'ON ANOTHER NOTE' - A Short Film | Award Winning

After quitting his dead-end job, 24-year-old Nathan is driving back to his hometown to work for his parents. Those plans change when his car suddenly breaks down in smoke. A man pulls over to help, but it's none other than Nathan's dreaded high school music teacher, Mr. Richmond. With no other options, Nathan must heal old wounds in order to get back on the road.
Won Best Male Student Director in the Hollywood Shorts Fest
Won Best Student Film in the Top Shorts Film Festival
Won Best Acting Duo Silver Award in the Independent Shorts Awards
Nominated for Best Indie Short in the Independent Shorts Awards
Official Selection in the Indie Clips Short Film Festival
Credits -
Starring Levi Bernhardt as Nathan
Starring Dan Pousson as Mr. Richmond
Written, Directed, & Edited by Brandon Hill
Original Music by Jonathan Yang
Co-Composer & Clarinetist - Shelly Lee
Director of Photography - Zayd Ezzeldine
1st AD - Karim Alkhouli
Script Supervisor - Jose Verdejo
A-Cam 1st AC - Mandie Zamora
B-Cam Operator - Maverick Farrah
B-Cam 1st AC - Conrad Holzman
2nd AC - Charli Masson
Gaffer - Trevor Dunnigan
Key Grip - Matthew Pang
Best Boy Grip - David Chung
Production Sound Mixer - Luke D'Agnese
Production Sound Mixer - Trevor Roach
Colorist - Max Rogoff
Special Thanks:
John Vasey
Max DeFalco
Arne Christiansen
Kaitlin Hollingsworth
Brian Hill
O'Neill Regional Park
Dana Point Music Shop
Nils Taylor
Tom Ptasinski

[@keltus_warrior6491]

The teacher OWED it to Nathan to have explained his objective for Nathan. Using negatives to "inspire" a young person is a crude form of reverse psychology. When one sees a strong, potential future for a student, the teacher must make the student aware of his/her potential.

[@bcwbcw3741]

And the teacher should have sought him out when he dropped band to encourage him to keep going and say why.

[@alfredobadagerestrada8371]

And it could be worst if the student has ADHD or another neurodivergence.

[@jamillikan]

Exactly.

[@briandouglasahern7067]

This hits very close to home. The teachers never tell you if they feel you have potential. They humiliate you, grind you down, and then later recall it as "helping". I had an art teacher who treated me like garbage. But he was the only art teacher we had, so to pursue my chosen craft, I found myself stuck with him. He went out of his way to point out that what he thought was good was the only option, and my work--and my dreams--were invalid. Many years later, when I was in my thirties, a friend mentioned she'd spoken to that old teacher and mentioned me. She told me, "He said you were very talented." My response to her was immediate. "Never to my face."

[@keltus_warrior6491]

I have learned over many years -- yes, many! -- that people with such negativity feel threatened. They sense the brilliance or genius of the other person, and fear it even when there really is no threat.

[@mrscashmorrisey1702]

That kind of treatment stays with you for many years. I had a teacher tell me that I was no one important because my parents were not professionals. I was 8 years old. I am a grandmother now and I have never forgotten that. Words can inflict pain as much as passion. I hope you follow your dreams and are far more successful than I was.

[@keltus_warrior6491]

Many years after my high school graduation, I found a note about how much one of my teachers really disliked me. The teacher's name was not revealed. Fair enough, I guess. But what that teacher did NOT know was how I had grown up in an alcoholic abusive home. My father was horrible to my mother and constantly badgered me, reminding me of how "worthless" I was. I joined the U.S. Air Force at the insistence of my older sister, urging me to "get out!" The Air Force was a rite of passage, where my leadership skills were revealed and applied. i wish I had made the Force a creer.

[@mariusmatei2946]

There is no other way to describe some "teachers"' callousness, than Sociopathy.

[@Urhuuuur]

That's why it's good to be aware that a teacher is just a human being, nobody special. Has bad days, good days. Usually couldn't get as high as was trying to jump and landed a teacher job, which he/she hates. And takes it out on his/ her's students.

