Betsy Steinberg, Managing Director of the Illinois Film Office (center) and Shortcuts winners Laura Szymber & Brad DeMarea

The Illinois Film Office is proud to present the winner of the 2009 Shortcuts short film contest.  Congratulations to Producer Laura Szymber & Writer/Director Brad DeMarea for their short "An Evening with Emery Long," which is a comedy about an industrial carpet salesman who prepares for the perfect dinner date but realizes before too long that the evening may not turn out quite as he hoped.  The film was screened on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 as part of the Chicago International Film Festival shorts program.

Laura Szymber has produced award-winning commercials and corporate videos, but her passion is making independent films.  In 2008, she produced "An Evening with Emery Long" in addition to the horror comedy, "Gargalese," and has other films in development.  Laura owns AXIOM Megamedia LLC, a full service production company located in the heart of Chicago.

Brad DeMarea began directing in 2004 after ten years as an award-winning art director and designer.  He has since directed numerous shorts and television commercials.  Currently, Brad is working on his third screenplay and pursuing feature film opportunities.  "An Evening with Emery Long" marks Brad's debut as both writer and director.

"An Evening with Emery Long" Trailer
Produced by Laura Szymber
Written & Directed by Brad DeMarea