Sneaky Ghost Films
Scott Danzig's production company, devoted to exploring the dark art of filmmaking and collaborating with other kindred spirits.
The Sneaky Ghost film "Senior Software Engineer" will have its world premiere in Cleveland in August as an OFFICIAL SELECTION of the 29th year of "The Indie Gathering International Film Festival". (https://www.theindiegathering.net/) Schedule TBD.
ADDITIONALLY, A Ranger's Way is ALSO an official selection!! Did I mention, especially as an indie filmmaker, how much I love Cleveland?
Oh, and if you're wondering, the photo shows a key prop from Senior Software Engineer. Watch the film to figure out what happened here!
May I present the official trailer for the short film, Senior Software Engineer!
Please give the trailer a like on YouTube, and please like this page for updates on where and when the film will be screened.
Senior Software Engineer Trailer Trailer for the film Senior Software EngineerAn grandma programmer allies with the ghost of her predecessor to satisfy her young, trendy influencer boss's la...
The film "Senior Software Engineer" is now finished, and has been submitted to a dozen film festivals and counting! A trailer is in development, but for now, I present to you the official movie poster!
The film A Ranger's Way has been selected to be screened at a fourth nearby film festival, this time in West Virginia! (https://www.wvmsff.com/) The schedule and specific time slot will be announced soon but it's April 18-21. All involved with the making of this film, please be proud!
I got interviewed at StudioME today, which I learned is right across the street from the Duolingo HQ. Thanks Peter Regan for the fun experience! My only goal was to be genuine for about an hour, and then get back to work.
StudioMEcast - What is good about film? - Scott Danzig (2024) Scott Danzig of Sneaky Ghost Films is a producer director in Pittsburgh. He has a career in Software engineering, is a screenwriter, and is the admin of som...
A Ranger's Way is an official selection for this year's Short. Sweet. Film Fest! It's scheduled to be shown at Cleveland's Atlas Cinema Shaker Square theater on Saturday, March 2nd, in the 2:15pm-4:45pm block, with the awards the next day. I actually only recognize one or two other filmmakers in the entire festival so it's going to be fun to meet a ton of new artists. Let me know if you plan to be there!
Sneaky Ghost Films presents "Senior Software Engineer," where tech troubles spark a fashion escapade! Witness as a "virtual makeover tool" spins wildly out of control!
Behold the three bold looks that our makeup virtuoso, Krista Montgomery of Krista Montgomery Artistry, is poised to expertly craft for our intrepid lead, Judy Millar.
Cast your vote by commenting the number of the look that wins your heart!
Proud to announce that on November 12, the Films for Heroes fundraising event raised ** $713 ** for the Wounded Warrior Project!
It was a enjoyable but solemn night as we watched 6 beautiful military-themed films, each with a strong message. Special thanks to my co-organizer, Donnie McDonnell of STEEL REEL STUDIO, couldn't have done it without you, and to John Swanson of Lohengrin Productions for his support as well.
Also a big thank you to the sponsors:
Clayton Kendall, Bridges Hospice, PROAM Creative, and ConPro Films
Please reach out if you're interested in sponsoring or being involved in future fundraising events.
Two Halloweens ago, as I was working late at night racing for a deadline as a software engineer, my hallucinations transformed into the ghost comedy that is "Senior Software Engineer", to be filmed in December. Today, I have the privilege of announcing a stellar cast!
- Judy Millar as Marge, senior programmer extraordinaire
- Howard Elson as Henry, the husband who tries!
- Aliya Pimental as Brittany, beauty influencer and Marge's boss
- Jeff Monahan as Patrick, the friendly ghost in the machine
Like the Sneaky Ghost Films page for updates and for future productions!
This includes the Sneaky Ghost Films production, A Ranger's Way and 5 other locally made military-themed films!
Strand Theater screening 6 locally made 'Films for Heroes' on Veterans Day weekend Sunday’s free “Films for Heroes” event will also serve as a donation drive for the Wounded Warrior Project.
