For the last few days, I have been in South Windsor, Connecticut, working on a short film called "Tobacco Burn," which is a product of the brain trust of Ajani Jackson (no relation) and Justin Liberman, a native of South Windsor (Justin also serves as director on this film).
Now, I don't wish to give too much away about this film, out of respect for the aforementioned brain trust, but it is set in 1830, on a plantation. That's all I am going to say for now.
I will say that I am an "extra" in this film, but, surprisingly, I don't feel like one. Justin Liberman, the director, and Jennifer (I don't know her last name), one of the producers, have given me so much time on camera. it is as if I have become one of the major players in this film.
It also doesn't hurt that I have people on and off camera that have been EXTREMELY supportive of my role in the film; I have bonded very well with the cast, which includes an actor from HBO's "Boardwalk Empire." Not only that, the behind the scenes personnel are AWESOME, to say the least. I would especially like to "give a shout out" to Justin, one of my professors at Sacred Heart University. He called me while I was at the Bridgeport Metro-North station waiting to board a train to see my family in New York, to give me this wonderful opportunity. Also, I want to thank people like Sophie Finkelstein for believing in me. Also very supportive of my role in this film are Julien du Plessis, Zach Frank, and Ryan Arroyo, who I have known since we took classes together at Sacred Heart University.
The people of South Windsor are "pumped up" about this film. People have been stopping by the set to watch the action, and to take photos of the cast. In fact, so nice are the residents of this quiet town, some personnel, myself included, have been allowed to stay in their homes while working on the film (Another "shout out" to Carolyn and her family for allowing Zach, Ryan, Jake Horgan and I to stay in their home these last few days).
The shooting of this film even made the local newspaper, the Journal Inquirer, which is why I am talking about it here. And why would it not be news? Justin Liberman, again a son of South Windsor, goes out into the world and becomes a huge filmmaker and director, and returns to his roots to work on a film. This is a feel-good story, ladies and gentlemen. It's only a shame that this didn't make the front page of the paper, but such is a commentary for another day.
I will conclude this commentary by, again, thanking Justin Liberman for affording me the chance to work on "Tobacco Burn," as well as the rest of cast and crew for believing in me. Now, ladies, and gentlemen, it's time to get to work.
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