LOGLINE

A lonely man resorts to cloning himself to improve his financial situation, only to have his clone go rogue, leading them both on a comical and heartwarming voyage of self-discovery.

SUMMARY

Length: 15 pages

Genre: Comedy, Mockumentary

Shoot: February 16-19

 
 
 
 
  • At its core, this story explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, religion, and found family. Through a satirical lens, the film delves into the question of what makes us who we are and how our experiences shape our sense of self. Themes of acceptance and the value of human connections also come to the fore, as the characters embark on a bizarre journey of understanding the essence of their existence. Ultimately, the film serves as a reminder that true fulfillment doesn't come from external pursuits but from embracing our own unique identities and the bonds we share with others.

  • The tone of this film will aim to strike a balance between humor and heart. Throughout the narrative, the film maintains a comedic and absurd atmosphere that aims to keep the audience entertained, while simultaneously exploring deeper themes, infusing the narrative with emotion. The juxtaposition of satire and introspection creates a unique and engaging tone that invites viewers to laugh along with the characters while reflecting their own journeys.

  • As a lover of both narrative and documentary filmmaking, the idea to combine both of my passions into a mockumentary has been brewing in my mind for years. Back in 2020, when I was in my final year of film school, I was inspired by a friend/colleague to write what would become the first draft of CLONELY.

    Now, three years later, I feel that it's the right time to bring this story to the screen. The innate human desires of self-discovery and authentic connection have only been amplified since the pandemic and they remain at the forefront due to social media.

    Through absurdity and satire, I want to explore these desires and the strange journey that comes with seeking one's place in the world. Stories like these can resonate with our shared human experiences of loneliness, longing, and the quest for real relationships. As a filmmaker, I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire empathy and understanding, and this film presents an opportunity to do so with humor and heart.

 

McKinley Benson - Director

McKinley Benson is a Los Angeles born, Atlanta based filmmaker and alumnus of the Savannah College of Art and Design, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Film & Television. He is a director, producer, and writer responsible for dozens of narrative shorts, TV pilots, and documentaries, playing at festivals around the world and garnering three Student Emmy awards. In 2017, McKinley co-founded an independent production studio, Room 330, specializing in high-quality, genre-focused narrative work. Throughout his professional history, he has had the pleasure of working with companies such as Netflix, Amazon Studios, Disney, 20th Century, and XYZ Films. Currently, McKinley is directing his first animated film in partnership with the Oscar-nominated production cooperative, COLA Animation.

https://imdb.me/mckinley

 

Rhodes Farrell - Producer

Rhodes’ experience spans more than 15 years within the realm of filmmaking. His portfolio encompasses a wide array of projects, ranging from promotional videos for businesses of varying scales to educational institutions and non-profit organizations. Notably, several of his cinematic works have been nominated and awarded at local film festivals. In his capacity as the Founder of Film Bar Monday in Greenville, he has successfully instituted a vibrant networking community, contributing significantly to the enrichment of the filmmaking landscape in the Upstate of South Carolina, fostering growth, education, and encouragement within the industry. You can also find him on his YouTube channel or Podcast titled 'Indie Film Hub'.