Our "Golden Foot" is Walking to a Theater Near You

Hey film fans! Our little golden film, "Golden Foot" is walking around Florida visiting festivals!

It is a 20 min. comedy short about a narcissistic foot model who must resolve with his mother after a strange selfie addiction afflicts her! Yep. Did you get that? We made a short film about a self-absorbed foot model and a disease brought on by selfie addiction... And what have YOU been doing with your life?... I thought so. :D

We continue to bring comedy, laughs and quality filmmaking to Florida! So, here are the current screen times and locations on the books...

1. Silver Screen for Short Films - August 8th, 7pm, Villagio Cinemas, Tampa, FL.

2. Tampa Bay Film Society - August 21st, 7pm, Holliday Inn Express, Oldsmar, FL.

3. CENFLO - Central Florida Film Festival - September 7th, 11am, EPIC Theaters, Mt Dora, FL.

4. CENFLO - Central Florida Film Festival - September 9th, 1240pm, EPIC Theaters, Mt Dora, FL.

5. TBUFF - Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival - December 9th, 1125am, Britton Cinemas, Tampa, FL.

6. Dunedin International Film Festival - January 12th, (time tbd), Dunedin, FL.



We will continue to update this post for future dates and changes.

May the Foot Be With You!!!
~Jon

Also please visit our Facebook page here.


Some Updates:

8/8/18 - WINNER of the Silver Screen for Short Films Audience Choice Award!!!

8/21/18 - Successful screening @ the Tampa Bay Film Society on Aug 21st to a packed room!

9/9/18 - Successful screenings in Mt Dora at the CENFLO festival of films!

Putting Our Best Golden Foot Forward: Our "Golden Foot" Cast!

I just want to give a shout out to our wonderful cast for "Golden Foot"! It was a wonderful experience to work with you all! I apologize to anyone who wanted to be part of the cast but couldn't. It was a joy to meet and work with each of you!!

I wasn't sure how well everything would go during production, but as soon as we got filming things really kicked into 5th gear! I was very pleased because there were wonderful surprises and great inspiration for me everyday! And now I sincerely miss working with you all now that we are screening the film. So, allow me to glowingly showcase each of you here a tad!

After all, these guys worked hard and deserve to be shown off! In fact, I already know that a few of you have found feature film work as a result of meeting others on this film! I am glad I could be a part of anyone's success! Especially for people that I like so much! You've been a joy to work with!

Let's start with our lead protagonist, Daniel Cooksley, actor extraordinaire!!!

1. Daniel Cooksley - playing Sergei Bogdonovich aka. "Golden Foot".
Daniel showed a surprising amount of responsiveness when finding the middle ground for his character. I was sometimes resistant when he asked me pointed questions. But every question he asked was astute, helpful, and necessary to getting to where we needed him to be for this role. And it shows! Daniel was a powerful collaborator who I'd be honored to team up with again, if the opportunity arises. I pray it does! Thank you so much for making this experience memorable and fun, Dan!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1354708/

2. David Flood - playing Charlie.
Dave is a consummate professional. He never complained once. He never avoided or shrunk from the challenge. He is always there 100%. And he is a natural actor! He just GOT the role immediately, and did emotions from zany to serious at the drop of a hat. David, I am so honored I got to work with you man!!! It was just such a great experience for me, and I hope we can work together again some day!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1492708/

3. John Borland - playing Andrei Bogdonovich.
John is always available to play a role to help out a friend. He's ever faithful to show up and knock 'em dead! He can do roles that many would consider impossible, or difficult, AND he has fun doing it! Thank you John for being a friend to me and making this film stronger and much more fun because of it! "Like PROBIOTIC," my friend... like probiotic, indeed!!! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7962611/

4. Cristoff Marse - playing Stuart, Patricia's agent.
Christoff kind of blew my socks off. And many of you who were there when he performed know what I'm talking about. I even told him that after he performed and I was taken aback by how instant he was in getting the role. After clarifying his role all he needed was how much (emotionally) to do it. He landed on the ground like a super hero and placed all of this intensity and humor into every breath whenever the camera was rolling. It was magnificent. I truly feel that lightning struck that day. And I hope it does again!  Thank you for your power, intensity, and beauty, Christoff! Still amazed!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4934258/

5. Mary Jane Heath - playing Patricia Bogdonovich, Sergei's "mannequin mother".
Mary was like a fast friend who is always on your side. She always gives you something you never expect and never expected you needed until she gives it to you. Then you know you'll need her help again. I just love her so much for being such a talent, but especially for her friendship!

