Director David Orr’s short film “Refresh” will make its world premiere April 3rd at the Vail Film Festival in Colorado. The film, which stars Steven Culp, will screen as part of the festival’s Short Films series. Refresh will also screen at the Newport Beach (California) Film Festival April 26th. Orr is best known for his work as a commercial director via STORY.
A mind-bending parable in the spirit of “Amazing Stories” and “The Twilight Zone”, “Refresh” centers on a wealthy businessman, Roger Dean, who is seeking a cure from his chronic depression. Dean’s quest leads him to a mysterious medical clinic that promises a highly effective—but irrevocable—solution. The film also stars Scott Michael Campbell.
“Refresh” marks the short film debut for Orr, who is well known for his work as a commercial director, photographer and visual artist. His work has won ADDY, BDA, CTAM, PROMAX, New York Festival and TELLY awards, and been shown in Ad Age, Adweek, Communication Arts, Graphis, Millimeter, SHOOT, the Art Director’s Club, and the New Museum of Contemporary Art. Andrew Turman is the film’s cinematographer; Christopher Willoughby is the film’s editor.
“The tableau and mood of ‘Refresh’ was inspired by a visit to a sleep study clinic—a place where you spend the night monitored by video cameras and electronic sensors attached to your body,” observes Orr. “I think there’s a universal feeling that being in a medical facility and dealing with medical staff—when you’re at your most vulnerable—is stressful and depressing. I remember lying there in my pajamas, getting hooked up to a machine by an unfamiliar person, thinking: ‘Wow, this is just like a horror film!'”
“Refresh” is one of the first narrative films to be shot with a digital still camera with HD video capabilities, Canon’s 5D mk II. Orr’s background as a commercial director and fine art photographer enabled him to see, early on, the possibilities of using a still camera with HD capabilities. As Refresh was filmed in a practical location, the camera’s small size and ability to shoot in low light allowed the production to move quickly yet give the story the atmospheric and cinematic look it needed.
Orr recently screened portions of “Refresh” at Digital Day, an event sponsored by the Directors Guild of America, where the quality of the imagery drew rave reviews from the crowd of directors, cinematographers and producers. Orr also discussed the making of the film at the Conference on Emerging Technologies in High Definition and at the Collision Conference.
“Refresh” will screen at the Vail Film Festival at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 3rd.
“Refresh” will screen at the Newport Beach Film Festival at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 26th.
For more information about Refresh, visit www.refreshfilm.com.
