In April 2007, I was barely 19 and contemplating my options for the future. One of them was college…then the tragedy at Virginia Tech happened. It seemed to be the only story in the news for several weeks. Then, it just faded away…that stuck in my brain.”

  Havok Poster

2008 was a pivotal year in the life of writer/producer, David A. Guest. In addition to forming Garner Alan Productions with partner G. Garner Sweet, David co-wrote four original screenplays (©CIN; ©The Gamble; ©The Painter; ©HavoK), an ambitious undertaking by any standard. After contemplating which story to develop as their first independent feature project, “HavoK” was chosen as the ‘coming out’ effort for Garner Alan Productions.

“This story couldn’t be more real. We knew from the beginning it had to be dramatized from a very visceral place. We’re still a bit shocked so little in the way of storytelling has been undertaken for such an important issue.”

As with any production, big budget or independent, “HavoK” had its share of challenges to overcome. Due to the age of the principals, scheduling was a bigger logistical headache than usual with the need to plan around school hours - high school and college. An extra consideration was the fact that one of the principals was living and working two hundred miles away.

Subject matter was also an issue. Only after their seventh attempt at securing a school location did a public high school assistant principal finally open up his campus to Garner Alan Productions for “HavoK.”

Throughout the production process, Mr. Guest was changing hats regularly between writing and producing. Writing, however, became his true motivator. “It was truly inspiring to see the actors lift the words off the page. To see everyone so dedicated to the story, many of them my age, made me feel that much more responsible for making sure we put forth nothing less than a professional effort.”

“HavoK” raises a lot of questions…it doesn’t pretend to know the answers.

“Despite HavoK’s intense overtones, especially in the third act leading up to the chaotic climax, our goal is to open up some minds and at least leave the audience thinking. If we’re able rekindle a spark of interest and provoke some serious dialogue, we’ve done our job.”

Website(s):

http://www.Havokthemovie.com

http://www.myspace.com/Havok_themovie

http://www.facebook.com/people/Havok-TheMovie 

Gary G. Sweet
Garner Alan Productions