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Reservations

Reservations is the story of Oliver Jenkins, a chef in his late twenties. After missing out on a promotion, he discovers the grandfather he never knew willed him a hotel. Reluctantly, Oliver visits the failing business to sort out the financial mess in hopes of selling it. There, he meets an eclectic group of personalities who change his perspective on life. Torn by his career ambitions and dedication to his new family, Oliver must decide where his loyalties lie in this short film.

  • Austin Schuld
    Director
  • Emily Green
    Writer
  • Anthony Holden
    Writer
  • Toni Lee Ruggiano
    Producer
  • McKenna Keck
    Producer
  • Jerry Parker Jr.
    Key Cast
  • CJ Valle
    Key Cast
  • Andrew Buck
    Key Cast
  • Kendall Kotcher
    Key Cast
  • Lisa Smith
    Key Cast
  • Michael Hayes
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    27 minutes 31 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2015
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35 : 1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Traverse City Film Festival
    Traverse City, MI
    July 30, 2015
  • Premiere at Studio C
    Okemos, MI
    April 30, 2015
    World Premiere
  • YESFest - The YES Film Festival
    Columbus, Indiana
    November 6, 2015
Director Biography - Austin Schuld

Graduating in May 2015 from Michigan State University with a bachelors in Media and Information and specialization in Fiction Film Production, Austin Schuld is a director of versatile talents.

At MSU, he worked in advertising, executing two fully integrated campaigns, including one that took second place at the regional level of the National Student Advertising Competition. Austin directed and edited two Mid-Michigan ADDY-award winning spots. Working at the MSU College of Arts & Letters, he gained experience marketing in a professional environment, producing a wide range of content for the college including work on a professional Mid-Michigan ADDY award winning campaign for the college. Furthermore, he produced materials for college partners, including broadcast spots for the Capital Area Downs Syndrome Association, a promotional video for Michigan based startup Advantage Fundraising and internal videos for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan.

Working in narrative filmmaking, Austin wrote and directed a number of projects. During his senior year, he directed a 27-minute short film and a portion of the first feature-length film to come out of MSU, both accepted into the Traverse City Film Festival. He has experience working in advertising, marketing, videography, narrative fiction, and multi-camera live events.

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Director Statement

I have always felt that the main theme of the story is seeing the potential in other people and things. I really looked for genuine performances from the characters and to create a sense of realism beyond their heightened traits. Through editing the film, the dramatic portions cemented themselves and the comedic aspects grew into delightful bonus elements. When audience members leave the theater, I want them to feel affectionate towards the characters and the relationships between each of them.

The story of Reservations is Oliver's story. How he and his tough exterior break down to grow to love the other characters with all their flaws and quirks. This production saw challenges not unlike those portrayed in the film, but by bonding together, we brought the film to fruition. Each member of the cast and crew left a part of themselves in the film and that is why it will always have a special place in my heart.