Tag: Montreal

Alexandra begins her journey to Black Lake as a world-weary soul. Down trodden by a society that squelches her struggle to seek"truth", she finds herself a lonely outcast. Her bargain at the shrine: Truth for Beauty seems an impossible task. The more she strives to find herself  within the restrictive confines of  a modern, consumer driven  society, the more empty and hollow she feels

Led by the mystics and gypsies of the underground and mentored by the central figures of Black Lake, she begins to reclaim pieces of herself buried so deeply she had no idea they existed. We are all creatures led and protected by society. It is our responsibility as individuals to dig inside, to strive to know ourselves deeply, and to reach the height of wisdom that can never be learned from teachers or books. Our own unique truths must then be shared with the world, if we are to evolve.

Truth or Life - You choose!

It was a difficult task to find the the right actor to play the role of Ramey Sandeley for film trailer. When Alexandra first takes Ramey's eyes her previous life is shattered. Thirteen years later she describes him as even more powerfully handsome and charismatic.  In her words - "Someone once told me that God had give Ramey Sandeley too much, and so he had a price to pay. I prayed the prophecy to be true, or at least time would have tarnished his dealy allure. But that is not the case. I notice no evidence of decline in his physical perfection. The only difference is a mysterious darkness flickering beneath luminous gray eyes, a vague hint of a secret, dangerous and personal."  

 Wade Gotwalsl, who has been an international model and actor for nearly twenty years, was the perfect choice. He is an all American guy, who is a yoga guru and gorgeous in every way - personally and profesionally. Few men can reach full maturity and show no sign of age - and he is one of the lucky few.

Wade Russell

When I searched through the talent agency rosters I knew exactly what I was looking for. Nicole Kidman might have been a choice, but I was looking for a different look - with the same flaming red hair - yet with a darker spirit. When I first met Morla I knew she was right to play the part of Ruth Sandeley - the broken beauty. Morla is a powerful presence, but she exhudes the dark side (perhaps due to her upbringing in New Orleans). She has a great look that makes her a sought after model, yet she is also a well trained actress. So, scenes we shot with little time or preparation as an indie team were made easier due to her professionalism.

She is a rare gem - a flaming beauty with great talent and style.

Morla Gorrondona

Fairy tales and romantic comedies have led us down a path to seek beautiful romance. But, society tells us this may not be at all what we crave. Lady GaGa's new song is breaking records, as is Twilight. True Blood, Spartacus, Mad Men, and the list goes on. They all show bad romance at its very best. All seek something, but none really finds it.  Because it cannot be had without an interference. There is always the dark side ready to swallow us up - man and woman.

"The House on Black Lake" explores this theme through many different angles and individuals.  At book's end it is still not clear where the answer lies, but there is hope of something different and far more exhilarating. There is something about "Bad Romance" that lures us all and can be explosive if we learn how to harness it. The romantic candlelit table places too much expectation of perfection and beauty without the thorn that gives it its special allure.

Bad Romance - a revolution unfolds!

Bad Romance

It's official! "The House on Black Lake" is now available to purchase. It's been a long journey to create book design, trailers, music videos, etc. But the journey has only begun. I look forward to promoting book and meeting friends worldwide to discuss book and promote artistic endeavors.  Please feel free to e-mail me regarding any questions or thoughts regarding the themes and issues of my novel.

My novel was not only influenced by Cavalia, it was also influenced by Cirque Du Soleil. Few know that the Cirque began as a few vagabond players on street on street corners in Montreal  Such acts fill the scenes of my book, and I look forward to seeing the new show. The integration of every medium of art is truly inspiring. My passion for the flying trapeze began in the little circus that came through my small town as a child, but grew to a passion after seeing the performers in these shows.

You can check out schedules for all shows at  http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/default.asp

Picture take by David Wilson while filming trailer inside Chateau Tivoli in San Francisco

Plans are in the works for a book launching party - tentative date is May 7th and are in discussion with a great gallery/lounge in San Francisco. More details are to come, but it is certain we will have live band A/V great food and drinks. Also, contemporary gothic jewelry and accessories will be available to purchase. The theme is dark romance and all are encouraged to come dressed in the style and with the attitude. Get ready to celebrate!!!

When Alexandra enters the Sandeley's summer home, the first thing she sees is a lineup of  mounted animal head trophies. I never imaged  would find a house with such specimens in the entryway. So, I was quite shocked when I first entered the elegant Chateau Tivoli B and B in San Francisco and saw the mounted animals heads in the in the entryway. I immediately new that I must shoot the film trailer in this beautifu historicl Victorian hotel.

The sexy bed shown in the video trailers for "The House on Black Lake" is from the Mark Twain Room of the Chateau Tivoli in San Francisco. The Famed B & B is located on Alamo Square and has a colorful history. The room is intimate and warm and the bed is a work of art with gorgeous, shiny dark wood, diaphanous curtains and luxurious bedding. It was the perfect place to shoot the scene set in a cottage in St. Agathe des Monts, Quebec, where Alexandra and Andre share their first interlude.  More about Chateau Tivoli at http://www.chateautivoli.com/

The Mark Twain Room in Chateau Tivoli