Private Project

Son of a Gun

A stay-at-home accountant’s life is changed when a mysterious woman with a large box claims to know his real father. Upon learning that the dad he never knew had recently passed away, AJ opens the box to discover the life of a legendary, gun-twirling, world record-holding cowboy.

While learning dad’s old rope tricks may spice up their marriage, Mara, his wife, is worried AJ wants to get a gun. Aj is swept away by the showmanship of his father’s old photos and films, but his heart aches with the thought of never knowing why his dad gave him up.

Discovering a receipt for where dad’s gun’s were pawned to pay for his funeral service, AJ makes a decision that could bring excitement to his dull life, or it could bring catastrophe to his once happy marriage, or worse.

Son of a Gun is a thoughtful short film with notes of humor and deep truth that explores a different side of America’s gun debate. Genuine and memorable performances by an intriguing cast stir up themes that challenge our fears and preconceived notions of responsibility and trust.

  • Kelly King
    Director
  • Kelly King
    Writer
  • Kelly King
    Producer
  • Carlos Gonzalez
    Producer
  • Jandi Swanson
    Producer
  • Roberta Monroe
    Producer
  • Lucas Grabeel
    Key Cast
  • Alicia Urizar
    Key Cast
  • Will Roberts
    Key Cast
  • Stephanie Erb
    Key Cast
  • Annie Abrams
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Western, mystery, comedy
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 26, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital and film
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kelly King

Kelly L. King was born in Salt Lake City, UT. He got his start on Disney's High School Musical movies as an assistant to director Kenny Ortega. After his university teacher saw his student film, he told Kelly to drop out and use his tuition money to move to L.A. and start making movies. So he did-- Once in Los Angeles, Kelly got into writing and producing commercials. But after being robbed at gunpoint and coming within an inch of his life being taken, he married the love of his life, Erin, and refocused his talent on his true calling, narrative storytelling.

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Director Statement

“I wanted to make a film about a different side of the gun debate. Told from inside the home of a young couple struggling with outside influence. You can watch the news for the pain and the stats, but an emotional journey with someone you care about is different. I called in every favor and assembled the most talented artists I've ever worked with to create a film I hope will stick with you long after the credits roll."

-- Kelly King