The "UNION" Experience: The Official Site of both the Short and Feature Films "Union"

THE "UNION" EXPERIENCE

The Official Site of both the "UNION" Short and Feature Films

Click on the poster to see the FULL-SIZE version!

A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS IN THE U.S. CIVIL WAR

9-24-02 UPDATE! 9-24-02

Union has just recieved the "Audience Choice Award" at the Temecula International Film Festival!

As well, we've just been notified that our film is an official selection in the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, of which industry professionals including BEN AFFLECK will preside over.

THE MOVIE

Union represents the efforts of student filmmakers who wanted to make a film that felt, looked, and sounded different than their contemporary peers along side them in film school.

The creation of the story was taken from actual letters and journals written by generals and soldiers. Some of the locations were actual forts and training grounds used by Union soldiers back in the late 1800's. Costumes used in the film are authentic replicas of the original uniforms used by both Confederate and Union troops, as well as artillery and accessories. This film is not only meant to entertain, but also to present a slice of American Heritage.

The Confederate line fires off a deadly volley Captain William Lawrence leads his regiment into battle

Shot for a budget of $8,000, the stakes were high to produce a top quality 35mm film that told a complete story, while staying under budget and keeping the same integrity as a big budget film.

From script to can, the production of Union took five months to complete, nine of those days being the actual location shoots.

Union is a fine example of what true student filmmaking is all about: Experimenting and exploring the film genre, while pushing artistic levels fully.

THE FILMMAKERS

Kevin Smets (Co-Director/Writer) Former film/Television actor, this marks as Kevin's second directorial effort in film school. Not only did he have the task of directing a Civil War period piece but also played Charles, the main character in the film.

Joey Castanieto (Co-Director/Writer) Professionally trained editor, this film marks as Joey's second directorial effort in film school. His biggest task was Directing over 300 extras, main actors, & choosing the shots for the film.

Crystal Fambrini (Co-Producer) Crystal's producing style, and hard work ethic brought the film from idea to reality. She has worked with Castanieto/Smets before on the Emmy award Winning news show Headrush News.

Audra L. Stafford (Co-Producer) Producer of Headrush News, Audra had the challenge of coordinating a period piece drama on a grand scale. Her organizational and business skills played a key role in the motivation of the film.

THE STORY

A tale of two brothers in the U.S. Civil War, Captain William Lawrence struggles to be commanding officer and older brother to his younger sibling Charles, who quickly experiences the brutal realities of war. But when the Captain is captured on a scouting mission, the impulsive young brother goes on a journey that takes him and his friends deep into enemy territory.