Athens Ramseyer Produces Horror Films Based On Neuroscience
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is action and ambition. The show that takes you all over the world to share interviews with the most successful and relevant people on the planet, hear their backstory, get the most important lessons they’ve learned on their road to success and hear exclusive tips on how to implement their success in your own life. Action. And ambition is brought to you by entrepreneur magazine and your host, Andrew metal.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Thank you for tuning in to the action ambition podcast. I am Philip Laos, and today we have two guests joining us first up Athens Ramey, and he’s under 30 and already internationally known for his strategic intent that led to multiple seven figure companies. And even more recently, an eight figure company, blue flame medical see right outta college. He co-founded healthy U trade and tech Inc. 500 list honorary. And then finally Ente his neuro marketing agency calling their strategic intent, the biology of our scie brain. Now he has combined and vetted marketing experts with actual psychologists and neuroscientists with doctorates and PhDs in their field of innovative SAS tech that tracks your emotional response and joining him today is Paul J. Wilson. Paul Wilson is an innovator of independent film production through traditional principles of leadership team unity and profit sharing business models. He guides a community of like-minded artists and entrepreneurs on a mission to create films that provoke and inspire his company. Sweeney park has a mass and arsenal of quality projects at bargain basement prices. The 70 style horror film, a reservation is the company’s launch project. Athens Paul. Welcome.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Thanks for the intros, man. That was really killer
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Hey man. It’s what I do. If they didn’t, they didn’t, uh, hire someone who could do that. I think they did the wrong job. um, you’re
Speaker 3 (02:06):
You’re hell of a, I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
introducing to this stage. No seriously though, on a serious note, uh, I actually have always loved film and uh, so I’m pretty curious about this. So you guys can take it, uh, one at a time. Uh, you can make icons, I can say I’ll take it this time. Uh, whatever works best for you. That that’s a, that’s a technique that I think will work best moving forward for the conversation since I wanna address both of you for different reasons, uh, first off, what are your roles in, in, in the film that, that you’re launching and is this film that you’re launching with the reservation? You’re both in it.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Yeah. So I’m gonna let, I’m gonna let, uh, uh, Paul take this one. He’ll start with the film description. Well, cause he’s, he’s actually the one who’s helped, uh, or who has developed this whole story first too. So go ahead, take away Paul. So, um, you know, a brief history I left LA about 10 years ago, moved to the bay area and, um, got together with my childhood best friend, uh, 40 year friendship. And, uh, we formed this company and we’ve been essentially, um, building this arsenal, as you said, in your, uh, intro, uh, of projects with, um, you know, across the spectrum. We have a very big television series that we’ve been, uh, creating in addition to, um, a slate of high caliber, independent films. And, uh, obviously the horror genre is, you know, a very, um, very successful genre and one that is concept driven, not star driven.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
And therefore we were very much able to stick with the, um, the conceptual design as far as the casting of taking our time. And we’ve been, you know, we’ve been casting this thing for months now, taking our time and finding the very best actors that we can find that people have not necessarily seen before. We have, you know, Shakespearean trained actors. We have these, this incredible cast who are either very early in their career and getting a start or, um, you know, people who have been around and amassed the number of credits, but have yet to break through. So it’s been, um, it’s been a really joyful, uh, you know, uh, approach to it for everybody. And you know, you’re not a star yet, but you’re treated like a star when you’re working for Swee park and that’s the mentality. And, you know, it’s just, like I said, it’s just been a joy for me.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
