The Frenemies of Film

A heated disagreement causes the main character in my short film “Abyss” to practically lose the one and only person who appears to be on his side. It is a reminder of how relationships are sometimes ruined due to small gestures blown out of proportion. Such a huge turning point offers up a new theme for this week’s Monday Movie Meme: Between Friends.

Share on your blog or in the comments section, movies featuring scenes where best friends are torn apart after they end up on opposing sides of an issue. Remember to link back to this post and visit the blogs of fellow Monday Movie Meme participants. Here are my selections for this week’s Between Friends theme.

Dilemma

In this comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Kevin James as best buds, a friendship is never the same again when one guy reveals an extramarital affair. You’d think anyone would be grateful to know he or she has a friend who is honest enough to share what’s going on with a cheating spouse. I guess some things are better left untold – at least, if you want to remain friends with someone who is directing his anger in the wrong direction.

You Got Served

R&B crooners Marques Houston and Omarion star in this dance-drama flick where an entire crew of friends split, when one ringleader questions the loyalty of another. A violent attack during one drug deal gone bad causes two best friends to suddenly become enemies. Everyone left in the aftermath is forced to choose who they will associate with since one friend refuses to hang with anyone who is cool with his former BFF.

What movie scenes have YOU seen where a disagreement between friends changes the nature of their relationship going forward?

Making Movies with Rodney Benson – The Greatest Proposal Ever #indiefilm

All of the months spent on writing a screenplay, hiring actors, finding crew and shooting my latest work, I figured it’s time for you all to meet the cast members of “Abyss.” The movie -- about a guy who gets stranded at a bus stop in Philadelphia -- is currently in post-production and prepping for its film festival debut.

Rodney Benson plays Eric, an Armor officer who attempts to propose to his girlfriend, in the short film, “Abyss.” Benson was cast in this role because he illustrated great chemistry with the actresses I paired him to read with during the auditions. Further observation indicated that he would not only be focused, but also give 100% of his talents and energy to this role.

There were a few traits about Benson that gave me a feeling he is a professional who stands by his word, shows up to work and gets things done. I liked him as Eric and believed that he could pull off the image of someone who appears to have their life in order. I also liked how well Benson showcased an ability to improv a scene, adapting his behavior to suit the nature of various relationships and circumstances, when necessary.

Here is what one of the members of my casting team said about Rodney.

“I think he is the perfect mix of rough and sweet”

Each of us had different reasons why we wanted him for this movie during the casting process but one thing's for sure, there is no one else who could have pulled the role of Eric off the way he does.

Want the latest updates on Abyss as soon as they become available?
Contribute to my IndieGoGo campaign, to help make our film festival premiere happen!

*Get involved by sharing this movie’s link with your friends & followers: http://igg.me/at/abyssmovie

Movie Characters Seeking Roadside Assistance

A SEPTA bus driver recently closed the door on me while I was boarding the vehicle on Roosevelt Boulevard. If I didn’t bang on the door for him to open it back up, I would’ve had to wait an hour for the next bus.

The main character in my short film, Abyss, has to do just that since public transportation appears to be his only means of getting to a friend’s house in West Philly. It is an unfortunate, yet common situation that brings us to the theme for this week’s Monday Movie Meme: Roadside Assistance.

Share on your blog or in the comments section, movies where people are stranded without transportation to or from a desired, or undesired, destination. The transportation does not have to be on the ground – it can be via plane, train, automobile, etc. – you get the picture! Here are my selections for this week’s Roadside Assistance theme.

Poetic Justice

There is a scene in this romantic drama, where a postman’s co-worker/friend leaves him on the side of a highway when his domestic dispute escalates to violence. He then walks alongside of the road, brushing his head proclaiming “This ain’t my motherf—g day!” Yeah, I bet.

A Good Day to Be Black and Sexy

One of the vignettes in this romantic drama tells the story of a teenage girl whose male suitor kicks her out of his car, leaving her stranded on a city street, late at night – on her birthday! Fortunately for this girl, she has really good female friends who helped get her out of a scary situation.

These are the only two movies featuring people who are stranded that I can think of right now.

What movies have YOU watched where someone is stranded on the side of a street or road or airport or train station or whatever?