Run

Experimental Short

Write-Up

Each year at AFI, cinematography fellows have to produce and shoot a (roughly) 3 minute MOS project. Many cinematographers opt to find a director and/or a producer to collaborate with. During my last year at AFI, I faced a pretty heavy time constraint and chose to write/produce/direct/shoot my own.

This was my first time fully directing a narrative piece from beginning to end by myself. And it was unbelievably rewarding. My roommate of the time, Matt, and his girlfriend, bore their souls in front of the lens, and I couldn't have been more impressed with their performances.

It's ultimately a story about a guy who wants something (in this case: a girl) but the obstacle that stands in his way is something internally and he's keenly aware of it. On the surface the short film deals with a small event, but this event fleshes out something much larger. It's an expression of frustration.

I shot it on Kodak 35mm 5219 500T and 5212 100T with an Arri 435 on Kowa Anamorphic Prominar Lenses. And what a treat that was. 35mm Anamorphic is the king of all formats for a reason. It's simply the greatest format I have ever shot on. Sadly, I have a hard time imagining when I'll ever get the chance again.

I had many people help and support me to make this possible. They are all credited in the end and I'm thankful for all of them—not just their contribution to this short, but their hand in my life as well. Thanks.

Credits