Private Project

A One-Sided Affair

A film that toys with us as much as it plays with itself, A One-Sided Affair is a provocative exploration of current events. When famous composer, George Watson, dies he leaves his family in a dilemma: either they become the center of a national controversy or let his entire estate go to his cats. Tensions about the embarrassing topic rise when a right-wing newscaster stays under the same roof as the opinionated family.

​Starring Will Durst, Larry 'Bubbles' Brown and Lorenzo Lamas.

  • Tom Maduell
    Director
  • Tom Maduell
    Writer
  • Tom Maduell, Cheryl Sommers
    Producer
  • Will Durst
    Key Cast
    "Gramps"
    Durst Amendment, 3 Still Standing
  • Lorenzo Lamas
    Key Cast
    "Lorenzo Lamas"
    Falcon Crest, Grease
  • Larry 'Bubbles' Brown
    Key Cast
    "Pest Man"
    The Kite Runner, 3 Still Standing
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Comedy
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 26 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 10, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tom Maduell

Tom Maduell has been writing and selling screenplays in Hollywood for over 25 years. Finally ready to take the leap himself, he decided to also produce and direct his debut independent film, A One-Sided Affair.

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Director Statement

The original concept for A One-Sided Affair percolated in my mind for a year and a half. Then I woke at three am one morning with a flash of insight: this piece was to express the frustration we all feel over the unbridgeable chasm our politics has descended into. Over the next seven days I could not write fast enough.

As soon as I finished, I knew I had to make this film myself. Although I had written for the likes of Michael Cimino and Bill Pullman, I had never made a film before. I had only a micro-budget and a driving passion. To quote the late Lou Reed, “A busload of Faith.” 

Less than 9 months later we finished filming, I look back in awe. People I didn’t even know gave me money (I know them now, I love them now.) A legendary agent, John Castonia, took a gamble and sent it on to his talent. Talented people donated their time and others were hired on for far less than they are worth. Local people pitched in their time and resources not just willingly, but with energetic fervor. It was like the creation of a planet; once it got started, it just kept building off its own gravity. In the end, over 160 people were involved. I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone involved such that it humbles me to think of it.

In the beginning I hoped for a specific type of success, only to slowly realize it is already a success. As Will Durst put it, “It’s the experience, the people, the connection.”