"The Hobbyist" Short Film (Trailer)

by George Vatistas

​Synopsis: A seemingly ordinary man seeks out a sagacious druggist in search

of an untraceable poison, but winds up getting more than he bargained for.

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Cast:

 Robert W. Smith as The Druggist

 Daniel Mitura as Sangstrom

 C.J. Gelfand as Bag Lady

 Teddy Kalin as​ Detective

Writen & Directed by George Vatistas

Based on the 1961 short story by Frederic Brown

Producers: David E. Munz Maire

Executive Producer: Ria Vatistas, Michael Beddome, Bob Giraldi,

Lata Kennedy, Harry & Marion Munz

Casting Director: Kathleen Vissichelli-Hanley

Editor: Adrian Carey

Composer: Rob Eletto

Assistant Director: Kathryn Ruopp

Cinematographer: Ryan de Franco

1st A.C.: Emma Hing

1st A.C.: Colton Huynh

2nd A.C.: Kelly Wurtz

D.I.T.: Adrian Carey

Gaffer: Konstantin Lyubimov

Key Grip: Ivannoff Santos

Best Boy Grip: Ryan Henry

Best Boy Electric: Stephanie Guzman

Sound Mixer: Naleeka Dennis

Production Designer: Kristina Palmer

Art Director: Jake Folsom

Set Decorator: Anastasia Baker

Prop Master: Emma Verner

Key Hair & Make Up Artist: Drishty Empire

VFX: Joshua Depew

Colorist: Sanja Blau

Sound Editor: Mattias Murhagen

Set Photographer: Joe Zakko

Graphic Designer: Alejandro Moyano

Key P.A.: Zach Hasselbring

P.A.: Luke Graglia

Catering: Rias Vatistas & Allyssa S. Rivera-Cabrero

Special Thanks: JoAnna Beckson, Alexander Dinelaris, Thomas Gall, Anelisa Garfunkel, Sharon Greytak, Sean Heilingoetter, Megan Hessenthaler, 

Laurence Kardish, Destiny Lilly, Barry N. Malzberg, Matthew Myslinski, 

Georgia Sakellariou, Richard Pepperman, Francesco Portinari, Phoebe Violet Greenberg, Sofia Sondervan, Epistimi Vatistas, Robert Vatistas, Caserta Eye, 

Handheld Films Inc., Eastern District Camera, Flower Power Herbs & Roots Inc., and JDC Wilmington Camera Service Inc.

Produced by AireBedd Productions & SVA MPS: Directing

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Shot in the East Village, Manhattan, and Flatbush Midwood, Brooklyn, NY

ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT:

Poster 1

Poster 2

Review

“A short film that packs a big punch, blending the perfect mix of creepy and pleasing to match its dark yet purposeful message... with cinematically beautiful shots and a soundtrack that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”

“Bold and immediately catches one’s interest... Clever, well-timed... tense yet enjoyable. Robert W. Smith captivates as the character of the Druggist. His performance lends a feel of mystery and fable to the entire film, and is inspired. Casting Director Kathleen Hanley... deserves kudos for finding such an adept actor to bring this role to life. Smith expertly paces his lines, never rushing, which aids in the film’s delivery of suspense. Daniel Mitura also does a great job as Sangstrom, conveying shifting emotions under the ever-changing circumstances. Mitura’s opening lines, intense and close-to-the-vest, are especially well-delivered and give the sense that Sangstrom means to use what he’s asking for, and without reservation. The pacing of the film is spot-on. Vatistas smartly takes his time in this adaptation of the ‘short short’ story of Fredric Brown. It’s clear that Vatistas knows how to create suspense. Another aspect of this film which I enjoyed is the location and set design. The Druggist’s shop has a distinctly old-timey feel, cluttered with bottles, shelves, and papers, so well-conceived that I felt very much transported into another time and place. The production design is well-executed and enhances the story... It’s a very entertaining short film and makes me want to see what’s next for AireBedd Productions.”

Behind The Scenes Stills