S3RIAL
A lowly beat cop canvasses a barbershop for leads to an unsolved murder and finds the killer -- only he doesn't know it.
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Michael E. BergDirector
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Michael E. BergWriterGhost of a Chance
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Michael E. BergProducerGhost of a Chance
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M. Crystal BergProducerGhost of a Chance
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Andrew YackelKey Cast"Henry"Gutterbug, Swipe Club, Mock and Roll
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Arnie DeWitt IIIKey Cast"Charlie"Doors, Knock Knock Knock,
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Wendi WendtKey Cast"Elsa Weaving"The Formula, Man & Woman
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Jackie SchmillenKey Cast"News Anchor"
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Wade ThalbergKey Cast"Sergeant"
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Mike KielerDirector of PhotographyThe Formula, Up On The Wooftop,
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Chris WallaceEditor
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Christina HorganSupervising Sound EditorCut, 108 Stitches, The Night Before
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Brian BanseSound RecordistUp on the Wooftop, The Night Visitor
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Project Type:Short
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Runtime:23 minutes 7 seconds
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Completion Date:May 3, 2018
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Production Budget:9,200 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Shooting Format:Sony PXW-FS5 (4K)
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Aspect Ratio:2:1
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Film Color:Black & White
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Los Angeles CinefestLos Angeles
United States
December 20, 2018
Semi-finalist -
Southern Shorts Awards
December 18, 2018
Certificate of Merit -
Low to No Film FestivalLas Vegas
August 23, 2018
United States Premiere
Official Selection -
ISA Short Film ShowcaseUrbandale, IA
October 22, 2018
Iowa Premiere
Official Selection -
International ShortsMelbourne
Australia
December 3, 2018
International Premiere
Official Selection -
IMPA Awards 2019Fairfield, IA
March 30, 2019
Award of Achievement (Live Action Short Form) -
Crown Wood International Film FestivalKolkata
India
March 10, 2019
India Premiere
Best Director -
Snake Alley Film FestivalBurlington, IA
United States
June 22, 2019
Nominee for Best Iowa Short Film -
Iowa Independent Film FestivalMason City, IA
United States
September 7, 2019
Nominee for Best Short Film -
Alternating CurrentsDavenport
United States
August 24, 2019
Official Selection -
London X4 -- Seasonal Short Film Festival 2020London
United Kingdom
October 19, 2020
Special Mention -
Kesari Movie Awards 2021
March 20, 2021
Best Cinematography -
Kesari Movie Awards 2021
March 20, 2021
Best Actor in a Negative Role -
Andromeda Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
November 25, 2022
Best Director -
Andromeda Film FestivalIstanbul
Turkey
November 25, 2022
Best Cinematography
Michael has been pursuing the "Hollywood Dream" as a screenwriter for many years. He's had two feature-length screenplays published, but this film marks his directorial debut.
He directed his 2nd effort in 2020 and produced/directed a noir dramedy in 2021. He hopes to tackle a new directing opportunity in 2023.
Visit www.spilledinkcinema.com to learn more about upcoming endeavors or inquire about hiring him to direct your next project!
S3RIAL has been a passion project of mine for a long time. The story went through several iterations before moving into production. My goal was to create a modern Hitchcockian Crimedy and knew the linchpin involved an actor who could embody the complex nature of Henry.
Like most independent films, compromises were made to overcome several unforeseen obstacles and work within the availability of cast, budget & locations. This isn't a perfect short film, but then again, is there ever one?
I'm thrilled to finally share the culmination of so many talents involved and truly hope you enjoy it.