And that’s a wrap. On July 19, director, producer and writer Kenneth Oefelein will screen the New York Premiere of his short western film Skeleton Canyon at the 16th Annual Long Island International Film Expo.
Oefelein was born in Astoria, Queens and raised in his hometown New Hyde Park for 25 years. He also attended New Hyde Park Memorial High School. Oeferlein arrived on the scene as a screenwriter and a producer in Los Angeles, where he spent the last 11 years. He graduated at the Los Angeles Film School in April 2011 and was named valedictorian of his class. During his time at the film school, a friends and fellow producer introduced him to Thomas Tull, owner of Legendary Pictures. After this, Oefelein began to not only flesh out his talents, but take his work more seriously. He was inspired by the producer who introduced him to the film school. “Without him, I would have never gone to the school or have been motivated to go” said Oefelein.
His movie Skeleton Canyon, filmed in April 2011is about a retired Marshal who receives a letter about his only son being murdered in a nearby town. His goal is to bring his son back home and avoid any outlaws from his past, but things don’t go according to plan. The 18-minute movie was Oefelein’s thesis film project and not only won three awards, but was seventh official selection in the expo.
Although he has other interests in computer graphics and architecture, he is accustomed at being able to express himself, which is what got him into filmmaking. “It is about the form of expression that I become addicted to,” said Oefelein. He stressed that others should focus on the amount of passion and discipline when it comes to making movies rather than being famous and making money. According to Oefelein, people who are passionate about making movies are those who were born to it. “People aren’t being honest with themselves,”states Oefelein. “I try to be as honest as I could in my projects”. He believes self expression is vital to making films successful and recommends that young filmmakers should go to schools that are hands-on like the Los Angeles Film School for more experience. “If you don’t put your heart into it, the final project will show,” said Oefelein.
Come July 19, Oefelein will be ready to show off his film Skeleton Canyon and you can check out more of his videos on Vimeo, which includes a production design and art reel and a clip to his short film Painting Sunshine, his original thesis film and other future projects that he has planned out.
