We’re thrilled to introduce David Weilert & Philip A Ramos, seasoned filmmakers in the film industry! Their latest project, “The Worst Best Man Ever,” has earned him a spot as a finalist for the Best Romantic Comedy Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. David and Philip have created a heartfelt and hilarious short film, The Worst Best Man Ever, blending humor with genuine emotional depth. The film, a proof of concept for their feature-length project Groomsday, tackles the complexities of relationships, choices, and love—or the lack thereof.

The Genesis of “The Worst Best Man Ever”
The inspiration for The Worst Best Man Ever comes from the filmmakers’ personal experiences navigating the tricky waters of relationships. David and Philip wanted to explore how dating can sometimes continue out of a sense of obligation rather than genuine love.

“We all have been there,” says David, “where we find ourselves at a crossroads, trying to figure out the best path forward, even when that path isn’t the easiest one.” Their love for comedies that tug at the heartstrings helped shape this film into the kind of project they are most passionate about—one that blends humor with moments of introspection.

Overcoming the Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in bringing The Worst Best Man Ever to life was timing. The filmmakers were determined not to rush the process, focusing on assembling the perfect cast and crew to ensure the film lived up to their vision. “We wanted to make sure that we found the right time to make it,” David explains. “We didn’t want to rush the process and be left with a film that we would not be content with.”

Their careful approach paid off, as the film showcases not only their comedic chops but also the depth of emotion and thoughtfulness that went into its production.

A Duo with Decades of Experience
David and Philip have both been working in film and television for over a decade. David has been creating films since he was just 12 years old, and Philip’s award-winning short film, The Kidnapping of a Fish, further demonstrates their talent and dedication to storytelling. The two bring a wealth of professional experience to their projects, working as Production Coordinators on major New York-based productions for a variety of platforms.

Their passion for filmmaking goes beyond their day jobs, as both are committed to telling meaningful, mainstream stories with wide appeal.

What’s Next?
The success of The Worst Best Man Ever is just the beginning. David and Philip have three strong projects in the pipeline, including two feature films that, like Groomsday, have short films as proof of concepts. In addition, they are developing a TV show. With several projects in the works, this dynamic duo is set to make a lasting impact on the world of comedy and beyond.

Get in Touch
For those looking to collaborate or support future projects, David and Philip are easily reachable through email or social media. They’re also committed to keeping their followers updated on their progress through their websites and social platforms.

You can contact them via email at davidweilert1@gmail.com or mcflyfilm@gmail.com and follow their work on Instagram at @david_weilert, @mcflyfilm, and @worstbestmanever. Their websites, davidweilert.com and thatstormfilms.com, offer more details on their projects.

On the Horizon
Currently in talks with distributors and agents, David and Philip are looking for representation and investors who share their vision for mainstream comedies. They are grateful to platforms like the Houston Comedy Film Festival for showcasing their work and hope to secure the funding needed to bring their upcoming feature films to life.

A Union of Filmmakers
Both filmmakers are members of IATSE Local 161, the union for Production Coordinators in New York City. Philip is also a member of the Producers Guild of America, reflecting their deep integration into the film industry.

As The Worst Best Man Ever continues to make waves on the festival circuit, David and Philip are set to rise as filmmakers who know how to mix humor, heart, and a deep understanding of the human condition. Their upcoming projects promise to deliver even more laughs and meaningful moments, leaving audiences eager for what’s next.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

Author: Bolanle Media Staff

We had the pleasure of speaking with Sammy Smedley, an accomplished NYC-based actress turned filmmaker, about her debut short film X-Mas Anonymous that was nominated as a finalist for the Best Comedy Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. Sammy has taken her love of the holiday season and her many years of experience in front of the camera to create a film that’s both humorous and heartwarming, poking fun at the holiday madness we’ve all seen (or perhaps been part of!).

The Genesis of “X-Mas Anonymous”
X-Mas Anonymous began as a sketch comedy idea that quickly evolved into a short film. Sammy explains that the story is inspired by the universal obsession with the holiday season. “I wanted to poke fun at how crazy people can behave during the holidays and explore that feeling in an even more insane setting,” she says. The film humorously redefines Christmas celebrations, placing the characters in a fictional support group where everyone has bizarre, compulsive Christmas habits.

Sammy drew inspiration from her own Christmas-crazy family. “It was important for me to emphasize that there’s no wrong way to celebrate the holiday as long as you’re celebrating together.” The characters, while exaggerated in their behavior, still crave the same thing as many real-life individuals: to be seen, accepted, and have a sense of community.

