Synopsis

Randy Larson is a 20-year-old man with cerebral palsy who wants to pass the final test given to him by an occupational therapist. If he passes the test, he will qualify for job training and independent hous ing assistance. If not, his parents will be forced to put him in an institution.

Just because a person has a disability, that doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t have all the same kinds of desires, hopes, and dreams as everyone else! The main goal of the film Whole ‘Nother Level is to raise the public’s awareness and consciousness about people living with disabilities. As a filmmaker (writer/director/producer), I was inspired by my wife’s work as a school psychologist, testing special-needs students in order to help provide them with the free and appropriate education guaranteed by law. I was also inspired by a few post-teenage disabled young men in my building who live independently, go to school and work jobs (with the help of government agency workers who monitor their progress and safety). Fascinated by their daily chatting about sports, work and “girlfriend drama,” I wrote the screenplay for Whole ‘Nother Level after I had the “ah-ha” moment described at the beginning of my statement. Rallying some other filmmakers, primarily at the Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, California, I developed my script into a 19:27-minute short film production for my thesis project. My hope is that this film will, in some small way, cause people to think of all disabled individuals as simply… people.

Director’s Statement

When he moved to Los Angeles, Bruce B. Gordon transplanted the songwriting and music production talents he learned in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan very easily. After playing keyboards in the band on a TV award show, he worked on recording sessions and co-wrote a theme song for an independent feature film. Soon his creative vision expanded to include the moving image, and he worked on a music video directed by recording artist “Prince.” Bruce interned at Columbia Pictures Studios (Sony) during college in the Story, Music, Post-Production, Publicity, Promotion and Sales Departments. He wrote scripts and comedy material, selling to stars such as Joan Rivers. After graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, he worked in Production Accounting at Aaron Spelling Productions, where he also studied the creative and financial processes for primetime network, cable TV and feature production. He later worked for an international subtitle/dubbing post-production house and converted Warner Bros. features for iTunes streaming. Bruce is now a director, screenwriter, producer, editor and songwriter. His films often include original songs from his independent music label. He just updated his directing and cinematography skills with the latest, state-of-the-art digital cinema techniques and processes at The Los Angeles Film School, where he made his RED/DSLR-camera digital thesis film entitled Whole ‘Nother Level. Bruce has written, directed, produced, photographed and edited many shorts, commercials and Web promos. Whole ‘Nother Level is his first film at Cannes.

Bruce B. Gordon WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER

George Ohan is an accomplished independent film producer with a background in Market ing, Publ ic Relat ions, and Communications. While serving in the U.S. Army, he started his career in the Armor branch and then became a commander of a seven-person recruiting station in Orange County. He also developed and implemented marketing plans and assisted with the development of advertising campaigns for the United States Army Recruiting Command. George is fluent in speaking Armenian, and has trained hundreds of soldiers and civilians in over 20 computer applications. As a graduate of The Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, George is familiar with both the theory and application of film production and digital cinema techniques. Recently, George was named one of Los Angeles’ top emerging filmmakers by Film L.A., which is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation that acts as the crucial link between the city of Los Angeles and serves production companies in the communities in which they film. George professionally produces short films, music videos, promos, and commercials. At The Los Angeles Film School, George serves as the Military Transition & Community Outreach Officer. His uncanny ability to bridge the gap between civilians and military veterans has been a part of his life’s work to help change people’s lives.

George Ohan PRODUCER

Born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, Tony Chiu moved to Los Angeles, CA while still a baby. Growing up, he caught the “filmmaking bug” which has cemented his career path. Since graduating from the prestigious University of Southern California (USC) Film School in 1995 with a B.A. in Film Production, Tony has worked in various capacities from assistant cameraman, editorial assistant, and director’s assistant on major motion pictures. He has worked with some of the top directors and producers in Hollywood and China. Some of his feature film and TV credits include Face/Off, Broken Arrow, Red Cliff, Mission Impossible II, Paycheck, and The Division. With the knowledge gained through these years of experience, he has produced, directed, shot, and/or edited numerous short films. Currently, he shoots industrial videos for the Motion Picture Television Fund & other organizations such as SABEResPODER. He and his producing partners are currently developing story ideas for feature film projects. Tony is working on two short films as director and developing two more short films & several feature film ideas.

