Altered Beast
Altered Beast, the name just brings up a vast array of thoughts. It was the first movie ever made by Team WhoRangtheBell. It was an instant classic. It's availible on DVD for $5, click here to order a copy. To be honost, it's hard to recall exactly what started this project.
Altered Beast was written solely by Jeff Sadden. It was the first feature length script he had ever attmpted, and little did he know at the time of scripting this monster, the effect it would have on everyone involved, for years down the line. To this day, Altered Beast references are made within the group, mostly making fun of Alex's infamous line "bulletholes, caused by bullets." That line wasn't actually in the script. Alex just said it. It does raise other questions though. Why did we not reshoot the scene with the correct line? We're we to drunk of laughter to remember he had actually botched a line? Or was that just Alex's best take? No one will ever know.
"This film is what started it all, it brought together the Wingers for the first time, and without knowing it then, built the foundation for what WhoRangtheBell.com is today"
- Jeff Sadden, Director / Writer / "Owens"
The film was shot back in February of 2002, over a 4 day period. It was shot entirely at Jeff's house, and mostly at night. Being that this is the first time everyone had worked together, it was surprising to see how well everyone came together. It was even more surprising being that Justin didn't even know some of the people he was working with going in. Everyone pulled together, and made sure their performance was their best. This was a project, everyone genuinely enjoyed doing. The group knew they were on a deadline, but still managed to have a lot of fun while filming.
"This was my first filming experience with the Wingers, who would eventually become Team WhoRangtheBell, and I couldnt have asked for more fun. It could have been awkward with me being the newcomer, but I was welcomed right in, and I couldn't have picked a better group of guys to associate myself with."
- Justin Benjamin, "Smith"
Because the entire group was still in High School when the film was finished, they sensed a big opportunity to not only gain notariaty around the school, but also make some money to fund their next project. The Altered Beast DVD was released in March of 2002, and sold very well right off the bat. Many extras were included. Including a fog filled room of conversation, dubbed, The Fogumentary. The DVD was released at a price of $5.00 a copy.
The DVD continued to sell well, all the way up until the group graduated in June of 2004. The key was a very specific marketing gimmick. Developed by Derek Smith, the "something about the cost of the dvd, and how many fingers he has" as Jeff calls it, ad campaign was a huge asset.
"This has got to be one of the most amazing projects, shot in 4 days made on a budget of $0.00 ever made. Get out there and do whatever you can to get ahold of a copy, for in your hand you will forever hold a piece of WRtB history."
- Keith Lawrence, "Captain"
As stated, the original plan was to use the money made from DVD sales to fund the next project. This was pre Confessions, the original planned follow up project, was actually a prequel to Altered Beast. It was partially written, but then aborted, several times actually. Anyways, the fund would haven't been availible anyways, as Jeff spent the entire earnings on haircuts.
"It was awesome."
-Josh Walther, "Jones"