[@phillipthomas-sam1509]

Teachers who kill joy because they think its encouraging... yep, been there... had a teacher who pushed with constant critiques and negative statements, and it worked... I aced everything... but it totally stripped all joy from something I used to love and I never went back to it.

[@joeowens6180]

Sometimes it's the WAY you "critique" that can be hurtful; often well-meaning fathers and teachers can forget that. "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!"

[@notmajo]

levi my guy started from the bottom now we’re here

[@josuedrew]

Ya

[@soyyertom]

from weekly horoscopes to this

[@dtony1964]

As a retired band director it's a stark reminder that students hear everything we say.

[@AWWx2]

As a former first chair clarinetist, I'm thankful to the three band directors and several clarinet teachers who respected my abilities and encouraged me to continue. Maybe students hear everything you folks say, but we most remember any of those words of encouragement.

[@gritsnsand]

When we're kids, we see teachers as either angels or devils. We can't see that they are simply humans, capable of making mistakes. They may be good at their profession or bad, or could simply be punching the clock to get a check and pay bills. The truly great teachers inspire, promote, and bring out the best in us.

[@gabrielroxas8701]

This is the best example of the topic that we had last Saturday about the directives and approaches of the teachers toward his/her students about commenting, giving opinions, and advice, where she told us that it was important to consider the tone of your voice, the place, and the situation so that your student would not interpret the words you will say differently. I'm so much thankful for this movie that sometimes even if our teachers are yelling at us or throwing us ungrateful words still for them it is their way for us to realize that we can still be good and do better.

[@henrydenner5448]

Awesome. It highlights the importance of teachers, and parents for that matter, making sure their learners/children understand their INTENTIONS with their actions. Those kids look up to you and they build their ehole lives and belief system on your words. This teacher had the best intentions, but because there was a communication gap relating to the real intention, this kid could have given up for good, with no good reason. Very solid short film. 👌🏻

[@rubengreenberg2253]

What a lovely story! Dialogues, acting, music...perfection.

[@inas.mp4]

came for levi and stayed for the beautiful film 🥹

[@kentbrooks3227]

Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful short film! Speaking as a college professor, this story really resonated with me.

[@curtischildress9580]

@Kent Brooks ---I had 2 wonderful college professors who became lifelong friends. At age 18 they noticed something in me & both strictly coached & tutored me & built a working relationship that grew into mutual friendship. I gained life lessons & received many benefits in knowing them after graduating. We never lost contact & even visited being friends right up until they both went into Eternity. ...As a former student this film & your comment resonates with me. I'm glad to know how professors like you still exist...trust me, you're touching & changing young lives. You give chances to kids who want to try & do better. You lead them to know how that can happen. How else can we see ourselves unless good people like you see something good inside us? I wish all professors were like you & my 2 friendly professors. They saw me, had expectations, spent time directing my mind & correcting all the little & big mistakes...sometimes I feared not being good enough...they never felt that because they saw potential. I didn't know such things were inside me. Thank you, Professor Brooks. Keep on keeping on!

[@kentbrooks3227]

@@curtischildress9580 What a touching testimonial to the power of positive influence! Thank you for such encouraging words. Like you, my former professors were not just wonderful teachers, but amazing human beings. Also similar to you, I have maintained friendships with many of them who have not passed on. There are three I refer to as "The Dream Team." I was able to travel back to Chapel Hill to perform in each one's retirement concert. A lifetime ago, I was a child prodigy with no formal music training. They saw my potential and didn't treat me as a "project." Because of their patience and care, I found the confidence to work on being a more well-rounded musician, composer, and educator. Over the years, I've tried to honor them by exhibiting that same kind of care and devotion to my students. Again, thank you for making an old guy feel as if he's making a difference in the world! Pax vobis!

[@rudiechinchilla6746]

As a self taught musician I loved the movie very much

[@C.H-]

You told a lot of story in only 15 minutes. Good music, cinematography, acting, directing, story writing, everything was really good. You did a wonderful job on this short film, keep up the good work.

[@EsmeraldaCuadra]

Seropsera

[@kennstransky]

This is such a great story. I loved how it shows the fine point between what makes a teacher and a great teacher.. sometime, just a few words of encouragement and explanation can change what a student hears.

