Elvis Week 2014: The World Premiere of 'Nobody,' an Elvis Presley short film by William Bryan
by Caroline Pratt – Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014
www.elvispresleyfansofnashville.com
Elvis Week 2014, is held annually in Memphis, Tennessee August 9th-17th with events celebrating and honoring the man, the music and the legend, Elvis Presley. It has been 37 years since Elvis passed away on August 16, 1977. Thousands of Elvis fans from around the world make the annual pilgrimage to commemorate the anniversary of Elvis' passing. Additionally, the 2014 year acknowledged the July 5, 1954 - 60th anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll!
Elvis Week, additionally bore something new and different to celebrating Elvis' life, with respects to Elvis' senior year of high school, where he graduated from Humes High School in 1953. Elvis fans had the delight of attending the world premiere of the highly anticipated Elvis short film, Nobody! Prior to Nobody, a film depicting the essential core of Elvis Presley at Humes High School had never been accomplished.
Tickets to the world premiere 5p.m. screening of Nobody sold out online in less than 24 hours! All admission ticket proceeds from the 5p.m. world premiere screening and a couple of very generous donations from various audience members, measuring well over 1,500 dollars, were donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude, established in 1962 by actor Danny Thomas, is a nonprofit hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, therefore families never pay a cent for medical treatment for their children battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
Nobody, is a short film by Sideburned Cinema; written, directed and produced by dedicated Elvis Presley fan and filmmaker, Mr. William "Bill" Bryan, a graduate of Columbia College Chicago. Nobody was co-produced by Mr. William Bryan, and fellow Columbia College Chicago graduate, Mr. Tom Radovich.
Nobody chronicles a detailed account of the Humes High School 1953 minstrel show, which originally occurred April 9, 1953. Elvis was reluctantly entered into the minstrel show and took the stage after being signed up by his homeroom teacher, Miss Scrivener. She recognized Elvis' enchantment for music! And, as fate would have it, the audience adored Elvis' performance. Elvis' performance took first place, and females began to take notice of him! Nobody illustrates the vital, unbreakable mother-son relationship between Elvis and his mother, Gladys Presley. While attending Humes High School, Elvis connected with his homeroom teacher, a stern woman by the name of Mildred Scrivener, a well-respected authority figure.
Nobody is the epitome of elegance and sophistication—a flavorful, well-done film that boasts an excellent concept, an amazing script, and the best cast imaginable!
The Cast of Nobody
Mr. Drake Milligan - as 18-year old, Elvis Presley
Mrs. Natasha Rudis - as Mrs. Gladys Presley
Mrs. Pamela Williams - as Miss. Mildred Scrivener
Ms. Denise Nall - as Ms. Marion Keisker
Mr. Ted Torres Martin, Soundtrack Vocalist
Mr. Drake Milligan - as 18-year old, Elvis Presley
Mrs. Natasha Rudis - as Mrs. Gladys Presley
Mrs. Pamela Williams - as Miss. Mildred Scrivener
Ms. Denise Nall - as Ms. Marion Keisker
Mr. Ted Torres Martin, Soundtrack Vocalist
Casting auditions for Nobody were conducted during the month of August at Elvis Week 2013. Actors and Elvis fans auditioned for roles after hearing about the casting call by various online social media outlets, local Memphis newscasts, and word of mouth from fellow Elvis fans. All actors were spot-on with their physical resemblance to the people they portrayed. Mr. William Bryan could not have discovered a better group of people to cast for Nobody! The mannerisms and facial expressions of Drake Milligan are an incredible sight of similarity to the real 18-year old Elvis Presley. The physical appearance and demeanor of Natasha Rudis to Mrs. Gladys Presley is a bit mind-blowing and unbelievable! Pam Williams had a good resemblance to Mildred Scrivener and showed the stern expression and attitude that assured and dignified school teachers often hold.
