THE MUSICIAN
A short film by Mark Schimmel
CHANGING LIVES ONE SONG AT A TIME.
SYNOPSIS - THE MUSICIAN
A famous violinist spends her days dressing up as a busker (street musician) and believes that sharing her music can transform lives. Note: "The Musician" was filmed as a silent movie, sound effects, music and some
dialogue were placed in the film during post production.
One Chicago morning, while playing on the Clark Street Bridge, the musician is approached by an intimidating security officer. Distracted during the confrontation, her prized violin is stolen by a small street child.
Defeated by not being able to catch the child, the musician gives up all hope to recover her violin.
She fantasizes about having her instrument back in her hands.
At that moment she hears the plucking of strings in the distance.
The musician follows the sounds to see the street child attempting to play. As the musician approaches,
the child threatens to break the violin. Just then, the musician has an idea.
She begins to airplay a violin using only her bow. Mesmerized, the child begins to imitate her every move.
Soon the two are communicating through the passion of music.
The child decides to give the violin back to the musician. The two continue to play and dance in the park
using the sounds of music to lead them. When it’s time to part ways, the musician leaves,
making her way to a performance. The child follows her and sneaks into the backstage area of t
he theatre to watch the musician on stage. At this moment the bond is complete and the
musician has inspired another person through the magic of her music.
At the end of the story, the child is transformed and left with the
violin to pursue her own dreams of becoming a musician.
This film stars and features the music of Anne Harris. The movie was shot within three days with on-location sound recording. All of the sounds were manufactured during the post-production process.
Playing the child, this is Reese Harley’s first on-camera performance.
MARK SCHIMMEL
Director, Writer, Producer.
DIRECTOR - MARK SCHIMMEL IS A VISUAL STORYTELLER AND A FILMMAKER.
HIS SHORT FILMS HAVE BEEN IN OVER 60 FILM FESTIVALS, HIS SCREENPLAYS
HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO COMPETITIVE FESTIVALS AND
AMONG HIS HUNDREDS OF COMMERCIALS,
HE’S BEEN NOMINATED TWICE FOR AN EMMY
AND HAS WON OVER 50 COMMERCIAL AWARDS.
MARK GRADUATED FROM PRATT AND EARNED HIS MFA FROM VERMONT COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS. HE BEGAN HIS CAREER AS AN ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR AND WORKED FOR WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS. SINCE THEN, MARK HAS DIRECTED THE LIKES OF WOODY HARRELSON, RUSSELL WILSON, GEORGE STRAIT, HUNDREDS
OF REAL PEOPLE, KIDS AND A LOT OF DOGS. AS AN EPISODIC DIRECTOR,
HE WAS TRAINED ON THE CW -WARNER EPISODIC VAMPIRE SHOW,
”THE ORIGINALS” AND WENT ON
TO CO-PRODUCE 2ND UNIT FOR PETER FARRELLY'S, "THE NOW".
MARK SCHIMMEL LIVES IN SARASOTA FLORIDA,
HEADING UP THE BRANDED ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT AT THE RENOWNED
RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, SCHOOL OF FILM.
SUPPORT THE MUSICIAN
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me.
THE MUSICIAN was privately funded.
If you like the movie and wish to support
this film or my future endeavors, feel free to donate via the PayPal button.
Thank you on behalf of the cast and crew.