2006: Best Student Comedy
Drew Lindo
"Losing Toby"

WRITER, DIRECTOR: Drew Lindo
PRODUCER: Cristina Allica
EDITOR: Julien Diaz
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Christy Rubenstein
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Scott Uhlfelder
ANIMATOR: Matt Watson
COMPOSERS: Phillip Chernyak & Phil Swasey
PRIMARY CAST:
- Jay Barwick (Steven)
- Jeff Lindberg (Alan)
- Sarah French (Linda)
- Joe Dietrich (voice of Toby)
TOTAL RUN TIME: 10:00
DATE OF COMPLETION: 07/2005
"The theme of intimacy is one I keep revisiting with almost every film I make, as I feel that everyone in some way or another is looking for it. In our lonely hero Steven's case, intimacy is as vital as oxygen. Thus, it makes sense that the creature least likely to seduce, manipulate, and destroy him would be a pink panda with a soft cuddly voice. But then again, looks can be very deceiving."

"The most important aspect in the making of this film was always in keeping the comedy grounded in the characters, so that the events that occur in the world created feel necessary and believable. There is a tendency to laugh off a comedy film as something trivial, as if only "real" films deal with real issues. Despite the fact that this film deals with a fragile man falling in love with a pink, animated panda on his computer, the story never pokes fun at itself, and the characters never wink at the fourth wall. My goal was to make a "real" film about relationships, dealing with fear, faith, intimacy, betrayal, rage, and forgiveness. It just happened to star an animated bear."

"This is indeed the first film I have ever made that I have nothing to apologize for, as everything from performances, cinematography, animation, and tone materialized just how I had intended. For once, I have no excuses if the film doesn't work, because everything on screen is my own artistic sensibilities manifested, with the help of an incredible cast & crew."

"As for the rumor that this film is based on personal experience, well..."

“No comment.”

- Writer/Director Drew Lindo