Keith Turner
Phone: 530 368 0909
keith@soundsthemovie.com
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 “Take The X-Files and morph it with Monty Python, add a touch of Tim Burton, and toss in a hint of Close Encounters and you’ve got one wickedly wacky film.” — Keith Turner, Turner & Associates, Writing, Editing, Public Relations “Sounds is a first time independent film exhibiting top quality production value from opening to closing credits. Highly skilled photography and editing engages viewers in a fast-paced, riveting and satirical look at Ghostbusters meets The X-Files.” — Ron Montana, Screenwriter, Same Page Films "The cinematography is excellent, especially when I learned limited equipment was used. I was very impressed with the mood of expectation created for the viewers by Gary Tomsic, Director of Photography.” — Herb A. Lightman, Former Editor in Chief, American Cinematographer Magazine |
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After completing his script in early 2004, Ryan Humphries, worked with Producer and Casting Director, Marian Ridolfi, and Producer and script breakdown mastermind, Mike Wilson, to begin pre-production on his first feature film. Cinematographer, Gary Tomsic, was hired that summer. Funding was a critical missing element and the first of two Executive Producers, Bill Lasell, was added to the team. Bill was later joined by Robert Lenney the following year. Armed with a cast and crew of two dozen, Ryan began his journey with everything he thought he needed to accomplish his dream of making a feature film. Principal photography began mid-November 2004, and was completed in 30 days of freezing cold Northern California temperatures right before Christmas. After a short break for the holidays, the real work began. Ryan started editing the nearly 60 hours of footage in early January 2005. One would think that 60 hours of footage in the can would be more than enough. But something was missing, and it wasn't just Rachael gone missing in the forest. After showing his rough cut to a few Hollywood connections from his internship days, it became apparent to Ryan the story needed a stronger main character, a hero of sorts, someone that viewers could live through vicariously. So a shift in the script took place to bring Agent Miller into the forefront. There was plenty of footage to make the shift alright, but a few additional scenes were needed to give the Miller character a back-story. Additional scenes were shot spring 2005, along with a few re-shoots to correct continuity. At this point funds were definitely tight, so big dreams to add amazing visual effects were all but dashed. In addition, there remained ADR, Foley, the score, and a million other post-production details to take care of. With a mounting task list of unfinished work and dwindling funds, help came in the form of Robert Lenney, Executive Producer, who also had a marketing background. Work resumed and a re-cut was shown to the cast and crew that November, a full year after principal photography began. Needless to say, everyone loved seeing their hard work on the big screen. But Ryan still felt something was missing, something that would set his film apart from the others. He needed edge-of-your-seat action. But that takes, you guessed it, more funding! So just how does one make a film look big budget with limited resources? You think creatively and plan carefully. In early 2006, the ideas for aerial shots began to brew. This would definitely give a bigger feel, but be a very expensive undertaking. However, thanks to the affordable rates of Sacramento morning aerial news reporter turned independent-filmmaker-on-his-off-hours John Hamilton, funding miraculously became available to shoot aerials. With John at the helicopter controls and Thomas Miller of Blue Sky Aerials on camera, Ryan spent an afternoon flying over his house in the hills of Northern California directing the "money shots." They were completed just one week before the Crest Theatre screening December 2006. It was a long journey over the course of three years that Ryan Humphries took to complete his massive project, but it arrived in the form of a movie called Sounds mid-2007. After another six months of festival preparations and marketing, Ryan is overjoyed to be an official nominee at WorldFest 2008. "It was much harder making a feature than I expected," he says. "But I learned filmmaking on my own terms. There were times when I didn't think it could get any crazier... exhaustion, my computer kept crashing, people bailed, you name it. But it was worth it in the end. It was like a hair-pulling experience and an exhilarating roller coaster ride all wrapped up in one.”
Sounds is the first SD film upconverted to 1080p using state-of-the-art TRUE Super-Resolution Technology designed specifically for the film industry by Dr. Albert Yang of Topaz Labs. Dr. Yang has five US Patents in video and audio enhancement technologies and holds a Ph.D in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada. This never before seen technology can take SD to HD or HD to 4K, while improving resolution from the original master at the same time. Even HD Blu-ray discs can now be made from movies shot on mini DV and look absolutely fantastic. This type of technology is currently being used in spy satellite imagery, the military, CIA and selected forensic labs throughout the country. Come and see Sounds, the first film ever to demonstrate this Super-Resolution Technology (SRT).   
