THE DESERTER
A NEO-WESTERN SHORT FILM BY
BRIAN O'NEILL & KODY LEE
The Deserter takes place in America's distant future, following massive structural and societal collapse due to civil war. It follows a soldier named Jack as he flees from his first battle and is found unconscious in the woods by a girl named Ethel. She takes Jack to a rural New England town called Valhalla, hoping he'll help her and a small group of rebels overthrow the charismatic and authoritarian mayor of the town. This film takes a look at the failings of our existing institutions and the sacrifices a society makes for security.
SYNOPSIS
The Deserter was developed as a thesis film by Kody Lee and Brian O'Neill for the cinema production program at Lyndon State College (soon to be Northern Vermont University at Lyndon). Beyond its purpose as a senior thesis this film we hope to one day enter this in some local New England film festivals, as well as posting the final film online for viewing. The experience and knowledge gained working on this film has will help both of us be more successful as we enter the film industry.
OUR GOAL
 Amanda Dobler as Lilith, the mysterious leader of Valhalla's militia |  (left to right) Robert Stacy, Tripper Johnson, and Amanda Dobler as Jefferson, Ambrose, and Lilith |  Josh Bautista as Jack, the lost soldier who is caught up in the struggle for Valhalla |  Robert Stacy (left) and Tripper Johnson (right) as Jefferson and Ambrose, members of the Valhalla militia |  Josh Bautista as Jack |  Josh Bautista (right) and Paul Searls (left) as Jack and Samuel |  Derek Campbell as Chester Hyde, the ruthless Mayor of Valhalla |  Derek Campbell as Chester Hyde |  Dylan Durham as Mercer, the leader of a nearby group of bandits |
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 Ashli Roberts as Ethel, an idealistic young woman, Samuel's niece, and a member of the Valhalla Militia |  Chris Braun as Anton, the Sheriff of Valhalla |  Still of Josh Bautista as Jack |  Still of Derek Campbell as Chester Hyde |  Paul Searls (left) and Derek Campbell (right) as Samuel and Hyde |  Chris Braun as Anton |
IMAGE GALLERY
