Melancholy Baby is a drama

Drama

Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...

/thriller short film, written and directed by Sean Hood

Sean Hood

Sean Hood is an American screenwriter best known for horror films, and more recently, action/thrillers.-Early life:Hood graduated from Brown University, with a double major in pure mathematics and studio art, and then spent several years working in Hollywood as a set dresser, prop assistant and...

, and starring Patrick Labyorteaux

Patrick Labyorteaux

Patrick Labyorteaux is an American actor. He is best known for his roles of Andrew Garvey on the NBC series Little House on the Prairie as well as Bud Roberts on the hit CBS series JAG.-Life and career:...

, who plays a man suffering from both agoraphobia

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder defined as a morbid fear of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms in a situation from which it is perceived to be difficult to escape. These situations can include, but are not limited to, wide-open spaces, crowds, or uncontrolled social conditions...

 and obsessive compulsive disorder. The film is notable for its creative use of sound design.

Although its official premiere was at the Garden State Film Festival

Garden State Film Festival

The Garden State Film Festival is a film festival in the United States held in Asbury Park, New Jersey which showcases over 100 films annually over three days in March or April....

 in 2009, the film screened at the Directors Guild of America as part of gala fund raiser for Filmmakers Alliance

Filmmakers Alliance

Filmmakers Alliance is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles. It was founded by Jacques Thelemaque and Diane Gaidry. Its over 300 members provide a support system through which members share time, energy, expertise, equipment and creative support for one another's film projects from concept...

.

Plot

Zachariah Block is a shut-in who spends much of his day compulsively sorting and resorting ordinary objects into jars. His routine changes when a woman moves into the apartment next door. By listening to her movements through the walls and watching her through a vent, he becomes drawn into her life. When he senses that she is in danger, this very eccentric and alienated character overcomes his debilitating fears, summons up a small act of genuine courage, and saves his neighbors life.

Production

The screenplay for Melancholy Baby was developed in a workshop sponsored by Filmmakers Alliance

Filmmakers Alliance

Filmmakers Alliance is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles. It was founded by Jacques Thelemaque and Diane Gaidry. Its over 300 members provide a support system through which members share time, energy, expertise, equipment and creative support for one another's film projects from concept...

. The script went on to win The Los Angeles Short Filmmaking Grant. Using a crew made up primarily of Filmmakers Alliance members, the film was shot over the course of a single weekend. It was shot on the Red One, a camera made by the Red Digital Cinema Camera Company.

Awards

• Los Angeles Short Filmmaking Grant 2007

• Accolade Competition
  Accolade Competition
  The Accolade Competition is an international, non-traditional, virtual awards venue. Awards go to those filmmakers who produce fresh, standout entertainment, animation and compelling documentaries....
  
  
  • Award of Excellence, Short Film 2009

• USA Film Festival/Short Film & Video Competition
  • Finalist