THE FUNERAL PHOTOGRAPHER | Omeleto

[@braytonlife]

I'm actually a photographer. While I have never shot a funeral... I have shot some really sad and heavy events... This story is amazing and well crafted... I did not see the twist coming... well done.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words, Nathan! ❤️🙏

[@tundrawomansays694]

Wow, it takes a very special person to be able to capture that something extra that comes with native talent. You sure must have it. When the only entity that stands between you and tragedy is a camera? It becomes engraved on the souls who are fortunate enough to view it. The cost to the photographer for such work is immeasurable. Thank you. We need our artists, all of them to remind us of the human condition in all its manifestations of ugliness, beauty and all that lies between.

[@jim_regan]

...and on second viewing, the fact that the opening title transitions from Photographer Funeral to Funeral Photographer becomes more than just some random animation.

[@markhstrauss]

And this is why the wonderful Omeleto community never disappoints. 😊🙏 Great catch and thanks for watching, Jim!

[@Firebrand55]

"...actually, you're a little early..." Well done everyone involved in this excellent film!

[@markhstrauss]

Love that you connected with that line and thanks for your kind words! 🤎🙏

[@iamlethibe]

@@markhstrauss Is there a reason why she had to get a picture of every single one? Would she forget them if she did not? What did he mean by: "Thats not how this works?. He also does not respond to the question of it getting any easier. What about the end-what are the implications of him being a little early? Plesae elaborate. Thanks

[@markhstrauss]

@@iamlethibe Hi Lethibe, thanks so much for watching and for your insightful questions! SPOILERS AHEAD with my responses... . . . 1. Is there a reason why she had to get a picture of every single one? You are correct: she would forget them if she didn't get their photo. The reasoning behind this is this Funeral Photographer process is a way for the dead to remember the living. It's actually the narrative vision I originally had since funerals are about the living remembering the dead and I wanted to write something about the dead remembering the living. So, in this process, if the deceased doesn't get pictures of every person, they wouldn't be able to take their memories to the afterlife. It's one of the reasons for The Attendant role (the person who died last and the previous photographer); they do their best to make sure the current photographer gets photos of everyone they can before they find out they're dead. 2. What did he mean by: "That's not how this works?" When Julie tries to give him the picture of his widow and daughter (the clues to this are in dialogue in the vacuum room that he's Julie's brother and the little girl refers to Julie's husband as uncle David. Also in how Charlie looks on at them when the mother and daughter are talking), it means that these are her memories alone and she can't give them away. This is the only commentary in the film about whatever this mysterious Funeral Photographer process is. 3. He also does not respond to the question of it getting any easier. True. It's because he's about to tell her who the next deceased person is for her to become the next Attendant. The look on his face shows the sadness with which he has to share this news with Julie... 4. What about the end-what are the implications of him being a little early? This is the final (tragic) twist to end the film. The clues are there as to how and why the husband died: 1) When Julie is at the casket, he says, "What am I going to do without my Jules?" 2) When Charlie hands her the envelope, she says, "Already, who is it?" 3) She was late at the beginning of the film, but he's now early. With all that said, how do you think he died? BONUS QUESTION: Did you happen to catch the subtle clue who will be the next photographer after David? Thanks again! :) Mark

[@Sandiego2019]

@@markhstrauss About the subtle clue to who’s about to be the next Funeral Photographer… Is it the elderly, white haired woman in the back row? Saw a reaction from her that no one wants to see. Thanks for the explanation and I’m surprised that you did it. Some writers/directors hate to explain their work. I actually had to watch it a couple more times to get the hidden messages but reading your explanation here confirmed what I was thinking

[@markhstrauss]

@@Sandiego2019 You are correct... that's the easter egg showing who's next! 👍 And thanks for your kind words. Since we crafted a subtle film that often requires several viewings, I appreciate people like you who choose to engage in the dialogue to dig deeper! 🙂🙏

[@sentinelparadox]

Bravo. A sad situation, but a rather interesting concept. A departed one comes to assist the newly deceased, pass on. Photographs representing the last memories of all their loved ones, in the real world.

[@Newcenturion100]

I agree.

[@markhstrauss]

Spot on and thanks so much for your kind words! :)

[@hollyperrin7353]

Except who are those two guys who are at ALL the funerals? Ed Begley Jr. and Lurch… those two.

[@briteeyes2133]

I'm thinking Jules father and David's, (Jules husband) father. They both attended her funeral and then his. ​@@hollyperrin7353

[@M-Is-For-Margaret]

I guess in this interpretation, the deceased doesn't recognize her friends, family, co-workers, etc. When the revelation hits, the emotions explode into confusion, denial, anxiety and then blackout. She comes to and finally recognizes the person who went before her. Now it's her turn to assist her friend, family, co-worker...

