Raine Voice Work

[crustine]

Recent film projects reflect growth for Stow brothers
A lot can happen in two years.

About two years ago, brothers Larry and Aaron Longstreth were premiering their short film, "The Losers Have a Junkyard," along with an animated feature "Batman's Gonna Get Shot in the Face" by longtime colleague and friend Jacob Drake.

Today, the brothers are preparing for the premiere of two more short films, "The Wimp Whose Woman Was a Werewolf" and the animated "The Greatest Fan Film of All Time," a sequel to the "Batman" feature. The premiere will be Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Kent Stage in Kent.

"We are so psyched," said Larry, who lives in Stow, in an interview last month. "We're trying to get 500 people, and it looks pretty good so far."

The Longstreth brothers, who formerly ran Bull Crank, assembled a who's who of cast and crew for both projects, said Aaron, who recently moved from Stow to North Carolina. Paul Molnar, an effects specialist that worked on "The Chronicles of Narnia," created the werewolf suit and makeup. "Big Chuck" Schodowski, from the "Big Chuck and Little John Show," has a cameo in the short, along with Lloyd Kauffman from Troma. Some characters in the animated short are voiced by former WWE wrestler Stevie Richards and Our Lady Peace lead singer Raine Maida, in addition to Larry, Aaron, and a full cast.

"It's got everyone," Larry said.

Both Larry and Aaron had high praise for Schodowski.

"He was really cool to work with, really professional," Larry said.

"He has that presence," Aaron added. "Like he's been around. He's not arrogant or anything like that, but he's really professional."

Larry said the animated feature is the most ambitious to date.

"Jacob's logged in over 1,100 hours on this project to date," Larry said.

Both brothers called the work on the two films, with its involvement with Hollywood professionals, a lesson on working with various components and people.

"Everything's been a learning experience this past year," Aaron said. "It was long and grueling, but it was a big step for us. We have gotten more proficient. When they see the two films, they will see the difference."

Larry said the premiere of the two films is sort of a last hurrah for Bull Crank, which has been discontinued, adding that he and Aaron want to hone their skills and have a more professional setup.

"We are currently working on a fantasy script," Larry said, adding that one of the producers who worked on the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy requested the work.

Aaron added that they have not made any long-term commitments.

"I think the worse-case scenario I see is making a television series, just for us, to have fun again," Aaron said.

The two have received business offers, Larry added, which so far they have declined.

"Some people think we are crazy to say 'no' so much," Larry said. "But we've learned to say 'no' to the first wave of offers."

"We want to keep our creative control in the process," Aaron added.

The works by the Longstreths or Drake, as well as the trailers for the two new features, are available on YouTube.com, searchable under Larry Longstreth. Also for information, visit www.jac

[Kathy]

I <3 Jacob. He's been working hard on this project!