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Download “Towed” Movie Poster
Director’s Statement
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
Filmmakers
About “Towed”
- Shot on Arri Alexa
- Aspect Ratio: 2:39:1
- Filming Locations: Los Angeles
- Year Produced: 2015
- Running Time: 14 minutes
“Towed” Film Festivals






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.

The Cast
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.
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.