SLIDESHOW: The Dawson War (stills and behind-the-scenes)

Poster artwork by: Tony Vardon
Photographs provided by: The Dawson War Fan Page and Teri Bridges (Beauty for Ashes)
Slideshow created by: Roxanna Coldiron

Behind The Scenes: Ghosts On The Set

On Saturday, July 27, 2013, we filmed at the Carter House, part of the Portage County Historical Society. The house was built in 1835 and is in such great condition that it's like walking back in time as soon as you enter through the front door. On the grounds of the historical society, you'll also find the Lowrie-Beatty Museum, the Strickland House, the Mahan New England Barn, a log cabin and an Indian Village. Those of us not directly involved with the particular scenes being filmed had the opportunity to tour the grounds.

But we weren't alone!

When we toured the Strickland House, several cast members felt a heavy presence. The original owners of the house, George Strickland and his wife Lucreta Welton, built it in 1869, about two years following their marriage. The couple shared the land with George's father Willis, who lived next door in the Salmon Carter House. Apparently, some of the residents have never left...


Photo: Portage County Historical Society

Teri Bridges, our makeup artist, and her assistant Marlene Brown walked off to one of the rooms by themselves. Teri experienced a sensation of someone holding her hand several times, but no one was standing next to her.

Then the women heard a whoosh and saw the tail end of a person running past them right after Teri had heard another woman's voice asking her why she was in the house. Needless to say, Teri and Marlene screamed and ran toward the rest of us.

Other cast members could definitely feel a presence in the house and experienced the paranormal in different ways. Do you feel someone watching you? Well, you're probably not wrong....

Actor Q & A: Richard Phillis

Actor Richard Phillis

Richard Phillis knows his way around a movie set. According to IMDb, he's already completed nine film shorts with one film in post-production and another (ours!) currently in production. You've probably seen him in The Farm, and he's reprising his role as Sheriff Franklin in our latest production The Dawson War. Now you can get to know the actor a little bit better because we asked him a few questions. Enjoy!

Ghost Walk: What's a typical day in your life like?
Richard Phillis: I start my day by walking an hour as fast as I can walk for conditioning my legs and heart and my wind. Then I eat breakfast, shower, come home and study my latest script, go to bed early so I can get up early.

GW: If you were trapped in a haunted mansion with hostile ghosts, you would...
RP: Try to reason with them.

GW: What would people be surprised to know about you?
RP: I don't drink any alcohol.

GW: What motivates your character Sheriff Francis Franklin?
RP: I think he likes people to underestimate his abilities as a sheriff. He doesn't want people to see him coming, so he gets the upper hand.

Catch up with Richard in the latest installment of the Dawson family, coming out in 2014!

Actor Q & A: Robbie Barnes

Actress Robbie Barnes plays the lead female role in The Dawson War, our latest film project. In the film, she portrays the strong Estella (Dawson) Harper, who has been the most harmed by her family's darkest secrets. The love of her life, Johnny Harper (played by John Chiara), helped to bring her out of the darkness, but her family's skeletons are soon to fall out of the closet and haunt her again! We caught up with the busy, beautiful and versatile actress to talk to her about acting, spooks and her latest role:

Actress Robbie Barnes

Ghost Walk: When did you first get the acting bug?
Robbie Barnes: I was first bitten with the acting bug when I was four years old. I remember watching The Terminator and never being afraid of it, but wishing I was a part of it. My parents explained to me what a movie was so I wasn't scared of what I was seeing. I remember the second film and thinking Linda Hamilton was the coolest woman ever and I wanted to be like her. As I got older, nothing changed. I still want to be an ass-kicking chick making movies!

GW: How do you get into a role and put on the skin of the character, so to speak?
RB: I like to psychoanalyze the roles I get and figure out the background of the characters, the part of the script that's not written. I go over 100 questions about the character that will be on my mind when I portray her. I try to find relatable events in my life so I can play the emotion as accurately as possible. Even if it's a villain character who is doing something I would never or have never done, I still try to find a way to relate and to like my own character, even if no one else does. All villains have humanity to them; but with that, all heroes also have evil.

GW: Tell us about the first time you ever saw a ghost. How did you react?
RB: The first time I had a ghostly experience was in Gettysburg. I've had several there; I used to ghost hunt pretty frequently. Most of the time, I'd never see anything and it was just a feeling. A sensation that you're not alone...It would always creep me out. It wasn't pleasant, but of course, that'd come with the territory. It was a lot of negative energy. I was in an old house in Richmond once investigating, and I walked into an old parlor room and was hit with the smell of cigar smoke, though no one was smoking. It was the first time I ever smelled a phantom scent and it was...refreshing. A lot more relaxed. I felt calm. I made me smile. They were clearly having a party, and all was well.

