Josh And Todd: The Story Of A Man And His Puppet

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Cheers!
Thanks to everyone who came out to one of the screenings this past year!
We've got a few more coming in 2012...
And look for DVD release info to come soon!
We appreciate all the support and hope you have a great 2012!

And now
"News We Missed Reporting in 2011"

We had some cast and crew events! -
In order...

Eric Stegmaier (Josh) became a Resident Artist at Paris in Plantsville in April,
joining Jon in the madness...

Mark Elsinger (The Brain) got married in May.

Russ Bird (Jimmy and cinematographer/editor) got married in October

Gabe Finkenstein (Hunter) got married too! In November!

Rachel Ryan (now Rachel Ly) also got married in November! She came in on our last day of shooting, during re-shoots and kicked ass!!! This is the first time we're mentioning her on this blog, but we bragged about her over on Elmwood's blog!

Jennifer Tanner (Stacy) and Johnnie's Butler the talented Christopher A. Lemanski got engaged in December!

Look at all that love!!!
HUGE CONGRATS to all of you!

New Trailer!

2011-11-22T01:57:00.000-05:00

Well Done Eric!

2011-10-20T00:14:00.000-04:00

Our own "Josh" - Eric Stegmaier recently kicked butt at The Farmington Valley Arts Centers most recent juried show!!!

CONGRATS ERIC!!!

To read more on his win check out Paris In Plantsville's Blog

Thank you ConnectiCon!

2011-08-06T10:38:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the screening 7/9/11 at ConnectiCon Convention in Hartford CT, and thanks to all who goofed around with the puppets!

Pictures from our two days can be found HERE and HERE!

Connecticon 2011 Screening!

2011-06-22T12:36:00.004-04:00

Elmwood Productions will be at ConnectiCon this year again!

Two years ago Steve the Vampire was a hit...

Last year Johnnie Sojive harassed you...

This year... "Josh and Todd: The Story of A Man and His Puppet" will be screening!

July 9th at 8:00 PM!

To get into the screening you do have to attend the convention, registration/ticket info is here.

Members of the cast and crew will be on hand for a Q&A session following the flick!

Little update and a workshop...

2011-06-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

Jon here with a quick "Josh and Todd" update for ya!

We've been working away on touching up the film and getting the DVD bonus features ready!

More to come soon... Including screening announcements!

But in the meantime...

Wanna make a puppet with me?.....

Puppet Maker Jon Bristol of The Elmwood Puppets will be holding a three day workshop in July at Paris In Plantsville!

Learn how to make a Muppet/Henson style moving mouth puppet like Steve the Vampire!

All the materials and tools are included in the registration fee, and space is limited, so it's first come first serve.

At the end of the workshop you'll have a completed puppet, and you get to keep the pattern and tools and leftover material for future use!

The dates are July 11, 18, and 25 2011 (all Mondays) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The total cost is $150.00, a $50.00 deposit* holds your spot in the workshop and the rest is due the first day.

To sign up or for more information contact the instructor, Jon, at jon@elmwoodproductions.com or stop by Paris In Plantsville

* The deposit is non-refundable, but if you have to cancel we'll put it toward a future workshop if you sign up for one!

Paris In Plantsville

15 West Main Street

Plantsville CT 06479

A little update!

2011-06-09T09:01:00.002-04:00

Jon here...

It may seem like we're asleep at the wheel over here with this flick, but we're not!

I swear! Hahaha!

After two weekends of successful screenings Russ, Jim, and I have been going over the flick with the so called fine tooth comb and looking at goofs, slow spots, and missing jokes and fixing the film up!

We have more screenings coming up (we'll be announcing them soon!) and we're about to start prepping the DVD release! We'll have goodies on it for ya like a commentary, bloopers, and a making of thing, and a few other surprises.

Thanks for sticking with us on the ride

Thanks!

2011-04-30T21:40:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we screened the flick again at Paris In Plantsville, and a huge

THANK YOU

to everyone who came out and made it a success, and to Paris In Plantsville!

And thanks to everyone who has been on this journey so far! Now that we've seen it with a few audiences we're heading back in to play with some of it, get is completed and get DVD features ready!

But there a still more screenings coming too! Keep on the look out for them!

See the Flick! Tonite and Tomorrow!

2011-04-22T12:00:00.002-04:00

One last reminder!

"Josh and Todd" is screening at Paris In Plantsville tonite and tomorrow nite!

Doors open at 7 PM, and the movie starts at 8!

Hope to see you there! You might even get a puppet!

More info HERE

And Happy Earth Day!

Raffle at the Next Screening!

2011-04-14T10:45:00.001-04:00

Want a one of a kind Elmwood Puppet?

Of course you do!!!

Here's how to get one!

On April 22 and April 23 we'll be screening the flick at

Paris In Plantsville,

all you have to do is show up and make a five dollar donation to the gallery and you get a raffle ticket!

After the film we'll pick the winner!

We're doing this both nites, so there's two puppets up for grabs!

The puppets are built by our own head puppet maker

Jon Bristol!

Jon and Todd - Todd isn't part of the raffle, he would be mad at us if he was!

Here's where to see the flick:

Paris In Plantsville Gallery and Studio

15 West Main Street

Plantsville, CT 06479

For more on the screening click HERE

In case you forgot!

