University of Oklahoma | School of Art | Independent Film Project at OU

NORMAN--- " Come see one of the funniest and most heart-warming films to take Oklahoma by storm," Star-Crossed , an award-winning film by CwC Productions, presented by the Independent Film Project @ OU and part of the Independent Film Maker Series on Friday, November 14, 7:30 p.m., at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Kerr Auditorium. Producer/director Brett Bower and members of the cast and crew will participate in a question and answer session following the screening. The event is free and open to the public.

"I describe my film Star-Crossed as a romantic comedy that pokes fun at romantic comedies. Definitely a clean and family-oriented movie," said Bower. "Sometimes what you're looking for has been right beside you all along." The film is about the adventures of a hopeless romantic, an aspiring actress, a salesman, a class clown, a ditsy flirt, a jealous boyfriend, a dream girl, an older sister, and a sarcastic boss. These colorful characters take a fun-filled look at life and love in this smash-hit, award-winning film. "The initial idea for the movie came from a brief conversation I had with a friend in 1998. During the summer of 2001, I began dreaming up the original concept for Star-Crossed, " Bower said. "That particular version had an entirely different plot, but some of the dialogue and characters remained. During work on a different screenplay, I began rewriting Star-Crossed and came up with the current version of it."

Brett Bower is a prolific actor, filmmaker, and composer from Tulsa residing in Oklahoma City, with numerous credits in film, television, commercials, radio, voice-overs, and professional theatre. "Well, I had an amazing experience acting in a training program for emergency personnel in mock-terrorist scenarios. They hire actors to portray accident victims all week long. It was great." Bower released his first solo album, "Shadow of the Cross," in 2001. When asked about current and future projects, Bower reported that "[w]e are currently in production for a short comedy film and rehearsing for Venom , feature drama/suspense that began shooting in September." Bower is also working on another original CD and developing two new screenplays. This native Oklahoman has many skills, among them a Black Belt in Taekwondo, a Brown Belt in Karate, plays the piano, keyboard, and guitar, also designs, directs and performs film fight choreography and stunts, in addition to singing, composing and arranging music, and screenwriting.

Star-Crossed is winner of the Audience Choice for Best Feature and the Oklahoma Best Feature at the 2003 Bare Bones International Film Festival. The movie was awarded second place in the OK Indie Fest Grand Finale in Tulsa in July 2003. Brett Bower, a finalist for the prestigious Auteur of the Year Award, credits his cast and crew. "So, congrats to everyone who participated in this film. Couldn't have done it without each and every person (on either side of the camera!)," Bower said. "I could not have asked for a better ensemble cast for this movie. Everyone fits into their role perfectly. We hope the finished product brings some laughter into your life and that you find a character in the story you can relate to." The principal cast includes Brett Bower ( Toby Alexander ), Jennifer Kristin Garner ( Kara Davenport ), David Thomas ( Scott Edwards ), Jeremy Smith ( Marcus Tate ), Jamie Buxton ( Tandi ), Jack C. Hays ( the Boss ), Velinda Godfrey ( Natalie ), Mark Lawrence ( Jason ), and Makaria Zolbe ( Monica Davenport. ) The crew is composed of Director/Producer Brett Bower, Director of Photography/Gaffer Jeff Leyerle, Production Assistant/Sound Derek Lutz, Assistant Director/Website Design Derek McDonald, and Grip/Assistant Gaffer Brian Gililland.

Jennifer Kristin Garner has had principal roles in "Edge of Night," "Moment Form," and has been an extra in "Eddie" and "The Rookie." "What a blessing to be a part of Star-Crossed ," Garner said. "It's an enjoyable story with talented people whose dedication and creativity are an inspiration."

David Thomas studied at OU and has a strong background in improv, which he has taught in Tulsa. "After years of doing theatre, I really wanted to be in a film before moving to L.A.," said Thomas. "I wish all film experiences could be as enjoyable as this one."

Jeremy Smith was in "Tainted Legacy" with a featured role for the Oklahoma Film Commission, has been on radio and television doing voice-overs, and in local theatre productions as assistant director ("The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket," "Touch.") "[ Star-Crossed ] was a blast. If you want to see some of my best moments that did not make the final cut...just check the blooper reel," he said.

Jaime Buxton has been in more than 40 stage productions. Star-Crossed is her film debut. "I had never done film before, so it was a challenge learning to shoot several takes in a row," Buxton said. "I would try something new that was crazy and bizarre...and they'd ask me to repeat it, but I'd have no idea what I'd done!"

Jack C. Hays has a career that adds to almost thirty years in theatres in central Oklahoma and Dallas Fort Worth. Hays was the stage manager in "Our Town" and the lead in "The Last Words of Mr. Irving." "I look forward to working with the director again. But next time, I get to play the young leading man," said Hays.

Velinda Godfrey is a native of Edmond with lead roles in productions by the Oklahoma City Theatre Company and in "American Indian Graffiti." "I had a blast working on Star-Crossed because everyone was so easy-going and sweet," Godfrey said. "Brett was great because he really knew how to give good direction and communicate well with the cast and crew."

Mark Lawrence has been in theatre production like "True West," "Murder in Green Meadows," "Fame," "As You Like It," and "Touch." His film acting includes "The True Story of the 12 Daze of Christmas" and "American Indian Graffiti." "When I was cast as Jason in Star-Crossed , the character was described to me as very cocky, arrogant, and self-centered," said Lawrence. "When I ran that by me ex-girlfriend, all I got was, 'Hmmm...what a stretch.'...."

Makaria Zolbe, a bachelor's of fine arts in theatre performance at OU, has been in "Cosi," "Pecos Bill," and "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean." Her film appearances include "Tainted Legacy," "January," and "High Fidelity." "It was a great learning experience working on Star-Crossed ," "I enjoyed the humor in the writing, and the talent of the people I had the good fortune to work with," Zolbe said. It's nice to find such creativity in local films. I had fun making other characters 'dance.' Thanks, Brett!"

Jeff Leyerle, Director of Photography, has technical credits in several other local films including "Valence Theory," "Mimesis," and "Jeremy." "Brett is a wonderful and creative director," said Leyerle. "Filming this movie went smoothly and we had a great time making it."

Brenda Meyer, Production Assistant/Sound Assistant, has appeared in several films such as "In Her Honor," "Straw House," "American Indian Graffiti," and "Single & Dealing With It." "Brett has been an integral part of furthering my interest in films," Meyer said.

Derek McDonald, Assistant Director/Website Design, is a full-time actor represented in 21 markets nationwide. His films include "Finding Love," "Corporate Emotion," "Public Enemies," and "Twister." McDonald said that "[t]he cast and crew were all very talented and professional, as well as a blast to work with....I thank Brett for trusting me to help make his vision a reality."

"We are very proud to present Brett Bower's Star-Crossed as part of the Independent Film Maker Series," said Shawnee Brittan, the creator of the Independent Film Project @ OU and Filmmaker in Residence in the School of Art. "An ever increasing number of students and general public is joining us to enjoy independent films and take advantage of face-to-face interactions with those talents behind and in front of the camera." "These events are free and open to the public and we hope a contribution and inspiration to film students not only at the University of Oklahoma but across the state," added Brittan.

"Our previous event with the screening of Ned Hockman's 1962 feature film Stark Fear was a great success," said Carmen Hill, Coordinator for Special Projects. "It was an opportunity to honor this OU film icon, Ned Hockman, and Hollywood actress Beverly Garland. Ms. Garland's participation in the Question and Answer Session after the screening was every bit as glamorous as the actress herself."