From Babas to Boneyards: The Rise of Brimstone Pictures and Its Latest Thrill, Contamination
In the heart of Edmonton, a passionate group of filmmakers is making waves in the indie film scene. Brimstone Pictures, founded by Preston Ewasiuk, Neil Chase, and S-Raj Kumar, has evolved from a small project during the pandemic to the much-anticipated release of their latest film, Contamination. Join us as we delve into the journey of Brimstone Pictures and what makes their upcoming release a must-watch.
The Founding of Brimstone Pictures: Brimstone Pictures was born out of a shared passion for storytelling and filmmaking. The journey began with a short film called Bobageddon, a humorous take on Ukrainian grandmothers making pierogies, which showcased the unique blend of Canadian and Ukrainian culture. "That was just a fun little short about Ukrainian babas slaving away, making pierogies," Preston recalls. This initial collaboration laid the groundwork for what would become Brimstone Pictures.
The Evolution of Their Projects: From the lighthearted Babageddon, the team transitioned to creating Boneyard Racers, and now they are gearing up for the release of Contamination. Released on November 14th, the film promises to deliver high-octane action reminiscent of classic 80s films. Preston notes, "We started working together a little bit before we filmed the company, and ideas came from that meeting that eventually led to Boneyard Racers."
Meet the Team: The heart of Brimstone Pictures lies in its founding members. Preston, Neil, and S-Raj Kumar have formed a tight-knit group, often referred to as the "Brimstone Boys." S-Raj, originally from the Fiji Islands, has an extensive background in filmmaking, having worked on various projects in Los Angeles before joining the Brimstone team. His enthusiasm for their work is evident when he states, "I always watched the things that they were doing slowly, and I'm like, how do I get onto this team?"
Anticipation for Contamination: The excitement for Contamination is palpable, especially with rave reviews following its world premiere. Neil shared, "We're so excited for this. We've got the Ike's Film Festival coming up on November 8th. That's gonna be officially our Edmonton premiere." With additional screenings scheduled in Calgary and across Canada, the film's reach is expanding rapidly.
The Journey to Theatrical Release: Achieving a wide release for an indie film is no small feat. Neil explains, "When an indie film typically makes its debut theatrically, it'll do so in one of two ways: the festival route or renting out a theater yourself." However, Brimstone Pictures has been fortunate enough to partner with a theatrical chain that believes in their project, leading to additional screenings due to high ticket sales and audience interest.
What to Expect from Contamination: Contamination is not just another action film; it’s a nostalgic throwback to the adrenaline-fueled movies of the past. S-Raj describes it as an action-packed experience, saying, "It's just action after action after action after action, and it's a big throwback to all your films in the 80s." The film features a black ops team on a mission that quickly spirals out of control, with plenty of explosive action and unexpected twists along the way.
Training for Authenticity: One of the standout aspects of Contamination is the commitment to authenticity in its portrayal of military action. The cast underwent rigorous combat training to ensure that their performances were grounded in reality. S-Raj shares, "Brimstone actually set us up with combat training, military training, like how to handle guns and stuff like that." This dedication to realism adds depth to the film and enhances the viewing experience.
Brimstone Pictures is not just creating films; they are building a community of passionate storytellers who aim to bring quality entertainment to audiences. With the release of Contamination, they are poised to make a significant impact on the indie film landscape. Key takeaways include the importance of collaboration, the dedication to authenticity, and the power of storytelling in connecting with audiences.
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