Synopsis
Shortcomings is a short film that tells the story of NIA WILLIS, a freshman studying at a prestige university. After a week of finals, all Nia wants to do is relax. But her best friend Candice convinces her to go out to the last party of the year. However, a fun night out soon takes a turn for the worst when a gunman comes to the party.
Trailer
Shortcomings Trailer
Teamwork
Cast & Crew
Our Cast
SIDNEY TOOKES
NIA
Sidney Tookes is an actress, model, and dancer. Her first taste of acting was when she got the part of Mary in the nativity play at Brooks College Prep. She was so entertained by becoming and telling someone else's story. From there Sidney learned that acting isn't acting at all it's more of "becoming." Sidney now attends University of San Diego majoring in Biology and Minoring in Spanish. She loves to entertain people and wanted to be able to connect with people on more levels hence why she chose that academic route.
BYRON COOLIE
MARCUS
Byron Lee Coolie, Jr. was born in New Orleans, LA. He eventually relocated to Charlotte, NC where he began acting at the Afro American Cultural Center Teen Dance and Drama program at the age of 16 in 2007. There, he began writing, directing, and performing his own sketches and One-Act plays. In 2009, Coolie enrolled at Elizabeth City State University where he continued to study the art of theatre.
LAUREN KAE
CANDICE
Lauren Kae is excited to be beginning her career as an actress, signed to Gill Talent in Chicago, IL. Lauren began to receive professional training at the age twelve and quickly became a part of musicals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she was raised. Touring around the city she fell in love and became more comfortable with stage presence and the art of acting itself. Constantly motivated by her Christian beliefs she is always looking to inspire and encourage others. Lauren is very creative; along with acting, she has professionally modeled, [runway shows, print, and commercials] worked as a makeup artist and even trained young models and actors. Her hope is to star in a box office Action Film. Lauren is blessed and honored to have been a part of all small and large projects and is looking forward to all future opportunities.
JOHN ALLEN
ADRIAN
John Allen is currently a member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians for his work on Empire FOX as a pianist and contracted writer. He has also received 3 placements on NBC " Steve Harvey Show" for original music during the reality series he acted in. He has toured internationally performing original music in South America and Cuba as well as touring East Coast, performing APOLLO New York, NY Fashion Week 2018.
Our Team
BRANDON TOWNS
DIRECTOR/DP
Brandon Towns is an aspiring DP and one of three recipients of the Sundance Institute's Roger Ebert Fellowship for Film Criticism for 2018. His films explore relevant themes within the black community such as gentrification, police brutality, and gun violence. His work has been screened at numerous festivals including Cardiff International Film Festival, Global Mixx Aspiring Filmmaker Fest, and many more.
ELIZABETH HANCUCH
PRODUCER/1ST AD
.jpg)
Elizabeth Hancuch is the creator of the short film "Hello, My Name is" and editor of the commercial "Centered by Design". She's an aspiring writer and filmmaker, currently applying to undergraduate film programs. She is also an intern at Digital Hydra film production company.
DERRICK A. TURNAGE
CO-DIRECTOR/PRODUCER
Derrick A. Turnage is a self-taught filmmaker. He's been a film buff all his life and currently, runs a start-up production company called Third Pulse Media. The company is determined to bring creators together in an effort to bring big ideas to life. Their short film “Closet Creature” is now available on YouTube.
JAELYN VICERS
PRODUCER/SCRIPT SUPERVISOR
Jaelyn Vickers is a Communication and English double-major attending UIC. She's previously participated in her high school's drama department as an ensemble member for various shows and gained experience working with the technical theater crew in both high school and college. Most recently, she participated as a film and TV production intern with Digital Hydra, collaborating with interns within the company to create and develop various short film ideas.