Founder and creator of the Film Co-Op, Alison has developed a
whole new breed of filmmaking. A hybrid of traditional studio
and independent production houses, the Co-Op is a place
where artists join forces to produce exceptional film, live
events and videos. Alison has an eye for talent and her
natural business savvy has aided her in creating a
forceful new company. In the past Alison was
considered a one woman production studio;
from pen to screen and everything in between.
A writing career developed into a hosting and
producing position at a Vancouver television station
nearly two decades ago. Since then Alison has
produced and directed award winning
documentaries, feature films, commercials,
and music videos. F-Stops, her first
feature film, won the Remy Award for best
suspense thriller in Houston at Worldfest;
and her documentary, Every 15 Minutes,
is viewed by California High School students.
Alison is dedicated to producing and directing
socially responsible programming. With an eye toward the
future, Alison gives of her time by participating at various
educational institutions, as a guest lecturer or by speaking on
panels to share her experiences in the industry. Engagements include,
UCLA, USC, LA Film School, networking events, conferences and festivals.

Alison Richards - Producer/Director

If there's specific resistance to women making movies, I just choose to ignore that as an obstacle for two reasons: I can't change my gender, and I refuse to stop making movies.
--Kathryn Bigelow

Directors pre visualization for "Visionary"
The title itself conjures up vague images and sparks our interest. What is visionary? Who is visionary? When a 15 year-old boy experiences disturbing images of death he and his father must race to stop the premonitory warnings from becoming reality. This film deals with the torment of uninvited responsibility for others. Justin doesn't understand what is happening or why he is plagued by these revelations but he is driven by blind duty and haunting guilt to help prevent the loss of lives.

Justin's world is bleak. He has no friends, no family beside his father and normal teen activities like school and hanging at the mall are denied him. The film quality will reflect the grainy bleached and colorless qualities of Justin's journey. Even though the street may be crowded and people busy themselves all around him, Justin never gets close to anyone. He is detached from the regular world. His only comfort and companion his father, Mike. Mike usually speaks for him as well.

When Justin experiences an episode where he sees death, the film with take on a stuttering, off speed, stop frame look. The vision will be devoid of rich color, nearly de-saturated, until the moment of death when it will become brilliantly blinding to the point of pure white which dissolves slowly back to black and then returns to the reality of the moment.

Justin speaks very little in the film but it is important to reveal his feelings. Often he will be "watched" during a scene. This will lead our viewers to wonder if something is going to happen. Although his gift/curse is invisible, there is a haunting quality about Justin that will draw looks from strangers. People will be uncomfortable in his presence and that causes him to hang his head and slump his shoulders. As if being a teen wasn't difficult enough, Justin must carry a burden that most adults would not be able to endure.

Atmospheric music will be used sparingly to create mood in selected settings. A favorite song that father and son sing-along-with on the road, some oldies or country music on a jukebox welcomes them cheerfully at the coffee shop only to become melancholy when disaster looms. For the most part there will be limited and simple score. An eerie desolate and ominous acoustic arrangement will emphasize the loneliness and pain these two endure.

The camera will be quite still with limited cutting in the scenes. Coverage will be wide with pans and rack focus between characters. When Justin is successful in saving someone, he will be shown brighter and nearer the light. When his efforts fail, he will be in shadow.

The only moments in the film that are rushed or cut quickly with rapid camera moves are ones where they are trying to save someone. The location will be familiar but anonymous and nameless.

With a strong cast this film will entertain and suspend reality. There is little need for fancy effects or trick imagery since Visionary is a well written and compelling tale. An atmosphere will be created on set where the actors are free to explore the plethora of emotions and range of material set before them. The result will be a highly entertaining and suspenseful drama.

- amr

Dare to be different, make a change in your world.