12 Films. 12 Weeks. There are worse ways to spend a summer.

You’ve heard the rumors.  You’ve seen the poll.  Now, at long last, we stand ready to reveal the details of the enigmatic Film #11 — or at least, those details that we’ve allowed ourselves to decide on.  The whole point here is to play things fast-and-loose and see what we come up with, but in order to do that, we’re going to need a dream team, and I’m proud to report that we’ve assembled one — starting with …

The Director

"Smoldering," I believe is the word.

Those of you who’ve seen “Captivated” or “Spirits” are already familiar with the man who calls himself Michael Redfield, whose real name I am not at liberty to reveal (it’s Michael Rhoton).  Michael composed the lush, poignant and whimsical score for “Captivated,” and provided “Spirits” with an eerie, jazz-inflected underpinning befitting its witching-hour mood.  Michael and I have known each other since my Freshman year of college; we bonded as members of Mr. Gad’s House of Improv, and later he starred in my ill-starred first feature, Miles.  Over the years, we’ve worked together far less than I would have liked, and I’m thrilled to announce that he’ll be flying in from Los Angeles to take the helm of Film 11.  As far as I know, Michael’s never directed a film before, but he’s a Hollywood baby from way back, an inveterate film buff, and an insanely creative human being.  I think he’ll be fine.

A still from "Miles" (2003); Michael and me in our younger days.

The Cast

In truth, a large part of the original impetus for Film 11 was to give me and Mike Lavoie the opportunity to act together — something we’ve rarely never done.  We didn’t quite have the perfect script for the “Mike and Keith Acting Vehicle,” so we decided to make one up at the last possible moment, and damn the torpedoes.  Joining us will be two of our favorite actresses — Angela Perri, of “Queen Bee” and “Captivated,” and Brigitte Choura, Mike’s co-star from “The Proposal.”  (Brigitte’s out of the country at the moment, and will be heading to the shoot directly from Newark Airport, which officially makes her my hero.)

Angela relaxes.

Brigitte tolerates you.

We run the risk of upstaging ourselves by sharing the screen with these lovely and talented ladies, but if it means we get the chance to work with them again, that’s fine with me.

The Camera Guy

We’re pleased as punch to welcome back to the fold our old friend (and my cousin) Robb Stey — early 12in12 supporter, designer of this blog, and DP for our very first film of the summer, “Old Love” (not to mention award-winning cinematographer of “The Queen Bee of Mushroomtown”).

Robb and Mike during "Old Love" filming. Say what you like; I think it's beautiful.

Robb’s absence has been a gaping hole in this project since his departure back in June, and it’s a pleasure to be able to work with him again before the project breathes its last.  Part of the inspiration for this new film is a location scout Robb did way back in March for “Queen Bee,” so there’s a nice circularity to that as well.  Which brings us to …

The Location

Union Street Bridge, on the Gowanus Canal.  The time: sunset, and into the night.  A netherworld, a place between places, a pulsing artery of after-hours Brooklyn.  But don’t take my word for it; I have photographic proof.

The bridge.

The view from the bridge.

The underbelly.

Pretty cool, no?

The Title

Vote for it, curse you!

The Story

We honestly have no idea.

Posted by Keith