Jason Sedlar
Jason Sedlar is a Slovenian/Canadian producer, director, writer, and actor. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sedlar developed a deep fascination with the performing arts from a young age. This passion has driven him to excel in various disciplines and establish himself as a versatile and talented artist. Sedlar's journey in the arts began with music. He honed his skills by studying at the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music and the Arts Canterbury Arts Program. This foundation in music eventually led him to explore the realms of Musical Theatre and film, where he has been able to showcase his talent and versatility. One of Sedlar's notable on-screen appearances was on the Discovery Channel's "See no evil," where he portrayed the determined Detective Foraker. He also brought the renowned journalist John Stossel to life in the captivating Crave series "The Dark Side of the Ring." Sedlar's ability to embody different characters and captivate audiences with his energy and charm has made him a sought-after actor. In addition to his acting career, Sedlar has ventured into producing and directing. He has successfully produced and directed two large stage musical productions, including a recent ten-show, 900-seat production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." These experiences have allowed Sedlar to further explore his passion for storytelling and create unforgettable experiences for audiences. Sedlar's love for the arts extends beyond his own work. As a well-traveled individual, he immerses himself in the arts worldwide, seeking inspiration from different cultures and artistic expressions. This exposure has enriched his creative perspective and continues to fuel his passion for the performing arts.
Your project takes part in our festival. What is your project about?
"Lost but Not Forgotten" is the heartfelt pilot episode for the Anthology TV series “Absent Minded”. Episode 1, "Lost but Not Forgotten” It follows an elderly couple navigating the challenges of cognitive disability and the inevitable end of life. As they grapple with loss and illness, their journey explores the profound impact of memory, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. "Absent Minded" is a captivating and thought-provoking psychological anthology series that explores the intricate workings of the human psyche. In this mind-bending series, no two episodes are alike. From dramatic love stories to psychological thrillers to gripping sci-fi adventures, "Absent Minded" offers a diverse range of narratives that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Each meticulously crafted episode, immersed in a visually stunning world, presents a self-contained story, filled with unexpected twists and turns that will leave viewers always questioning what’s to come. Audiences will traverse through haunting corridors of a forgotten memory to surreal landscapes of a fractured mind. This series is nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster ride. Drawing inspiration from the classic anthology series "The Twilight Zone" and "Black Mirror," "Absent Minded" pushes the boundaries of storytelling. The series explores themes such as memory, identity, perception, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality.
Your project takes part in our festival. What is your project about?
"Lost but Not Forgotten" is the heartfelt pilot episode for the Anthology TV series “Absent Minded”. Episode 1, "Lost but Not Forgotten” It follows an elderly couple navigating the challenges of cognitive disability and the inevitable end of life. As they grapple with loss and illness, their journey explores the profound impact of memory, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. "Absent Minded" is a captivating and thought-provoking psychological anthology series that explores the intricate workings of the human psyche. In this mind-bending series, no two episodes are alike. From dramatic love stories to psychological thrillers to gripping sci-fi adventures, "Absent Minded" offers a diverse range of narratives that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Each meticulously crafted episode, immersed in a visually stunning world, presents a self-contained story, filled with unexpected twists and turns that will leave viewers always questioning what’s to come. Audiences will traverse through haunting corridors of a forgotten memory to surreal landscapes of a fractured mind. This series is nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster ride. Drawing inspiration from the classic anthology series "The Twilight Zone" and "Black Mirror," "Absent Minded" pushes the boundaries of storytelling. The series explores themes such as memory, identity, perception, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality.
What were your requirements for actors to take a part of your film?
Casting took place during COVID and had submissions from the US and Canada which presented its own issues in itself. Authenticity was my main objective during casting. We really needed our leads to appear to have lived their lives out of the city's eyes. Hank needed to be a rock to Jeany who had spent his life taking care of a farmhouse with hard manual labour while Jeany needed to portray a softer more artsy demeanor. Ron and Jeanne both embodied exactly what I was looking for. One of the requirements was for the actors to stay on set, in the large country home, for a week. I felt this necessary for several reasons. This time together would get the two leads comfortable with each other and helped with the authenticity of their relationship. It also allowed them a familiar place to rest between scenes instead of a trailer or driving back and forth from a hotel.
