PIVOT PALS | Omeleto

A young boy spends the day with his mother's boyfriend.
PIVOT PALS is used with permission from Doron Drew Feldman. Learn more at dorondrewfeldman.com.
Dax is a young boy who's precociously smart, mature and a little uptight for his tender years. He lives with his single mother, Jess, who is dating Clay. Almost more childish than Dax himself, Clay is free-wheeling, and fun but also an immature slacker.
When Clay offers to babysit Dax, the day goes badly, with Dax often uncomfortable or overstimulated by what Clay planned out. But when Dax gets wind of Clay's intentions toward his mom, Dax acts out, derailing the relationship between Jess and Clay once and for all.
Directed and written by Doron Drew Feldman, this heartwarming, sharply funny short dramedy is a study of opposites that puts two very different personalities near one another and observes how those differences spark into outright conflicts. But it's also a genuine and tender examination of family, and what that kind of love means when put into action.
Excellently written and deftly directed, we first meet Dax as he listens to a self-help and relationship podcast. It's a comical contrast, seeing a young boy take in material aimed at grown-ups, but it says much about Dax's personality. He's mature beyond his years -- perhaps a little neurotically so -- and he's smart. By contrast, Clay's intro shows him to be fun-loving and good-intentioned, but as he takes the reins of responsibility in watching Dax for the day while his mom is at work, we also see Clay doesn't think much beyond his ideas and desires. He wants to Dax to a football game, not considering that Dax doesn't enjoy sports and loud noises overwhelm him.
Shot with an engaging, natural eye and dynamic camera movement, the storytelling briskly tracks the small frictions between boy and man-child, and it keeps our interest as these tiny skirmishes build up -- often to comical effect -- to bigger conflicts, whether they're exacerbated by traffic, poor decisions or bathroom accidents. Much like the traffic jam they're mired in, it's a pile-up of one bad thing after another, veering from awkward to funny to mortifying, sometimes all in one situation.
Young performer Cameron Keitt has an appealing innocence and innate intelligence that makes Dax an endearing presence, but he also makes Dax's more difficult moments understandable and intense, which flummoxes Clay. As Clay, actor Ty Fanning is just as complex, going beyond Clay's surface immaturity to reveal an innate decency, as well as his desire to bond with Dax. He takes his failure with Dax hard, because he wants to bring his relationship with Dax's mother to the next level. When Dax discovers that, the stakes become serious, and the young boy does all he can to stop the relationship, leading to a final blowup and confrontation.
The focus on character in PIVOT PALS ultimately serves it well at the end, making for an ending that truly tugs at the heart with its poignancy and pain. We understand both Dax's perspectives, but we also feel for Clay. But ultimately, their misadventures become a learning experience for both, as Clay faces the consequences of his lack of immaturity. But Dax also learns something as well: what it means to not be selfish, give someone the benefit of the doubt, extend some grace when they mess up and appreciate the love and affection someone gives in the way they know how.

[@pilgrim985]

I really feel for the boyfriend here… It’s clear that he’s disorganized in his life but he has a good heart and is putting in the effort. I hope things worked out for him…

[@dorondrewfeldman]

We ❤ Clay. Even if he's a mess. He's trying to get his act together.

[@alheaton3]

It's hard to be a kid watching your parents date. Loved that this story centered those difficult experiences AND growth as they navigated a tricky relationship and saw the good in each other. Loved it!

[@ijeomafarrakhan4020]

"You don't deserve my mom" 😂 Ice cold

[@The_Beast_666]

IFKR!!!!

[@gemstar7286]

It's all that podcast lol .

[@cierrajoseph7055]

A beautiful and brutally honest exploration of new family dynamics. The actor who played Dex is a true star that carried the story and the boyfriend's comedic timing and edgy exterior sold it. Hope to see these two pivot pals find their way into more films ❤

[@lahamada]

Totally agree. Dex played this role so well.

[@The_Beast_666]

@@lahamadaIFKR!

