Independent Chicago film director and founder of Herbivore Productions, Rick Gawel spoke leisurely to Examiner.com about his upcoming release, “The Mockingbird,” and new developments for Herbivore.
The Mockingbird
The Mockingbird will be the third, self-produced production and a completion of what Gawel himself refers to as the “Tortured Girl” trilogy: Unlinked tales centered on mental instability, and shot with Gawel’s unique and bizarre, nonlinear vision. The Mockingbird is a story of two sisters forced to depend too much on each other after finding themselves orphaned. Returning to the roster is actress Melissa Malan, whom Gawel has employed twice before. The Herbivore veteran who’s worked on both sides of the camera (co-directing Gawel’s second film, Gless) helped write the screenplay this time around. Rick called Malan the anchor to the trilogy (the tortured girl, if you please), and stated she will portray a more passive character in The Mockingbird opposed to playing the aggressor. Also returning is artist Jenni Schenk, who made a remarkable impression on Gless in the makeup department, as a set and art designer, and cinematographer. Gawel said he was pleased with the shooting overall - which wrapped the first week in April - and estimated an August release date for The Mockingbird.
What else is happening at Herbivore Productions?
To start with, Herbivore will to release a short film this year in addition to The Mockingbird, called “How Deep is the Rabbit Hole?” It’s what Rick Gawel referred to as a Herbishort or “short, short;” lasting only five to seven minutes. The piece is a psychologically twisted Alice in Wonderland homage with a silent film motif. This is will be the inaugural project to not be spear-headed by Rick Gawel himself, but carry the Herbivore mark. Although Gawel co-wrote the movie, Tony Colon took the director’s chair on set. Gawel explained they had three hours booked in a rented space for a scene for Mockingbird that only required an hour, so he and Colon decided to utilize the excess time with their short-idea, initially planning to post it straight to the internet. Gawel stated he was looking for Herbivore to branch out with other film makers, and believes this to be a launch-pad for expansion. He also mentioned a hope this would start a line of Herbishorts. When asked if other directors had expressed interest in joining the Herbi Family, Gawel answered positively but was mum on any further details concerning other film makers at this time.
Presentation
A Loving Memory, Herbivore’s first production screened at the Gorilla Tango Theater in spring 2010. September of that year saw a second feature, Gless, which showed at the Chicago Film Makers Theater in Andersonville. Rick said he was very pleased at how things turned out in Andersonville, and barring unforeseen circumstances he’ll return there for the premiere of The Mockingbird.
Rick Gawel concluded the interview by contending he didn’t feel ‘scatterbrained’ or unfocused in the least - A claim the majority of independent artist – of any medium – make.
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For more information on writings by Gari Hart, visit The Novel Overture.
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