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Newsletter
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Download “Towed” Movie Poster
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Director’s Statement
Grant Janes
(director/co-writer/editor)
I’ve always loved stories about people being stuck. Whenever we find ourselves stuck physically or emotionally, it’s often because of poor decisions we’ve made in our lives: decisions involving money, significant others, careers, kids and everything in between. It’s these moments that often act as emotional fulcrums in our lives – when we’re finally forced to confront the choices we’ve made that have landed us where we are.
Liza, in “Towed,” is at such a crossroads. At the beginning of the film she feels as though the world owes her something. Recovering from a recent breakup and finding herself parked in a tow-zone and out of gas, she reacts indignantly when the Tow Truck Driver attempts to take her car. It’s this same attitude that landed her in a run-down part of L.A. with no money, no gas, and seemingly no way forward.
As the story progresses, Liza realizes the Tow Truck Driver is simply doing his job and that the rest of the world cares little for her personal problems. It’s only after accepting that she needs to give up her old way of thinking – as symbolized by her stalled car – that she can allow for real change in her life, as well as a very surprising resolution to her problems.
Writing and filming “Towed” was tricky. The chemistry between the two leads – between Liza and the Tow Truck Driver – had to be palpable. And yet the Tow Truck Driver had to be, at least initially, perceived as a real threat: “Jaws” circling the boat.
Also, the on-screen action had to be literal and engaging – while the themes of change and self-awareness had to stay “under the hood” (to run with the metaphor of the stalled car). No one wants to watch a sermon on “emotional growth.”
I hope I succeeded in walking this fine line. While we faced numerous challenges (time, budget, etc.), I knew if I always hewed closely to the core of the story – the relationship between the two leads and how their interaction re-directs both of their lives – I would have a short film that an audience would thrill to.
Production Stills
Lead actors Celesta DeAstis (Liza) and Bobby Moreno (Darryl) turned in standout performances – as seen in these stills from the film. These shots also capture the mood of the short – a fine balance of tension, humor and poignancy.
Actor Bobby Moreno in front of the tow truck.
A tense moment for Liza, played by Celesta DeAstis.
Liza explains that she's out of gas.
Liza looks at photos of her ex-boyfriend.
Liza losing her cool with the tow truck driver.
Liza explains to her friend Janna that she's in a bad situation.
Liza, played by Celesta DeAstis, starts to realize that there's another side to the story.
Liza doesn't want to face the truth about her situation.
Liza, played by Celesta DeAstis, wondering how she's managed to get herself in such a jam.
Liza stuck in her broken-down car.
The tow truck driver, played by Bobby Moreno, won't give up.
Night falls as Liza is still stuck inside her broken-down Volkswagen.
Liza pulls it together.
Liza, played by actress Celesta DeAstis, at the local mini-mart.
Liza finally emerges from her car.
Liza heads off into the night.
Liza makes a startling discovery.
Liza realizes she's mis-read the situation.
Actor Bobby Moreno plays Darryl, a Los Angeles tow truck driver.
Liza tries vainly to sleep as the day grows hotter.
The tow truck driver, played by actor Bobby Moreno, starts to lose patience.
Liza doesn't know what to make of her discovery.
Liza and the two truck driver confront each other.
A neighborhood resident enjoys an afternoon beer outside Liza's car.
The cashier at the mini-mart shows some sympathy.
Liza runs into some trouble on the street.
Liza finds no help at the local laundromat.
Filmmakers
Tonya Agurto (producer/co-writer) and Grant Janes (director/co-writer/editor) are proud to release their first dramatic short through Cool Red Star Films.
Tonya Agurto
(producer/co-writer)
A seasoned entertainment executive with over 15 years experience in international licensing and brand development at a major studio, Tonya Agurto wanted to garner some experience on the creative side of the business. So she set out to independently produce a short film with the goal of broadening her skill-set and laying the foundation for larger film and TV projects in the future. With this in mind, she secured a 60K budget, launched Cool Red Star Films and got to work conceptualizing “Towed” along with her husband, co-writer and director, Grant Janes.
Grant Janes
(director, editor, co-writer)
Commercial director, graphic artist and animator, Grant Janes has helmed numerous campaigns for agencies such as Ogilvy, JWT and McCann – and for brands including Adobe, IBM, Kodak and Hewlett Packard, among many others. A talented writer as well, Grant is represented by Industry Entertainment as a screenwriter in Hollywood. With “Towed,” his inaugural narrative project, Grant hopes to establish his profile in the industry as a director as well.
About “Towed”
A short film about getting your life back in gear.
Synopsis
Liza’s life is in a downward spiral. A recent break-up leaves her temporarily stuck and living out of her car – with no money, no gas, and seemingly no way forward. Parked in a tow zone and stalked by a persistent tow truck driver, a cat-and-mouse game ensues until Liza receives assistance from the most unlikely of sources, allowing her to get her life back in gear.
Specs
- Shot on Arri Alexa
- Aspect Ratio: 2:39:1
- Filming Locations: Los Angeles
- Year Produced: 2015
- Running Time: 14 minutes
“Towed” Film Festivals
November 22, 2016 – We are excited to announce that “Towed” has been accepted into the prestigious Santa Fe Film Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The festival runs from December 7th – 11th. Here’s the schedule.
