No Gnomes (2022)
Directed By: Omar Matias
Starring: Alma Becerra, Parker Bjur
Director of Photography / Colorist: Kent Shin
Music By: NightVisionSex
Made for my 172 film class this is the first of my few quarter long short films. As per usual for my style of working, I spent a lot of time in the writing and creative process before I even began principal photography.
Early drafts of the film included other characters that were Allie's housemates named Charles and Jaime. They were cut due to logistical problems such as finiding and spending time rehearsing with more actors.
An even earlier draft of the script was about commemorating the aniversary of a cat passing away. Although it went nowhere, I convinced my housemates to let me take some test footage using that premise to share with
my professor. (see below)
With the help of Karina and Parker, we were able to decorate the house we were living in with what we though a person with a gnome would have.
When filming began, it was a crazy weekend. To celebrate, Tina, Karina, and Franky all decided it would be a good idea to drink while we were filming.
If you listen closely, on some of the later scenes you can hear them gigling in the background.
Decoration for No Gnomes designed by Karina Cruz Rosales
Karina and Tina preparing drinks during the second day of filming. (turkey baster being used to meausure shots)
All in all, No Gnomes feels like my directorial debut. Looking back on this project I can see how possesed I was by my lack
of direction in life. My goal was to make something that would be different from other student films while remaining true to myself.
The film premiered on Dec 7th 2022 at the 172 class screening. It was shown third and was met with a mild applause (at least in my memory).
I would like to thank again everyone who helped me make this as looking back on it now it was some of the most fun moments of my life. - OM