BLACK BRIDGE

Both an idea and a revelation came to me back in 1991 while I was listening to Metallica’s Black Album. It was during the playing of Friend of Misery that a seed was planted. The seed was a “scene” that came together in my head where characters were formed and scenarios were developed. Before I knew it I was jotting down the premise of a story about a group of impressionable teenaged kids growing up in the early 80’s during the hey-day of heavy metal music popularity, who took this new music form too serious and too far which would result in peril and danger. That was the idea. The outline took on a life of it’s own and before I knew it I had the basis of a movie story that no one had ever attempted before. And that was the revelation. Why hadn’t anyone ever done a movie about headbangers before? I wanted to be the first to do it, so one day, I thought to myself, I’m gonna do it.

The idea sat in the back of my mind for a long time until one night, ten years later while I was looking for a new project to undertake while I was wrapping photography on my third short film, I heard that Metallica album again and I found my next goal. I would attempt the impossible and take this idea and make a feature length film. Somehow, someway. Without any money, without ANYTHING really. I had to do this before anyone else beat me to it. The task was daunting. Intimidating to say the least. I had never done a feature before, especially one of this magnitude and perplexity.

So I spent a year or so writing until I had a phone-book thick script. I pared it down, trimmed, tightened it and made it as simple, yet as forthright as possible. The final draft was a 135 page script. I chose a working title, “Bangers.” Then I started collecting 80’s era items like mad: phones, school bags, posters, buttons, beer bottles, video games, magazines, clothing etc etc etc..

I found my cast, my slim crew and started principal photography on July 15, 2002 at Grant Park High School. From that day forward we rolled along like a mighty machine. Everything was working, everything was on schedule. By the time we were ready to tackle the most challenging aspect of the film, the “outdoor bush party” scenes which were slated to commence in late September, we had 13 days of shooting behind us, some awesome performances, some wicked shots and we were having tons of fun doing it. The end was near. Then our luck turned for the worse on a fateful Friday in late September...

Our cameraman, Brett Howe had been jumped by two punks at an ATM bank machine that Friday night on his way out to meet us in Lorette, Manitoba where we were shooting the bush party scene. He was slightly injured but OK, which was a relief, but the thieves made off with his bag. That bag contained almost all of our master footage. The news was devastating. All that time and effort we poured into the film throughout that whole summer was gone. I was near tears and numb for several hours after hearing the news. The days following were almost surreal...dream-like. How do I tell everyone? How do I do it ALL OVER AGAIN? There was only one answer...same way we did it the first time. That meant re-acquiring our locations and talking actors into doing their scenes again (some of them literally collapsed at the news, others stated they wouldn’t do it again—they were all volunteer actors after all—but cooler heads prevailed and everyone rallied in the end). After that, things were never the same again. No more tons of fun. We knew what lay ahead, but at the time were in the midst of doing the bush party scene...a scene that God did not want to be made. The weather for every night we spent in Lorrette was down-right rotten...Mother nature threw everything at us...rain, hail, cold and wind. Equipment was malfunctioning, people were wet, moody and irate (I couldn’t blame them) and my extras were leaving every fifteen minutes. If we were lucky, we could dodge in and out of rainfalls, grab a minute or so of film, duck back into the cars and wait it out. Some nights the weather wouldn’t let us wait it out and we’d be left with no choice but to pack it in and try the next night. Some nights were entire write-offs and we had to drive home without ANY footage at all. Things during that time became real ugly. So ugly, I thought of packing it all in. But I would think of all that was invested into the project up to that time...all the sacrifices, all the blood, sweat, tears, and time (not to mention everyone’s lost wages to book off work and such) that was expensed by everyone involved. We’d gone too far to turn back. I HAD to keep moving ahead no matter how crappy it might turn out. So plow ahead we did.

After we somehow miraculously pulled off the bush party scene (to some degree), the re-shoot was scheduled and executed over the fall and winter of 2002-2003. The only hurdle encountered during this re-shoot stage, really, was that by this time a lot of the props and wardrobe were lost, damaged or stolen which meant a lot of trick photography was required for continuity sake. But somehow, again, we did it (to some degree), and in the end, with the re-shoot combined with all the nights that we lost due to weather, 31 days of my life were spent shooting and re-shooting this film.

During the course of the next 12 months following picture wrap, which was in May of 2003, (and while balancing a full-time job along with being a husband and father of three) I sifted through over 30 hours of footage and edited together a 2 1/2 hour, full-color rough cut of Bangers with the help of David Zellis. After holding some test screenings, we spent the following 8 months after that in the editing studio re-tooling, trimming, and picture correcting. We converted it to Black & White for better effect and changed the movie’s title (the title Bangers mislead many of the viewers at the test screening into thinking they were going to see either an X-rated film or a Dazed & Confused-type of “party-hard” comedy, which of course it isn’t) to Black Bridge and brought the running time down to a comfortable 100 minutes. After locking the picture and another year dedicated to the sound edit, finally, 4 years later, (and three other “headbanger” films later!) it’s all done.

