My Friend Scumpy

Two young women move into a new house, only to be followed by an old friend.

  • Angelo Grajo
    Director
  • Angelo Grajo
    Writer
  • Anika Ahmed
    Key Cast
    "Winry"
  • Stephanie Gibbons
    Key Cast
    "Jasmine"
  • AJ Smith
    Key Cast
    "Hal"
  • Darshaun McGuire
    Key Cast
    "Beck"
  • Rory Trace
    Key Cast
    "Lawrence"
  • Jonothan Randolf
    Key Cast
    "Archibald"
  • Anica Popadić
    Director of Photography
  • Matt Frohnappel
    Editor
  • Caelus Mckeel
    Editor
  • Angelo Grajo
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 28, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Florida Southern College
Director Biography - Angelo Grajo

Angelo Grajo is a Florida-based filmmaker who’s had his hand in directing, writing, editing and even animation. In the past, Angelo has collaborated with other filmmakers and was won awards for his experimental animated short, “Let’s Get Lost!” Inspired by filmmakers with a keen eye for horror and humor, as well as countless animated productions ranging from Looney Tunes to anime, Angelo’s work is known for their quirky humor and absurd plots. When not making films, Angelo draws storyboards and comics.

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Director Statement

I directed My Friend Scumpy, as way to try something out of my comfort zone. After seeing and working on many dramatic pieces, I was hit with writer’s block and needed something that was more sillier, I also wanted to try a genre I haven’t really tried yet. What made Scumpy work for me is that this was my attempt to try something different as well as trying to make it work since it’s out of my comfort zone. I feel like the characters exemplify this, with Winry’s discomfort symbolizing the struggle of transitioning to change while Jasmine represents adapting to it. Hal on the other hand would have to exemplify someone trying to maintain a sense of control and not trying to change while Scumpy would be the outlier that throws a wrench in Hal, and to a lesser extent Winry’s, vision of normalcy. I would also add that Scumpy’s rant and complaints about being forcefully made for murder and wanting to try something new is me speaking out, although in my case instead of murder, it’s me complaining about filmmakers only making things similar to others instead of trying something new and different. I hope audiences can get a good laugh out of this short and that this film can inspire filmmakers to try something that will stand out from the others by having the things that make them themselves.