GW: What do you like most about your character Estella in The Dawson War?
RB: I like that she's tough. She has her moments of being a pain to those around her, but she gets what she wants and can take care of herself. I've always loved strong, independent women roles.

GW: What was your favorite scary movie growing up? Why?
RB: The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre from the 70's. The idea of wearing someone else's skin that you cut off of them is just creepy. Not to mention that loud, scary chainsaw cutting through limbs and being hung on a meat hook. And I know it was an indie film made on a very small budget, and it was clearly a huge success. Bravo to them for turning it into a classic!

You can learn more about Robbie Barnes by visiting her website and her Facebook fan page.

Actor Q & A: Holly Neelie

If you've seen The Farm, then you've already "met" actress Holly Neelie as "Lynn Dawson", Estella's not-so-kind aunt. Well, the lovely and talented blonde is reprising her role as Aunt Lynn in The Dawson War, the prequel to The Farm. We caught up with her to ask her a few questions about her acting and her take on ghosts. Enjoy!

Ghost Walk: What do you like most about acting in ghost/horror films?
Holly Neelie: I enjoy acting in films period. :)

GW: If you were stuck in a haunted house for the weekend, you would...
HN: ...sit huddled in a corner, arms wrapped around my legs, and using my knees as a chin rest, cautiously observing.

GW: What is the scariest or funniest thing that has happened to you while on set for The Dawson War or The Farm?
HN: While filming my last scene for The Farm, I had a heck of a time attaching the clasp on that prized necklace. I must've stood there for upward to a minute each take in total silence before I could say my line!

GW: How would you describe your character Aunt Lynn?
HN: Aunt Lynn is controlling and truly believes herself to be superior to others.

You can learn more about Holly Neelie ("Aunt Lynn") by visiting her website at http://hollyneelie.com/.

Take a look at what's new for Ghost Walk Studios:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-dawson-war-startup-campaign-ghost-walk-studios

Ghost Walk Productions is now GHOST WALK STUDIOS!
http://ghostwalkstudios.com/

http://ghostwalkstudios.com/

"The Dawson War" auditions are done!

Filming begins this May!

http://thedawsonwar.com/

Ghost Walk: THE DAWSON WAR
http://thedawsonwar.com/

Lilly's World...

It is the early 1800s, in “Small-town,” Ohio.

In the background, you may have seen bountiful cornfields, wooded landscapes, clear skies, and heard sounds of rushing water.

This was during a time when fashion revealed the social class of an individual, games filled with laughter were the highpoints of the evening, manners and etiquette were expected, and this elegant era ushered in a movement of artistic pursuits so powerful they remain with us to this day.

There was no way to know then that the death of a little girl would span generations and affect us so profoundly. Like the music and poetry of this golden era, the little girl remains with us, as well.

As we fast forward to a new century, a young man, is walking down a country road. The setting: a sunny yet cloudless summer day. It was during a time when people didn’t feel it necessary to lock their doors during the day. Most felt safe, except for this young man who encountered a full-bodied apparition, shifting in and out of focus, offering him a smile that chilled him to the bone. He somehow knew that this would not be the last he would see of her. He was right.

Years later in November 2009, older and much wiser, Mr. Rocky Karlage, President and creator of Ghost Walk, sat down to pen a narrative that some find difficult to believe. However, he tells of us his experiences with such conviction, that even the most die-hard skeptics begin to open their minds to the possibility that yes, there does in fact exist the possibility that spirits are real.

We know “the little girl” is real.

In the beginning of Ghost Walk, “the little girl” was a constant spirit companion to Rocky, and also the basis of a character in our story. She was given the name Lela to indentify her fictional character in the Ghost Walk saga. While we no longer spend the time moderating our MySpace profiles as we have in the past, we encourage everyone to visit the profile of “the little girl” for the purpose of learning more of her character and getting to know her through her journal entries. Understand that these writings, while reflecting the nature of the fictional character, are also strongly tied to the real ghost child and we are now sure of her true name.

We welcome you to the world of Lilly!

Lilly has chosen to speak through psychics or mediums at times when she’s needed to communicate. With the help of these special people, this is how we discovered her true name. Lilly has always communicated with Rocky first and foremost, and she quickly became less frightening than his earlier experiences suggested. It was upon discovering her actual name that she seemed to begin opening up and sharing more about her life and the tragedy surrounding her death, which we suspect was at the hands of a relative. She has shared so much with us in recent years and we feel compelled to share with you details, as we can tell them.

Before reading further, please realize that our priority is keeping Lilly safe and that will remain our priority, no matter the situation. We protect her. We take her safety seriously and we ask that you do the same. When she feels threatened she retreats, will hide behind Rocky, and he can sense how she feels. When she is scared, her friends do all they can to guard and comfort her. Trust is important.