To all those actors and crew people who demonstrated unbelievable resiliency that stuck it out to the end, I say sincerely, thank you.

Kevin Doherty

Clive, Eddie, Sammy, Tracey, Gomer and Adrian , a close-knit group of “headbanging” friends all have an equal passion for Heavy Metal music, partying and experimenting with the occult and supernatural.

When the mutilated body of murdered 12 year-old Mikey Gay (brother of the Hellrats’ feared, trouble-making gang-leader Vinny) surfaces in Sammy’s “Satanic Enshrined” bedroom, all six become prime suspects in the murder.

Did one of the six teenagers take their interests in Black Magic a little too far? Or was Mikey murdered at the hands of someone else?

This coming of age tale represents a different side of the 80’s that has never been chronicled until now...

“...an authentically depicted coming-of-age story...an original, engaging tragedy rooted in the media fascination with heavy metal as a doorway to drugs, suicide, Satanism and murder...A worthy effort deserving of a goat-horn salute or two.” - Paul Corupe Canuxploitation

“It’s about playing it loud, drinking in the bush, making throwing stars in shops class and throwing up the horns when the spirit moves you.” -Mike Warkentin Uptown Magazine

“A decidedly authentic-looking feature that incorporates facets of The River’s Edge, The Warriors and even American Graffitti

—is worth a look.” - David Schmeichel Winnipeg Sun

TITLE………………………………….BLACK BRIDGE

YEAR COMPLETED……………...2006

HOURS OF PRODUCTION…….31 days/175 hours

RUNNING TIME…………………..approx. 100 minutes

FILM CATEGORY………………...Drama/Comedy

INTENDED AUDIENCE………..Late Teen-Adult

AVAILABLE FORMAT…………..DVD/VHS

SCRIPT / SCREENPLAY………..Kevin Doherty

EQUIPMENT……………………….Winnipeg Film Group

CAMERA……………………………..Cannon XL1S

EDITING SYSTEM………………..Final Cut Pro 4

HOURS OF EDITING…………….56 days/250 hours

AUDIO RECORDING…………….In-Camera

TOTAL COST……………………….approx. $6,300.00

FUNDING……………………………Winnipeg Film Group

(Post Production Fund)

RATING……………………………….STRONG, VULGAR LANGUAGE

DISTURBING THEMES

Parental guidance suggested

LOCATIONS…………………………Video Stop

Jeanson’s Grocery

Magicland Amusements

Notre Dame de Lorrette Church

Grant Park High School

CJKS Studios

Mulvey School

Misericordia Hospital

Michel & Collette Roziere’s back yard

RESIDENCES: Chris Goring, Brent & Carrie Franck

Mike Silver, Scott & Adine Cameron,

Dave Timlick, Chuck & Carol Murphy

Tim & Danielle Doherty, Jenny Pudavick

FILMED IN WINNIPEG & LORETTE MANITOBA

Adrian and Kathy share a quiet moment

Blackie, Adrian & Pug are lectured

Eddie Elliott

A tense moment for Adrian

Clive DuBrow

Father Meniketti and Adrian during confession

Vinny objects to a dude’s remarks

The Hellrats take the streets

Sammy engages Adrian in a beer

chugging contest

Written, Produced and Directed by

Kevin Doherty

Camera

Brett Howe & Kevin Doherty

Edited by

David Zellis & Kevin Doherty

Makeup

Gina “The Trooper” Vuckovic

Sound Editor

Edgar Ozolins

Grip and Lighting

Matt Plouffe & Spencer Maybee

Props and artist

Bill Hrenchuk

Titles and special effects

Jaimz Asmundson

Also Starring

Music courtesy of and by kind permission:

“Gates of Oppression,” “The Last Force” performed by Goat Horn

(Jason Junop & Brandon Kennedy)

“We Live to Rock” performed by THOR

Written by Jon Mikl Thor, Steve Price

“Primetime Hero” performed by THOR

Written by Jon Mikl Thor, Mike Kischnick & Daye Ellingham

“Still the One” performed by Brighton Rock

(Greg Fraser, Gerald McGhee)

“Nothing to Lose” performed by Brighton Rock

(Stevie Skreebs, Greg Fraser)

“Supernova” performed by Trained Bears

(Ben Frith, Adam Riddle)

Published 2006

“Vices,” “On the Road to Rock,” “Rockin’ Daze” written & performed by Kick Axe

“Sands of Time,” “Tribulation” performed by Betrayer

(Mark Wolf)

“Vacation,” “Bad Girl” performed by GERONIMO!

