| Spit-burger (5/03) A short film about a fight in a burger establishment, this film has a frenetic editing pace and a nice background soundtrack. This is the first Empty Box film that I haven't been involved with. C-5:33 min. B-LMv DIRECTOR: Joel Gass PRODUCER: William H. CAST: William H., Joe K., David H., Dan K., Francis H., Louis H. FILMED IN: St. Louis, Missouri CAMERA: Sony DCR-TRV18 The Long Weekend (6/03) When it came out, this was the longest film ever made by Empty Box (no pun intended). It is about a young businessman who visits his Aunt & Uncle's house which is home to supernatural forces controlled by his wife's murderer. A good homage to Hitchcock that is slow in a few spots but has some very suspenseful moments. B&W-appx. 30 min. B-Mv 7.75/10 stars (4 votes) CAST: Joel Gass, Gabriel Fries, Susan Gass, David Gass FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois CAMERA: Sony CCD-TR416 & JVC Digital Cybercam Widescreen (1.78:1) The Russian Transfer (12/03) The ultimate chase "short," with good locations, good music, and a climactic fight scene at the end. Technically not released until 2004, this was filmed in October and edited in December. Dedicated to "Henry," Joel's bull. David H. has a cameo. C-5:40 min. B 7.67/10 stars (3 votes) CAST: Gabriel Fries, Joel Gass, William H. FILMED IN: St. Louis, Missouri CAMERA: Canon GL2 |
| Good Boring America (4/03) A spoof of the TV industry and many celebrities, this is one of the better films that we have made recently. The editing is extremely loose, and gives the film a sort of fast-paced quality. The climax features the first use of slow motion in an Empty Box release. A blooper reel follows the film. C-16:46 min. B-D 10/10 stars (1 vote) DIRECTOR: Joel Gass CAST: Gabriel Fries, Joel Gass, Nancy Wegener CAMERA: Sony DCR-TRV18 The Stolen Banana (7/03) A teenager is eating his lunch and a strange agent steals his banana. A chase follows with a twist ending. This film has become one of the most popular Empty Box pictures. I made this film at a TV Workshop at SIUE over the summer, so it has a larger cast than usual. C-6:37 min. B-LMv 8.67/10 stars (3 votes) DIRECTOR: Joel Gass CAST: Billy R., Dallas W., Gabriel Fries, James ---- FILMED IN: Edwardsville, Illinois CAMERA: Canon GL2 Widescreen (1.78:1) What Up, Sleepy Hollow? (11?/03) This is a modern rendition of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with some nice twists and funny moments. Also, Joel compiled a Making of... documentary. Empty Box's biggest production yet, it was done as a school project. A blooper reel follows the film. C-20 min. B 6.5/10 stars (2 votes) DIRECTORS: William and Terie H. PRODUCER: Hanne-Kenn-Zie Productions CAST: Dan K., Joe K., Molly M., Gabriel Fries, William H., Julie E., Catherine E., Ellice E., Louis H., James H., Andrew K., David H. FILMED IN: St. Louis, Missouri. Credits sequence: Freeburg, Illinois; Port Milford, Ontario; several other locations: CAMERA: Sony DCR-TRV18 Widescreen (1.78:1) |
| Football Sunday (1/02) An exciting chase with a surprise ending and some very comic moments. The second "short". C-4:24 min. A CAST: Nancy Wegener Widescreen (1.78:1) Burglar Problems (1/02) A girl tries to rob the home of an unsuspecting man in this suspense/comedy "short". Subjective shots are a little overused. C-7 min. A CAST: Nancy Wegener, Gabe Fries Widescreen (1.78:1) 007 in Green Acres (3/02) A short James Bond spoof that was thought to be lost. Recently it was rediscovered in slightly shortened form. It was made as a sort of teaser for our upcoming James Bond film project. This film was finally edited late in 2003. C-2:51 min. A 8/10 stars (1 vote) CAST: Gabe Fries, Joel Gass FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois CAMERA: JVC Digital CyberCam Widescreen (1.78:1) Crossing Problems (3?