Today I’m releasing to the public for free viewing my third short film “Laid Off.”  One thing about this short film ended up being it’s timeliness. We broke the story in early September 2008. I handed in my first draft of the story literally the morning the sub-prime mortgage crash started started kicking up. I don’t think we were trying to predict anything about the financial world at the the time, (at least not consciously) but it definitely ended up being a relevant story, especially in Michigan where we were filming.

Click here to watch the film

More of my thoughts (with spoilers) after the jump:

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My Dad doesn’t like labor day.

I have to admit I understand where he’s coming from.  Mostly, I’m not sure how we are supposed to celebrate. Fourth of July we have fireworks. Thanksgiving means a great dinner. Arbor day plant a tree. Memorial Day Weekend (at least growing up in Indianapolis) means the Indy 500 and a cook out. But even firing up the ol’ BBQ doesn’t seem entirely appropriate as it’s not so special after 4 months of them. And aside from a passing reference in a Jimmy Buffet song don’t look for many answers from popular culture. 

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What is your favorite episode of television of all time?

“Art Sale” was the film that I made with my family. My dad was my Director of Photography. My brother, aunt and uncle served as our production assistant and extras. It was shot in my Aunt’s art gallery. It remains one of my personal favorites. It’s short, to the point and lots of fun.

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ericbuist:

Compass College of Cinematic Arts puts on a 24 Hour Film Festival each year. My team and I have participated in the past 4 and have always had a great experience. Our films have come out with good reviews and made the Top Ten each year. This year was the first time that none of us were going to be in Michigan (where the festival is held), but we thought we would give it a try anyway. Having only 24 hours to create a short film is a challenge in and of itself, but this time we were participating from 4 different states and 1 province. 

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From the looks of it Puchdrunk is enjoying a successful debut in NYC. Their version of Macbeth by way of Hitchcock is selling out night after night. It’s rumored that celebs like James Franco and Amy Adams are getting in on the action. And why not with those white masks, they can remain anonymous and enjoy the show like everyone else. While I haven’t seen this latest version, (trust me I’m trying desperately to find a way to afford the trip just for this show. Yes the show is so good I’d make a trip just to see it) I did see it last year in Boston (phenomenal). I’ve also seen their Faust in London (equally amazing). For those of you who can go here are 5 tips to enjoy the already amazing show.

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Last week I fixed the BCS. This week I set my sights on eliminating pay-for-play scandals like that of Cam Newton.

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