Private Project

You Ask Him

A casual encounter in the Hollywood Hills raises the question is anyone living their best life in LA?

"You Ask Him!" is a playful, character-driven short film set in the bustling Griffith Park, where two friends, Marie and Kevin, find themselves captivated by Chris, a charming jogger. The film follows their lighthearted flirtations and friendly competition as they vie for Chris's attention, revealing the complexities of human connections and the unpredictability of relationships.

With a backdrop of Griffith Park scenery, the film delves into themes of identity, belonging, and friendship, showcasing the strong bond between Marie and Kevin, who navigate life's challenges together. Filled with witty banter, comedic situations, and a touch of heart, "You Ask Him!" is a celebration of serendipitous encounters and the pursuit of happiness in unexpected places.

  • Matthew Nevin
    Director
    What is going to happen next?, Maggie,
  • Matthew Nevin
    Writer
    What is going to happen next?, Maggie,
  • Matthew Nevin
    Producer
    What is going to happen next?, Maggie, 180 Degrees, Culture Chats, Brianna, Gypsy Soul Disco
  • Jenn McGuirk
    Producer
  • Jenny Minniti Shippey
    Producer
  • Katriona Woods
    Producer
  • Johnny O'Callaghan
    Key Cast
    "Chris"
  • Jenn McGuirk
    Key Cast
    "Marie"
  • Aron Cobbs
    Key Cast
    "Kevin"
  • Rían Sheehy Kelly
    Key Cast
    "Ryan"
  • Susanna Basden
    Key Cast
    "Susie"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Ireland
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • L.A. IFS Film Fest - Los Angeles Independent Filmmakers Showcase
    Los Angeles
    United States
    May 26, 2023
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    August 1, 2023
    Official Selection
  • The Irish Film Festival Los Angeles 2024
    Los Angeles
    March 17, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Los Angeles Short Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    April 5, 2024
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Matthew Nevin

Matthew Nevin is a Director based in Los Angeles and Dublin Ireland. He focuses on creative and innovative storytelling. An award winning Director that develops and produces Film, Television and online content that speaks directly to an engaged audience. Matthew produces a diverse slate of contemporary stories, social documentary, smart comedy, alongside artistic and experimental content.

His latest production You Ask Him, a short film has just been completed post production and is currently due to screen mid 2023 across several film festivals. Previous productions include producing the experimental Film The Gypsy Soul Disco {Dir. Nicky Larkin}, directing the short films Brianna and MAGGIE and producing several projects including 180 Degrees {Dir. Jenn McGuirk}, the online series Culture Chats and directing the award winning feature length documentary What Is Going To Happen Next?.

FULL BIO:
Matthew Nevin is a Cultural Producer with over 20 years of experience working in film, television and the arts throughout the US, Ireland, UK and Europe. As a Producer at Pick Me Up Pictures he manages a diverse slate of programming and content for Film, TV and online. As Co-Director of The MART Gallery & Studios Dublin he oversees the running of over 100 artist studios and a Contemporary Art Gallery. As Executive Director of the non-profit CIACLA – The Contemporary Irish Art Center Los Angeles – he produces contemporary Irish cultural events in California.

Matthew has recently Produced and Directed the award-winning feature length documentary What is Going to Happen Next?, which reaches into the minds of one person from every country in the world; winning several awards and screening at 21 international film festivals. Recently produced projects include the successful Culture Chats online series and two short films ‘Maggie’ and ‘180 Degrees’ both filmed during the covid-19 pandemic. As an Art Director & Designer for film and tv he has worked on hit shows, such as Luther, Eastenders, The Bill, The Amazing Race, working with CBS, BBC, ITV, Element Pictures, RTE, TG4 and MTV.

Matthew has produced over 60 exhibitions internationally, curating several large-scale creative projects in Ireland, UK, Europe, USA and Japan; for MART, CIACLA, PQ, IrelandWeek, EUCIA and Imagine Ireland. Through his own artwork he has exhibited internationally and created artwork for leading brands such as Ralph Lauren.

Matthew is a passionate advocate for the arts, he looks to create conversation and dialogue about key world issues, directly connecting the audience with a relatable narrative. He has a particular interest in the creation of inclusive projects that actively break down social and economic barriers.

Matthew holds a degree in Film & TV & Scenography from the University of Wales Aberystwyth and a Masters in Art in the Contemporary World from National College of Art & Design Dublin. He has secured funding from Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Ireland, Kildare, Galway & Dublin City Councils, Visual Artists Ireland, IFA Germany, Alliance Francaise, David Manley Awards, JEC Fund, Dept of Foreign Affairs Ireland, Creative Ireland and received a commission from Ralph Lauren.

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Director Statement

"You Ask Him!" is a character-driven, light-hearted short film exploring the dynamics of friendship, flirtation, and serendipitous encounters. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Griffith Park, the story unfolds as two friends, Marie and Kevin, cross paths with Chris, a jogger who captures their attention. With its witty dialogue and relatable characters, the film aims to reflect the complexities of human connections in a modern, urban setting.

The film is infused with a playful energy, underscored by the flirtatious banter and friendly rivalry between Marie and Kevin, who vie for Chris's attention. The interactions among the characters reflect the often unpredictable nature of human relationships and the comedic situations that arise from seemingly mundane encounters. Moreover, the film's narrative touches on themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges faced by those who venture far from home in search of a better life.

Visually, "You Ask Him!" emphasizes the beauty of Griffith Park and the sense of freedom that comes with running and engaging with nature. The park serves not only as a backdrop but also as a metaphor for the characters' personal journeys and the unexpected twists and turns that life can take.

The film also sheds light on the importance of friendship and the bonds we forge with those who support us through life's challenges. Marie and Kevin's camaraderie and mutual understanding serve as a reminder of the invaluable role that friends play in our lives. Through the story of these three characters, "You Ask Him!" explores themes of connection, vulnerability, and the search for love and acceptance, ultimately leaving the audience with a sense of hope and the possibility of finding happiness in the most unexpected of places.