The Third Death.

Synopsis

We die three times. The first death is when our heart stops. The second death is when our bodies are buried deep underground. And the third death is when our name is said for the last time, and you are forgotten.  Henry is an embittered old man who died 27 years ago after dishonorably abandoning his post in the midst of war.  Now, he waits, with countless others, inside a beautiful train station to be forgotten by those he loved so that he can board the train to his third and final death.  Every now and then, a name is called out, and one lucky person is able to board the train.  But not Henry.  He passes the time only by thinking about his life’s regrets, until one day he meets Bob Ventrone, whom he shares his story with. 

Creating the Backstory

This was my first experience directing a film where I didn't have a hand in conceptualizing the original story. However, once I found this script, I knew it was the kind of film I wanted to make as my final Chapman project. Although the screenwriter, AJ Prager, had finished the script, there was still room for a collaboration with new ideas and elements to put into this infinitely imaginable world. Including (but not limited to) designing a train ticket for each of the passengers of this world to own. Above all, this film allowed me to build a world.

Making the World

In order for the film to be believable and the story to come through, my team and I had a big job in regards to a world we needed to create. While we focused our efforts on bigger elements, such as production design, extras, costumes, and an unbeatable location, we also gave attention to the little details, like the train tickets, wax-seal stamps, and old worn suitcases that filled the station.