2011-04-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

We'll be screening the film again at
Paris In Plantsville on 4/22 and 4/23
Click here for more info!

Encore! At Paris In Plantsville 4/22 and 4/23!

2011-04-06T16:42:00.000-04:00

Screening In Paris!

2011-03-23T08:36:00.003-04:00

Well, not really Paris, but at our home away from home Paris In Plantsville!

The last (and first!) screening of "Josh and Todd" did so well we're doing an encore!

April 22 and 23, doors open at 7:00 PM, and the movie starts at 8:00!

This is going to be the first in a monthly series of films to be presented at the gallery, so we're honored to be part of it, and to kick it off!

Books And Music... R.I.P. Get there now! Closing 4/18!

2011-03-09T17:19:00.008-05:00

Jon here...

One of my favorite places in Connecticut is closing it's doors April 18th.
Books and Music in Plainville on Rt. 10.
I've been shopping there since before it was called Books and Music, and have always found that gem of a CD or book I've been looking for. I've always been treated right by the staff, and always offered a cup of coffee by Ed.

Ed (who works there) just shot me an email letting me know they will be closing this month.
It's upsetting. Personally because I love the place.
Professionally because we made some of "Josh and Todd" there. When Jim went in and asked to film there the owner said yes without any hesitation whatsoever. And the few days we shoot there were some of my favorites of the entire shoot. I was watching the flick a few days ago with my bro Jordan and even mentioned how much I love those scenes and hope to shoot there again.
But that's clearly not going to be the case.

So here's a little plug for the shop as they prepare to lock up:
Everythings on sale!!! Half off!!! And things were already cheap there!
Get there now, cuz on 4/19 when you wake up in the morning it'll be a memory.

ENCORE!!!

2011-03-03T09:17:00.004-05:00

We keep getting asked if we'll be showing it again!

And we are!

April 22, and April 23. The doors open at 7:00 PM and the film starts at 8:00PM

$5.00 donation to the gallery is requested to get in (where else can you go to see a movie for five bucks!), and Paris In Plantsville Members get in free!

April 23rd is also The 13th Annual National Day of Puppetry, so what better time to watch a puppet flick!

For more info use this link! Be there!!!

More Eric! At Paris In Plantsville!

2011-03-02T16:00:00.001-05:00

This is not so much "Josh and Todd" news, but it's still related!
Eric Stegmaier, who plays the lead roll of Josh in the film is also an accomplished artist.

An April 2, 2011 he will be having a solo art show of his archaeological illustrations at Paris In Plantsville entitled
"Temporal Artistry"

Gallery talk by the artist at 7:00 PM, discussing Archaeological Illustration and his adventures in the East.

As an archaeological illustrator for the last 9 years, Eric has completed hundreds of field illustrations that span several archaeological facets including artifact rendering, stratigraphic diagramming, vessel profiling, tomb mapping, and architectural floor plan illustration. He has worked at several sites throughout

Israel including Qumran, Bethsaida, and the Roman Fort at Yotvata, and his illustrations appear in several publications including magazines, reports, and textbooks.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration from the Hartford Art School, and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies with a focus in death and burial practices from Sacred Heart University. Currently employed as a conservation assistant in the Paintings Conservation department at the Yale Center for BritishArt, Eric has recently begun a working relationship with the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Yale and is performing freelance work for the Department of Egyptology. His other clientele includes the University of Hartford, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Florida International University.

If you can't make it to the April 2 opening, the show will be running during normal gallery hours from 4/2 to 4/14.

For more information check out the Facebook event page here!

THANK YOU!

2011-02-21T21:01:00.004-05:00

Saturday Nite At Paris In Plantsville...

After the screening cast and crew discussed the flick with the audience.

From left to right, J.R.Calvo, Amanda Regan, Jennifer Tanner, Eric Stegmaier, Russ Bird, Jim Willams, and seated - Jon Bristol

Todd made a new friend - we had a great appearance by Freddy J. Frog!

Toward the end of the nite a toast was raised in honor of Paris In Plantsville and to the success of "Josh and Todd"

And Josh A. got the show started with an amazing performance!

Thanks to everyone who came out over the weekend to see the film!

This is just the first of many screenings coming up, and it sold out!

So we're doing it again at Paris In Plantsville in March in case you missed it!

We're still working out what date so check back soon!

See the Movie! Tomorrow Nite!

2011-02-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Elmwood Productions is proud to announce and invite you to the premiere of our first feature length film; "Josh and Todd: The Story of a Man and His Puppet" on February 19, 2011 at Paris In Plantsville!

Plot Overview:

What would you do if you woke up one morning to find a monster has moved in with you? Well, this is what happens to Josh. And not only does the monster Todd move in, but he also causes complete havoc on Josh's boring life. Josh's girlfriend can't take it and leaves, his friends think he's going nuts, and all Todd want's him to do is loosen up for the first time since childhood and have some fun.

The doors open at 7:00 PM and the film starts at 8:00PM

$5.00 to get in (where else can you go to see a movie for five bucks!)

