Pictured: Thomas Nudi talks to actor Paul Saulo on set. Photo by: John O'Keefe.

Bradenton-based writer/director Thomas Nudi has wrapped production on his latest project, a feature-length film entitled Monty Comes Back. Shot almost entirely in Anna Maria Island with a crew of creative locals including Trishul Thejasvi - a mainstay of the Florida scene and the man behind Orensis Films - as producer and cinematographer and Vincent Dale, the writer/director known for No Real Than You Are and Paris Love Conspiracy also as producer, Monty Comes Back could be seen as the latest statement from area filmmakers that the Suncoast is indeed on the rise.

The film follows the hard-to-like Monty, an aspiring artist returning home to a small town with a big ego in tow. Lost in his own delusions of grandeur, Monty sabotages friendships and opportunities wherever he goes, unable to come to terms with the relatively modest nature of his past victories and move forward with his life. “He doesn’t realize that it’s not a competition,” said Nudi,” and his relationships are more important.”

“I make films to figure out something about myself and learn more about myself,” continued Nudi, who, though quick to say that he’s not Monty, admits the film has an autobiographical bent. Nudi himself spent some time as a filmmaker in California before returning to Bradenton. “But those feelings not only are mine and were mine, but are universal in an age where everyone thinks they’re famous and everyone lets celebrity go to their head and forgets the important things.”

Shot in 16 days with a $10,000 budget, Nudi brought in Brandon Tyler Jones from New York City to play Monty, making contact through a simple casting call. Asked whether he found out-of-state actors skeptical about coming to Sarasota for a project, Nudi put worries to rest.“Not from my perspective,” he said. “Most actors are more than wiling to travel for their work.”

Now in post-production, Nudi and crew have already entered discussion with local venues for screening once completed, as well as making plans to enter the festival circuit and send the film along to various contacts to vie for distribution. “If not, we’ll self-distribute,” said Nudi. “We’re not too proud to do that, because at the end of the day it’s about putting the film out there and letting people see what we worked hard for.”

Pictured: Thomas Nudi talks to actor Paul Saulo on set. Photo by: John O'Keefe.