[@markhstrauss]

Well said and spot on! This process of carrying memories (and ultimately helping the next person) is cyclical. There's even a clue in there who the next funeral photographer will be. :)

[@SenegalSunflower]

Does it only happen to event photographers who die? 😂

[@markhstrauss]

@@SenegalSunflower😂 To your point, I put a line of dialogue in there to tell the audience that she’s actually not a photographer. In the afterlife scene, when Charlie comes in he says, “You really missed your calling Jules. These look great. “

[@andreadaniel8792]

@@markhstrauss Now I have to go back and watch it again to see if I can find that clue.

[@markhstrauss]

@@andreadaniel8792Let me know if/when you see it! 😊👍🏻

[@robertjackson3819]

Okay. Everything blew right past me on the initial viewing. I'm the kind of person that understood JAWS the first time, but anything with finesse and subtlety will leave me blinking. I knew I'd find help in the comments. Thanks, people. The second time...tears. Well done, Sir Strauss. Beautifully done. You've certainly got a nice touch.

[@markhstrauss]

Hi Robert, I really appreciate your kind words about our film! 🙂👍 I completely understand you not getting everything on the first pass. That's more common than uncommon. Since we crafted this story to feel like you're looking at a photo, it's only after understanding more about what's in that "photo" that we start to have a deeper, emotional experience. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts!

[@TurtleWhisperer8]

It's about addiction

[@markhstrauss]

@@TurtleWhisperer8 That’s a fascinating interpretation! What led you to that conclusion?

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

This film won't spell it out for you, but it gives you everything you need if your willing to put a LITTLE WORK into it. After watching this a second time and utilizing MANY of the great viewer comments, I truly feel I have complete understanding of this film. Plus the writer Mark Strauss is very present and generous with information here in the comments. Thank you to the cast & crew for bringing this project to reality.

[@markhstrauss]

I really appreciate your comment! :)

[@GabrielleBraswell]

Wow this really touched me especially since I just lost my mom . I started crying my eyes out at the end. This was a heartbreaking but beautiful film

[@nicholasvanorton7840]

My condolences Gabrielle.

[@andreadaniel8792]

I can imagine it would've been hard to watch with your mom's passing being so recent for you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@senob44]

The guy vacuuming is a keeper. I've never seen anyone so earnest, conscientious and thorough, even while being distracted.

[@ellenled]

But..he wasn’t being distracted. She was invisible because she was dead!

[@senob44]

@@ellenled I know ;)

[@gemstar7286]

@@ellenled Yeah i didn't expect that twist until she saw herself in the coffin . So i guess the person who dies who she knew , also becomes a photographer for their own funeral and the previous person always assists them ...... interesting .

[@markhstrauss]

@@gemstar7286 You are exactly right! And did you pick up on the easter egg that shows who will be the next photographer after the husband?

[@gemstar7286]

@@markhstrauss Yeah I think so, I might have to rewatch .

[@ConanBarbarian-d5u]

This was so beautiful and (to me) flawless. All of the acting was amazing. Tara's performance was especially worthy of note, but even smaller moments like the two older men moving in slow motion was perfect. Since this was about a photographer, it meant that the images had to be especially good, and they were. I doubt that it was intentional, but the fact that the recently departed (both times) are in a VW Beetle reminded me of the scarab, used in ancient Egypt to symbolize rebirth, transformation. Parking right be hind the hearse would have been a problem, unless you're the one about to be loaded into it. Can't wait to rewatch it, and to see more from this talented crew. Thank you!

[@markhstrauss]

Wow! Thanks for your lovely comments! ❤️🙏 I also appreciate the scarab reference, and you are 100% correct, that was not intentional. Serendipity with universe helping us tell a story! You also mention her parking behind the hearse. She puts the flag on top to justify parking there (even though the car isn’t really there). You are also zeroing in on an Easter egg… I chose that NO PARKING sign with the two arrows to show that she’ll be the one in the hearse. 🤔😉

[@ConanBarbarian-d5u]

@@markhstrauss Thank you for taking the time to reply. I was a lit major and miss discussing stories and always wanted to hear input from those who put the stories together. Thank you for your gift!

[@eugenetswong]

@@ConanBarbarian-d5u I love it when the creators help us to find the clue.

[@ratgirl13]

I worked as a funeral photographer for a few years, and enjoyed this film very much-nice twist at the end. Bravo!

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for sharing that you were a Funeral Photographer! 😊📸👍🏻 I can’t tell you how many times people are surprised to hear that there are actually funeral photographers. In very early drafts of the script, there was a snippet of dialogue between Julie and Charlie where he said something like, “There are two main times when loved ones are together, weddings, and funerals“ because Julie was confused why she was hired. I felt it was too on-the-nose and expositional, so cut it. This may have been the first inclination to make this film subtle to the point where it feels like it is itself a photograph. I appreciate you watching and thanks so much for your kind words! ❤️🙏

[@kaT-ori]

Love the acting of that actress. Besides that she looks like Rose from Titanic.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for the kind words! Fun fact about Tara… she’s from Ireland and has a thick Irish accent. When she auditioned we loved her and asked if she could do an American accent, and she nailed it! She’s such a tremendous talent.