Filming for Nobody was captured on location in Memphis, Tennessee. Filming occurred in the course of a weekend in April 2014 at Humes High School and Sun Studio, formerly known as the Memphis Recording Service. The minstrel show element of Nobody was shot in the authentic Humes High School auditorium. Filming of the foyer/office area at the Memphis Recording Service was shot in the authentic Sun Studio building in the precise location of Marion Keisker's original workspace. Minstrel show vocals for Elvis Presley were recorded during the month of December 2013, on location at Sun Studio by Mr. Ted Torres Martin. Costumes and set decorations for Nobody were accurately to the point of 1953, via the amazing talents of Costume Designer Loretta Harper and Production Designer Angela Messina. Wardrobe from Lansky Brothers Clothing for Elvis Presley, was graciously provided by Hal Lansky, son of the late Bernard Lansky of Lansky Brothers Clothing. The film posters were designed by two of Elvis Presley Enterprises official licensed artists, Mr. Joe Petruccio and Ms. Betty Harper. The Estate of Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Enterprises was extremely supportive of Bill throughout every step of the way to the complete result of Nobody.
The world premiere of Nobody was held in Memphis, Tennessee at the Malco's Studio On The Square Theater at 5p.m. on Wednesday, August 13th, 2014. The world premiere of Nobody was screened to a sellout audience of zealous Elvis fans who were on the edge of their seats from beginning to end as Nobody graced the film screen! As excited Elvis fans entered the lobby of the Malco they were greeted by the writer and director, Mr. William Bryan! Before entering the theater, Elvis fans admired the large standing black frames showcasing each Nobody movie poster. The premiere event was hosted by Sirius Elvis Radio DJ Doc Walker. Doc Walker, was the first Elvis Radio DJ to ever interview William Bryan on air at Elvis Presley's Graceland! Event photography was provided by Kira Lynn Photography.
At 5p.m. the world premiere screening of Nobody commenced with the Host, Mr. Doc Walker from Sirius Elvis Radio. DJ Doc Walker, vivaciously welcomed the excited audience to the premiere, and he gave a candid introductory speech regarding Mr. William Bryan. Doc Walker pointed out the complex work Bill put forth to ensure Nobody would be a professional first-class film success! As William Bryan took hold of the microphone, the audience beamed and listened very attentively as he delivered his sweet and touching speech. The audience could hear and definitely feel the emotional-charge in Bill's voice! Bill, detailed the process of writing and filming Nobody, which included his original vision and ambition to produce an Elvis Presley film to ultimately grant Elvis Presley the justice he indeed deserves. The closing speakers before the screening of Nobody were Burton Bridges, a Representative from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Elvis Presley Enterprises' President and CEO, Mr. Jack Soden. Burton Bridges, the Representative from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, gave a speech of gratitude to, William Bryan and he gave his thanks to all audience members for their donations to St. Jude. Jack Soden, President and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, expressed his words of appreciation to Bill and to the Bryan family who was in attendance.
After the conclusion of the world premiere of Nobody, a Q&A Session was hosted by Sirius Elvis Radio DJ Doc Walker. Bill, discussed the film more and at extent due to many of the questions received. Interesting and humorous behind the scenes stories while filming Nobody, were additionally revealed to the audience! The audience had several questions for the cast, and each cast member was happy to provide an answer. Following the Q&A Session, Bill and the cast gladly posed for photos, chatted with fans, and autographed Nobody movie posters and autographed Nobody film DVD's.
Nobody grabs the viewer on a pleasant edge of your seat ride with a smile on your face as you grasp Elvis' persona at Humes High School! The viewer can certainly understand Elvis as a student and the relationship between him and his homeroom teacher, Miss Scrivener. Every Elvis fan has the knowledge of the juxtaposition of the Mother and Son bond shared between Elvis Presley and his Mother, Gladys Presley. Nobody illustrates a very endearing and understanding tribute of the adoration Elvis held for his Mother. An example of the tenderness is a scene between Elvis and Gladys, in their pure southern life, as Gladys is folding laundry. Gladys and Elvis, have a conversation that ends with a hug and the promise of Elvis granting his precious Mother a better and enhanced life if he were to become famous. Gladys Presley desired nothing more than to witness her beloved Elvis, happy and prevailing in life; living his dream if it had been singing or driving a truck! Nobody presents Elvis fans an image of the nervousness Elvis must have felt on that Spring night of April 1953 as he performed in front of his classmates. Nobody, captures the fear and uneasiness of Elvis, all the way up to the minute when Elvis decides to let go of his apprehension of rejection and take the descent to go on with his performance! Nobody, captures hand in hand the curiosity of the audience and the smiles as they were dazzled by Elvis' talent.
