“Morning” Media Downloads & Background
(Trailer, Poster, Production Stills, Synopsis, Star/Director Bios)

Media Contact: Colleen Farrell, colleen@ehrlichcomm.com ; DVDs available for members of the media

“Morning” Trailer:

“Morning” Movie Poster:

 

“Morning” Production Stills:

About “Morning”:

Directed by Seattle native Joseph Mitacek, “Morning” tells the story of a young married couple and their attempts to deal with an unthinkable tragedy. When Michael’s drinking and Sara’s infidelity lead to their son’s untimely and tragic death, not only does this take a toll on their relationship, they are both forced to confront their demons and decide how to get their lives back on track.

Shot in and around Seattle, Mitacek takes full advantage of the city’s locations to highlight the inner turmoil in his characters’ lives. Filled with gritty realism and a well-tuned, subtly sublime performance by Andrew Ramaglia as Michael Hade, “Morning” is a fine example of character-focused independent drama, establishing rising star Ramaglia as a serious, sought-after talent in the industry.

A Mitacek/Ciezata Production. Running Time: 86 Minutes. Genre: Drama. Language: English. http://www.siff.net/

About the Star of “Morning,” Actor Andrew Ramaglia:

(Ramaglia portrays Michael Hade, an alcoholic husband and father)

In 2003, Andrew Ramaglia attended his first open-call without any previous acting experience.  He auditioned for the role of Danny in the live stage production of Henry Bean’s screenplay “The Believer”, directed by Lucy Ballard (Exec./Artistic Director of Cedar Lake Ensemble NY).  Recognizing Ramaglia’s natural talent, Ballard immediately casted him while also casting him in “Raw”, a multi-media production.  He received rave reviews for both roles and instantly, acting became his life quest.

Shortly thereafter, Phil Allocco hired Ramaglia to star in short film, “JOSEPH HENRY”, which WON Best Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Super Short Film at Anchorage International Film Festival 2007.

Wanting to seriously further his study and training, Ramaglia enrolled at the William Esper Studios and Conservatory in New York.  While there, he landed another starring role for the film “LEAVE YOU IN ME”, directed by Dutch Doscher. Ramaglia won the BEST ACTOR AWARD at the Sally Kirkland Short Film Festival for his part.

He moved to Los Angeles upon being casted in Joe Mitacek’s feature debut, “MORNING”.  Quickly, he tested for the Samuel L. Jackson feature, “Rape, the Love Story”, and landed several leading roles in independent films including, “Logue, Inc.”, “Don’t Make A Scene” “Blue Skied’n Clear”, and “If You Are To Bloom”.

Ramaglia and his first director Lucy Ballard reunited in LA and have been working together since. Ballard, asked to co-produce Ray Izhad Meyer’s feature “ARYA” brought Ramaglia in to read for the lead and he was cast on the spot. “Arya” is currently in pre-production and is set too film in 2011.  Soon after, Ramaglia auditioned for “TRAP DOOR”, where he won the director over to such an extent that not only did Ramaglia get the part, but the script was re-written to make him the lead in the film.  “Trap Door” has been picked up by Universal for distribution contingent upon a sequel being made with Ramaglia attached in the starring role.

Patty Jenkins (writer/director of “Monster” starring Charlize Theron) has taken notice of Ramaglia after Ballard gave her his reel.  She has since brought Ramaglia in to test for the AMC new drama she is directing, “The Killing”.  Ramaglia received the full respect of the entire production as well as the executives at AMC.  Although Ramaglia did not land the part, Jenkins, AMC and casting said, “Ramaglia was simply too brilliant to be a co-star and was requested to read again only for leading roles.”

After testing for several network and cable pilots and features, Ramaglia’s name and reputation have circled the industry and he is being courted by the top talent agencies such as CAA, ICM, and Innovative Artists, as well as several independent filmmakers.

