Creating a film as a college student is no easy feat. The budget alone can sink even the most buoyant of productions. Craig Draheim, an Eastern Michigan University student, is hoping to beat the odds with his new satirical comedy. With the help of his group Sad Tire Theatre, it might just
happen.
“He doesn’t believe comedy is rated as highly as it should be,” Draheim said as he explained one of the characters in his upcoming film, which is untitled for the time being.
The senior, who is set to graduate in April with a degree in both theatre and electronic media, is currently working on a film that he describes as a comedic mockumentary such as “The Office” or Christopher Guest’s “Best In Show.”
“It’s about a Michigan company creating a festival/competition for local artists, and we will follow five different artists over a month long
period while the make their creations,” he described.
Although the currently untitled film project is a comedy, hilarity and satire aren’t his only goals with this film.
“Each character has a different message, it’s basically based on reality with a comedic side to it,” he said. “I guess I want to tell a story, to
entertain obvious, but also because each character has their own story and characteristics that make them funny.”
The script idea was driven by location. With the script, Draheim was hoping to promote something local.
“Even though we’re making fun of Michigan, it’s because we want to promote the area,” he said.
His vision and passion for media and theater are also driven by location as he explained “Living in Michigan, with all the rural areas, television was something I found myself doing a lot when I was growing up.”
With casting auditions coming to a close, and the majority of them taking place this past Saturday, he said that have had quite the selection.
“We have a nice blend of people that we’ve already worked with at the Sad Tire Theater and some new faces,” he explained.
While this production is Draheim’s filming directorial debut, he has plenty of experience working with student theater group Sad Tire Theater. In that, he has worked as a writer, actor, director and producer, along with the other board members, Jared Stroup, Kelsea Kerkes and Dan Johnson.
While the script and cast list are still being finalized, Draheim sounded confident they would begin filming in March, and through April, as planned.
“We are finalizing things, leaving room for changes to the script, because it’s really based on the actors once we start filming,” he said. “We want to leave as much room as possible for things like improv.”
The film is being produced by the Sad Tire Theater and its board members.
When filming is completed in June, Draheim plans to premier the film on Atom.com, a Comedy Central creation, or FunnyOrDie.com in eight different parts. As for seeing the film in its entirety, he said they have been looking at a few places to have it show.
Although auditions are complete, there might still be a chance to participate in this student film. Once filming is underway, they ’ll be looking for extras for the final scene and technical help around set. If you’re interested in being a part of his vision, please contact him at weneedhelp@sadtiretheatre.com.
You can also check out the Sad Tire Theater’s monthly show at the Mix Studio Theatre located in downtown Ypsilanti. The most current production has one final showing at 8 p.m. tonight. Mix Theater is located at 8 N. Washington, in Ypsilanti.
