5Q's w/Aaron Milan Wertheimer "Skippers" Director

FRIDAY BLOCK E | 7:00 pm

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 280 characters?

Skippers is an offbeat comedy-drama about a mysterious drifter searching for transcendence through stone skipping. It's got a unique, Zen perspective combined with some absurd humor and incredible feats of stone skipping.

#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?

All the stone skipping is real and it was all done by our lead actor Chris Roberti, who learned to skip for the role. The world record for skips in one throw is 88, and Chris was able to get to about 50. Not too shabby...

#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.

Skippers is my second feature. My first, Wedgerino, is an offbeat comedy about a pair of #1 best friends whose friendship is threatened by a cool motorcycle-riding guy who's new to town. It's available on Amazon Prime so if you are into that sort of thing you could check it out:

I live in Chicago now, and work as a freelance writer and video editor. Prior to that I was in NYC where I worked as an assistant director, production manager and coordinator on features, shorts, commercials, and at Vice.

#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?

On a tight budget, preparation is key. At the same time, it's helpful to be able to go with the flow, keep it loose, and stay relaxed.

#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?

Skippers will be available to stream in 2019. I'm trying to also get it on DVD because I still believe in the importance of physical media. And I'm working on my next feature script, a comedy, so hopefully that will progress nicely.