Written by David Henzerling & Tom Kilzer

“I Don’t Care” performed by Crashstreet

Written by Blair Short & Pierre C Isabey

“Hard on Love,” “Bad Boys of Rock” performed by Lawsuit

Written by Shaky

“Heavy Metal Love” performed live in Buffalo by Helix

(Brian Vollmer, Walter Seip)

“Cut Loose (1987),” “Stop Me (1982),” “Ooh Baby (1981)”

and “Free as the Wind (1983)” performed by Anvil

“Terror in the Night,” “Betrayed,” & “UndeRAGE”

written and performed by Labyrinth

Katherine Ament as Vanessa

Mary Bala as voice of Vanessa

Nicole Gauthier as Rachael & Banger chick

Amy Couldwell as Eddie’s girlfriend

Michael Grajewski as Kid-by-the-throat guy

Gloria Brincheski as Gloria

Allen Heppner as Anton

Victoria Prince as Vinny’s Squeeze

Matt Plouffe as David

Joyce Murphy as Gomer’s mother

Brett Howe as Radio station techie

Bill Hrenchuk as Video store clerk & Derrick

Scott Cameron as video store customer

Michel & Collette Roziere as Church singers

Dave Ratte as 7-11 dude

Rydell Lasko as second 7-11 dude

Darren Felbel as Principal Neil

Jeff Skinner as voice of Principal Neil

Sarah Penton as news lady voice

Matthew Doherty as Mikey’s body-double

DELI STORE CUSTOMERS

Bob Jeanson

Chris Jeanson

Mitch Kowalyschan

Marcel Jeanson

HELLRATS
Brian Alder

Jeremy Kozielec

Jason Allan

Jesse Mitchell

Brad Lahaie

Daniel Demski

Wes Delveaux

Phil Sinnock

Ben Wieler

Devon Randall

Terry Mathes

Chris Chickley

Brett Howe

BUSH PARTY KIDS

Cora Romanow

Kelly McCrae

Andrew Shield

Yves Gagnon

Dan Chouinard

Tony Braga

Miles Boiselle

Carly Gallant

Cody Clay

Katherine Foster

Andrew Halliek

Julie Simpson

Natalia Ksiazkiewicz

David DeGrow

Andrea Dziadek

Cadence McIlwain

Jaimie Duggan

Mac MacAnderson

Kirk Ferland

7-11

92 CITI FM

Alf Kollinger

Bead Keepers

Beth-Anne McIvor

Blair Short & Music Trader

Bob Jeanson

Brendon Sawatzky

Brent & Carrie Franck

Brian Berry

Bruce & Sharon Doherty

CBC Radio Two

Chad Webster

CJOB & Charles Adler

Conestoga Tire & Rim

Dan Kern

Darryl Doherty

Dave Barber

Father Maurice Jeanneau

Gerry O’Neil

James Scott

Ginnette & Ghislaine Gauthier

Jeff & Jocelyn Sichello

Jennifer Machnee

Thank You:

Laura Hampshire & A-Channel

Laura MacDonald

Manitoba Film & Sound

Matt Etches

Melanie Brouzes

Michel & Collette Roziere

Nick Shoup

Nicole Gauthier

Onalee Ames

Raenel Leppky

Ray Plett

Richard & Diana Plett

Robert Lower

Ron Hill & Misericordia Hospital

Ronald Champagne

Roy Smith & Shaun Hassell at Malabar’s

Scott & Adine Cameron

Shawn Murphy

Sid Gluting

Tim & Danielle Doherty

Trevor Woligrocki

Winnipeg Film Group

Winnipeg School Division No. 1

Zevun Ahoff

There are some individuals I wish to extend a special thanks to:

David Zellis who recognized potential in this project (his belief in this film sometimes exceeded my own!) and who helped with the arduous task of editing and in any other capacity that required it.

Gina Vuckovic (whose hands were just as full as my own) for doing make-up and especially for taking care of the wigs and making them look as presentable as possible. Gina was there EVERY SINGLE DAY of shooting whether rain or shine. Her presence on-set was just as integral as the actors.

The patient and courteous owners of all the locations I shot at, but especially Michel and Collette Roziere who allowed us to transform their backyard into a rowdy bush party (for what seemed an eternity)! Their hospitality and cooperation will always be remembered for as long as I live!

To the actors who doubled as crew and the crew who doubled as actors. Your participation and assistance on both fronts helped more than you probably know.

And to my family, all of them! For helping Wendy with the kids, helping with the food and not being too mad at me.

NATASH RESKE-NAUROCKI (Lisa Love)

Auditioning for Black Bridge was Natasha’s very first one. She had absolutely no experience acting, but had desires on getting into film and thought getting involved in some capacity (“even if it’s just getting everybody coffee!”) with Black Bridge would help her goal. Ever since, she has directed and made some of her own short films.

