Steven Cerritos' Online Portfolio
Bio: I am an independent filmmaker living in Toronto, Ontario. Although I consider Toronto my hometown, I was born in Los Angeles, California. Just like many of today’s independent filmmakers, I write, direct and edit most of my projects. Over the last couple of years, I have created three short films, “Cerritosis” , “In Darkness” & “Roachfar”, while also developing and promoting my newest project, “The Mr. Serial Killer” series. My films have been in many festivals around the world and have received many positive reviews. “In Darkness”, my second film, secured a distribution deal with OUAT media, while the “The Happy Face Killer”, part of the “Mr. Serial Killer” series, won me a place on AF Magazine’s Top Ten List. In 2011, I was one of ReelWorld’s Emerging 20. My style can be summarized as dark and absurd. Garth Ennis’ writing, Mark Ryden’s artwork, Joel-Peter Witkin’s photography, and Clive Barker, Beatrix Potter and Kentaro Muira’s dark and imaginative worlds have been big influences in my life.
MANBEARPIG (2012) SixXxer’s music video for MANBEARPIG. The song was written by Robbie and Dave of SixXxer. The song was recorded at Pocket Studios in Toronto and was produced by Mike Turner (Our Lady Peace, Crash Karma). The video was shot at the old grimy Kodak building on the west side of Toronto with two Canon 60D’s and various prime lenses. The DOP & Editor of this music video was Michael Masuda. I directed and produced it.
Roachfar Trailer (2011) Trailer / Opening to Roachfar. Roachfar is a re-imagination of my first short film, Cerriosis. I directed, illustrated, animated, composited and edited this piece (trailer). We shot the film on Sony’s EX1 cam in and around Hamilton, ON. The twenty-three minute film is currently being submitted into film festivals.
Synopsis: Roachfar is an odd old man who spends his days picnicking in a cemetery with his many imaginary friends. He suffers from ‘Cerritosis’, a crippling disease that causes dementia and paranoia. As his condition worsens, a bizarre encounter with a strange corporate executive turns his reality into a nightmarish world overflowing with terrifying, monstrous creatures and visions riddled with dark, hidden secrets from his past.
For further info, visit Facebook.com/roachfar
The Happy Face Killer (2009) Synopsis: The serial killer known as “The Happy Face Killer” joins a group of misfits participating in an orgy. Things go awry once The Happy Face Killer’s psychopathy takes control. Unable to contain himself, The Happy Face Killer turns the orgy into a bloody massacre that spirals into a moment of horrifying inner reflection.
The first instalment of the Mr.Serial Killer series. When it was released, it made AF Magazine’s Top Ten List. More episodes to follow, with an eventual feature.
For further info, please visit Facebook.com/mskseries
In Darkness (2008) A visual poem I wrote, directed, edited and composited years ago. The piece is an allegory of unrequited love and suffering. It was shot on Sony’s Z1U against a green screen. The film was screened at various festivals around the world and it also got picked up for distribution by OUAT MEDIA.
Cerritosis (2007) The opening and trailer to my first short film. Shot with beta cam and a High-8 camcorder. The film accompanies the lead character’s demise into dementia. Illustrations by Dimitar Bochukov. This film screened at various festivals around the world. It premiered at Bloomington’s Dark Carnival Film Festival.