And, and I think that, um, I think that in horror, in particular, which is, you know, concept driven, not star driven, I really think that having a new face that doesn’t necessarily have the baggage of a bunch of prior roles, uh, it’s just an indispensable asset. It creates a level of believability that you just can’t get. You know, I love George Clooney, but you look at the screen and you see George Clooney, right? Yeah. So, so on that note, actually, Philip, I, I have a list of some unknown or like back in the day, a lot of the biggest stars got their start out here. So Matthew MCCE Texas changed asking Paul Rud, Halloween, uh, you know, Henry Keal, you know, uh, hell razor, George Clooney speaking. The devil also was in, um, a, a horror high Johnny Deb, you on elk street. So all these guys got their start here. And so like what he’s saying, there’s a element, but again, these, these are really talented characters that are gonna up potentially being on that level. So it’s, again, you get to watch it from the beginning, which is really cool. You know what I’m saying? So, yeah, I just wanted to add that little note on there.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Literally what crossed my mind as Paul was breaking it down. I said, you know, when I think about it, as he’s saying this, yes, I can think of a number of actors who got their start that way. It’s super cool that you are presenting that kind of perspective to people who are listening about film and, and how the art of horror movie, uh, should be seen for what it is, which is a concept driven as opposed to star driven, which only adds to the, to the artistic nature of it all, if you think about it, right. So it’s really a piece of art. Uh, and I think that’s, that’s sort of what I, what I’m getting from, uh, from Sweeney park and, and how you wanna pursue things where you really not only impact by introducing or launching careers, but also introducing artwork. That’s focused on like what the concept is, why is this scary, right. And how is it different from other things? All, all of that. That’s really cool. So I, I’m just, I’m curious now, you know, because, uh, you’re telling me that both of you are in this, so I imagine your role, Paul, are you actually acting in it or are you driving it forward as more of a producer executive director, that kind of thing, and Athens, same thing for you.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
Yeah. So your, his role, he’s like one of the, the main head honcho. So that one real quick and I’ll follow up. Yeah. The, the film has a unique structure. The third act focuses very much on the journey of the villains, which I think is really cool. Cause you don’t usually, you know, without losing track of our protagonists, but yeah, uh, we’re both in supporting roles, but they’re very essential, critical roles. You know, I’m also the director and one of the producers and, uh, you know, one of the writers and it’s been, um, you know, it’s been a labor of love, but it’s a, it’s the sort of situation where, you know, even beyond the cast, like everybody is so committed to the project and working together. And I, I love Philip what you said about horror and art. Um, I’ve always believed that I, you know, horror’s always been this kind of cash cow, you know, they don’t take enough time and development with the story necessarily.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Oh, we’ll fix it with some great effects in post. I think, I think story is, is where it’s at because that’s timeless, that’s the past and that’s the future. And so in designing this, we pretty much just said, we don’t, we, you know, we’re gonna have a great awareness of what we think the market wants, but most importantly, we wanna make a film that reflects the, the character driven stories, particularly from the 1970s that, um, that we really love in the genre. So, you know, Polanski’s, Rosemary’s baby would be a huge influence, uh, Stanley Crick will all his films, but the shining in particular, um, it’s got kind of the rawness of, uh, the original Texas chainsaw massacre without the gore. And, uh, so that’s kind of been the, you know, the, the jumping off point for us. And I, I think it works really well.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
I mean, you know, you know how it is actors, they love to work and they love to act. So they’re gonna be very inclined to like a project out of the gate, but they’re having a, you know, our cast is truly excited about this project because it’s a real movie, it’s not a slash Fest. It’s a real movie, that’s character driven. And I think, I think that’s what audiences want. Yeah. So now your, your character role will handle in the film and he’s, again, we’re both villains, uh, which, which is really fun for us to do. And I think that’s one of the most challenging roles to play. Um, so I’m, I’m my role in the film is also the supporting, uh, actor, obviously the, uh, producer, and then I’m also helping with some minor creative direction as you listed in, in science. We do have, uh, doc, uh, psychologists, neuroscientists, doctorate, and PhDs in they field.