Challenges of Filmmaking
X-Mas Anonymous was Sammy’s first time directing, producing, and acting in her own work. Although the actual filming process went smoothly thanks to a team she’d worked with before, Sammy admits that juggling her roles as both actor and director was personally challenging. “It’s very easy to forget which hat you’re wearing while you’re in character,” she explains, but she looks forward to continuing her journey as a filmmaker and mastering this balancing act.

A Decade of Experience
Sammy has spent the last ten years as an actress in NYC, performing in numerous independent films. Although she had never worked behind the camera, she learned a great deal from her time on set, always observing and asking questions. “I found those many years of being on set as an actress incredibly beneficial,” she says. Her transition into filmmaking has allowed her to explore storytelling from a new perspective, and she’s thrilled to finally be sharing her own ideas.

What’s Next?
After wrapping X-Mas Anonymous, Sammy has already completed her next short comedy film, How’s That Working For You?, which will hit the festival circuit in 2025. She’s also in the process of writing a sci-fi romantic comedy, which she hopes to shoot later this year.

Connecting with Sammy
For those interested in learning more about Sammy’s work or future projects, you can visit her website at www.sammysmedley.com or follow her on Instagram @sammy_smeds. You can also check out her production company, Blue Plumbago Productions, at www.blueplumbagoproductions.com and @blueplumbago on Instagram.

Looking Ahead
While there are currently no distribution plans for X-Mas Anonymous, Sammy hopes to make it publicly accessible on platforms like Amazon or Tubi once its festival run concludes. With her unique blend of humor and heart, Sammy is one to watch as she continues to bring her stories to life, both behind and in front of the camera.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

Author: Bolanle Media Staff

We’re thrilled to introduce Ariana Padilla-Rogers, a talented writer making waves in the world of television with her heartfelt and comedic storytelling. Her latest project, Disappointing, has earned her a spot as a finalist for the Best Comedy Teleplay Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. The film takes a deep dive into family dynamics, personal growth, and the unique charm of a coastal town.

A Tale of Family, Culture, and Chaos
Disappointing centers on a semi-dysfunctional Puerto Rican family living on the Jersey Shore, fighting to save their struggling motel from being bought out. The story focuses on three generations of women, all trying to figure out what’s best for the family business while navigating their own personal challenges. Set against the backdrop of the ever-changing Asbury Park, NJ, the series explores themes of work-life balance, cultural identity, and the comedic missteps that often accompany life’s most serious moments.

Ariana draws much of her inspiration from her own upbringing, having been raised by both her mother and grandmother. Their influence helped shape the characters in Disappointing, blending the warmth and strength of family with the vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture. Ariana also incorporates her experiences growing up in a shore town, drawing from the seasonal shifts in Asbury Park, where tourists come and go, but the locals remain—each with their own unique stories.

The Writing Process: Challenges and Growth
Writing Disappointing hasn’t been without its challenges. Ariana found it difficult to fit all of her ideas into the constraints of a 30-minute dramedy format. Over the course of two and a half years, she crafted numerous drafts, tweaking character dynamics and exploring different storylines to find the right balance. Each revision brought her closer to understanding the core themes she wanted to explore: family, identity, and the inevitable messiness of life. Despite the many iterations, she’s grown more confident in her creative voice and the stories she’s passionate about telling.

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A Fresh Face in Television Writing
Ariana’s journey as a writer began in 2020, during her time at the University of the Arts, where she first learned about screenwriting. Though the school has since closed, Ariana remains deeply appreciative of the education and connections she made there. It was during this time that she honed her skills in character development, story structure, and developed her unique creative style.

What’s Next for Ariana?
Ariana is currently focused on bringing Disappointing to life. She’s collaborating with her cousin Elyse, who has a talent for cinematography, to create a proof of concept for the series. In addition, she’s submitting the pilot to festivals and developing the rest of season one. Beyond Disappointing, Ariana is exploring other projects in sketch comedy, a genre she finds especially exciting for its ability to make people laugh.

Get in Touch
To follow Ariana’s work or get in touch for future projects, you can reach her via email at arianafpadilla@gmail.com. You can also follow her creative journey on Instagram at @lilstariana.

Looking Ahead
Ariana is eager to connect with producers and networks to bring Disappointing to a broader audience. She’s also open to joining writing organizations and collaborative spaces, where she can continue to learn and grow as a storyteller. With her eye on the future and a notebook full of stories, Ariana Padilla is a writer to watch as she embarks on what promises to be an exciting career in television.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

Author: Bolanle Media Staff