2. ‘The Liar’- AtassiFilm Page 1
LOGLINE:
SYNOPSIS:
THE LIAR is a story about choice set at the turn of the 20th century. Lucas and Gabriel are criminals trying
to escape the law through a forest path, but quickly find themselves off the path and lost for days. After
joining a mysterious Man who offers to show them the way out of the forest, Lucas and Gabriel come into
conflict on a trajectory towards violence.
What choices do we make in the absence of authority given the temptations of free will? It is the turn of the
20th century. Two criminals on the run are traveling to their safe house through a hidden forest path. Lucas is
a headstrong veteran criminal, but his younger accomplice Gabriel is a novice and easily spooked. They
quickly find themselves wandering deeper into the forest and off the path they initially set out to follow.
Mysterious circumstances abound for the first few days.
On the second night Gabriel discovers a camp nearby with a shotgun and much needed supplies. As the
criminals are about to leave with the stolen goods, a Man dressed in black reveals himself and
offers to help escort them out of the forest. Lucas wants to kill the Man but Gabriel insists they give him a
chance to help lead them out of the forest.
True to his word, the Man takes them back to the path by the third day. At night Lucas goes to sleep early and
the other two men sit at a campfire. The Man suggests that Gabriel join him and that they leave Lucas behind.
Gabriel considers it but fears treachery. The Man goes to sleep and Gabriel sneaks the safe house keys from Lucas.
The next morning Gabriel wakes up alone. He searches down the path for Lucas and the Man. Finally Gabriel
finds them, and he sees that the Man has now tried to provoke treachery in Lucas. After a few words Lucas
shoots Gabriel and kills him. When Lucas approaches Gabriel’s body, the Man mysteriously disappears.
Lucas heads to the forest exit, but feels in his pockets and realizes the keys are missing. He plunges headlong
back into the forest in a mad rage. But Gabriel's corpse is nowhere to be found. Finally Lucas turns back to look
for the exit but the woods now extend as far as he can see.
Produced over four days on a budget of $11,500, THE LIAR is an evocative and suspenseful period drama with
a burning central question. In uncertain times, who will you choose to trust?
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Running Time: 22 Minutes
Language: English
Genre: Period Drama
Camera: RED Scarlet
Exhibition Formats: DCP, Blu-Ray, ProRes 422
Audio Format: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (SCOPE)
Press Kit atassifilm.com

3. Press Kit atassifilm.com
‘The Liar’- AtassiFilm Page 2
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION:
THE LIAR is the latest short film from Writer/Director Remsy Atassi and
Producer Rami Atassi, a Chicago based filmmaking duo who explore
stories of trust, spirituality, and human agency. The idea for THE LIAR
was originally conceived by Remsy in 2010 as part of a feature project.
When development slowed the story was shelved. But in early 2012 the
idea was ressurected as a short form period drama, written in just a few
weeks, and launched into pre-production.
Knowing that their aim was larger in scale than their previous
short‘Boxer’(2010), the Atassi Brothers planned for a $5,000 budget to
be raised via crowdfunding on Kickstarter. They decided to document
their pre-production processes on the internet in order to help
generate awareness and support for THE LIAR. This involved sharing
concept art, story ideas, and pre-production videos to over 1,000
followers on Twitter and a production blog before beginning to fundraise.
At the same time, they assembled their key Chicago collaborators on the
project. Chris Mickens enlisted her skills as Concept Artist, helping shape
the look and feel of the film early on. Additionally, she painted five original artistic depictions of the film, later
given as rewards for Executive Producer backers on Kickstarter.
Since the film is a period drama, production design was going to be essential. The Atassi Brothers recruited
Lauren Adel Klich, a Chicago based expert designer with experience in the period of THE LIAR. After several
sessions of auditions, the SAG/AFTRA cast was decided on, featuring Ted LeBlang, Jordan Brown, and
Shannon Parr in the lead roles. Director of Photography Trevor Kodat rounded out the early team, and
he brought in additional camera support and resources to help shape the films stunning cerebral visuals.
The Kickstarter campaign was completed on September 28, only three weeks before production. The
Preliminary Concept Art by Chris MIckens
brothers raised $5,452. Despite this, production
costs were steadily increasing and additional
financing was raised outside of Kickstarter. By the
final day of shooting the budget had increased to
$8,500.
‘The Liar’shot for two very rainy weekends in October
2012. Three days and one night of filming took place
at and around the Indiana State Dunes. Since all of
the scenes took place in forest exteriors, the team
had to deal with the elements in creative ways. In one
moment of serendipitous filmmaking, the films’
dramatic conclusion was rapidly shot during a
tornado warning. This added to the urgency of the
performance, and the reality of the production!
Though the day ended early these shots in the eye
of the storm proved essential.Remsy Atassi directs a night scene behind DP Trevor Kodat

