I taught myself how to make films by making a bunch of ridiculous movies with my friends and younger brother, Caleb. We all collaborated so well and had a blast through each experience. They all knew I wanted to be a director, so everyone committed to every project I asked of them, which I’ve always been so appreciative for. I’m going in reverse order here from the earliest films to about 2014ish, since seeing the oldest stuff first feels quite fun. Take a walk down my memory lane to see how I got to where I am today!
Godfather Remembrance (2003)
Writer & Director: Jeff Fong
Budget: Ha, nothing at all, are you kidding me? We were 18
Shooting Days: 1
This was the second music video we made with my Canon GL2. We thought it would be funny if my brother, Caleb (10), was our mob boss and we were his bodyguards, following him around the city, protecting him from the evils of the world. We happened upon a whole lot of police cars downtown and got tons of footage of that and thought it was pretty sweet and fitting for our film. I’m not sure why we filmed at a cemetary, and REALLY not sure why we had Caleb touch a tombstone, but that happened… then we asked the security guard to close the gate for us, and he did. This continued the spree of having Caleb in a cute little suit being a boss in pretty much every film we made from that point on since we thought it was hilariously badass.
Reload (2004)
Writer & Director: Jeff Fong
Budget: Hahahaha none
Shooting Days: 1
Caleb and I thought it would be cool if he was this ninja who was getting attacked by a bunch of henchmen, taking them out one by one. So we made that happen in our backyard. I made sure to wear a disguise of course.
It was pretty normal for Caleb and I to make little short films or music videos on the weekends. He was also a good sport and would gladly be the lead in all my crazy ideas. Pay attention to his sweet suit jacket over his karate t-shirt.
Top Drawer (2005)
Writer & Director: Jeff Fong
Budget: Hahahahaha yeah right
Shooting Days: 1
We thought we were pretty cool to integrate effects into this one. Every time I’d figure out how to do a classic camera trick or magical editing effects I’d lose my mind with excitement. It felt like each new thing I learned was helping me get better and better at what I loved. It always felt like I was improving, and I was having so much fun with my best friend (Loren) and Caleb, who, once again, is in his classic suit (plus a sweet, oddly shaped beanie). I also dance all weird in this one. Have fun!
The Switch (2008)
Writer & Director: Jeff Fong
Budget: A box of mandarins
Shooting Days: 1
I made this during a college film class I was very unhappy with due to a horrible professor who told creatives not to be creative and to just follow what “successful” people have done already. I was distraught over the lack of experience the professors had at my school and felt like I was wasting my time being there when I could’ve been in LA working on film sets. But instead of being completely defeated, I somehow motivated myself to try my hardest at a film for the finals. I had an actor scheduled to meet with me, but at the last minute, she canceled, leaving me with no one to star in my film, and seeing as how it was Friday night and the project was due Monday morning, I was even more destroyed. But again, I somehow managed to push myself to make the best of a dire situation. I sat at my desk and brainstormed all night long until I came up with this concept - a stop motion short film that didn’t require anyone other than my roommate. I filmed all day Saturday, then edited all day Sunday, staying up all night and exporting it several hours before class was to begin. My teacher gave me an A- and told me I would’ve gotten an A if I didn’t argue with her so much… yet, that didn’t bother me one bit, I was thrilled with what I made and knew that the best way to continue learning was by teaching myself, which I continue to do to this day.
The Switch Documentary (2008)
Writer & Director: Jeff Fong
Budget: Hugs
Shooting Days: 1
Just to be even more ridiculous with my short film, I made a little documentary about the making-of “The Switch” with my roommates who helped me make it.
I thought it was funny. I still do, but I thought so back then too (a little Mitch Hedberg reference for those who don’t know).
The Cut (2008)
Writer & Director: Jeff Fong
Budget: $500 (I think?)
Shooting Days: 2
This was technically the first short I really “tried” on in regards to production value, the camera we used, casting actors, etc. I made this for a competition that had prompts in place that entrants had to follow - in this case, very specific dialogue that needed to be in the film, somehow. I was VERY proud with the outcome and the creative way I incorporated the dialogue, but unfortunately, we didn’t win… or did we, since making the film is a win?
No, we lost. But I love the film still, so that’s good.
Stupid Green Dinosaur (2014)
Writer: Jeff Fong
Director: Caleb Fong
Budget: A few snacks
Shooting Days: 1
This was when I was DEEPLY inspired by Wes Anderson and was trying to make short little things in a similar way as he does. Caleb and I have no idea why he directed this one (since I always directed everything), but a vague thought I remember was being excited by him directing something we were creating, so perhaps I suggested it? We may never know, but I’m glad it happened.