

Logline:
After a timid slouch breaks up with his mentally abusive girlfriend, he must choose what kind of man he wants to be when she finds him flirting with another woman and decides to pull him back into her life by any means necessary.
Synopsis:
Andy is working the dunk tank at his local youth group's annual benefit, reeling from a breakup with his toxic ex, Zoey. Vicky, a persistent and competitive woman, decides this is her chance to pull Andy out of his shell. However, when Zoey shows up trying to coax Andy back into her arms, Vicky decides to try and embarrass her to win Andy's heart by dunking her in the tank. The problem is, Vicky isn't a great shot. On top of that, Andy is worried that the longer Zoey sticks around, the greater hold she'll have over his emotions, and the more likely he will be to let her cycle of mental abuse continue. At this point, all he can hope for is a bit of rain.
Director's Statement:
Given that most of my filmmaking experience thus far has been in the horror and dark comedy genres, I took this thesis film as a chance to try something new - to prove to myself that I wasn't a one-trick pony. I wanted this film to have the zaniness of an Andy Samberg comedy with a bit of heart and drama from other romantic comedies like Adventureland. Most of all, I wanted the fun my cast and crew had on set to come through in the final product and to maintain a balanced tone from script to screen. While it's not a one-to-one match given a plethora of production obstacles you'll read about below, I'm very happy with how the film turned out. I also take it as a great compliment that my cast and crew were able to have so much fun on set even while we were navigating last-minute pivots and adapting to the elements. My hope is that you'll have as much fun watching the film as we did making it.
Credits
Writer/Director
Producer/UPM
UPM
Cast
Andy
Jesse
Vicky
Zoey
Camera Dept.
DP/Cam Op
Key Grip/Gaffer
1st AC
2nd AC
Grip
Robert Fox
Brandon J. Larry
Daniel Montenegro
Sean Ebanks
Jason Turchin
Kendall Rose
Lily McKenna
Keyon Smith
Elijah Morris
Kyle "Koach" Johnson
Clea Jin
Raquel Parra
Daniel Montenegro
Kyle "Koach" Johnson
Lilly Whitmire
Production Designer
1st AD
Editor
Script Supervisor
Sound Dept.
Sound Mixer
Boom Op
Re-recording Mixer
Foley Artist
Sound Utility
Production Assistants
Raquel Parra
Jordan Altdorfer
Robert Fox
Torin Collins
Alex Nguyen
Kakia Amarh
Anna Graves
Felix Nolasco
Alex Nguyen
Robert Fox
Jordan Altdorfer
Lilly Whitmire
Anna Graves
Felix Nolasco
Daniel Montenegro
Lilly Whitmire

Zoey and Vicky make a deal to compete for Andy's heart. Andy is not excited about it.

Technical Specs
Country: United States of America
Runtime: 7 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Type: Film
Color: Color
Sound: 2.0 Stereo
Language: English
Editing Software: Avid Media Composer
Camera: Sony FX3
Codex and Format: MPEG - 4; AAC, H.264, Apple ProRes 422 HQ
Zoey wants forgiveness. Andy isn't budging.

Andy and Vicky take shelter from the rain.

Key Grip Kyle "Koach" Johnson hollywoods a flag over Lily to help expose the shot correctly.
Meet the Cast and Crew

Robert Fox
Writer, Director
Robert Fox is a writer, filmmaker, and musician. He earned an MFA in Film Production from Full Sail University in October 2024. Robert has been working in the creative arts since 2015. He's fronted two rock and metal bands, written and directed multiple short films as well as an independent feature, Grinning Man (2021), composed scores for both shorts and features, and has won national and state awards for his work as Production Manager at Gannon University's radio station (90.5 WERG) from 2019 to 2021.

Brandon J. Larry
Producer, UPM
Brandon J. Larry has a bachelor's from NYU focusing on the Business of Entertainment and Film Production and an MFA in Film Production from Full Sail University. As a producer, he has worked on a number of short films and short form content, including a short film that was subsequently expanded into a full length feature film.

