March,  2008:
Hello everyone, I hope you are all well. I just received some excellent news from the East Lansing Film Festival. Pea vs. Carrot was the first prize winner for the student short film catagory and Square  Pegs received the Message Makers most promising student filmmaker award, which is a prize of $10,000 in film gear donations! Thank you all again for all of your help and support. This Sunday Square Pegs will be screening at the Boston Underground Film Festival.
 

Microsoft Word Format

January, 2007  (Final title:  Square Pegs)
 
It's been an insanely long time since this film began and i thank you all for your patience. Now I apologize for the short notice but the first screening is going to be Monday January 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove.   It's a beautiful old movie theatre that plays art house films and the people there have supported me tremendously.   I also plan on submitting it to festivals and screenings in and around  the chicago area so if you can't make it to this screening i'll be happy to let you all know when the next one will be.
 
After many re-writes and months of pre production, Square Pegs began shooting in December of 2003. With the help of Columbia College Chicago, The  After Hours Film Society and five credit cards, we were able to continue shooting in January, 2004 and finally wrap in April, 2004.  It took until July, 2004 to finally scrape together enough cash to develop and transfer all of the film and it has taken us until now to finish it.  This film experience which you have given me has taught me more than I could have ever imagined and I will be forever grateful for all of your patience and support.  Thank you, thank you,  thank you.
 
Synopsis:  A teenage girl, her childish mother and her younger sister (who really likes bunnies); find themselves in a strange restaurant. In this surreal way station, the manager is on drugs, the customers float and the food is free. Here, not only will their faith be put to the test, but the choices they make will either bring the family together, or pull them apart.

In 2003, Benjamin Hicks, Columbia student and entrepreneurial filmmaker, approached the After Hours Film Society, asking if we would be interested in helping him produce his film, "The Slinger." Being impressed with his professionalism and initiation, we allowed him and his creative team to address our membership to ask for support. His sincere approach was well received and many joined in to help his cause. Backed by the overwhelming generosity of our members, Ben set out to work on his project. He promised to keep in touch and keep us apprised of his progress.  We now present his ongoing progress reports below, the most recent first so that it is easier to keep up with the latest reports.