Lilly has proven herself to be quite a girl! She is intelligent beyond her years (we believe she may be 12 or 13 years old), she has a mischievous and delightful sense of humor; she can be quite persistent when she needs to get a message across, and she has adapted well to today’s technology using it as a way to converse. She finds music and videos to tell us things she likes and things she doesn’t like. We get a glimpse into her mood by the songs she chooses and these songs almost always have a strong and important meaning behind them. However, she’s been known to pick playful songs too! She chooses her own profile pictures on her Facebook page to let us, and you, know how she’d like to be seen, and these pictures change often. Pay attention. We implore you to hear what Lilly is trying to say.

While there are details we can not pass along at this time so that we may protect Lilly, as well as ourselves, we can tell you one of the most important things about her is she loves her friends. She has reached out to some whom she knows she can trust. She has visited those closest to her. She has particularly enjoyed time with the Haunted Dolls living in the home of Tom and Traci Watkins. Lilly adores dolls! She does not like to feel alone but on her journey she has suffered a great deal of loneliness and at times has felt incredibly lost. We feel in time she will pass on and find the peace she so truly deserves, but until that time comes, Lilly has much she wishes to accomplish.

Having traveled so far through such a forlorn and painful journey to get to where she is now, Lilly is remarkable in that she still has so much love to share. Despite all she has been through, she is an amazing bright spot in our lives. Our hope is that you will become her friend and share your love and support with her.

Ghost Walk Productions, LLC is in the process of creating an updated version of Lilly’s story. We’ll be detailing more about her life and death, more about who she is, and she has friends who have graciously chosen to share their experiences concerning Lilly. Until the book is released, please visit Lilly on Facebook and take the time to read her notes, watch her videos, and look through her pictures. You will be astounded at all our cherished, sweet girl has to offer.

Lilly's World...

It is the early 1800s, in “Small-town,” Ohio.

In the background, you may have seen bountiful cornfields, wooded landscapes, clear skies, and heard sounds of rushing water.

This was during a time when fashion revealed the social class of an individual, games filled with laughter were the highpoints of the evening, manners and etiquette were expected, and this elegant era ushered in a movement of artistic pursuits so powerful they remain with us to this day.

There was no way to know then that the death of a little girl would span generations and affect us so profoundly. Like the music and poetry of this golden era, the little girl remains with us, as well.

As we fast forward to a new century, a young man, is walking down a country road. The setting: a sunny yet cloudless summer day. It was during a time when people didn’t feel it necessary to lock their doors during the day. Most felt safe, except for this young man who encountered a full-bodied apparition, shifting in and out of focus, offering him a smile that chilled him to the bone. He somehow knew that this would not be the last he would see of her. He was right.

Years later in November 2009, older and much wiser, Mr. Rocky Karlage, President and creator of Ghost Walk, sat down to pen a narrative that some find difficult to believe. However, he tells of us his experiences with such conviction, that even the most die-hard skeptics begin to open their minds to the possibility that yes, there does in fact exist the possibility that spirits are real.

We know “the little girl” is real.

In the beginning of Ghost Walk, “the little girl” was a constant spirit companion to Rocky, and also the basis of a character in our story. She was given the name Lela to indentify her fictional character in the Ghost Walk saga. While we no longer spend the time moderating our MySpace profiles as we have in the past, we encourage everyone to visit the profile of “the little girl” for the purpose of learning more of her character and getting to know her through her journal entries. Understand that these writings, while reflecting the nature of the fictional character, are also strongly tied to the real ghost child and we are now sure of her true name.

We welcome you to the world of Lilly!

Lilly has chosen to speak through psychics or mediums at times when she’s needed to communicate. With the help of these special people, this is how we discovered her true name. Lilly has always communicated with Rocky first and foremost, and she quickly became less frightening than his earlier experiences suggested. It was upon discovering her actual name that she seemed to begin opening up and sharing more about her life and the tragedy surrounding her death, which we suspect was at the hands of a relative. She has shared so much with us in recent years and we feel compelled to share with you details, as we can tell them.

Before reading further, please realize that our priority is keeping Lilly safe and that will remain our priority, no matter the situation. We protect her. We take her safety seriously and we ask that you do the same. When she feels threatened she retreats, will hide behind Rocky, and he can sense how she feels. When she is scared, her friends do all they can to guard and comfort her. Trust is important.

