sunny (2022)

Synopsis:

Samuel is 17 years old, living out of his car and involved in organized crime. With only the memory of his Abuela and childhood friend to guide him, he has to choose quickly what kind of life he wants to live.

Awards:
Best Cinematography in a Feature Film (Longhorn Film Festival 2022)
Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film (Reel East Texas Film Festival 2022)

Thoughts:
To have reached the end of this process leaves me discovering the vast amount of learning still ahead. Pushing forward with a budget, cast, props, many locations around Dallas, some risky or dangerous, and minimal equipment for three months seemed miniscule to the extra six months of editing, audio mixing/recording, reshoots, investing more money, wondering why I did this, wondering if I want to do it again, troubleshooting and problem solving, stress and discouragement, not wanting to over think, but know I did my best. It was crucial to know it's not perfect, or else I would not want to keep learning. Here at the end, I'm 100% eager and ready to do it again.

There are not enough words to express how great the cast was during the whole process. Especially having Amy and Moses involved, truly special. It was easy to work with like-minded artists, friends and family. Without them, there is no film. Thank you all so much!

Cast:

@_gvto_

@otero_jm

Prieta Aguilar

@adventuresbysasha

@andyofdallas

@cafecitoandmiles

Moses Garcia

@jongifted

@kozmicjoyfulness

@theramongrande

@condohs

Mike

Score by: @andyofdallas

For more information visit @officialsunnyfilm

The Journey:

I started writing the script in October of 2020, finished in the last day of 2020 and started filming July of 2021. This story developed from remembering my upbringing and constant experiences with troubled youth. Many times, I’ve caught sight of how brutal teens and young children could be. For me, the greatest part about this world is the youth. It confused me and saddened me to see how in America, the youth could grow up to be many things but good and this story is just one story of what happens when a child/teen is left with little to no support, no guidance. We wrapped in November of 2021 by doing some re-shoots and recording extra audio. This process taught me so much about pushing myself but mainly the talent around me. Something like this could never have been done without the willing hearts and minds of those who jumped in and helped create a fun, collaborative atmosphere.

Equipment used for the entire film:

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (OG)

Camtree cage

FeelWorld FHD 5.5 field monitor

SYNCO Mic-D2 microphone

TASCAM DR-60DMKII recorder

Falcon Eyes PocketLite F7

Zhiyun Weebill S gimbal

SIGMA 30mm 2.8 DN lens, SIGMA 60mm 2.8 DN lens

V3AH 3Pod tripod

One SD memory card

Four Sony NF batteries (mainly used two at the most)

Dallas, Tx