Behind the Story
This is my second film. After my first film didn't make any festivals, well back in 2010 I was clueless on how and where to submit. I tried one festival and didn't make it in. I wasn't sure why since the festival didn't provide feedback, but I asked my peers what they thought so on my next film I can make it better. Everyone came back with the same note, the dialogue was not good. So I took a stab at writing. I never wrote before and didn't know where to start. I remembered I had this book of short stories from college and love this short story called, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". This was it. This was the story I needed to do. I didn't want to do it exactly but wanted to modernize it. I wrote the story and worked off of that. I cast my brother-in-law and set up the first location. I had some co-workers help me with the setup and went from there. My wife worked in an office setting with tons of cubicles that's why we went with the subtitle, "The Cubicle Chronicles". We set up one scene per location a day a week. We started in 2011 and completed it in the beginning of 2012. I started a new job as of late in 2011 and even though work was busy I found ways to get it done. Now it was time for post-production. I put it off for a long time. I worked on it when I could. But the hardest parts were the visual effects shots. They were just tedious. Another year went by and in 2013 I came across a local film festival in Miami so that's what gave me the fuel to get it done. I made the November slot, which was the last month of the year to have it showcased. This was huge for me. I was accepted and being promoted. I was extremely happy. On the day of the event, my whole wife's family came out as well as a bunch of friends. I made it there first because I worked down the road. There were five films on the bill and I was anxious that my friends/family wouldn't make it in time. I was sitting in my seat alone and I could hear my family in the lobby. The event started and my film was the first to start the festival. My family heard the music, recognized it, and ran it. I was a little frustrated but they all got to see it. I believed my film was the hit of the night. It was funny and entertaining. I was mainly watching other people's reactions rather than the film. The audience laughed at all the funny parts. I was relieved.
Spencer Jones: The Cubicle Chronicles is a brilliant exploration of the human desire to break free from the monotony of everyday life, blending dark humor with introspective drama in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The screenplay excels at capturing the inner turmoil of Spencer Jones, a seemingly ordinary office worker whose mind is a constant battleground between dreary reality and the vivid fantasies that provide his only escape.
What truly sets this screenplay apart is its ability to seamlessly blend the mundane with the extraordinary. The contrast between Spencer’s dreary office life and his increasingly elaborate daydreams creates a compelling narrative that draws the audience in, keeping them on the edge of their seats as Spencer spirals deeper into his illusions. The clever use of black and white for the office scenes and color for the fantasy sequences visually represents this dichotomy, adding a layer of sophistication to the storytelling.
Spencer is a relatable and deeply human character, and his journey is both hilarious and poignant. His awkwardness and yearning for something more are universal themes that resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by their own circumstances. The interactions with his quirky colleague Clint and the mysterious woman in red provide a wonderful contrast, adding both humor and tension to the narrative.
The screenplay also excels in its pacing, expertly building tension as Spencer’s fantasies escalate. The shift from playful daydreams to dangerous and passionate scenarios is well-executed, creating a sense of urgency and confusion that mirrors Spencer’s own unraveling psyche. The climactic moments are especially effective in leaving the audience with a lingering sense of ambiguity, inviting reflection on the nature of identity and the fine line between fantasy and reality.
Ultimately, Spencer-Jones: The Cubicle Chronicles is a captivating, multi-layered story that shines a light on the complexities of the human condition. It is a clever, humorous, and deeply emotional exploration of what it means to escape, to dream, and to confront the truth of one’s own life. This screenplay is a standout piece that deserves recognition for its unique voice and exceptional storytelling.
