I met Bryan Brewer when I was Director of Photography on The Healer’s Son, a feature produced in 2001.  Bryan played the lead and was co-writer. Although the film never saw a release, it played in a few local theaters and was well received.  The story was about holistic healing, fung shui and acupuncture, and I am interested in all aspects of health and healing.  Several years later we met again and talked about making a film together.  Bryan and his brother Mark had started Cause Entertainment, and we decided our first film would be a sci fi creature story, with some metaphysical ideas.  Our research indicated that a niche sci fi film had the potential to make a successful sale.

I was lucky to be the director of 9909.  We assembled a great cast, thanks to casting director Ricki Maslar. I met with every cast member before the shoot, and we discussed story, wardrobe, locations, each characters arc, and we got a chance to know each other before the first day on set.

We tried to make the shoot run as smoothly as possible.  Having been below the line for many years as DP, I know what makes a happy and creative set.  A prepared director who can make decisions is number 1, 

a healthy and interesting craft service table is number 2.  After that it is  team spirit that carries the day to a common goal, of telling a story with talented actors in a way that is visually compelling.

One of the most difficult parts of the project was prep, putting all the pieces together so the shoot would work.  Actor and location schedules, short days in December, a miniscule budget, small crew, and the writers concept all had to be juggled so we could maximize our potential.  It was a challenge, but great fun to see it finally come together on set with a cast and crew who were motivated and participating creatively.

A favorite moment was when it started raining during a shot.  We were prepared, but the weather added a dimension to the moment that was appropriate and dramatic. 

9909 is about an event that transforms a small town, and the people in it.

Told from the future, the story subtly combines interpersonal relationships with a frightening scenario of a potentially devastating attack. 

I really liked the juxtaposition of a threatening event with the reactions of ordinary folk. Our cinematic approach was that in this town, every character was conflicted to some extent.  The  surviving group faces the challenge of an infection, or face destruction.  However, our hero has an ability to lead, comprehend the situation, and find an answer to the problem.  A practical example of what current society needs....

An infection is a foreign attack on a weak body.  A infected person is in a state of disease, and vulnerable to a breakdown of functions, including rational thinking.  It is a state that is abnormal and unhealthy.

Our film paints a portrait of what might happen when an alien invasion of creatures attacks humans. Sort of an allegory about our society, or what could be, or might be, or is.  It was fun to make, although the serious undertone is thought provoking.  I hope viewers can appreciate what is apparent in the story as well as the deeper meanings of an infection.