Tony Chiu ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Quoizel Williams is a production sound mixer who also edits and does post-production sound. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, he recently attended The Los Angeles Film School. There he learned about the audio aspects of filmmaking, along with digital cinematography and the current editorial processes. Quoizel has made several short films and music videos. Due to his imaginative and creative juxtapositions of image and sound, Quoizel has been sought after for his sound mixing and editing skills. His latest work includes a show aired on MTV.

Quoizel Williams ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER

Ashlee Hodor began her experience in the film industry while working at the Regal Cinema theater chain in Jensen Beach, FL. She served in the U.S. Navy before moving to Hollywood to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a Producer. She graduated from The Los Angeles Film School in 2012 where she studied Producing. She was able to make numerous short films both during school and after graduation. Her last completed project is a short with Shenae Grimes. Ashlee is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Entertainment Business at The Los Angeles Film School where she is set to graduate in early 2014. Her idols include Chuck Lorre and Shonda Rhimes. She plans to pursue a career in the TV series world after graduation.

Ashlee Hodor ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

Brett Emanuel has been a stage actor throughout Chicago since he was fourteen and later went on to study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After suffering through a physical disability of his own for four years, resulting in a rather lengthy break from acting, he is thrilled that upon his return to acting and move to Los Angeles, he was provided the opportunity to partake in the telling of such a topical story.

Brett Emanuel AS RANDY LARSON

Achara Kirk is a Bangkok born actress of Thai and British decent. She started her foray into show business at the tender age of 12 and appeared in numerous commercials and music videos, as well as had leading roles in several well-known television shows in Thailand. Achara moved to the UK to further her acting training and gained a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Royal Holloway, University of London and later a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Acting from the prestigious Oxford School of Drama – one of the leading drama schools in the UK. She now resides in Los Angeles where she is pursuing her acting career.

Achara Kirk AS MAUREEN OWENS

Performing in a record 6 films (5 shorts & 1 feature) being screened at the 2013 Festival de Cannes, it looks to be a breakout year for this versatile actor who’s (50+ film/TV/voice) roles have ranged wildly from Polish Colonel Mikolai in Real Human Being (directed by Naizheng Lang), to World News Tonight Anchorman in Boys of Abu Ghraib (directed by Luke Moran), and Narrator (French dialect) on Send Me To Heaven (directed by Andrew Aidman), which have earned him a few festival nods. Other roles include the whacked out TV Host, Dr. Cecil in The Prescription (directed by Charles Sporns) and his supporting role as the father of a cerebral palsy-stricken son in Whole ‘Nother Level (directed by Bruce B. Gordon and at the 2013 Cannes Short Film Corner). Recently, Alain was selected by Jack Black to shoot a TV pilot standing toe-to-toe with the beloved world famous actor/comedian and was featured on Tenacious D’s music video, also with Jack Black – creating a real boost in Alain’s blossoming career! Other roles have included Mob Boss in Papa Pinata (directed by Harry Locke IV of Code 10 Productions) and Mitch Winehouse in The Amy Winehouse Story (directed by Jason Boritz of Regal Films.

Alain Azoulay AS VERNON LARSON

Cast

Crew

RANDY LARSON Brett Emanuel MAUREEN OWENS Achara Kirk KATHERINE LARSON Skye Barnes VERNON LARSON Alain Azoulay

Written & Directed by Bruce B. Gordon Produced by Bruce B. Gordon

George Ohan Executive Producers Gail Gordon

Ibrahim Adekeye Vic Holtreman

Associate Producers Tony Chiu Ashlee Hodor Quoizel Williams

Production Associates Elaine Barclay Horatio Gordon

Phil Eisenhower Gregory P. Humphries, Esq.

