Private Project

Mookie, Mo, and Me

'Mookie, Mo, and Me' is a stunning visual documentary of a man and his dog enjoying their morning routine, a 600 meter open ocean swim; accompanied with an audible introspective and philosophical storytelling of trauma, nature, loss, and love.

  • Ryan McInerney
    Director
    'Mr. Goalie'
  • Damian Fitzsimmons
    Writer
    'Life's Rewards' & 'Across The Rails'
  • Ryan McInerney
    Producer
  • Damian Fitzsimmons
    Producer
  • Damian Fitzsimmons
    Key Cast
  • Mookie
    Key Cast
    Lots Of Experience Being A Good Girl
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Nature, Experimental, Documentary, Short
  • Completion Date:
    October 23, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    DIGITAL
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ryan McInerney

Ryan Daniel McInerney was born in Chicago, Illinois, where most of his childhood revolved around being an ice hockey goalie. When not standing between the pipes, Ryan could be found making videos with friends. His passion for film and athletics would lead him to a career in the film industry. Upon graduation from Florida Atlantic University in 2012, Ryan was able to join the Screen Actors Guild and eventually join the Directors Guild of America in 2018. Ryan has spent thousands of days on set of major motion pictures. Currently he works as an Assistant Director on Movies, TV shows, and Commercials; tho he is working hard to remove 'Assistant' from his title.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

12 years ago, after graduating from Florida Atlantic University, I reached out to Braveman Media in Delray Beach, FL to see if they could use an assistant. I had seen their work online and knew that I could learn something from these filmmakers. Damian and Ian gave me one of my first jobs in production, where I got to sharpen my teeth on set as a Production Assistant and got to edit a few projects. Looking back I feel so lucky that I got to learn in the editing room from these guys. Ian is incredibly tech savvy, patient, and a great teacher. Damian has been a mentor to many filmmakers in South Florida and I feel lucky to have had his guidance during my career.

About two years ago I was out for a sunrise stand up paddle boarding session in Delray Beach, about 300 yards offshore. In the early glow of daybreak I notice a man and his dog swimming out to the 300 yard buoy. As I paddle closer I realize that it is Damian and his dog Mookie. It had been a while since me and Damian had seen each other and the meeting felt quite serendipitous. We talked for a minute or two as Mookie swam around us, clearly enjoying herself. We made plans to meet up for a coffee a few days later to catch up. After several days of being inspired and unable to get the image of Damian and Mookie by the buoy out of my mind, I suggested we make a short film to capture their morning swim. Damian, a phenomenal filmmaker, isn’t the type of guy who tries to be in front of the camera; but after a bit of convincing he agreed.

We wanted to wait for picturesque marine conditions to capture Delray Beach’s full sunrise glory, above and below the waters surface. In June when the summer doldrums set in we had crystal clear, glassy flat, perfect conditions. We were able to shoot the film in 3 separate sessions. At all times keeping Mookie well rested and never forcing her to do anything, just documenting what she does on the regular. I’ve known her for years and she’s an unbelievably special dog.

After putting together the first edit I asked Damian, a former BBC writer, to write a voice over to it. He didn’t disappoint and what he sent back blew my mind. Since the addition of his writing, the film has become a powerful, meta, day in the life, nature documentary about trauma, nature, loss, and love; with cathartic tones on life that match the incredible visuals provided by local drone legend Kevin Modica @DelrayDroneShots.

Fellow BRAVEMAN MEDIA Alumni, David DeSouza, added to the cinematography above water. And fellow Alumni Sage Pacetti captured the breathtaking, or should I say breath holding, underwater footage.

We are in the final stages of post production on the film and are submitting the film into the 2025 international film festival circuit.

It’s always a pleasure working on passion projects with friends, especially when your friends are super talented people. 

Keep your eyes out for our short film,
‘MOOKIE, MOE, & ME’