Sean Ebanks
Andy
Trained by Art Sake Studio, Sean Ebanks has had the privilege of being a part of several theatrical and film productions, such as the Nitro Holiday Sketch Show (2023), and In the Dark (2024). With his education in the Meisner technique, and over 2 years of singing & improv training, Ebanks brings authenticity and versatility to each of his roles. When he's not acting, you'll either find him playing video games or joyfully struggling his way through a round of CrossFit.

Lily McKenna
Zoey
Lily McKenna is a 2023 UCF graduate with experience in theater and film in the Orlando, Florida area. Some of her credits include her role as Ella in Love, Mom (2024), and her role as Marley in Pulling Strings (2023).

Kendall Rose
Vicky
Kendall is thrilled to be working on such a fun project as ‘Dunk Tank’! She was born and raised in Orlando Fl, and has done lots of work in the local film, theatre, and improv scene! Most recently Kendall won ‘Best Supporting Actress in a Holiday Film’ at the OIF Spark challenge! You may also have seen her in local theatrical musicals such as Bat Boy in ‘Bat Boy: The Musical’ and as Natalie in ‘Next to Normal’. Or maybe you’ve seen her at any of her local improv gigs! Kendall does lots of work with her theatrical company Orange Rose Performances bringing more theatre, films, and improv to her area!

Jason Turchin
Jesse
Jason Turchin currently works in job placement in association with companies like Disney, Universal, Sea World, and more. However, he has spent a lot of time working in film under his uncle who has produced commercials for many resorts and theme parks, including some of the companies mentioned. He’s made his own short films in the past, and is excited to continue pursuing the craft.

Jordan Altdorfer
1st Assistant Director
Jordan has been making movies for close to fourteen years. He’s worked on over a dozen sets in different positions. He’s an efficient worker and can be placed almost anywhere effectively. Jordan has a good attitude and is good when it come to working with a team.

Daniel Montenegro
UPM, 2nd AC, PA
"Cinema's larger than life appeal captivated my heart and imagination from a very early age. Where I grew up there really wasn't much opportunity for a person to learn about film. Growing up lacking resources and opportunities led me to military service in The United States Army. My time in the service would allow me to meet so many wonderful people from around the world, which has helped me in the storytelling process. I've been very fortunate to have earned my degree in film production from The Los Angeles Film School. I've also attended multiple workshops, & semesters with the New York Film Academy. Having worked alongside industry professionals from Warner Bros. to Paramount, my goal is to grow as a director year after year, to better tell narrative films that resonate with audiences all around the globe."

Keyon Smith
Director of Photography
"I am a film composer, sound designer/foley artist, and cinematographer. I came to Full Sail to hone my skills in all things film and get a better understanding of the process from beginning to end. While there are things that I prefer to do, I learned that once I get on set, my role never affects my enjoyment. I love every aspect of filmmaking (except most of pre-production)."

Elijah P. Morris
Cam Op, DP
"I am different because of my results. I never declined in turmoil, I excelled in it. I never let any failure be my end but an unstoppable beginning. I adapted, I took risks, I dreamed, and lastly, I didn’t quit. That’s my difference."

Raquel Parra
Production Designer, 2nd AC
Raquel Parra is a Colombian editor and creator with nearly five years of experience in the film industry, primarily focusing on post-production and production. Her passion for production design is evident in her ability to skillfully use color palettes to convey emotions and create realistic, story-congruent sets. Raquel’s keen eye for detail and commitment to visual storytelling make her an invaluable asset to any project. She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to collaborate on this project, bringing her expertise and creative vision to the team.

Kyle "Koach" Johnson
Key Grip, Gaffer
"Hello there! My name is Kyle Johnson and I just received a Master's degree in Film Production at Full Sail University. I'm a 23-year-old student from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and I completed my Bachelor's Degree from Shippensburg University. My ultimate goal is to own a production company in my hometown so that I can create movies, TV shows, podcasts, and music videos. Although this may take some time, I plan to start my career as an editor or screenwriter, then work my way up to becoming a Director of Photography, and finally, a Director. I'm thrilled to be a part of your film project and excited to start my journey in the art of film."

