“There was a mistake…you’re going to Cannes”

A Cloudy Moon was created for the Yes We Cannes Global competition. It is an invitational subset of the 48 Hour Film Project where the filmmakers are given prompts on Friday evening, and then write, shoot, and edit a short film by that Sunday. We knew we had something special that we made that weekend and were validated when we found out we were in the top 15 and would screen at Filmapalooza in Los Angeles the following spring.

We had had some great success with the team we have been building. A Thanksgiving Carol Time received many accolades for it only being our second film made within those conditions. We were very fortunate to be awarded best film for the Milwaukee 48 Hour Project for our work on The Key Witness. But A Cloudy Moon was certainly something I was especially proud of.

When we left Los Angeles, we did have our heads down a bit when we weren’t announced as a finalist for the Cannes screening. We felt we were close, but also knew our best work was still ahead of us. But a few weeks later I received a call…that of course went to voicemail! Who answers a cold call nowadays?

We found out it we were going Cannes. A chance we may never get again. We were also behind the eight-ball in planning for an international trip like this.

I want to thank all that helped us get there. Not only did your support get me, my brother, and sister-in-law to France; but also hard working and incredibly talented cast and crew members. I also know that it isn’t coming from a place of “hey I liked your film”, but from folks that believe in us and I am truly honored to have your trust in that.

With that, after touring the film across the world as well as all over locally, scooping up way more awards than I could have imagined, and after pretending enough as a filmmaker that I might have even believed it at a few points, we are releasing A Cloudy Moon for everyone to enjoy.

I want to take this opportunity to shout to to the cast and crew, because films absolutely cannot happen without the team effort.

Shelby Hill: your work can easily get unnoticed but I appreciate the fervor and your ability to find the missing pieces and holes.

Nathan Talan: your talent and expertise behind camera has been a key to our success. You bring so many great ideas and images onto our sets.

Elle Laesch: You are fearless and bring a dimension to your characters that is hard for me to describe but I always enjoy seeing you live in those experiences. Keep being a monster (actor)!

Em Adkins: I am so happy you joined our team and have found the work rewarding. We are lucky to have you on set with your willingness to learn, perform, and take on some dirty work along the way.

Jonathan Clemmons: Your joy on set is contagious. You are extraordinarily hard-working and willing to sacrifice as much as possible to make a great piece of work.

Eema Siddiqui: Your balance of sense of humor and professionalism is a breath of fresh air when we are working or just hanging out. You see details that are beyond my eyes and always brings out the best in our work.

Diego Serrano: This was your first project with us and we were absolutely blown away by your work. Your relaxed nature and in depth analysis of the images made a huge difference in the final work.

Alec Mattie: A super late addition to the squad but you walked in prepared and knowing how to execute great audio. Thanks for your willingness to make something with us and I hope we can work again soon.

Brian Brant: A pleasure to work with you and wonderful to have you for this project as well. Thanks for making me laugh along the way and bringing your desire to have fun and make stuff!

Jack and Edie Hill: Hi Mama and Papa! Thank you for supporting and believing us. It has been a pleasure to “take you to Cannes”. Mom, I’m sorry your line got cut but also thanks for enjoying the coffee! Pops, your youthful spark is perfect for this part and your delivery chokes me up.

Chase Fischer: An absolutely thankless role but your performance made us cry of laughter on set. I appreciate you letting us film just your backside!

Aaron Hill: Thank you for always “yes and-ing” me and willing to start this journey after the pandemic. Your wit, analysis, and talent shines through our work together and I am so happy we have been able to make great things together.