4. The first germ of a story idea for THE LIAR came from an unlikely place. I was making one of many failed
attempts to read James Joyce’s Ulysses, and came onto a passage at the end of first chapter:
The image of a man standing by the sea, and the idea that he was there to deceive . Sometimes that’s all
it takes. I became so entranced by these two concepts that I began writing a feature script. But it was slow
going, and I wanted a project to work on. In early 2012 I had a flash of inspiration to transpose these ideas
to a short film set at the turn of the 20th century. Thus THE LIAR was born.
“A voice, sweettoned and sustained, called to him again from the sea. Turning the curve he waved his hand.
A sleek brown head, a seal’s, far out on the water, round. Usurper.”
My writing always seems interested in questions of
personal choice. Conflicts of choice resonate in both our
own lives and the nature of compelling drama. But part of
all choice is partially beyond our control. Whether it is a
design of fate or driven by randomness, learning to
reconcile this inevitability is an important aspect of the
human experience.
THE LIAR puts its’characters and their choices to the
ultimate test. Their lives are in very real danger, but
there is also the looming reward of riches nearby. And while neither of the criminals sets out to deceive the
other, their encounter with the Man raises the stakes and reveals greedy insecurities.
This is an American story, encountered countless times in our history. That was what attracted me to the
period. But it is also a very personal one, as every choice ripples outward shaping our future selves.
- Remsy Atassi
Press Kit atassifilm.com
Page 3‘The Liar’- AtassiFilm
The film entered post production immediately upon completion,
with Remsy Atassi editing the film under the pseudonym Tony
Sebaccus. A final round of fundraising was conducted on IndieGogo
bringing the total budget to $11,500. Next the picture lock was sent
to ARU Chicago for post audio. Sound Designer / Composer Tom
Haigh’s work at this stage proved invaluable, crafting moody and
ambient soundscapes to mirror the characters‘ spiritual descent into
the forest. Meanwhile, Color Correction and Finishing was performed
by Elliot Rudmann at NOLO Digital Film in Chicago, rounding out the
filmmaking team and completing the release print by July 2013.
Over a year in the making, THE LIAR is the Atassi Brothers’largest and
most ambitious project to date. It is a powerful period narrative of
choice, spirituality, and betrayal. The brothers are excited to share the
film at festivals and are eagerly looking forward to their next project.
Sound Designer / Composer Tom Haigh
works through an ADR session
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

5. Press Kit atassifilm.com
Page 4‘The Liar’- AtassiFilm
CAST BIOS:
Ted LeBlang
Lucas
After a distinguished professional career in health care law, Ted LeBlang
returned to his true passion: acting. He has acted in over 25 short and
feature length films, including roles as Lazzario in THE RISE AND FALL
OF THEIR AMERICAN DREAM and Joe Lucci in FALLEN SOULS.
Most recently, Ted played Rick Tullivan in YES, YOUR TIDE IS COLD
AND DARK, SIR, an official selection at the Chain NYC Film
Festival 2013.
Jordan Brown
Gabriel
Born in Kansas City, KS, Jordan attended the University of the North
Carolina School of the Arts to study Drama. He then moved to New
York, where his credits include River Valley Rep's THE LIGHT IN THE
PIAZZA, Oberon Theatre Ensemble's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING,
and an episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS for CBS Television Studios.
Since moving to Chicago, Jordan has played Young Scrooge in A
CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Goodman Theatre and is currently playing
Chad in the world premiere of Neil LaBute’s revised play IN THE
COMPANY OF MEN at Profiles Theatre.
Shannon Parr
The Man
Shannon Parr began acting in Chicago theatre in 1995 working with
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Oak Park Festival Theatre and the late
Center Theatre Ensemble where he continued his post college training.
He also appeared in Clubland at New York Fringe Fest.
In Film Shannon worked on the features the Going All The Way, Chi-Girl,
Mercury Rising and Fortunes. After taking a break from acting for
about 10 years, Shannon returned to the Chicago stages. This spring
he can be seen in the Chicago Premier of Howard Korder’s play In A
Garden at A Red Orchid Theatre directed by Lou Contey.
He and his wife Anna live in Chicago and have three beautiful little girls.

