"Under the Table and Dreaming": A Bold Comedy Short by Rob Styles Films

Los Angeles, CA -- Rob Styles Films presents "Under the Table and Dreaming," a comedic short film that takes audiences on a wild ride through absurd confessions and near-death experiences. Inspired by a real-life brush with mortality, director Rob Styles crafts a narrative that challenges viewers to embrace life's complexities while delivering laughter and introspection.

Photo byRob Styles Films

The film follows a couple who, faced with a near-death experience, engage in hilariously absurd confessions that touch upon the nuances of human existence. With themes of grace, honesty, and the absurdity of life's gray areas, "Under the Table and Dreaming" invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys and relationships.

"I hope that audiences can take away a few things from this film, but most importantly, life is one big gray area," says Styles. "So give everyone grace, including yourselves. I also want audiences to take away that, YOU AIN’T GOT TO LIE, CRAIG!"

To bring this unique vision to life, Styles challenged himself with a single-location, single-take format, presenting a plethora of obstacles during the writing and directing process. From crafting confessions that provoke laughter and introspection to navigating practical effects in a seamless single take, Styles and his team pushed the boundaries of independent filmmaking.

"When casting this project, I was looking for talent with a comedy background and the range to go from relaxed to a 4-alarm fire," explains Styles. "Every skilled actor is a creator, and my actors were very skilled creators."

Despite tackling complex societal issues, "Under the Table and Dreaming" maintains its authenticity through absurdity, inviting viewers to engage with the themes from a jovial perspective. Drawing inspiration from directors such as Robert Bresson, Pedro Costa, and Michael Haneke, Styles weaves a narrative that pays homage to classic cinema while infusing the energy of '90s sitcoms like "Martin" and "Living Single."

Music also plays a significant role in setting the tone of the film, with a standout soundtrack featuring the R&B bop "In & Out" by local artist Rom Lawrell. The song enhances the viewing experience, relaxing audiences before lifting them up with its infectious rhythm.

While independent filmmaking often comes with budget constraints, Styles adheres to a strategy of "write cheap, shoot cheap," allowing creativity to flourish within limited resources. Collaboration with a small crew of friends and classmates from film school ensures a smooth production process, with each member contributing unique insights and solutions.

As audiences immerse themselves in the world of "Under the Table and Dreaming," Styles hopes they will remember the boldness of the film and the feelings it evoked. Looking ahead, Rob Styles Films plans to continue pushing boundaries with thrilling new projects, including music videos and a debut feature film in the coming years.

"Under the Table and Dreaming" promises to leave a lasting impression, reminding viewers to embrace life's absurdities and take chances in their creative endeavors. Stay tuned for more from Rob Styles Films, as they continue to inspire and entertain audiences with their unique vision and storytelling prowess.