The Mosquito Effect (2022)
Co-Writer/Director
Logline: After accidentally altering the timeline, two friends must figure out a way to undo their mistake, or lose their favorite food forever.
Working with Actor Joseph Bennett
This film spawned out of my love for comedy. I have always looked up to the well-known writer and director Mel Brooks and have tried to encompass some of his comedy as inspiration for this film. Similar to his spoofs of Star Wars (Space Balls) and Robin Hood (Robin Hood: Men in Tights), this film borrows a concept from the Butterfly Effect. From there we totally changed it up, turning it into a buddy comedy, like Dumb and Dumber and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Following Mel’s practice of changing things in the world of the film, we decided to wipe pancakes from existence (similar to how the Beatles disappeared in the film Yesterday). To me, comedy is all about putting the characters in a situation and trying out different results until you get something so outlandish people can’t help but laugh. I took this mentality into the writing process and then into production, allowing the actors the freedom to improv and come up with ideas on set.
One of our biggest obstacles was having to prep for VFX. This being the first film I’ve ever shot that needed to CGI in anything, for this one specifically, a Mosquito. Learning how to adapt shots, plan, and execute on set was a great opportunity to prepare for a future that likely will include many more experiences like this. Working with my amazing VFX Supervisor, Porter Justus, and talented cinematographer, Finn Ozaeta, we came up with a game plan that has helped the post team move quickly. This was especially important as we have a short turnaround in order to finish the film by the end of our semester.
With the amazing cast and crew of The Mosquito Effect