OBEX, from Baltimore-based filmmaker Albert Birney is a lo-fi fantasy about Conor Marsh, a man who lives a secluded life with his dog, Sandy. One day he begins playing OBEX, a new computer game. But, when Sandy goes missing, the line between reality and game blurs, and Conor must now venture into the strange world of OBEX to bring her home.
In addition to writing and directing the project, Birney also handled editing duties. OBEX was shot by DP Pete Ohs, who first met the filmmaker at the Cucalorus Film Festival back in 2017.
“Shortly after meeting, we got tacos and started brainstorming an idea for a zombie movie,” Ohs recalls. “That movie never got made, but it was clear we had complimentary ideas and a similar spirit centered around the joy of making things with friends. Five years later, I was in Baltimore for the Maryland Film Festival and Albert shared an idea for a new movie. We immediately started brainstorming what would become OBEX.”
Ohs and Birney outlined the film and wrote part of a script based on his initial idea.
"When it came to shooting, Albert was taking care of basically everything in front of the camera: acting, dog wrangling, production design,” Ohs shares. “Then, I was taking care of everything behind the camera: cinematography, sound. During post we took turns in the edit."
Ohs shot the project using a Canon 5D Mark III, which he's owned since 2012.
"There are technically better cameras in the world, but I’m convinced the camera doesn’t actually matter, as long as there’s a vibe and aesthetic that compliments the story," he explains. "This camera/tripod/slider setup has been my rig for multiple features now and I’m very comfortable with it. I also had three Aputure LED lights. And then we edited in Premiere."
Ohs sees Birney's dog Dorothy as the real star of the film, taking on the role of Sandy and completely stealing the show.
"A real joy of the shoot was designing shots, scenes, blocking around Dorothy," Ohs relates. "We were filming in her actual house and she has her preferred places to sit and sleep and bark, so we planned accordingly and she always delivered."