ADAM SMOLUK (Adrian Downing)

Adam’s extensive acting training in Vancouver and England has aided in his landing several roles in both Film and Television. In addition to acting, he has also written and directed a feature and is currently developing his second.

JENNY PUDAVICK (Tracey Roth)

Jenny keeps busy by traveling back and forth between Winnipeg and Vancouver, lending her acting talents to a wide variety of projects ranging from Feature films to Television and commercials. Jenny can been seen playing Butterfly Oasis in Kevin’s 2nd feature, Cadabrketish.

RAIMEY GALLANT (Kathy Osbourne)

Having handled leading acting roles in three previous indie films, Black Bridge is her first in a feature length film. Raimey has also appeared on stage and can be seen often in local television commercials.

CLAYTON CHAMPAGNE (Gomer)

Clayton is proud of his studies of the Sanford Meisner technique with acting guru Lori Triolo from New York. Clayton has landed several significant roles in various feature/short films since moving to Vancouver where he now lives.

JASON MALLOY (Clive DuBrow)

In addition to his lead role in Black Bridge, Jason also played lead in Adam Smoluk’s feature. His rock band, Spectral Echoes keeps him busy when not acting.

Jason wrote a novel a few years back that he plans to publish.

ORLANDO CARREIRA (Sammy Rhodes)

Orlando’s fling with Black Bridge was his first venture into such an ambitious project. He dove into the Sammy role with basically nothing more than school acting experience. He stays busy acting on stage and is active with his rock band.

MIKE SILVER (Eddie Elliott)

Stand-up comedy is Mike’s forte and love in life as he appears regularly on the stage plying his comedic talents around town. Had a significant role in Rebecca Gibson’s stage comedy, Great Canadian Lover and can be seen in the film Zeyda & the Hitman.

DAVID EVANS (Mr Simmons)

David Evans has dabbled in areas on both sides of the camera from directing his own short film, working motion picture equipment and acting. A lot of the film productions in and around town keeps him involved and working in some form or another.

SPENCER MAYBEE (Vinny Gay)

Spencer has trained in New York and Vancouver where he developed a strong understanding of film and acting. He has acted in numerous films and has worked on just as many as crew. He has written and directed one short film and is presently in preproduction on his second.

MIKE CUNNIGHAM (Bruce Pugnowski)

After his acting debut in Black Bridge, Mike has been busy honing his acting skills by training extensively in acting schools. Auditioning keeps him busy along with perfecting his stand-up comic routine he hopes to unleash any day.

ZENON HUDYMA (Blackie)

Zenon’s biggest and most challenging role came in the feature film, Walking Wounded where he had to do battle with winter elements and an uncomfortable, hairy ape suit portraying Bigfoot. The role of one-eyed-Blackie was his second acting performance.

KIERIN KOCOUREK (Mikey Gay)

KELLY WOLFMAN (Patricia Butler)

In addition to her acting endeavors (which includes work in Film, Television & Stage), Kelly has a very strong and healthy background in dance of all types including ballet, modern dance and musical theatre.

AISLYNN O’NEILL (Melissa Simmons)

ALAN MACKENZIE (Neil Ward)

Alan is a founding member of the Winnipeg-based improv theatre company ImproVision. He’s had roles in several other short films and directed his first, Soup of the Day, earlier this year. Alan is also embarking on a career in journalism and his short documentaries have been heard across Canada on CBC Radio One.

ADRIANA O’NEIL (Mrs. Downing)

Black Bridge is only one of four films where Adriana held a principal role. She has held acting roles in a dozen other feature length and short films. She can currently be seen in Marshall Lewy’s Blue State.

WILL WOYTOWICH (Mr. Downing)

Having appeared in such noteworthy CBS and CTV movies as Category 6: Day of Destruction, The JJ Harper Story, The Good Life and From the Files of Agent Candice DeLong., Will still maintains Black Bridge was his favorite to work on.

WILLIAM O’DONNELL (Babinski)

William currently runs a WebComic and is quite active in the local film/stage circuit. Has appeared in Capote, and several other low budget indie films and music videos.

PRISCILLA YAKIELASHEK (Chick)

Priscilla’s love of acting began on the stage in High school and carried over into University where she appeared in several plays. She has been trained in several facets of acting from mime, voice, movement to improv and storytelling.

WALT NILSSON (Father Meniketti)

In addition to managing a relic and curio shop, Walt continues to land roles in independent and big budget features. He can be seen in Kevin Doherty’s short, Something for Santa in which he plays the role of the creepy dad, Bill Bester.

1984: Year of the Banger...

“Black Bridge gives an honest and realistic portrayal of heavy metal fans during the 1980’s...presents provocative subject matter in an intelligent and never condescending way.”

- Michael Den Boer 10K bullets

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