[@dorondrewfeldman]

We're thrilled you liked it!

[@dorondrewfeldman]

Hi everyone. Doron Drew, director of Pivot Pals here. Thank you for your encouraging comments! We are thrilled you're enjoying the film. Wishing you happy holidays!

[@millennialodyssey5956]

Very sweet. I wasn't sure where this was going but I'm glad i just watched and let the story tell itself. As far as the end about older and younger friendships that has never been my experience. I'm either the oldest in my friendships are the youngest and that hasn't really made them any better and i have cycled through many many friends. My best and longest friendship is with a couple that is older than me. The husband my husband used to work with. That friendship has outlasted all of my others because of one thing: respect. We accept each others differences, we are honest with each other without getting offended and we show up when we need each other year after year.

[@dorondrewfeldman]

Thank you for watching until the end!

[@christinal.5804]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SuperCHERISHED]

I thought the acting and story line was great! In real life I don’t understand why adults use foul language in front of children. When you plan an outing for a child it should be tailored made for the child’s interest not yours. I wonder how much truthful information did the mother share about her son’s physical and emotional needs.

[@treacherousjslither6920]

If the boyfriend has been with the mother long enough to want to marry her, then he should have a better relationship with the son and would know better than to push a football game on him.

[@ToshiJ89]

It's funny how kids setting boundaries, voicing their preferences, and just being kids (especially if they're neurodivergent) is seen a bratty or annoying. smh It's interesting that most people are criticizing the child (CHILD), but not the man who left someone else's car in the hands of someone that wasn't him... after repeatedly trying to give the child things he has preciously stated he is not interested in. Yes, throwing the ice cream on him was wrong, but no one was talking about that, and again, a child, not a man...(And ice cream also settles my stomach)

[@user-nl9kl5uz8s]

Not me literally about to break down when they were having the argument. I was so scared that everything would end just like that. Omeleto really be playing with my heart strings right now.

[@markallen2984]

The kid is a good little actor...in fact everyone was good.

[@darrenw.taylor2084]

This could easily be made into a major motion picture! Such a wonderful story and great actors! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@LaurenKeller]

So grateful to have worked on this!

[@dorondrewfeldman]

We were fortunate to have you!

[@rgarlinyc]

Great film, perfectly written, filmed, acted and directed! Two thumbs (more if I had 'em) up.

[@rebeccagrenfell2423]

Good one👌

[@The_Beast_666]

@RogerGarlin You have one in your pants 😜😜

[@samhenteleff]

Very moving. Great work Doron!

[@kevinkeelingfitness9710]

Loved every second of this! Amazing performances and so well paced.

[@dorondrewfeldman]

Thank you Kevin!

[@tylonap21]

I wasn’t gonna watch the full thing until I read the comments. Glad I stuck around. Cute film.

[@dorondrewfeldman]

Glad you stuck around. Thank you for watching our film!

[@CAMBY608]

Wow. Not even sure where to start. I'll just say, you sure packed a lot into 19 minutes! I really enjoyed this! :)

[@dorondrewfeldman]

Thank you for watching!

[@amiyrbarclift1640]

As a father that has traveled solo with a young son. I was very conflicted about this story. Firstly the fact that is based on a true story is somewhat disturbing. I wouldn’t be all that happy about leaving my kid (very similar to the kid in this movie in the hands of that man and his very odd friends.) He seems like a fun guy to have a drink with but not the type of guy I would trust to take my kid out all the time and step in to fill the shoes of if I was no longer there. Traveling with a young child solo you have to know how to be with children. It’s not the same as being around adults. He definitely shouldn’t have lead with a football game. Unless he knew for a fact the kid was a football fan. He should have lead with the ice cream and an arcade. That’s a person who hasn’t been around kids and if he’s planning to marry the mother he needs to learn fast. If I died and his mother dated someone else eventually they would have to meet but this whole thing was uncomfortable to watch. Even though they try to wrap it nicely at the end. I get the hopeful message. Maybe the whole point was the level of that But even at the end when the mother was trying to break up with him and he wouldn’t take it. Something about that just made me uncomfortable. I’m guessing that was the intent of the director.

[@justdiane5]

I feel like the boyfriend was just that... a boy. Pushy, inconsiderate, clueless, self centered etc.... yuck. That child was right when he said his mom deserves better

[@amiyrbarclift1640]

@@justdiane5 Yes I agree. The child seemed more mature than him and that was the most disturbing part.

[@sventer198]

This guy knew the kid did not like sports, still bought the tickets & then tried to bully, guilt and manipulate him to go. Looks like he did not listen to a word his GF said about the kid, then just decided to do what he wanted to. Put the poor kid in situations he could not cope with then blamed him!

[@BenTen-sk3bu]

You all are thinking too much. Tht guy is doing his best to satisfy the kid. Its all new for him. So aleast he is trying which means he cares

[@amiyrbarclift1640]

@@BenTen-sk3bu Nope not at all. As a black man with a son like that I would have a big problem with my kid(very much like the kid in this video but a little older) being around some guy like that.

[@s133p3r0]

Jeez, poor dude, what an annoying kid. Ok he made up for it in the end, but that was rough. They made the kids character so unlikable, they should have shown a hint at his better side at the start. But maybe that was the point.

[@bookaltd]

I was thinking the same thing. He came across as a jerk.

[@marketads1]

I was seeing symptoms of Autism spectrum. Couldn’t stand loud noises, other sensitivities. With Asperger’s this would allow the kid to be both underdeveloped and overdeveloped at the same time. That’s why he was annoying, he acted like a baby but BF expected more out of him. His Asperger’s allowed him to also be highly functioning in one particular area and he self educated. My interpretation anyway. I loved this so much!

[@s133p3r0]

@@marketads1 I saw that to, doesn't change anything for me. I have the same thing and what I saw was the mothers coddling (she doesn't let me sit in front etc) exasperating the symptoms. Being rude and difficult for no reason is a choice. It's like they tried to combine high functioning with a severe non verbal case.

[@eugenetswong]

I know that kids think that they know a lot, but kids and this kid know very little about being polite. If the kid didn't fear danger, then he shouldn't have run off like that. He could have been killed, and maybe kidnapped. That being said, it's pretty hard to get kidnapped by strangers. Yet somehow, the kid knew all about healthy dating relationships. I look forward to seeing him grow up and then realizing that all the knowledge that he gained about relationships is useless because of the way that women treat men. I don't like sports, but I appreciate the way that the guy tried to help the kid. Imagine saving up for a whole month for a kid, but the kid isn't taught to be grateful. By the way, the film never specified if the guy had to plan and wait and earn, as opposed to think about it and splurge right away. I'm just assuming for the sake of discussion that he saved.

[@eugenetswong]

I think that the character was supposed to be on the spectrum. It would be interesting to see the film creators confirm/deny.@@marketads1

[@gretatudeg4877]

I agreed with the kid.

[@lajintou]

Great story and actors! A lot of themes packed into such a short film. Well done!! Hope these Pivot pals continue on their journey and grow!

[@SP-eo2jb]

That was really cool! Very real in an unpredictable way. Thanks for making it, wish you all the success in the world.

[@dorondrewfeldman]

I appreciate it! ❤

[@jackpatrina1961]

A great story, very well produced and impressed by all of the actors! The chemistry between them works really well

[@dorondrewfeldman]

Thank you. Cameron (Dax) and Ty (Clay) were easy to work with. I was very fortunate as a director to have them.❤

[@Richardiba]

That was intense!

[@aarons7975]

Good video but the kid is a little brat.

[@orsike192]

what a helpless father jeez

[@MrGoGetItt]

Wow. Didn’t expect that finale at all. But after such a beautiful story, I’m pleasantly surprised. Looking forward to more!

[@dorondrewfeldman]

Thank you! The same team is working on a new feature now (unrelated to the short). Will be excited to share more in the future.

