Take 5 with .. "Congratulations"

Brian Dietzen

As we gear up for the 10th anniversary Oxford Film Festival, we wanted to introduce you to the filmmakers and their films you will experience on Feb. 21-24, 2013. Meet Brian Dietzen, writer/producer/actor of "Congratulations."

#1: In 140 characters or less, describe your movie and why someone should see it.
In a time when people across the world are trying to define what marriage is, this film seeks to explore how that undefined word "marriage" can tear two people apart, instead of bring them closer. What happens when the title becomes more important than the one you love? 

#2: Biggest lesson learned in getting the film made? Best part in getting the film made?
 We all learned big lessons in collaboration. Everyone checked egos at the door as four people wrote the script together, and two of us directed together. We had a wonderful group of friends, both old and new, come together to make this movie the best it could be. Collaboration was the key to that.

#3: Tell us about you. What is your movie making background? 
I am a working actor, most recognizable from the TV show, "NCIS". "Congratulatyions is the first collaboration between Aby Miller, Juan Cardarelli, Erick Levy and myself. While we've all worked on many projects before separately, this one was a breakthrough for all of us.

#4: What's your dream distribution plan for the film? 
We have distribution through Cinetic/FilmBuff for digital and television distribution worldwide. We plan on launching distribution in late-spring/summer.

#5: What does the future hold in store for your film and for you?
We hope to go to many more festivals, and make many more fans and friends of the film. Abby is working hard on the current season of Justified. Eric and Juan are diving into another script, while dabbling in television directing. Brian still plays Jimmy Palmer on NCIS, and is writing another feature script.