the nearsighted states of yonas michael.

The Escapist | A Film by Yonas Michael

I can’t believe it’s finally out! Talk about a long turnaround…. We shot and wrapped in November, and post ended in early January. But, personally, The Escapist is something that’s been with me for years now. What you see in this short is a condensed, re-tooled version of what I originally conceived in 2008, when I was at the University of Georgia.

It’s funny how I always gravitate back to The Escapist when I need it most… During one of the worst years of my life in Athens and then again in a post-Sophomores 2011 where I didn’t know what I was doing anymore. I guess you can say working on the character of Nathan and his story is my therapy, in a sense. I don’t even think I realized it at the time, but it was at my darkest point in which I decided to re-write it as a short film.

So, what is The Escapist about? Well, the original script is a lot more… explicit about the supernatural element. But the short version is a bit interpretive, I think. I don’t want to say what the end is supposed to be, exactly, but I will say that it isn’t a “dream.” I’ll say that much. I’d LOVE to hear any ideas or theories, though I think the premise itself is pretty obvious… Nonetheless, I’ve gotten some confused interpretations.

As a perfectionist, I’m always going to look at whatever I do and be unsatisfied. And, sure, there are things about the film I’d go back and improve on, but, ultimately, I’m happy with the story told. Chris did a marvelous job as Nathan and Sammie was so lovable as Megan (even after what she did!). And, of course, working with Julianna again was a highlight. From the moment I carried Lea and her sassy one-liners into the short, I knew I wanted her for the role. I am so grateful to my co-producers Sharon and Heather, my partners in crime, my DP Evin, my line producer Devin, and set manager Jennifer, who really got me through those two weeks of production in one piece. Not to mention our FANTASTIC music guy, Matt.

Working on the film and seeing Chris bring Nathan to life has given me new inspiration to re-work the feature length version and expand upon the story in a whole new way I would have never considered otherwise. I’m not saying I’m actively working on that right now, but it’s a short-term goal of mine, absolutely. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy the film and the performances. It’s a darker side of me that I reluctantly chose not to dilute with (too much) humor. Okay, maybe just a little humor. You can’t be serious all the time, right?

-Yonas