The Chairman
Corporate researchers go behind the back of their mysterious employer to test the telepathic abilities of a traumatized girl and her father.
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The Chairman is a retro sci-fi/horror short about the intersection of business, media, and the supernatural. Featuring an original analog-synth score by OGRE Sound.
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Unsanctioned by the board of directors at their powerful multinational, The Pantheon Group, Joy and her supervisor, Vincent, run an experiment on telepathic abilities. Katie, an unwilling research subject and powerful psychic antenna, prepares to silence the chaos in her head by drowning. Her father Miguel, held in a nearby warehouse, must intervene by contacting his daughter telepathically, or watch her drown via hidden cameras. When the experiment is ultimately interrupted by a call from corporate headquarters, Joy must return to the office and face her reclusive, unnatural employer, the Chairman.
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Frank WhiteDirector
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Frank WhiteWriter
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Jason P SchumacherProducerSad Clown, This is Home, Hearts Want
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Bianet DiazKey Cast"Katie"
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Al Clemente SaksKey Cast"Mr. Perez"
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Jessie Scarborough-GhentKey Cast"Joy"
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James Michael DetmarKey Cast"Vincent"
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Tessa MeathKey Cast"Samantha"
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Lori RooversKey Cast"Woman in Red"
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Lee FillingsnessKey Cast"Stevens"
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Tim HerkenhoffKey Cast"Smoking Man"
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Jesse GriffithKey Cast"Park Ranger"
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Jeremy FrandrupKey Cast"Rupert"
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Charles DeeterKey Cast"Tobacco Baron"
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Ben EnkeDirector of PhotographyLevel, Hearts Want, Shear Madness
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller, Retro
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Runtime:19 minutes 59 seconds
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Production Budget:20,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Shooting Format:4K Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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CinepocalypseChicago, IL
United States
June 23, 2018
World Premiere
Best Actor: Al Clemente Saks, Best Actress: Bianet Diaz -
Northern Frights FestivalSudbury, ON
Canada
October 20, 2018
Canadian Premiere
Winner: Best Editing, Best VFX -
Buried Alive Horror Film FestivalAtlanta, GA
United States
November 17, 2018
Georgia Premiere
Official Selection -
Arizona Underground Film FestivalTucson, AZ
United States
September 16, 2018
Arizona Premiere
Official Selection -
Northeast Wisconsin Horror Film FestivalOshkosh, WI
United States
October 13, 2018
Wisconsin Premiere
Official Selection -
Oregon Scream WeekPortland, OR
United States
October 20, 2018
Oregon Premiere
Nominee: Best Film -
Sin City Horror FestLas Vegas, NV
United States
October 21, 2018
Nevada Premiere
Official Selection -
Fargo Fantastic Film FestivalFargo, ND
United States
September 29, 2018
North Dakota Premiere
Official Selection -
Eau Claire World Film FestEau Claire, WI
United States
October 21, 2018
Official Selection -
St Cloud Film FestSt Cloud, MN
United States
November 7, 2018
Minnesota Premiere
Official Selection
Distribution Information
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Amazon PrimeCountry: United StatesRights: Video on DemandCountry: United KingdomRights: Video on Demand
Frank White is a Minnesota based videographer and editor with a passion for genre filmmaking and a conflicted relationship with the world of advertising. The Chairman is his directorial debut.
Why is it so common for the faceless, shadowy boogymen of this generation to be found behind a suit and tie?
The genesis of The Chairman was an attempt to dig below the surface of the late 20th Century retro aesthetics currently marbling popular culture, particularly when it comes to the horror genre. Instead of mere nostalgia for the analog era, The Chairman seeks to explore how it underpins a mythology for our digital present.