Experiencing Interruptions?

Up on the Roof

UP ON THE ROOF is a short film that follows two boys who are on a date late at night. As Zane works to open Otis up to intimacy, Otis can’t help but feel something’s not quite right.

UP ON THE ROOF is the second installment of STRANGERS - a three part short film anthology series created by students at the University of Michigan and filmed within twenty-four hours. Each film follows a different set of individuals who work to deal with the superficiality of their daily interactions.

  • Timmy Thompson
    Director
  • Timmy Thompson
    Writer
  • Timmy Thompson
    Key Cast
    Film: Mikey’s Army (OUTFEST QTBIPOC OFFICIAL SELECTION, Dir. Andrew Keenan Bolger), Theatre: Weston Playhouse Theatre (An Iliad, Seussical), University of Michigan (Sophisticated Ladies, Rent)
  • Cole Newburg
    Key Cast
    Theatre: Broadway Sacramento (The Music Man, Carousel, Something Rotten), University of Michigan (Sophisticated Ladies, Fiddler on the Roof)
  • Timmy Thompson
    Producer
  • Sophia Raines
    Producer
  • Marina Lebowich
    Producer
  • Sydney Spaw
    Director of Photography
  • Johannes Pardi
    Camera Operator
  • Hannah Gansert
    Production Management
  • Haoyi Wen
    Production Management
  • Kevin Lazzaro
    Lighting
  • Timmy Thompson
    Color Grade
  • Lily Rosenberg
    Color Grade
  • Timmy Thompson
    Edit
  • Sydney Spaw
    Sound Design
  • Timmy Thompson
    Sound Design
  • Ryo Kamibayashi
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy, Romance
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Blackmagic Raw
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Michigan
  • Wicked Queer Film Festival: Boston's LGBTQ+ Film Festival
    Boston, Massachusetts
    United States
    April 2, 2023
    Official Selection
  • ACADEMY AWARD®-QUALIFYING – Chicago International Film Festival – CineYouth
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Timmy Thompson

Timmy Thompson is an emerging filmmaker from the University of Michigan where he is receiving his BFA in Musical Theatre. While here, he has created a five part web series, a TV Pilot and a three part short film anthology. Originally from New Jersey, Timmy works as a writer, producer, director, editor and colorist to tell stories that he and his friends collaborate on.

As an actor, Timmy has performed in such short films as MIKEY'S ARMY (OUTFEST QTBIPOC OFFICIAL SELECTION), directed by Andrew Keenan-Bolger. In theatre, he has been seen performing at such theaters as Weston Playhouse and Paper Mill Playhouse.

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Director Statement

My journey started as a writer because I didn't see myself represented in the stories we would explore in class. I wanted to find nuance in the intersection of identities and the interactions of people from various different backgrounds. I quickly learned that if I wanted to play characters that I felt spoke to my truth, I would have to create the narrative myself. It has been the greatest blessing to collaborate with like-minded artists who not only help me to realize my wildest dreams but who believe in the work that I am passionate about and, in turn, who I get to help realize their visions when inspiration strikes for them.