Just to give you an example, that "poem" she says to little Sergei during the flashback sequence? That was entirely her. Not the script. Our contribution was something like "Don't worry your footy will be fine. And you'll see- one day you'll become famous- blah blah." And she turned that into magic. Because that's right folks... Mary Jane is magic. NO other explanation! Thank you, Mary!!! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1021602/

6. Susan White - playing Dr. Debra.
Susan was such a powerful friend to have on set, because she was always available to say yes. And when you ask her to jump she asks "How high?" She just knocked our socks off straight-off during casting. And we knew that her brand of humor would be perfect as the subtle straight-faced "Doctor" with silly instructional videos about mannequins. She was perfect. And more than that- she played against a mannequin and did every crazy, ridiculous thing we came up with on the spot. I am so grateful for that.

On top of all of this I have to give her a big huge "THANK YOU" for providing her house to us free of charge for a full 24 hours of straight shooting. She opened her home to us and we tried (probably in vain) to clean up our mess afterwards. I bet there was still popcorn we threw somewhere in the house a week later. Thank you for putting up with us, and still giving us all a perfect performance on the day! I had so much fun and I hope it was a memory-maker for you too!!! ;)
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5317604/

7. Linda Roser - playing Female Assistant.
I love working with Linda and I've even written roles for her before because she is such a talented local actor, I wish there were more challenging roles for her locally. Her comedic timing is bar-none incredible, and her facial expressions are infectious. Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence and allowing our "Russian foot model" to reject giving you an autograph- with so much rudeness. It was perfect! Thank you, Thank you!!! =D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4558350/

8. Chris Plourde - playing Male Assistant.
Chris is my bro when we can hang out, which is becoming rarer, because he is so popular in the local film and commercial scene. I appreciate everything you do for us brother, in front and behind the camera! When Chris is in "go mode" it is really helpful because he pushes us all forward! But I especially love his range and his willingness to do more. I don't think an actor like him will ever be out of fashion. He will always be in demand because he is willing to do the work and willing to be a powerful voice on set wherever he goes, because he's doing it all as a gentleman and a scholar. You da man Chris!!! Thank you!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7161702/

9. Andrew Durliat - playing Photographer. And Ellah Durliat playing "Little Footy".
Drew does work a lot. And I miss him sometimes because he's not always working with me (shoot!) :/. Why? Because he's here, and there, and everywhere, helping so many local productions! How did he contribute? He got us little Ellah as "Little Footy". Thats right- we used her foot in a shot. Thank you Ellah! :D He also made our locations happen, and he made pre-production happen very smoothly because he was always saying, "what else do we need?" So he made a great photog as well because he had experience knowing what they do, and he wasn't about to hold back when he showed up on camera. Thats what comedy is about brother! Make 'em want more. But most of all, thanks for being a friend and being so helpful to us! You made it happen brother!!! Thank you for being there for the team!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6747828/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6797231/



And last but not least... TA DA!

10. Jillian Kinsman-Barrett - playing "Footy" in the opening closeup shot.
Thats right. We got a really fantastic actual foot model, Jillian, to get the opening foot shot to show just how glamorous Sergei's foot was. LOL. The foot shot seen later (in the Footy Bed) was Daniel, however. LOL. I felt that in the opening shot this would make his foot look really glamorous- and I think it worked! Thank you Jillian for adding your professional touch to everything you do! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1817261/



You cdcan currently see our film playing in Florida film festivals, and you can see it listed on IMDb here. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5510880/

So again, thank you to everyone in front of the camera who made this film happen smoothly and made it a joy to shoot!!! You guys ARE GOLDEN!!! So lets watch how well our little short does, and give it the attention it deserves!


May the Foot be with you! And with you as well!!! :D

~Jon

How to Achieve While Others Are Trouncing All Over Your Silly Shoes

Our short "Golden Foot" has been really great to shoot despite some of the issues we had in pre-production. Those things are past now and I am happy I tried and succeeded in resolving disputes as quickly as possible. This has really been an invaluable experience for me. Believe me, this doesn't mean I'm soft on people when my vision is at stake. Especially, if I can cull together a consensus about how to achieve that vision with other key players. After all, a director's job is to have vision- often a strong one- and then know how to achieve that vision.