/02) Another entry in the "Problems" series, with Gabe trying to cross a busy street. Inspired by old silent films. C-5:45 min. A CAST: Gabe Fries CAMERA: JVC Digital CyberCam Widescreen (1.78:1) Cigarette (8/02) A very odd, interesting, and sad short. A man who ignores his family becomes a bum and realizes his mistakes. C-6:33 min. B-SmA CAST: Michael Harris, Gabriel Fries FILMED IN: Brookline, Massachusetts Battle of the Wits (11/02) An old friend/enemy shows up at the home of a blind man and they battle with words and drinks. A blooper reel follows the film. C-10:57 min. A CAST: Gabriel Fries, Joel Gass CAMERA: Sony DCR-TRV18 Widescreen (appx. 2.5:1) The Bike Thief (12/02) A girl steals a bike from a man, but then he realizes it wasn't his. This is another "chase" short similar to Oh Yeah..Wrong Movie and Football Sunday. The editing style has a loose feel to it. C-appx. 4:26 min. A CAST: Nancy Wegener, Gabriel Fries Widescreen (1.78:1) Blindness (12/02) Another book advertisement I made for school. It isn't as good as The Count of Monte Cristo. C-abt. 2 min. B-L CAST: Dan Prescott, Chris Hummert, Leslie Obst, Jim Feucht Widescreen (1.78:1) |
| Conversation Problems (6?/01) A movie whose only scene is a conversation between two men in a taxi. Interesting short with a suprise ending. C-appx 7:08 min. A CAST: Joel Gass, Gabe Fries FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois Vampire Blood II (2001) Compared to the original, this one is great! Plenty of humor in this crazy farce. The plot concerns a vampire and his dense assistant, who confront a dangerous zombie. C and B&W-10:46 min. B-Mv 6/10 stars (1 vote) CAST: Gabe Fries, Danny Boarman, Ben Boarman FILMED IN: Santa Rosa, California Vampire Blood III (2001) Slower moving than part II, but almost as good. It makes fun of everything from James Bond to Richard Simmons. Bond ivestigates the murder of a vampire hunter and is nearly killed himself. Danny plays three people. C and B&W-14:10 min. B-Mv 4/10 stars (1 vote) CAST: Danny Boarman, Ben Boarman, Gabe Fries FILMED IN: Santa Rosa, California Vampire Blood IV (8/01) A spooky movie with an excellent setting inside the caves at Lava Beds NM. Ludsworth the butler returns from II to find a new job. Little does he know he's been hired by the twin of his employer in II! The only flaw is some lines cut off. C-11:36 min. B-Mv 7/10 stars (1 vote) CAST: Danny Boarman, Gabe Fries, Ben Boarman FILMED IN: Lava Beds, California Oh Yeah..Wrong Movie (12/01) A good short that opens with a very exciting chase scene which turns out to simply be an opener for a collection of gags whose punchline is always "Wrong Movie". The first of the "shorts" I made with Nancy. C-7:44 min. A CAST: Nancy Wegener, Stephanie Johnston Widescreen (1.78:1) |
| The Gabe and Joel Film (2001) This is basically just a news show and a collection of skits, including Job Problems. Plenty of slapstick. C-17:39 min. (including Job Problems) B-Mv CAST: Gabe Fries, Joel Gass Job Problems (2001) This hilarious "mindless comedy" is about a teenager who can't get a job and his "job consultant". I play two people. C-7:30 min. B-Mv CAST: Joel Gass, Gabe Fries It Came From Behind Her Chair (2001) A big green blob terrorizes the citizenry in this lego/claymation movie. It's already very funny. My first movie to use clay. Unfortunately, this film will probably never be completed. C-abt 8 min. (incomplete) B-Mv 10/10 stars (1 vote) VOICES: Gabe Fries, Diane Fries The Gabe and Joel Film - Part 2 (2001) Long news/slapstick intro to Job Problems 2, has funny moments and boring ones. C-36:01 min. (Including Job Problems 2) B-Mv CAST: Gabe Fries, Joel Gass Job Problems 2 (2001) Almost as good as the original, with more action and less comedy. "Herbie" is back as the Job consultant who inexplicably wants the teen's glasses. Diane Fries has a cameo. C-9:12 min. B-Mv CAST: Joel Gass, Gabe Fries |
| Empty Box/Fries-Films Filmography |
