Experiencing Interruptions?

Sketchy Characters

After unknowingly drawing a murderer, an aspiring artist becomes the only source of evidence in an ongoing case.

  • Jacob French
    Director
  • Jacob French
    Writer
  • Cameron Pereira
    Key Cast
    "Vicki"
  • Ron Dufort
    Key Cast
    "Dennis"
  • Nelly Bryce
    Key Cast
    "Detective"
  • Bettina DeBell
    Key Cast
    "Theresa"
  • Jacob French
    Producer
  • Cameron Pereira
    Producer
  • Maggie Lucy
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Dark Comedy, Horror, Crime
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 3, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 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:
    Yes - Rochester Institute of Technology
Director Biography - Jacob French

Jacob French (he/him) is a 22 year old filmmaker, and performer. He is currently pursuing a BFA in Film Production at the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Film and Animation.
His films have been nationally recognized, most notably being shown in the Time Square AMC Theaters as part of the All-American High School Film Festival in 2021. French has garnered accolades for his writing, directing, and acting in both film and theatre.
Jacob grew up just outside of Rochester NY and has had a love of storytelling since he was very young. His love for storytelling led him to start making films in 1st grade and he hasn’t stopped since. In that time he has made over 300 films.

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Director Statement

"Sketchy Characters" is, at its core, the story of an artist's journey to discover why she makes art. In reflecting on many of my own experiences, I noticed how I feel a need to cater to those consuming my art, sometimes more so than to my own personal taste. I think this is a trap many artists of all disciplines can easily fall into; we want people to like our work and to get what we're going for so badly that we end up compromising our own vision.

I decided to explore these concepts through a very heightened comedic lens. Through the character of Vicki, we see someone who deeply loves making art. However, throughout the film she is constantly reminded that her art is "bad" and there is supposedly no merit in it. Despite this, Vicki continues to try and cater to other people's tastes through her portrait business but is constantly mocked and belittled. The film is certainly a comedy, but it was very important to me that the character of Vicki remained our emotional center throughout; even though the circumstances might be detached from reality at times, I never wanted Vicki's emotional journey to be.

This is some of the most fun I've had making a short film, thanks largely to my many talented collaborators; I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!