[@karlrogers7317]

My high school chorus teacher was very difficult. When I got a superior rating at my first choral district festival my junior year as a soloist, she told me that the judge must have felt sympathy for me. All these years later, I am still singing, doing theatre, have performed at Lincoln Center, and work with high school theatre students. I did deserve it and made it work despite her opinion.

[@curtischildress9580]

Very nicely done. This short film shows how we can have true friends in our teachers & professors. I had 2 college professors who became social friends for life. Those 2 brilliant friendly fellows noticed something in me at 18 years old & strictly coached & tutored me while creating a working relationship that grew to mutual friendship within 2 years. As college progressed & I graduated we always kept contact & even visited right up until both my lifelong friends went into Eternity. So many life benefits & inspirations came from knowing them. ...I appreciate this film as it reflects to some relatable reality for me. Good real-life stories are so rare. Thank you.

[@sarahstans9801]

YEAHHHH LEVI YEAAAHHHH

[@d.j.7069]

Mr. Richmond was a man of few words. As the music teacher, he should have been more transparent as to "why" he was being hard on Nathan. He should know, now, that students don't always understand the intent that a teacher has. Especially boys need a more detailed and direct approach. Great Film!

[@feyisolafagbore]

This was such a deeply moving story. I love everything thing about it, from the idea to the acting to the sound. I really wish I had this kind of closure from certain people in my life ❤❤. you did such an amazing job

[@ghlargentg]

Thanks for the wonderful film. Thanks to all involved. Thank you actors…lovely sensitive work.

[@beinganorbitistiring3590]

I'm proud of you levi

[@space_1073]

I serached "short film", I never do that, but I'm so glad I did! This is really good, the framing, acting, sound, score, all of it!

[@clanch2544]

I love how this was written: the simplicity, the depth, the layers in almost every line. The direction and acting, too! As a dot in the creative sphere, I appreciate it even more now that I am a teacher myself. Congratulations, everyone! Thank you for this.

[@hundimcfly]

Very good short film, loved everything about it, especially the acting! Levi slayed

[@BelindaNeal66]

I would like to have seen him play in a concert at the end, just to hear how good he was and that he did follow his dream!

[@awoFalase]

Really enjoyed this short. Goes to show that you never know how something you say is landing even with the best of intentions. I like the he was forced to deal with this to bring out resolution.

[@chrisscarborough1634]

Beautifully done Brandon! You have a great talent and dedication. Great performances too.

[@BrandonDHill]

Thanks Chris! I appreciate the kind words

[@chetanvinayak6799]

@@BrandonDHill hi what a beautiful video really enjoyed that that old friend of his was nice of him to help Nathan out I am gay nice to meet you

[@michaeljohnston-ul1vi]

Forget the sentiment,just drive your gorgeous car.

[@Lylo-mj8ek]

BRAVO! An absolute treat. Thank You All, For this fantastic creation. Peace.

[@Ganymedes80]

This film had heart and was amazing. Well done.

[@erickteodorakis]

Never take for granted that people are aware of their gifts, sometimes it’s the most they doubt, so any chance you get tell them “you’re very good at this or that”, you may be helping someone to reach their full potential and destiny

[@kayzaac]

Goes to further show how hard and delicate the job is. You may never even see how something that you think is innocuous affects kids, or just people on a whole different level. Context and setting also matter. In my experience, if a teacher gave me negative feedback in a one-on-one conversation, not only was I better able to read their intent without being distracted by the embarrassment of a public setting (huge deal for kids), but they too subconsciously seem to feel more comfortable and focused on letting you hear their positive intent. As I considered myself a "decent" student, I often feel like being taught within large groups often makes certain interpersonal exchanges less clear and empathetic than they'd otherwise be. They may not get paid enough for it, but teachers have got to be on top of their group psychology.

[@paddyellwyn7714]

This is why I always clearly tell my students they have potential !!!!

[@shydreamguyman4098]

Yes , 1 conversation can mean the difference between following your dreams and just getting by . good film .

[@edisone.7212]

It's really very good, so match! A great short movie. Provocated!👏👏👏 Congratulations!

