Dallas-based production company launches Post-Production Fundraiser on Indiegogo with all-vegan set
Dallas-based indie film company, Spectrograph Films has launched an Indiegogo for their second feature film “DEAD HAND,” written and directed by co-founder John Francis McCullagh, a vegan filmmaker, director, and stuntman.
As a long-time vegan, John Francis McCullagh wanted to ensure his cast and crew was always fueled with plant-based nutrition. McCullagh shares with VEGWORLD why and how he implemented an all-vegan set throughout the filming of Dead Hand.
Why it’s important to have a vegan set:
“My goal is to have all my sets be as vegan as possible. That means making sure all the food and snacks are plant based, and as much of the props, costumes, and materials are free of animal products,” shares McCullagh.
“In the industry we often say, especially on action films, that “no movie is worth dying for,” and I feel we should extend this caution to our fellow earthlings. No animal should be directly or indirectly harmed for the purposes of entertainment. Additionally, ethics aside, healthy plant based foods are better sources of energy and all around nutrition, preventing the typical food comas and slogs that come with typical movie set catering. When we shoot a fight scene, we are literally punching, kicking, and being thrown to the ground repeatedly for 12 hours a day, multiple days a week for just one fight scene! I want to make sure I and my fellow stuntmen are eating foods that will better fuel us and aid in fast recovery.”
Cast and crew reaction to the vegan food:
“The crew has known me for a while and were not only expecting plant based catering, but have had it with me before and very much enjoyed it. Most of the cast however had little exposure to a decent vegan meal prior to filming,” shares McCullagh.
“However, they were all pleasantly surprised and left satisfied with their plant based burritos, noodle bowls, and soy-based jerky snacks. We had a wide selection of plant based snacks and treats for the crew to enjoy between takes so they all got a good sampling of several brands. Our actor/composer Daniel Vincent Galvan actually fell in love with the It’s Jerky Y’All snacks and almost always had a bag in his hands.”
About the Movie
Agent Eoghan Flynn must recruit Johnny Mai in order to take down an international terrorist on the brink of gaining nuclear power. Eoghan faces the challenge of winning over Johnny and taking down the terrorist Matthias Frost, while Johnny must face off against his past in the process.
DEAD HAND features a diverse and talented cast. Writer/Director John Francis McCullagh plays the role of Eoghan Flynn with co-producer and co-choreographer Brandon Yates playing the role of Johnny Mai. Air Force vet and internet personality Angel Rodriguez makes his acting debut as the villain Matthias Frost and pulls off a stunning and emotional performance.
DEAD HAND is a non stop action thrill ride with humor speckled throughout. The action focuses on hand-to-hand combat and acrobatic stunts. All actors performed all of their own fight scenes and stunts. The film explores themes of redemption as Johnny tries to make amends for his past, the value of perseverance as Eoghan nevers ceases chasing victory, and what values make a true martial artist portrayed in a battle of ideologies.
After six months of planning, production began on November 5th, 2020. Due to a limited out-of-pocket budget of $5,000 it took 35 days of shooting over the course of an additional 6 months, with principal photography wrapping on June 5th, 2021. COVID precautions, day jobs, and inclement weather forcing one of the lead actors to relocate, contributed to the prolonged production period. However, despite it all, the crew saw the production through to the end.
Now, the team seeks $20,000 through their Indiegogo campaign in order to pay for post-production costs which include visual effects, color correction, sound mixing, an original score, and more.
John Francis McCullagh has nearly a decade of experience in the film industry. He is a professional actor represented by the Linda McAlister talent agency, worked as a fulltime video editor and content producer for Rooster Teeth LLC., and worked on the sets of the Dallas commercial scene. John Francis has also directed and starred in multiple award-winning action short films. He aims to shake up the action film genre with great characters and beautifully shot martial arts action.
The Indiegogo will run from August 2nd until September 11th, 2021. Contributors will receive exclusive perks, including an illustrated poster, actual props from the film, and even two tickets to the cast and crew premiere and after party.
Indiegogo Link: https://www.igg.me/at/deadhand
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spectrographfilms
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Spectro_Films
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Official Website: https://www.spectrographfilms.com/dead-hand