Kakia Amarh
Sound Mixer
Kakia was born and raised in Largo, FL. After graduating high school, she joined the United States Navy where she promoted through the ranks and retired after 20 years of honorable service. Right before she retired, she was tasked to make a commercial for her command to promote diversity in the workplace. Little to her surprise, her commercial made it beyond her command and reached the entire fleet. After she retired from the navy, she graduated from Barry University with her BS in Human Resources and Saint Leo University with her MBA in Project Management. She is the CEO of Largo Legend a film production company.

Torin Collins
Script Supervisor
Torin Collins is a producer and screenwriter. She hails from Houston, TX. She received her Bachelor's of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Howard University in 2018. She began her career in digital technology before deciding to take the leap into her lifelong passion, screenwriting. When she's not working on a film, she's practicing yoga or playing poker.

Alex Nguyen
Script Supervisor, Boom Op, PA
"My name Alexander Nguyen. I am a 5’10 male born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. I graduated high school in May 2023 then moved to Orlando to attend College at Full Sail University. I am currently doing my Bachelor’s Degree in Film. I look forward to moving out West once I graduate and explore every aspect of filming making."

Clea Jin
1st AC
Clea Jin, from South Korea, has just received a Master’s degree in film production at Full Sail University. With a diverse background, being half Chinese, she is proficient in three languages. Her academic journey includes Media studies at Peking University for her Bachelor’s degree. Clea brings practical experience from various commercial and TV show sets, coupled with acting exposure in both China and Korea.

Anna Graves
Boom Op, Production Assistant
"I am in the bachelor's film program at Full Sail University, working towards becoming a writer and director. I've been making short films for almost ten years for my YouTube channel, Steel Warrior Films, which focuses on my ideal vocation of medieval fantasy and adventure."

Felix Nolasco
Boom Op, Production Assistant
"I was born and raised in Kearny, New Jersey. I'm the son of immigrant parents coming from the Dominican Republic. I've trained in theater for 4 years at the NJPAC acting program and graduated from Arts High School as a Drama major. I have a linguistics degree from Montclair State University. I'm currently enrolled at Full Sail University for the MFA in Film Production."

Lilly Whitmire
Grip, Sound Utility, PA
"My name is Lilly Whitmire and I am from Southern Indiana. I am a sound mixer with various skills in the immersive audio experience."
Production Notes
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After going through multiple location agreements, phone calls, and more, the final location permit for the filming location did not come in until two days before production began.
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Three weeks were spent in contact with local fire departments and city officials, but nobody was able to fill the dunk tank with water for the production.
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One of the original key cast had to fly home on short notice, giving the production just 24 hours before the next shoot day to recast the part.
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Due to unpredictable and turbulent weather conditions, three versions of the script were written to account for any and all changes that might need to be made to the story last minute.
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Because the weather did in fact necessitate a pivot in location, a new version of the shots list for those scenes was written on looseleaf on the day of shooting.
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The day production was forced to move to the backup inside location was the same day the air conditioning unit stopped working - the temperature in Orlando that day was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
814.897.6148 | RFOX1940@GMAIL.COM
When the Dunk Tank is Empty, Just Wait For Rain: New Production "The Dunk Tank" Debuts Against the Odds
Orlando, FL - Sept. 25, 2024 - Perhaps it was fate that a production of a zany rom-com in which nothing comes easy for the protagonist would itself be rife with obstacles and hinderances. None of that, however, was going to stop Robert Fox of Erie, PA from finishing his thesis film in time for its premiere.
"We get the shot no matter what," says the film's cam op and second director of photography, Elijah Morris. Writer and director Robert Fox comments on the atmosphere on set: "I take it as a great compliment that my cast and crew were able to have so much fun on set even while we were navigating last-minute pivots and adapting to the elements." From being unable to fill the dunk tank, to dealing with a recast mid-production, to the AC going out the same day the weather forces production to move inside, Fox and his team had to push through a myriad of roadblocks - and "still managed to obtain more shots than were on the original shots list," says producer and UPM Brandon J. Larry.
The film will premiere along with other thesis films from Fox's class at the Enzian Theater at 1300 S Orlando Ave in Maitland, FL on October 3rd in preparation for Fox's graduation from Full Sail University's Film Production MFA Program. The event begins at 2:30 PM.
For more information on Robert Fox and The Dunk Tank, visit https://rfox1940.wixsite.com/robert-fox-creative.
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