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November 6, 2016 – We are thrilled to announce that “Towed” has been accepted into the Zamoxis Short Film Showcase in Santa Monica, California. The showcase runs from November 15th – 17th at the Laemmle Monica Film Center. Here’s the schedule.
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September 30, 2016 – We are pleased to announce that “Towed” has been accepted into the Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas! The festival runs from November 10th – 13th. Here’s the schedule.
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August 17, 2016 – “Towed” has been accepted into the prestigious, Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts Fest at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles. Both producer Tonya Agurto and director Grant Janes will be attending. It’s great to be invited to a fest in our hometown of Los Angeles!
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February 29, 2016 – “Towed” has been accepted into the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner in Cannes, France. Both producer Tonya Agurto and director Grant Janes will be attending in May, 2016.
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February 22, 2016 – We’re excited to announce that “Towed” has been accepted into the prestigious, Oscar-qualifying 2016 Cinequest Film Festival in Silicon Valley, California.
Accepted into the appropriately designated “Shorts Program 2 – “Transitions,” the festival will host three screenings of “Towed,” in competition, with the world premiere screening event on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 9:30 p.m. at Camera 12 Cinema, San Jose, CA.
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January 30, 2016 – We are thrilled to announce that “Towed” has been accepted into the Cardiff Independent Film Festival in an out-of-competition slot. CIFF is a BAFTA (British Oscars)-accredited festival in the capital of Wales, UK. Screening will be at the Chapter Cinema in Cardiff, UK on April 4th, 2016.
The Cast
“Liza”
Celesta DeAstis is honored to be part of “Towed.” A driven, energetic, and experienced young actress of Italian descent, Celesta’s resume boasts several commercials and documentaries for HBO, Nintendo, UE Boom, and Gazelle – amongst others. Her first movie, “Banana Leaves,” made its debut at the Pan African Film Festival of Los Angeles in 2009 – and went on to play in movie theaters throughout Africa. Celesta’s TV credits include Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana” and “A.N.T. Farm,” and ABC Family’s “Melissa and Joey,” among others. Celesta has also done several modeling and print jobs including an appearance in the Sprite Christmas 2009 campaign.
In addition to “Towed,” Celesta is also the lead in the newest Asylum production movie, “Hacked,” premiering later this year. Celesta has trained with some of the industry’s best, including The Second City in Chicago and L.A. acting coach, John D’Aquino.
“Darryl” (Tow Truck Driver)
Bobby Moreno hails from Austin, TX and Elmont, NY. He received his BFA in Acting from Texas State University, and has lived in New York City ever since. His film/tv credits include “How He Fell In Love,” “Kings,” “Law & Order,” “One Life To Live,” “The Good Wife,” and “Private Romeo.” Notable stage credits include “Year of the Rooster” (Drama Desk Nomination – Best Featured Actor – Ensemble Studio Theatre), “Hand to God” (EST), “Grand Concourse” (Playwrights Horizons), “Luther” (Clubbed Thumb), “Invasion!” (The Play Company), and “Al’s Business Cards” (At Play).
Bobby is a lifetime member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre, a Freestyle Mondays Battle Champion and a member of the Indie Theatre Hall of Fame. Currently, he is the emcee for the hip-hop group BiFocal Triclops, and plays rhythm guitar in The US Open. His next appearance on stage will be at NYTW in the new musical “Lazarus,” by David Bowie and Enda Walsh.
Behind the Scenes
“Towed” was shot over three days and nights in May, 2015 in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of East Los Angeles. Cool Red Star Films wants to thank Carinne Meyrignac for taking these incredible set photos.
Stylist Judy Haft preps lead actress Celesta DeAstis.
The crew discusses a shot during early morning shooting.
Key Grip Lee Winborn spots DP Sean Conaty on a traveling shot.
AC Leonard Walsh checks the Arri Alexa.
Director Grant Janes and Producer Tonya Agurto watch a shot go off.
Which one's the real tow truck driver?
The "Towed" film slate.
Making a movie - it's just like summer camp!
Lead actor Bobby Moreno shows off his profile.
DP Sean Conaty takes a break in between shots.
Lead Actress Celesta DeAstis relaxes between takes.
AC Mimi Phan checks out the selection of Panavision lenses.
Producer Tonya Agurto watches the monitor as a shot goes off.
AC Mimi Phan checks the Arri Alexa.
DP Sean Conaty and AC Leonard Walsh sweating it out on the streets of Los Angeles.
DP Sean Conaty and actor Bobby Moreno work on a shot.
Mid-day on the streets of Boyle Heights, L.A.
Set Director David Atash and Production Designer Jeremy White play pirates.
Setting up a crucial shot.
Lead Actress Celesta DeAstis.
Director Grant Janes and Producer Tonya Agurto discuss the script.
Producer Tonya Agurto of Cool Red Star Films.
Director Grant Janes works with lead actress, Celesta DeAstis.
Production Designer Jeremy White confers with Producer Tonya Agurto.