How did you communicate with the cameraman?
Bartosz Pawlowski had been the DOP of a tv series I had acted in previously and I truly admired his professionalism, his artist eye and dedication while on set. During production we communicated via radio and in person. Throughout the entire run he was a delight to collaborate with, often adding insightful and invaluable advice and expertise. We were extremely fortunate to have him aboard.
What locations did you choose for your project? And why?
Location hunting was pretty gruelling as I was looking for a certain ambience to match what I had written in the screenplay. I needed a serene secluded home with a breathtaking secret place that the leads would have called their own. Luckily we found a beautiful home and river in Tay Valley, Ontario. Amanda Mayo (Dipl.M.M,CMO Acting CAO/Clerk) of Tay Valley was super accommodating and gave us exclusive use of 3 kilometers of their gorgeous river for multiple shoot days. Also a massive shoutout to Penny Mesa who rented us her 100 Acre property, 1959 Austin Healy and her beautiful rustic home which provided a perfect authentic setting to our story
Why should distributors buy your film?
“Lost But Not Forgotten” offers a compelling and thought-provoking story that resonates with audiences. This film explores universal themes of love, loss, and redemption, creating an emotional connection that captivates viewers. With its strong performances, visually stunning cinematography, and expert storytelling, “Lost but Not Forgotten” is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences and garner critical acclaim. While the story itself can stand alone, there is a plan for growth for a genre-hopping anthology series entitled “Absent Minded”. This is an easy plug and play for distributors and potential producers, as all of the leg work has already been done leaving interested parties with little to zero risk.
What expression elements did you use in your project? How would you characterize your work?
We really wanted to incorporate both raw and cinematic techniques to show the dire realities of the protagonists struggles while using special effects to display the complexities and power of one's mind. Our cinematographer, Bartosz Pawlowski, has such an incredible eye and managed to engulf the audience into the lives of Hank and Jeany, making them feel connected to them in their painful journey through life, love and mortality. His Cinematographic expression through camera movement, brilliant color alterations for flashback sequences and unique angles paired with our editors mastery truly brought this story together into a beautiful, heart wrenching drama to be admired. The tempo had to be also carefully plotted as we needed to keep this episodic under 40 minutes so pacing was crucial. We needed to let audiences into each of the characters' lives gradually allowing them to form their own opinions throughout the film without giving away key elements early on.
At what festivals have you had success? Has the film already premiered? If so, where?
Before filming the screenplay was submitted and circled the festival scene with great success. I had predetermined that if the screenplay did well I would produce the first episode myself before pitching for production. The film has yet to be screened and has not been previewed by the outside world.
Screen Play Festival Submissions
Portland Screenplay Awards - Finalist
Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition-Semi Finalist
Phoenix Shorts - Semi Finalist
Paris Film Festival - Nominee
Top Shorts - Nominee
Independent Shorts Awards - Finalist
Short Film and Television Film Festivals so far.
Best Shorts Competition - Award Of Merit (Film Short & Disability Issues)
Cannes World Film Festival - Nominee ( Best Drama Film & Best Director)
The Veneto International Film Festival Team - Nominee (Best Cinematography, Producer, Director, Best Acting Ensemble)
What motivated you to become a filmmaker?
After having worked in all facets of many film/theatre sets I found I had many stories to tell and was now equipped with the knowledge to tell them. I have always been inspired by the Arts and influenced by different cultures across the world from my many travels and try to incorporate them in every tale. The Covid Lockdowns, while hectic, gave me a lot of time to reflect and to write, finally starting the process of bringing these stories to life. I believe that film has the power to connect people, inspire change, and create empathy. I wanted to use my skills and passion for storytelling to bring important stories to life on the screen. Additionally, I have always been fascinated by the technical aspects of filmmaking. From cinematography to editing, I love the process of bringing a vision to life through visual and auditory elements. Being a filmmaker allows me to combine my creative instincts with my technical skills. I have a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Working with a team of talented individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise, is incredibly rewarding. It's a collaborative art form that requires the input of many different people, and I thrive in that kind of environment.
