JoJo
When her best friend lands a hot date despite her urging to settle, JoJo jumps at the chance to live out her part in the rom com of life, but ends up in a different role than the one she believes she fits into.
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Brock LewandowskiDirector
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Nathaniel WrightDirector of Photography
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Jenise CookKey Cast
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Jennifer EnglishKey Cast
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Andrew Van OtterenKey Cast
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Romance
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Runtime:5 minutes
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Completion Date:August 4, 2016
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Production Budget:500 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:2.20:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Los Angeles CineFestLos Angeles, CA
United States
January 14, 2017
Semi-Finalist/Official Selection -
Hollywood Screenings Film FestivalHollywood, CA
United States
March 11, 2017
Semi-Finalist -
Double Image Film FestivalHazel Park, MI
United States
December 4, 2016
Official Selection -
ACME Comedy Film NightsLos Angeles, CA
United States
August 5, 2017
Official Selection -
Grand IndieWise ConventionMiami, FL
United States
August 9, 2018
Finalist
Originally from Okemos, MI, Brock Lewandowski is an up-and-coming entertainment industry professional specializing in post-production. Brock is currently working in theatrical marketing in Los Angeles after working as a digital asset manager. When he's not working, Brock has directed, edited and produced an number of short films and video projects in his free time. He has a diverse background prior to earning his degree in Media & Information including work in the fields of athletics and fine arts performance.
During one of the winter months, I felt creatively out of sync and in need of a refresh. Running on empty, I started with this premise: a rom com where the best friend gets the guy.
Out of this, I created JoJo, a character brought to life by the performance of Jenise Cook, who exceeded all of my expectations. JoJo meets every stereotype of the romantic comedy, and in her cynicism, she fails to see that she is in fact a part of one, just not in the role she believes she fits into.
One major thing that was important to me was that the two female leads choose friendship over the guy. Too many times, lifelong friends go guy crazy in rom coms and lose sight of their characters' basic given circumstances and objectives. That's why I chose to end the film, not with the best friend winning the guy, but with the moral victory of the two female friends being excited for one another, being interested in their lives and choices and perspectives.
But most of all, I hope that people watch this simple little film and laugh.