After graduating from high school, Ryan Humphries took his love for filmmaking and headed to Hollywood to immerse himself in internships and on-the-job training in the film industry. Three years later, he took his skills back to northern California where he discovered the wooded area surrounding his family’s home was the perfect setting for his first feature length film, Sounds. “I wanted to make the biggest Hollywood block buster I could with the limited resources I had. I was blessed with a great cinematographer and a dedicated cast and crew.” Keeping his nose above water with part-time graphic designer jobs and music remixing, Ryan spent three years writing, filming, editing, scoring, and producing Sounds. “I’ve waited for this day for so long, when I can breathe a sigh of relief that the movie has finally crossed the finish line. I hope viewers will be on the edge of their seats.”
Marian Ridolfi comes from a 15-year background in theatre production. She is the Co-Founder of Sierra Traveling Actors, a Northern California volunteer network of over 200 theatre and film actors. She met with Ryan Humphries in early 2004 about using local actors for Sounds. "Some actors that I had worked with in theatre had film experience, but others did not. What I felt was needed most were actors who had an understanding of comedic subtext, and I knew plenty of those," she explains. "I was flattered to be asked to join Ryan's team as Producer. I heard from other Indie filmmakers that this meant we could end up broke, homeless, or in a psych ward afterwards. I can say not at all. We have done an amazing thing; we have produced an independent film together! I feel enriched with great memories. I especially want to thank our good friend, Herb A. Lightman, for his compassionate guidance and words of encouragement that always arrived when they were needed most."
Mike Wilson has worked in the film industry since childhood on several major productions, having lived in both Los Angeles and Sacramento. He is a high-tech professional specializing in maximizing production cost-effectiveness. Since Sounds, he has had three shorts screened at international festivals and has lined up several future productions. He offers his services professionally to others, has recently joined forces with a local international festival, and is always working towards his dream-production collecting numerous supporters along the way.
Gary Tomsic came to the set of Sounds with 30+ years experience as a Cinematographer and extensive hands-on expertise in producing and writing. He has worked on feature films, TV shows and foreign assignments around the world. He is experienced in 35mm, 16mm, DV and HD formats. Gary was hired as a KCRA-TV-3/NBC Sacramento Chief Commercial Cinematographer before the age of 21, and has maintained a long full-time and part-time work history as an engineer with KCRA. Special assignments include Saudi Arabia for Vinnell Corp and Special Envoy for Persian Television/NIRT. He received an Emmy Award for Best Show Of The Year/Xmas Special while at KCRA TV-3, and numerous advertising awards. He was the DP for Spymaster USA, which aired on TLC in 2004. Gary is listed on the IMDb.
Bill Lasell is a business entrepreneur in the Sacramento area. In 2003, he hired Ryan Humphries as a graphic designer at his firm. Ryan's marketing materials and website designs for Bill's company were impressive enough, but it was his love for filmmaking that caught Bill's eye. "Ryan spoke with passion about a movie script he was working on and that someday he wanted to make an independent film. I thought to myself, this guy is an amazing and gifted talent. What he needs is financial backing. And that's how I became involved in the project. I knew nothing about filmmaking, but I could provide start up funds. In late 2005, it became apparent the film was turning out better than expected and additional funds could provide even better results. Robert Lenney came on board and bridged the gap. The quality of the movie has exceeded all our expectations. It's been a great pleasure to work with such a dedicated team."
Since 1988, Robert Lenney has been involved with virtually all aspects of television production; first as an actor in a few theatrical stage plays, TV commercials, industrial videos, infomercials and a sitcom. This led to a job as a casting director auditioning talent for commercials, movies and fashion shows in the Northern California area. While working closely with other professionals in the entertainment industry his experience grew. He then went on to produce and direct a video entitled Breaking Into Show Business – For the Model or Actor. He was also responsible for producing and directing NuTek Shopping Network, a TV shop at home show featuring various home products. During this time, he produced and directed several additional TV commercials. Since 2006, Robert wrote, directed, produced and hosted a unique magazine-style television show that has appeal to the public called The Gutterguard Show. In 2007, the show won five Telly Awards for outstanding performance in video production. Currently he is the Executive Producer and Marketing Director of the Sci-Fi comedy Sounds. As a unique inventor and holder of a US Patent to his name, Robert enjoys partnering with the entertainment industry.
