The creative work of one of Effingham County’s own is headed to the big screen at film festivals in both New York and Cannes, France.
Lawrence Michael “Micky” Parker is making his directorial debut with his short film, “Tiramisu”, at the Soho International Film Festival in New York on April 7. His film is also being shown at the 66th Cannes Film Festival in the short film corner in May. Parker also wrote the film script.
Parker, an Effingham County High School graduate, said that as a child he knew he wanted to either be a rock star or make movies.
“I quickly realized that I couldn’t sing, so I never pursued the rock star dream,” Parker said. “I was always amazed by movies but I thought it was too hard to do.”
A lack of singing talent did not keep Parker from pursing music. He studied music at Full Sail University in Orlando, Fla., before eventually finding his way to becoming an actor. Parker has also studied film at New York University.
Parker said becoming an actor caused him to realize that being a director is about having an appreciation for all art forms.
“And I really think that shows in this film, through the artistic style, the music, and the actors I chose,” Parker said.
Parker’s artful eye is evident on the screen in “Tiramisu”. The lighting, costumes and camera style set just the right tone for the film. The well-crafted script shows Parker’s talent in the art of words.
“Tiramisu is a very character driven story set in the heart of New York City’s lower East Side,” Parker said. “It’s about two guys who take a job to retrieve some money for notorious crime boss Gino Dusanti. To make sure everything goes accordingly he sends his mysterious mistress along for the ride. Everything goes as planned until suddenly everyone’s life is at stake....”
Parker said his film is a true “indie” and that makes him proud.
“I wrote this story around the actors that I had,” Parker said. “I see a lot of independent shorts with big named actors that go to festivals. They do well because of who these people are, and what they have done. But that is not my intention with this film. I wanted to make a true indie film, because I’m a no-name director and my actors are no-name actors.”
Parker may be a no-name director for now, but there is a good chance that won’t last.
Parker said he is receiving positive feedback on the film.
“When people watch the movie, they always tell me ‘wow this is actually like a mini-movie’. So independently, the no-names made a short movie. That’s what I am most proud of with this.”
Parker said he’s sending the film around the world, but has high hopes of bringing it to the film festival in Savannah.
“I would love to bring it back home so everyone I grew up with can come out and see it,” he said.
Parker said he’s also hoping to make a feature length film soon.
“For the time being I am already in talks with some people about doing my first feature length film, and I am really considering doing it in Savannah,” Parker said.