We were lucky to catch up with Brandon Tanczak recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brandon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks we have ever taken would have to be taking on filming our first feature-length Aphasia during COVID-19.

At the time we had just released our latest short film Divine Inspiration and were set to start pre-production on the next project which was going to be a short version of Aphasia, but then came the pandemic. My partner/wife, Jill, and I talked it over and felt that with the current state of the world, we really didn’t have anything to lose and were in a literal do-or-die moment so why not take that shot and expand that world into a feature film.

After writing the script, we reached out to some of our film family to see if they were up for being on the project and they were in the same boat as we were. So following all COVID precautions, we shot a mock trailer and took the film to IndieGOGO to help raise the funds. We know that it was a very difficult time to ask for funding at a time when people were out of work but again, do-or-die! To our surprise, people supported the project and wanted to see us move forward so much that we hit our goal and were able to fully cast and crew up and be on set within the following months.

We were on set shooting Aphasia for a total of two years. Working within COVID rules, balancing schedules and locations made it very difficult to have a steady production schedule but thanks to our amazing rotating crew and cast we were able to successfully complete shooting Aphasia. With shooting taking two years, I was cutting the film at the same time so post-production was only about year.

Our first day of shooting was April 12, 2021, almost a year into the pandemic and we had our world premiere on February 17th 2024. So in total, it took us three years to complete our first feature film in a time of crisis and confusion.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

JERKS Productions is a Philadelphia-based art collective and horror film production team. Over the last 10+ years, we have hosted various art shows in and around the Philadelphia area giving artists safe places to show and sell their work as well as network with fellow working artists.
When we aren’t curating shows we are on set shooting either short films, music videos for local bands, or various events.

JERKS started as a group of friends in 2008 filming stunts, pranks, and skateboard videos similar to what you would see in the cky videos or Jackass. After watching the films Haggard (directed by Bam Margera) and Evil Dead 2 ( directed by Sam Raimi) I was inspired to take filming to the next level and start making scripted skits and short films and have grown with it since then.

The art shows, most notably our longest-running show Fused Underground at Tattooed Mom in South Philadelphia, came about from my wife and partner Jill. Her mindset was to make art shows more affordable, more accessible, and more catered to the artists themselves. And for the last 10+ years, Fused Underground has been going strong.

A lot of what we offer as a company is all the filming needs anyone would need. Such as music videos for bands, promos/commercials for small businesses, and event coverage. What sets us apart from other companies is that we are very hands on and collaborative. We will make sure that the video you need is what you want it to be.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

-Share and credit the work/artist correctly. Just about each social media outlet lets you share and save things others post, so when you do be sure to let the world know who made it!

-Avoid AI and reach out to an artist. Not only would the product be better, but you are helping a business grow and move forward. If you can do it for all these chain stores, you can do it for a small shop.

-Pay the artist. Take the time to understand that at the end of the day creating is still work not just a hobby.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect to me is being able to bask in the final product. Whether it be one of our films playing or the doors opening at Fused Underground, the feeling of being able to take a step back and just take in all the work it took to be there and to see the looks on everyone’s faces who helped make those things possible.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/jerksproductions
• Facebook: facebook.com/JerksProductions
• Twitter: twitter.com/jerksproduction
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jerksproductions