[@HumanSagaVault]

very moving, nice storytelling, and could literally spark something to its viewers, especially those who have situations the same with the main character🥰🥰

[@dougrobnyc]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@simonsmatthew]

This story is important to both teachers as well as those trying to figure out there life's path. No one said this to me, so I returned to music much later in life and now are so much happier but after being very successful in another career (and very unhappy). Words of encouragement are so important from teachers, too much criticism is very harmful. If only someone could have said what he said when I was that age. My advice is do what you love, and the rest will follow. It is competitive in any area now, but it is easier when you really like what you do.

[@RamssesPharaoh]

Wow. Beautiful and empowering. Great job.

[@samuelfigueiredo1229]

This film is so good! I wasn't expecting this quality. The story was nothing like what I was expecting too. The acting, the soundtrack, the image and the compelling and heartwarming storytelling and message, everything was simply perfect. Thank you all for the hard work to produce and share your art. And thanks to KZbin to recommending this amazing short film to me multiple times until I finally gave it a chance. ❤

[@melsyoutube]

LEVI 🥺🥺🥺 so proud of him 😭

[@michelboudot2882]

Beautifully made……you must never never give up

[@AMothersNature]

This was heartfelt and beautiful. So glad I stumbled upon it! ❤

[@granvillelee-warner3551]

Thank you, very touching story and well acted.

[@5Dami]

Simply magnificent!

[@Leftatalbuquerque]

The kid drives an Audi, so he can't be doing THAT bad!

[@MrAudienceMember2662015]

Thinking similarly. Guess they couldn't get a Yugo.

[@tigergreg8]

I'll be totally honest here, this took a completely different route then I thought it was going too. This was well written, and acted. I love how it ended, it really makes you want to know more, and that's a good thing. I really hope good things happened to Nathan, in my heart, I want to believe Mr Richmond was right about about him. I also hope he had the opportunity to see him again, and tell him how proud he is of him. Damn, this really makes you think and want more. 😄

[@matthewandrew]

Me too lol

[@vs5133]

No one: The KZbin algorithm: *Includes this with a bunch of gay themed short films* At different points of this film, I imagined it going a bunch of different ways, from unrequited love to psychological horror/thriller 😬 It added way more layers to the viewing experience than I'm guessing the filmmaker intended 😅

[@michaelaregenfuss5968]

What a great movie.

[@marcomtz6316]

Thank God I had great teachers and I owe a lot to them .gave me support inspiration and helped me in many ways..

[@andyredhay]

What a great short film

[@cageynerd]

My teachers were always strict and highly disciplinary, but now my mind is so trained people always ask if I worked in any of the subjects I was talking about. No, I went to school for music.

[@kadraeallday5582]

What I would’ve said to the teacher “can you tell them that? What you think they are capable of doing.” The whole time I felt lost due to the words of my teachers who were extra hard on me. It was annoying knowing I am fine but being critiqued so heavily. I struggled seeing other students being coddled and me ripped a part when I was doing significantly better based on the standards given in the criteria for the course or assignment.

[@lightningroseproductions1209]

Loved the film! Crazy to watch a random film and see a location near my house i've also shot at!

[@Lugano89_MD]

Great short film. Secretly, I was hoping for a kiss at the end!

[@nomifrei]

this was sooo good!! go levi 🤩🤩

[@justinalbertgrimaldo]

DAMNNNNN. This is SO good.

[@dimitrydevdariani1929]

Very moving and tender

[@kippyman9913]

I was just watching your film for the high school festival, the improvement is quickly noticeable

[@Waywardification]

That waas great acting on both parts.

[@philipphrano]

So SO GOOD!

[@attantitaniaofficial]

Agree with you babe..❤

[@adeana_]

go levi !! great work !!!

[@lesewener5729]

Bravo!! Such a Great Story So Well done!!! Keep up the Great Work!! Les, Victoria, BC

[@cliffhorman6846]

Beautiful

[@samirsigneu3920]

The script, the direction of the actors and the complicity of the same are very good. It is interesting to see how information can be understood in a way other than that of the sender. There are so many factors that interfere. So, when in doubt, it is better to seek clarification; because it will not always be possible to return the dialog that was truncated. Congratulations! I loved!

