The Making of "Thunder and Hurricane"

The creation of the funniest comedy ever made on a true shoestring budget
It all began with a dream. In February 2003, director/writer Steven R. Hoover sat down in front of his home computer and began scripting an adventure of two simple-minded cousins who are conned into believing their one chance at becoming "somebody" is a set of power rings they purchase from a shady pawnshop salesman.

A year later, Hoover partnered with Danny Tanner to produce "Thunder and Hurricane". Both had limited experience in film compared to industry standards and were both basically self-taught. Hoover was a marketing consultant for the local newspaper, Tanner a worship pastor at a local church. The two friends who have know each other since elementary school and who had created video projects together through high school and college, began the process of casting for their first feature length film. The two would operate under the name "Square Round Table Productions" and the independent film project would be self funded. A month later, the two had a cast of local talent signed on and had secured several film locations in the York County, PA region.

In addition to their full time jobs, Hoover and Tanner plunged headlong into production wearing several hats - directing, producing, acting, and editing. The grueling four months of production that followed included filming at challenging locations, innovative use of limited resources, and a jam-packed schedule. The equipment? Two borrowed cameras, a tripod, a microphone, a handmade car camera mount, several lights fashioned from hardware lights and dimmer switches, and gels and dryer sheets for controlling lighting. For editing, after much consideration, the two opted to use a basic editing software package in order to minimize costs of production. In the end, over 350 man-hours were invested to edit 70 hours of footage down to an approximate one and one-half hour comedy.

The fledgling independent film company has received a tremendous amount of support. "We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from the community," says Hoover, "Several business owners have generously allowed us to use their locations, donated props, and provided film equipment. This film wouldn't be possible without their support." Tanner adds, "Not only have we received enormous support from local businesses, but we are blessed with an outstanding technical crew and talented cast. Their contributions to the film will only enhance the final product. The whole experience has been amazing."

The "Thunder and Hurricane" comedy is an example of creative ingenuity and the collective effort of a dedicated cast, crew, and supportive community. With a very devoted crew of only four and after hundreds of hours of hard work, the film has been produced for less than $5,000 - truly redefining a "low budget" film.