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| This is a filmography of all the movies Empty Box and Fries Films have produced so far. It all started just a few years ago, when I made a short (and very bad) live-action movie: The Negative Family. May 1999, when I got my own camcorder, could be considered the true "beginning" of Fries-Films, which would then make The Alien Adventure the first Fries-Film. None of the Fries Films shorts have ever been released, they've just been seen by my friends and family. I use a homespun Rating System to rate my movies. The movies were filmed in Belleville, Illinois and directed by myself, Gabriel Fries, unless otherwise noted. All casts are in order of appearance, except the Sleepy Hollow films. This list covers all the films in order... |
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| The Negative Family (11/96) The first movie I ever made, this is about a ghost in black and white who gets sick and becomes color. I made this with my father, Michael Harris. Too short. C-3:05 min. A CAST: Gabe Fries, Melina Harris, Michael Harris FILMED IN: Brookline, Massachusetts CAMERA: VHS |
| Gabe's Page Menu |
| The Silly Robot (11/96) An improvement over The Negative Family, this is about a robot who tries to make spaghetti and fails miserably. C-6:56 min. A CAST: Gabe Fries, Melina Harris, Michael Harris FILMED IN: Brookline, Massachusetts CAMERA: VHS |
| Home Writings Links Photos theme park central --Empty Box Areas-- Home & What's New Actors in Empty Box Films Rating System --Years-- 1999 2001 2003 2000 2002 Email me: [email protected] |
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| Giants!!! (1996) This is a very bad film about giants attacking. C-7:16 min. A CAST: Gabe Fries, Emily R---, Nathan R---, Steve Block FILMED IN: Brewster, Massachusetts CAMERA: Sony 8mm |
| The Alien Adventure (1999) An alien comes to Earth and makes a friend in this feature. It suffers from being overlong. C-27:34 min. Director's Cut-abt 11 min. A CAST: Emily R---, John, Samantha M----, Nathan R--- FILMED IN: Brewster, Massachusetts Vampire Blood (11/99) This quickly made feature about a man who kills a vampire is so badly made it's hilarious. C and B&W-6:51 min. B-Mv CAST: Gabe Fries, Danny Boarman FILMED IN: Santa Rosa, California Richarlie Hits the Jackpot (11/99) This is a film about a man winning the jackpot with payment in Tootsie Rolls, but somehow aliens get involved again. My second Lego movie. I still used my hands to animate. C-6:03 min. A VOICES: Gabe Fries Richarlie Meets His Brother (1999) OK feature about well - the title explains it. C-1:50 min. A VOICES: Gabe Fries, Nancy Wegener |
| The Pocketknife (9/99) Long considered one of my best live-action films, it has lost some of its luster, but is still a classic. This was a collaboration between my father and I. It is about a crazed lunatic named Senor Pocketknife who wants his friend, John Tibbs, to help him in taking over the world. C-15:45 min. B-Mv 7.5/10 stars (2 votes) CAST: Michael Harris, Gabe Fries, Mandy the dog, Melina Harris, Cori B----, Abby C----- FILMED IN: Brookline, Massachusetts CAMERA: Sony Hi8 (Hi8 tapes were not used, however) The Abduction of Richarlie (10/99) Barely constituting as a feature, this film is only of interest because it is my first Lego movie effort. C-5:20 min. A VOICES: Gabe Fries The Adventures of Richarlie (11/99) This was my first Lego movie to be filmed in stop-motion animation. Although the movement was very choppy, this was a breakthrough. I coined the term "Legomation" to describe the animation. C-9:30 min. A VOICES: Gabe Fries |