Which movies are your favorites? And why?
I have a wide range of favorite movies from various genres. What matters most to me is that the stories are well-crafted and adhere to their own established rules. I particularly enjoy complex narratives that contain hidden details and elements that engage the viewer's imagination. When I was younger, I used to love going to the local video rental store and randomly selecting horror movies. I was often pleasantly surprised by the creative storytelling, even if the special effects were not always top-notch. Perhaps the imperfect effects added to the charm of those films.
What topics do you like to deal with in your work?
I enjoy writing about the human condition because it allows me to delve into the depths of our own mortality, unraveling the complexities of our emotions, relationships, and struggles, ultimately revealing the shared humanity that binds us all. It is through exploring the human condition that I find catharsis, understanding, and the opportunity to provoke thought and empathy in others.
What genre do you like to shoot and why?
I am drawn to filming psychological dramas because they are the perfect genre to explore the depths of the human condition. As a filmmaker, I am fascinated by the intricate complexities of human psychology and the way it shapes our actions and perceptions. By delving into the realm of psychological dramas, I can dig into the depths of emotions, motivations, and inner conflicts of each character. It allows me to challenge the audience's perceptions and engage them in a thought-provoking and immersive storytelling experience.
What do you do if you're not thinking about a movie? What are your hobbies?
I have the privilege of serving as the Child Selection Director for "Dreams Take Flight Ottawa," a charitable organization dedicated to providing a magical experience for underprivileged, disabled, and medically fragile children. Each year, we take 150 children on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World in Florida. It is a truly rewarding role, as I get to witness the joy and excitement on the faces of these children as they embark on this unforgettable journey. In addition to my passion for filmmaking, I have a deep love for various other artistic pursuits. Traveling is one of my favorite activities, as it allows me to explore new cultures, experience different landscapes, and gain inspiration for my creative work. I also have a passion for music and enjoy playing various instruments in my spare time. Additionally, I have a background in acting and recently had the opportunity to Direct and Co-Produce a 10 show run of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" at the prestigious 900-seat Algonquin Commons Theatre. It was an incredible experience working with such a talented cast and bringing this iconic musical to life on stage.
What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?
My main goal right now and foreseeable future is to continue working on the series. This series has endless possibilities and allows me to explore different sub-genres and themes within the overarching storyline. I am hoping to find production and distribution partners who share my vision and can help bring this series to a wider audience. In a nutshell however, my future plans involve continuing to create meaningful and thought-provoking films that resonate with audiences. I am excited to collaborate with talented individuals and bring these projects to life. (PS maybe a thriller/horror movie in the future - future)
We really wanted to incorporate both raw and cinematic techniques to show the dire realities of the protagonists struggles while using special effects to display the complexities and power of one's mind. Our cinematographer, Bartosz Pawlowski, has such an incredible eye and managed to engulf the audience into the lives of Hank and Jeany, making them feel connected to them in their painful journey through life, love and mortality. His Cinematographic expression through camera movement, brilliant color alterations for flashback sequences and unique angles paired with our editors mastery truly brought this story together into a beautiful, heart wrenching drama to be admired. The tempo had to be also carefully plotted as we needed to keep this episodic under 40 minutes so pacing was crucial. We needed to let audiences into each of the characters' lives gradually allowing them to form their own opinions throughout the film without giving away key elements early on.
At what festivals have you had success? Has the film already premiered? If so, where?
Before filming the screenplay was submitted and circled the festival scene with great success. I had predetermined that if the screenplay did well I would produce the first episode myself before pitching for production. The film has yet to be screened and has not been previewed by the outside world.