The film is not rated, be advised - this is not for kids. The film does have all sorts of things to ruin a kids mind, like coarse language, modern psychology, adult subject matter and puppet nudity. Yes, puppet nudity. The film is still in progress. This screening will also not only entertain you (we hope!) but will also help the filmmakers as they continue to edit it before entering film festivals and release the film on DVD.

Following the screening the filmmakers (Jon Bristol, Jim Williams, and Russ Bird) along with members of the cast will be doing a question and answer session on micro-budget filmmaking, working with monsters, and other things that went along with making this film for those interested. Those not are free to hang out and enjoy the gallery also.

Paris In Plantsville

15 West Main Street AKA Rt 10 Southington

Plantsville CT

www.parisinplantsville.com

www.elmwoodproductions.com

Happy Valentine's Day From Josh and Todd...

2011-02-14T09:24:00.001-05:00

Are you coming to see the madness?

Will Todd find love?

Will Josh make up with his girlfriend?

Is Dawn a psycho lesbian?

Will Hunter get violated in a jail cell?

Does Johnnie even know those girls names?

Do you have no idea what any of this is about?

You don't?

Well then you have to come see the movie this Saturday nite on 2/19!

Click here for all the details!

19 Days!

2011-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's February first... Have you saved the date yet?

2/19/11

First Public Screening at Paris In Plantsville!

Hope to see you there!

More info click here

Josh and Todd Screening At Paris In Plantsville!

2011-01-18T11:12:00.002-05:00

The flick is screening 2/19/11 at Paris In Plantsville and it looks like Josh and Todd are ready to celebrate!

FIRST PUBLIC SCREENING!!!

2011-01-05T10:20:00.003-05:00

Are you ready to have your socks rocked off?

JOSH AND TODD

ARE GOING TO DO THAT TO YOU!

Saturday 2/19/2011!

At Paris In Plantsville Gallery and Studio!

8 PM. 5 Bucks.

What more do you want?

Oh.. you do want more?

Todd will be there! Johnnie Sojive will be there!

Jim Williams will be there!!!

For more info check out the event page on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=153479614703062

You can be the first to see it, then brag to everyone you know!

"Are you guys done yet?"

2011-01-03T11:43:00.003-05:00

We hear that ALOT.

Jon here....

That’s it.

A wrap.

All that's left is tweaking in the editing room...

Jim’s been doing most of the explaining of what we’re up to, and a while ago he even shared a story about our first attempt to make this movie a few years ago.

The whole thing fell apart as we were shooting it. The only two things about that first attempt that was ready was our drive to do it and the puppets.

I’m glad it fell apart. It gave us a chance to wait, and do it right.

And this one is right.

We got lucky, we got an awesome cast, the puppets look better than ever, we had helpful locations, and everyone we know seems to have given up at least a couple hours of their life to help make “Josh and Todd”

So why am I going over all this?

Well… I'm happy with the movie…

Very happy.

So as we finished shooting the re-shoots this past summer I started thinking about the starts of this film. I started remembering building the original Todd and Johnnie puppets. I started thinking about the show that came out of (not) making the movie, called “It’s Late Enough with Plink” and I started laughing about me breaking my toe while building sets in my old apartment with Russ there. And remembering breaking Jim in with puppets, and on and on and on…

But I’m gonna save those stories for the DVD so you’ll have to buy it.

I just want to say thanks to all the cast and crew and everyone else who made “Josh and Todd” possible, you all mean the world to me. And I can’t wait to work with all of you again, even Gabe.

Love,

Jon. I'm just a guy, I try to smell good.

ps... screening in Feb 2011, date to be announced soon!!!

Call For Music!

2010-09-22T11:37:00.004-04:00

We're at that point!

Music time!

What's a movie without good music? It's boring, that's what!

Are you a musician or in a band?

Want to have your song appear in the film?

Drop Jon Bristol and email - jon(at)elmwoodproductions(dot)com - with details about your band and music, and he'll get back you you with more details!

Thanks!

Check out the teaser trailer on YouTube by clicking here

Update - Re-shoots

2010-09-19T22:26:00.005-04:00

When making and then editing a movie, sometimes (most of the time) you realize some scenes just don't work... So you go back and re-do them, or come up with better ones... That was this summer for us! Here's a couple pics from our recent re-shoots! Enjoy!

- Jon

Who made Jen cry?

Oh... Jim's directing style did!

And of course, we're all working, except Todd... Playstation all day for him!

Hey, A Movie!

2010-01-07T23:38:00.003-05:00

I've seen it.
It exists.
Be afraid!!! Hahahaha!!!

Tonite I watched the rough cut of "Josh and Todd: The Story of A Man and His Puppet"

And I laughed, alot.
Not that I didn't think I wouldn't... But I did already know all the jokes and I was there everyday of shooting. And I still did laugh out loud. The cast makes it... Everyone did great work... There's still a ways to go on it, dubbing lines, adding sound efx and music, etc... and a couple bits to shoot/re-shoot just to fill it in more...
But it is a real movie...
I can not wait for all of you to see it.

Sweet dreams-
JB

Jon beat me to it!

2009-10-16T08:53:00.003-04:00

Hey All!

Just figured I would give an update, but it looks like Jon beat me to it. Russ and I sat down to watch a VERY rough cut of J&T Monday night. The film is hysterical. There are still some items that need to be worked, as well as a couple of scenes that need to be reshot, but all in all the film has a real identity of it's own and will be a real good time for those who watch it.

