Peabrain: A feature film

The above video is the concept short film for Peabrain –– made in the late summer of '23.

The concept short is intended to express intrigue in the feature; and to set the tone for how the movie will feel based on the stylistic elements at play.

PEABRAIN synopsis:

Tony is broke. He’s spent just about every friend he’s got and every dollar they gave him. Maybe if he gets that gold ring back from his ex-girlfriend he can patch this whole mess up…

Peabrain is a feature film written, directed, and starring Anthony Scalzo (whose current financial situation isn’t much better than the fictional Tony). A dark-comedy about the cycle of being broke, putting your head before your feet, and spending whatever dime you get on the vices that make you forget your empty wallet – an astute look into the mind of a character consumed by his debts – with no clear path ahead of him.

The deeper meaning the film embodies is the "artists journey." Through our main character we find what it means to grow and find your voice in the midst of adversity.

We explore our character of TONY, a fresh NYC transplant with no money in his pockets and a half-baked dream to become an actor. His one big role was a chapstick commercial, which was dollar signs in the eyes of Tony, until his wages were garnished by the government. The film then thrusts into a frenzy of get rich quick schemes and borrowing money from those closest to him. Through this convoluted cycle, Tony burns bridges and is left with only a few bad influences that further instigate his behavior. We delve into the lives of these characters, one of which is the character of NYC. The city plays a huge role in the decision making of our character; and the film explores the taxing side effects it contributes mentally.

Where will the money go?