“Be Scene” Red Carpet Event

CheckMate Films hosted the extravaganza ‘Be Scene’ Red Carpet Event at Ginger Sixty-Two on Thursday, March 22 to not only raise awareness and produce financial backing for their film “Hell Mary,” but to create a networking event for Vancouver Film Industry professionals and other professionals from diverse walks of life.

DARPAN Magazine was invited to ‘Be Scene,’ and loved the red carpet buzz. Walking into the lounge, literally on a red carpet, individuals are met by photographers for a quick snap and Meena Mann, host of FMA Entertainment Weekly, worked the red carpet with her smile and charm while interviewing actors and performers.

CheckMate Films consists of the culmination of Rook Entertainment and Witte Films.  The two companies headed by Chad Rook and Nathan Witte came together to create CheckMate Films in late 2011 and they are currently in development of three films: “The Doors,” “She Walks at Night” and “Hell Mary.” Rook and Witte are also actors, producers and writers.

Rook and Witte hosted the festivities of the evening, and also scouted the crowd to find cast and crew for the film “Hell Mary.” The highlight of the night was the diverse range of performers: Dangerous, who is also an actor (Daniel Joseph), rocked the mic with his lyrics and his energy was through the roof; Nicki B sang two soulful melodies with her debut performance; Jo Blunt and Surkulate were a dynamic duo that kept the crowd hype with several short tracks; UK Recording Artist Chloe Morgan sang ballads while playing the piano; the Cabernet Dance Crew “The True Heroines” provided a Broadway-style performance that was sensual and well choreographed; and DJ Luis Machuca spun in-between sets and throughout the night, and kept the party going.

“Hell Mary” was first written in 2002 by Chad Rook, who is also the director. The film follows the true story and origin of the urban legend of “Bloody Mary.” According to Rook and Witte, this concept has been attempted multiple times in the past but to no success, where “Hell Mary” takes the legend and adds a new twist of realism that audiences not only can relate to but can also understand. It takes old-school horror films like “Nightmare on Elm Street” and adds that of a new age look and feel, say the pair. Production for “Hell Mary” is slated to begin in late 2012.

I asked Rook and Witte what their favourite horror movie is, and why they wanted to make a film in this genre.

“My favourite would probably be “Prince of Darkness.” Alice Cooper, Linda Blair and the beat down of Satan, ha ha – love it! As for the reason I wanted to make this film, I love horror!!  I love the feeling of getting scared and I was raised watching them, love you, mom!” says Rook.

While Witte claims “28 Days Later” is his favourite film, “I liked the grittiness and raw material. To me it was the most realistic zombie film to date. My reason for making the film is that I like scaring people. I grew up jumping out of dark corners scaring my sister and not to mention that horror is a great sell and step for a new upcoming production company.”

All in all, the ‘Be Scene’ Red Carpet Event was a productive evening with networking, entertainment and of course, fun! Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the BC Cancer Foundation. We wish CheckMate films success for “Hell Mary.”

*Photos Courtesy of Mauricio Rivera Photography

*Photo Courtesy of Tomas Havelka