Talk to you soon!

Jim

What's new?

2009-10-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

Jon here...

Well a year ago we started shooting this flick. And on Tuesday morning Jim notified me that he and Russ just completed the first very rough cut of the film. And he says it's great. Sure, his opinion is biased, but I still believe him. And this makes me happy.
No, no one will be seeing this movie for a few more months, it's just a rough cut, we still have audio to dub, effects to add, a scene or two to re-shoot and music to add. But this is exciting to me. Another huge step taken. I haven't been in on the editing. It's not my thing. Russ is great at it and I don't play well with others when editing, so I take care of some of the shorts and Russ does all the big stuff. I'd be a fool and I thought I was better, hahaha.
So it's been a year since we started shooting. What a year! We started making a couple shorts and finishing scenes for Josh and Todd and then made a few more shorts, and Eric even got married!
A year ago I was amazed we got this started, amazed we got this awesome cast, amazed at how good everything looked when I watch the dailies. I'm simply amazed.
So to the cast and crew who worked their asses off and will have to come back and work a little bit more;
Thank you, love you.

JB (and Todd too!)

Congrats to Eric and Heather!

2009-08-22T00:05:00.003-04:00

Getting married...

Today?!

Yup, Eric, our "Josh" is getting married. The wonderful woman who has decided to slum it with him is Heather... And we think she deserves better, but who are we to say, we play with puppets!

Here's to a happy, healthy, fruity future!

Eric and Heather 8/22/2009

Things are moving along...

2009-08-13T10:54:00.002-04:00

Editing is moving along, an hour is about finished now. We are starting to run into the need for a few reshoots, but considering how much we shot and how little we knew whilst doing it, I am impressed that we need so little reshot. Shooting movies with puppets is tough; every frame shot with a puppet is a special effects shot. I am looking forward to getting this thing cut and cropped. Once thats done, Russ and I can sit back and begin fine tuning the film, working on timing, and determining what will need to be done in post.

The great thing about this project is that the film, which I spent months shooting, never gets old. It's still fresh, it's still funny, and it still works.

Jim

New Trailer for Josh &Todd!

2009-07-14T09:13:00.005-04:00

Even though Editing is still in progress we've put together a quick trailer of what we have so far to keep ya droolin'!

Enjoy!

30 minute milestone!

2009-06-24T08:30:00.003-04:00

Two posts in a week...word!

As of Monday night, Russ and I reached the 30 minute mark of editing. One half hour of Josh & Todd is cut and cropped...

Needless to say, we are excited!

More to come.

Jim

UPDATE!!!

2009-06-22T15:08:00.003-04:00

Jim Here-
Ok, it's been awhile, but I figured I would let you all know what's currently up.

Recently, Russ moved from his apartment in Rockville, CT to an apartment in Bethel, CT. Now, for those of you not in the know, Rockville is in Northeastern CT, only a stone's throw away from MA. Bethel is in Southwestern CT, only the same stone's throw away from NY. Needless to say, it was an epic move, to be sure.

This move left us with a number of weeks where we were simply not able to edit. So, when the time came last monday night to get back in the saddle, we both had to wonder whether or not we would be able to work with the same enthusiasm and productivity as before...

In a simple reponse: No, we didn't work with that same enthusiasm and productivity. In fact, I would say that we exceeded our previous work ethic tenfold. I mean, really, we're kicking ass right now. We are beginning to really hit a stride with this thing, and I can't help but me extremely excited. I know Russ feels the same.

We are hoping to acheive the first real editing milestone soon: the rough cut. People are understandably excited by this prospect, but there is no way that they are as excited as me or Russ. It's a kind of magic, being able to piece all of these random moments and performances into a cohesive story, and have it not only make sense, but be entertaining as hell.

You see things that you didn't see whilst filming. You react differently to performances in editing than you did when you filmed it...

Very cool...more to come.

Meet The Cast - Johnnie Sojive

2009-04-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

Johnnie Sojive makes a Special Guest Appearance as Himself

in Josh and Todd: The Story of a Man and His Puppet

Johnnie is a man of many talents, he has a talent for womanizing, a talent for drinking, a talent for poetry, and a talent for saying things that will make you look around the room and say "Huh?"

Johnnie with his # 1 lady, Shampayne

He's known as the two fisting madman and is also famous for announcing that he's "drinkin' and stinkin!" whenever he is drinking and stinking. And we're not even sure what stinking is.

When co-director Jim Williams found out that Jon wrote a special part in the film for his long time friend, Jim said: "Jon, are you serious? He's a loose cannon. Remember last time we worked with him? No, you don't. Know one does because you disappeared with him for five months on a bender. This makes me nervous man. Very nervous."

Then Jon found out Johnnie had gone missing...

It took a while for us to track him down to get him in the movie, apparently he felt his days hosting "Poetry Corner" were over, and he was in Guam fighting in the War On Sobriety to stop the prohibition (for the record there is no prohibition in Guam) but Jon got him back, gave him some hooch and some "ladies"and he's ready to rock your socks off.

Johnnie with Josh in between shots (not of film, but rum)

For more Johnnie madness click here!

