HOW TO DEAL WITH AN AXE MURDERER (short)
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT
A quirky slasher-comedy about an encounter with an axe murderer.
SYNOPSIS
With axe murderers running amok in today's world, ILS Films has produced HOW TO DEAL WITH AN AXE
MURDERER, the definitive survival guide for today's survival-minded individual. Directed by Adam Estey and
narrated by David Milchard, the slasher-comedy follows Daria (Paula Giroday), Chloe (Fanta Sesay), Maxine (Paige
McCulloch) and Natalie (Fiona Vroom) as they head to Daria's parent's cottage for a weekend of rural relaxation.
However, as they disregard all warnings, they soon find themselves face to face with an axe murderer who is
determined to do some serious axe murdering.
THE TEAM
Adam Estey: Director, Writer
Adam has worked in animation and post-production on major studio films,
including ANGELS & DEMONS, SALT, ZOMBIELAND, SAFE HOUSE,
and ELYSIUM, and is currently working on Neill Blomkamp's upcoming
film CHAPPIE.
Adam steps out of the editing room and into the director's chair with the
slasher-comedy HOW TO DEAL WITH AN AXE MURDERER, and is
working hard to realize more films and continue his directing career.
Kevin Rigney: Cinematographer/DP
Kevin started his career in Toronto as a camera assistant and rental
coordinator at Sim Digital. Over the years, his experience as an assistant,
focus puller, and an operator has granted him a broader perspective on
filmmaking. Kevin has been working in the film industry for over 6 years,
and most recently shot his first feature, AFTERPARTY.
Recently, Kevin's love for life has driven him to shoot a story about
culture, creativity and community development in Sri Lanka, which is
currently in production.
Holly Pavlik: Editor
Holly has become well-versed in working with superheroes and robots
alike, with editing credits including Marvel Knights' INHUMANS,
WOLVERINE: ORIGIN, ULTIMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK and
Production Editing on TRANSFORMERS: RESCUE BOTS (season one).
Holly has also worked in post production at Deluxe Vancouver on projects
such as RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES and THIS MEANS WAR.
Recently, she has teamed up with Frostbite Pictures to write/direct/edit
season two of the animated web series UNDER THE HUD, the first show
ever to use the Kinect as a motion capture device. Currently, Holly works
in the editorial department at Method Studios in Vancouver, B.C.
David Milchard: Lead Actor
David Milchard is an actor, improviser, comedian, writer, director and
producer. It’s true. He is also a singer-songwriter-guitar player. Is he
lying? No. He has been seen in THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, PACKAGE
DEAL, PSYCH, SANCTUARY, SUPERNATURAL, WITCHES OF EAST
END, CONTINUUM, FRINGE, ARROW, GEEK CHARMING and many
more. Upcoming movies include: EVIL FEED, WHAT AN IDIOT and Tim
Burton’s BIG EYES. David starred in AFTERPARTY, which premiered at
the 2013 Whistler International Film Festival and is currently developing
COUPLES BREAK-UP with Sociable Films.
David keeps his improv comedy sharp as a main stage member of the
Vancouver Theatre Sports League and has performed in a number of
festivals including Seattle, Chicago, Orlando, Vancouver and
Bumbershoot. Be sure to check him out on tour in Roman Danylo’s
ULTIMATE COMEDY SHOW and online in CONVOS WITH MY 2 YEAR
OLD, a YouTube Web Series with millions of viewers. That’s right, he's a
bona-fide Internet Sensation too.
Fanta Sesay: Lead Actor
Fanta Sesay has been in Vancouver for a short time and has quickly
become an up-and-comer in theatre and film. She has been featured in
two plays in the Walking Fish Festival at the Cultch as well as a locally
produced play that premiered at the Vancouver Fringe Festival which
earned her a special feature in the Georgia Straight.
Most recently, she wrapped a role on ABC's television drama MOTIVE
which is scheduled to premiere in early 2014.
Fiona Vroom: Lead Actor
Fiona Vroom is an actress, singer, dancer, producer and one of the CoCreators and Stars of THE TRUE HEROINES, Vancouver's hottest
Cabaret and Web-series, which was recently accepted into the LA Webfest and nominated for a 2013 Canadian Screen award. One of Fiona's
favourite accomplishments last year was working with Tim Burton in his
latest film BIG EYES, set to come out in the summer of 2014.
She studied Ballet from age 4, and quickly found a passion in storytelling
through musical theatre. After studying at the Canadian College of
Performing Arts, Fiona had the privilege of performing all over the world.
Past performances include the prestigious Charlottetown Festival and as
a singer and dancer on board cruise ships. Recent television credits
include: STAR TREK CONTINUES, SINGLE AND DATING IN
VANCOUVER, THE TRUE HEROINES, PSYCH, KYLE XY, HUMAN
TARGET, SUPERNATURAL, EUREKA, and TOWER PREP. Film Credits
include: NOBODY’S FOOL, WHAT AN IDIOT, THE X-FILES, ALICE,
BROKEN TRUST, IN THE MIDDLE, STEP UP 5 and BIG EYES.
