San Diego short film "20 Minutes" has begun production

SAN DIEGO - May 26, 2024 - PRLog -- 20 Minutes" is a suspense drama short film (currently in pre-production) written and directed by Clarke M. Smith. It stars legendary actor Larry Poole (also serving as co-producer), Ian David Boyd, Aaron Gillette, Cole Thomas, and Shira Dina. It is Smith's eighth San Diego based film.

Mauricio Navarro is the Director of Photography, and  Tony Amat as Assistant Camera.

Clarke M. Smith wrote the first draft of "20 Minutes" in 1994.  It was inspired by having his car recently stolen and ransacked shortly after moving to Connecticut. That, coupled with the then upcoming 20th anniversary of Jaws, was the impetus to write a short film that takes place mostly at sea, and would not only prove difficult to make, but would take 30 years to make.

Many false starts both on the east and west coast of America occurred, mainly because of the challenge of finding an available boat to use.  And, waterproof camera(s), logistics, and the money to make it.  30 years on, the script had to continue to take place in the mid-90s, as cell phones would make the story quite a stretch in that the characters could just call for help in modern times.

Shooting began September 2024.  Release date is scheduled for April 2025.

More about the film:

Smith has stated that this may be his most challenging film to date.  The logistics of shooting on the ocean, far enough so that no land can be seen in any background of a shot, will likely prove difficult on a shoestring to low budget film.  He goes on to say that not only the basic logistics of a boat - and technically two boats, one for the characters, and one to shoot from - but we need actors who can be real troopers, having to tread water for several scenes with heavy dialogue.

However, the filmmakers actually crave challenge, and especially doing something vastly different from anything in their past experience. It was inevitable that Smith would do an ocean-themed film, having been a big fan of films such as Jaws, The Abyss, and Waterworld.

Look for updates to "20 Minutes" late in 2024 as it starts production.  Wiki page:
20 Minutes (https://clarke-m-smith.fandom.com/wiki/%2220_Minutes%22_(...)