Private Project

Working for The Man

A young office worker who's spirit is slowly crushed by the never-ending typical 9-5 lifestyle tries desperately to find a way to break out.

  • Hawkin Paleczny
    Director
    The Sandbox, Perception, TRIUMPH
  • Hawkin Paleczny
    Cinematography
  • Scott Gemmell
    Writer
    The Sandbox, Perception
  • Hawkin Paleczny
    Producer
    The Sandbox, Perception, TRIUMPH
  • Scott Gemmell
    Key Cast
    "Paul McLean"
    The Sandbox, Perception, Where Bad Kids Go
  • Natalie Bezak
    Key Cast
    "The Boss"
  • Frank Woolridge
    Key Cast
    "Sam Andrews"
  • Emary Meneray
    Key Cast
    "John Barrett"
  • Breanna Gaudet
    Key Cast
    "Office Worker #1"
  • Adam Julain
    Key Cast
    "Officer Worker #2"
  • Traci Christensen
    Key Cast
    "Office Worker #3"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 8 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 17, 2022
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Sony FX3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Brock University
  • Official Selection - Toronto Indie Shorts
    Toronto
    Canada
    Official Selection - Best Student Film
  • Official Selection - Toronto Film and Script Awards
    Toronto
    Canada
    Official Selection - Best Student Film
  • Best Short First Time Filmmaker Semi-Finalist - Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift
    Toronto
    Canada
    Best Short First Time Filmmaker - Semi-Finalist
  • Nominee - Best Cinematography - Hollywood North Film Awards
    Toronto
    Canada
    Nominee - Best Cinematography - Hollywood North Film Awards
  • Canadian Cinematography Awards
    Toronto, Ontario
    Canada
    November 27, 2022
    North America Premiere
    2022 Winner - Best Student Cinematographer
Director Biography - Hawkin Paleczny

Hawkin Paleczny is an independent film maker and founder of Red Hawk Productions Inc. who was born in Saanichton, British Columbia and grew up on the Sunshine Coast, BC and Niagara Region, ON, Canada. Hawkin's Directorial debut, the action film, Triumph screened at the CPCFSS 72 Hour Film Festival, winning Best Film and the Audience Choice Award. Hawkin shows a passion and drive for developing, creating, and delivering stunning visuals and high-quality professional videos from pre-production to post-production for commercials, music videos, short films and documentaries.

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Director Statement

I directed Working for the Man because I wanted to make a short film that people would be intrigued to watch because of the outdoor cinematography. I was inspired by the work of Emmanuel Lubezki in the Revenant because I liked how it was filmed in the natural environment and there was less dialogue. I wanted the viewer to notice the natural shots I was able to capture including the igloo I made during a snowstorm, the herd of deer I came across while filming in the woods, and the ice flows on Lake Erie that I shot with a drone. In post production I wanted to make the colours of the film very blurry because I thought it went well with the cold scenes and the snow. It was challenging to film Working for the Man on a zero budget during -27°C weather. We were also delayed several times due to public health measures from the Covid pandemic. Special thanks to everyone involved in making the short film.