More Second Unit Photography

2009-04-10T02:58:00.000-04:00

As promised here are some more shots from recent shooting...

Eric as Josh

Liz as Dawn

Associate Producer Jaime Williams

Ronnie and some mook

Mark as the Brain
(and yes he IS actually reading Twilight and offering his review at the same time!)

Two tapes down, 8 minutes finished...

2009-04-06T10:06:00.000-04:00

Editing is moving along at a pace that only those who have edited movies can truly understand. Couple that with the fact that Russ and I have full time jobs, live 40 minutes away from each other, and have a bunch of life that gets in the way, and it brings the editing process to a grinding halt except for once a week.

We will be spending some weekends editing very soon. I think that even with the time complications and such, we should be able to get the rough cut of this thing edited by the end of June. I still think that is reasonable.

We have already determined that we will need at least a day, if not more, of overdubbing for some scenes. We are awaiting some soundtrack stuff, and will also need to Foley some effects. Most of this requires that at least the bulk of the editing be done...

It is indeed quite a process, and I seriously think that next time I direct a big film like this, that I am going to edit as I shoot. Will it make the initial process that much more arduous? Probably, but it will cut down on a lot of the post-production woes.

All stress and griping aside, I love it. I wish someone would give me a job doing it...
Jim

It has begun!

2009-03-24T08:16:00.000-04:00

Jim Here,

Russ and I started Editing last night. I am proud to say that 5 minutes of Josh and Todd is cut and cropped! I know this doesnt sound like much, but to anyone whose made a film, they would know that this is indeed a time consuming process. It was indeed satisfying to do and nice to see some product up on the screen in more than just clips.

I will post more later.

JW

Friday - The Nitemare Shoot

2009-03-16T08:22:00.000-04:00

So Friday night we shot the opening scene of Josh & Todd. In it Josh is having a nightmare. The completion of this shoot marked two big milestones in Josh & Todd:

1. It was the true conclusion of Principle Photography.

2. We reshot the scene that got me into Elmwood Productions all of those years ago.

Allow me a moment to explain...

However many years ago it was, 6 or 7 at this point, Jon, Russ, and I were employees at Borders Books & Music is Farmington, CT. We were all friends, but I hadn't really started hanging out with them outside of work too much yet. After a bunch of talk, Jon invited me over the his house to help in some filming for a goofy script that he had written, Josh & Todd: the Story of a Man & his Puppet. I liked the script and liked Jon and Russ, so I headed over after work.

Getting lost in Plainville (insert irony here: I live there now). I showed up at Jon's place around 10:30 pm on what I remember was a very hot summer evening. Jon and Russ were trying to get our Josh at the time, a gangly, funny kid we worked with named Josh Leder, to run down the alley on the side of Jon's house in a frightened fashion. Much to Jon's chagrin and Russ's continued frustration, it just wasn't coming together.

They wrapped for the evening, we all hung out a bit longer, and called it a night. A Couple of weeks later, they showed me a trailer for the film featuring the footage that they had shot throughout the day, including some from evening debacle that I witnessed.

I really enjoyed the trailer. The part that had struck and chord, and continues to today, was the opening scene of the trailer. Todd is walking down the streets of Plainville after being kicked out, and stops at a newspaper machine. His sticks his finger into the change return, hoping to find some, but to no avail. With a small shrug, he continues on his way. Something about that scene entertained me to no end and has stuck with me for all these years later.

That humid summer evening was my first night with Elmwood, although I didn't even know it yet...

- Jim

Hey, Jim is actually posting!!!

2009-03-05T02:54:00.000-05:00

Hey there all!

So, photography on J&T is finally nearing the end. We hope to have the last two scenes filmed this month. Russ has already loaded up the first set of shots and is patiently awaiting me to set up some time with him. It is still really my goal to see this sumbitch cut, cropped, and cleaned up by the end of June.

I kinda miss working on this film. It was such a huge undertaking and, while horribly stressful and at times completely disorganized, it was a ton of fun and extremely satisfying. Russ & Jon remind me that we have a lot of work left ahead of us on this, and that I will probably be sick of it by the time we're done (at least that's the conversation we had last time we really talked about it...) They're probably right, but for right now, it's still fresh in my mind as a delightfully stressful time in our lives.

So, that's it for now. I hope t be able to post something more substantial soon.

Till then,

Don't Dream it, Be it!

Jim

Second Unit Photography

2009-02-17T08:43:00.001-05:00

OK, technically these aren't "Second Unit" shots. Principal photography on the movie wrapped at the end of 2008 and we just had a few location shots to finish. These were taken during the "office scene" the first weekend in February. Enjoy some "Behind the Scenes" with Josh and Todd.

Jim Williams - directing the shots

Kelly Osborne as Hannah Goldschmidt

Jon Bristol, waiting for his puppet's entrance

Part 2 coming soon...

Teaser Trailer

2009-01-01T03:01:00.000-05:00

Josh And Todd

The Story of A Man and His Puppet

Happy New Year from Josh and Todd!

2008-12-31T09:03:00.000-05:00

Josh and Todd want to wish you a Happy New Year!

Don't drink and drive, have a blast, and if you're at a strip club, don't do what they did!

Bringing the dancers home isn't always a good idea!
(Always be wary of strippers with eye patches!)

