Going 'Haywire' in Monroe

Web horror/sci-fi series seeks local venues for second season of filming MONROE — An independent film company based in Monroe is seeking area businesses wanting to be written into the story line of the second season of its horror/sci-fi Web series “Haywire,” broadcast on KoldCast TV, and filmed in Monroe. Haywire is produced by the Lights Out! Film Group, which produces independent films in “the pursuit of artistic endeavors, large and small,” according to its Web site. The series focuses on the effects of a strange light on Monroe. Monroe resident Scott Klein, one of the show’s producers, described Haywire’s story line as what happens when a burst of light affects those in Monroe within its line-of-sight, short- circuiting their minds and scrambling their thought processes into a never-ending loop. “We picked Monroe because we wanted to do something local and get locals interested,” said Klein. “We want to get more local people involved. We can give exposure to local businesses. We can both benefit and it’s a nice bartering system.” Also part of the production team are Monroe residents Luis Martinez, E.B. Martinez and Arlene So; and John Lenihan of Montgomery. 'A little bit of everything’ The production team has filmed at many venues in Monroe, including at the Mid-Monroe Veterinary Hospital, Mr. Cone and along Lois Lane. But as the planning process for Haywire’s second season begins, the team is looking for new locales to be part of the production. “The earlier they (interested businesses) get to us, the more able we are to write that particular business into the story line,” said Klein. Ideal venues, Klein said, include pizza restaurants, food/grocery shops, hardware shops or shops of any kind where building supplies can be purchased so that the concept of “scavenging” can be incorporated. “A lot of people may not like horror/sci-fi films,” Klein acknowledged. “But they like what we’re doing. It (the show) has a little bit of something for everyone.” 68,000 viewings Haywire’s availability on KoldCast TV - a top destination for original Web-based programming - allows an international audience from over 200 countries to access the show, according to Klein. “As the Web is growing, it’s becoming its own kind of thing,” he said. “We just aired our 12th episode, our final episode. We had great success with our first season. And on the Internet, there is no such thing as reruns. It’s always new to someone who hasn’t watched. It’s never old if you stumble upon it.” On KoldCast TV, the program already has had 68,000 viewings, said Klein. “For me, that’s a big number,” he added. “As an independent film producer, if you have a premier, you might get 200 people to see your film. If you’re at a festival, you might get 1,000 people to see it. Coming from projects when only hundreds see your work, to have 68,000 people is really a lot for us.” 'Hearts and dreams’ Haywire, he noted, is not “the average” horror/sci-fi program. “It’s not straight horror and it’s not straight sci-fi,” Klein said. “It’s got a lot of heart and dreams. Our goal has always been to show we can do a show with a lot of cachet in our product.” While Klein knows that some kids watch the program, he cautions a parent’s judgment is important. “While we do have some child actors and there are episodes that are safe for a young audience, the series itself is horror and has adult content,” said Klein. “Parental discretion is advised. But give it a try. There’s horror but there’s comedy. It’s a lot of fun.” - Nancy Kriz Want to be in pictures? Actors: Send Lights Out! Film Group your resume and head shot for consideration. Extras: Let the Lights Out! Film Group know what you like about Haywire and why you want to get on screen. Locations: Businesses/homeowners: The Lights Out! Film Group will shoot at your storefront or home. Crew: Have a filmmaking skill? The Lights Out! Film Group consider all comers from seasoned grips and makeup staff to a willing extra pair of hands. E-mail your information to : HaywireSeries@gmail.com or call Scott Klein at 300-5666. What others say about 'Haywire’ “…the most clever, interesting premise I’ve seen in a web series drama in a long time…” Indie Intertube “For horror fans, the series is a must.” Zeros2Heroes “…the series is ripe with tension…This is very much one to watch.” PopCultureMonster “…a wonderfully done gruesome little Web series…” Fearsmag.com To view all 12 episodes of Haywire’s first season, visit: http://haywireseries.com/?page_id=417 Haywire…the horror/sci-fi Web series filmed in Monroe Haywire is described as: “A burst of light. Area-wide power outages and the complete failure of all electronic devices. All within line-of-sight of the burst are affected. Their minds short- circuit. Their thought processes scramble and become a never-ending loop. Accomplish what you were doing when you saw the light. Then do it again. And again. And again. And if something gets in your way?” The series is the four-time winner of Indie Intertube’s “Drama of the Week” for four of its 12 episodes in its first season, which was just completed last month. To learn more, visit www.haywireseries.com. On the Internet, there is no such thing as reruns.” Scott Klein, Monroe resident and one of the producers of the Web horror/sci-fi series, “Haywire”