[@user-mr9ok1nr8u]

Short but powerful message. Great acting! Love it! ❤

[@maryburrell3948]

He’s a smart kid.

[@hillarygaskins6852]

Nice story line in this short! Dex is an outSTANDING child actor with a very bright future! 📸

[@Thejesselynsalim]

Dax is one hell of a kid 🫠. Awesome !

[@lisap.1826]

Interesting. An unbalanced relationship with a partner who has a bratty kid. How is the guy a slacker? He has a job and bought expensive tickets for a sport he enjoys and wanted to share the experience with what he thinks is a sheltered kid. He bought food, new pants, and ice cream for the kid. He opted to spend a day bonding with him. But, i guess borrowing your girlfriend's car makes you a loser. Also, friendships are nuanced, especially as we get older. I have friends who are both older and younger than me. Friends who are successful and some who failed to launch. I wonder what the kid's assessment would be if guy had a nice job and car but stayed home watching tv all the time and didn't have any friends.

[@jazzredd]

The funny thing is many people grow up with this childish perspective and don't change it.

[@noi000]

I wouldn't call that guy a slacker either.

[@Gabbydabby29]

I was become very upset with his bratty behaviour especially after seeing the man try so hard. Dating people who come to relationship with children is a lot of work thats why we respect the choice of those who refrain from such.

[@eugenetswong]

I agree. If he did that for me, when I was a kid, then I would have been unhappy back then, but I think that as an adult, I would be extremely grateful for everything. More kids need to be dragged out of the house and shown experiences that the men like. I, myself, needed more...a bit of everything. My dad was ill equipped to do much, but I think that he tried, but the problem is that I could not see it until now, and I would have benefited from men exposing me to more. That being said, I don't want to come across as blaming women & men outside of the family. I'm just saying that kids need to be taught a lot, and everybody should be grateful for when opportunities outside of the family come. Kids need to be taught this appreciation. @@noi000

[@ogechio1609]

I think there are clues the child is neurodivergent, not bratty 😊

[@wassupnomesayin]

Here we go again! - "A young boy..." For the hundredth time on Omeleto.

[@toneenorman2135]

Half way through and dislike this kid,very much and don’t think the guy is such a slacker…

[@k8tina]

I am a recent widow and I was of a similar mindset in the beginning as you are about the kid and the mom's boyfriend. But after I watched the whole story play out, I changed my mind. If you can, please watch through to the end. You might be pleasantly surprised 👍🏻

[@eugenetswong]

What did you like in the last half that changed your mind?@@k8tina

[@toneenorman2135]

@@k8tina Yes,indeed. I did and I was. Thank you.

[@Sharaashleyz]

What a great short film! Congrats Drew!

[@dorondrewfeldman]

Thank you!!

[@Trav-eller]

Ahhhh, Helz Na! If I were that guy, I would be off!

[@PabloMiranda1]

Good story nonetheless, I hated that child hahaha

[@shreensallam7915]

beautiful! Great acting 🎭

[@thinkfloyd2594]

Lost me when the kid yells, "Can we go?" What a brat!

[@ecopeiproject]

Wow- great story and amazing production!

[@tarawelborne518]

Such a beautiful story!

[@MTCali70]

Smart kid...

[@KackyMuse]

Wow. So unexpected.

[@mariaspoljaric2669]

Dex! You are awesome! Your acting is on point! I love it!

[@asdgq35212]

How can we tell if these videos are AI generated or not?

[@ubaldo014]

Thanks for the new film🙏 you're always the best Movie Omeleto. Keep up the good work! ❤

[@reneklein6049]

I absolutely loved this. The characters were perfect!❤

[@rebeccagrenfell2423]

Yup... Good one👌

[@zacharywolfson8893]

love this

[@miriam1674]

Story line is very contemporary

[@hasmatishabnam9817]

Amazing ❤❤

[@erfelgamazig]

That was a great film!!

[@litttlegirl4u]

Little kid was such a brat

[@jagodarutkowska1446]

another beautiful story that reminds me how much I don't want to be a mother 😂

[@tksjourney8048]

Great movie 🍿 ❤🥹

[@dorondrewfeldman]

We're glad you enjoyed it! 🎉

[@bub777]

what have we learned?

[@darkythecrazyninja5228]

Hide your shoulders element

[@lindajackson2382]

Excellent!

[@Athithan_2000]

Wonderful story, but imagine the dad in heaven, pissed off his sanity that another man, is sleeping with his wife and raising his kin as his own! Could never be a single dad’s reality!

[@zorakj]

I am remembering all those we’ve heard publicly tell loved ones to move on after their death. Not everyone views their spouse and kids as possessions.

[@eugenetswong]

If I could still think for myself in the after life, then I would want him to raise my kids as his own. It would be a mostly fresh start for the kid, assuming that I didn't scar him for life. It's hard enough for kids and adults to live with new people. Having to maintain loyalty to a deceased father is a bad bet. The important thing is that the kid maintains good values that I taught him, and is willing to be flexible on the things that are not related to good values. Likewise, kids need to learn people skills.

[@bernardpailleux355]

🙏Gracias🙏

[@The_Beast_666]

OMFG that Dax dude does intimidate me and i'm like a very aggressive dude!! Wonderful film!

[@c.j.crandall7328]

That kid is a pain

[@zamazett1103]

Lovely❤

[@dotsoflovelight8409]

❤❤🎉

[@damitsjoey511]

🥹

[@draenlauxorus4849]

Cheap Mazda. Doesn't have an armrest.

[@brookeann8245]

ooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh im gonna cry

[@YawnGod]

I still love the CIA.

[@nehahuda9779]

[@ehvmixedit]

looks like a kid who get's whatever he asks from mommy and is sheltered from the real world that men around him can show to help them mature. It's not easy having parent a that is now a widow but that doesnt merit this bratty behaviour. The boyfriend should have said no, they're going to the game no matter what the kid likes, he paid money to spend time with him, he'll have to deal with it. BE A MAN

[@ehvmixedit]

or else, he can go back inside and chill the rest of the night with mommy , while boyfriend goes and enjoy the game with a friend, because clearly this kid has never been exposed to anything but regurgitating nonsense from a podcast.

[@alexandermorgan3469]

@@ehvmixedit What's the point of trying to bond with the kid if all he wants is to do something HE likes, he's not considering the kid's feelings at all. "Ohh you don't like sports? Do it anyway. Ohh you don't like the loud noises? Put earplugs and lose the point of the experience" I hope you don't have kids.

[@theguyshepassedupfortyrone4043]

I'm still waiting for *ONE* just *ONE* Omeleto short that depicts the Black community in a favorable light.

[@Aishalvs]

There are a few actually…

[@jazzredd]

The ones I've seen usually have the "forgive and move on" response to oppression as the underlying message though. It's extremely problematic.

[@Aishalvs]

@@jazzreddI hear you. They mostly depict the stereotype we’re trying to escape. Check out the recent African clips though (there’s a Nigerian and a Kenyan short movie). They’re different

[@softwarelivre2389]

I don't get your complaint. The kid is annoying, but it ain't because of any ethnic stereotype. It's just an annoying kid and in no way their ethnicity impacts the story in any way. So I don't get your point.

[@eugenetswong]

Keep waiting. Any day now. They need to keep portraying you all as victims and make sure that you all are not shown for the strengths that you do have. The "funny" part is that the film portrays blacks in this film as doing nothing wrong. I agree with you, though. In all fairness, they didn't even really blame white guys. They blamed the mother's boyfriend. I personally blamed the parents for the way that they raised the kid, and I blame the guy for not starting off small. I appreciate his efforts, though, and I would look back on such events with fondness, even if I was the brat in the story. I think that stories that featuring black labouring, making music, and playing sports, are always going to be your best stories. These are things that you are good at.