The Stooge

"This is the film of my short story, "The Stooge". It was directed by Rogelio Fojo in Los Angeles, and runs for a fraction over 20 minutes. It's another film about stage magic, but this time not set in the period of grand theatrical magic, but a much more modern, realistic, down-at-heel time.

Other than writing the original story, then drafting a screenplay, I had nothing to do with the production process. The first I knew about it was when I was sent a finished copy. To say I was surprised by the result is an understatement. It strikes me as an extraordinary accomplishment. In many ways it looks as good as "The Prestige," but was made on a budget literally .05% of that film, for all its famous stars and legendary director. Fojo has achieved as much, working with less. The Stooge is offbeat, intriguing, thoroughly cinematic, sometimes funny, it has beautiful photography and music ... and real magic. The opening credits show the workings of a sleight - a few moments later you see the sleight again, and you still can't see how it's done. Pure magic."

• Christopher Priest (novelist)

"This is a fantastic film with a wonderful twist. It made me look forward to seeing the feature-length version of this film. The Stooge is indeed a surreal journey that movie lovers will definitely enjoy."

• ISAAC C. SINGLETON, JR. (actor: "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Transformers," "Deadpool," "Planet of the Apes")

****

"That is a delightful film, beautifully presented and acted. Most of all, it conveys the atmosphere and humour of the original story perfectly."

• NINA ALLEN (novelist)

****

"WOW! I loved it, so twisted and magical. Sort of a suspense ,mysterious vibe and loved how the ending ties it all up."

• NATHALIE BONING (violinist and film composer)

****

"Congratulations on your wonderful film. You did a marvelous job, as did all involved. Certainly, it should establish your vision as a director for your proposed TV series. Thank you for thinking to share "The Stooge" with me; you should be very proud of it."

• RICHARD CHRISTIAN MATHESON (TV & film writer)

****

"That WAS amazing! Really well done... interesting characters, involving story line , high quality presentation..."

• MICHELE HART (actress)

****

"I watched the piece this evening and loved it. Really cool, and beautifully executed and I thought the casting was wonderful!"

• ROBERT SCHWARTZ (Producer)

****

"Your best work so far, by far. I didn't want it to end."

• CHRIS GENNUSA (screenwriter)

****

"I saw your short. Pretty whimsical stuff and very well done. Congrats!"

• MANNY RUIZ (founder of Hispanicize Media Group)

****

"The Stooge was written, shot and edited with the utmost excellence. There was no predictability. It was wonderfully done, and I expect wonderful things from it. You continue to move in the right direction. You have shown that it's not what you have... it's how you use it. And you have used all you have masterfully and with perfection. Excellent job, sir."

• RAY MEDVED (actor)