Mays Landing resident John Jeffries is taking his talents to extraordinary heights in a newly released short film. “Time Out” chronicles the lives of two individuals enjoying a sunny day by the lake before having lunch. One of the characters portrays a calm, easy-going personality while the other is hyper and energetic.
The film was released as part of the annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. The global film project allows filmmakers and individuals, with and without disabilities alike, the opportunity to collaborate and share stories portraying the disability community in their own unique way. This year, participants were given the opportunity to create a dramedy (drama-comedy) in the span of five days, with more than 140 films submitted.
The entire film does not have any dialogue or spoken words but provides plenty of laughs and thought-provoking scenes. “It’s like a silent film; I really like Charlie Chaplin because I was a big Chaplin fan and I remember seeing all of his old movies”, Jeffries said.
Mark Hills, one of the stars of the short film, spoke about the film challenge. “We were given a list of places we had to include and props we had to use.” Once they received their assignment, Hills and Jeffries began brainstorming on how they would not only use their props but how to portray the disability community with a focus on inclusion. “John played his usual role as a calm guy and I played my usual role as a hyper guy, and that’s one of the reasons we’re such good friends because he helps to ground me and I help to motivate him.”
Mark Hills spoke about their on-screen harmony. “John and I have been friends for a long time (so) it was easy for us to be able to have our chemistry on screen because we already have that chemistry.”
“Mark is a genius”, Jeffries says. “He put that all together and he did a fantastic job.”
In recent months, The Arc of Atlantic County has given individuals with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their unique skills on the silver screen. The Arc Video Club released a separate film titled “Space Dragon Versus the Ninjas” which debuted last month at the Regal Cinemas in Mays Landing. Hills, who also serves as Public Relations Coordinator at the Arc, says more than fifty people attended the screening. “It was really an exceptional night for us and the movie got a big round of applause. It’s a fantastic assembly of people.”
“Time Out” is now available to watch online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzJWo9lTSZ0.
