Best Comedic Actor - Male
KEVIN
Upon entering the Celebration of Life, Cal is greeted by Marjorie and her nerdy niece, a 20-something young woman with high pigtails, clad in a baby doll dress and a headband with an enormous plush fish. She attempts to welcome Cal by placing an identical fish headband on his head, as he fights her off. Photos of Marjorie and Kevin in Japan, Italy, and Egypt adorn the home as we learn that Kevin was actually a goldfish and Marjorie’s beloved travel companion. In his quest for Jewish deli food, Cal witnesses one ludicrous conversation after another by Marjorie's equally anomalous friends and relatives.
With cocktail in hand, Cal takes refuge outside on Marjorie's porch. Relaxing on a lounge chair, he soon falls asleep. A sexy and alluring young woman in a yellow mermaid-style dress appears out of nowhere, presumably a party guest. She introduces herself as Devin and invites Cal to escape this nonsensical party and join her for a drink at The Castle Bar. Overjoyed, he awaits her return as she goes inside to retrieve her handbag. Suddenly, Cal's daughter, Kelly, is waking him up as the party is now over. Cal explains to a snickering Kelly that he cannot leave as he has a date with Devin at The Castle Bar. His prospective “dream” date is soon shattered as he is coerced to leave with Kelly. The porch is empty when a disappointed Devin returns looking for Cal.
AWKWARD ENDEAVORS
AWKWARD ENDEAVORS
Running Time: 8:42
Genre: Dramedy
Fifteen years ago, The Minor Prophets and I convened to film our first collaboration, 4th and 99. It marked the beginning of a long and storied creative relationship. Today I’m proud to share our eighth effort, Awkward Endeavors.
This short is based on a scene from a feature screenplay written by David Amadio, Gil Damon and Steve Kuzmick. Our original intent was to shoot the full-length film this past year, in and around our Delco roots, however the pandemic halted those plans. We opted for the next best thing and selected a sequence that showcased these lonely male leads and the bizarre relationships between them.
A few special shout-outs – To Kathleen Kozak, for bringing the heart, soul and music to this project. To Nicole Py for joining the shoot after a last minute invitation, ensuring everyone looked fabulous. To Holly Kempf for her AMAZING poster design. And to Leah Gallo, for her patience through piano rehearsals with Des, filming in our home over the July 4th weekend, MULTIPLE viewings while in post-production and for your wonderful behind the scenes photography during the shoot (I’ll be posting photos in the coming days).
The Minor Prophets and I are still eager to film the feature version of Awkward Endeavors, but until that day, I hope you enjoy this deep dish slice.
Directed by DEREK FREY
Written by THE MINOR PROPHETS
Starring GIL DAMON, KATHLEEN KOZAK, STEVE KUZMICK, DAVID AMADIO, DESMOND FREY
Cinematography by DEREK FREY
Edited by DEREK FREY
Makeup by NICOLE PY
Still Photography by LEAH GALLO
“OUR SONG” Composed and Performed by KATHLEEN KOZAK
“RONDO CAPRICCIOSO Op. 14”
Composed by FELIX MENDELSSOHN
Performed by RANDY CHICK
Special Thanks:
Gary Fowler
Joe & Marlana Gallo
Holly Kempf Keller