Lilly has proven herself to be quite a girl! She is intelligent beyond her years (we believe she may be 12 or 13 years old), she has a mischievous and delightful sense of humor; she can be quite persistent when she needs to get a message across, and she has adapted well to today’s technology using it as a way to converse. She finds music and videos to tell us things she likes and things she doesn’t like. We get a glimpse into her mood by the songs she chooses and these songs almost always have a strong and important meaning behind them. However, she’s been known to pick playful songs too! She chooses her own profile pictures on her Facebook page to let us, and you, know how she’d like to be seen, and these pictures change often. Pay attention. We implore you to hear what Lilly is trying to say.

While there are details we can not pass along at this time so that we may protect Lilly, as well as ourselves, we can tell you one of the most important things about her is she loves her friends. She has reached out to some whom she knows she can trust. She has visited those closest to her. She has particularly enjoyed time with the Haunted Dolls living in the home of Tom and Traci Watkins. Lilly adores dolls! She does not like to feel alone but on her journey she has suffered a great deal of loneliness and at times has felt incredibly lost. We feel in time she will pass on and find the peace she so truly deserves, but until that time comes, Lilly has much she wishes to accomplish.

Having traveled so far through such a forlorn and painful journey to get to where she is now, Lilly is remarkable in that she still has so much love to share. Despite all she has been through, she is an amazing bright spot in our lives. Our hope is that you will become her friend and share your love and support with her.

Ghost Walk Productions is in the process of creating an updated version of Lilly’s story. We’ll be detailing more about her life and death, more about who she is, and she has friends who have graciously chosen to share their experiences concerning Lilly. Until the book is released, please visit Lilly on Facebook and take the time to read her notes, watch her videos, and look through her pictures. You will be astounded at all our cherished, sweet girl has to offer.

GHOST WALK CASTS OFF!

“Not all that goes bump in the night should be found.”

And Ghost Walk aims to prove it!

We are so excited about our latest venture, the making of the film “The Farm.” Based on true events that took place in a farmhouse, virtually in the middle of nowhere, a young couple on their honeymoon find themselves trapped in a terrifying situation so real and so horrific they are afraid for their lives. Will they survive this real-life nightmare or will they succumb to their fear?

Want to find out how this shocking story ends? You can! Please visit our fundraising website at The Farm on IndieGoGo and support us!

Filming has already begun for this frightening story and Ghost Walk Productions is pleased to introduce our cast:

Alana Kaniewski plays the part of Estella, who marries her high school sweetheart while he’s on leave from the Army. She wants most to make her husband happy and it is Estella’s Aunt Lynn who lends them the use of the farmhouse for their honeymoon.

John Chiara plays the role of Johnny, the fun loving yet tough Army soldier married to his sweetheart, Estella. He’s strong and committed yet will soon face things at the farm he has never seen before!

Holly Neelie is Aunt Lynn, who is a realtor by trade and well-loved within the community. While she adores her family, including niece Estella, she is not fond of Johnny AT ALL.

Richard T. Phillis plays Sheriff Franklin, typical small town sheriff who remembers Johnny’s run-ins with the law; he will soon face a mystery that maybe even he can not solve.

Malik Ali is Billy, town mechanic and Johnny’s long-time friend. Billy always comes to the aide of his friend, but when Johnny calls for help this time, will he be able to rescue him?

Janine Bowles Sarnowski is Betsy, Sheriff Franklin’s loyal friend and assistant who believes nothing exciting ever happens in this town…until one day she receives a call that will change that belief forever.

Joel David Anger plays the role of likeable Deputy Ben, who is a good deputy and has always enjoyed his job before THIS happened.

And of course, there is The Farm which is played by itself (haha!). The old Dawson Farm was once a community landmark but is now abandoned since the old man died. Now, the story of many ghost tales, it becomes the real haunt for Estella and Johnny. (NOTE: The farm where the film is set is not the actual farm where the events in this film took place. The farm featured in the movie is a real place with its own chilling paranormal history. Ghost Walk and Knight Paranormal have plans to create a documentary to explore the mysterious sightings at this farm. To find out more, you’ll have to wait! We’ll keep you posted!)

Please take a moment to visit The Farm website to read their full bios. We are quite proud of this cast and incredibly impressed with their talent. We’ve enjoyed getting to know them during auditions and rehearsals. We appreciate their time and dedication to this project and are excited to have this opportunity to work with them.

In addition, we’d like to take a moment to thank our corporate sponsors for their time and willingness to contribute to our project:

The Haunted Farm
Twinsburg Comfort Suites
The Bradshaw Chronicles
Pink Coyote’s Dreamcatchers

For those wishing to become a corporate sponsor, please feel free to download our FREE SPONSOR GUIDE.

As always, the staff of Ghost Walk is truly grateful to all of you for your continued support and friendship. We can do a lot on our own, but without you we would’ve never come this far!

Blessings to you all!

The Doll House - Apparition