A Creative Profile

Written by Blair Latta, Thomas Hartigan Fenton and Marisa Caldero (which is a pen name for Ivan Rogers), "Forgive Me Father" is a character driven suspense/drama in which Ivan Rogers plays a Roman Catholic Priest, Father Virgil Garrett, an ex-hit man believed to have died 12 years ago (see Synopsis).

Producer/director Ivan Rogers first began developing the "Forgive Me Father" story in 1995. At that time, the project was entitled "The Payback Man". Rogers then decided to enlist the services of writer/director/producer Thomas Hartigan Fenton (with whom Rogers had previously worked) to pen the script. Fenton delivered the script on time and in accordance with Rogers's specifications, but Rogers was still not satisfied. Rogers says, "This project was supposed to be a revenge-based movie. Mr. Fenton provided all of the necessary elements to make that happen. But something was still missing. I needed to take it to another level. So I toyed with the idea of making the basis for the revenge a by-chance occurrence based on fate."

While working on another project in Canada, one of the producers (the late John Andor) introduced Rogers to writer Blair Latta. "It was Blair who actually came up with the idea of my character being a Priest/ex-hitman as opposed to a bounty hunter, as outlined in my original concept. I was quite intrigued," continues Rogers. Rogers commissioned Latta to further develop Fenton's script. The results were astonishing. "Basically all I did was meld the two scripts (Fenton's and Latta's), add a few of my own ideas, and change the title," adds Rogers.

The script for "Forgive Me Father" was completed in spring of 1997. With the script completed, Rogers now had another consideration...the look of the film. "I have always enjoyed the look of dark films with moody lighting, as in pools of light," Rogers begins. For two years prior to the completion of the "Forgive Me Father" script, Rogers had many conversations with Dallas-based Director of Photography Michael Off. "We talked on the telephone constantly about lensing and lighting. We had very similar views and I felt comfortable with that. He was the most logical choice," explains Rogers. It was inevitable that Michael Off be chosen as Director of Photography for "Forgive Me Father".

In his feature film career, Rogers has penned five scripts (all of which have been produced), produced five, directed two, and starred in ten. "Forgive Me Father", he declares, is his finest effort yet!

In addition to a solid, captivating story, "Forgive me Father" boasts several other strong components, most notably its original musical score.

"Music is such an essential element in a film. It tells the audience how to feel. If I can marry the correct music with my images on screen, I can take the audience anywhere," Rogers explains.

Canadian composer Gary Koftinoff provides a powerful and moving musical score, while internationally acclaimed musicians Andre J. Gaskins (violoncello) and Gao Ping (piano) perform classical compositions selected by Rogers exclusively for "Forgive Me Father". Ivan Rogers developed "Forgive Me Father" as another vehicle for himself as an actor and filmmaker. The casting demands for this project proved to be large and diverse. "This was not just another run up and down the street, shoot 'em up action movie," begins Rogers. "This story was much deeper. The real issue revolves around old versus young, traditional versus new, experience versus inexperience." The casting process began.

First on Rogers list to cast was the character of Izzy, a rough, gruff, yet slick retired hit man. Without a second thought, Rogers sought seasoned actor Rich Komenich with whom he worked on two previous films.

Next, Rogers needed a strong talent to play the young, rude and impetuous Tony Ransom. "I looked high and low for an actor to play this character. I needed a strong talent who was good looking, articulate and sassy," explains Director Ivan Rogers. Several candidates solicited for the job, none of which could meet the needs of the role. With all of his choices exhausted, Rogers decided to look elsewhere. But, as fate would have it, the production office received a telephone call from Chris Elbert. Rogers says, "I had no idea who this person was, but decided to take the meeting anyway. When I saw him, I knew immediately he was right for the part." Rogers explained the grueling demands of the shooting schedule. Elbert didn't flinch. Rogers signed him on.

Last, but certainly not least, the part of Frank Ransom was yet to be cast. This part required long hours of coughing, emulating one inflicted with bone cancer and emphysema. Once again, Rogers' search proved futile. Out of desperation, he called a colleague, actor/producer/director, Fred Williamson and explained his dilemma. Fred suggested Charles Napier (Charlie, as he likes to be called). Rogers forwarded the script to Charlie, he read it and loved the part of Frank Ransom. Charlie was now on board. With principal cast in place and crew hired, it was time to shoot "Forgive Me Father".