The Filmmaker
Hey there! I'm Jimmy Willden and I'm a Writer and Director. Since 2004, I have made several short films and music videos – of which many have screened in multiple film festivals in Texas and beyond.
I am partnering with producer Christopher James Thompson and AMFM STUDIOS to share with you the concept for my next film.
The Inspiration
I became a father in mid-October of 2007… and in that instant I went from being careless about my own life to constantly worrying about the safety of my son.
Because of this quite sudden evolution, a thought has been in my mind ever since: How far would a father be willing to go to make sure his child is safe?
And then, last year while at a local happy hour, I was watching a couple arguing at the bar. It may have been evident that they were not the best of couples, but I was suddenly prejudging them purely based on that moment, and that moment alone.
This introduces us to my story – and what Discernment is about.
The Story
A First Impression - The act of judging others in the moment, without knowing anything about them.
It could be about that a-hole who cut you off in traffic, who's really rushing to see his grandmother on her deathbed. Or is it the doctor who helped save your wife from a terrible illness only to be hiding a terribly dark and disturbing secret?
My film, Discernment, is about the man who holds a bar hostage, and a woman at gunpoint during happy hour while demanding all the money in the room. Is he doing it for selfish intentions, driven by addictions? Is he looking for the next hit, or in love with the idea of violence and chaos? Or, is he desperately finding the ransom he needs to ensure his daughter is safely returned to his arms…
Never judge a book by its cover...
The Production
Discernment will be in the style of a one-shot. There will be no editing, nor coverage to ensure we have a safety-net in post.
Instead, our plan is to constantly practice and rehearse everything to borderline obsession. We will rehearse every movement, every line, every breath, until it is second-nature. And then we will rehearse it even more.
Then finally (with precision in rehearsals), Summer 2013 - we will move into production....for one day. From sunrise to sundown we will run take after take to ensure we find our perfect delivery for you and our audience.
Everything will be in-camera:
No, it's not the easiest of filmmaking processes, but it's the one that fits our theme of people watching, and first impressions the best. Our skilled crew will plan every footstep and provide triple redundancies for all equipment and asset to the production from beginning to end.
The Post-Production
Since this movie will be done in one shot we have designed a dynamic soundscape plan in order to bring the story to life on the screen.
To make this happen and realized, our focus will follow the action, utilizing an array of equipment and tricks we are currently perfecting; floating through the atmospheric sounds of a grungy rock bar during happy hour / to city streets / quiet dialogue…etc.
The Impact
With your awesomely amazing support, we will give our all to bring you something amazing in return for your generous investment.
Utilizing Camera & Equipment rental (Red EPIC II, Steadicam), Professional Crew, Editor, Pro-level sound recording and mixing, Pro-level sound design and foley, Props, Wardrobe, and Catering Provided; our crew will have the equipment, support and care to maintain a safe and efficient shoot.
We will also be able to accomplish post-post, including multimedia sercives provided for any and all promotional materials; as well as film festival fees and travel expenses.
The Beyond
If you feel moved to donate, check out the perks. We happen to think they're pretty cool.
But also, think about sharing this with all those other righteously awesome people you know. The more people who hear about us, the more difference it makes.
Thank you so much for taking the time to check out our next project!
Sincerely yours, now and forever,
Jimmy Willden & Christopher James Thompson
AMFM Studios
