Bruce Bradley leaves us · Issue #11 · November 15, 2021
On July 25, 2021 Bruce Bradley, the writer of Oberon's Gold passed away at Sierra Nevada Hospital in Grass Valley, California. He was 70.
It saddens me to learn of his passing so far from when it happened. I should have known something was up when the emails from him about his latest post on his winery blog stopped.
I enjoyed every minute working with Bruce on Oberon's Gold and The National Exchange. And the time away from the sets. He was filled with historical information that was interesting to me since I enjoy learning about history, which was a major reason I wanted to be a part of helping to make his stories come to life on the big screen.
BRUCE, You are truly be missed! God Bless and be at peace.
The National Hotel under new ownership · Issue #10 · June 2, 2019
Reported on February 12, 2018, the National Hotel in Nevada City is under new ownership, undergoing an estimated $5 million renovation. The project seeks to restore the hotel to its former glory by combining historic preservation with modern aesthetics, and by meeting code requirements, and aims to be completed before Christmas. In the interim, the bar is closed and room reservations are canceled — although two rooms are being kept available in the back in order to keep the “continuously operating hotel” designation.
Plans include keeping the veranda as a primary attraction, moving the restaurant upstairs, and creating a downstairs lobby and hangout spot with a Victorian-era library feel. The pool area is to be substantially upgraded, and the rooms upgraded so they all have bathrooms. The bar retains its intimate, slightly funky feel. The exterior does not change beyond a paint job.
The name will change to The National Exchange Hotel, which is what the hotel was named when it first opened on August 20, 1856. The National is believed to be the longest continually operating hotel in California.
Oberon's Gold Post-Production News · Issue #9 · March 5, 2016
Aria Pictures Film Showcase · Aria Turns 26
It is happening! Oberon's Gold extended version to PREMIERE on the big screen in Full HD at the Aria Pictures Film Showcase!
Where can I stay up to date on Oberon's Gold, Aria Pictures, and Bruce Bradley news and information?
Oberon's Gold has several places to visit to stay up to date.
Official Website (currently visiting) • Official Facebook Page
Staying up to date with Aria Pictures Film Production.
Official Company Website • Official Facebook Page • Aria Pictures Weblog
Oberon's Gold Post-Production News · Issue #8 · January 2, 2016
Extended version finished!
It has been almost a year since the last news update and the working of the Extended version of Oberon's Gold, and we know everyone is so busy with life, existence, and survival thanks to those that their goal is to cause chaos, terror, and pain that we finally finished the extended version and are setting up a Premiere date, at a REAL theater, to project it with other films in 2016 to hopefully fund a small portion of our next production endeavors.
When is the Premiere on the BIG SCREEN?
We are planning for late February or sometime in March depending on the weather and what other activity we add to the event.
Oberon's Gold Post-Production News · Issue #7 · January 25, 2015
Extended version almost finished
yes there is an extended version, longer than 10 minutes that adds more fun from Kenny & Winker, and several other characters.
Where can I view it on the BIG SCREEN?
We are working on a special showing at a St. Helena area theatre.
Oberon's Gold Production News · Issue #6 · October 6, 2014
Premiere is tonight
I hope everyone can put aside the issues we have had with NCTV and Cheryl Noble and go watch Oberon's Gold on the BIG SCREEN!
Another chance to view it on the BIG SCREEN
Do not fret, if you cannot make it due to whatever reason, we are working on securing a theater in Grass Valley and in the Calistoga/St Helena area to show the extended 12-minute version of Oberon's Gold, 18-minute version of The National Exchange, and 42-minute version of THE GOLdEN TREE (2010) — all westerns. We might include a special showing of The Choice by Mark Hoffman; the WATERING hole; BUDDIES by Judith Plank; The Producer by Danna Wilberg; and/or Paint — not sure which one, if any at this time. Would love to show them all, but people are not going to sit for three hours — only one is going to be chosen.
Oberon's Gold Production News · Issue #5 · September 7, 2014
Reinstated to the event
I apologize for not updating the news until now; however, the cast & crew was informed on July 9, 2014 when Oberon's Gold was reinstated, just a few days after it was removed from the event. NCTV's station manager capitulated her stance requiring the filmmakers add NCTV as executive producer after she spoke with the powers that be at Access Sacramento. She was told exactly what our Director, Gerald Martin Davenport, told her many times. He has not received a public or private apology from her for 12 years, 1 months, 25 days, 6 hours, 10 minutes, and 46 seconds ) — which he deserves.
New Date - New Name - Bad Vibes
The event name, date, and vibes has changed since Gerald was removed from the event committee which he was brought on to help organize since everyone at NCTV admitted they had no idea how to make a movie or premiere it on the big screen. They have no idea you do not just change dates from a Saturday to a Monday night since there were people coming from outside the county four hours plus away to see their family on the big screen; but it is not about the filmmakers or the cast & crew, it is about how NCTV and Cheryl can make herself look good and convenience themselves — they do not care about anyone else but themselves.