Speaker 3 (09:08):
So what’s cool about this is some of it’s science back driven for some of the characters as well. Like my character, uh, is, is literally a, a Swiss American kind of banker badass. And, um, it’s actually neuroscience, neuroscience, neuromarketing tactics actually first came from, uh, Swiss American scientists in the lab, actually testing out, uh, this nasal spray neurotransmitters to actually influence, uh, people to trust, uh, fire behavior in certain, uh, investors and stuff like that. So, uh, it’s a really badass role. I have some witches that’ll always be around me and I kind of puff my Sogar and they’ll be able to they’ll get the, the fair modes going and going into it. So again, it’s, it’s really bad to have, like that kind of, uh, scientific backing in the science of why we like horror films, what gets us so thrilled and involved. And, uh, you know, you know, it’s, it’s a combination of art and science in those two things, which I think is really, really cool, then the elementary surprise of horror. So again, it’s really, really nice to be able to get some backing from people who’ve actually had, you know, talk with psychotic characters and stuff like that, to be able to back some of the, uh, the story driven character develop development as well. You know what I mean? So this is a real deal. It’s gonna be really freaking exciting. And, and again, you can believe it, uh, cause it’s actually being done. You know what I’m saying? So it’s really, really cool in that sense.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
I think that’s what makes it even scarier is the fact that these are characters that are totally possible from what it sounds like the implication is these people could exist and that’s the scary part.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
Oh man. So
Speaker 3 (10:34):
I mean, again, some people that do. Yeah. So, yeah, it’s really cool.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
So for, for me then, um, I, I think it’s awesome that you teamed up because on one end here, you are like, you know, using neuroscience to market things and put things out there. But at the same time you’ve been able to then join forces with artwork. That’s supposed to invoke things in, in the human psych itself, uh, that that’s sort of like a law start because most people are sort of transactional in their content consumption today. And there’s not, they don’t really take the time to, to be impacted by things because it’s short form and this and that. So to really see that there’s that much effort going behind the making of this, I, I’d almost like to see the making of the film just as much as the film itself. I, are you, are you recording like a documentary on this? Can I ask that
Speaker 3 (11:20):
Yeah, we are, we’ve got a lot of footage that we’re gonna be filming, you know, behind the scenes, throughout the thing, uh, throughout the, uh, principle photography, we really, we really want to be able to bring people into our process cuz we think that’s one of the, the elements that’s so exciting. Certainly to me is the idea of how we’re making the film, you know, a great deal of time and effort has gone into making certain that we have that legitimacy, like he said, because you know, whether it’s the human eye or the human ear, people know when something is off, people know when something is not right. American audiences, international audiences really. But you know, particularly in this country, audiences are very sophisticated. They’ve seen it all before and it’s very hard to generate something original in art cuz everything’s been done and everything’s been done so well.
Speaker 3 (12:12):
And I think we have some true slices of originality, um, as well as, you know, paying homage to the master of the craft and, and the form. And um, yeah, I think, I think it’s gonna resonate. I, I agree completely. I’m I’m so for me personally, there’s so goals when you’re making a, a film, right. You know, and it’s all outcome driven, but the number one factor for me has always been to be able to recreate the experience that I’ve had so many times sitting in a movie theater, dark room, bunch of strangers, giant screen, and you are watching a story and you feel your life changed in some small way for the better something opens up in your heart and your mind and your spirit. And uh, I mean I can look back and I can remember, I remember seeing Rocky as a five year old in the theater, you know, that was a, that was a watershed moment for me.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
I remember star wars. I remember ordinary people. I remember Amad DEIS. It’s like, you know, when you, when you see these things and you have that moment, it’s switching for life. So to me that is like the honor. That is the greatest thing about being a filmmaker. If we can achieve that, um, then we’ve accomplished our goal and everything else, you probably, you know, fall in place around that. And so on that note to be able to imprint on someone like that, you really need to see all the senses and imprint on the third, you know, the third, second and first tier of your brain, right? So that reptilian brain to getting those senses, having them shift to the mid and the prefrontal cortex to be able to imprint and have that kind of, uh, uh, a long lasting impression, that’s exactly what we specialize in doing.
