Set at a ten-year high-school reunion and interspersed with visually
charged flashbacks, REUNION tells the story of the victims killed in the
Columbine Massacre and what their lives might have been like had they not
been cut short.
charged flashbacks, REUNION tells the story of the victims killed in the
Columbine Massacre and what their lives might have been like had they not
been cut short.
| PRODUCTION NOTES |
| "IT'S SAD THAT PRACTICALLY EVERYONE CAN TELL YOU WHO ERIC HARRIS AND DYLAN KLEBOLD WERE, BUT FEW CAN TELL YOU THE NAME OF ANYONE THEY MURDERED." |
Director Adam Kargman
“I WANTED TO MAKE a film about school shooting
tragedies,” explains writer/director ADAM KARGMAN, “but I wasn’t
quite sure how to approach the topic. In the course of researching
the Columbine Massacre, I read all about the victims, and I thought it
was sad that practically everyone can tell you who Eric Harris and
Dylan Klebold were, but few who can tell you the name of anyone
they murdered.”
Kargman spent several weeks researching all aspects of Columbine
prior to writing the screenplay. He wanted the script--and ultimately
tragedies,” explains writer/director ADAM KARGMAN, “but I wasn’t
quite sure how to approach the topic. In the course of researching
the Columbine Massacre, I read all about the victims, and I thought it
was sad that practically everyone can tell you who Eric Harris and
Dylan Klebold were, but few who can tell you the name of anyone
they murdered.”
Kargman spent several weeks researching all aspects of Columbine
prior to writing the screenplay. He wanted the script--and ultimately
the film--to work on two levels: “For the casual viewer, the film tells a series of visually charged stories. But the
film is packed with details, and they’re there for a reason. When you see Kelly [one of the victims] driving a
Mustang convertible, it’s because the real Kelly wanted to drive that car someday. When you see Kyle working in
an ice cream shop, it’s because he loved ice cream…. The average person may not pick up on those things, but
film is packed with details, and they’re there for a reason. When you see Kelly [one of the victims] driving a
Mustang convertible, it’s because the real Kelly wanted to drive that car someday. When you see Kyle working in
an ice cream shop, it’s because he loved ice cream…. The average person may not pick up on those things, but
Producers Moni Boyce and Desi Green
those who knew these people will. For me, the film had to work on both
levels and play to both audiences.”
Casting took place in Los Angeles in August 2007. The filmmakers aimed to
cast actors who bore physical resemblance to the victims. “We had
pictures of each of the victims and tried to gauge what they would look
like ten years later,” says producer MONI BOYCE. “With some of the
actors, the resemblance is uncanny.”
Several cast members had personal connections with the tragedy. For
instance, actor DEREK ARMSTRONG, who plays Columbine-victim Matthew
Kechter, is Kechter’s cousin. Supporting actor ELIZABETH NOVOTNY
levels and play to both audiences.”
Casting took place in Los Angeles in August 2007. The filmmakers aimed to
cast actors who bore physical resemblance to the victims. “We had
pictures of each of the victims and tried to gauge what they would look
like ten years later,” says producer MONI BOYCE. “With some of the
actors, the resemblance is uncanny.”
Several cast members had personal connections with the tragedy. For
instance, actor DEREK ARMSTRONG, who plays Columbine-victim Matthew
Kechter, is Kechter’s cousin. Supporting actor ELIZABETH NOVOTNY
attended the same church group as Columbine-victim Cassie Bernall. Actor
DEBBIE MAJOR lived in Littleton at the time of the tragedy and witnessed its
effect on the community firsthand.
DEBBIE MAJOR lived in Littleton at the time of the tragedy and witnessed its
effect on the community firsthand.
| Actor Derek Armstrong (pictured here with actor Celeste Santiago) plays his real-life cousin, Matt Kechter |
| Actor Blair Williamson looks behind the camera |
One the toughest roles to cast was
that of Columbine victim Kyle
Velasquez. “As a toddler, he
suffered a stroke and was
developmentally disabled,” says
producer DESI GREEN of the real-
life Velasquez. “We wanted to
cast a developmentally disabled
actor, and actually found a theater
company in L.A. of professional
performers with Down syndrome
and other disabilities.” A member
that of Columbine victim Kyle
Velasquez. “As a toddler, he
suffered a stroke and was
developmentally disabled,” says
producer DESI GREEN of the real-
life Velasquez. “We wanted to
cast a developmentally disabled
actor, and actually found a theater
company in L.A. of professional
performers with Down syndrome
and other disabilities.” A member
of the company, BLAIR WILLIAMSON—who has appeared on ER, CSI, Nip/Tuck,
and Scrubs, as well as in two feature films—signed on for the role.
and Scrubs, as well as in two feature films—signed on for the role.
| Copyright (c) 2008 by Adam Kargman All Rights Reserved |
CONTACT:
info@roundhaygarden.com
info@roundhaygarden.com