🎬 CASTING CALL: Senior Software Engineer, A Dark Comedy Short Film
📍 Location: Pittsburgh, PA
🗓️ Shoot Dates: Dec 15-17, 2023
🗓️ Submit by: Nov 7, 2023
💰 Pay: Up to $250/day
📹 Auditions: Self-taped
🎭 Union/Non-Union welcome
🎯 Apply on Backstage: https://www.backstage.com/casting/senior-software-engineer-2717397/
Or by email: Include role you're applying for, your location, a headshot and reel if you have one in an email to [email protected]
🎥 About The Film:
A dark comedy featuring Marge, an elderly expert computer programmer. In one intense, tech-fueled night, she juggles her well-meaning but clueless husband, tight deadlines, and mysterious ghostly warnings, all while fixing software for her effervescent social media influencer boss.
Roles Available:
🧓 Henry (60-80)
Male. Well-meaning husband of Marge, but out of his depth. Pay: $500 for est. 2 days.
👨💻 Patrick (30-50)
Male. Voice role: A tech-savvy ghost with an air of British sophistication. Also small on-camera role as an "IT guy." Pay: $250 for est. 1 day.
👱 Brittany (20-40)
Any gender. Energetic influencer in beauty & makeup. Sharp contrast to Marge. Open to renaming role based on casting. Pay: $250 for est. 1 day.
Additional Info:
At least one rehearsal, flat $50 for up to 3 hrs.
🎯 To apply, head over to https://www.backstage.com/casting/senior-software-engineer-2717397/
Or apply by email: Include role you're applying for, your location, a headshot and reel if you have one in an email to [email protected]
Proud to announce that my film, A Ranger’s Way, has won first place in the “long shorts” category at the 2023 KinoDrome film festival. It’s nice to see a film that was conceived three years ago and worked on since culminate in such a warm reception. Congrats to all involved with the film as well, including lead actor Aaron D Frankel, and also congrats to those at the festival who also won awards!
This warning will now appear on my sneakyghost.com website. Specifically I've been hearing entities like "Motionflick Studios" and "Tim Farrell" citing Sneaky Ghost Films as an affiliate of some sort. This is false. Fellow creatives, be careful with whom you interact with.
A Ranger's Way is set to have its WORLD PREMIERE at the KinoDrome Film Festival in Strongsville (near Cleveland, OH) on Sunday, September 24th. It will be screened specifically in the first block with the other longer shorts, from 11am to 12:30pm. More details at https://kinodromefestival.wixsite.com/welcome ... comment here if you're planning on attending. I (Scott Danzig) will be at the whole event!
A Sneaky Ghost Innovation, "20plots", is an AI-powered brainstorming tool designed to inspire writers by generating story plots they have a personal connection to. It does this by letting you enter story elements like personal anecdotes and dreams, then incorporates some of those into its suggestions.
To learn more, please visit the "walk-through" page at sneakyghost.com/20plots.html
This website offers unique value to creatives, never again having to fear a blank page! Also, given the current situation with the writers' strike, it serves as a potential model as a way forward -- AI-assist, not AI-replace!
The film "Medical Divorce" the short dramedy, filmed in Pittsburgh, is now released to the public. It has struck a chord with many who are less than happy with the state of modern healthcare and even have direct experience with the phenomenon known as "medical divorce". Please enjoy, and share with whom you think may appreciate this film!
Also, please reach out to Scott Danzig at [email protected] if you're interested in being involved/collaborating with future Sneaky Ghost Films productions.
Medical Divorce - A short dramedy An elderly Jewish couple debates divorce being the best solution to their medical costs.A Film By Scott DanzigSneaky Ghost Films
Had a great experience with the Pittsburgh 48 Film competition this year, and you can view the 5 minute film my team made here:
https://youtu.be/0MX4V-181HA
The film’s plot is simple and quite goofy, but this is something that had to be done completely in 48 hours. I had the help of 8 others, who did great work, but ultimately I had to secure the location, handle the paperwork, write the script, figure out the lighting, shoot the film, direct it, and edit it, among other things, all while having trouble sleeping.
