Karoshi

The talent that Scott displayed in Karoshi convinced me that he was a prodigy behind the lens. Because of his great cinematic eye and intelligence, I decided to take the calculated risk of assigning him (as a 19-year old) the role of DP for our full length feature film, The Bracelet of Bordeaux. Bracelet's cinematography makes it clear that Scott is a rare find and will some day make his mark on the industry. His new USC education and relationships, in combination with an impressive portfolio of projects, will launch the young man from The Woodlands into high end opportunities.

-- Frank Eakin

THIS MOVIE BLOWS! a lack of plot plus a larger than average indie movie budget does not equal a good movie. this film is an example of what happens when cinematography takes priority over writing a good story/movie. the acting is average, but the dialogue is mind numbingly cliché. i'll give credit to the filmmaker for having a few good shots, and convincing investors to waste a lot of money on a lack luster indie film. here's an idea, get someone else to write a good story, with a good plot, and then film a movie. good luck to you scottie, you're gonna need it.

p.s. the runner blows too.

I saw this at the Orinda Film Festival, it was jaw droppingly perfect. It's incredibly hard to accurately describe what an shining example of film this is on such a limited budget. The cast and crew certainly were able to make due with any difficulties that they were faced with. Scott Ellison knows cinematography like IMDb knows movies. Its a film that combines artistic talent with a moving plot not seen in many movies today. While the producing leaves something to be desired, its obvious that the director was able to use his own personal skills to make up for any slack left to him. This film won best short at Orinda for a reason and I only wish I could of shaken the Mr. Ellison's hand for what he was able to accomplish. Bravo to everyone involved with 'Karoshi'.

~A film to be remembered.

I'll tell you right now: yes I was one of the actors on the film so take my comments for what you will.

But I'm commenting here today to offset some of the ridiculous misconceptions about the film.

First off: Scott Ellison is not rich. Yes he lived in The Woodlands, but not everyone there is rich or upper middle class to any extent. It's not Laguna Beach or Newport. Scott worked his ass off to raise the funds for the film, families in the town believed in his work and donated money, business the same. It wasn't from a trust fund.

A lot, if not most of the locations were donated by the owners. We were able to shoot in some sick locations because they also believed in Scott's vision.

So the result of all of this is Karoshi. An award winning short film that is, for what it is, a masterpiece. You must understand: this was done by HIGH SCHOOL students. This was Scott's FIRST ever attempt at shooting a film. Are there flaws? Of course, primarily with some of the writing, but this was also Scott's FIRST attempt at writing a script. Any of you who are writers remember you're first ever attempt, if you tell me it was Paul Haggis material I'll punch you in the face for being not worthy of breathing. Where there were very few flaws in this film were the photography. It was pretty amazing, which is what earned Scott the DP role in Frank Eakin's feature shot the next summer.

So go ahead people. Go ahead and hate. But instead of hating, here's a suggestion: Work. If you think what Scott did is so awful, then make your own work, make it better, then talk. Or better yet, don't talk, keep working. Because if you need to talk to validate yourself then your work obviously isn't good enough to do it for you.

Step up your game.