Films have been capturing the imagination for decades, and short films can sometimes capture even more than just the imagination with raw emotion and sobering messages usually at the forefront.
That is the hope of director/writer/producer Eppo Eerkes as he embarks on his latest journey while filming a feature short film on location throughout Southern Alberta.
Eerkes, more known for his role in creating shows such as Build it Forward with Paul Brandt and numerous other credits to his name with Discovery Channel and History Channel, he said a scripted short film has been a long time in the works.
“I’ve been producing and directing documentary films for over 15 years and I am in a transition zone in my career. I love the documentary work and I continue to do it, but scripted film is where I am going,” Eerkes said.
His latest film, with the working title “Envy” which started shooting in Water Valley July 18, delves into the world of street children and the animalistic nature of humans as Eerkes also attempts to also show the more humane side of street dogs.
“This is the story of kids living on the streets, but this is also a story about the animals as well,” he said.
The juxtaposition of animals versus humans is evident as Eerkes attempts to take the viewer on a journey with a young homeless girl who doesn’t fit in with hardened street kids and instead finds safety and refuge with much more humane street dogs.
Although this is an independent film, Eerkes cautioned not to expect something thrown together with a halfhearted effort. Eerkes has the help of his director of photography Dan Dumouchel, who has worked with bands such as Said the Whale and an expert editing team. Eerkes hopes to be finished filming by mid to end of September.
Eerkes said he would be starting up a kickstarter account to help raise funds for the project.
For more information on Eerkes’ projects and how you can possibly be a part of the film crew, maybe even land on screen, or just help with funding, check his websites for updates in the near future: eppo.co and pounce.tv.
