Company

Synchronium Films began in the summer of 2006 when company co-founder and producer Flynn Witmeyer was inspired to craft a satire using gay stereotypes and classic horror movie conventions. He had spent a year living in the Castro, San Francisco’s largely gay neighborhood, and wanted to set the story there because of its highly visible population and historical significance; he felt that would provide an ironic backdrop for his critique of enduring prejudice and sexual capitalism. He titled the script Imp of Satan, in homage to the camp horror films of the 1970s that had sparked his initial interest in filmmaking. Pre-production for the project began in fall of 2006.

Noted Bay Area filmmaker and fashion designer Joui Turandot (Yo Soy Asi, Soledad Is Gone Forever) was the first to join the production team, as the film’s costume designer. Joseph Seif, an award-winning cinematographer who has worked with the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame and many other high-profile clients, came on board as Director of Photography and crafted the film’s richly cinematic look on the artistically challenging canvas of high-definition digital video. Christopher Sugarman, an award-winning stage actor and theatrical producer with Pisces Moon Productions, signed on to play the lead role of Ethan Collins. Alexander Steinhaus, an artist and interior designer with the Steven Schubel design firm in San Francisco, assumed the responsibilities of art direction and also the role of Beauregard. Rounding out the cast was Jesse Enlund as Jasper, a newcomer to acting who demonstrated a natural ability, and Witmeyer himself, in the role of Beauregard’s demon servant.

The low-budget independent short film Imp of Satan began shooting principle photography in February 2007. The film was shot in the Castro using equipment and crew people from the San Francisco Bay Area, and wrapped in March 2007. Joseph Seif, also being an experienced editor and sound designer, offered his services in these crucial areas for post-production; Morgan Sully, an accomplished composer and web designer, contributed an exquisitely eerie electronic music score and built the website for Synchronium Films. Randy Sterns, an independent Bay Area film producer with PigDog Films (Nail Polish), has since joined the project as co-producer; she brings with her over 10 years of film production experience.

In order to build publicity for the new film company and their first film, preview screenings were held at the Red Vic Moviehouse in June and September of 2007; these attracted sizable crowds and favorable press that helped propel Imp of Satan onto the festival circuit in early 2008. In the online magazine Flavorpill, Matt Sussman wrote that “ ‘scary’ and ‘campy’ deliciously play off each other” (Issue 279, Sept 2007), and in SF Station, Philip Wong wrote “audiences and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.” (Aug 2007). In May of 2008, the San Francisco Independent Film Festival announced that Imp of Satan was selected to screen on the opening weekend of its sci-fi, horror, and fantasy exhibition, Another Hole in the Head Film Festival. The world film festival premiere of Imp of Satan occured on Friday, June 6, 2008, at the Roxie Cinema’s 280-seat main theatre, and topped the list for ticket pre-sales during that weekend. Paired with the feature film Mindflesh, directed by Robert Pratten, the audience response was wildly enthusiastic and the second screening, on June 17, 2008, played to a sold-out crowd.  More details and press coverage of the event can be found in our press section.

Synchronium Films plans to continue producing gory, comedic, soulful fare, and each film will be imbued with our unique voice that combines believable characterizations with situations that become progressively more surreal and frightening. This fall we are producing a feature titled Tweaker with an Axe, about a group of students menaced by a drug-addled, axe-wielding maniac. Check this website often for important updates, such as dates and times for screenings and ways to get involved in the production of our films.