Cleaning the screen

Young Chang

During the shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” you see a

shower head, a silhouette of a knife, hear a scream and see blood

circling a drain. Murder is implied, but not seen.

It is this kind of clean, evocative filmmaking that Newport Film

Producers Inc. wants to bring to the big screen. The new production

company, based in Costa Mesa, is moving away from “grizzly blood and

unnecessary violence,” said Richard Bare, a writer, director and a

partner in the venture with Greg and Susan Pyros.

“Hollywood has alienated half of its audience by pandering to kids

from 12 to 24, and they, in my opinion, have made a big mistake by not

making enough pictures about mature subjects with actors who have

graduated from high school,” Bare said.

Formed about a month and a half ago, the company is a marriage of

Pyros Pictures, a computer animation studio in Costa Mesa that’s been in

business about 20 years, and Bare’s Para-Scope Productions, a company

that collects screenplays and literary properties.

“We’re focusing on good content,” said Susan Pyros, company vice

president and associate producer. “Back to the issue of good guy versus

bad guy.”

With 18 scripts in hand, Newport Film Producers is working to raise $5

million to produce its first film, “Snafu.” A reception for interested

investors will be held Thursday and Tuesday.

The company will look for local actors and directors once the budget

is set, Susan Pyros said.

“Orange County has always been shadowed by Hollywood and L.A.,” said

Greg Pyros, producer and CEO for the company and a Corona del Mar

resident along with his wife. “What we want to do is show that there is a

lot of talent in Orange County and more than 200 companies associated

with producing.”

Greg Pyros will oversee everything “below the line:” camera crews, set

designers, special effects and activity behind the scenes.

Bare, who is executive producer and company chairman, will oversee

everything “above the line:” actors, writers, directors and producers.

That fits right in with Bare’s experience. The director said he gave

George Lucas his first glimpse inside a major studio when the Star Wars

mogul was only 18. Bare has made 14 features, including “Wicked, Wicked”

in 1973, and has directed more than 500 television episodes. “Green

Acres,” “77 Sunset Strip” and “Twilight Zone” are all on his resume.

Three of Newport Film Producers 18 screenplays were written by Bare,

“Snafu” among them. The screenplay, the name of which comes from a World

War II term meaning “mixed up as usual,” is the story of combat cameramen

during the war. It’s a “rollicking comedy,” Bare said, similar to the

television series “M.A.S.H.,” but without the blood.

FYI

WHAT: Reception for Newport Film Producers, Inc. Interested investors

are invited.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Thursday -- the guest list is now full

5:30 p.m. Tuesdays -- Organizers are taking RSVPs.

WHERE: Pyros Studios, 3197 Airport Loop Drive, Building A, Costa Mesa

INFORMATION: (949) 470-1452