Sparta family to shoot indie films in town

SPARTA — Uczkowski Production, a local indie movie production company, will make a feature film “Luci Lives” entirely in Sparta this summer. Dariusz Uczkowski, a freshman in Sparta High School and Jan Uczkowski, a sixth grader in Sparta Middle School will produce the movie with the help of their parents. Their mother, a former actor from Dominican Republic, who goes by the stage name Kim Sky, will direct. Their father, also known as Dariusz Uczkowski, will also be involved in the production. This movie is geared towards teenagers and according to Sky, “has somewhat of a Twilight-meets-Omen-kind of theme.” An “indie” movie or an independent movie is one produced outside of any major film studio. Experimental film techniques and subjects are part of the indie movie culture, which prides itself on not being mainstream. Uczkowskis note, “Indie movies are becoming as commonplace and growing as many conventions as their big budget Hollywood counterparts. An indie movie may require some time to complete, starting with shooting to post-production work, which might take years. These movies are usually entered into several prestigious competitions and film festivals.” Two of their short films are currently in postproduction: “mOnKeY sEe, mOnKeY dO” and “Luci.” The Uczkowskis are also producing two other movies, “New Beginnings” revolving around the theme of recession and “Black Ball” (which Sky wrote herself) is about a Middle Eastern family moving to a predominantly white town and their fight against being stereotyped. Local talents are being invited to act in all three movies and casting calls are being extended to any interested residents. Uczkowski Production is also helping another aspiring moviemaker, Manny Rodriguez, a freshman from Sparta High School. Manny has written the script for a short film which he will direct this summer. The movie is called “Letters” and is a suspense thriller. Manny intends to screen his movie in the film festivals as well. Dariusz and Jan, besides helping their parents with movie production, are budding actors themselves. They have acted in many indie films with high artistic concepts. Dariusz plays the lead role in the movie Hollow Tree that was screened at Cannes Film Festival 2008. He has played lead roles in several other indie and student movies of NYU productions and supporting roles in theatres. Dariusz took many acting classes including at Centenary Performing Arts. Although some of his movie shoots take him away from school, he is still a normal kid, good in academics and doing sports like wrestling. Jan has to his acting credit the New York production Bohemibot that won the Eastern Student Division-Oscar Academy Award in 2009. He has also acted in more than a dozen indie movies, theatre roles and done voiceovers. He took classes at Centenary Performing Arts and Growing Stage, NJ. as well. Their mother said “Dariusz and Jan landed all these roles by auditioning. It was their decision to enter the movies. I am there to support them. They have so much fun on sets ... Long hours on sets, travel, listening to complete strangers, working with strangers, doing things over and over help the boys learn values of hard work” The Uczkowskis’ are looking to cast a variety of talents for the following movies: “New Beginning” 10 Caucasian Men/Women. Early/late 40’s sophisticated, capable of broad range of emotions. “Luci Lives” For the role of Lilith: Petite- 5’5’’ max in height, Caucasian. Eve: Over 5 6”, blonde/blue eyes. Hope: Over 5’6’’ Caucasian. Maria: mother. Caucasian, early 40’s. Joseph: father. Caucasian, mid to late 40’s. 20 Male Demons: ages’ 14- 20 - athletic Odd talents/ character types. 20 Female Demons: Age’s 14- 20 - athletic abilities. Odd talents, dance or choreography experience a-plus! “Black ball” For the role of Jazzmine: between 13-15, petite not over 5’4’’, dark skin/olive/Middle Eastern, dark hair/dark eyes. Paige: age between 16-18, Caucasian. Paige’s 2 friends: —all Caucasian. Paige’s boyfriend: Caucasian. Ben: football player type, Caucasian. Bobby: football player type, Caucasian. Frank Marshall: red/blonde hair/ blue/green eyes, heavy, late 40’s, husky Mr. Mohammed: Middle Eastern look, late 40’s Mrs. Mohammed: Caucasian, blonde/blue eyes, and early 40’s Storekeeper: Any race, over 40 years old News Reporter: Male or female/ any age/race/ Extras: Men/women for feature roles. Uczkowski Productions is also seeking locations like convenience store, bookstore, and guitar studio. Special thanks will be given to those in film credits. A crew of production assistants, set decorators, still photographer, camera operators, hair/make up artists, location scout/manager, editing assistant and web designers are also being sought. Musicians with original scores will have an opportunity to showcase their talent. The film projects will not pay cast or crew. Once a cast and crew is assembled, the scheduling logistics will be set according to everyone’s summer plans. Movies will be shot throughout the summer. All castings, meetings and rehearsals will be in Sparta. Completed films will be submitted to film festivals for exposure and local screenings will be announced, as venues are set. Resume/pictures can be sent to Uczkowski Productions LLC #339-270 Sparta Ave. Suite 104 Sparta, NJ 07871 kimwski@hotmail.com