Technologies
Arri AlexaSchneider OpticsAvid Media ComposerDaVinci ResolveAdobe CC
The Project
Before creating his first short film, "Roommate Wanted," he had worked in the film industry for several years. The film was shot in the winter of 2014, and he dedicated approximately a year to post-production as time permitted.
Leveraging favors from friends and peers, he assembled a capable crew, complete with an Arri Alexa camera package, a full lighting truck, and various locations.
Initially, he aimed to raise $5,000 on Kickstarter for the project but ultimately raised around $2,400. Despite this, production continued over five principal shooting days and two additional days for pickup shots with a minimal crew.
The Story
A surprise houseguest arrives and the air goes thin. When Jeff never considers consulting his fiancée Emilia before inviting her in, boundaries begin to blur.
Jealousy is the wrong word. Survival is closer.
Credits
Maggie
Julie Ann Dawson
Emilia
Caitlin Zoz
Jeff
Damien Chinappi
Director
Paul Melluzzo
Co-Producer
Erica Joseph Hunter
Co-Producer
Kevin Shea
Producer
David Jedziniak
Cinematographer
Vasilios Sfinarolakis
Editor
Bryan Capri
Composer
Matteo Guastamacchio
Production Designer
Susan Barrett
Costume Designer
Tammy Gibbens
Key Makeup Artist
Lindsey Interrante
1st Assistant Director
Jim Canty
Gaffer
Patrick Quinn Hines
Unit Production Manager
Greg Nutcher
Stunt Coordinator
Mark Kaminski
Sound Mixer
Malcolm Cameron
Post Sound Facility
FlavorLab
Auditions
The Roommate Wanted casting call was hosted at the Connecticut Reserve bar/night club which also starred in one of the scenes in the short.
For people who couldn't make it in, we also accepted Google Meet (then Hangouts).
The Special Effects
The lovely and talented Ben Chester from Spiral Horn FX created a cast of Damien's head for the final practical FX shot of the short. After the cast was created, Ben sculpted the fine details in and added hair.
I still have that head in my closet...can't bear to let it go.
The Branding
I opted for a simple brand on this short film. SteelTongs was used for the font choice and blood/smoke elements added some texture to the static graphics and title animations.
PROJECT STILLS
Contact
Paul is focusing on the intersection of technology and creativity. He is a partner at Epicly AI, an AI-powered platform for creating engaging digital content and a Creative Director at Omnislash Visual, a visual branding and design studio.