“We saw a lot of talented people and it wasn’t easy,” said Danielle Kaheaku, casting Director. “We must have watched the audition videos a thousand times before coming to most of the decisions, but some were instantaneous.”

Director Kip Shelton was relieved the main casting process was over. “With principal photography set for late September, I knew some decisions were going to be made soon. And I think we made some good ones. We’ve always seen this as a vehicle for new actors, people that aren’t household names yet. I also stress that word yet. The cast is amazing. I can’t wait for cameras to roll.”

As was announced yesterday, the role of detective Prosper Snow will be played by Joe Soro. Rounding out the cast are Justin Little as Wolfe, J.G. Franklin as Jerel, Windy Marshall as Jill, Karenssa LeGear as Natasha, Curtis Smith as Paris, Steve Michaels as Ty, and Tim Clifton as Gideon.

Subsequent roles are still in the casting process and will be announced as soon as they are available.

Chosen to play Detective Prosper Snow in the new film “The Kult”.

“I liked Joe the minute I saw his audition”. Director Kip Shelton said. “He had a way of interpreting the character the way I saw it in my head.”

Casting Director Danielle Kaheaku also praised the actor. “I think we all saw it. Joe kind of became the benchmark we graded all the other actors by.”

Before acting Joe was a business entrepreneur. “I’ve worked hard for years building up a business so that I would have the time to devote to acting. I finally reached that point this year and decided it was time.”

“I’m excited. I think this is going to be a great film!” Producer Dan Flud said. “We’ve been searching for the perfect cast and I think we’re there.”

The novel, already number on many bestseller lists leads you on a terrifying hunt for a serial killer. Acting out of misguided loyalty to his friends, detective Prosper Snow is goaded into helping them perform a copycat killing, but when the real killer comes after him, it’s not only his life on the line, but his family’s too. Now if he goes to his colleagues for help, he risks being arrested for murder. If he doesn’t, he risks being killed.

The Kult begins principal photography in September.

Let me give you an example of something we had to figure out for “The Kult”. In one particular scene we need to scan past a nightstand and see several bottles of pills. Shaun’s book never covers what type of meds the character could be taking. So you just do a little research and find out what meds will work for the character and then the fun begins.

Now, for the most part, you want to keep real pharmaceuticals off of the set. So that leaves creating your own. There are several companies that manufacture pill bottles and you can get them very cheap. (.50 – 1.00 US) So you get a couple. Then, with just about any graphics program (Corel, Photoshop,etc) you can make a label. Usually the 2”x4” shipping labels from Avery are just the trick. Then you need to fill your pill bottle. I recommend Smarties, Tic-Tacs, Pez, or Dentyne Mints. You can usually use any small candy and no one will ever know. But that also depends on how good your label is. In these pictures I labeled the bottles for the character that requires them.

When the movie comes out drop us a line and let us know what you think.

Kevin
Gharial Productions / Property Department

Kip Shelton has been a writer, editor, special effects designer, composer, producer, and director for the last thirty years. He has done work for companies such as DreamWorks, MTV, VH-1, Discovery, and countless motion pictures and television projects. With credits from Behind The Music to Amistad, Kip’s experience provides a well rounded foundation for almost any pre-production, production, or post production role.

Shooting is slated for September 2010 and casting calls will be taking place soon.

The screenplay, written by Danielle Kaheaku and Robert Hunter, was adapted from the horror/thriller novel by U.K. author Shaun Jeffrey.

The novel, originally published by Leucrota Press in May 2009, has received praising reviews from readers throughout the U.S. and Europe.

The Kult marked Leucrota’s 10th novel since opening their doors late 2006. Author Shaun Jeffrey and Leucrota are finalizing the details on a second novel from the author, Deadfall, another story set in the horror genre, slated to be released early 2010.

Leucrota Press’ Editor-in-Chief, Danielle Kaheaku, says she is excited for the option contract.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how things progress,” she said during an online interview. “The story itself is great — as can be seen by the comments from our readers — and I feel it’s the perfect candidate for an adaptation to film.”

The story follows Detective Propser Snow on his mission to track a serial killer when he is drawn down a darker path of betrayal, murder, and a race to save those around him.

The screenplay, adapted from the novel by U.K. author Shaun Jeffrey, went into negotiations in the middle of November between Gharial Productions and Leucrota Press, and has finally come out with a solid contract offer and acceptance.

More information to follow.