THE LAST REAL COWBOYS
Starring Billy Bob Thornton and Mickey Jones, this magical little short was shot over two days in the Nevada desert. This project is the brainchild of director Jeff Lester and screenwriter Rudy Gaines. A fabulous Las Vegas crew + DP extraordinaire Peter Smokler came to work for nothing but a hot lunch. Thanks to the spirited crew and amazing cast this project became a reality. This award winning film went on to screen successfully at over 30 international film festivals. A long form version of this short is in the works.
Total Running Time: 11 Minutes, 56 Seconds
SUNDANCE CHANNEL “The Shorts Show with Laura Dern”
This television show for Sundance Channel was conceived, written, and directed by Jeff Lester. It showcases short films and the filmmakers who bring them to life. Academy Award winner Laura Dern was the perfect fit to host the show as she fully embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking and has been involved in many short films herself.
Total Running Time: 58 Seconds
BROKEN
This independent feature film starring Jeremy Sisto and Heather Graham was created from an original story conceived by Jeff Lester. The screenplay was written by Drew Pillsbury, who co-authored the story with Lester. It was inspired by a 3AM experience Lester had at Mel's Diner on Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood. Lester and Pillsbury were co-producers. First Look distributed the film.
Total Running Time: 45 Seconds
LITTLE TO SHARE
Three Square Food Bank tasked us with creating an experiment with 12 kids ages 5-9. A true testament to the expression: Let the children lead the way.
Total Running Time: 2 Minutes
SPEED OF LIFE
This powerful short documentary came about from a challenge from Current TV’s “A Chance At Slamdance”. The problem: the project needed to be delivered in 2 weeks. Company founder Susan Anton discovered the subject matter in a women’s health magazine and the film project was born. It took ten days and a total budget of $387.61 to bring this project to life. It was one of three films from over eighteen hundred submissions to be chosen to premiere at Slamdance. This project was a true labor of love about the emotional triumph of snowboarder Amy Purdy.
Total Running Time: 9 Minutes, 36 Seconds
TROY BULLOCK “Country Go Round”
Country Star Troy Bullock's music video tells the tale of his authentic background as a 3rd generation coal minor. Shot over 2 days in Nelson Nevada; this video was directed by Jeff Lester and DP'd by Jason Mowry.
Total Running Time: 4 Minutes, 57 Seconds
THE SMITH CENTER “And So It Begins”
This inspirational 3 minute short branding piece was used for the launch of the beautiful new preforming arts center in Las Vegas. The piece was conceived, written, and directed by Jeff Lester and was executive produced by The Smith Center’s Myron Martin. There was an outpouring of enthusiasm from the various arts schools, programs, and individuals who volunteered their time and talent to be part of this piece.
Total Running Time: 4 Minutes
MISTER PRESIDENT
Earning top honors for 'Best Narrative Film' and 'Best Director' for Jeff Lester, this short film was produced for the 2007 48 hour Elevate Film Festival and screened for audiences and judges at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. The script was written by Neale Donald Walsch (Conversations with God) and was politically very relevant at the time.
Total Running Time: 6 Minutes, 30 Seconds
CHADWICK JOHNSON “Stormy Love”
Shot on a micro-budget in Las Vegas during the summer heat, we captured the spirit and talent of emerging recording star, Chadwick Johnson. This music video was directed and DP'd by Jeff Lester.
Total Running Time: 4 Minutes, 6 Seconds
