Frame of Mind

Insecure photographer Curt (Connor Rose) wonders if the sunset he's about to capture is perfect enough. Full film coming soon.

During my third year in college, one of my professors told me that too many student filmmakers try to “build the Titanic in their basement”: they get too excited about making their magnum opus, and end up with something convoluted that doesn’t work as a ten-minute short with a four-figure budget. The best student films, he said, are the ones that practice restraint.

Naturally, my desire to avoid said restraint was significant. Like most film students, I wanted to make something show-stopping that would get me attention. But I knew if that was my biggest goal, the film would probably come out worse. I wondered, what if there was a character who had to learn the price of obsessing over greatness? I decided to focus on that theme, and tried to make a film that showcased my interests as a director, regardless of how masterful it attempted to be.

Curt and John are two sides of myself, or two personalities I like spending time with. Curt is creative and passionate about his interests to the point of obsession. Like me, he can get caught up in the dream of being lauded for his work. John, on the other hand, is an old soul who loves camping and looking after his car. He loves when Curt uses his photography skills to document their adventures together, but doesn’t care much for the artsy stuff. He helps Curt take a break from his work, but also carries the power to crush Curt’s dreams a little. Their names are a reference to American Graffiti, one of my favorite movies. Inspired by Good Will Hunting, the style of Jim Jarmusch, and the mood of 1970s folk rock, I hope Frame of Mind can offer a satisfying exploration of the territory between creative dreams and genuine friendship.