And come back tomorrow for the first look at footage from the film!!!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-23T03:15:00.000-05:00

Jon here...
We've just about finished up shooting the movie, and it's looking good so far!
A couple weeks ago most of the cast was together for a scene, and we spent a good chunk of the nite after just hanging out...
So like a good producer I made sure to get some pictures to share with you!
Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Meet The Cast - And the Rest!

2008-12-16T03:15:00.002-05:00

Jon Here...
This time around we won't be posting pictures and bios of the rest of the cast. Just the names and a heartfelt "thank you" for being involved. One thing I did do was steal pictures of people from myspace and things like that... Yes I was looking for funny pics...

So here we go... Alphabetized... The rest of the cast!

Anna Gawel

Anna's is doing make-up for some of the cast, no she doesn't normally wear a tiara! But she should.

Sam Hugh

Chris Lemanski

Mindy Levack

Peter Lucco

Dan Nyren

Kelly Osborne

Erika Pocock

Meghan Sandelli

Kendra Smith

Jaime Williams

Ed from Books and Music in Plainville CT

And thanks to Ron and the staff of Central Cafe, Plainville CT

And make sure to

Come back on January 1, 2009 for a first look at the film!

Meet The Cast - Todd the Monster

2008-12-12T03:01:00.001-05:00

Todd the Monster as Todd

Todd is appearing as a character with a very similar name in the film Josh and Todd: The Story of A Man And His Puppet.

After getting his chops co-starring in a failed public access series Todd went on to wait tables and sling coffee for a few years in New York. He moved back to Connecticut and re-connected with his former producer, Jon Bristol, and Jon quickly cast him in this film.

Jon said; "It's the perfect part for him, and I'm sure Todd will be a star after this film hits the streets. He has it all, looks, charm, he can sing and dance, and he's scotch guarded."

Co-Star Eric Stegmaier and Todd have become very close friends since the production began, and Eric had this observation about Todd; "Todd has a tendency to instigate matters that most people try to sweep under the carpet. He is a habitual line crosser, and he does so by badgering and annoying everyone involved. However, once the dust settles the conclusion is always the same… the little bastard is right. And he's a damn fine actor"

In his down time Todd hangs out with his girlfriend, Sherberta, and he hopes to eventually direct the film he's writing, based on the book he wrote about his adventures; "Foam Fantasies Come True: A Life in Puppet Exploitation Films".

Todd and Jon, taking a break from shooting

Meet The Cast - J.R. Calvo and Josh Tanner

2008-12-09T03:01:00.001-05:00

J.R. Calvo as A Man Named Sue

J.R. (AKA Joe) originally came to Elmwood Productions to be the Vampire Hunter in the Steve The Vampire series and he's stuck around since and continued to act with us and write. He appears in Josh and Todd: The Story of A Man and His Puppet as Sue, a neighbor of Josh and the love of Bob's life.

The Hazards of Film Making...

2008-12-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

Jon here...

We're nearly done, and it's coming out great...

But sometimes you film where you shouldn't.

And this happens...

Meet the Cast - Elizabeth Bohmier

2008-12-05T03:01:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth Bohmier as Dawn

This is Liz’s first project with Elmwood Productions and she is ravenously excited to be involved.

She has loved acting since she was born and has given her family and friends the privilege of enduring countless of her theatrical endeavors.

Liz has her B.A. from Central Connecticut State University, where she double majored in Theater & Psychology. Liz had the pleasure of pretending to be many different people while at CCSU including: Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible, Dr. Jean Loggins in The Mound Builders, Woman in Queenly Spanish Garb in Chamber Music and Mrs. Charlotte Wallace in Beyond Therapy. She also performed in Hair, Godspell, Now!, Cous Cous and Comedy of Errors, for which she got to engage in swordplay with a golf club.

In addition to acting, she dabbles in directing and playwriting. She directed ‘dentity Crisis and was the Assistant Director of Domestica Violencia. She has been involved in several projects which used theater to encourage dialogue about social issues, including the Rule of Thumb Domestic Violence Project, which she produced, directed and facilitated.

She was a finalist for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Award at The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Liz took a 6 year hiatus from acting during which she received a Masters in Social Work from UCONN, became a yoga teacher, took a husband, brought two magnificent children into the world, bought a house, tended her vegetable garden and helped save the world from almost certain destruction by voting for our next president. Now she has returned to her true love: being the center of attention.

See, when ya talk to puppets, you can’t help but attract a few stares…

Liz currently consults for the CT Association for Community Action and teaches yoga at A Healing Trail Massage Therapy Center in Harwinton, CT. She spends all available time playing with her kids Raven & James, writing stories about the end of the world and pondering all of life’s greatest questions, such as “How did life begin?”, “Is there life after death?” and “How exactly does one remove Play-Do from corduroy?”

Meet the Cast - Amanda Regan

2008-12-02T03:01:00.001-05:00

Amanda Regan as "Todd's Dream Girl"

Amanda is making her film debut in “Josh And Todd: The Story of A Man And His Puppet”

Amanda attended E.C. Stevens Elementary School (Class of 1995) and graduated with Honors and a deep knowledge of the flavor of paste.
In the film she plays the woman of Todd the Monster’s dreams…

Amanda likes long walks on the beach, sunsets, and deep sea fishing and the soothing sounds of Frank Sinatra. She also spends her free nights knitting and can be often found doing needle point. She says of her role in this film; “Sometime I cry myself to sleep, worrying that my parents may see this someday.” And also says; “But, everyone needs to see this film, its life affirming, and if people see it, I won’t choose to end mine.” So let’s all do the world a favor and see this film, so Amanda has purpose to go on.

