Michael (class of 2009) has released a trailer for his new film RESTLESS DUST. “Attempting to pick up the pieces after a car accident, a lonesome film restorer connects with a woman from his building. Struggling to deal with her over-possessive husband, their lives become increasingly entangled; and as her husband’s jealousy builds, so too does the threat of violence.”
The film is the latest output by Quandary Productions, the production company formed by Michael and composer Sebastian Moody. The track record includes 13 short films, three viral adverts and two feature films.
Whilst at university Michael and his team received critical acclaim for their short ensemble comedy ‘The Waiting Room’ and their collection of comedy sketches ‘Best Friends That Love Each Other’, later to win two Royal Television Society Awards for Best Undergraduate Entertainment. Working both in front of, and behind the camera, they were praised for provoking and giving natural performances, and creating refreshingly original comedy.
Michael showed an interest in film from an early age, making innovative short films on an 8mm camcorder, using himself, friends and family members in them, creating films that were energetic and full of life. Days after completing the course at the University of Lincoln, Michael went straight into production of his micro-budget feature film debut; a psychological drama called ‘Ennui’. Since then Michael has worked non-stop to keep creating the films he wants.
Quandary Productions Releases
‘Ennui’ (2009) marked the transition from short to feature film, and was the first official project of Quandary Productions. ‘Ennui’ is a slow-burning study of manipulation and control. When Elliott meets his sister’s new boyfriend, the charming bohemian Charlie, they strike up an instant friendship. But it is soon revealed that Charlie isn’t quite what he seems, as he slowly starts to destroy the relationship between Elliott and his sister Alice; manipulating him into a depraved, drug-fueled life, a transition which Elliott may not be able to return from.
Made for just £200, shot over 18 days, using borrowed equipment, and edited on the director’s home computer; the central performance by Tom Bridger has been hailed as ‘deep’ and ‘masterful’, while the story has been described as ‘intelligent’ and ‘philosophically and psychologically resonant’. 84mins
‘The Modern Waste Trilogy’ (2010) is a trilogy of short films; each one focusing on a global issue. The first ‘Inaction’ analyzed attitudes towards homelessness, the second ‘Irenic’ studied the effects of war, and the third ‘Ideologies’ showed how Nationalism can be destructive. 12mins collectively.
‘Restless Dust’ (2011) sees the return of Quandary Productions to feature film. Having learnt from mistakes made during ‘Ennui’, Michael Henry went straight into pre-production after ‘Ennui’ was completed. ‘Restless Dust’ is the story of a lonesome film restorer who, attempting to pick up the pieces after a car accident, connects with a woman from his building. Struggling to deal with her over-possessive husband, their lives become increasingly entangled; and as her husband’s jealousy builds, so too does the threat of violence.
The film was shot for just £500 using the director’s own HD camera and edited on home computer software. 107mins
Future Projects:
‘Scars’ (2011) – A short drama, highlighting the effects of facial disfigurement on esteem.
‘I Work’ (TBC) – A gritty existential, sci-fi comedy (feature).
Contact:
Email – quandaryproductions@googlemail.com
Phone – 07874038661