LOBSTER MAN FROM MARS
PRODUCTION NOTES

Many years ago, a group of young film makers sat around a New Year's dinner discussing their future plans for the year ahead. Lacking the funds to put on a really big feast, they pooled their resources to have a lobster dinner... one five pound Maine lobster to be shared by 17 people! The real main course was a dozen greasy hamburgers from a local stand in Hollywood.

The majority of cineastes present had their own dream project, each aspiring to involve the major studios --- except for Stanley Sheff and Bob Greenberg. They wanted to make a science fiction film like the ones from the fifties. Sheff, who was once Orson Welles' editor, took to heart Orson's famous comment that "A man from Mars" is always a good concept to use for a movie.

After the New Year's celebration and several bottles of champagne later, Sheff and Greenberg volunteered for clean-up duty along with their writer/producer friend Steven Greene. While washing and drying the plates, the trio discussed what kind of Martian invaders would be innovative and different for a fun movie. The now empty shell of the lobster was picked up from its silver platter for disposal, when suddenly the three pals looked at each other and smiled. Of course, "Lobster Man From Mars," an obvious choice! The screenplay was written rapidly, but was in dry dock for several years.

The untimely and tragic death of Bob Greenberg re-inspired Sheff and Greene to somehow get the picture made. Greene had a chance meeting with Eyal Rimmon, Vice President of Development for Electric Pictures, regarding another project. Rimmon indicated that Electric Pictures desired to do something unique and special with new writers, producers, and directors.

Further discussion led to Greene pitching the story to Electric's principals, Nicole Seguin and Staffan Ahrenberg. A space on their production slate had already been reserved for a comedy, and "Lobster Man" became the project of choice. Rimmon joined as an active producer along with Greene. The picture was shot in and around Los Angeles.

Tony Curtis was invited by producer Eyal Rimmon to appear in the film as studio chief "J.P. Shelldrake." Curtis loved the opportunity to play the California movie mogul so much that he postponed a gallery opening featuring his art works. Commenting further on why he left his home in Hawaii to appear in the film, Curtis said that it would be a great opportunity to "work on an offbeat, abstract film."

Deborah Foreman (Mary) and Anthony Hickox (John) had recently worked together on "Waxwork," which Hickox directed and Foreman starred. Patrick Macnee (Professor Plocostomos), an old friend of Seguin and Ahrenberg, agreed to fly in from London after reading the screenplay. Vincent Price was the first choice to play Mr. Throckmorton, but was unavailable at the time of the production. Billy Barty was then selected to play the eccentric millionaire because he was the exact opposite of Mr. Price. Fred Holliday (Colonel Ankrum), S.D. Nemeth (the dreaded Lobster Man), and the nationally syndicated radio personalities Dr. Demento (the Narrator) and M.G. Kelly (Dick Strange), were friends of Sheff's who had agreed to be in the film whenever it was a go picture.

Another good friend of Sheff's was Special Visual Effects expert Tony Doublin who had been preparing the effects for many years in anticipation of the film's financing.

Efficient pre-planning accounted for the successful shooting schedule. In the spirit of the late Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Shelf designed every shot and angle in the picture on sstory boardsbefore setting foot onto the set. He not only directed, but also served as co-editor along with John Peterson on the film.

The final results showcase the film makers' pre-production efforts, especially since the film was invited to have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival at Park City, Utah.

Since its initial release, Lobster Man From Mars has become a favorite among Science Fiction and Comedy fans throughout the universe!