Sandy Stoltz describes himself as always being an actor. He was home-schooled from kindergarten through high school which he gives credit to for fostering his creativity. He began writing, acting and directing his own films at age 14. He has been both extra and lead in several feature films including Phenomenon, The Robbery, Misfits, Revenge, and a Hallmark movie of the week entitled Love Comes Softly. He has been in hundreds of stage productions throughout Northern California, and met Ryan Humphries through Sierra Traveling Actors.
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After completing his script in early 2004, Ryan Humphries, worked with Producer and Casting Director, Marian Ridolfi, and Producer and script breakdown mastermind, Mike Wilson, to begin pre-production on his first feature film. Cinematographer, Gary Tomsic, was hired that summer. Funding was a critical missing element and the first of two Executive Producers, Bill Lasell, was added to the team. Bill was later joined by Robert Lenney the following year. Armed with a cast and crew of two dozen, Ryan began his journey with everything he thought he needed to accomplish his dream of making a feature film.
Principal photography began mid-November 2004, and was completed in 30 days of freezing cold Northern California temperatures right before Christmas. After a short break for the holidays, the real work began. Ryan started editing the nearly 60 hours of footage in early January 2005. One would think that 60 hours of footage in the can would be more than enough. But something was missing, and it wasn't just Rachael gone missing in the forest. After showing his rough cut to a few Hollywood connections from his internship days, it became apparent to Ryan the story needed a stronger main character, a hero of sorts, someone that viewers could live through vicariously. So a shift in the script took place to bring Agent Miller into the forefront. There was plenty of footage to make the shift alright, but a few additional scenes were needed to give the Miller character a back-story. Additional scenes were shot spring 2005, along with a few re-shoots to correct continuity.
At this point funds were definitely tight, so big dreams to add amazing visual effects were all but dashed. In addition, there remained ADR, Foley, the score, and a million other post-production details to take care of. With a mounting task list of unfinished work and dwindling funds, help came in the form of Robert Lenney, Executive Producer, who also had a marketing background. Work resumed and a re-cut was shown to the cast and crew that November, a full year after principal photography began.
Needless to say, everyone loved seeing their hard work on the big screen. But Ryan still felt something was missing, something that would set his film apart from the others. He needed edge-of-your-seat action. But that takes, you guessed it, more funding! So just how does one make a film look big budget with limited resources? You think creatively and plan carefully. In early 2006, the ideas for aerial shots began to brew. This would definitely give a bigger feel, but be a very expensive undertaking. However, thanks to the affordable rates of Sacramento morning aerial news reporter turned independent-filmmaker-on-his-off-hours John Hamilton, funding miraculously became available to shoot aerials. With John at the helicopter controls and Thomas Miller of Blue Sky Aerials on camera, Ryan spent an afternoon flying over his house in the hills of Northern California directing the "money shots." They were completed just one week before the Crest Theatre screening December 2006.
It was a long journey over the course of three years that Ryan Humphries took to complete his massive project, but it arrived in the form of a movie called Sounds mid-2007. After another six months of festival preparations and marketing, Ryan is overjoyed to be an official nominee at WorldFest 2008. "It was much harder making a feature than I expected," he says. "But I learned filmmaking on my own terms. There were times when I didn't think it could get any crazier... exhaustion, my computer kept crashing, people bailed, you name it. But it was worth it in the end. It was like a hair-pulling experience and an exhilarating roller coaster ride all wrapped up in one.”
A relaxing weekend in a peaceful country setting is all four college friends asked for, when a fiery ball of light smashes into earth from the far reaches of space. Frightened by the terrifying event, Brad, Adrian, Rachael and Jessica enter the dark, foggy thicket and witness what could be the end of all mankind. But, can the bad news get any worse? Apparently it can. Rachael now has something evil multiplying inside her. Within hours, two governmental agents from Washington DC arrive on the scene with more questions than common sense or training. They attempt to uncover the truth behind the mysterious sounds coming from the woods and the origins of the evil egg-laying parasite growing inside Rachael. Can Agent Miller save Rachael and the human race? Writer/Director/Producer Ryan Humphries combines Sci-Fi eeriness with comedic timing in this spoof that pokes fun at cinematic drama.
Super-Resolution Technology Makes Film-Industry Debut Topaz Labs partners with movie 'Sounds' to premiere never-before-seen enhanced resolution process at WorldFest International Film Festival
DALLAS, April 4, 2008, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Topaz Labs LLC announced today that it has joined in a partnership with independent feature film Sounds to demonstrate its Super-Resolution Technology previously unheard of in the film industry.