The final scene in Nobody was captured in the very best way possible between Elvis and Ms. Marion Keisker, at Memphis Recording Service. Elvis, daydreams of recording a professional song at Memphis Recording Service and frequently gazes upon the Memphis Recording Service windows, but Elvis has always been nervous and reluctant to go inside. One day Elvis, finally musters up the courage to go into the Memphis Recording Service. Elvis rings the bell on the lobby desk and waits for Ms. Marion Keisker, who seems at first attentiveness to be uninterested. Marion speaks to Elvis, and Elvis inquires about recording a song on a double sided acetate for his Mother's upcoming birthday. After quickly discussing the acetate, Elvis asks if Marion knows of anyone searching for a singer. Marion, promptly asks Elvis, “What kind of a singer are you?” Elvis responds“I sing all kinds.” “Well, who do you sound like?" and Elvis contemplates Marion's question and then he replies, "I don't sound like nobody." And..... then BAM there it is, a beyond flawless and marvelous ending!
Hollywood, could not have acquired every ounce of cultivation, contentment, tenderness and energy; obtained by William Bryan. Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville, firmly believes William Bryan, was born to write and produced Nobody. No one else other than Bill could have bestowed all the devotion and adverse work needed to write, create and produce a film that grabs a hold of you, causes you to fill overjoyed and leaves you hungering for more! Elvis Presley has absolutely without any doubt has garnered undeniable justice and everything else imaginable captured in William Bryan's, short-film, Nobody. Thank you, William Bryan for delivering Elvis Presley and his fans a fantastic, accurate and first class Elvis Presley, film!
Throughout the process of producing Nobody, Bill and his production team had a potent standing motto. The motto is: “We carry our own sound equipment, we carry the best equipment that money can buy, we have the most expensive show on the road, but I do not care, I want the people to get the best!” The motto is a genuine quote said by Elvis Presley in 1974 regarding his concert tour. Nobody has attributed precisely that, the quintessential best!!
Another screening of Nobody was held during Elvis Week 2014 earlier during the day before the premiere on August 13th. Elvis Presley Fan Club President's from all over the world had the pleasure of being the very first audience ever to see Nobody. The event was held nearby Elvis Presley's Graceland at the Elvis Week Main Stage Pavilion at Elvis Presley Enterprises annual Fan Club President's event. The film was very well received at the event with Elvis fan club President's giving the film a standing ovation! As Bill, came back out to the stage, everyone was smiling from ear to ear as they all longed to know more about the interesting young filmmaker, William Bryan.
The next step for William Bryan is to enter Nobody into the short film festival circuit. There are countless film festivals and film organizations worldwide. Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville would like to wish William Bryan the best of success with Nobody and with his career in the film industry, where we know he will greatly succeed!
Elvis fans can look forward to screenings of William Bryan's Nobody, at upcoming Elvis festivals and events. A list of screenings appears at the end of this article.
Filming for Nobody was captured on location in Memphis, Tennessee. Filming occurred in the course of a weekend in April 2014 at Humes High School and Sun Studio, formerly known as the Memphis Recording Service. The minstrel show element of Nobody was shot in the authentic Humes High School auditorium. Filming of the foyer/office area at the Memphis Recording Service was shot in the authentic Sun Studio building in the precise location of Marion Keisker's original workspace. Minstrel show vocals for Elvis Presley were recorded during the month of December 2013, on location at Sun Studio by Mr. Ted Torres Martin. Costumes and set decorations for Nobody were accurately to the point of 1953, via the amazing talents of Costume Designer Loretta Harper and Production Designer Angela Messina. Wardrobe from Lansky Brothers Clothing for Elvis Presley, was graciously provided by Hal Lansky, son of the late Bernard Lansky of Lansky Brothers Clothing. The film posters were designed by two of Elvis Presley Enterprises official licensed artists, Mr. Joe Petruccio and Ms. Betty Harper. The Estate of Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Enterprises was extremely supportive of Bill throughout every step of the way to the complete result of Nobody.
