The Astronaut Upstairs

An astronaut finds himself the center of a national news story after he is caught stalking a former girlfriend. The astronaut retreats to his backwoods hometown, to the home of his brother, in an attempt to evade the predatory press. The astronaut’s brother, a local children’s show host, has his own ideas. He tries to use the appearance of his astronaut brother, and the invading press corps, to bring national attention to his children’s show.

The film THE ASTRONAUT UPSTAIRS opens with film director Frank Stamm playing "small-time egomaniacal film director Frank Stamm" and introducing his own film.

  • Frank Stamm
    Director
    Damned Lemonade
  • Richard Gagnier
    Writer
    Damned Lemonade
  • Frank Stamm
    Producer
  • Del Rivers
    Key Cast
    "Col. Moonbun Jr."
  • Craig Watkins
    Key Cast
    "The Astronaut"
  • Laura Tierney
    Key Cast
    "Reporter"
  • Jim "The Bob" Wyand
    Key Cast
    "The Clown"
  • James Greco
    Key Cast
    "Car Passenger"
  • Monica Gardner
    Key Cast
    "Car's Driver"
  • Jillian Cross
    Key Cast
    "Astronaut's Date"
  • Jason Poole
    Key Cast
    "2nd Guy At Diner"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    27 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 13, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Frank Stamm

Frank Stamm has been shooting film in Western New York since 2008. His short film "Damned Lemonade" was accepted into the 2018 Chautauqua International Film Festival. It won in the category of "Best Comedy Short".

While most of Stamm’s films are dark comedies, he also made a short documentary of the band 10,000 Maniacs as they toured in 2013. The documentary included interviews Stamm did with band members.

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Director Statement

I am from the city of Rochester, New York, but I am interested in telling stories set in the rural areas of Western New York. Many of my projects are set in the mythical town of “Sodock”, which is modeled after the towns of Sodus, Sodus Point, and Wolcott.

I have a background in stand-up comedy, and most of the films I make are dark comedies. I do all my own camerawork, sound recording, and editing.

The lead actor in all my films is Del Rivers, who suffers from peripheral neuropathy. We are always running against the clock trying to get as much done as we can while his health holds out. We are currently working on a project we both see as likely the last one we’ll make together.