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Writer’s Block

Synopsis

Every filmmaker has heard the phrase, “Write what you know,” but what happens when it’s taken too far? A filmmaker suffering from writer’s block on his murder mystery feature film takes the advice “write what you know” too literally.

Review

5/5
A comical thriller about a screenwriter’s lack of inspiration.
Written and directed by Daniel Hamby, ‘Writer’s Block’ is a short thriller film that explores a screenwriter’s vexation at his lack of inspiration for his next feature – a murder/mystery. Dre Strarks stars as Will, the central protagonist. When Will retreats to his grandmothers remote cabin, his creativity is put to the test when befriending a hitchhiker. James Self stars as Guy, the eccentric nomad. The thriller is blended with humor throughout.

The 20-minute film opens with Will toying with a scene heading on the first draft of his script. With his creative ability in deterioration, he resorts to a local café to listen to a screenwriting podcast. Guy, a hitchhiker, interrupts and provides satirical humor of which filmmakers are unfortunately accustomed to. Will subsequently takes the professional advice of “write what you know” and “get into the characters mind” too literally. The film quickly jumps into the thriller genre as Will invites Guy to crash at his cabin – albeit with false pretenses and dark motivations.

Writers Block Short Film 1
Dre Strarks’ performance is highly captivating throughout. Screenwriter’s will resonate with Will’s struggle and the exhaustion of ignorant strangers sharing their weak plots. James Self’s portrayal as Guy is extraordinary, delivering many moments of comic relief. Cinematography, production design and editing are of impeccable standard – accompanied by high quality sound and music. Daniel Hamby (Writer/Director) deserves high praise for his cinematic creation – a well-constructed short film. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Daniel Hamby
Writer(s): Daniel Hamby
Cast: Dre Strarks, James Self, Sandra March
Producer(s): Sean Beck
Director of Photography: Jake Colletta
Editor(s): Melissa Salpietra
Animation:
Sound: Scott Graham
Music: Kyle McCuiston
Miscellaneous:

Specifications

Genre: Comedy, Thriller
Subjects: Creativity, Crime, Death, Murder, Psychopath, Satire
Country: United States
Language: English
Year: 2020
Publication Date:
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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Daniel Hamby
Writer(s): Daniel Hamby
Cast: Dre Strarks, James Self, Sandra March
Producer(s): Sean Beck
Director of Photography: Jake Colletta
Editor(s): Melissa Salpietra
Animation:
Sound: Scott Graham
Music: Kyle McCuiston
Miscellaneous:

Specifcations

Genre: Comedy, Thriller
Subjects: Creativity, Crime, Death, Murder, Psychopath, Satire
Country: United States
Language: English
Year: 2020

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Writer’s Block

Synopsis

Every filmmaker has heard the phrase, “Write what you know,” but what happens when it’s taken too far? A filmmaker suffering from writer’s block on his murder mystery feature film takes the advice “write what you know” too literally.

Review

A comical thriller about a screenwriter's lack of inspiration.

5/5
Written and directed by Daniel Hamby, ‘Writer’s Block’ is a short thriller film that explores a screenwriter’s vexation at his lack of inspiration for his next feature – a murder/mystery. Dre Strarks stars as Will, the central protagonist. When Will retreats to his grandmothers remote cabin, his creativity is put to the test when befriending a hitchhiker. James Self stars as Guy, the eccentric nomad. The thriller is blended with humor throughout.

The 20-minute film opens with Will toying with a scene heading on the first draft of his script. With his creative ability in deterioration, he resorts to a local café to listen to a screenwriting podcast. Guy, a hitchhiker, interrupts and provides satirical humor of which filmmakers are unfortunately accustomed to. Will subsequently takes the professional advice of “write what you know” and “get into the characters mind” too literally. The film quickly jumps into the thriller genre as Will invites Guy to crash at his cabin – albeit with false pretenses and dark motivations.

Writers Block Short Film 1
Dre Strarks’ performance is highly captivating throughout. Screenwriter’s will resonate with Will’s struggle and the exhaustion of ignorant strangers sharing their weak plots. James Self’s portrayal as Guy is extraordinary, delivering many moments of comic relief. Cinematography, production design and editing are of impeccable standard – accompanied by high quality sound and music. Daniel Hamby (Writer/Director) deserves high praise for his cinematic creation – a well-constructed short film. Highly recommended.

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