Amanda is also a big fan of musicals and hopes to star in one someday.

Gabe Finkinstein sizes up his co-star...

Meet the Cast - Gabe Finkinstein

2008-11-27T03:01:00.001-05:00

Gabe Finkinstein as Hunter

Gabe first came to Elmwood Productions as an art assistant and extra for Steve The Vampire and quickly moved up the ranks as a puppeteer. This is his first major acting role.

He graduated from Bristol Central High School in 2001, and went on to Paier Collage of Art in 2006.

Gabe has spent many years as one of the only professionals in carousel restoration with his father.

In early 2008 Gabe also taught classes in cartooning at the Place in New Haven. He is currently working on his first printed work a children's book scheduled for release at the start of 2009.

In his off hours, Gabe enjoys life as a mild mannered art "kid" from Plainville and hitting things with rubber weapons.

For more on Gabe the artist please visit his website!

Meet the Cast - Mark Elsinger

2008-11-25T03:01:00.001-05:00

Mark Elsinger as The Brain

Mark started off with Elmwood Productions as a puppeteer in Mr. Travel, and after a great audition Mark makes his film debut in Josh and Todd: The Story of A Man and His Puppet.

Mark is trying to deny that once dressed up in a lobster costume and terrorized a grocery store.

He said recently; "You have no proof. I was in Mexico with a lady that night. Just that night."

Set Photos

2008-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Jon here-
I wanted to show some proof that we really are making a movie! Hahaha... So here it is, some pictures from the sets. I'm only putting up pictures that don't really give any of the story away...
Stay tuned for more!

Eric Stegmaier and ToddJim: "We make movies using this thing?"Jennifer Tanner needs a coffee

Russ Bird has read over 20 Babysitter Club Books Mark Elsinger and Todd grab a beer and check out chicks at the bar

Russ and a lady Jennifer getting ready to scream, I mean act...
Yup, Jim broke the fan, but Josh Tanner fixed it!
Jim and Russ Books And Music in Plainville. I love me some Tom Jones!Amanda Regan and Todd

Ignore the man behind the curtain!

Meet the Cast - Jennifer Tanner

2008-11-21T03:01:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Tanner as Stacy

Jenn started in music before acting and was involved in performances such as Grease and Les Miserable. She played the part of Lucy in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" and Gilmer, in "Godspell." Jenn was in selected choir throughout middle and high school and later in college; Gospel Choir, Co-ed Accapella group, and chamber choir. She has acted in a one act play from "All in the Timing." Jenn has performed in a improv comedy show and has recently acted with a comedian troupe.

Jenn has also worked behind the scenes in production and sound for Peter Pan, Hedda Gabbler, and Amadeus.

Jenn says about her work; "I've always enjoyed the process as much as the end result. My greatest 'performance/accomplishment' has been the birth of my daughter Gwenevere, who always finds me funny and loves to hear me sing. "

Meet the Cast - Eric Stegmaier

2008-11-18T03:08:00.000-05:00

Eric Stegmaier as Josh

Eric is making his film debut in "Josh and Todd: The Story of A Man And His Puppet"

Co-Director Jon Bristol suggested Eric to play Josh after having been friends with him for several years and sharing a very unique sense of humor with him. Jon says; "Eric is the perfect fit for the lead roll of Josh, he embodies all the twitchiness and pent up fun just begging to explode out. And when it happens he steals the show."

Eric is a professional artist and graduated in 2002 from the Hartford Art School with a BFA in illustration- cum laude, then went on to graduate from Sacred Heart University with a MA Religious Studies with concentration in Biblical Archaeology/Death & Burial Practices in 2007, recieving the Medal of Academic Achievment.
Eric is a classy guy, he has been the Chief Illustrator for the Qumran Archaeological Excavation in 2002, Chief Illustrator- Qumran Archaeological Excavation: West Bank, Israel 2002, and the Archaeological Specialist: Roman Fort at Yotvata- Yotvata, Israel 2004 to present.
He has had many of his archaeological illustrations published, have you?
No. We didn't think so.
Eric has a day job too: He's the Senior Paintings Conservation Assistant at the Yale Center for British Art- Yale University.

And now the best part, Eric recently proposed to his lovely longtime girlfriend, Heather.
Congrats!

Eric and Joe Calvo ham it up inbetween takes

Meet the Cast And Crew - Russ Bird

2008-11-14T03:01:00.001-05:00

Russ Bird is the Cinematographer, Editor, and associate producer of Josh And Todd: The Story of A Man and His Puppet.

Russ is a long time Elmwood Productions crew members and one of the lead puppeteers. He began after admitting a life long love for puppets to Jon, and Jon hasn't let him leave since.

He has shot every film Elmwood has produced and a few wedding videos just for bragging rights. Russ began as the man with the camera and lead puppeteer, but has made quite a mark as a writer and actor (as seen in "Betty And Me"). Russ is also an acomplished musician/singer.

