John is a hobbyist independent filmmaker, screenplay writer, producer, director, cinematographer, and film editor located in Aurora, CO. I currently work in healthcare at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. During the pandemic of 2020, I started researching how to make movie. I spent countless hours watching YouTube videos on the subject. This motivated me to take the next step and
write a script for a short horror film. After I had my script, I went through the process of breaking down the script and created my shot list and storyboards, purchasing equipment and props, and developed a schedule to make my film a reality. This was a solo project where I was the writer, producer, director, cinematographer, actor, and editor. I completed this entire project by myself. I scouted my locations in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just west of Sedalia, Colorado, and when it was time, I gathered all of my gear and headed to my location to start filming in September 2021. After 5 days of filming, I managed to film all of my scene from my shot list and storyboards. Now it is time to edit my film. I opted to use Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Music from Epidemic Sound. Again, I watched countless tutorials on YouTube on how to use the editing software, color correction and grading, and sound design. After almost a year of learning and editing, I completed my first short horror film, titled: LAST HIKE. In July and August 2023, I entered my film in 16 film contest/festivals. I was surprised at my film's success and as of (9/6/2024) my results are (details on the contest and festivals will be listed in the description of my film on this page):
I received: 2 Selections to show my film at the festival
3 Nominations
1 Finalist
1 Honorable Mention
7 Did not select my film
2 Festivals have yet to announce results (early 2025)
I was able to attend the Six Feet Under Horror Fest where my film was selected as a nominee. I got to view my film on the big screen as the sold our festival. There were six films screened and voted on by the festival attendees. I receive 3rd place from the audience votes. I was shocked and excited that my film was well received. This has given me great motivation to complete my 2nd film which is currently being edited. I plan to have the film completed in October. I do plan to enter it into contest and festivals with hopes that it will do even better than my first film. Stay tuned.....
