The Adventures of Jay & Big Russ

In late 2001, student filmmaker Jordan Standefer was looking for a follow up project to HIRED GUN, which was officially selected at the 1st Annual Southwestern College Film Festival. The first idea that presented itself was a comedy based on two fellow high school students, Jayson Storicks and Russell Merchant. Having been a close knit group of friends whose shenanigans included devouring hamburgers with 10+ patties and being kicked out of the MGM Grand Las Vegas (both caught on film), a scripted version of their lives was in the works. Although preceded by two short dramas, TEN THOUSAND DAYS and HIRED GUN, THE ADVENTURES OF JAY & BIG RUSS harkened back to earlier Standefer comedies, such as BILLIAM SHANKSPEARE'S SAMLET. Although the usual suspects were in place-- Sam Skillz (SAMLET, TTD) was set to play the villain and co-produce-- the production proved too ambitious and fell apart after filming only three scenes. Then, in early 2006, Jordan Standefer needed an inspiration for a short script that was assigned to him while taking a class at California State University, Long Beach. Knowing he wanted to write a comedy, but not knowing where to start, he rummaged through old script files on his computer and found his original draft of TAOJABR. Though the characters remained the same, some updates were installed including a fresh coat of new jokes and vulgarity. The script was a hit. Standefer's classmates enjoyed the banter between the two main characters and were even more enamored with the tone of the comedy. The first thing Standefer had to do was get the old crew back together. Although most of them hadnt talked in over 3 years, the goal was set. First, Skillz was brought in as Producer and cast in the film. Next, Storicks and Merchant were asked to resume their characters. They both jumped at the chance to finish what they had started 5 years earlier. The nucleus had formed with enough enthusiasm to drive forward. However, the project did not start taking shape until the others signed on. The additions of Bruce Buckner (HIRED GUN), Ian Schrammel, Jenna Schamber, Shea Standefer (TTD), Shane Wilson, Jesse Roth, and Daniel Medina-Cleghorn (SAMLET, TTD) kick started a project that was once an after school project to a full-fledged independent short film. Production began in late July of 2006 and wrapped in September. The vision of these young filmmakers with their unique brand of comedy has made for some interesting, if not funny, moments of film.The film was screened in a special one night only showing on January 27, 2007 at the San Diego Art Institute. In front of nearly 150 people, the film played to rousing success. With plans of entering the film in several festivals in the upcoming year in addition to a forthcoming DVD release of the film, the cast and crew are anxiously awaiting the journey that awaits this independent film, as well as plans of potential future projects this summer.Were interested in meeting people from other independent production companies who produce quality projects. Check out Executive Protection: http://www.executiveprotectionthemovie.com/