The Killing Jar: Synopsis

The story behind “The Killing Jar” is as strong as the one in front of the screen. The film was conceived as the ultimate model for how to achieve a high-quality, low-budget independent film. The entire film was shot in only ten days. Production began after sunset and shot until sunrise, but never went into overtime. The film was shot in an actual roadside diner. Although the diner was closed, all of the furniture, restaurant equipment and kitchen supplies remained, eliminating the need for a large art department. The Copal Grill was torn down a month after the film was completed.

The total film budget was under $400,000. Over half of that was spent on the actor’s wages, travel and accommodations.

The film was shot on two matching state-of-the-art Arriflex D-21 high-definition film-style cameras with Cooke film lenses. The cameras produced an uncompressed, 4.4.4. high-definition image in a 16 x 9 aspect ratio. Director Mark Young and Director of Photography Gregg Easterbrook each operated a camera. Ironically, neither had shot on this camera before production. The production did not have a grip and lighting department. The existing overhead fluorescent lights in the diner with augmented with a few additional work lights purchased from the local hardware store.

The location was less than a mile from major international airport. Production had to halt shooting sound takes during incoming and outgoing planes for several hours every night. The continuous rain outside the windows came from a single garden hose.

The film was shot in sequence, from page one to the end. This allowed the actors to better stay in character throughout the course of the story.