Paige McCulloch: Lead Actor
Paige fell in love with performing at the early age of four. Growing up in
Calgary, she spent her childhood in the dance studio, training in ballet, hip
hop, and everything in-between.
After high school, Paige moved to Vancouver to further her dance career
with The Source Dance Company under the direction of Joanne Pesusich.
Following her two years with the company, Paige shifted focus to on
film/TV, and studied with acting coach Andrew McIlroy. She has since
been passionately working on a variety of independent projects, including
performing live with the Vancouver-based cabaret THE TRUE
HEROINES.
Paige currently lives, works, and studies as an actor in Los Angeles.
Recent credits include: Mackenzie Gray's short films STARLIGHT HEIST,
and UNDER THE BRIDGE OF FEAR, and Matt O'Mahoney's feature film
BLOODY KNUCKLES.
Paula Giroday: Lead Actor
Paula Giroday grew up in Coquitlam B.C. and took her first dance class at
the age of three, beginning many years of training in contemporary, ballet,
jazz and musical theatre.
Over the last ten years, she has danced in various film productions and
stage performances throughout Vancouver including landing a part as one
of four lead dancers alongside Michael Bublé during his performance at
the 2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies.
It wasn't far into her professional dance career that Paula found her true
passion for acting and began studying rigorously. She has landed roles in
such shows as FRINGE, ONCE UPON A TIME, PSYCH, MOTIVE, and
SMALLVILLE, to name a few. Paula is one of the creators and lead actors
of THE TRUE HEROINES, which was nominated for a Canadian Screen
award in 2013.
PRODUCTION STILLS
Chloe (Fanta Sesay), Daria (Paula Giroday), Natalie (Fiona Vroom) and Maxine (Paige McCulloch)
obliviously lounge in axe murdering country. photo by ILS Films
The girls lounge in axe murdering country. photo by ILS Films
Chloe (Fanta Sesay), Daria (Paula Giroday) and Natalie (Fiona Vroom) arrive at their weekend
getaway. photo by ILS Films
Chloe (Fanta Sesay), Maxine (Paige McCulloch), Daria (Paula Giroday), and Natalie (Fiona Vroom) play
what may be their final game of Truth or Dare. photo by ILS Films
Maxine (Paige McCulloch) teases Natalie (Fiona Vroom)... with death. photo by ILS Films
An axe murderer searches for a victim. photo by ILS Films Natalie (Fiona Vroom) hides from an axe murderer. photo by ILS Films
Joleigh encounters an axe murderer. photo by ILS Flms
David Milchard introduces and educates us on axe murdering-related issues. photo by ILS Films
CONNECT WITH US!
If you want more information about what to do in the event of an attack
from an axe murderer, check out our Facebook page.
CREDITS
Writer/Director
Producer
Adam Estey
Danielle Kinsey
Kevin Rigney
Kevin Rigney
Holly Pavlik
Julia Bettencourt
Stirling Bancroft
Bec Asmar
Austin Mollins
Mike Yueng
Acer Lin
Director of Photography
Editor
First Assistant Director
Camera Operator
1st Assistant Camera
2nd Assistant Camera
1st Assistant Camera, Second Unit
2nd Assistant Camera, Second Unit
Sound
Sound Editor
Sound Mixer
Gregor Phillips
Kyle Petty
Visual Effects Consultant
Andrew Chapman
Visual Effects Team
Janeen Elliot
Jesus Lavin
Bernard Kimbacher
Eric Ponton
Sua Kook
Jeff Tetzlass
Ross Wallis
Melissa Gray
Cara Davies
Joey Harris
Benoit Lefebvre
Dean Mangion
Kyumin Cho
Drew Fulcher
Marc Jones
Digital Intermediate
DI Producer
DI Colourist
DI Technical Director
DI Editor
DI Coordinator
Sam Trounce
Andrea Chlebak
Chris Davies
Alex Taylor
William Bartlett
Cast
Daria
Maxine
Chloe
Natalie
Narrator
Sushi Girl
Joleigh the Victim
Forest Axe Murderer
Radio Announcer
Paula Giroday
Paige McCulloch
Fanta Sesay
Fiona Vroom
David Milchard
Emma Rendell
Joleigh Schultz
Aaron Davis
Lucas David Morgan
Make-Up Artist
Melina Pham
Title Designer
Peter Chlebak
Storyboard Artist
Jesse Davidge
Additional Music
Janine Ferreira
Special Thanks
Hilary Jardine
Peter Giroday and Marilu Adamson
Jeff Cassidy
Kate Tarbard
Shawn Walsh
Peter Couch
Producer with the co-operation of the Union of B.C. Performers
© ILS Films 2014