New Film with Lots of Eichler! - Page 2

In one scene, for example, the protagonist enters the home from the backyard and moves from room to room in search of the villain, who then enters the scene from a different room. Suddenly there's the villain—but it's actually his reflection off the glass wall. This 'house of mirrors' effect recurs throughout the film, an illusion that also becomes a metaphor for how the spirits of the dead communicate with the living. And it works.

Halfway through production, however, the need for additional financing raised its ugly head. "At that point," Stern recalls, "we decided that the only way [to complete filming] was to sell our Eichler. And even though our home is where it all takes place, we literally finished shooting while my wife and I were in escrow."

Between wrapping up filming and having to sell their Eichler, "it was a harrowing ordeal," he says, "but I'm grateful we had a great realtor and found a wonderful couple eager to buy the place…and they liked the movie too."

"And lo and behold," says Stern, feeling a sense of satisfaction as the smoke continues to clear, "I'm sitting here with a completed film!"

Written by Stern and directed by Sonja O'Hara ('Doomsday'), 'Mid-Century' stars Shane West ('Dracula 2000') and Chelsea Gilligan ('Star-Crossed') as the vacationing couple. Award-winning actor Stephen Lang ('Avatar') plays an architect obsessed with the occult, and Sarah Hay ('Flesh and Bone') portrays a housewife haunted by the past.

"I also play the villain in the film," Stern adds. "It was fun to play opposite actors like West, Lang, and the legendary Bruce Dern, who told me he had been friends with Alfred Hitchcock, and that 'Hitchcock would have loved your screenplay.' Hearing that was a career highlight!"

Stern says that he wore a lot of hats along the way, and spent the last six years not getting paid a dime. "A lot of people did us favors, and everybody pitched in, working for a lot less than they would normally be paid," he says.

Stern is proud of the talent that came together for 'Mid-Century,' which includes "an Emmy-nominated director, four-time Emmy-winning composer, Emmy-winning editor, an Emmy-nominated production designer," adding, "...and the film is up for 'Best Picture' at the upcoming L.A. Film Festival!"

When asked if there's anything he'd like fellow Eichler fans to know, Stern says, "I'd like them to know I love Eichlers as much as they do, and that I made this film for Eichler and mid-century modern enthusiasts.

"I feel that 'Mid-Century' is a love letter to the style, while simultaneously criticizing the social mores of the period."

Stern's affection for Eichlers shines through during the film, beginning at the opening credits, which showcase several 1950s and '60s images by Eichler Homes' original photographer, Ernie Braun. Stern closes the film dedicating his production to "the memory of Joseph Eichler."

'Mid-Century' is currently available for streaming via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and additional providers; and available on DVD and Blu-ray in late July. For a peek at the 'Mid-Century' trailer, click here.