Synopsis
The Dialog Interchange Program is a mockumentary style film that illustrates our culture's desire for the replacement of traditional communication for digital means. Since the telephone's invention humans have been able to communicate over long distances, however as we grow further apart and move around our communication helps to keep us in touch. Unfortunately, we have begun to substitute newer means of communication for verbal dialog such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram where we ultimately become less personally invested. This film is a statement about the absurdity surrounding these means of communication and how our culture will continue to become more antisocial as we adapt and accept these substitutions.
Origin
Hardware
Quiet Type was imagined while thinking about how an earlier generation might have thought of a technological invention that could improve type and messaging. Morse Code seemed like an obvious direction for this prototype to utilize. The prop was constructed using a Kaypro 2 computer borrowed from a friend and an old slide projector purchased at a thrift store.
Origin
Businessman 2000
The Businessman 2000 prototype was developed from researching video conferencing devices and early attempts during the 1980s. The robotic hand addition was something I felt the great doctor would have seen as a "must have" since doing business deals at that time were sealed with a firm handshake.
Origin
Pretext
Research for this prototype started with my passion for brain scanning technology and innovations in neuro-interfaces. Due to the timeline of this skit I chose the classic Blackberry as the base for the hardware/software amalgamation.
Origin
Living Profile
The Living Profile was one of the first ideas in this script—blending social media profiles with a Tamagotchi-like virtual pet where the user must tend to it constantly or it dies, reflecting emotional dependence on digital platforms.
Origin
Opticon
Opticon was a take on wearable technology like Google Glass and Apple Watch, infused with realistic operating system headaches—bloatware, pop-up ads, and endless app notifications.
Logline
The Dialog Interchange Program is an ongoing research project started in the 1970s by Dr. Wyczek's visionary idea of crafting an innovative approach for improving social communication.
Minutes of footage
Takes ruined by laughter
Film Crew
Writer/Director
Brendan Feltrup-Exum
I wrote this.... and still laugh to this day. There might be something wrong with me.
Brendan Feltrup-Exum has managed his own production company for the last 9 years producing industrial training videos, corporate media, and commercials. He has worked for PBS, on TV shows, and feature films.
Outside Film
Brendan enjoys braiding hair and baking cupcakes. His greatest achievement was a cupcake that was more like an actual cake.
Camera
Michael Carpenter
He is our mastermind of creative cinematography and awesome camera work.
Michael has worked on numerous film and television programs from feature films to TV shows in just about every department. He has a passion for cinematography that is unparalleled.
Outside film
Michael enjoys crocheting, cross-stitching and coloring books when not working on films. His main passion however is crafting a good pair of jorts.
Sound
Jessica Skuce
She is the sound master blaster making sure every shot sounds crystal clear.
Jessica Skuce is an illustrator and storyteller based in Arlington, TX. Working in watercolor, pencil, and digital art, she has contributed to several short films and productions.
Outside Film
Jessica enjoys high-wire tightrope and assisting in investigations of cold cases. Some say she can uncover clues others overlook.
Still Photographer
Victoria Skuce
She took so many photos which you can see in our gallery below.
The Cast
Roby McGuen
Roby McGuen has been a long time friend since early years at the University of Texas at Arlington. Professor of graphic design and digital arts, his boisterous laugh and staggering figure made him a jolly grand figure. Finding an actor to play Dr. Wyczek posed a challenge—he needed to be someone passionate about his field who would laugh in the face of naysayers and keep chasing the idea.
Quiet Type
Grant Carpenter
Grant, Michael's father, played Dr. Ivan Stevenson the tester of the Quiet Type prototype.
Businessman 2000
Tom Martin
Tom Martin played Philip Anderson, the user of the Businessman 2000.
Businessman 2000
Bruce Feltrup-Exum
Bruce Feltrup-Exum, Brendan's father, played Harrison Eldridge the person on the other end of the Businessman 2000 and destroyer of hands.
Pretext
Danish Athar
Danish Athar played Ahad Bandi, the harassing user of Pretext.
Pretext
Taylor Farmer
Taylor Farmer played Sarah Wilkins, the woman who was subjected to harassment.
Pretext
Stephen Stone
Stephen Stone played Mark Iverson, the witness to the sexual harassment perpetrated by the Pretext user Ahad Bandi.
Living Profile
Jarrod Clegg
Jarrod Clegg played Timothy Upclaw, the rock climbing belay assistant and user of Living Profile who let Henry fall to his death.
Living Profile
Mike Hong
Mike Hong played Henry Jang, the rock climber who was subject to a terrible death because of the Living Profile's demands.
Opticon
Seth Lawrence
Seth Lawrence played Kyle Sinclare the over zealous user and abuser of Opticon.
Gallery
Filming a comedy is exactly what you might think it is. It's difficult and exhausting, but it's absolutely hilarious. It's hard to keep a straight face during a reading. Check out some of the fun stills from the shoot.