Currently, Ramaglia and will star in Matthew L. Schaffer’s new feature “BULLETS FOR BREAKFAST” as Jack Vance, co-starring with Tom Sizemore and Irish popstar and actress, Kellie Blaise; set to film in Vegas fall 2010. Ramaglia is also in talks with writer/director Phil Allocco of “Joseph Henry” to co-star with Freddy Rodriguez and Jim Caveisel in Alocco’s next feature, “5 POUNDS OF PRESSURE”

A true artist, Ramaglia works on his craft and is currently training with Ellen Gerstein. Ms. Gerstein was trained by Lee Strasberg, and is an executive member of the Actors Studio.  Given his recent success, it is clear that Andrew Ramaglia, with his leading man screen presence and top notch acting ability, is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with.

About the Director, Co-Producer and Writer of “Morning,” Joseph Mitacek:

I was born and raised in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, Washington – back when it was affordable for the average family.  I went to grade school at St. Anne’s, high school at Seattle Prep and studied English at the UW.

Like many I loved movies and watched them rather obsessively.  In the college years, my attention widened from Summer blockbusters to include art house fare.  It was during this point that a focal shift occurred.  I was no longer simply mesmerized by film, I was becoming fascinated with how they did it and why.  I wanted to know who was responsible.

I realized that I wanted to make movies for a living.  I moved to LA in the Summer of 2001 and quickly found work as a Production Assistant for David E. Kelly’s Boston Public.”  Shortly after moving into Post Production, the show was cancelled.  As luck would have it, I landed on ABC’s Seattle-based “Grey’s Anatomy.”  Over the last 6 seasons, I have worked my way up from Production Assistant to become the show’s youngest Editor.

It was during this run on Grey’s Anatomy that I began to lay the groundwork for my first feature film, “Morning.”  Knowing my budget, I set to work on a dark, character-driven story that centers around a married couple suffering from the accidental death of their child.  There lives are complicated further by uncontrollable drinking and infidelity.

I chose to shoot in Seattle for a number of reasons.  First of all, my ultimate goal was to film my first feature in Seattle my true home, having lived in LA for a number of years, I was excited to re-connect with the emerging Seattle film scene/ Second the weather is a character as our somber story would be right at home in the damp gloom.  Third, I wanted to capture a side of Seattle that is often found in music but rarely seen in film,    the remarkable part of the city’s identity which is it’s ever-present fishing, shipping and manufacturing industries.

There is also a certain excitement that I found being back among all the locals, knowing I was a Seattlite when I asked to use a location or for assistance they were genuinely eager to help – filmmaking was of importance not compensation and they were often well versed in other local films that had been recently made or screened at local film festivals.

With a completed script and a modest budget, I assembled a small team that shared a like-minded love for making film and we began our casting process. The only way this film would work would be with quality integrity great acting.  In a world full of actors, surprisingly few could pull off the demands that “Morning” required especially for the main star and male lead needed for the role of Michael Hade.

After months of searching and fearful the pivotal part would not have its actor our luck changed the day ANDREW RAMAGLIA (Michael Hade) walked through the door.  ANDREW was prepared and completely devoted 100% to Michael Hades character, the room sat silent and thick with gorgeous despair, all of us wanting to know who this young man was. Andrew’s audition was riveting he was frighteningly powerful, yet incomprehensibly tender and raw.  We ran the scene twice and I knew we had our lead, Michael Hade.  And because of  RAMAGLIA’S gift and talent , my movie became complete. He carriesus through an amazing journey, and very few young actors are able to carry a movie with such dramatic demands. Andrew was a blessing, and my feature “Morning” soars due to his performance.”

Production ran smoothly. We spent an amazing Summer in Seattle, hoping for rain to aid the gloomy storyline, but getting nothing but warm sunshine.  Which worked to our benefit thus the story works.  The city works.  My home town worked and welcomed us all with open arms. And now, we’ve come full circle with the chance to hold the World Premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival.