CREDIT | Omeleto

A movie actor meets a pop star.
CREDIT is used with permission from Susan and Patrick Kirton. Learn more at / credit_short_film .
Richard Washington is a disgraced movie actor getting some tough news from his agent, but at the heart of it is the unmistakable sense that he's washed up and irrelevant. Just as Richard is disappearing from public perception, pop musician Mason Scott is on the rise, and he's looking to take his career to the next level with a foray into film.
Mason is under a lot of pressure, but one sleepless night, he goes down to the bar at a hotel, where he encounters Richard. Recognizing Richard from the movies he watched with his father, Mason approaches Richard. The pair strike up a conversation, which leads to a mentorship -- and an unexpected route to redemption for Richard.
Directed by Susan and Patrick Kirton from a script written by Susan Kirton, the engrossing short drama weaves the stories of two different characters at opposite trajectories of their journeys. At first, these strands are separate and in contrast with one another. But when they converge, it offers both the chance to learn from one another in profound ways -- as well as make peace with who they are and where they are in life.
On the surface level, it's a story about show business, economically establishing compact and contrasting portraits of the main characters. Richard is being fired by his agent; Mason, on the other hand, has reached a wide audience with his music and is about to start acting. Both exist in the hothouse world of modern entertainment, full of glib, often crass side characters, which are indelibly etched here. In this milieu, shot with a slightly shadowy yet glossy look and feel, Richard is a worn-down, embattled veteran, while Mason is a fresh-faced hopeful. Both, though, are positioned as cogs of a greater machine.
When Richard and Mason's stories collide, the interaction changes both of them, as Richard becomes a mentor and teacher to the younger man. Watching them work together in many ways is the heart of the film, revealing Richard to have wisdom and experience to pass onto the younger man, and helping Mason believe in himself and his talent. As Richard, actor Brad Maule conveys the journey of a man down on his luck, having lost almost all of his success and facing an uncertain future. But he finds it within himself to be generous to Mason, played by actor Eric Mason Kirton.
In doing so, he sheds some of his bitterness and resignation and helps Mason jump to the next level. But when Mason's agent cautions him not to associate himself with Richard, Mason must decide whether or not to protect his current success or pay tribute to the person who got him there. Mason's decision is the crux where CREDIT gets its resonance and meaning, looking beyond the acclaim and attention to determine what's really success. It means doing the right thing and holding onto decency and a moral compass, even in the hall of mirrors that is money and fame.

[@paulabrown6840]

Just WOW!!! I loved this so much. The last scene got the tears flowing… Wonderful acting and so thoughtful.

[@deemiller5024]

Sharing. Because this is that good. Actual tears for people I don't know, because of the message, writing ...and actors❣

[@sgold989]

You guys hit it out of the ball park with this one. Sheer brilliancy!!!

[@12thDecember]

By honoring Richard Washington, Mason honored his father as well. This was a truly great film! ♥

[@Bethsabee_Sheba_Newrose]

I learned from @bonniemartin1506 that the character, Richard Washington, was created and written for the famous American actor Richard Folmer, “Shreveport legend of stage and screen. He was able to attend the first script reading just before his tragic passing, meaning he left this earth doing what he loved…” Brad Maul’s portrayal is even more outstanding in light of this, as is the entire film, and in my opinion it somehow enhances the sentimentality of Mason honouring his father.

[@user-McGiver]

''what goes around, comes around''... that's how it rolls...!

[@jerriblake2771]

What a way to honor his father! Loved it.

[@pauldavey]

One word. Beautiful

[@afterthedash9784]

Brad Maule! Such an under-rated actor from General Hospital, showing the world what he's got! Great little flick!

[@matokaknox971]

Wow! I kept thinking where do I know this man from. I used to watch General Hospital as a teen.

[@judywilliams5557]

What a wonderful film! Such a heartwarming tribute and great performances by everyone! Good job, Kirton family!

[@mitchmccarron8337]

Simple and beautiful. A top-class production that didn't really need an unexpected twist, but makes you (well me at least) shed tears when it arrives. Fantastic, please make more! Mitch, Australia.

