As I gear up for my next film I recall the challenges and rewards of directing this compelling film about brotherhood.
It's wild how time flies, it's been nearly four years since since we wrapped on the thesis film for my MFA degree and it still feels like yesterday. The purpose of this film was to exhibit everything I had learned in grad school, from editing and writing, to directing and cinematography. While playing the auteur was nothing new to me, as I typically write, direct, and edit my films, this time was different. This time I was being judged not by my friends and family, or my small youtube community, but by a panel of industry professionals. Failing to create a remarkable film could result in failing to graduate, as it was a pass or fail grade.
Writing the film took around four months and consisted of several drafts and a lot of critiques. One piece of advice I'd give to aspiring writers is to find individuals you can trust to review your work. The first draft is almost never your last, and that's been true for every film I've done. This time I had the benefit of working with a top notch professor who was a veteran screenwriter and filmmaker to not only keep me on schedule, but also tell me when my writing just plain sucked. Thankfully this story came out rather naturally, as it was very much close to home. The narrative follows two estranged brothers as they are forced to develop a new relationship when one of them becomes permanently handicapped. The disability aspect of the story was inspired after I had just spent a couple months unable to walk due to an ankle injury. The core of the story, brotherhood, stems from my experience as an older brother. Many writers say "write what you know", and as I don't always stick to that method, it gave the film a level of authenticity and sincerity.
The casting process is always one of my favorite aspects of filmmaking. It's the first time you get to see your vision sort-of come to life. I put out the casting call on the typical avenues (for an indie filmmaker), which equates to facebook filmmaking groups and my friends list. I was pleased to find two fantastic actors who had a fair amount of experience and great chemistry. Jordan, an up and coming actor, who has since gone on to Hollywood. And Joe, the multi-talented lead singer for the Chicago based rock band, Primal Moon, (also my college roommate). Together they made up the entire cast of Brother.
When it came to shooting the film I took a very different approach than I would with a commercial production. I went with a stripped down crew of one. In actuality Joe and Jordan filled in the gaps, but for all tense and purposes I was the cinematographer, gaffer, boom operator, set decorator, etc.. On a feature length film this approach would almost certainly be a catastrophe, but with a short film it allows for a certain type of magic that you could never find on a set with 50 plus people. The actors can act without distractions and truly embody their characters. The only way to create a scene with more intimacy would be to get rid of the camera all together (obviously not possible). To any aspiring directors out there who are waiting for the stars to align so they can finally make their film, just go for it. All you need is yourself, a camera, and actors who are willing to help bring your vision to life.
I completed editing the film in fall of 2019, just in time to begin submitting for the 2020 film festival circuit. The goal was to debut the film in a number of festivals. My university was so impressed they gave me a pile of cash to cover the entry fees. And then a pandemic happened and ruined all my hopes and dreams (sarcastically laughing) as the festival season was promptly canceled. I'm not bitter about it, I promise. Jokes aside, I was incredibly happy with the film and am sincerely thankful for the support I received from my friends and family, the actors Jordan and Joe, and Asbury University.
Watch the full film here.
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