Experiencing Interruptions?

Close Calls

Logline:
It's all on the line.

Synopsis:
Josh has a loving fiancee, Tara; and a unique friendship with his first wife, Lisa. Things start to unravel when Josh becomes preoccupied with RealiCall, a discreet service that he uses to secretly communicate with Lisa.

  • Valarie Patterson
    Director
  • Valarie Patterson
    Writer
  • Valarie Patterson
    Producer
    Muted, Cuddle Party, SPIN, Yogurt Raisin, Aloha
  • Wayne Hawkins
    Producer
    Aloha, Spin, Yogurt Raisin, Blind Justice
  • Barry Atkins
    Producer
  • David Rizzo
    Key Cast
    "Josh Tyler"
  • S. Lee Tala
    Key Cast
    "Tara"
  • Kayla Lee
    Key Cast
    "Lisa"
  • Nikhil Koparkar
    Composer
    Yogurt Raisin
  • R. Lawrence Brown
    Cinematography
  • J. McNair
    Cinematography
    Aloha
  • Barry Atkins
    Camera
  • R. Lawrence Brown
    Camera
  • Peter Swartz
    Colorist
  • Wayne Hawkins
    Sound Department
    Aloha, Blind Justice, Yogurt Raisin
  • Kayla Lee
    Sound Department
  • Wanda Petty
    Production Assistant
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 5, 2020
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Valarie Patterson

Valarie Patterson is a writer and producer. While working as a public relations crisis manager, a chance encounter led to her discovering a passion for filmmaking and becoming a producer on the award-winning short films MUTED and Cuddle Party. She is the writer, executive producer of Close Calls, and a first-time Director committed to producing inclusive content about the human experience.

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Director Statement

The concept for Close Calls was inspired by a personal experience. When I was very young, my father and grandfather suddenly left the family. Life went on and no one spoke much about them. So, I became obsessed with keeping the few memories I had.

Josh, the lead actor in Close Calls, has a similar experience in his romantic life. Recently engaged to Tara, Josh is unable to let go of his past. He secretly communicates with his first wife Lisa, using a third-party subscription phone service, RealiCall, to cover his tracks.

Close Calls is set and filmed in Houston, Texas. Our producers, cast, and cinematographers are Houston-area residents. David Rizzo (Josh), S. Lee Tahla (Tara), and Kayla Lee (Lisa), are natural talents. Our EP, AD, and Editor Barry Atkins is a filmmaker's dream in all aspects of the work. Wayne Hawkins is our dedicated EP, Sound Recordist, Production Manager, and committed Post-production Supervisor. Our Los Angeles team includes composer Nikhil Koparkar, who is a musical wonder, and colorist Peter Swartz of Color Space Finishing who has worked on hundreds of films.

It was nothing short of universal will to have such talented and dedicated filmmakers come together to create this film.