"Betty and Me" Director Ricardo Davila called Russ "A genius with a camera"

Other than shooting and editing "Josh and Todd", Russ also has a role in the film as Jimmy, the Record Store Manager

For More on Russ see

Russ' Bio on Elmwood Productions

Meet the Cast and Crew - Jim Williams

2008-11-10T15:15:00.002-05:00

Jim Williams is the President of Elmwood Productions.

Jim is the co-writer and co-directer of "Josh and Todd: The Story of A Man And His Puppet"

He joined Elmwood productions in 2003 as a puppeteer and quickly moved his way into writing and directing. Jim graduated with a Bachelor's Of Fine Arts in Acting from Central Connecticut State University in 2008 . He's worn many hats in his career, puppeteer, actor, singer, table dancer, and director.

For more on Jim, and his work with Elmwood Productions please check out his link-
Jim's Bio On Elmwood Productions

Jim, and Peter Lucco, while on location

Meet the Cast and Crew - Jon Bristol

2008-11-05T10:15:00.001-05:00

Jon Bristol is the founder, CEO, and creative director for Elmwood Productions.

Jon is the co-writer and co-directer of "Josh and Todd: The Story of A Man And His Puppet" and the lead puppeteer and puppet maker for Elmwood Puppets

He began the company with the plans of making one puppet film and then moving on to other things. But once puppetry gets in the blood it never comes out. He has been a life long puppet fan and jumped in head first.

There's a lot about Jon on the internet with the other Elmwood sites, so instead of putting up a full bio of him we're going to hand out some links.

Jon's Bio On Elmwood Productions

First Day of Filming is complete!!!

2008-10-13T09:03:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, we shot our first group of scenes for J&T. These were shot on location at Central Cafe in Plainville, CT. The staff there was awesome, with the lovely Michelle taking care of us, as always. We shot a scene with Josh (Eric Stegmaier) and Brain (Mark Elsinger) having lunch and discussing the origin of Josh's inner puppet, Todd (Performed by Jon Bristol). We also shot a scene with Brain and Todd having a drink discussing Todd's impact on the relationship between Josh and his girlfriend Stacy (Jenn Tanner). We got a lot of great footage, and I hope we are able to review the dailies on it very soon.

We will have still photos from the shoot posted very soon!

Till next time!

Jim

The Cast of Josh & Todd and the first week of rehearsals.

2008-10-06T08:20:00.000-04:00

Hey all!

So Last week we wrapped up the first set of rehearsals for Josh & Todd! In order have rehearsals, you would think that we have finalized a cast. You would be correct. We took some pictures of the cast to post on the site, or rather I took said pictures. Needless to say, they came out horribly, and I will therefore not post them, as they will not do the actors justice. I will have some new pics soon, and will post them AS SOON as I take them...promise!

I will however take a minute to actually give you our cast list:

Eric Stegmaier as Josh
Jon Bristol as Todd

Jennifer Tanner as Stacy
Elizabeth Bohmier as Dawn

Mark Elsinger as The Brain
Gabe Finkenstein as Hunter
Josh Tanner as Bob
Joe Calvo as Sue
Russ Bird as Jimmy the Record Store Guy
Amanda Regan as The Blind Date
and
a special appearance by Johnnie Sojive

There are several other cameos and such, including one from yours truely (of course, my ego knows no bounds!), but this is your prinicple cast. I have to say that we put together an excellent cast. I think you will agree when you see the final product.

We are continuing to rehearse and are planning on beginning principle filming on Saturday!

That's it for now. But I assure you, there will be more to come.

Until then,

Jim

Josh and Todd Update 9/23/08

2008-09-23T08:38:00.000-04:00

Hello all!

I thought I might give you quick update on the progress of Josh & Todd, a story of a Man and his Puppet. Principle casting is finished, and I expect to be able to post a cast list in the next few days. We are very excited about the cast, and they seem genuinely excited about the project. That's a whole lotta excitement!

Principle shooting locales have been scouted and secured, with only a few specific locations still in the air. Hopefully, we'll be able to pin these down in the next few weeks.

With the exception of one character, all of the Puppets required for this film have been built and costumed. Jon really went above and beyond with some of these pieces and with the puppet of Todd in particular. At almost 5' with his legs attached, his is bigger than some of our friends!

We have secured the rights to music from a few local artists, including Simon Sinister and Greg Wood. Their music is extremely varied and gives us quite a bit to work with.

All in all, things are moving along nicely. I imagine you will be seeing this blog updated quite a bit now that we have preproduction pretty much in can. Principle photography begins within the next few weeks. We'll keep you posted.

Until then,

Jim Williams
Co-Director - Josh & Todd: A Story of a Man and his Puppet.

Labor Day - Support the MDA

2008-08-29T16:15:00.000-04:00

This Labor Day weekend join Jerry Lewis when you can over the Sunday nite and Monday time frame and support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
So we hear cures for many of the forms of Muscular Dystrophy are just around a few more corners, and every little bit helps.

At Elmwood Productions we've been giving you free short films to laugh at since January...
Now it's time to pay up, by making a donation to the MDA...

Thanks,
Jon and the crew