers: "I haven't". Interesting. Seems that Tone might be going back to what brought him to the dance. In Seduction of the Innocent Rogers played Ratred at the age of 17. And he's what, 25ish? About about the same age as Ratred (a bit older), supposedly for more than a third of the film. He'd be a good choice in my opinion. I guess we'll find out eventually. |
Short
list of potential actors? |
| MikroTone
has a screenwriter! August 27, 2006: we reported several days ago that MikroTone had met with a few screenwriters in regards to their film project, but that's all it was--just meetings. well, they met with David Coupe and decided to go with him as screenwriter for the film. It was also reported that MikroTone intended to take some elements of Seduction of the Innocent, the original short film which Ratred originated from and use them in his flick. So we can ASSUME that perhaps Ratred will be a religious based killer in this film. But you know what they say about assuming, don't you? |
| MikroTone's
Ratred: script by end of 06? August 13, 2006: I got a unconfirmed report that Tone Purzycki intends to have the script completed for his Ratred film by the end of the 2006 year. Pre-production would then follow. Editors take: Take this with a grain of salt. For one thing, I don't know if Harrington Talents and MikroTone have hired a screenwriter yet. Heard that they may have, but don't know for sure. On the otherhand, Tone may be writing this script himself--although I have consistantly heard that an outside scribe would be tapped to pen the screenplay. |
| MikroTone
gets 2 Associate Producers July 7, 2006: Jeff Kalvin, of MSNBC & Associate Producer for Fit In 6 will be teaming up with Aaron Montgomery, Director of Lust in the Closet & Associate Producer for The Landscaper to aid MikroTone in bringing Ratred to the big screen. |
MikroTone
hires Harrington Talents for Ratred |
| Ratred
has an Executive Producer? June 12, 2006: According to a few Industry sources, MikroTone will be looking to produce their first major feature film, Ratred. Tone Purzycki & Mike Wills first created this project back in High School and are now looking to push it into the mainstream audience. |