SOLVER: In The Studio

Above, from L to R: Nick Cook, Mark Opitz, Morgan and Tom Evans in Studio 301.

Award-winning Newcastle rock trio Solver have a reputation for their tight, hard-rockin' live shows and hooky, melodic tunes. The band have been together since childhood, honing their skills as musicians and developing the electrifying chemistry and sibling vocal interplay that's made them beloved by fans throughout Australia.

In late 2008, Morgan, Tom and Cookie headed into the recording studio to lay down the cream of their song catalog. The band approached veteran rock producer Mark Opitz, whose work with Cold Chisel and INXS has made him a legend in the recording industry, to collaborate with them on the project. Excited by the songs and the dynamic trio, he quickly came on board, and the resulting EP is a raw, exciting collection of rock tunes that capture Solver at their best.

Seven Shells Media produced a making of featurette on the recording process, where the band takes you behind-the-scenes for an intimate look at the making of the EP, with interviews with the band and producer Mark Opitz.

PRODUCTION BEGINS ON 'HAVE A CIGAR'

Principal photography has begun on Have A Cigar, the new short film from Seven Shells Media, written and directed by Jeremy Dylan (Damaged Goods).

Up and coming music manager Neil Bennett (Steve Lynch) is having the worst day of his life. His star client, alcoholic rock star Rob Draper, has just broken out of rehab and vanished from the face of the earth. And his old flame, journalist Alicia Cole (Catherine Davies), is camped out in front of his house.

Writer/Director Jeremy Dylan describes the film as a 'docudramedy', inspired by true tales from the Australian music industry.

'Some of it's true, some it's fabricated, all of it's fictionalized, and very little of it is exaggerated. Names have been changed to protect the guilty, and to keep our legal costs down,' says Dylan. 'Sex, drugs and rock'n'roll have been great fodder for comedy and drama for over fifty years, and we've included a bit of each here.'

The film also features Jemima Stratton as Bennett's offsider Kelly Meadows, and a soundtrack featuring original songs by Rob Draper.

Have A Cigar is tentatively set for release in May 2010.