SVERIGE (SWEDEN) - a series of short films by SABI

J. Erik Reese

Active member
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Simply put, Sverige (working title of our project), is a story about what it means to discover yourself where and how you’d least expect it. Over the course two seasons (winter/spring), we follow the lead character, Jonas, a young man new to the town of Uppsala, Sweden, as he develops several unique relationships with a handful of differing characters that he encounters during his stay. While some share a deeper connection than others, all play an important role in forever shaping his sense of self-worth and understanding of the world around him.

I’m currently working without any solid scripts and I want Sverige to a be a creative journey between myself and my actors (especially with Mikael). In most ways, I’m trying to explore by bringing written notes to the set, thus, bringing something creative on the moment. I am also exploring the same process of filmmaking with dramatic improvisation (using simple intentions, needs, wants, and fears etc).

Sverige is currently in its post production stage.



 
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CAST of SVERIGE
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Mikael Ayele as Jonas
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Sabi pictures is proud to announce Mikael Ayele as character Jonas in the upcoming series of short films called Sverige! Mikael is currently a student at University of Southern California. As an inspiring actor, Mikael has been apart of several main stream commericals ranging from Mountain Dew to Sprint. In addition, he has taken part in Playradioplay's latest Music video, and has taken numerous roles in television and film.

Sonja Ashti Ghaderi as Em
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Sonja was born in Gothenburg in 1986 and was raised in the small town countryside of Western Sweden. As a child, she liked to paint extensively and was extremely gifted at her craft. After completing high school in Jönköping, she moved to Uppsala to study Spanish. Currently, Sonja is a law student in her third year. Besides from her numerous activities, she if often plunging herself into the rules of Swedish laws and world society. Sonja's hobbies and interest include dance swing and singing. Furthermore, she loves to learn about the world. She loves honest, friendly people with motivation and her boyfriend. And apparently, which she was unaware of until a few weeks ago - she completely loves: to act.

Anders Hörbo as Magnus
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Anders grew up in a small village in the very southern parts of Sweden. After graduating high school he explored different places and occupations, going from Ireland via Australia to end up in Uppsala and the university where he currently is studying a Master's programme in education sciences, majoring in Scandinavian languages and history. Shortly after arriving in Uppsala, Anders got in to writing scripts, music and acting in comedy theatre acts, influenced by Monty Python and the Swedish Hans Andersson & Tage Danielsson. Recently he went from comedy to writing monologues for his own character in a tragic drama in an independent theatre. Writing is central in Anders' projects, besides from screenplay, he writes and performs his own poetry, with influences like Roger McCough, Billy Collins and Bruno K. Öijer. Anders is also a passionated vegetarian, who loves cooking, fine wines and opera, preferably all at the same time.

Anya Tkachenco as Charlie
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Growing up she divided her time between UK, Russia & Kazakhstan. Studying law she did not get much time to explore the artist in her. She always wanted to star in a horror movie. In addition, Anya has contributed her talents to theater (playing Juliet in Romeo & Juliet). Anya has brought a distant voice in her work with Sverige. Her efforts are flawless.

Jores Sinani as Himself
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Raised in Sweden, Jores currently studies at Uppsala University. His hobbies includes weightlifting, eating healthy, cooking, and watching movies. In other words... don't mess with him.
 
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Crew of SVERIGE

Basically shooting bare bones. What else do you need really besides a camera, sound, and hard work. Try it sometime.

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Sweden Crew:
Fredrik Berg
J. Erik Reese


USA Crew:
Daniel J. Carmody
Kevin K. Shaw
Zak Forsman

Music:
Herman Witkam

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STILL FROM SVERIGE EP. 1

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STILL FROM SVERIGE EP. 2

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STILL FROM SVERIGE EP. 3

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STILL FROM SVERIGE EP. 4

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STILL FROM SVERIGE EP. 5

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All in all, through this experience I suggest all filmmakers out there should at least once take away almost everything they have and then create with nothing.

It's a creative exercise.

Rule # 1: One must have a crew of one (himself) or two for sound (maximum) and no more.
Rule # 2: Film with a camera that will fit into a purse/small bag etc. Nothing bigger.
Rule # 3: With a small camera, take your camera to ALL GREAT LOCATIONS and FILM AWAY.
Rule # 4: Use non - actors and make them believable actors...

Any suggestions for the rest?
 
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Anders, Anya, & Sonja are a complete wrap for SVERIGE! The series is almost finished. Pretty soon I'll be in post for the film
 
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I just stumbled on this. I'm real tired right now, but it all looks interesting. I'm going to check this all out tommorow. Glad to see someone's still making real ****. Go for broke! No crew! No sllid script! YES! If only more Americans did this.

Which reminds me, one of you two put me in up in one of your beautiful damn countries for a week and I'll do whatever you need for a film. I want to learn Sweeeeeeddddddiiisshh (best language I've ever heard. No offense Denmark) and see the Swedish/Danish countryside.
 
I live in Copenhagen, so not far from Sweden. :)

I love Copenhagen and I love danish films. I was in Copenhagen not long ago. I went to Tivoli and went on that crazy carousel of death ride.... what a view.

Anyways, If you're in Sweden any time soon let me know. I have to go back to Copenhagen again... it's an amazing city.
 
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I just stumbled on this. I'm real tired right now, but it all looks interesting. I'm going to check this all out tommorow. Glad to see someone's still making real shi*. Go for broke! No crew! No sllid script! YES! If only more Americans did this.

Which reminds me, one of you two put me in up in one of your beautiful damn countries for a week and I'll do whatever you need for a film. I want to learn Sweeeeeeddddddiiisshh (best language I've ever heard. No offense Denmark) and see the Swedish/Danish countryside.

The Swedish country side is amazing. Filming in Sweden is one of the best deals out there. Basically, through Swedish laws you are allowed to film just about anywhere without strict permission. Unlike the States, especially CA, you need a stupid permit everywhere. If you ever find yourself in Sweden or Denmark, or basically anywhere in Europe just start filming!
 
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