The world premiere of Nobody was held in Memphis, Tennessee at the Malco's Studio On The Square Theater at 5p.m. on Wednesday, August 13th, 2014. The world premiere of Nobody was screened to a sellout audience of zealous Elvis fans who were on the edge of their seats from beginning to end as Nobody graced the film screen! As excited Elvis fans entered the lobby of the Malco they were greeted by the writer and director, Mr. William Bryan! Before entering the theater, Elvis fans admired the large standing black frames showcasing each Nobody movie poster. The premiere event was hosted by Sirius Elvis Radio DJ Doc Walker. Doc Walker, was the first Elvis Radio DJ to ever interview William Bryan on air at Elvis Presley's Graceland! Event photography was provided by Kira Lynn Photography.
At 5p.m. the world premiere screening of Nobody commenced with the Host, Mr. Doc Walker from Sirius Elvis Radio. DJ Doc Walker, vivaciously welcomed the excited audience to the premiere, and he gave a candid introductory speech regarding Mr. William Bryan. Doc Walker pointed out the complex work Bill put forth to ensure Nobody would be a professional first-class film success! As William Bryan took hold of the microphone, the audience beamed and listened very attentively as he delivered his sweet and touching speech. The audience could hear and definitely feel the emotional-charge in Bill's voice! Bill, detailed the process of writing and filming Nobody, which included his original vision and ambition to produce an Elvis Presley film to ultimately grant Elvis Presley the justice he indeed deserves. The closing speakers before the screening of Nobody were Burton Bridges, a Representative from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Elvis Presley Enterprises' President and CEO, Mr. Jack Soden. Burton Bridges, the Representative from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, gave a speech of gratitude to, William Bryan and he gave his thanks to all audience members for their donations to St. Jude. Jack Soden, President and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, expressed his words of appreciation to Bill and to the Bryan family who was in attendance.
After the conclusion of the world premiere of Nobody, a Q&A Session was hosted by Sirius Elvis Radio DJ Doc Walker. Bill, discussed the film more and at extent due to many of the questions received. Interesting and humorous behind the scenes stories while filming Nobody, were additionally revealed to the audience! The audience had several questions for the cast, and each cast member was happy to provide an answer. Following the Q&A Session, Bill and the cast gladly posed for photos, chatted with fans, and autographed Nobody movie posters and autographed Nobody film DVD's.
Nobody grabs the viewer on a pleasant edge of your seat ride with a smile on your face as you grasp Elvis' persona at Humes High School! The viewer can certainly understand Elvis as a student and the relationship between him and his homeroom teacher, Miss Scrivener. Every Elvis fan has the knowledge of the juxtaposition of the Mother and Son bond shared between Elvis Presley and his Mother, Gladys Presley. Nobody illustrates a very endearing and understanding tribute of the adoration Elvis held for his Mother. An example of the tenderness is a scene between Elvis and Gladys, in their pure southern life, as Gladys is folding laundry. Gladys and Elvis, have a conversation that ends with a hug and the promise of Elvis granting his precious Mother a better and enhanced life if he were to become famous. Gladys Presley desired nothing more than to witness her beloved Elvis, happy and prevailing in life; living his dream if it had been singing or driving a truck! Nobody presents Elvis fans an image of the nervousness Elvis must have felt on that Spring night of April 1953 as he performed in front of his classmates. Nobody, captures the fear and uneasiness of Elvis, all the way up to the minute when Elvis decides to let go of his apprehension of rejection and take the descent to go on with his performance! Nobody, captures hand in hand the curiosity of the audience and the smiles as they were dazzled by Elvis' talent.
