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Exclusive – Jon Omoy Brings Tinder Mercies to JFL Film Festival

I’m a huge fan of comedy and believe that every leader of every country should be required to take a workshop before taking power. Imagine for a moment that our leader did 5 minutes of stand-up before telling us an asteroid was heading our way or we were going to war. It could really take the sting out. Somehow comedy has the power to trick our minds into holstering the negative. A good laugh can recharge your attitude and perception. We only have to watch the news for 10 minutes to be reminded that we can all do better to make our lives a more positive experience. Recognizing a need for more comedy in the world has never been obvious to me until Trump became president. I’m still waiting for the punch line.

Taking up the cause is Just For Laughs Film Festival. They have chosen to make Vancouver their new home while bringing in comedy by the truck load. For a brief 10 days it will uplift the city like a giant helium cloud. The festival is here from March 1st till the 10th.

One such film that screened at the festival was Tinder Mercies.  A short comedy that illustrates the unusual quirks of online dating and the deal breakers that prevents a relationship from advancing forward. I had the amazing opportunity to speak with director, Jon Omoy about the responsibility of making people laugh. 

 

“This was a very funny film. Where did the idea come from?”

“Jacqueline Firkins wrote it in Dec. of 2016 and we started shooting in January of 2017.”

 

Incidentally, Jon dated Jacqueline after meeting online. They are no longer together but this film is a fine example of combined efforts from two individuals with comedy as a common denominator.

 

“This story takes place in a café. Was it difficult to find one to film in and how long did it take to shoot?”

“We filmed it in a weekend at a little café on Broadway in Vancouver.   The owner was incredibly gracious. I live in the neighborhood and one day I walked in to introduce myself. After explaining what I needed, he literally handed me the keys. I couldn’t have made the film without him. It is a testament to the film support in our city that’s developed over the last 20 years.  It’s so nice to see people that value the industry here.”

 

Although this is a short film, it has some hilarious VFX in it. It adds an unexpected element and twist that amplifies the comedy.

 

“There is some funny VFX in this film, was it difficult to add that?”  

“I had originally envisioned it low-fi and practical while shooting but then I was approached by Jason Cooper who’s done VFX. We had some fun with it and utilized a sparkle machine, some well placed green screens and created a few clones. Unfortunately we had to cut a chauffer clone out of the film. One such effect consisted of the actress climbing a floating ladder outside the café. We had to recreate the scene on a green screen, as well as applying some roto-scoping to the edit. It became a great effort in completing the post.”

 

“The two actors seemed to have incredible chemistry. Where did you find them?”

“ The two actors, Andrew McNee and Lauren Jackson had both recently worked with Jacqueline Firkens in a play. Having performed on stage together they had pretty great chemistry prior to being in the film. It was Jacqueline’s idea to use them. ”

 

Jon tells me the story started off relatively easy with one location and a small crew. It slowly grew into a much larger production once he began to add the DOP Pieter Stathus, camera operators, background actors and full crew. The entire production was financed out of pocket. Considering the VFX used, it took approx. 5 mths in post to apply them all.

 

“Where has the film been shown and what are the hopes for it?”

“It made its world premiere at the RIO theatre. From there it is going to Wpg. the end of March. It’s received an honourable mention for the London comedy festival, it’s also been shortlisted for another festival in LA that we’re still awaiting confirmation on. I’m hoping to get some good exposure on this film before moving onto a feature film next.”

 

Jon Omoy currently has two features in development.  He has optioned one script from a British writer but says it will stay within the comedy realm. Jon tells me about the plot and it sounds hilarious with underdog tones. Very original with a universal thread; laughter.

 

“I’ve always been a fan of stand up comedy but would never try it. By directing the film, I’ll be able to take a look at their world and be a part of it. Something we want to explore in the film is the fact that many comedians come from a life with a horrible and dramatic past and somehow can move past it and use it in their act. Standing up on stage armed with just a mic as you expose yourself has earned my respect.”

 

Jon Omoy is embarking on bigger and better projects and keeping his finger on the pulse of laughter. Comedy is my favorite genre to invest in with the biggest reward. I look forward to his next film and a good excuse to laugh again.

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