[@Salmagundiii]

Nice short film. I got away from music for many years after K-12 so I related to it. FWIW, the coolant reservoir doesn't actually get hot - it's the radiator that gets hot.

[@juanchofrancois5369]

This is the problem with Gen zs. When they're critiqued, they just give up. Then, they blame the people who try to help them. Because they COMPLAIN. a LOT.

[@njmoon4u]

A beautiful story exquisitely acted and filmed. My only question (and I know I shouldn't get bogged down in the details) is why the California plates on a car being driven within the Tri-State area? Also, the insert shots of the GPS were a bit confusing. As someone else mentioned it would be unlikely not to have cell service in this part of the country. But hey - quibbles in a wonderful film.

[@RandomProductions106]

Oh my god, what’s Levi doing here? He did such a great job

[@MrRibby88]

They would make a cute couple!

[@julianchan1491]

constructive judgement includes support. constructive being judged includes skepticism. a professional's judgement may sometimes have big impact on others.

[@mamlak4714]

Thank you

[@Lifeiswonderfulalways]

Wow!

[@stephenj7137]

He never apologized. Regardless of his intent he mad a student give up what he loved, and never said sorry.

[@mozu650]

He didn’t give it up, he just stopped playing dosent mean he can’t get back up and play again .

[@eduardoenriquedoblee9958]

muy bueno, excelente 👋👋👋👋👋👋👍

[@soyyertom]

LETS GO LEVIII

[@DavidDoesNotExist]

LEVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!

[@echospaw899]

And kids, this would be an example of Adulting. 😊

[@jeffrey6124]

Lovely! 🙂

[@guyslikeyoutheseries]

Never give up on your dreams! 🎇

[@ephelan7252]

Beautiful typeface in credits.

[@edwinicq]

amazing

[@FiveBlackFootedFerrets]

I really liked how it ends on a happy note. (No pun intended.)

[@kiravanschie5873]

where can je see film?

[@janisgay5507]

The car is a metaphor.

[@drsittler]

Pretty good, but putting the cap on and starting the engine would be correct to cool the car faster. Best to circulate the coolant and use the radiator for its designed purpose. Otherwise very nice infomercial about the importance of regular car maintenance.

[@liyemalivemandla]

LEVIIIII

[@averyd334]

levi!!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Very nice.

[@onlyrandy12]

Levi sent me here it was sooooo good

[@udejosephuka1191]

Deep clip ....

[@jyc313]

Beautiful film. But in real life, a kid that interested in music can’t take simple critiques, then there’s something wrong with his/her dedication and determination.

[@wonkat.v.7427]

Omgggg leviiii

[@gsogso3444]

😮wow....

[@jeromystone778]

Haha, he said hard on.

[@danieldumas7361]

Amazing how one teacher, lacking basic empathy, can derail a young, empresional student.

[@zanthus7]

Nathan should have said, "Lawrence, your method of teaching sucks. To constantly ridicule and embarrass someone is not teaching or helping that person improve. If you think they have great potential, tell them. That's how you inspire them to improve."

[@juanosvaldotejeda3489]

And the traduction ?

[@warrir2310]

Поддержка меняет курс нашего полёта.Не забывайте давать поддержку и делать комплименты,для кого то это может очень-очень важно и ценно

[@user-hornyforadventure]

Seems to me there was a misunderstanding between them... The teacher believed in himself too much , he should owe the student a reason on why he engages with students like that , because in the end it's them who are going to be benefited , but he didn't gave an explanation, he thought the students will somehow get it(i hate this method of teachers. It's no cool in genaral) but he didn't realise that they can quit any time they want..... Teachers don't seems to realise that the student sitting infront of them could be the next big composer or artist or whatever, and the power of a teachers word is so big, one wrong sentance coming out of your mouth and the kid will give up on thier dreams without realising his/her potential... Good story, hope more teachers see this.. and realise not to believe in thier form of teaching a bit too much

[@francoisleonard903]

J'aurais aimé vivre quelque chose de ce genre. Que quelqu'un croise mon chemin pour me faire prendre le bon. Mais j'approche du bout du mauvais chemin. Personne ne m'a guidé, et mon GPS intérieur n'était pas très performant.