My goal, first and foremost, was to make a film that was fun to watch. I think I accomplished that, as the film was well received, with genuine laughs and applause. What’s more, my film, Phantom Ukulele, made it into the top 12 in the “Best Of” screening, so I assume the judges liked it too. I won a “Best Use Of Line” award… we were required to use the line “Do you think I’m stupid?” Overall, fun experience, and hopefully more in the Pittsburgh film world know about me!
Proud to announce that the 2023 Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Project entry for Sneaky Ghost Films, "Phantom Ukulele", was selected for the "Best Of" screening on Saturday, May 27th at the Oaks Theater! I went into this competition aiming to just make a movie that is fun to watch, and based on this, and the generous applause the film garnered, I believe I accomplished just that.
Not only that, but the film is a nominee specifically in three categories:
- Best Song (arranged by Corey Dixon, performed by Andrea Disch, recorded by Michael Carbonara)
- Best Sound Design (combined effort by Michael Carbonara, Scott Danzig, and Corey Dixon)
- Best Use of Line (the required line was "Do you think I'm stupid?") (teed up by Lex Waltmen and delivered by Kevin Mahler)
What a fun experience! Thank you to all who had faith in Sneaky Ghost Scrappiness and helped make this film possible! Also, a huge congrats to all other participants for creating art and making the Pittsburgh indie film community great!
Had a great showing for Medical Divorce at the Short. Sweet. Film Fest, along with one of the stars! Looking forward to the screening of Our Nature later tonight!
Today, a beautiful article was posted about my film Medical Divorce, me, and the lead actor, Howard, by David Rullo, on the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle website!
“Medical Divorce” is a dark comedy with a serious subject A Jewish couple pondering divorce is the focus of the locally produced and shot short
On Friday, I'm being interviewed for a story in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle about my film Medical Divorce. Very excited to see the film get another moment in the spotlight, along as well as helping spread awareness about an all too common unfortunate reality in modern healthcare.
The casting for the speaking roles in A Ranger's Way is now complete! I present to you the talented actors that have accepted the roles for this production. I felt privileged to have enjoyed so many stellar auditions, and, after having additionally locked down a seemingly perfect location, I can now set my sights on the final pieces needed for the upcoming shoot in April.
Hey everyone!
I wanted to take a moment to reminisce about a film that holds a special place in my heart: Sky Paradise.
Released back in 2012, this short film tells the story of a group of administrators tasked with finding a cure for the widespread depression plaguing their dystopian society. As they search for a solution, they must also oversee the controversial "su***de ceremonies" that offer a humane end to the suffering of the severely depressed.
Making this film was a truly transformative experience for me as a filmmaker. It was a coming of age of sorts, as I had the opportunity to work with a professional crew and learn alongside them. Especially the extraordinarily talented cinematographer, Violetta D'Agata. The beauty of her work is only surpassed by that of her heart!
Of course, it wasn't without its challenges. From casting and rehearsals to securing locations and battling setbacks like cancelled shoots and crashed computers, it was a rollercoaster of a journey. But we persevered, and in the end, we were able to bring this powerful story to life.
The response to Sky Paradise has been overwhelmingly positive, with packed screenings at the Philip K. Dick Sci-Fi Film Festival in New York City and beyond. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, I invite you to watch it for free online. Just follow this link: https://youtu.be/EFW12LSqG68
I'm proud of the hard work and dedication by all that believed in me that went into making Sky Paradise, and a special shout out to Katie Dillon for bringing it over the finish line when I could go no further, literally with a broken foot. Thank you for your support!
Sky Paradise - A Dystopian, Suicidal World Imagine a world engulfed in clinical depression. Julia, a rare exception, is rudely awakened to the horrors around her.
New AI-generated Sneaky Ghost Films promo art.
I'm proud to present my updated demo reel! This represents over 10 years worth of work, and I'M JUST GETTING STARTED!
Follow this page to experience the journey that is Sneaky Ghost Films.
Scott Danzig - Director's Reel 2022 An overview of past Sneaky Ghost Films productions. Follow future work at facebook.com/sneakyghost