A Tiny Piece Of Tempered Glass
Where do you go when you are leaving all of yourself on the mat?
"A Tiny Piece of Tempered Glass" is a gritty and introspective short film that follows "The Gambler," a young professional wrestler navigating the unforgiving world of small-town wrestling circuits. Preparing for a match at a worn-down VFW post, a recently failed relationship forces The Gambler to confront the sacrifices he’s made and question the motivations driving his wrestling career. Through a series of raw encounters with fellow wrestlers and a conversation with a veteran wrestler, a grizzled cowboy named Tex, The Gambler grapples with the decisions that have shaped his life and his uncertain future.
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Spencer HedgepethAssistant Camera
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Emma LundsfordProduction Sound mixer
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Chance ZnachkovColorist
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Brylee PowellOriginal Score, Script Supervisor
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Peter EvansLighting Technician
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Duane MasonKey Cast"The Gambler "
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Jon PowellKey Cast"Tex"
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Matt BrownKey Cast"Promoter"
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Matthew HicksKey Cast"Referee "
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Ashton JacobsKey Cast"Wrestler"
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Michael DiGiacomoDirector
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Michael DiGiacomoWriter
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Michael DiGiacomoCinematographer
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Drama
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Runtime:12 minutes 10 seconds
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Completion Date:July 10, 2024
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Production Budget:9,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:16mm
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Aspect Ratio:1.66:1
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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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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
Michael DiGiacomo is a 26-year-old filmmaker whose journey began in California before moving to Texas at a young age. Growing up in Texas, he dreamed of returning to his roots in Southern California, while developing a deep appreciation for Texas—the weathered charm of small towns, empty backroads, and the resilient spirit of the people—elements that now inspire his work. Now back in SoCal with a film degree and his beloved Arri SR2 camera, Michael is focused on creating visually compelling and emotionally resonant films.
His love for film originated from his being raised by a single mother, and lover of going to the movies. She would put on any films that she enjoyed for Michael, even putting on some she didn’t personally enjoy but thought a little boy may. This proved successful, so successful that Michael soon grew a purpose to make them. He also grew to especially enjoy the camera-work aspect of making and watching films.
DiGiacomo embarked on his filmmaking journey in the 2010s, starting with nature videos captured on his VHS camera while studying the nuances of camerawork. As he refined his skills, and worked to save up funds, he upgraded his equipment to include a Blackmagic camera and a RED camera. This expanded toolkit allowed him to create music videos, beginning with underground artists and eventually collaborating with some more prominent names in the music industry.
Michael decided to pursue a film degree at the University of North Texas, where he led numerous short film projects and contributed as a crew member on several others. However, he found he preferred the lead role. As he neared the end of his college career, he acquired an Arri SR2 camera and began working on his first independent short film, "A Tiny Piece of Tempered Glass." This film was inspired by his year-long internship at a wrestling promotion and gym and the unique stories he heard and all the hardships he witnessed.
Michael DiGiacomo is dedicated to exploring the art of storytelling through a diverse array of filmmaking techniques. With several short films and documentaries currently in development, he enjoys experimenting with different mediums, often preferring to use film and tape to achieve a unique visual aesthetic. Though using traditional film is often more difficult to work with and more costly than digital, especially for an independent filmmaker, Digiacomo believes that the distinct visual quality it offers will resonate with viewers. Michael's passion for mixing various formats and styles has allowed him to create visually captivating and memorable narratives. He looks forward to future projects and collaborations that will further expand his creative pursuits.