Terry Miles is the most prolific man in the universe… well, at least the most prolific film maker.
Easily. Hands down.
I saw his new feature at VIFF today, The Red Rooster, a beautifully shot drama centering around two estranged brothers played by real life brothers Casey and Jesse Manderson. The beautiful and talented Kristine Cofsky fills out the love triangle around which the story centres.
Yes, Terry wrote, directed, produced, shot and edited the film. But to anyone who knows Terry, that’s hardly news.
What’s really remarkable is that this is the second year in a row he’s had a feature at VIFF. And, in not only that, somewhere along the way he’s also found time to write, direct, produce, shoot and edit a 20+ episode fantasy web series and accompanying alternate reality game called the Ennead.
Since I’m starting to write about my new script, I figured it would be a good idea to give a quick log line and synopsis…
Bitter Pills Log Line & Synopsis
“A bad prognosis is the only cure”
Comedy Feature Film
Log Line
When an embittered, small town doctor begins telling his healthy patients they are terminally ill, they suddenly begin living life to the fullest. When the doctor’s schemes threaten to ruin him, it takes the compassion of an ailing young patient to keep his secret safe and help him rediscover life’s precious beauty.
Synopsis
Dr. Morris Bernstein is a cantankerous small town doctor with a broken heart. When faced with an abusive patient the day after his wife’s funeral, he spitefully tells the woman she is terminally ill. Eventually setting the record straight, the doctor is surprised to learn his patient has since found a new and profound appreciation for life. Inspired, Bernstein secretly begins misdiagnosing more healthy patients, and soon, the entire town is living life to the fullest. Still grieving his wife’s death, and with the ever increasing risk of his schemes being exposed, the doctor finds solace with the compassionate Serena, a young patient whose real terminal illness reminds him of his late wife. The unlikely pair form a unique bond, guiding each other through the challenges of death and grieving, and ultimately, helping one another rediscover a life of happiness and love.
