The end of the world comes early... in "Oblivious"

Maybe you've heard about this, but the world is supposed to end this year. You know, December 21st?

Well, what if that day came early? (and I'm not talking John Cusack's floating arc, Woody Harrelson hippie style).

"Oblivious" is the first short film written and directed by "The Stakes'" Executive Producer, Joshua McNew. It tells the story of Charley, a normal guy who wakes up to the greatest day of his life, only it's actually the LAST day of his life.

Created as a short student film for the University of Missouri - St. Louis, the film reunited much of the crew from "The Stakes," except on a much more intimate scale. In lieu of having some who actually knew what they were doing, I served as Director of Photography, but also had the pleasure of cutting together the final draft of the film. My good friend Charlie Springhart plays the main role of "Charley" (Which was a total coincidence, and not written out of laziness). He was naturally the only person who could play this part after I first read the script, and without fail, nailed the part during the shoot, completely embodying the innocence and humor of Charley's "Best Day Ever."

Enjoy and make sure to leave your comments below!

-P

"The Stakes" gets it's first piece of press...

University of Missouri - St. Louis' online news magazine "The Current" has released the first piece of press about my upcoming film, "The Stakes." UMSL was a huge part of bringing this production to life and its only fitting that our first piece of promotion come in its campus newspaper. 

In the article, you will find quotes by Producer - Joshua McNew, Actors - Joshua Thomas and Maurice Walters II and of course, yours truly.

The film is nearing completion, with the finalized musical score being finished just this week! Within the next two weeks it will be out the door and hopefully in the hands of Cinema St. Louis and those responsible for getting it into the St. Louis film festivals this Summer/Fall.

In other news, McNew and myself will be teaming up again this weekend to film his short student project, "Oblivious." While Joshua will be taking up the reigns as Director, I will be stepping in as Director of Photography, which is something I have never officially done before on anything other than my music videos. I am happy to add this credit to my resume, and am even happier to see this short comedy come to life.

You can read the article above online at The Current

Keep watching!

-P

"The Stakes" Trailer - Finally Released!

Officially coming out THIS SUMMER, "The Stakes" will be hitting the big screen in a big way!
In the mean time check out the official trailer and ask yourself... "Are you willing to go ALL IN?"
-P

The Game - Production Begins

Whoah, sorry it's been a minute, but I had to take some time off for the Holidays and get my life together before filming begins on my next short film THIS WEEKEND.

Yes, after 4 months of develeopment, planning, a script change, two location changes, casting and rehearsals, we are finally ready to roll on the filming of "The Game."

Based on a short story by director and my personal mentor, Jack Snyder, "The Game" focuses on a group of blue-collared workers who play a dangerous prank that goes terribly wrong. We are extremely lucky to be working exclusively with Lamplight Films and Bad Dog Pictures out of St. Louis, as well as with Director of Photography Chris Benson (Up in the Air, Ghost Image, 23 Minutes to Sunrise).

The film stars all relatively up and coming actors from the St. louis area: Josh Thomas, Maurice Walters II, John Lewis and Aleh Neliubin. It is Produced by Joshua McNew, who has worked tirelessly over the last few months to keep this project on track and get it in front of the camera.

We are hoping for a limited premiere this Spring at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, who generously helped fund the project.

On behalf of myself and the rest of the crew, thanks so much for all of your continuing support.

Wish me luck,

-P 

"The Game" Casting 4 Male Actors

Short film, "The Game", to shoot on Red One digital cinema camera with award winning cinematographer: Chris Benson (Nelly's "Country Grammar", "Up In the Air", "Ghost Image", "23 Minutes to Sunrise") and Director: Patrick Lawrence.

Principle photography: December 3rd and 4th

Roles:
Marc - Male, 20's
Jared - Male, 30's
Tim - Male, 30's
Steve - Male, 30's

Auditions are November 20th 
2-7pm or by appointment. 
University of Missouri - St. Louis 
General Services Building (College of FInes Arts and Communication)

Compensation: Copy, Credit and Meals.

Please contact Josh at thegameshortfilm@gmail.com for more information and directions.

Thank you

-P