It is about the story, the actors, the crew, and the film
After the wind was taken from his sails and he was publicly crucified — the email stated now that Gerald is gone there should be no more misinformation (which is funny because the misinformation did not come from Gerald) — Gerald was not interested in helping or being a part of anything related to NCTV — Gerald is not the only one who was slighted from the event. It took a few days, people nagging him, and coming to the realization that he is a filmmaker and has a chance to show people what he can really do, increase his portfolio, and enjoy what he loves to do which is making movies, telling stories, and entertaining people.
The slow process to rebuild the momentum to finish Oberon's Gold was complicated with requests for him to produce The National Exchange also by Bruce Bradley with Robert Stuckey, but he found the energy and reassured the team that it would blow everyone off their seats.
Post-Production: Music - Effects - Editing
The biggest news is we are very lucky, honored, and excited to get Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli to compose the music for the film and it is awesome. The performers are Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli guitars, harmonica, percussion, and programming; Eric Gorfain fiddle; and Frank Macchia Irish flute.
Editing is done, there is a picture lock, but the Visual Effects and Color-correcting / Grading are still in progress but are nearly complete.
Premiere and Encore showing
If you cannot make the Monday night Premiere because if the date and time, do not fret, you will be able to see it on the big screen as we will be having a special Encore showing of Oberon's Gold, The National Exchange, and THE GOLdEN TREE (2010) coming soon — details to follow.
Oberon's Gold Production News · Issue #4 · July 8, 2014
Removed from event
Cheryl Noble has removed Oberon's Gold from the list of films to be played at the Del Oro Theater!
Why
We do not agree to give NCTV Executive Producer credit in the film. NCTV DID NOT FUND THE FILM, which is what an Executive Producer does, gives you money to make the film. If however they gave resources to complete the movie like location's, actors, and such, then they could earn a Co-Producer credit, but not Executive Producer.
Executive Producer Description
Executive in Charge of Production: A producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but who is still responsible for the overall production. - IMDb
In motion pictures, an executive producer oversees the filmmaking with regard to film finance. - WIKI
One of the major differences between a producer and an executive producer in the completion of a film project is in how the money is handled by each. The executive producer, much like top executives in the business world, is responsible for initiating the movie production process by securing the necessary funding to move forward with the movie. The producer, on the other hand, is more closely akin to the manager who works under the top executive. Producers have the task of managing the money once it has been secured by the executive producer. In many cases, the executive producer is a well-known producer who has gained acclaim in the industry and can gain funding from investors by the sheer power of his name. - More
We are not the only ones protesting
Several other writers feel the same way about this and have stated their position, and we are waiting to hear whether they have been removed from the list.
They only have 9 after Steve dropped out; now they have 7, and that is reduced to 5 or less, because we know several of them do not have crew or cast as of yet, so there could be only 3 movies for this fund-raiser event for NCTV.
They do not deserve the credit no matter what they have offered or given the filmmakers to partake in the event; they have not produced the films, they produced the event.
Gerald has also been released from the event
Gerald, our director, was the major creator of NCTV's Here in Nevada County event. Cheryl came to him and asked that he take the lead — as she said, since you know film, I do not, and have done PCS movies — and bring the event to life. Since day one, after they got the plans and outline, he says they never listened to him or followed any of his advice.
Cheryl mentioned to Gerald that the filmmakers should give NCTV executive producer credit in the films on May 9th, after a few emails back and forth where Gerald disagreed with her, he gave up and said, “fine do what you want, no one is going to comply.” He was not going to give NCTV Executive producer on Oberon's Gold.
Other than a few minor issues, the event was okay until Wednesday July 2, 2014, when Catherine Busch, one of the filmmakers, looked at the Technical Guidelines and read:
CHERYL NOBLE AND NCTV ask that you give NCTV an Executive Producer credit at the end titles and any form of advertising you can to say thanks for them hosting this creative event: Executive Producer - Nevada County TV.
This caused a filmmaker to resign from the movie they were working on. The writer contacted Gerald very upset and said he would contact Cheryl about it. Gerald contacted Cheryl about the situation and she said to contact the others to see where they stand in their production and how they feel. A few of the filmmakers were very upset about the requirement and were angry at Gerald, but he told them that the requirement was not in the original documents he gave NCTV, and he agreed with them that NCTV should not get that credit. Gerald sent Cheryl the report and questioned her motives altering the Technical Guidelines from what he originally sent her.
A few days later Gerald received an email from Cheryl releasing him of his duties on event due to creative differences, and that she was disappointed that Gerald disagreed with the credit — which he told her on May 9th that he did.
The email sent out to the writers mentioned that she apologized for the misinformation they were getting from Gerald. The mis-information was not from Gerald. He is working on clearing his name of any inconsistencies and telling the facts and truth.
