Behind The Scenes: Filming “The Trade”

The Trade was the product of a creative collaboration between Brad Clark and Scott Howe. Both had worked on a number of short films together as teenagers, and later in college. Scott had assisted Brad on a short film made for the 2005 Sacramento Film and Music Festival. That film, The End Times, was completed as part of the 10x10 Filmmaker Challenge. As the 2006 Filmmaker Challenge approached, Brad approached Scott about working together on a project. Scott pitched an idea about a mysterious trading spot deep in the woods, with his daughter, Jodi Mao, in the principal role.

The script’s full development had to wait until the release of the challenge on July 20. On that date, the theme was released: Love, Loss, Redemption, and the After-Party. Each filmmaking team that committed to the challenge had exactly ten days to complete a film with a running time of less than ten minutes. The script was shaped around the theme with a first draft completed on Friday night. Jodi was given the part of Vivian, while her friend from acting class, Isabella Neustadt, was given the role of young Kelly.

Brad had earlier in the week put out a casting call on Craigslist and from those submissions, Kristie Dahlen was selected for the adult Kelly, and Ryan Fabian was given the role of Tom.

Shooting was held at Reichmuth Park on Sunday, July 23. This day broke heat records and temperatures hit 111. After nine and a half hours, the project was in the can. The actors delivered excellent performances under the direction of Scott, while Brad shot the production. Scott and Brad pieced together a rough cut so that Scott could compose the score, and later, Brad continued the task of tightening and refining the editing, sound, and color. On Thursday, the teen actors were brought back to the woods to shoot some pick up shots. The completed music was delivered on Friday and the final edit was delivered on Sunday, July 30, with 15 minutes to spare. The Trade had its theatrical debut at the Crest Theater on August 6.

Scott Howe
Served as the writer and director of The Trade. He also composed and performed an original score for the film. He has on occasion produced industrial videos and, more recently, TV spots for cable TV in Sacramento. He is an award-winning graphic designer and creative director by profession, a musician, and an occasional blogger on the paranormal in Sacramento.

Brad Clark
Served as the producer, editor, and cinematographer on The Trade. He is an award-winning writer and director who formerly produced government-training videos. He teaches video production and is an Apple Certified Trainer in Final Cut Pro. Brad's website can be found here.

The Music
Rather than using canned music, Scott Howe felt it was important to create an original score unique to his story. Since the film had to be kept to under ten minutes, it was important to set the mood for each scene quickly. Music became a viable way to do that, and to that end, Scott set out to score the entire film. With only a few exceptions, virtually the entire film is set to music. To listen to the main theme, click here. To listen to Vivian's dissapearance sequence, click here. More of the score can be heard on the original trailer.