The Minor Prophets and Lazer Film Productions are pleased to announce the unveiling of their latest film, 4th and 99, at the Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner from May 16-27.
4th and 99, directed by Derek Frey, is written and stars David Amadio, Brian Gillin, Steve Kuzmick and Gil Damon.
The cast and crew of the film will be attending the festival from May 18-21. In addition to promoting 4th and 99, The Minor Prophets and Derek Frey seek support and funding for a comedic feature-length adaptation of their short film, We Were Boys. The screenplay for the project, Straight On Till Morning, will be completed by summer 2007.
The screenplay, Straight On Till Morning, centers on four male characters in their early-mid thirties all suffering from varying degrees of Peter Pan Syndrome. Unhappy in their adult roles, the friends conjure a Neverland in the woods of their youth, reliving the past at the expense of the present. When their regression takes on a frightening realism, threatening their safety and that of their loved ones, the men discover that happiness is best sought not in retreat, but in reconciliation of the past with the present, of fantasy with reality, of the child with the man.
The film, 4th and 99, tells the tale of all-state receiver Bobby Makefield, who just minutes after losing the biggest game of the year, takes to the turf again in a one-on-one overtime shocker. Driven to the edge by his referee father, Bobby squares off against the winning team’s golden boy—not to mention Mr. Makefield’s newest protégé—Tommy Johnson. To the whipping tune of an autumn wind, the boys perform a savage ballet, chopping feet and taking pain like the hard-muscle legends of yore. In the end, the only thing standing between Bobby and victory is the half-man, half-zebra on the sideline. Will Mr. Makefield spoil yet another big game for Bobby, or will the unfortunate son turn the tide and stiff-arm his way to redemption?
Derek Frey – Director
A native of the Philadelphia suburbs, Derek relocated to Los Angeles and worked on the short lived ABC sitcom The Faculty. Since 1996 he has assisted film director Tim Burton on such projects as Mars Attacks!, Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes and Big Fish. He recently served as Associate Producer on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Corpse Bride. Derek is currently working as Associate Producer on Sweeney Todd.
By looking at Derek’s compilation of work, it is clear that he has the skill, creativity, and drive to show the world his capabilities. From distinct works like Creep and The Upper Hand to the bizarrely creative The Day the Dolls Struck Back!, Derek has entertained audiences with his exciting and unique style of storytelling. The year 2006 proved to be Derek's most productive yet, serving as director and producer of two music videos, as well as the short film Fear Protocol (coming soon).
The Minor Prophets – Writers and Actors
The Minor Prophets are Brian Gillin, David Amadio, Steve Kuzmick, and Gil Damon. They grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, attending both high school and University together.
In the summer of 2001, the foursome wrote and directed their first short film, Keg Runners. Since then, they have produced over 25 short films, many of which have screened at the Trocadero Theatre, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, and New York’s Variety Underground. Two of their shorts, The Devil’s Handyman and Stripper Come Home, debuted at the 14th and 15th Annual Philadelphia Film Festivals. The Minor Prophets have also performed six full-length shows at select venues in Philadelphia, New York, and Atlantic City.
Philadelphia Weekly’s Maggie Serota claims The Minor Prophets “do all they can to flout convention.” The Triangle’s Mishael Devlin calls their short films “absurdity in motion.” The Delaware County Daily Times admits they’re “hard to pigeonhole.” And The Philadelphia Inquirer’s A.D. Amorosi declares the troupe “whoopsie good fun.”
In addition to 4th and 99, The Minor Prophets recently scripted the pilot episode for their yet-to-be pitched TV series, The Minor Prophets Present.
Contact in Cannes
To make an appointment regarding Straight On Till Morning or 4th and 99 during the Cannes Film Festival Friday, May 16 to Monday, May 21, please contact Derek Frey via e-mail: Derek@timburton.com or mobile phone: +44 (0) 7977-988-469 or at the Festivals Bureau
www.theminorprophets.com
www.lazerfilm.com
15.05.2007 | Derek Frey's blog
Cat. : 4th and 99 ABC And The Philadelphia Inquirer Atlantic City Belief Bobby Makefield Brian Gillin Cannes Cannes Cannes 2007 David Amadio Derek Derek Frey Entertainment Entertainment Film Institute Frey Gil Damon Keg Runners Los Angeles Maggie Serota Mishael Devlin New York Philadelphia Philadelphia Weekly Philadelphia Weekly Prophet Religion Religion Spirituality Steve Kuzmick the Cannes Film Festival The Delaware County Daily Times Tim Burton Tommy Johnson Twelve Minor Prophets We Were Boys Independent