Gerald opted out of another film, and possibly The National Exchange, another one written by Bruce Bradley set to begin production on august 2 and 3rd. Quite upset about the whole thing, Gerald mentioned to Bruce that he was not going to put the credit for NCTV in Oberon's Gold, does he mind? “NO,” said Bruce, “they do not deserve it.” He sent Cheryl an email to voice his displeasure with the credit she is asking for; that is when he and his two movies were removed from the event.
Meanwhile, Mark Hoffman, who plays John in Oberon's Gold, had a very good suggestion, which of course Gerald tried to mention. Mark as submitted his suggestion to Cheryl and awaiting word — my fear is he os also going to be removed or black/red flagged. Mark is the director of the LifeFest 5x5 Film festival in Hollywood, and he states they do not ask for a exec prod credit.
The sad part is Cheryl has no leg to stand on and she is creating a sour taste for the event and NCTV, and hurting the actors, crew, locations, and community.
Oberon's Gold Production News · Issue #3 · June 24, 2014
I am exhausted, sore, and yet invigorated about the time i spent with the actors and crew on the production of Oberon's Gold — I hope you feel some sort of excitement about it too.
I do not know what more to say than, thank you for your time, patients, and talents — I appreciate it, as I am sure your fellow actors and crew members do as well; making a movie is a team effort, as you non-filmmaking and first timers witnessed with your front row seats during this production, it is a grueling, arduous, but hopefully, rewarding process.
Taking a day or two of rest
I need to rejuvenate myself from the long hours I put in on production before I begin post-production. The past 3 weeks I have thought about this production for hours on end, along with my other priorities; but the past eight days from Sunday, June 15 to Monday, June 23, I have put in many hours and not much sleep organizing and preparing this project so it would run as smooth as possible — I think it went smoothly with a few minor issues, but no major hiccups — we captured everything we needed, course I realized I wanted more, but I was already lying in bed Monday night when I realized I missed something. PICK UP DAY? No, no. Just kidding.
Again thank you all for sacrificing your time and giving of yourself to this project. Bruce Bradley the writer appreciates it, remember, we were doing it for him, not me, but in reality we were doing it for everyone, yourself, your family, your fans, the audience, your friends, fellow actors, fellow crew members.
I hope everyone had fun, learned something, and is happy about the experience they had.
- your humble coordinator, gerald
Oberon's Gold Production News · Issue #2 · June 19, 2014
All forms have been sent if you have not returned them yet, PLEASE BRING 2 COPIES EACH WITH YOU TO THE SET. We do not have copies, we do not have a printer, you are not able to be in front of camera, and there goes the whole movie — Do not let Bruce, your fellow actors, or yourself down — BRING YOUR PAPERWORK WITH YOU! And do not forget your wardrobe and memorize your lines (be off book).
Be on time from what the schedule says, they also have been sent out for Saturday and Monday. If you do not have paper work, schedule, your lines and character report, please let me know.
Having fun working hard
Whatever! Is it possible to have fun, and work hard? For me, yes, I love this kind of stuff, but we need your cooperation, undivided attention, and professional and adult behavior so we can get through a plethora of action in a short amount of time.
Keep in mind on a bigger budgeted production, the restaurant scene would be scheduled for a minimum of four, twelve hour days, and we are trying to get it all done in four hours which includes set up, rehearsals, tear-down, and clean up.
It may get a little stressful, and some people may get short tempered, but do not take anything personal. This is suppose to be fun, and it is, and we just want to get it done for Bruce, You, and the audience.
Oberon's Gold Production News · Issue #1b · June 12, 2014
GREETINGS ALL!!!
This is how I do most of my general and all-in-cased information. A web-based newsletter/memo which is more convenient than email. It is clean, readable, does not get lost, and can be accessed anytime and most anywhere — done this (in email form though) for the previous six films.
This is where you should visit for news and updates, mostly when you get an email, like the one you just got saying check out the current news with a link just like this: Oberon's Gold Production News
We have a cast, crew, locations, and most importantly we have DATES!
Oberon's Gold Shooting Dates
• SCENES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are in the forest along a trail, in a gorge, and scheduled for Saturday, June 21.
The actors playing Kinney, Winker, Meg, Simon Oberon, and the Injured Man are needed.
• SCENE 7: The scene in Meg's Inn is on Sunday, June 22.
The actors playing Meg, Simon Oberon, and the Injured Man are needed. Specific times are being worked on.
CREW: Short day start after 10 am.
• SCENES 8, 9, and 10 for restaurant & Bar are on Monday, June 23, at The National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City.
The actors playing Simon Oberon, John, Kate, Neil, Mattie, Kinney, Winker, Gambler, Meg, and the background restaurant diners are needed.
Mark them on your calendar. Contact Sera or Gerald if you have a time situation. We can cover crew, but not actors, please communicate.
It is exciting to have three days straight, although it might be tiring, but exciting to get the principal photography done in three days. Then we are done!