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Volume 38 Issue 11
March 27, 2001

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Student’s film noir on a shoestring

BY JORDAN CURRIER
MESA LEGEND
Submitted March 27, 2001

Sam Benavides got bit by the directing bug when he was a mischievous eight-year-old setting fires in his backyard. He wasn’t just playing with matches, he was directing. "Now I’m 23, doing the same thing," he said.

Kim Patterson/MESA LEGEND

MCC student Sam Benavides directs one of the many scenes of his film to be shot on campus.

Benavides, a native of Madison, Wis., has been vigorously developing MCC’s Independent Film Club during his two years as a student. The 35 members of the film club have a major objective this semester: to complete an original feature-length motion picture by July 1.

The film, "None Left Standing," is an urban psychological thriller that Benavides took eight months to write. He’s also acting as the film’s producer, director and co-star.

The multi-layered script discusses themes of violence, the persuasiveness of media and the burning desire for celebrity.

The script has also captivated several MCC students and professional Valley talent, all of whom are participating as actors and crew members, working for free while juggling school and full-time jobs.

Benavides is no stranger to the trials and tribulations that are typical with independent filmmaking.

In 1997, his first film "Forgotten Breath," showed 25 times in local Madison theaters and opened up to positive reviews. The Wisconsin State Journal called it "a gritty tale of alienation and conflict among members of Generation X."

"None Left Standing" began principal photography on digital video in March, and a majority of the film’s 71 scenes will be shot on campus.

Benavides describes the film as an Alfred Hitchcock-style piece, although thus far, his woes as a director are considerable.

"There’s no advisement on this; there’s no production facilities – this is about as independent as it gets," Benavides said. "I took the digital (video) home, and it looked horrible. Sound, lighting, picture, the whole thing. I thought to myself, ‘I’m on track to making the worst film in cinema history.’"

The film’s star, whose stage name is one word – Martinez – feels differently.

Martinez, a professional actor who has appeared as an extra in numerous films, including "GI Jane" and "Good Will Hunting," cut his plans of moving to Los Angeles short to act in "None Left Standing."

"The type of project we’re doing right now is really setting the standards for universities all across the nation," Martinez said. "We are writing, directing and producing a film for a community college."

Martinez is taking on the role of the film’s obsessive lead character, Jon.

In the film, Jon and his two best friends decide the best way to win a state-wide student film festival is to tape a real life tragedy.

"Jon wants to make films, but he wants to take it to a level no one in any sane, rational mind would want to take it," Martinez said. "Every character takes a journey."

Martinez was one of the last actors to audition for the film. Benavides wanted every audition to be a cold reading, revealing nothing about the film’s content in audition calls on his website or on fliers.

"He came in and read it like you wouldn’t believe," Benavides said. "I didn’t make him go through the audition; I just gave him a screenplay. I said ‘grab the camera, let’s roll.’"

Since MCC doesn’t have a comprehensive film program, Benavides and his crew of four have had to work on a strong learning curve.

"He’s definitely got the motivation for it," said Ken Costello, who works in the multimedia production department in the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Costello has been acting as a technical adviser for Benavides, instructing him on editing skills, how to use the camera, and how to achieve the best sound and lighting possible.

"He’s got a lot of skills as a director and producer. So far, I’m just giving them advice. They’re finding things out as they do it," Costello said.

Steve Vizzerra, owner of The Blue Jean Buyer in Scottsdale, is one of the films numerous sponsors, providing about 25 pieces of clothing for the film’s wardrobe.

Benavides has also received support from Faith Hibbs-Clark, founder and publisher of The Drama Beat, a subscription-only talent trade newspaper that provided free casting calls for "None Left Standing."

Hibbs-Clark, who was greatly impressed by Benavides’ screenplay, is also assisting in providing him with talent willing to work for free.

The film club is also receiving support from ASMCC in producing several fundraisers, including the forthcoming play, "Sex, Love and the IRS," which will not feature performances by MCC actors.

Benavides plans to push for distribution of "None Left Standing" in Valley theaters.

MCC student Sarah Ogle, who also serves as vice president for the film club and assistant director for "None Left Standing," plans to promote the film to radio, televsion and newspapers.

"There’s no point in doing the project if you’re just going to send it home for your mom to look at," Benavides said.

"It’s for the audience members; we’re here to distribute.We’re here to create an organization that will last as long as the college itself stands."

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