ZIB
Atonin Zib is a lethal harbinger bound to three enigmatic strangers who manipulate the realm of Earth through clandestine action. In this exhilarating sci-fi/fantasy, ZIB, granted immortality due to his possession of a relic simply known as the Quasar, he must navigate treacherous alliances, confront his inner demons, and make a pivotal choice: embrace his role as an immortal assassin or defy his masters to reclaim his own destiny, freeing humanity from the grip of their shadowy control.
-
Jonathon GauthierDirectorWaylaid
-
Jonathon GauthierWriterWaylaid
-
Connor PatersonProducer
-
Rob KrautProducer
-
Rob KrautEditorDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves; Jumanji: The Next Level; Waylaid
-
Don ScribnerKey Cast"Atonin Zib"
-
Brock MorseKey Cast"Man in Black #1"
-
Tori ZaitoniaKey Cast"Renee Cruz"
-
Koji FuetaKey Cast"Man in Black #2"
-
Theodore Mark MartinezKey Cast"Man in Black #3"
-
Malia ArrayahKey Cast"Bigfoot"
-
Dylan GarciaKey Cast"Jerry"
-
Parker GorisKey Cast"Pedestrian & Pirate Jiggy"
-
Connor PatersonKey Cast"Cowboy"
-
Himanshu PrasadKey Cast"Templar Knight"
-
Dan LightComposer
-
Cameron MarygoldColorist
-
Project Type:Short
-
Genres:Sci-fi/fantasy, adventure, epic
-
Runtime:17 minutes
-
Completion Date:May 30, 2023
-
Production Budget:50,000 USD
-
Country of Origin:United States
-
Country of Filming:United States
-
Language:English
-
Shooting Format:Sony Venice
-
Aspect Ratio:2.39:1
-
Film Color:Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:No
-
Student Project:No
-
Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
-
LA Shorts International Film FestivalLos Angeles, CA
United States
July 27, 2023
•• OFFICIAL SELECTION •• -
Venice Shorts Film FestivalVenice, CA
United States
•• WIN •• Best Editor -
Indie Short FestLos Angeles, CA
United States
•• WIN •• Award of Excellence (Special Jury Mention) -
Indie Short FestLos Angeles, CA
United States
•• WIN •• Best Sci-Fi Short -
Indie Short FestLos Angeles, CA
United States
•• WIN •• Outstanding Achievement Award (Actor) -
HYBRID-GENRE Film FestivalSanta Monica, CA
United States
•• NOMINATED •• Best Short [Any Genre]
Jonathon, a native of San Diego, California, had a lifelong passion for filmmaking and decided to pursue it after completing his studies at the University of San Diego. Relocating to Hollywood, he immersed himself in the industry, gaining valuable experience on renowned movie sets such as "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," "Obi Wan Kenobi," and "Joker: Folie A Deux," working in various production roles to support himself.
In 2021, Jonathon showcased his talent as a writer, director, and producer with the short pirate/western film "Waylaid." Now, with "Zib," he presents his second short film, continuing his artistic journey in the world of cinema.
I have always been drawn to the realms of the unknown. These curiosities often led me down interesting rabbit holes - responsible for shaping my creative vision for “ZIB”. Inspired by the superhero genre, supernatural conspiracy theories, and the captivating allure of high-concept films, "ZIB" serves as my artistic response to these influences, akin to a graphic novel brought to life through the medium of film.
The central theme of "ZIB" revolves around a group of individuals, including the titular character and the enigmatic Men in Black, who defy the natural order by obsessively clinging to the concepts of time and life as tangible commodities. Although we’re dealing with UFOs, immortality and Bigfoot, at its core “ZIB” is a uniquely human story. The collaboration with my close friend Connor Paterson, who served as producer, began with the intention of creating something simple and cost-effective. However, it unexpectedly transformed into a highly ambitious endeavor that we approached with unwavering dedication.
With "ZIB," I must confess that I unintentionally placed myself in a narrative conundrum. Attempting to capture the essence of an 800-year-old immortal man working as an assassin for extraterrestrial beings within a fifteen-minute timeframe posed a formidable task. Nevertheless, the initial vision for this story has always been grander, and my ultimate aspiration is to transform "ZIB" into a feature-length film that allows for a more immersive exploration of its captivating universe.
Having gained invaluable experience since my first venture with "Waylaid," I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate once again with exceptional talents such as Don Scribner, who brilliantly portrayed the character of Zib, and Rob Kraut, whose meticulous editing and producing prowess elevated the project to new heights. In the perplexing world we currently inhabit, I aspire for "ZIB" to serve as a reminder to viewers that regardless of the convoluted web of information we navigate, we possess the innate capacity to make the right decisions and strive towards righteousness.