Private Project

The Ballad of Charlie Winters

A washed-up guitarist reluctantly teaches a lesson to a new student with ulterior motives.

  • Michael Rogan
    Director
  • Michael Rogan
    Writer
  • Mike Lindenmayer
    Producer
  • Ryan Link
    Key Cast
    "Charlie Winters "
    Roger Davis in RENT on Broadway
  • Eli Hannon
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 31, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Savannah College of Art and Design
Director Biography - Michael Rogan

Michael is a Writer/Director who recently received his MFA at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. He's directed a commercial for Kanga Coolers, which was posted on their instagram page of 99K followers. Michael has a keen eye for story and character. His writing has spanned across many genres but his characters consistently have trouble connecting with others and accepting themselves. He is thrilled to enter the festival circuit and share this story with others.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

It's a cruel feeling when you feel alone in this world but are unable to truly connect with others. That feeling is what propelled me to write this story about past traumas coming to your front door.

One of the many reasons I love film and storytelling is we get to see human psychology and how people behave in certain situations. When I put these two characters together in the same room, with one secretly wanting to form a connection and the other wanting to fall back into his cocoon of loneliness, it was thrilling to see their psychology come to life and dictate the rest of the story.

I connect with Charlie on a deep level. He let the regrets and trauma of his past dictate his future - but just like the rest of us, he can find hope in slowly forming connections with others.