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WHIPLASH (2013) Short Film: Damien Chazelle’s Proof-of-Concept Film

JK Simmons Whiplash Short Film

Whiplash Short Film. Damien Chazelle‘s Whiplash (2013) short film stars Johnny Simmons, J.K. Simmons, C.J. Vana, Paul Dietz, and Ellee Jane Hounsell. Whiplash‘s plot synopsis: “A ferocious, bullying music teacher teaches a dedicated student.”

On how the short film became the feature film Whiplash:

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Originally conceived in the form of an 85-page screenplay, Whiplash came to prominence after being featured in the 2012 Black List that includes the top motion picture screenplays not yet produced. Right of Way Films and Blumhouse Productions produced, and in order to secure financing for the feature, helped Chazelle turn 15 pages of his original screenplay into a short film starring Johnny Simmons in the role of the drummer and J. K. Simmons in the role of the teacher. The 18-minute short film went on to receive much acclaim after screening at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, which ultimately attracted investors to sign on and produce the complete version of the script. The feature-length film was financed for $3.3 million by Bold Films.

In August 2013, Miles Teller signed on to star in the role originated by Johnny Simmons; J. K. Simmons remained attached to his original role. Principal photography began the following month with filming taking place throughout Los Angeles, including the Hotel Barclay, Palace Theater, and the Orpheum Theatre.

Watch the Whiplash short film and leave your thoughts on it below in the comments section. For more Whiplash news, images, or video, visit our Whiplash Page, subscribe to us by Email, “follow” us on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, or “like” us on Facebook for quick updates. Whiplash is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Source: Imdb, Wikipedia, Thefilmstage

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Rollo Tomasi

Rollo Tomasi is a Connecticut-based film critic, TV show critic, news, and editorial writer. He will have a MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University in 2025. Rollo has written over 700 film, TV show, short film, Blu-ray, and 4K-Ultra reviews. His reviews are published in IMDb's External Reviews and in Google News. Previously you could find his work at Empire Movies, Blogcritics, and AltFilmGuide. Now you can find his work at FilmBook.
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