I developed this short film from a hot spark of an idea. One night, in my first apartment, I was having a conversation while we polished off a couple of ice cream sandwiches. As the tone of the talk grew louder, I noticed we continued eating our ice cream mid-conversation.  BOOM. I had it. Simply, an epiphany that of course you're going to keep eating the ice cream. You're not just going to let it melt, are you? Wishing to make comedy short films with real-life themes, I decided to create a movie about an argument, but while arguing they're eating ice cream. I liked the contrast of the heated words with the nonchalant bites. Those comedic aspects align right with my style.

Like a Match

Not actually a business business, but the cast of 'I Scream' is in fact all related. The first two characters eating the ice cream sandwiches are twin brothers, Dominic and Joey Galla. Their older brother, Anthony Galla, comes in with the Drumstick. The annoyed neighbor eating the push-pop, Samuel Bachtel (me), is their cousin. We are first cousins. My filmmaking began with them, making nerf videos in their backyard. I was inspired as a kid that I could make my own "movie" called 'Man Hunt.' The story goes deep but the point is, when you're trying to teach and establish yourself as a filmmaker. You have only what's around you to do that. I had been shooting with a camera for years before this all came to be. So I grabbed my camera, my favorite people, and put them together in a fictional sense of reality. Growing up so close, going to their house every weekend. Spending childhood summers at our great grandpa's cottage. I can see the amazing traits within them. Though The Gallas are triumphantly taking on music production now. They, and their characteristics, are an integral part of my life and what I create. I've weaned out using family members in my projects, but not fully until I give back all that they have given me. 

Kin Blood Cousins

Shooting time is sacred time. You get there only if and when you keep going. The filming for ‘I Scream’ was one of the most hectic and memorable shoots of my early career. In the month of April, I knew all I needed was the cast, the ice creams, and a somewhat nice day so the Ice Cream Truck being out made sense. Pretty simple, right? Well, when I woke up, of course there happened to be an overnight BLIZZARD. That’s correct. I woke up on this scheduled Spring morn’ and it was whiter than Santa’s beard. I knew something would happen with my luck; it’s one of a kind I kid you not. Crushed but still determined, I kept truckin’ down the snow-covered highway. On route to gather the final ice cream, all I could think was this snow better be gone before the exterior shots. It would have been a little calmer if I didn’t have to go to four separate gas stations before I found those damn push-pops. Needless to say if you saw the flick, I got ‘em. With all the ice cream now in hand, I arrived at my cousin's house. Only, one was missing. We had an over-sleeper *cough cough* Joey. While we waited for him, we started reading. Dominic started at a flame of perfection in the dry read, then immediately lost it after, to no one’s fault. He started thinking about it too much. He only needed a director. This film has some of my directing I’m most proud of. With his persistence and my vision, Dom was able to turn in a great performance- oh, look who it is- Joey finally decides to show up and we can begin filming. Luckily, he didn’t actually run us behind because he arrived with his lines memorized which made his work a breeze. Much love to him for that. To wrap this up, there were many middle-fingers The Universe was handing out. So many odds stacked against this production. Anthony even had to leave mid-shoot to handle a furnace issue. By the time he came back, the snow had melted completely, and a bright ray of sun came shining down. We were able to get all the shots, finish the shoot, and eventually win an award for Best Short Narrative. It takes Tenacity my fellow filmmakers.

Trust The Process

The idea for 'I Scream' came at a perfect time for me. I was in my second year at Stark State College. By this time in the semester was their annual Spartan Media Awards. Students could submit their own project or past assignments in their respective categories. I made this movie for the Short Narrative competition and was incredibly proud to have won. My first ever award for something I created. Does that mean I'm an award-winning filmmaker? Yes, yes it does...
All jokes aside, I'm thankful to have it as a sign of encouragement. I've made about five more shorts since this one and most people I know say it's their favorite. I can understand why. However, I will not allow my first real effort at cinematic standard to be my peak. I can promise you that.

About The Dub

Caught in an argument about time and decency, four people living in close proximity all share something in common, only they won't be sharing any.

I Scream

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I Scream

Short Film

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