Speaker 3 (13:48):
So again, I think that film alone and having that backing of that will be really, really powerful. But on that note for the behind the scenes and the updates, a RA film.com is where you can go, we’ll be doing some fundraising, we’re doing it. We’re going to, we’re actually helping, uh, contribute to a great cause for child sex trafficking as well too. So you’ll see exactly how you can donate and help that. Cause as you know, it’s a huge, huge, uh, problem what’s going on, especially with, you know, at the border and everything like that as well, too. So again, it’s just happening all over the world. You know, a kid goes missing every 70 seconds, uh, according to the fbi.com. So, uh, again, it’s a really important thing. So again, one big thing I really wanna touch on is the reason why I partnered up with Paul is because he, he has this mission behind Sweeney park of, of he’s trying to help the native, uh, creatives in LA that are really just start getting up and bringing.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
So he is actually opening it up a point system to the act to actually get something that’s, uh, a part of the, the, you know, if we do a successful launch in the film, they’re getting a nice cut as well too. It’s not just some fixed rate bottom of the barrel type of stuff where people are bullying them out. I don’t know if you saw what happened with Scarlet Joe Hansen, but she just got ripped off by Disney. You know what I’m saying? So, you know, people are taking advantage of, you know, women in those areas. Paul’s very inclusive in his Cassy, you know, with lots of different, uh, you know, races coming together, lots of different stories. We, we even have a transsexual actor that’s coming in, you know, there’s, you know, it’s just, it’s really, really good moral compass. That’s backing granted it’s a badass horror film, but it’s, it’s coming from a good place. You know what I mean? So it’s a combination of that ying yang in that mind. So those are really important. I wanna make sure we touch on today cause yeah, it’s for a good thing. And that we’re coming up after this. You’re gonna have something else around it as well, too. So it’s really fun.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
I think it’s great to see Sweeney park and Sanal to team up and, and really push forward on a number of things that, um, are blatantly obvious to many, uh, that the, the industry of entertainment just hasn’t necessarily moved forward on. They’re so focused on the bottom line, they forget like there are cultures and, and, and different walks of life that support it, uh, at the end of it that are the bottom line. Right? And so it’s really cool to see you, not only you opening up some fresh faces, which democratizes, what is currently a gate closed, you know, only insiders sort of thing, and, and sort of shows, showcase the power of today and the world that we live in and what can happen when some of the brightest minds come together to really push forward an agenda like that. I think, I think it’s, it’s more than a movie. It’s a movement, especially if you think about the fact that it’s also, uh, delivering attention and funding towards helping end issues that are also like, just think of the side, the societal impact. You’re, you’re not only impacting, uh, diversification and representation, but also human sex trafficking all while doing it with ground breaking approaches, to making film and creating that inside, look behind the scenes and giving people an opportunity to do that. reservation.com I think is what you said, right. Is for the, the behind the scenes reservation,
Speaker 3 (16:47):
Film.com actually a
Speaker 2 (16:48):
Reservation, film.com. Yeah. And then all together, making a film on top of that, right. As, as if, as if everything else you were doing, is it wasn’t enough, it’s truly an ambitious undertaking that you’re putting together. And I’m, I feel lucky to have been able to have a conversation of sort of facilitating a, a moment to sort of share and talk about that because it sounds like it’s gonna be a big deal. I I’m actually curious. I think there are two things that we have opportunities to do here. Number one is, uh, if people who are in business, but have a passion for film, uh, want, want to find a way to jump on board and maybe work together with you to whether it’s raising money or finding opportunities like that. How can, how can they get ahold of you? That’s the first half of the question.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
Yeah. So, uh, I, my debt financial dive agency, so I could be connected to through there. I will be moving some of that over to a new production company, but then he has his own production company as well, too, either one of us. What’s your domain as well. It’s Sweeney park of film, company.com. Yeah. So that’ll be well too. Uh, and so either of those places put of contact, uh, if you’re trying to partner on a project, use some of our resources as well, too, uh, get connected with some of the charities we’re doing, be part of the fundraising, any of that, uh, that’d be, yeah. Either those places.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