Screen Play Festival Submissions
Portland Screenplay Awards - Finalist
Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition-Semi Finalist
Phoenix Shorts - Semi Finalist
Paris Film Festival - Nominee
Top Shorts - Nominee
Independent Shorts Awards - Finalist
Short Film and Television Film Festivals so far.
Best Shorts Competition - Award Of Merit (Film Short & Disability Issues)
Cannes World Film Festival - Nominee ( Best Drama Film & Best Director)
The Veneto International Film Festival Team - Nominee (Best Cinematography, Producer, Director, Best Acting Ensemble)
What motivated you to become a filmmaker?
After having worked in all facets of many film/theatre sets I found I had many stories to tell and was now equipped with the knowledge to tell them. I have always been inspired by the Arts and influenced by different cultures across the world from my many travels and try to incorporate them in every tale. The Covid Lockdowns, while hectic, gave me a lot of time to reflect and to write, finally starting the process of bringing these stories to life. I believe that film has the power to connect people, inspire change, and create empathy. I wanted to use my skills and passion for storytelling to bring important stories to life on the screen. Additionally, I have always been fascinated by the technical aspects of filmmaking. From cinematography to editing, I love the process of bringing a vision to life through visual and auditory elements. Being a filmmaker allows me to combine my creative instincts with my technical skills. I have a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Working with a team of talented individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise, is incredibly rewarding. It's a collaborative art form that requires the input of many different people, and I thrive in that kind of environment.
Which movies are your favorites? And why?
I have a wide range of favorite movies from various genres. What matters most to me is that the stories are well-crafted and adhere to their own established rules. I particularly enjoy complex narratives that contain hidden details and elements that engage the viewer's imagination. When I was younger, I used to love going to the local video rental store and randomly selecting horror movies. I was often pleasantly surprised by the creative storytelling, even if the special effects were not always top-notch. Perhaps the imperfect effects added to the charm of those films.
What topics do you like to deal with in your work?
I enjoy writing about the human condition because it allows me to delve into the depths of our own mortality, unraveling the complexities of our emotions, relationships, and struggles, ultimately revealing the shared humanity that binds us all. It is through exploring the human condition that I find catharsis, understanding, and the opportunity to provoke thought and empathy in others.
What genre do you like to shoot and why?
I am drawn to filming psychological dramas because they are the perfect genre to explore the depths of the human condition. As a filmmaker, I am fascinated by the intricate complexities of human psychology and the way it shapes our actions and perceptions. By delving into the realm of psychological dramas, I can dig into the depths of emotions, motivations, and inner conflicts of each character. It allows me to challenge the audience's perceptions and engage them in a thought-provoking and immersive storytelling experience.
What do you do if you're not thinking about a movie? What are your hobbies?
I have the privilege of serving as the Child Selection Director for "Dreams Take Flight Ottawa," a charitable organization dedicated to providing a magical experience for underprivileged, disabled, and medically fragile children. Each year, we take 150 children on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World in Florida. It is a truly rewarding role, as I get to witness the joy and excitement on the faces of these children as they embark on this unforgettable journey. In addition to my passion for filmmaking, I have a deep love for various other artistic pursuits. Traveling is one of my favorite activities, as it allows me to explore new cultures, experience different landscapes, and gain inspiration for my creative work. I also have a passion for music and enjoy playing various instruments in my spare time. Additionally, I have a background in acting and recently had the opportunity to Direct and Co-Produce a 10 show run of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" at the prestigious 900-seat Algonquin Commons Theatre. It was an incredible experience working with such a talented cast and bringing this iconic musical to life on stage.
What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?
My main goal right now and foreseeable future is to continue working on the series. This series has endless possibilities and allows me to explore different sub-genres and themes within the overarching storyline. I am hoping to find production and distribution partners who share my vision and can help bring this series to a wider audience. In a nutshell however, my future plans involve continuing to create meaningful and thought-provoking films that resonate with audiences. I am excited to collaborate with talented individuals and bring these projects to life. (PS maybe a thriller/horror movie in the future - future)