6. Page 5‘The Liar’- AtassiFilm
DIRECTOR & PRODUCER BIOS:
Remsy has a passion for images that tell a story. He is a hands-on director,
taking an active role in the writing, cinematography, and editing of his
films. His work explores themes of spirituality, trust, and human agency.
THE LIAR is Remsy’s first professional short, but he’s been making films
since his early teens. He has a growing library of original screenplays, both
short and feature. Remsy’s passion for film is comprehensive, including
both narrative and technical elements. His expertise in digital film formats
was recently featured on Forbes.com.
When he’s not writing or directing films, Remsy is a commercial director
and editor, based in Chicago with clients all around the country.
Remsy Atassi
Writer / Director
Rami’s passion is building creative teams around a focused artistic vision.
As a producer he dives deeply into in every aspect of the filmmaking
process, from building an audience through production and post.
His network of collaborators and studios was instrumental in bringing
THE LIAR to life. Rami’s multimedia producing experience gives him a
unique approach to modern film production, combining crowdfunding
and web marketing alongside a more traditional production approach.
He connects it all with a drive to tell powerful stories.
When he’s not making films, Rami produces websites at EDUCO Web
Design. He’s an avid musician, composer, and guitar instructor in Chicago.
Rami Atassi
Producer
Press Kit atassifilm.com

7. Chris Mickens
Concept Artist
Chris’s creative mix of hand-drawn illustration, graphics, and digital design
played a critical role in art direction for THE LIAR. When she’s not drawing,
Chris builds custom websites and applications. As lead UX designer and
partner at EDUCO Web Design, she has designed interactive experiences
for hundreds of clients.
You can see more of Chris’s art at www.chrismickens.com
Page 6‘The Liar’- AtassiFilm
Press Kit atassifilm.com
KEY CREW BIOS:
Trevor Kodat
Director of Photography
Trevor’s sharp eye has brought countless film and video productions to
life. His recent DP credits include WHERE THERE’S A WILL (2013) and
DECENT MEN (2011). He has directed music videos for numerous Chicago
artists, including Model Stranger, Toxic, and Daddo. Or you can find him
working as a day player for bigger productions around Chicago.
You can view Trevor’s work on the web at http://vimeo.com/trevorkodat
Lauren Adel Klich
Production Designer
Lauren’s design work has appeared in a wide range of film, television, and
print publications. As the production designer for The Onion’s web series
Sex House (2012), her work was featured in Gawker and Filmmaker
Magazine. Her interiors have appeared in Metropolitan Home, INStyle,
and Ebony.
You can see more of Lauren’s work at http://www.laurenadel.com
Tom Haigh
Sound Designer / Composer
Tom’s unique blend of sound design and music composition has earned
him a strong reputation in the Chicago production scene. His original
composition work was recently featured in Reel Chicago. Tom’s sound
design credits include TWO DAYS IN FEBRUARY, DRIVER’S ED MUTINY,
and many more; his compositions have been featured in numerous
national advertising campaigns.
Learn more about Tom at flavors.me/thaighaudio

8. Page 7‘The Liar’- AtassiFilm
Press Kit atassifilm.com
CREDITS:
Written & Directed by
REMSY ATASSI
Produced by
RAMI ATASSI
CAST
Executive Producers
Co-Producers
ZACH LEWIS
SEAN GRAVES
Director of Photography
TREVOR KODAT
Production Designer
LAUREN ADEL KLICH
Composer
TOM HAIGH
Casting
WILL JOHNSON
Concept Artist
CHRIS MICKENS
Cut by
TONY SEBACCUS
Associate Producers
TERRY LEWIS
DOUGLAS DOWD
ANNE RAMSELL DOWD
SEAN DUGAN
Lucas TED LEBLANG
Gabriel JORDAN BROWN
The Man SHANNON PARR
JAMIL ATASSI TED LEBLANG
STEVE VERNON TREVOR KODAT
SRIDHAR AYALA AJ MESTER
BRIAN ZWIENER NOUR AL ATASSI
BRETT RICHARD BALSIGER

9. 1st Assistant Director
SEAN GRAVES
1st Assistant Camera
CARLOS GINARD
Gaffer
CURT ROCHON
Sound Recordist
PHILL LEONARD
Data Manager
ANDREW JUHL
Swing Electric
VALERIE MUCH
Swing Electric
KEVIN OSTERHAUT
Set Photography
MARTY VERNON
Production Assistant BTS
ADRIENNE THOMAS
Production Assistant
NICK WELKIE
Sound Design & Re-Recording
TOM HAIGH
Mixed & Recorded at ARU CHICAGO
Colorist
ELLIOT RUDMANN
Colored at NOLO DIGITAL FILM
COPYRIGHT ATASSIFILM 2013
Page 8‘The Liar’- AtassiFilm
Press Kit atassifilm.com