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| The Fight of Jedi (2000) It seemed great when I made it with a friend, but now it's very slow compared to newer fight movies. C-0:55 min. B-Mv VOICES: Gabe Fries, Joel Gass FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois The Fight of Jedi II (2000) Pretty similar to the first. C-1:08 min. B-Mv VOICES: Gabe Fries, Joel Gass FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois The Adventures of the Extremely Insane and Very Mad Scientist (2000) Richarlie stops at a so-called 'inn', a fight ensues. The fighting scenes are boringly slow compared to later ones, but fun none the less. C-6:24 min. B-Mv VOICES: Gabe Fries The Walker (2000) This was simply showing off the Legomation technology. C-0:29 min. A Indiana Bones and The Temple of Rocks (2000) Indiana Bones must make his way through a temple filled with obstacles. Not the first Lego movie to be filmed outside, but the one that makes the most use of its setting. A few lines are cut off, but otherwise a great movie. C-3:41 min. B-Mv VOICES: Gabe Fries, Joel Gass The Walker II (2000) Better animation than the first, although dialogue is a little choppy. C-1:03 min. A VOICES: Gabe Fries |
| The Mystery Tank (2000) The longest Lego movie I've ever made, this tells the story of a tank that is wanted by theives. Unfortunately, it isn't done in stop-motion. I plan to make a Legomation remake. C-14:25 min. B VOICES: Nancy Wegener, Gabe Fries The Swordfight (2000) Two rivals have a sword fight in the first "new Legomation" film. I made this with a friend, Joel. C-3:04 min. B-Mv 7/10 stars (1 vote) VOICES: Gabe Fries, Joel Gass The Pants (2000) One of the best lego movies I've made, a pair of trousers attacks Richarlie and family. Indiana Bones comes in and saves the day. A sequel is in the works. C-4:33 min. B-Mv 9/10 stars (1 vote) VOICES: Gabe Fries Mystery Midnight Theatre (2000) A delightful two-episode murder mystery, and probably the funniest movie I've made. The host takes you through "Bloodbath at Hampstead College" and "Watch Your Necks". B&W-Part I: 6:31 min. - Part II: 5:39 min. B-Mv CAST: Adrien K--- VOICES: Whitney K---, Gabe Fries FILMED IN: St. Louis, Missouri Part widescreen (1.78:1) The Fight of Jedi 3 (2000) This very short film has a great battle sequence, but goes a little too fast. C-0:56 min. B-Mv VOICES: Joel Gass, Gabe Fries FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois Widescreen (1.78:1) The Jewels (2000) Some priceless jewels are almost stolen in this farce. It is the first of the many robbery movies I've made since. I've written a script to make it about 10 min. longer and funnier. C-3:12 min. A CAST: Sadie W----, Gabe Fries, Audrey W---- FILMED IN: Webster Groves, Missouri |
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| 2000 "The year of animation" |
| The Strange Man (1/02) The first completely digital movie, we filmed this on a digital camcorder and then used editing software to create a very professional-looking production. A strange man approaches, talks briefly with a farmer, and leaves. C-3:12 min. A CAST: Joel Gass, Gabe Fries FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois CAMERA: JVC Digital CyberCam Part Widescreen (1.78:1) Jesus: Episode I- The Story of Advent (1/02) Filmed with my Renew 2000 group, this is the story of Jesus' birth. A large cast helps this short film. A blooper reel follows the film. C-5:50 min. A CAST: Gabe Fries, Cory Bradshaw, Shelley Schindler, Sarah Feeley, Marie the dog, Sarah Schindler, Nancy Wegener, Katie J. FILMED IN: Swansea, Illinois Part widescreen (1.78:1) In The Doghouse (3?/02) This is an interesting little short about a hermit who confronts his fear of dogs, with comic results. Much of the dialogue is hard to understand, but what makes this film great is the excellent cutting and composition of the shots. C-14:23 min. A CAST: Joel Gass, Jake and Jessie (dogs) FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois CAMERA: JVC Digital CyberCam Widescreen (1.78:1) Body Language (8/02) A collection of short vignettes featuring various parts of the body as the stars. Strange but good. C-8:20 min. B-D CAST: Gabriel Fries, Michael Harris, Kim Zdanovich, Melina Harris FILMED IN: Brookline, Massachusetts CAMERA: Sony Hi8 Apocalypse (10/02) A short, poetic film about a man who meets up with a lawyer on a farm. They realize they are the last two men