Filmmaking Anniversaries
Coming on the heels of the TCP 10th Anniversary in 2000, the year 2001 represents several historic milestones.
10 Years of Cretin/Grace Magic (and Mayhem)!
October 11, 2001 marks the 10th Anniversary of the founding of Eagle's Nest Limited. This was the date of the group's first release, Star Trekker's Syndrome. This production would generated both praise and controversy within the University of St. Thomas Cretin/Grace Hall community in 1991, but it served to galvanize the crew which would carry TCP to new heights of filmmaking for most of the 1990s. The crew's body of work would be anchored by the epic Remote Wars trilogy (1993-1999), but would also encompass many other fine and diverse productions, both in film and video media. In 2000, Eagle's Nest Limited became Grace Basement Productions, and the crew continues to build on their legacy into the new millenium.
To Mike, Randy, Luke, Jothan, and the Bully... thanks for keeping the spirit alive!
Eric, Mike, and MCS - Celebrating 15 years of filmmaking!
May 30, 2001 marks the 15th Anniversary of the founding of Mega Conglomerate studios, where it would all begin. It was on this date in 1986 that St. Thomas Academy students Andrew Varecka, James Waddick, Lawrence Mortenson, and Eric Dela Cruz would shoot the very first MCS film, the memorably-titled military farce Officers Without Pants (1986). Eric went on to make appearances in all four Officers films, and was already taking some turns behind the camera during the various MCS productions. After Trans Collegiate Pictures was established, Eric still periodically appeared on-camera, but eventually would go full-time behind-the-scenes. This still holds true today, with the occasional bit part or cameo appearance, just to make life interesting...
December 30, 2001 marks the 15th anniversary of Michael Scanlon's film debut! Back in 1986, Mike would join Eric onscreen as a member of Andy Varecka's squad in the third, "big" episode of the Officers series, Officers Without A Chance (1987). Mike would land a classic title role just a few months later, as The Fugitive Guy (1987).
By the early '90s, once Trans Collegiate Pictures had been established, Mike made the transition from part-time actor to full-time cinematographer and editor. Eric and Mike would also witness the magical formation of the Eagle's Nest Limited crew just a year later in 1991. After serving as chief cinematographer for the various TCP productions for most of the '90s, Mike was still logging time behind the camera in 2000's Free, as well as providing foley for the upcoming release Simplify.
Many thanks to Mike for his enthusiasm, dedication, and friendship all these years!
A Message From Eric
Speaking as someone who has been around "since the beginning", I have to say that this has been a remarkable 15 years.
Back in 1986, between making stop-motion G.I. Joe animations and those early Officers films with the Mega Conglomerate Studios crew, I never imagined that I would still be at it in 2001. I recall that at that time, my parents figured that moviemaking was just one of those typical "just-a-phase" sort of hobbies in which I would eventually lose interest and let fade away.
Fortunately, that never happened.
Most of the credit goes to the various members of MCS and TCP, with whom I not only made films, but also became great friends. I would learn that common interest and camaraderie would be a powerful combination, especially in the later years of my filmmaking adventures.
Thank you for 15 years of learning experiences, unforgettable memories, and relationships forged that will last a lifetime. You are truly the greatest crew--and the greatest friends, in the world. I salute and embrace you all.
December 18, 2001