PRIDUCER'S STATEMENTS

I became an executive producer after I retired as a school administrator. I had never worked in the entertainment industry before. I slowly learned about film production vicariously through my contact with Mike Breyer. I gradually learned that my organizational skills, integrated well with the talents and skills of the other producers to create this film. I am extremely proud of the whole project and I feel confident that GRADATION will find great success. It was a thrill for me to be able to finance our film Gradation.

Paul Hamel
Executive Producer

I decided to start producing my own films so that I would be able to have more creative control over the entire project. Gradation afforded me the opportunity to do just that. I really do love seeing a project from conception to final edit. I have been a producer on many past, current as well as upcoming films. I wore a lot of hats on Gradation and I wouldn't change a thing. I usually already have the actors in mind while I'm writing my scripts and I usually try to have the location envisioned in my mind as well. Being a producer means I have the responsibility and freedom to finish the sets, finalize hair, makeup, wardrobe and script changes. It really is about having all of the answers to a whole pie instead of knowledge of just one slice. It was a joy to work with our cast and crew and I couldn't be happier with our locations and especially our DP Curious Judas. Being a producer means you have to be ready and able to adapt to changes on and off the set. In addition, having the ability to make quick decisions and adjustments is mandatory. Moreover, it is not about being the boss or head honcho, it is having the answers for your cast and crew and creating an environment that people can flourish creatively. I can assure you, that people love working on my sets because a stress free environment yields better performances and behind the scene decisions. If you are prepared well in advance before you arrive on set, everyone will feel that energy, feed off of it and be able to freely complete the job that they were hired to do. It was and is always an absolute joy to work with Lynne Newton. There isn't a thank you large enough for all she did on this film! And if it wasn't for Paul Hamel, there simply would not have been a Gradation Feature Film. Extra Special Thanks to THE BANK VENUE in Palm Springs, CA especially Michael Gambill, Patrick Bartlett and John McCoy. And of course, thank you cast and crew!

Mike Breyer
Executive Producer, Creative Producer

I think the joy of being a producer is being able to see all of the pieces of the puzzle being put together while not expecting a certain outcome. As a producer you want to be able to have the most creative freedom that you can possibly have especially when working on your own independent projects. I'm lucky to have a co-producer and Executive Producer like Mike Breyer and Paul Hamel who will allow actors, producers and even crew members some creative say. It's a true collaboration of great minds. Gradation has been a absolute joy to work on. It has really allowed me to explore and learn not only as a actor but as a creative collaborator. From set design and locations to wardrobe, makeup and casting all the way to writing song lyrics and actually recording those lyrics. Being a part of that process is the ultimate gratification. I encourage anyone who wants a career in filmmaking to work on as many projects that allows this kind of freedom.

Lynne Newton
Producer