About Us
DS films wanted to make something different; we decided we might as well push the production envelope and see if we could develop a system for shooting low-budget features back-to-back. Doubleshot films was formed in 2007 with the intention of showing a new way of engaging an audience that Hollywood has left out in the cold for years. We sought to create a simple world, a coffee shop, with stories just below the dark surface that make special effects look dull. The human condition is still the best effect there is out there, and the journey of a well-drawn and complicated character needs not spill into a hundred different varieties of backgrounds. We double cast the films - the leads in the first were supporting cast in the next and vice versa. Every face that appears for even the shortest time in the first film also crosses the frame in the second. For the larger roles it introduced a way for an actor to really showcase their range. It also led to a very dedicated community. We had actors from the first film show up on their off days just to see what their co-stars from the first film were doing in the next. The concept was an exceptional departure from the norm. If there's one thing I can underline, is that this kind of filmmaking, shot back to back, double cast, single set - has never been done before, and in this age where everyone has a camera, there's a real statement in finding something new.
Cafe Coexistence and The Best Sex were shot in 32 days back to back on HD 24p format with only two days changeover between them. We had twenty cast members that filled the speaking roles of both films, and a crew of fifteen dedicated individuals, all of whom had to eat the food that we bought them.
* Randy Gifford
His first film, The Second Degree, won the best of the fest audience award at the Breckenridge Festival of Film and went on to be distributed by Limelight Films (Charlie Chaplin's old company.) During the next two years he developed the production techniques that make it possible to shoot two complete features consecutively and maximize the actors' talents, writers skills and everyones' opportunities within a single "double shot" production. He has two kids and a thick coat Newfoundland who think he's a hero. He strives to live up to their expectations daily.
* Tim McGrath
The fastest phone in all of Hollywood, and I'm including the pay per minute services. "He can't get the the phone right now. . ." But when he does, he's as sharp as they come. His mom is also the best. He has a list of achievements too long to mention. He has been the biggest talent and the best friend this company has ever known.
* Heather Maclean
Heather is British, she therefore can talk anyone into almost anything. As a producer she makes even the smallest productions seem grand and unstoppable when armed with a cell phone. She rarely misses the smallest detail, and contributes to films on every level.
* Abram Teunissen
Brought his story skills to DS films in a big way. He is 6 foot 5 inches tall. He is full Yanktese Sioux and he has a bass voice that made that should be heard the world over. We certainly listened when he spoke.
* P. Dan Newman
A young, emerging composer with a talent for scoring that quite frankly scares most of us. He comes from the UCLA music program with a list of feature work that includes an academy award winning short.
* Casey Monroe
He's young, he's gifted and he works with us to make the best movies that very little money can buy. On his off hours he produces broadway plays.
* Scott Bryner
Mr. Bryner wrote the book on low-budget production techniques. His prowess with technology sets him apart, his artistic sense coupled with the aforementioned skill makes him an unstoppable force.
* Doug Thagard
Doug is the kind of AD whose talent outstrips his pay grade. His youth mixed with talent makes some people uncomfortable, but not the kind of people we like.
* Anne McGrath
Innovative visual mind combined with the kind of enthusiasm and talent that makes people immediately want to work with her.
* Steven Vulin
Young, intrepid and fearless, Steven takes the tasks of Production Manager and makes them into a well oiled machine.
* Kadie Midlam
The newest member of the group comes to us by way of Cal Arts and has already brought a formidable vision and talent to the design of the costumes and look of the actors.