The final scene in Nobody was captured in the very best way possible between Elvis and Ms. Marion Keisker, at Memphis Recording Service. Elvis, daydreams of recording a professional song at Memphis Recording Service and frequently gazes upon the Memphis Recording Service windows, but Elvis has always been nervous and reluctant to go inside. One day Elvis, finally musters up the courage to go into the Memphis Recording Service. Elvis rings the bell on the lobby desk and waits for Ms. Marion Keisker, who seems at first attentiveness to be uninterested. Marion speaks to Elvis, and Elvis inquires about recording a song on a double sided acetate for his Mother's upcoming birthday. After quickly discussing the acetate, Elvis asks if Marion knows of anyone searching for a singer. Marion, promptly asks Elvis, “What kind of a singer are you?” Elvis responds“I sing all kinds.” “Well, who do you sound like?" and Elvis contemplates Marion's question and then he replies, "I don't sound like nobody." And..... then BAM there it is, a beyond flawless and marvelous ending!
Hollywood, could not have acquired every ounce of cultivation, contentment, tenderness and energy; obtained by William Bryan. Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville, firmly believes William Bryan, was born to write and produced Nobody. No one else other than Bill could have bestowed all the devotion and adverse work needed to write, create and produce a film that grabs a hold of you, causes you to fill overjoyed and leaves you hungering for more! Elvis Presley has absolutely without any doubt has garnered undeniable justice and everything else imaginable captured in William Bryan's, short-film, Nobody. Thank you, William Bryan for delivering Elvis Presley and his fans a fantastic, accurate and first class Elvis Presley, film!
Throughout the process of producing Nobody, Bill and his production team had a potent standing motto. The motto is: “We carry our own sound equipment, we carry the best equipment that money can buy, we have the most expensive show on the road, but I do not care, I want the people to get the best!” The motto is a genuine quote said by Elvis Presley in 1974 regarding his concert tour. Nobody has attributed precisely that, the quintessential best!!
Another screening of Nobody was held during Elvis Week 2014 earlier during the day before the premiere on August 13th. Elvis Presley Fan Club President's from all over the world had the pleasure of being the very first audience ever to see Nobody. The event was held nearby Elvis Presley's Graceland at the Elvis Week Main Stage Pavilion at Elvis Presley Enterprises annual Fan Club President's event. The film was very well received at the event with Elvis fan club President's giving the film a standing ovation! As Bill, came back out to the stage, everyone was smiling from ear to ear as they all longed to know more about the interesting young filmmaker, William Bryan.
The next step for William Bryan is to enter Nobody into the short film festival circuit. There are countless film festivals and film organizations worldwide. Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville would like to wish William Bryan the best of success with Nobody and with his career in the film industry, where we know he will greatly succeed!
Elvis fans can look forward to screenings of William Bryan's Nobody, at upcoming Elvis festivals and events. A list of screenings appears at the end of this article.
Slideshow containing photos from the August 13, 2014 World Premiere Screening event of Nobody and photos from the Elvis Fan Club President's event, where Nobody was also screened.
William Bryan has graciously set aside his time to answer several questions for Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville. We were inquisitive about Mr.Bryan's thoughts and emotions at the world premiere. We were also dying to find out the release date of the official Nobody DVD! Lastly, Elvis' 80th Birthday Celebration is approaching, and we wanted to know if perhaps another Memphis screening was currently in the works.
EPFN: Mr. Bryan, could you please describe your thoughts and emotions during the world premiere screenings of Nobody?
WB: “Let me think here... I was on cloud-nine in every sense of that beautiful, cliche phrase.”
WB: “I could not tell you what kind of premiere I expected two years ago, when I started this production and thought it was going to be my final student film at Columbia College. The screening events that took place in Memphis during Elvis Week 2014 exceeded everything I ever could have possibly imagined.”
EPFN: When is the official Nobody DVD release?