on earth. Unfortunately, this film has been completely lost. It was refilmed in 2004 in B&W with a revised plot. C-abt 5 min. A CAST: Joel Gass, Gabriel Fries FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois CAMERA: Sony DCR-TRV18 A Mid-Autumn's Leisure (10/02) A farmer goes about his day and pauses to witness the wonders of life. Extremely short film, but very nicely shot. C-abt 2 min. A CAST: Joel Gass FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois Widescreen (1.78:1) The Count of Monte Cristo (10/02) I was reading the book for school, and as a final assignment I made this advertisement for the book. It is filmed in an exciting movie trailer style. C-abt 3 min. B CAST: Gabriel Fries, Joel Gass Widescreen (1.78:1) |
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| 1999 "The beginning of Fries-Films" |
| 2001 "The year of new innovations" |
| 2002 This year, with digital editing now being used, is "the completely digital year" |
| 2003 "The year of polish" |
| 2004 "The siesta year" |
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| 2005 "The breakthrough year" |
| The Robbery (spring 04) OK film, below my usual standards of perfection, but still entertaining and funny in spots. A burglar steals some money from a teenage girl, and, with the help of her friends and the police, she catches the thief. Made for a school project. C-appx. 20 min. B DIRECTOR: Gabriel Fries CAST: Jackie Hannah, Katie Nicholson, Jamie Nicholson, Soane Ursani, Tiffany Untch CAMERA: Canon GL2 |
| "Longitude" (12/04) I finally fulfilled my dream of making a music video with this video for the Belleville band Cloudkill. The music, cinematography, and editing blend together to create a poetic statement that may be my best short film to date. C-appx. 4 min. B DIRECTOR: Gabriel Fries CAST: David Aye, Brian Wood, Clayton Sanders, Jennifer Reisenberger CAMERA: Canon GL2 |
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| What Up, Sleepy Hollow: Back in 2 Action (August 05) This sequel to What Up, Sleepy Hollow moves away from the original story to create an over-the-top combination of comedy, action, and romance. Although it has some plot holes and is at times unfocused, it remains an entertaing spectacle. It has the largest cast and longest running time of any Empty Box film so far. Includes a memorable scene in which Homey G teaches Ichabod Crane how to win over the ladies. Michael Harris has a cameo. C-appx. 67 min. B-ADV DIRECTORS: Gabriel Fries and Joel Gass PRODUCER: William H. CAST: Top Billed - Dan K., Gabriel Fries, Joseph K., Theresa H., Molly M., Jack M., William H., Joel Gass, Anthony B.; Other Cast in order of appearance - David H., Clare Robidoux, Madeline M., Andrew K., Francis H., Francis F., Jason Gass, Mary Rose M., Monica M., Mary Anne M., Bill M., Billy B., Lucy H., Lindi M., Allison M. FILMED IN: Freeburg and Belleville, Illinois; Kirkwood, Maplewood, and St. Louis, Missouri; Michigan; New York; Boston and Williamstown, Massachusetts; Santa Cruz, California. CAMERA: Canon GL2, Sony DCR-TRV18 |
| Creation of the Splurge Gun (July 05) A funny, loosely edited short in which a mad scientist explains how to create a gun that shoots silly string. Based on the process Joel used to create a gun for the play Bugsy Malone. C-abt. 6 min. B-Cv DIRECTOR: Joel Gass CAST: Joel Gass FILMED IN: Freeburg, Illinois CAMERA: Sony DCR-TRV18 |
| 2006 Yet to develop... |
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| Camping (March 06) Short horror film in the vein of The Blair Witch Project in which three boys go camping...and never come back. Hard to follow because much of it is in darkness, but has some genuinely scary moments. Opens with a humorous "Welcome to the Movies" sequence of theater no-no's. C-abt. 8 min. B-F DIRECTOR: Joel Gass CAST: David H., Louis H., James H., William H. FILMED IN: St. Louis, Missouri and Freeburg, Illinois CAMERA: Sony DCR-TRV18 Widescreen (1.78:1) |