Director of Photography Tony Chiu Production Designer Bruce B. Gordon Editor Bruce B. Gordon 1st AD Xavier Ybarra Camera Operator Chase Ferrell 2nd Unit DP / Operator Bruce B. Gordon Script Supervisor Melissa “Melle” Hartley First Assistant Camera David Condrey First Assistant Camera James Souter Second Assistant Camera Naqash Gul Camera Loader / Dolly Operator Saroop Gul DIT Victor Pukhalsky Sound Mixer Quoizel Williams Boom Operator / Key Grip Ronald Cox Boom Operator / Best Boy Electric Trevor McGuar Gaffer Galen D. Tong Gaffer Javier Ante

Crew (cont’d) Grip Patrick Patenge Makeup/Hair Sandra Castro Set Dresser Mari Sulukyan Set Dresser Elaine Shenga Hu Art Department Vanessa Duque Art Department Brianna Polonia Colorist Eric McClain (DigitalPixPost.com) Visual Effects “Neuron” by Animated Biomedical Productions

Destry Sloane & Martin Hale Medical-Animations.com

Visual Effects “Neurotransmission - 3D Medical Animation"

By Amerra, Inc. / Mark Johnson (Amerra.com) (Advanced Medical Visualization)

Sound Supervisor / Re-recording & Foley Mixer Adam Van Wielingen Dialogue Editor/ ADR / Asst. Sound Designer Joey McNair Sound Designer / Effects Editor Milton Juarez Foley Artist Roman Allen

Piano and Strings Cues Composed by Chester McDermott

David Raiklen

“Whole ‘Nother Level” Theme Song “Rollin’ Wit My Dawz” “Ain’t No Party Like”

Written, Produced & Performed by Bruce B. Gordon & Horatio H. Gordon From the EP: “Where Day At?” (WhereDayAt.com)

Used courtesy of Digital LikWid Entertainment

“A Soldier’s Fate” From the album: “Amotz Plessner & Friends, Vol. 1 - Epic Drama” Written & Composed by Jean Baptiste Bocle & Sterling Campbell

Licensed via Sonicfire Pro

Funding & Contributions The San Francisco Film Society: Fiscal sponsor for 501(c) non-profit organization status

IndieGoGo.com: Crowd funding assistance

DONORS:

Independent Studio Services (Props & set dressing): Gregg Bilson, Jr., Sunland, CA

Dennis, Lynne & Geoff Fischer (House exterior location), San Bernardino, CA

Joe Byron Dominic Koletes Gregory P. Humphries, Esq. Sherwood Oaks College Judy Terracina Christine Owens Jale Yoldas Austin Goodwin Susan Henderson Ealer Stana Cooper Angela Hutchinson Eric Cooper Nick Tin Robert Babish Joseph Hodor Sue Bryan Michele Hermet Johni Hurst Elaine Barclay Robert Miller Omar Marquez The Pukhalsky Family The Marketplace Grill & Café, Downey, CA Manny Placeres Ralphs Supermarket, North Hollywood, CA Roberta Marie Munroe Victor Holtreman (ScreenRant.com) Noah’s Bagels, Burbank, CA

DISCOUNTS:

TDJ Studios (Stage & set build): Tim R. Lampros, North Hollywood, CA

Wooden Nickel Lighting (Portajib Equipment): Bryan Godwin, North Hollywood, CA)

Digitally “filmed” on RED MX

Additional cinematography: Canon DSLR (5D / 7D)

Edited on AVID Nitrus

Love and thanks to the faculty & staff of The Los Angeles Film School, Hollywood, CA

Merci beaucoup au 66e Festival de Cannes Court Métrage!

Whole ‘Nother Level a film by Bruce B. Gordon USA � 2012 � 19:27 min

Contact Bruce B. Gordon

Writer/Director/Producer BruceGordon.Media@gmail.com

310-714-7871

WWW.WIX.COM/WHOLENOTHERLEVEL/SHORTFILM

www.cloud21.com info@cloud21.com

Press kit: Caterina M. Rodriguez