[@eugenetswong]

I think that I cried, too. I found it encouraging, because I want to act. Yes, Kirton family, please make more. I'd love to see a part 2.

[@monkeyd.karayasongoku1565]

What ab amazing story about the film industry and how difficult it is and how important respect and the truth is! 👏🏿 wonderful job.

[@AmirMak]

Just WOW!!!... I had tears in my eyes by the end of it...❤

[@bowtieprofessor2182]

This was an excellent film. The Bowtie Professor/Professor Yecats!

[@Not_You_2]

Good Film. I remember Brad Maule from General Hospital.

[@PatriciaReeves-xm5oj]

Exceptional film

[@joymelton-bollen6383]

This is absolutely fabulous!! LOVED IT!!! I want a weekly show, following them through Mason's 'wave' and Richard's comeback!!!!

[@eugenetswong]

Yes, I'd love to see a series.

[@johnmightymole2284]

good film

[@gretadobson2008]

Brilliant and lovely

[@UKWN]

👏👏👏

[@maureenbergin3453]

Very uplifting story!

[@Primalgamespg]

Первый 🎉

[@Voqualvex]

Loved this!!!

[@AlfredShyla]

Love the storyline of this movie

[@lonestarparrot]

Great show and ended with a bang!!!

[@Bethsabee_Sheba_Newrose]

This is brilliant and truly inspiring. Such a wonderful tribute (not just to the character’s father, but to the real life actor, Richard Folmer, for whom this film was written and meant to star - and, due to his tragic passing, was portrayed by Brad Maule)! (Thank you, @bonniemartin1506, for making me aware of this detail ♥)

[@rebeccalynn7795]

wow!! love this!!! only change i would have liked is more of the song at the end so the feeling carries on longer.

[@bonniemartin1506]

Thanks for the proud mom moment! The song was cowritten and produced by our son, Scott Martin, who is also DJ Martini. ❤

[@DerOpa.]

Saw this one twice. Great story. Great actors. Well made.

[@luvellecummingsiii9438]

A new short I can relate to

[@chrisy1528]

Well done!

[@bonniemartin1506]

I love knowing that Richard Folmer, Shreveport legend of stage and screen, was originally cast as Richard Washington, a character created and written for him. He was able to attend the first script reading just before his tragic passing, meaning he left this earth doing what he loved. What an amazing gift from his dear friends. Brad Maul's sensitive portrayal surely has the late great Mr. Folmer smiling from the heavens at this incredible tribute. Congratulations, Kirtons, cast and crew on a film that is stunningly poignant on multiple levels! ❤️🙏

[@Bethsabee_Sheba_Newrose]

Ohmygosh, Bonnie, thank you for sharing this information - it makes this fantastic film even more poignant! ♥

[@mazharsangiofficial]

Good job

[@MyRoxy571]

Awesome 😊

[@gretatudeg4877]

Well done!🎉

[@keithpennington8259]

Finally, an Omeleto that has a semblance of an ending! This was very entertaining!

[@Bethsabee_Sheba_Newrose]

😂 Yeah, why is it that makers of short films seem averse to wrapping things up at the end? It doesn’t bother me but some people find it torturous. This one was great and it ended on a positive vibe - I’d wager it appeals to an even wider audience this way.

[@bowtieprofessor2182]

I am glad that he stood up for Richard Washington, because it showed that he had integrity and was not afraid to buck the system. The Bowtie Professor/Professor Yecats!

[@chigozieubah5816]

Wonderful and wholesome. Loved it!

[@FitLadyJoy]

TF!!

[@revilo1340]

any gen z's here?

[@Bethsabee_Sheba_Newrose]

Why? 👀

[@revilo1340]

@@Bethsabee_Sheba_Newrose bcs it feels like this entire comment section is filled with facebook moms

[@susankirton5391]

Spoken like a true curmudgeonly Gen Z-er.

[@revilo1340]

@@susankirton5391 bluds name is susan, how long you been on facebook for?

[@CInmiss]

This has got heart.🩷