This partnership means that Sounds, produced and directed by Ryan Humphries of Grass Valley, Calif., will make history as the first feature-length movie utilizing Super-Resolution Technology.
The film will premiere the Super-Resolution Technology at the 2008 WorldFest International Film Festival (http://www.worldfest.org) in Houston, Texas. Now in its 41st year, the WorldFest selection panel nominated Sounds for the prestigious Remi Award. Past recipients of this award include Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, The Coen Brothers and dozens of other Hollywood legends. Sounds screens at 9:30 p.m., April 14, at Houston's AMC Studio 30 Dunvale Theater, the festival's main venue.
Until now, SRT has primarily been used by spy satellites, the military, the CIA, a few high-tech forensic labs and U.S. law enforcement agencies. Topaz Labs will be the first to develop and introduce Super-Resolution Technology (SRT) to the film industry.
(READ MORE)
View Full Press Release on the FORBES Website
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After graduating from high school, Ryan Humphries took his love for filmmaking and headed to Hollywood to immerse himself in internships and on-the-job training in the film industry. Three years later, he took his skills back to Northern California where he discovered the wooded area surrounding his family’s home was the perfect setting for his first feature length film, Sounds. “I wanted to make the biggest Hollywood block buster I could with the limited resources I had. I was blessed with a great cinematographer and a dedicated cast and crew.” Keeping his nose above water with part-time graphic designer jobs and music remixing, Ryan spent three years writing, filming, editing, scoring, and producing Sounds. “I’ve waited for this day for so long, when I can breathe a sigh of relief that the movie has finally crossed the finish line. I hope viewers will be on the edge of their seats.”
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Marian Ridolfi comes from a 15-year background in theatre production. She is the Co-Founder of Sierra Traveling Actors, a Northern California volunteer network of over 200 theatre and film actors. She met with Ryan Humphries in early 2004 about using local actors for Sounds. "Some actors that I had worked with in theatre had film experience, but others did not. What I felt was needed most were actors who had an understanding of comedic subtext, and I knew plenty of those," she explains. "I was flattered to be asked to join Ryan's team as Producer. I heard from other Indie filmmakers that this meant we could end up broke, homeless, or in a psych ward afterwards. I can say not at all. We have done an amazing thing; we have produced an independent film together! I feel enriched with great memories. I especially want to thank our good friend, Herb A. Lightman, for his compassionate guidance and words of encouragement that always arrived when they were needed most."
Mike Wilson served as Producer for Sounds during the pre-production and production phases of the project. He was the script-breakdown and scheduling mastermind during the 30 days of principal photography. A long-time high-tech expert, Mike maximizes cost-effectiveness and leverages it against technology. He offers his services professionally to others. He left the Sounds project in early 2006 to pursue higher education and other film interests, but continues to attend production meetings to track our progress towards the finish line. Since 2006, he has had three shorts screened at international festivals, recently joined forces with a local international film festival, and is currently in production on a new feature film. We thank Mike for his valuable contribution to Sounds and wish him the best of luck in his new pursuits.
Gary Tomsic came to the set of Sounds with 30+ years experience as a Cinematographer and extensive hands-on expertise in producing and writing. He has worked on feature films, TV shows and foreign assignments around the world. He is experienced in 35mm, 16mm, DV and HD formats. Gary was hired as a KCRA-TV-3/NBC Sacramento Chief Commercial Cinematographer before the age of 21, and has maintained a long full-time and part-time work history as an engineer with KCRA. Special assignments include Saudi Arabia for Vinnell Corp and Special Envoy for Persian Television/NIRT. He received an Emmy Award for Best Show Of The Year/Xmas Special while at KCRA TV-3, and numerous advertising awards. He was the DP for Spymaster USA, which aired on TLC in 2004. Gary is listed on the IMDb.
