S3RIAL

A lowly beat cop canvasses a barbershop for leads to an unsolved murder and finds the killer -- only he doesn't know it.

  • Michael E. Berg
    Director
  • Michael E. Berg
    Writer
    Ghost of a Chance
  • Michael E. Berg
    Producer
    Ghost of a Chance
  • M. Crystal Berg
    Producer
    Ghost of a Chance
  • Andrew Yackel
    Key Cast
    "Henry"
    Gutterbug, Swipe Club, Mock and Roll
  • Arnie DeWitt III
    Key Cast
    "Charlie"
    Doors, Knock Knock Knock,
  • Wendi Wendt
    Key Cast
    "Elsa Weaving"
    The Formula, Man & Woman
  • Jackie Schmillen
    Key Cast
    "News Anchor"
  • Wade Thalberg
    Key Cast
    "Sergeant"
  • Mike Kieler
    Director of Photography
    The Formula, Up On The Wooftop,
  • Chris Wallace
    Editor
  • Christina Horgan
    Supervising Sound Editor
    Cut, 108 Stitches, The Night Before
  • Brian Banse
    Sound Recordist
    Up on the Wooftop, The Night Visitor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 7 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 3, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    9,200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony PXW-FS5 (4K)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Los Angeles Cinefest
    Los Angeles
    United States
    December 20, 2018
    Semi-finalist
  • Southern Shorts Awards

    December 18, 2018
    Certificate of Merit
  • Low to No Film Festival
    Las Vegas
    August 23, 2018
    United States Premiere
    Official Selection
  • ISA Short Film Showcase
    Urbandale, IA
    October 22, 2018
    Iowa Premiere
    Official Selection
  • International Shorts
    Melbourne
    Australia
    December 3, 2018
    International Premiere
    Official Selection
  • IMPA Awards 2019
    Fairfield, IA
    March 30, 2019
    Award of Achievement (Live Action Short Form)
  • Crown Wood International Film Festival
    Kolkata
    India
    March 10, 2019
    India Premiere
    Best Director
  • Snake Alley Film Festival
    Burlington, IA
    United States
    June 22, 2019
    Nominee for Best Iowa Short Film
  • Iowa Independent Film Festival
    Mason City, IA
    United States
    September 7, 2019
    Nominee for Best Short Film
  • Alternating Currents
    Davenport
    United States
    August 24, 2019
    Official Selection
  • London X4 -- Seasonal Short Film Festival 2020
    London
    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 Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    November 25, 2022
    Best Director
  • Andromeda Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    November 25, 2022
    Best Cinematography
Director Biography - Michael E. Berg

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!

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

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.