Smoke Rings

(2009)

About the Music in the Film:

While doing research on how to replicate the damaged look of old films, I took a deep dive into the lesser-known titles of silent-era comics.

Most of these films have newer scores added to them, because in those days, the musical accompaniment was performed live with the projection.

As I watched these old films, with their "new" music, I noticed that one particular composer was easily my favorite, creating music that went beyond accompaniment and into the realm of an entire sound design for the film.

So, I looked for his name in the credits, and I googled him.  His name is Donald Sosin, and he is one of the foremost composers in the world for silent-films.

And I was absolutely thrilled when he agreed to create an original score for this film.

Find out more about Donald Sosin:

Casting the Film

Bob Ladewig was the first person to come aboard this project.  A mutual friend introduced us, and he was a perfect fit for the lovably goofy hero of the story.  I could not have made the film without the confidence I had in his ability.  Bob was generous enough to sit in on all the casting sessions and help find his co-stars.

Cora Benesh just absolutely nailed the part in her audition.  In the first two takes (in the video below), she is playing aloof and indifferent to Bob's hapless tramp.  In the last take, Bob is doing the part of the Lothario, and Cora's performance changes to fawning and bubbly.  She makes the switch so easily and gracefully.  I knew right away that she was exactly what I was hoping for in the role.

Eric Stevens came along at the perfect time.  He was scheduled near the end of a long day of casting, and I was beginning to worry that I would not find an actor that could pull off the nefarious ne'er-do-well that is the antagonist of the story.  Then, Eric walked in and had the part within the first minute of his audition.

A big thank you goes to Rhonda Martini for being not just a producer, but also, a stand-in actress during auditions.