The Problem with Going to Sleep

By: Dylan Bowman

November 1, 2025

Promotional image from the newly-released "Plaster Heart" short film. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.

Stupid, Selfish Brain

People say sleep is important. I tend to agree with them, but my brain would instead like to assume that when I lay my tired head down for a night full of restless shuteye, it is time, in fact, to begin racing at breakneck speed through every conceivable idea for new projects, written works, short films, books, the list goes on.

And the WORST part....most of the time they are some of the best ideas I have.

So instead of counting sheep, I'm stuck counting the number of chapters between the hero's decline and the reveal of the villain's main plot ("oh, and we better figure out what each of those chapters is too, because it has to make sense and be timed perfectly with the journey of the other characters").

And that's just what happened at my apartment in Palmyra this past February.

Behind the scenes capture from the production of "Plaster Heart." Photograph by Dominic Mangle.

A New Short Film

In one insanely inspired night like this, the ENTIRE PLOT for a new short film exploded into my psyche, causing me to write it all down in the notes section of my phone. Granted, it felt good to get it on "paper," but now I was officially hooked, and my stupid brain had conned me into a terrific idea that required time once again.

After reaching out to Dominic and introducing the script, not only had my brain claimed another victim, but we had a slight issue...who could play the other character?

It had to be someone who resonated with the plot.

Who could play sad well.

Who could play angry better.

Who was available.

Then Dominic came forward with a new name, and after an hour conversation with the two of them on a phone call, my brain claimed a third. "Plaster Heart" (as it came to be named) was greenlit.

Behind the scenes captures from the production of "Plaster Heart." Photographs by Dylan Bowman and Dominic Mangle.

A New Short Film

Having finally accumulated the time and footage needed to make this short a reality, Dominic and the extremely talented Jozeph Quainter (our new actor), stood ready for it's release. I remember quite clearly sitting down one morning two days after the last day of production, blinking, and 90% of the film was edited in 6 hours. True story.

But one thing remained that needed a fresh perspective...that would not only give the entire film it's character, but also potentially move mountains with how it was done. The film needed a score. And I knew just who to call.

Composer Rita Veneziale is one of the most gifted and patient individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with in my entire time as a filmmaker and videographer. Her ear for beauty and composition is truly of no equal on our level and I still honestly can't believe The Fellowship was lucky enough to find her and have her as a lasting partner and friend.

Through her time and expertise, Rita was able to birth an amazing original score for "Plaster Heart" that is leagues and bounds above anything that I could have found or purchased on the Internet. Additionally, it now has it's own unique sound, and we have Rita to thank for it.

To all those involved in the creation of this short film, thank you. Without you it wouldn't have been possible. And thank you for humoring my stupid, silly brain.

"Plaster Heart" is available to watch on YouTube NOW in stunning 4K quality! Go check it out, drop a like, and subscribe to our channel so you never miss another film. I'm sure my brain will make up more.