Kathryn Henderson, Producer
An independent and commercial producer focused on creating high-quality films that move the hearts and minds of viewers.
David Schmüdde, Director
A filmmaker with simple goals: create engaging, provocative and beautiful sights and sounds reenforced by compelling concepts and stories.
Subscribe to our newsfeed!
Follow us on Twitter
Recent Developments - January 2012
A short film that depicts the changing of the seasons through earth, water, wind, and fire.
"My body carries the burden of human-kind. Our race is essential. Without us, who would admire the flower, who would discover new worlds and pay tribute to old ones? So I risk my own well-being to sustain our existence."
"I shed blood to preserve the only species known to believe in free will. I nurture every child so that they may relish every spring, grow every summer and marvel at every autumn. But I am not a martyr. This is what I've always wanted. I serve the ancient cycle of birth and death, spring and autumn, just as we all do."
[Full: 3 Minutes]
An interview with D. Schmüdde of EarthCircle Films conducted by Molly Bandonis of Chicago Art Magazine. Excerpt:
MB: How would you describe the Chicago film scene and its influence on your work?
Schmüdde: From a production standpoint, Chicago is an absolutely wonderful place to shoot. A wide variety of unique locations, a pool of actors, great camera houses and a friendly film office compensates for some of the things that the larger markets offer.
On the other hand, so much of our best filmmaking talent leaves to live out west. It makes it difficult for the city to establish a true cinematic identity. The people that stay seem to look around and see that the richest pool of talent lies in comedy. And if you take a survey of independent and Hollywood film produced in Chicago, comedy absolutely has to be considered as our hallmark contribution to the larger canon of cinema.
[… MORE on The Assassination of Chicago's Mayor, Refuge and the art of filmmaking and collaboration]
A newspaper peddler named Patrick Prendergast has delusions of greatness. Evidently slighted by the mayor, this self-anointed messenger prepares for a glorious rise from ignored lobbyist to influential icon. Prendgerast sees himself as a martyr, serving God with a noble purpose. The reality is far different.
The Assassination of Chicago's Mayor is a historical account of late 19th century Chicago full of rhetoric that feels eerily contemporary. Prendergast follows his brand of ideological righteousness to its hateful end, an end where justice and revenge are one in the same.
[Trailer]
Grant is possessed by guilt. He is ready to confess and come to terms with the lies that he has told. On his long drive across Iowa it becomes increasingly clear that these transgressions run far deeper than just one good act can mitigate. They are habitual and insidious. As he confronts himself, his place of refuge becomes an inescapable prison of thought - a claustrophobic asylum of haunting self-examination.
asdfsdfds
[Trailer]
A short film that captures the story of winter, as told through the elements.
[Full: 3 Minutes]
EarthCircle Films produced this Elks National Foundation promotional video in 2010.
[Full: 7 Minutes]
A short film that captures the advent of fall, as told through the elements.