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Deep Deep Down

Carl and Dorothy knew their future would be forever changed by realities of a deadly, incurable disease, but is love enough to keep them together when the progression of the disease begins to affect their past?

  • Alan Moore
    Director
  • Alan Moore
    Writer
  • Johnnie Sprinkle / Alan Moore
    Producer
  • Brad Jerkins
    Original Music by
  • David Killingsworth
    Director of Photography
  • Genres:
    Aging, Drama, Health Care
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 9, 2014
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    CANON DSLR
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Alan Moore

WHO ARE YOU AND WHY SHOULD I WATCH YOUR MOVIE?
I ask myself that quite often. I’m a former photojournalist and a retired Army helicopter instructor pilot. I have a real job, so filmmaking is my hobby. You should watch Deep Deep Down because it deals with an incurable disease that affects an estimated five million Americans. In the next 35 years, that number it is expected to more than triple.

IS THIS FILM FILM ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S OR DEMENTIA?
It’s a love story about an elderly couple and how they handle it when the disease affects their marriage in the present, the future and in some ways even the past. We never actually use the words Alzheimer’s or dementia in this film but this progressive, degenerative disorder is clearly at the heart of it.

DOES THIS STORY COME FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE?
Thank God I haven’t had to battle this in my family. It’s based on a personal fear that I worry about in my own marriage. There are several members of the cast and crew who have loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia. During filming, they were very helpful and I ‘m grateful for their advice on this subject.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TELL THIS STORY?
It’s one thing to suffer Alzheimer’s or dementia, but it’s another thing altogether to be a caretaker for someone affected by it. The burden and agony of those unsung heroes is the story I wanted to explore. It’s a lonely struggle and I think in some cases, they lose their own identity as they care for their loved ones. Here’s what I mean by that -- I’d heard of a support group for the family of Alzheimer’s patients. A doctor asked a lady in the group how she doing. She responded with a status of her husband’s health and mental state. The doctor stopped her and asked again.

“Fine,” she said. “My husband is having a good day, which is rare. The medicines seem less and less effective…”

The doctor stopped her and asked a third time -- “How are you?”
The lady sobbed uncontrollably when she reflected on herself for even a moment. It was such a powerful example of love, sacrifice and selflessness. I couldn’t get it out of my head.

SO YOU MADE A FILM, NOW WHAT?
Filmmakers want people to see their work, so it has been entered in a few film festivals. Though festivals are nice, really I would really like to use the film to raise money for Alzheimer’s. I’ve approached the local association about it and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work out.

JOHNNIE SPRINKLE FILMS? DEEP DEEP DOWN? SOUNDS DIRTY. CARE TO EXPLAIN?
Yes please. I first realized how it sounds after I put an ad on Craigslist announcing open auditions for local actors. I’m sure you can imagine the responses I got. The name of the film is from a line in the script. “Johnnie” is in honor of my uncle who inspired me as a child to be a writer and filmmaker. Sprinkle is an Army nickname I got stuck with the first time I deployed to Iraq. It’s a silly story I usually only reveal over a cold adult beverage.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

ALAN MOORE (aka Johnnie Sprinkle)
Alan has written, produced and directed several short films under an Army nickname – Johnnie Sprinkle (a story to share over a cold beer). A two-time combat veteran, he retired as a U.S. Army Warrant Officer in 2011. As a civilian instructor pilot at Fort Rucker, AL, he teaches UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter flight training as part of the U.S. Army’s Flight School XXI. Before aviation, Alan spent 10 years as an Army photojournalist, which fostered his love for writing. He has been involved in various aspects of community theater since 1987. While in the Army, he has appeared on stages in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, VA, Vicenza, Italy, and in Alabama. Originally from Dalton, GA, Alan and his wife, Lisa, reside in Enterprise, AL with their two daughters, Kylie and Allison. Four dogs and three cats also live with them and all but two of those pets were strays or abandoned before they joined the Moore pack.
Contact info:
Home 334-475-3326 Cell 360-561-9794
abovethebesttheater@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/johnniesprinklefilms