Sunday Synopsis – The ‘ABYSS’ Title Reveal and Monday Movie Meme Update

A few weeks ago, I watched an interview where one guy mentioned how independent films have some of the worse titles. He went on to describe the importance of filmmakers choosing a title that helps audiences get a bit more of an idea on what the movie is about. Not only did I agree with him, it didn’t take long for me to realize that this applies to my current project “ABYSS.”

The title of this short film was about as obscure as one could get. So, I’ve decided to modify the name of the movie little, adding an extension that will hopefully solve the problem of indie films alienating audiences who are wondering “what the heck is this about?” when looking at titles of flicks that were made outside of the Hollywood machine.

Hopefully, the new movie title is less non-descriptive as the former one. Also, the Monday Movie Meme will likely continue to be posted later in the day on Mondays until further notice. Since the theme remains good for one week, I hope that this doesn’t throw anyone off too much or is an inconvenience.

Lately, my schedule and week-to-week offline life has taken up the bulk of my time and energies, what with me writing my first piece for a print publication, prepping for the release of a movie, planning a charitable initiative to help the working homeless, and celebrating special occasions and all. I do not intend for this to be a regular occurrence and will be aiming to publish the Monday Movie Meme themes earlier when able from week to week. Until then, thanks to all of you who read The Madlab Post, all of you who participate in the Monday Movie Meme and all of you who keep up with my movie making journey. Here’s to a bright and joyous December!

How was YOUR Thanksgiving holiday?

Did YOU cook for the holiday or did someone else man the kitchen?

Monday Movie Meme – Awkward Threesomes

The theme for this week's Monday Movie Meme is all about mixing and mingling in close counters: Awkward Threesomes. Share on your blog or in the comments section, movies featuring one main character who is dating...or previously dated...two or more other characters in the story who share the same circle of friends, family or colleagues.

Although there may be cases of infidelity depending on the film chosen, this week’s theme is NOT about movies that contain cheating. Instead, it is about people who date individuals within the same social circle and may create some sort of unease – possibly due to unresolved feelings between one, both or all parties involved. Here are my selections for this week's Awkward Threesomes theme.

Pearl Harbor

Two Army pilots who’ve been best friends since childhood become at odds with each other when a nurse in the Navy develops a relationship with both of them, in this war drama starring Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale and Josh Hartnett.

The Dutchess

A royal marriage is wrought with turmoil after the Duchess of Devonshire’s best friend Bess has an affair with her husband after moving into their home, in this historical drama starring Keira Knightley, William Cavendish, Hayley Atwell and Dominic Cooper.

The Duke allows Bess to continue their living arrangements, despite the Duchess’ wishes.

Hannah Takes the Stairs

An office intern dumps her lover and then hooks up with his best friend – who also happens to be employed by the same company, in this romantic comedy starring Greta Gerwig, Andrew Bujalski and Kent Osbourne. Talk about having a hostile work environment!

The Casserole Club

Egos are hurt, insecurities surface and competition grows when a group of neighbors start swapping their spouses with each other at dinner parties, in this suburban drama starring Susan Traylor, Kevin Scott Richardson, Michael Maize and Starina Johnson.

What movies featuring awkward threesomes would YOU add to this list?

Sunday Synopsis – Sleep Outs, Movie Titles and ‘Lighten Up’ (RELOADED)

An event planner in Philadelphia told me (when I attempted to plan a sleepout last month as part of the “ABYSS” premiere, to raise awareness about homelessness) that likely none of the residents would attend my film screening because no one likes sleeping on the ground in cold weather.

The irony of that reasoning was precisely my point, which is why I was glad to meet so many men and women from the business sector who united during the Covenant House Pennsylvania’s annual Sleep Out this past week; supporting homeless youth who are on the streets due to various circumstances such as child abuse, job loss, displacement following tragic events and related factors.

Geared up with just the clothes on their back, cardboard Home Depot boxes and sleeping bags, these individuals spent the night outside on the ground in chilly conditions – the very thing that someone told me earlier would not be done (willingly) in The City of Brotherly Love. Participants raised over $89,000 to support Covenant House’s many services while experiencing a small taste of what life is like for a homeless teenager.

During a candlelight vigil earlier that evening to kickoff this event, I was among the attendees who were introduced to a local University student who had to put her pursuit of higher education on hold after becoming homeless, as her family being split up among area shelters. Her story caused me to wonder what, if anything, are large Universities doing to assist in the wellbeing of students enrolled at their school who experience homelessness or are in danger of becoming homeless.

Anyway, although my premiere plans for “ABYSS” have changed, I will be launching an initiative in conjunction with the upcoming release of the movie, to help raise funds and awareness for the working homeless who are affiliated with organizations that provide jobs and housing assistance to the underemployed.

Speaking of “ABYSS” and changes, a modification – or rather addition -- to the film’s title is also coming soon. I decided to tweak the name of the movie so that it could give people a clearer picture of what this short film is about. Stay tuned for the title reveal!

In the meantime, here’s a one-minute comedy film called “Lighten Up,” that I wrote and directed a few years ago. It’s about a woman whose tolerance level is tested when her attempts at having fun with her boyfriend goes unnoticed due to him being preoccupied with office politics. She wants to enjoy their time together; he won’t let up about his beef with a company that doesn’t appreciate the contributions of their employees. The Monday Movie Meme is coming late, again, so hopefully this short film will hold you over.

Would YOU ever sleep outside for one night?

Do YOU know anyone who has experienced homelessness?

What’s YOUR favorite Monday Movie Meme theme, to date?