"SNAKEMAN" (AMERICAN FILM PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL, 2004)

Because virtually nobody demanded it, here are some stills from Ron Ford's Snakeman, shot in and around Spokane in 2003. It stars Wayne Spitzer and Mitch Tiner (among others) as the Snakeman and was shot by a variety of photographers including Ron Ford, Eric Gollinger, Andy Kumpon and Wayne Spitzer. No official DP was hired. It was edited mostly by Ford himself, with help from Eric Gollinger and others. The movie was written and directed by Ron Ford.

Above: A two-bit hoodlum (Andy Kumpon) is about to get some Snakeman justice. Wayne Spitzer shot this in Ron Ford's basement; it is one of Spitzer's favorite shots (of his own) from the film, as it "manages to bring some ambience to bear on what is obstensibly a horror movie." Spitzer adds with a wink, "It all starts with looking through the view-finder."

Another of Wayne's shots with Mitch Tiner in the snake getup.

Another shot by Wayne Spitzer; again, Tiner is in the snake-up. Spitzer wanted the shot to recall Cornelius and Zira watching television in Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971). Ford wanted his shots fast, and Wayne gave them to him fast.

Gary (Wayne Spitzer) can't seem to stop stratching since being stabbed by an "infected" syringe. Andy Kumpon shot this in Ford's basement.

Gary (Wayne Spitzer) discovers yet another patch of scales, this time on his back. Could have been a great "mid-life crisis" subtext running through this thing, what a hoot.... Oh, nevermind.

Gary (Wayne Spitzer) doesn't look so good as he confronts the evil doctor. Could be any number of reasons.

Gary (Wayne Spitzer) transforms into the Snakeman. Wayne's suggestion that he be spritzed by a spray bottle (to suggest sweat; to suggest pain and trauma, oh, nevermind) and to get up close on the contact lenses (which he had never worn before and had to be forced into his eyes) were unceremoniously dismissed (water isn't cheap, after all!). Regardless, Wayne lobbied for this role knowing it wouldn't be easy. He and Kumpon looked at working with Ford, who had just moved to Spokane and needed a crew fast, as an investment. Alas, you have to know when to walk away...and know when to run.