WB: “We are currently working on a Nobody Special Edition DVD (with special features and professional packaging) that will be available to our Kickstarter backers and website contributors in the late-fall of 2014. It is hard to say at this point when we will be “selling” DVDs, as we do not plan to do this on a global, profitable scale until after we have run the film festival circuit for a year or so. We are, however, selling movie-only DVDs at our non-festival screenings as well as accepting pre-orders for the Special Edition DVD (both of which are budget contributions that will help us enter film festivals and generate more screenings!”) through our website at http://nobodyshortfilm.com/how-you-can-help.html
EPFN: Elvis Presley's 80th Birthday Celebration is taking place January 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee. Do you have any plans for another Memphis screening, perhaps during Elvis' 80th Birthday Celebration?
WB: “Nothing is set in stone yet, but the idea has come up in conversation and I would certainly love to do this.”
EPFN: Mr. Bryan, could you please describe your thoughts and emotions during the world premiere screenings of Nobody?
WB: “Let me think here... I was on cloud-nine in every sense of that beautiful, cliche phrase.”
WB: “I could not tell you what kind of premiere I expected two years ago, when I started this production and thought it was going to be my final student film at Columbia College. The screening events that took place in Memphis during Elvis Week 2014 exceeded everything I ever could have possibly imagined.”
EPFN: When is the official Nobody DVD release?
WB: “We are currently working on a Nobody Special Edition DVD (with special features and professional packaging) that will be available to our Kickstarter backers and website contributors in the late-fall of 2014. It is hard to say at this point when we will be “selling” DVDs, as we do not plan to do this on a global, profitable scale until after we have run the film festival circuit for a year or so. We are, however, selling movie-only DVDs at our non-festival screenings as well as accepting pre-orders for the Special Edition DVD (both of which are budget contributions that will help us enter film festivals and generate more screenings!”) through our website at http://nobodyshortfilm.com/how-you-can-help.html
EPFN: Elvis Presley's 80th Birthday Celebration is taking place January 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee. Do you have any plans for another Memphis screening, perhaps during Elvis' 80th Birthday Celebration?
WB: “Nothing is set in stone yet, but the idea has come up in conversation and I would certainly love to do this.”
Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville sends our sincere thank you to Mr. Bryan for answering our questions!
Dallas/Fort Worth Texas Premiere
September 27, 2014
Mansfield, Texas
The Farr Best Theater
5p.m. and 7:30p.m.
http://www.farbesttheater.com
This is the Nobody premiere hometown screening for Nobody star Drake Milligan! Following the screening will be a Q&A Session with the writer and director William Bryan. Additionally Drake Milligan the star of Nobody will give a performance.
Chicago, Illinois Premiere Screening
October 2014
This will be the Nobody premiere hometown screening for the writer, director and producer Mr. William Bryan and the co-producer Mr. Tom Radovich.
Date, time and location to be announced.
The 20th Annual Elvis Fantasy Fest
Portage, Indiana
October 10th through 12th 2014
William Bryan, Drake Milligan and Ted Torres Martin will be at the screening event. Drake Milligan and Ted Torres will be performing.
Elvis' original drummer Mr. D.J Fontana will be at the festival as a special guest.
http://www.elvisfantasyfest.com
Elvis Presley's extraordinarily supportive fans are vital in preserving and keeping the legacy and memory of Elvis Presley alive. Sideburned Cinema is always looking to screen Nobody at more locations, and they would love to get the film out to the masses as much as possible, but it's important to remember that the costs of theater rental and travel/lodging will more often than not come out of our independent production budget. Sideburned Cinema and Mr. William Bryan highly encourage fans of Elvis Presley to send any serious screening inquiries, especially those that may consider covering our expenses, to his production email – [Wbryan@nobodyshortfilm.com]
For the latest Nobody short film news and information please visit:
Official Nobody short film Website http://www.nobodyshortfilm.com
Official Nobody short film Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/nobodyshortfilm
Official Nobody short film Twitter Account http://www.twitter.com/nobodyshortfilm
Article is COPYRIGHT (c) Caroline Pratt, all rights reserved. For noncommercial use: permission is granted with proper credit attributed to “Caroline Pratt - Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville.”