Hopefully, I can use my experiences here to help cooperate better with producers in the future though. I know what difficulties producers have to go through because I am a producer as well. Achieving consensus on the most important aspects of the story and on potentially the most expensive parts of production are essential. Making sure the director has a strong ethic and is trustworthy is just as important. These are things I care about greatly and I strive to tirelessly maintain this ethic.

Making sure you are there because you are 'right' for this project should be the first thing that gets realized, or you might end up fighting a losing battle. And being 'right' for a project doesn't mean you are getting a paycheck that you like- it means that your vision is communicable and achievable in this environment. The environment that needs to be present for this to happen is a budget and the key players which will enable your vision to come to life. Without this, a discordant note may always plague meetings and collaboration- even if you don't notice it at first.

If you notice these weaknesses in time- all is not lost. But, realize that a lot of work is forthcoming. The great thing is that a budget is always something you can work towards together, but if you don't have those key players you need, a worthy budget will only further accentuate the failure of your key collaborative relationships.

Once I have a good idea of what is achievable and what it will take to make this film, maintaining my cool and sticking to my guns becomes more important, whether I'm facing criticism from my most trusted confidants or from any level of business associate. But, also, you must learn how to choose your battles strategically. As they say, "...If you're moaning because your feet keep getting stepped on, maybe you need to take off the clown shoes."

...This means that maybe you are taking too many things seriously or being unrealistic- which can only give off the impression to others that you are being melodramatic- even, ridiculous about non-essentials. So, have some priorities that make sense to your cohorts. At least clowns know that they are ridiculous- their job is to be ridiculous. But, yours is to know your limitations- know what's important and know what can be unloaded for the sake of making a better film. Because it's actually not about you ...it's about actually making the film. After all, making a product is REALLY what will earn you more respect in the future. Then, if you wear clown shoes to work, people will assume you have some sort of method to what you are doing and they will question your quirks much less. They may even assume brilliance!

And, of course, this goes without saying, but- know when to seek guidance or when to listen to advice. You're going to get plenty so- get used to it. Of course, we must always listen to others. This is essential! And I'm not talking about standing there while others talk- I'm talking about actually hearing and considering what others say in a conscientious manner. It is the heart of collaborative filmmaking in my view.

All these things that they don't teach you in school- how to be kind and how to actually work with people while other people aren't actually being kind to you. These things are essential to being a professional in the business. But lots of people just get told that they are "great," so they accept it ...until it really matters. Then they wonder why nobody will give them the time of day. Because we are paying attention to the lies and niceties instead of the reality. The reality is you must prove yourself FIRST... and do it while smiling and getting kicked in the rumpus at the same time. That isn't actually unfair. It's actually the way it works. When someone congratulates you or is nice to you- it doesn't mean they really think you are the best, it just means they are being nice. And others being nice says more about who they are instead of who you are... Remember that.

Short "Golden Foot" Currently In Production

"Golden Foot" is now shooting! Yes, it is January and, so, that means our film was postponed. The consequences of working with a large organization can be- it doesn't know your needs and so, it can't always know how to provide for them. Choice words get spoken by people. Innocent, honest needs get misinterpreted by those who pay the bills, etc.

But, all in all, this film is a very low risk labor of love- going from a mini-budget to micro-budget in no time for the sake of keeping the script intact. 'Everything else' is provided for by me and the writer/producer Luke Sokolewicz.

Having good producers on board is definitely a must- just like having a good director. I know this having mostly been a producer- that it is a thankless role that most people do not understand. People think of producers as "Mr. Money Bags" and out-of-touch ego-maniacs- but generally it is quite the opposite. Often, behind the "Mr. Money Bags" image is really an innocent risk-taker who believes in the arts and the story-telling above all else. And they are willing, more than others, to go out on a limb to provide for this honest story-telling to take place without interruption.

But, with that said, a new partnership was forged with "The Sunscreen Film Society" as a result. And we are so honored to have them as our sponsor!

Shooting will continue through weekends in January and we have already wrapped a few actors.

Here's some of our great crew...


The key players:

Jon Croft - Director, Producer - IMDb
This is about me so I will try to keep it short and sweet. But I am very honored to be blessed with this role here on "Golden Foot". Before I became a filmmaker, I was obsessed with concept albums, so I did songwriting, made music, wrote stories, I delivered medical supplies for cash... then I started doing video production, wedding videography, and then eventually... started participating in making short films in whatever position I could find. I produced a feature in 2009. Then I wrote a feature. Now, I'm a director of shorts "Death Do Us Part" (2012) and "Golden Foot" (2015). I can't believe I am where I am today!

