“I told myself when I was 18 years old that if I didn’t make my first feature film by 27, I was going to kill myself,” said Bradenton writer/director Thomas Nudi, whose first feature-length film, the semi-autobiographical comedy Monty Comes Back, premieres at the 2016 Sarasota Film Festival. “That sounds dark, but it’s a promise that I wouldn’t let myself down.”

Growing up in Bradenton and attending Florida State University, Nudi’s local ties are strong, but even he admits that he tried to escape, heading to LA to study film at Chapman University and find his star. Growing up in a small town, getting out of Florida was a victory all its own. “I had done something that not a lot of people I knew did,” he said, although he found himself writing more and more about what he knew back home. “I had matured a bit and that’s where the impetus came from.”

The resulting script that would eventually become Monty Comes Back follows an egotistical actor named Monty forced to return to his Florida home after being fired from an acting gig. Hiding his misfortune, Monty opts to lash out at others, with comedic results, instead of facing his own hard questions. Nudi cops to the story being semi-autobiographical. “I write so I can figure something out about myself and come to some conclusion,” he said. “The ultimate hope is that you teach somebody else, but I don’t expect that.”

An almost entirely local production, Nudi estimates 70% was shot on Anna Maria, 25% in Sarasota and the remainder in Bradenton. Though written in LA, Florida seemed like the perfect fit for this slightly off-kilter comedic production. “There’s a certain satirical nature to Florida,” said Nudi. “The island is so much about keeping this natural Florida vibe, but then you have hackneyed novelty seashell art and pink houses and nothing is not interesting.”

But more than the environment, Nudi credits a hard-working and vibrant group of local filmmakers for making the film possible. “It’s nearly 100 people who came together to make this movie,” he said. “All of these people supported me and from the very beginning I’ve had this concept that it’s not my script, it’s our script.” Local producers Vincent Dale (No Real Than You Are) and Trishul Thejasvi (The Sunny Side) of Orensis Films played an integral role, according to Nudi, with Thejasvi doubling as director of photography as well. Another local cinematographer, Juan Sebastian Baron, joined the crew as gaffer and associate producer, creating a who’s who team of Bradenton talent. “Everyone worked towards the film and believed in it,” said Nudi. “It was amazing to see that level of commitment from other artists.”

Starring Brandon Tyler Jones, Deborah Childs, Brad Clark and Jessica Cohen, Monty Comes Back premieres at the Sarasota Film Festival Sat. Apr. 2 at 10am in Theatre 7, with a second showing the following day at 10:45am in the same theater. 

Pictured (Left to Right): Brad Clark, Brandon Tyler Jones, Larry Wedrow and Craig Clarke in a scene from Monty Comes Back.

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota has been named among the ”150 Great Places to Work" by Becker's Hospital Review for 2016. This is the fifth year in a row the hospital has been recognized. The organizations featured on the list were selected by the Becker's Hospital Review editorial team, who conducted research, considered nominations and evaluated organizations based on benefits, workplace culture, professional development opportunities and previous recognition for workplace excellence. 

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota

Ringling College of Art and Design announced two new appointments to its Advancement team: Stacey Corley as vice president for Advancement and Lisa Intagliata as assistant vice president of Constituent Engagement. Corley was selected following a national search. She has served as interim vice president for Advancement since August 2015. Intagliata will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive program of activities to inform, involve, and motivate the College’s alumni.  

Ringling College of Art and Design

Harry E. Robbins Associates announced the company has leased an office located on South West Village Parkway in Venice.  Dan McLeroy represented the tenant.  McLeroy has been a licensed Realtor since 1988 and has been with Harry E. Robbins Associate since 2006. This 660-square-foot office is located at the West Village Office Park within the new West Villages master-planned community between Venice and North Port.  Harry E. Robbins Associates has been in business since 1971. 

Harry E. Robbins Associates