Really, Gabriel?! is "Guess Who" meets Netflix's "You", sprinkled with "In&Out."
LOGLINE
After a surprise visit from his pretentious boyfriend, a talented young singer must navigate their first meet and greet with his no-nonsense mother.
SYNOPSIS
At the onset, we have a homecoming of sorts as the wildly talented Gabriel Williams, a mousy, young college student, visits his mother. He is on a routine break from school. Hattie “Momma” Williams, a jovial, plus size progressive southern belle, greets her son with an overwhelmingly loving embrace. Soon, Gabriel is serenading her and rehearsing for their upcoming Mother-Son Day Bazaar. However, they are abruptly interrupted by Chad, a snarky, middle-aged, shade-throwing narcissist, who turns out to be Gabriel's new boyfriend. Chad makes a horrendous first impression. He even tries to bar him from performing at the Bazaar as Momma Hattie spends much of her time feverishly trying to convince Gabriel that he deserves so much better. What (or whom) will Gabriel choose?
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS File Format: MOV Codec: Apple ProRes 422 HQ Audio Format: Linear PCM Finishing System: DaVinci Resolve Sample Rate: 48kHz Audio: Stereo Format: Digital Frame Rate: 24fps Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Runtime: 8 minutes and 21 seconds Color: Color Genre: LGBTQ, Comedy, Drama, Short Language: English Year of Production: 2024 |
Behind the Scenes
Key Cast
Nikkie Bendross |
Nikkie Bendross is an accomplished actor, CPD certified life coach, plus size model and inspirational speaker. Born in South Florida, Nikkie began her career in public speaking and entertainment in 2016, working with brands such as LifeLock, Sharecare, Benefit Cosmetics, KetoCycle and more. And in 2021 she starred in the Gold Telly Award winning short film: Love Conquers… In 2021, Mrs Bendross and her husband Eric began partnering with Meta as independent contractors to create content for their Facebook and IG platforms. Nikkie has also appeared in many television series including OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network's Checked Inn; ABC's Match Game; FOX's You Bet Your Life; TV Tokyo's Diet Japan; CBS's The Doctors; TVOne's ATL Homicide; The Mel Robbins Show and more! |
Allen Gorney |
Allen Gorney is an actor, writer, and college professor. He holds a BA and MA in English (Film Analysis/Dramatic Literature Concentrations) from the University of Central Florida. As an award winning instructor, he has also earned the prestigious National Board Certification. A working actor who has worked in theater, television, commercials, and film, he received dramatic training from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and studied at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. He has also written, produced, and acted in several plays, short films, and music videos and has served as a dialogue coach on both short and feature films. He currently teaches at a media arts university in Florida. |
Xavier D. Elliton |
Xavier D. Elliton aka Darius Dexx, 23 years old, is a talented singer-songwriter and music producer with a budding acting career. He starred in the Gold Telly Award winning short film: Love Conquers…(2021) as he also delivers a compelling performance portraying multiple characters opposite himself in KillerKravings (2021). Elliton currently resides in Orlando, but hails from Miami-Dade County where he trained under legendary soul singer Betty Wright and acting coach/ award-winning director: Eric Bendross. This young man is a rising star with limitless potential as he is destined to soar! |
Production Department Heads
Eric Bendross
Director/ Writer/ Producer/ Editor
Eric Bendross, an award-winning American film director based in Central Florida, brings a wealth of creative talents to his work, spanning writing, directing, cinematography, producing, video editing, and viral content creation. Originally from Miami, Florida, Eric is renowned for emotionally compelling projects like the Gold Telly award-winning short film 'Love Conquers…' and the thought-provoking docushort 'My Skin Is Not a Sin,' both of which have garnered global acclaim. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Cinematography and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film Production from Full Sail University, Eric is committed to furthering his passion for visual storytelling. And with a dedication to crafting impactful stories, Eric Bendross stands out as a forward-thinking visionary in the world of cinema.
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Catherine Tavares
First Assistant Director
Catherine is a dedicated woman who's been involved in the entertainment industry for years. She has a bachelor's degree in business management and holds a master's degree in entertainment business. Her drive started as a dancer with 15 years of experience in this field. Since then, she has been ventured out in the production world and has been part of 3300+ Climbing as a live events coordinator, where she manages all the live events and assists with music videos. She has always been open to broaden her horizons and learn as much as she can from the entertainment industry. She worked in different roles such as executive producer, creative producer, 1st Assistant Director, 2nd Assistant Director, media manager, as well as freelance production assistant for WWE NXT Live and Orlando Music Festival
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Concepcion Santiago, Jr
Director of Photography/ Set Decorator
Concepcion is originally from Chicago, Illinois. He has a bachelor’s degree in film and is currently finishing his master’s degree in film production at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. He has produced, written, and directed three of his own indie short films and participated in over ten other short films. He aspires to become a producer, director and writer of feature films.
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Allison Newton
Unit Production Manager
Allison Newton is a Freelance Filmmaker, a Social Media Content Creator, and a Full Sail University alumna, with her Bachelors of Science in Film Production. She has a year of professional experience outside of her education at FSU, as well as a decade on YouTube, and social media platforms since 2014. Allison is working towards becoming an actress, a producer, as well as an AD. Her love for film started in middle school, and from then on, she has strived to pursue her passion within the film industry.
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Robert Striffler
Script Supervisor/ Gaffer/ Camera Utility
Robert Striffler is a multifaceted individual known for his diverse roles as a loving husband, dedicated father, inspiring coach, passionate teacher, creative YouTuber, and aspiring filmmaker. Balancing a myriad of responsibilities, he thrives in connecting with people in every aspect of his life.
As a coach and a teacher, he is dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning, while his YouTube channel showcases his unique storytelling skills. Striffler's enduring aspiration to become a filmmaker shines through his work, underlining his commitment to sharing captivating narratives and creating a meaningful impact. |
Roskivenson Pierre
Sound Mixer/ Boom Operator
Roskivenson Pierre was born and raised in Haiti. But migrated to the United States well before he turned 18 years old. He soon enlisted in the U.S. army, proudly served his new country and also went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Indiana University Pennsylvania. But Pierre quickly discovered that he had a passion for digital storytelling. Thus, in 2023 Roskivenson applied and was accepted into Full Sail University's Film Production master's level degree program. And within the span of a year he had achieved over 30 film credits. He now holds his Master of Fine Arts Degree accordingly.
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Director's Statement
When the concept for 'Really, Gabriel?!' first came to mind, I envisioned it as an epic drama, drawn to the allure of serious, thought-provoking narratives. But divine intervention led me down a different path, and the result is a film more akin to 'Guess Who' meets Netflix's 'You', sprinkled with "In&Out". This project challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace comedy — a genre I had always felt insecure about.
I'm proud to say that my production crew and I crafted a film which goes beyond laughs, addressing poignant themes such as self-worth and confidence building. These are the life-sustaining gifts that Really, Gabriel?! offers its audience.
Sincerely,
Eric Bendross
Director/Writer/Producer/Editor
I'm proud to say that my production crew and I crafted a film which goes beyond laughs, addressing poignant themes such as self-worth and confidence building. These are the life-sustaining gifts that Really, Gabriel?! offers its audience.
Sincerely,
Eric Bendross
Director/Writer/Producer/Editor
Production Notes:
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Official Trailer
Press Release
Crowdfunding Media Assets
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