'Manure,' directed by Michael Polish

The Coen brothers aren't the only filmmaking siblings producing unique, cutting-edge indie films. There's also twins Mark and Michael Polish, who have served up their surreal vision of the world in such acclaimed indie films as 2003's "Northfolk," 2001's "Jackpot" and 1999's "Twin Falls Idaho."

Michael directs, co-writes and produces; Mark co-writes, produces and acts in their films.

The duo recently formed a company, Prohibition Pictures, which aims to make two to four productions a year. Photographer David Strick visited the set last month of "Manure," the company's first film, which is set in America's heartland in the early 1960s.

The comedy, with several Salvador Dali-esque moments, was shot on a sound stage at the Melody Ranch Studios -- the former site of Gene Autry's ranch and location of numerous westerns -- in Santa Clarita.

Billy Bob Thornton, who appeared in the brothers' last film, 2007's "The Astronaut Farmer," plays a Kansas-based manure salesman. Kyle MacLachlan from "Desperate Housewives" is the villainous competitor, and Téa Leoni is Thornton's partner in the business.

And in keeping with the "Manure" theme, the film's palette is various shades of brown. "Manure" happens in theaters next year.

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Susan King



David Strick is a veteran photographer whose work has given him access to behind-the-scenes Hollywood.