Yeah, no, it’s epic. And then if there were, if there were, uh, actors out there who are loving what you’re doing and wanna be a part of the, the, the Sweeney park movement and, and what you’re trying to bring to the industry, how can they support that? Um, also,
Speaker 3 (18:21):
So that would actually be the same thing. So you connect out to those, he’s got killer casting. Uh, I mean, these people have working obviously, but again, uh, you know, so they have their own casting crew and again, everything should go through either of us and they go through those areas. Uh, you know, when these things start rolling out, we have some really big powerful actors, the big follow, our guys has a 8 million following for TikTok. And so you’ll see some of those actors on there in, in honesty, if you ever wanted to contact one of them, once they start doing the, or roll this out, they trust, you know what I mean? They can vouch for, you know, how it is behind the scenes, working with us, how the, uh, point system works out. You know what I mean? So I think if someone was to contact there, I would be fine with that too. I don’t know how that works for you, but some of these people already have the audiences and you can kind of, you know, it’s, it’s one thing we can say about ourselves Philip, but when other people are saying it about us, it’s, I think it’s a little bit more powerful and, and stronger in that sense. So hundred it’s utilizing that is totally open for us as well.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
And now love our
Speaker 3 (19:19):
Love, our actor,
Speaker 2 (19:21):
Especially America. Yeah, no. And now I have a question it’s, it’s pretty open ended and I, I ask everybody who stops by it’s, it’s more fun than anything, so there’s no wrong answer. Uh, and you’re both welcome to take or pass or do it in one go just together or whatever. But, uh, if, if either of you could have invited anybody today, dead or live to join us and chat with us about the things that we talked about today, uh, who would it be and why? And so, you know, people have said my mom, dad, grandparents, kids, Oprah, Elon Musk, Alexander, the great, so there’s no wrong answer.
Speaker 3 (19:53):
Well, three popped in my head immediately. Uh, that was George Washington. Um, my grandfather, Jay, my mentor, uh, I have a great dad too. Uh, and, uh, the third one was Stanley Crick. Who’s my film hero. And I guess, I guess I would probably go with, uh, with Crick just because I feel like, you know, in a lot of ways, this movie, the way we’re, you know, what’s on the page is kind of picking up where the shining left off in a lot of ways. I’m not sure that Dr. Sleep quite got the job done, but, um, hopefully we will. So I would love to, uh, I would love to hear his thoughts on our process and all the rest of it.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
Right on, right on Athens. You have anybody you wish would’ve invited.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
I mean, so for me, I just, I mean, for me, I’m such a fanboy for Christopher Nolan and, uh, you know, all his films from the franchise dark night, and then even in such, it goes from the dark darkest recesses of our mind. And that psyche response is something I wanted to achieve in my life. So again, uh, I think, you know, the, even reason why we like film is actually it’s been studied that, you know, it triggers the same kind of psychic responses when we’re in a dream state. And so, uh, you know, utilizing some of those key film elements and, and just being around one of those great to learn off of lean off of that would be, you know, obviously a dream for me. Uh, so yeah, Christopher easily hands down.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
That’s amazing. I, I, it’s been such a pleasure to speak with both of you. Uh, I couldn’t have had a fun or conversation. I know funer is on a word, but more fun. Just doesn’t seem
Speaker 3 (21:27):
. I love that word,
Speaker 2 (21:29):
You know? Um, so that’s exactly what I felt speaking with you too. It’s been an absolute pleasure again, a reservation, the film.com was that it a,
Speaker 3 (21:38):
A reservation film dot
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Reservation, film.com. Thank you for correcting me. Yes. Our reservation, film.com listeners, check it out. Um, it really is one of the best opportunities to look at something that hasn’t been done before, uh, and they’re sharing the behind the scenes. So get involved, get on board and get it out there. Thank you so much, Athens Paul for stopping by. It’s been a pleasure.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
Thank you. We appreciate you so much, Philip, have a great day. Likewise, man, I appreciate it. And then also to, uh, uh, anyone else on those aspects, uh, make sure, uh, you hit up Philip or the entrepreneur podcast as well, too, because again, those will be some more updates coming out there as well. So I appreciate you brother. You’re one. Hello guy. Great interviewer. It’s been an honor. Appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
Thanks for listening to action and ambition with your host, Andrew metal, please leave a review and subscribe and go to Andrew metal.com for all the exclusive lessons behind the scenes, footage and video content of the show. Follow us on Facebook and YouTube at action and ambition. And we’ll see you on the next episode side.