Luke Sokolewicz - Writer, Producer - IMDb
Copywriter by day. Award-winning screenwriter by night. He was recently awarded “Semi-Finalist in the Sundance Table Read My Screenplay Contest for his sitcom pilot, “My Polish Family.” His short, “Max’s Floor Waxes” was also an official selection at the Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival. His writing is fueled by a passion to make hilarious films with an uplifting message.




Joe Davison - Producer - IMDb
Producer/Director/Actor Joe Davison's award winning films "100 Tears", "As Night Falls", and "Experiment 7" have all been released over seas in various markets. His films "Mr. Engagement" and "Frost Bite" are set to be released very soon. Having also written five books, created the show "Nerd Shuttle" and the Game App "Poofender" he stays very busy, but this doesn't stop him from being charitable and working with non-profits, having founded "Robots for the Cure" (seeking a cure for Lupus, Crohn's and Barth's Syndrome) as well as the 4200 member-strong organization Florida Film Network. Joe is a powerhouse of creativity and ingenuity and a great addition to any team.

John Borland - Producer, Actor
John is a lawyer, legal consultant, writer, and filmmaker, living and working in St. Petersburg, Florida. He decided to get fit before and during 40. He loves the outdoors, swimming, horseback riding, and natural living. He is an occasional vegetarian and loves life. 




Crew:

Daryn Murphy - Director of Photography - IMDb
Daryn is an independent filmmaker living in Largo, Florida. He was born in Long Island, New York before moving with his family to Florida in 1988. Science Fiction and Fantasy stories are a passion that drives him through all of his creative endeavors whether it be writing novels or screenplays, shooting and editing film, directing and working with actors to make projects come alive. His current focus is producing an award winning web series called Time Keeper, which took home Best Fantasy/Sci Fi Series from Miami Web Fest, separately received nominations for Best Actor and Best Cinematography and just started the festival circuit.

Raffiel Newsome - Assistant Director - IMDb
Currently Raffi is finishing up his Associates in Film Post-Production at the International Academy of Design & Technology. Ever since he was young he had a fascination with every aspect of filmmaking. He strives to daily to achieve more, work in the industry, and hopefully become an innovative Music Video Director and Independent Filmmaker.

Andrew Durliat - Location Manager - IMDb
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio and moved to Florida after college to pursue acting, Andrew then took a break to work on houses. He then got back into acting after his 2yr old daughter Ellah wanted in on acting as well. He currently manages her and has worked on 5 short films of his own in 2014.




Keep us in mind. Next week we will showcase our amazing Cast!!! These guys have powered through a tough shoot and made us so proud!!! And after the shoot we will be editing for a good few months- so we will have updates coming on all our progress!!!

May the Foot be with you my friends!
~Jon

Working on New Short Film "Golden Foot" with the Florida Film Network.

The Florida Film Network has chosen the winner of the 2014 Operation Logline contest and I was chosen to direct the short film that will be made from this logline. The winning logline and script, written by Luke Sokolewicz, called "Selfie", is a 19 page comedy about people who get turned into mannequins if they take too many selfies. Since the title is so popular now, we changed it so that it's about the lead character who calls himself "Golden Foot"- a foot model who is self-absorbed and oblivious of his failings.


This should be a ton of fun to produce and direct and I am working with the team we have doing pre-production. Our budget is virtually non-existent so we will be asking favors if we want you involved in the production- we could still use a few people on our team as well as a location and a female mannequin. 


So far here is our team...
Luke Sokolewicz - Producer, Writer
John Borland - Producer, trying out for the part of "Andrei"
Joe Davison - Producer
Jon Croft - Director, Producer
Daryn Murphy - Director of Photography
Robert Hernaiz - Production Sound
Andrew Durliat - Production Assistant
Dana Wahlbeck - Production Assistant


Shooting is scheduled for the weekends of January. If you are part of the Florida Film Network or if you are interested in taking part we may need your help! Please send contact information to my email (libertynumber5@gmail.com).


You can find the Florida Film Network in these various places online.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/floridafilmnetwork/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/131839490350276/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/floridacastingcall/
http://www.floridafilmnetwork.com

"May the Foot Be With You"

"Golden Foot III" - by Stefan Laengler

Stefan Laengler Art