Pre-Production for "Planet Divine"

Star City FAME and Ahha Pictures begin collaborating on a new video series today, called "Planet Divine." Last night was a six-hour preparation involving setting up lights, cameras, and audio, with a run-through of costume checks and script-tweaking.

Director Hans Moore (Ahha Pictures) has been an actor in several local independent movies, one that is currently making the rounds at national-level film festivals. The movie Blue Ridge is a feature film by Vincent Sweeney, which was shot in the Roanoke area using many local talent, and stars Sean Gullette.

Hans picked up a video camera about two years ago when he acquired enough cash to get into it "the right way" after learning a great deal from working on-set with professional directors and cameramen. Film was not the medium, however, due to the huge expense. But he equipped himself with some of the best video technology available.

Ron Bergeron met Hans in December 2008 at a local Dunkin' Donuts in Roanoke, where the two stopped in to chat with friends. Ron remembers how excited Hans was about a new venture into film-making. Ron (that's me), who has been a musician in New Jersey and technically skilled at audio engineering for over 25 years, liked his enthusiasm so much that, a few months later, he contacted Hans to ask about going into video production himself. Hans was still so intensely involved and passionate, that it rubbed off... and they became close friends through sharing techniques and ideas. Eventually, the two began shooting and editing projects together.

One of the earlier collaborations between Star City FAME (Ron's Video Production and Media Company) and Ahha Pictures turned out to become a series of YouTube comedies called "Cher on Crack." These videos spoof the Sonny and Cher television show from the 1970's, but the characters are only loosely based on Sonny Bono and Cher. They are what Hans calls "Trailer Park Trash Sonny and Cher, looking to break into the big-time," and their last name was changed to Bonehead instead of Bono... to protect the innocent, of course.

This week marks the start of their new series, which will be a combination of studio green screen shoots and on-location filming in various Roanoke settings. Some of it will be impromtu (or "reality" style) in which there will be interaction with the public. Also in the works are casting local notables and collaborations with other film and media professionals from the Roanoke area.

Here are some photos of Hans and Ron in pre-production last night at the studio.

Director Hans Moore of Ahha Pictures

Definitely see you around Downtown!!!