Jon Whisman has been involved in digital media for 10 years. After receiving a degree in film from Montana State University in 2001, he moved to Portland, OR, where he owns and operates a visual effects facility called, Pixel Graft. He has worked on many independent film projects, both feature length and shorts. Jon met Ryan Humphries in 2002 while they were both working on the film Mercy. Two years later Jon joined the Sounds Production Team as Visual Effects Artist. The effects he created are stunning and elevate the Sci-Fi eeriness of the plot to mainstream storytelling proportions. Learn more about Jon's film work and visit his visual effects boutique at: www.pixelgraft.com
Bill Lasell is a business entrepreneur in the Sacramento area. In 2003, he hired Ryan Humphries as a graphic designer at his firm. Ryan's marketing materials and website designs for Bill's company were impressive enough, but it was his love for filmmaking that caught Bill's eye. "Ryan spoke with passion about a movie script he was working on and that someday he wanted to make an independent film. I thought to myself, this guy is an amazing and gifted talent. What he needs is financial backing. And that's how I became involved in the project. I knew nothing about filmmaking, but I could provide start up funds. In late 2005, it became apparent the film was turning out better than expected and additional funds could provide even better results. Robert Lenney came on board and bridged the gap. The quality of the movie has exceeded all our expectations. It's been a great pleasure to work with such a dedicated team."
Since 1988, Robert Lenney has been involved with virtually all aspects of television production; first as an actor in a few theatrical stage plays, TV commercials, industrial videos, infomercials and a sitcom. This led to a job as a casting director auditioning talent for commercials, movies and fashion shows in the Northern California area. While working closely with other professionals in the entertainment industry his experience grew. He then went on to produce and direct a video entitled Breaking Into Show Business – For the Model or Actor. He was also responsible for producing and directing NuTek Shopping Network, a TV shop at home show featuring various home products. During this time, he produced and directed several additional TV commercials. Since 2006, Robert wrote, directed, produced and hosted a unique magazine-style television show that has appeal to the public called The Gutterguard Show. In 2007, the show won five Telly Awards for outstanding performance in video production. Currently he is the Executive Producer and Marketing Director of the Sci-Fi comedy Sounds. As a unique inventor and holder of a US Patent to his name, Robert enjoys partnering with the entertainment industry.
J. Peter Parker... "Agent Miller"
J. Peter Parker was born on an army base in Texas, and raised in Rhode Island. In his late teens he describes changing residences and careers across the United States at a frequency which would startle a hardened private investigator. A former school teacher, and a current real estate professional, he and his wife recently found themselves “empty-nesters.” He admits to having the good fortune of loving his day job, and on the side enjoys the creative outlet of film and stage acting.
Richanne Baldridge... "Agent Styles"
Richanne Baldridge majored in chemical engineering in college but finished with a double degree in math and piano performance. With additional studies in violin and voice, she has performed as musical director for a number of Sacramento area theatre groups, among them: Capitol Opera Sacramento, Sierra College Drama Department, Sierra Traveling Actors, Motherlode Stage Company and Garbeau's Dinner Theater. She has graced the stage as a featured actor in hundreds of musical, drama and comedy performances. This is her first on-screen role.
Sandy Stoltz... "Brad"
Sandy Stoltz describes himself as always being an actor. He was home-schooled from kindergarten through high school which he gives credit to for fostering his creativity. He began writing, acting and directing his own films at age 14. He has been both extra and lead in several feature films including Phenomenon, The Robbery, Misfits, Revenge, and a Hallmark movie of the week entitled Love Comes Softly. He has been in hundreds of stage productions throughout Northern California, and met Ryan Humphries through Sierra Traveling Actors.
John Large´... "Adrian"
John Large´ was born in Spokane, Washington, and has lived all over the United States. His break into acting came when a friend suggested that he participate in a musical theatre production of The Pirates of Penzance. His experience launched him into a theatre career that would span four states and both coasts, and included additional rewarding performances with chorales and light operas. Soon after relocating to Northern California, John began acting and writing for community stage and film projects. He met Ryan Humphries in 2004 through Sierra Traveling Actors.
Anna Peck... "Rachael"
Born in Ventura, California, Anna Peck has had starring roles on stage since the age of five. Highlights are: I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Copacabana, See How They Run, 42nd Street, Footloose, Kiss Me Kate, Bye Bye Birdie, and Babes in Arms. She was an extra in Phenomenon, starring John Travolta, shot in the foothills of Northern California. Anna is currently a junior at Berkeley majoring in performance art. She met Ryan Humphries in 2004 through Sierra Traveling Actors.
Janielle Atherton... "Jessica"
Janielle Atherton’s love for the arts began at an early age. From the moment she saw Romeo and Juliet when she was just four years old, she was enchanted. Both on stage and in front of the camera she has lived the lives portrayed in community productions of The Tempest for "Shakespeare In The Park," Jekyll and Hyde, Man of La Mancha, the Kabuki-style production of Love Suicides at Sonazaki, as well as roles in the independent films: People in an Elevator for “A Place Called Sacramento” film festival, and My Only Regret.
