A Wedding Day
For newlyweds Brad and Jill, it seems the honeymoon is over before it even began. When an eccentric stranger named Jess White stumbles into the couple's first argument as man and wife, the day takes an abrupt turn and changes their lives forever.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Brendan Beachman
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This film has been ruminated in my mind for a few years now. The imagery and characters have long fascinated me, and I committed to shooting it after the very first draft of the script in 2019. I made it partly because of how fascinated I am by the characters, and mostly because I am simply in love with making movies. I hope to use any momentum from this to pitch a few feature projects so I can continue doing what I love.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It is NOT what you think... even if you think you know, you won't... It is a twisty and turny story, so buckle up :)
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Since the early 2019 iteration of the script, life happened... I became a father... A worldwide pandemic hit... I had some real mental health hiccups. All these informed the final version of the film.
We can all agree that life has felt tumultuous at best, and more often than not, downright chaotic the past 7 or 8 years, so I'm confident that I'm not alone in voicing some of the more personal feelings I have in this movie.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
In lieu of major personal and worldwide events, the script and the characters changed immensely to reflect what was happening in my life. It's the most personal thing that I have ever made, and because of that fact, my feelings about it are complicated. I am profoundly proud of the project and all the cast and crew who helped to make it a reality. But still, it's a touch awkward and frightening to put something out into the world that is so raw and personal. For better or worse, it epitomizes a beautifully terrible period in my life, and because of that, I will forever hold it and guard it close to my heart.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It has only screened publicly once so far at the Calgary Underground Film Festival. I was unsure how it'd be received because of its 21-minute runtime, and the fact that it isn't technically a "genre" film. However, I was absolutely honored that we won the Audience Award for Best International Short. The audience I saw it screen with was incredibly receptive and reacted bigger than I had ever hoped.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was a nervous wreck during the screening, so it felt really heartwarming and validating to have such big reactions from the audience.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'd love to screen it at more festivals before putting it out in public. Honestly, I'm truly hoping that whatever buzz this short receives can be used as traction to get my first feature film made.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Anyone and everyone who can help leverage my feature film projects. As you can tell, that is a singular obsession for me right now haha.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I heard some huge laughs, big gasps, and more than a few sniffles from people who were crying during our premiere, so I want to experience more of that. I am not out to collect accolades or anything (not that I'd refuse). Really it just feels so incredible to see it have a life of its own. I want to get it out far and wide and allow it to be related to and synthesized through individual audience members' own perspectives and life stories.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
No one has a say on their entrance to this world. Should they have a say on their exit?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thanks for your time! And thanks to any and all future audiences. In our smartphone world, 21 minutes for a short film is an eternity, so I truly appreciate your attention -- even if you hate it ;)
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The Lookout - a very atmospheric, contained horror feature film that I co-wrote with Justin Boyes and I WILL direct in the very near future. Here is a short teaser trailer - https://vimeo.com/3574137
Interview: June 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
A Wedding Day
For newlyweds Brad and Jill, it seems the honeymoon is over before it even began. When an eccentric stranger named Jess White stumbles into the couple's first argument as man and wife, the day takes an abrupt turn and changes their lives forever.
Length: 21:42
Director: Brendan Beachman
Producer: Brendan Beachman
Writer: Brendan Beachman
About the writer, director and producer:
BRENDAN BEACHMAN was born and raised on the mean streets of Craig Colorado (South Park incarnate). Longtime punk drummer, outdoor enthusiast, sandwich lover... but most importantly -- a new member of the Dad club. Currently pitching several feature films in various stages of development. Brendan is based in Los Angeles.
Key cast: Megan Stogner (Jill), Scott Kuza (Brad), Hugo Armstrong (Jess White)
Looking for: film festival directors, journalists, sales agents, producers
Instagram: @beeeaach
Hashtags used: #aweddingdayshortfilm
Website: brendanbeachman.com
Made in association with: Steak and Rosé Films, Shorescripts
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Dances With Films, Los Angeles, Chinese Theater: June 24th 2023 at 2:45 pm