experimental feature film about selling out

LATENT(CY) Playlist – Parts 1-7

I’m not a fan of experimental filmmaking or abstract expression. I’ve got no problem with it, it’s just not my style, not the way I express things. So this film was a bit of a challenge. Essentially spearheaded by myself and a classmate, I was much more of a clear-narrative kind of guy and he wanted more of the experimental, surreal elements. We co-wrote, co-directed, and were largely in charge of everything together. I was assigned the directorial position, and had to assume producing responsibilities as well when a classmate went on a study abroad trip, so I was double-shifting and managing most of the production by the midway point.

It was one of the most demanding and stressful projects I’ve worked on. I had to ignore an invitation to become an NHS student because of it. Not only was I coordinating everything from props and costumes but I was negotiating with locations, making sure we had permission to shoot in local businesses, public places, and making sure the actor’s schedules fit our deadlines for shooting and getting the project done. And on top of all this, I was making another short sci-fi film, more of a visual effects experiment even, in another class, so I had to balance that as well.

It took us about 3-4 months to complete, from concept to public premiere in the local movie theater, with a budget of around $1000 (donations from friends and family), and entirely non-profit. There were five students working on it and six actors. When it was done, it got good response from the community and friends and family I’ve shown it to, and was reviewed by Microfilmmaker magazine.