Experiencing Interruptions?

Diplomacy: The Setup

"Diplomacy: The Setup" is a spy thriller told in three interconnected chapters. It introduces the world of "Controlled Chaos Operations" carried out by a partnership of American intelligence operatives.

Chapter 1: "Controlled Chaos Operations"
The Diplomat and American Spy are given a new controversial assignment called "Controlled Chaos Operations" aimed at improving America's image abroad through provocative tactics. The American Spy will instigate anti-American sentiment as a double agent, while the Diplomat, undercover as a Swiss Diplomat, pushes pro-American policies as the "solution." Their gruff boss lays out the operation that will test their ethical boundaries.

Chapter 2: "Snitches"
Two years later, the American Spy has been imprisoned. Meeting with the Diplomat, he reveals another spy, "Viking Wind", was present during a past mission and has now snitched on him out of grudge, landing him in a Swiss prison. As the Diplomat grapples with this violation of spy protocol, the American Spy resolves to get revenge on his betrayer.

Chapter 3: "Friends of Friends"
With the operation against the rogue "Viking Wind" spy in motion, the Diplomat methodically gathers intelligence through coded calls with agents across international agencies including Norway, France, Germany and Spain. He learns details about Viking Wind's newly assembled crew of outlaws from various nations, setting the stage for an inevitable clash between the two sides.

  • Brandon Delgado
    Director
    Generation Sparrow Action, I Wish I Knew You, Retrogress: Lazy Sunday, Miami: A Decade's Worth
  • Raegan Smith
    Director
  • Brandon Delgado
    Writer
    Lazlo Loohooville Revival, Solemn Warfare Tree, Generation Sparrow Action, Ticking Time
  • Brandon Delgado
    Producer
    Generation Sparrow Action, I Wish I Knew You, Retrogress: Lazy Sunday, Miami: A Decade's Worth
  • Brandon Delgado
    Key Cast
    "The Diplomat"
    Generation Sparrow Action, Retrogress: Lazy Sunday, Miami: A Decade's Worth
  • Carson Hooks
    Key Cast
    "The Boss"
  • Harrison Thomas
    Key Cast
    "The American Spy"
  • Raegan Smith
    Director of Photography
  • Giovanni Briseno
    Cinematographer
  • Colton Capps
    Audio Mixer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Thriller, Spy, Noir, Drama
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 8 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 14, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,610 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, French, German, Norwegian, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Brandon Delgado, Raegan Smith

1st generation immigrant to parents from a remote village in the Mexican plains. Brandon Delgado has had a fascination for storytelling through film since he first watched, "Her", after his first heartbreak at the age of 14! Such a well-timed, moving experience inspired him to write his first ever script, "Retrogress" at a whopping 73 pages!
Brandon Delgado is never afraid to take risks. During the 2019 COVID stock market boom, he made high risk, high reward investments which ultimately paid off, but it doesn't end there.
Using more than half the money he made, Brandon Delgado proceeded to produce his first ever movie, "The Lottery", on his own, in the summer of 2020. A learning experience, to say the least.
Since then, something awakened in him, and he has been on a nonstop, almost workaholic grind, creating 4 films in 7 months, and now aspiring to help the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex become a hub for the cinema scene! And what batter first step to take than creating his very own company to do just that!

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

'Diplomacy: The Setup' acts as a proof-of-concept for my feature-length screenplay, "Diplomacy". Per the title, the events of this short film act as a precursor to the events of the feature-length screenplay, setting up the world and characters and gaining momentum.

I was inspired to create this short film to have something to showcase for the feature-length script I wish to produce into a feature film by raising funds through crowdfunding and investors. I was interested in exploring classic themes of betrayal, revenge, noir, and spies.

I came up with these characters based off languages I find fascinating, such as Norwegian. My research was based of my recollections of spy movies I've watched and aimed to create something doable for a micro-budget feature.

The setup explains the fruition of the plan that plays out in the feature screenplay. For this short film, I want viewers to ask what happens next after the diplomat says, "Game on."

I aimed for a classic noir spy-thriller tone connecting to the themes of betrayal, secrecy and honor. I hope viewers are intrigued yet entertained and find the concept of Controlled Chaos Operations thought-provoking. I want them to value their time and desire more from the feature film.