Welcome to “Backstage”, the home of all of our behind-the-scenes content! This is a great place to get some insight into a typical Sharped Wits production experience and learn some of our story along the way.
Where It Started… Shreds of Evidence
In 2021, we were in the earlier half of high school at a very small public school in New Jersey. Our media production teacher meticulously paired us together, and though we hardly knew each other, we slowly realized just how well we worked together as we made our first ever short film: “Shreds of Evidence”.
The version we made in 2021 was not the same as the one you see before you; the cast wore masks, all footage was shot on an iphone, and the final product was edited on iMovie. Still, potential shone through, and the film charmed audiences with its witty, homegrown comedy. It even brought us to our first-ever film festival and award: Best Actor, given to Caroline Sheridan at the RCNJ High School Film Fest.
In 2023, we returned to “Shreds of Evidence”, unable to unsee the potential in our original film. This time, we used better equipment, more time, and improved skills to recreate the film, bolder and better. This is the film you see before you.
“Shreds of Evidence” truly started it all. Without it, we would not be a duo, and Sharpened Wits would not exist. All that’s left to do is push down the urge to recreate the film just one more time.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Our Production Process
Once an idea hits, we run with it. And once we start running, we don’t stop.
When the two of us work together, it truly is a two-person process. First, we develop an idea together, meeting up to flesh it out and see where it can go. Next, Caroline takes the idea and writes out a full script. Then, Michael directs production with Caroline typically in front of the camera. Finally, Michael edits the film and a final product is released. No matter who takes the reins during a certain step, both of us always have major input. For years, our crews have contained only the two of us while we struggled with resources in the Jersey suburbs.
As crazy as it sounds, this process usually happens within a week! Sometimes more, but usually even less. This has sufficed so far, but imagine what we could do with more time!
Make it Funny!
While we dip our toes into many different genres from time to time, our main focus remains on comedy.
Separately, we have our own comedic styles: Michael emphasizes action-packed visual gags while Caroline emphasizes quick situational dialogue. When we work together, these styles combine to create an energetic sense of humor filled with snappy actions and witty dialogue.
On The Big Screen
Since 2021, we have had films screened and awarded at many film festivals across the country, from the small Jersey suburbs all the way to Los Angeles!
Keep it Going!
Expand, expand, expand!
Going forward, we’re hoping to run productions with more people, more time, and more resources but maintain the same energy and effort we always have.
We cannot wait to see what comes next, and we are dedicated to perfecting our craft alongside other creatives!
Join us for the ride!