[@kaT-ori]

@@markhstrauss ❤️

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

​@@markhstrauss I'm glad you gave her a chance! She's great.

[@andreadaniel8792]

I loved this so much. It made me so sad at the end, but it was so creatively done, I want to watch it a few more times to catch some of the clues the creator sprinkled throughout that he mentions in these comments. This is so well done.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks so much for digging in to the film and for your kind words, Andrea! 🤎🙏 Feel free to drop a note here with any additional thoughts, interpretations or clarifications on the subtleties woven throughout the film.

[@Halmussa]

Hi! About some of the eggs that weren't discussed in the comment so far, what I think is: - the two men that make her anxious are the parallel on the living plane of what is happening on the dead plane: they are in queue to the coffin (and to salute the man who is about to die), they pass to one another a white enveloppe whose contain we do not know, that they keep inside their jacket close to their hearts, they are waiting for a guy who is actually a singer that sing "remember me" and at this time Charlie says "please tell me you got everyone" and again "remember me" so they invite, like Charlie does, to keep memories (for her on the people who are there and for the people who are there memories of her). Also the two guys that make her so stressed are actually close to her because they hug strongly her husband, he let himself go in tears in their presence, and the guy recieving the enloppe will have a speach and and "she makes him promise" to give that speach. The fact that they actually are close to her and reenacting passing the enveloppe is like Charlie is close to her like any "transition helper to photograph" as she will be for her husband. The fact that they stress her is like the pressure that Charlie put on her about "getting everyone" and their transitioning helper position are also shown in the fact that it's when they are arriving at the coffin that she goes there too and that Charlie call her Jules which is the key to unlock the person memory (the name the ones she loved the most called her, what a nice touch) which is the crossroads between the two guys, Charlie, her, the singer, the message of keeping memories, the husband (the mints ? The last breath I guess) - it's like the bridge between the living and the dead planes. It was à bit hard to understand their roles (if what I guessed is actually correct) - she said "you are early" for her husband but Charlie said she was "on time" so even if she died young and from sickness it was the time meant for her to die - she was smiling during taking pictures, indicating the pleasure she had to see the people, as Charlie smiled when he saw his daughter and her mother. She also smiled looking at the pictures she took. For this theory she actually was very stressed about the two guys that we establish were close to her but she also said "doucheb*" to Charlie before recognizing him so again it shows the parallel between the "transitioning companion" they represent (the ones chosen to stay silently by the side of the person while they are in shock facing their body in the coffin but leaving them for the emotional storm after that). But she particularly cried when she saw the picture of them, it could also be about her being particularly sad of saying goodbye to them or maybe the fact that they will follow them not long after regarding their reanacting roles? - it's right after charlie's daughter arrives and hug her uncle that it's time for the singer to arrive, for the message to be delivered, for the transition companions to hug the husband and for Charlie finishing his mission by unlocking the memory of Jules, which has given a chance to Charlie to see his loved ones again Is everything revealing in the comments now or there is more hidden things? Thanks!

[@markhstrauss]

Love this! As I’m digesting your comment, I feel like I’m gaining a deeper perspective on my own film. Since I want to give a reply worthy of the effort you’ve put into this interpretation, I’m trying to organize my thoughts. I didn’t want to leave you wondering and stay tuned! 😊👍🏻

[@ysnmd305]

The thing i like about these short films is their attention to details. 1) She had heavy bad breath becoz her body was deceased 2) taking photos of people at her funeral meant the dead could also sense aura of people around their deceased body.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks and I too love all the little details in films. Since you mention the mints, another subtle detail for you… The stripe on the mint box is the same stripe on The Attendant’s collar. 😊👍🏻

[@saurabhkashyap6831]

The climax reveals the whole story. Beautiful work.

[@markhstrauss]

I so appreciate your kind words! 🙂🙏

[@selenasanchez4244]

I am seeing this on the 5 year anniversary of my husband's passing. There are no coincidences in life. ❤

[@markhstrauss]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband, Selena. What you shared here is one of the reasons I wanted to make this film. 🤎🙏

[@terryoquinn8199]

My condolences …… from a stranger .

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for taking the time to watch our short film about love, loss, remembrance, and the price of grief. I'm Mark Strauss, the writer and producer of The Funeral Photographer. Since we crafted the film with the story beats hidden under a thin veil of mystery (like looking at a photograph), we look forward to any questions, thoughts, and insights you don’t find covered in the other conversations throughout the comments. Mark

[@KnightJRL]

Mark, thanks to you and your entire cast and crew for crafting such a beautiful piece of work. I appreciate that we aren't fully hand-fed the solutions. It took me around 4 or 5 viewings since I first watched it to finally realize everything that was going on. And I feel like that made the revelation all the more powerful.

[@eress1816]

This is fantastic! Felt a range of emotions over the course of the film. Well done to the team and everybody involved!

[@markhstrauss]

Wow... thanks so much for this review and love to hear you felt a range of emotions! 😃👍

[@rgarlinyc]

Very well crafted throughout - from writing to direction to acting to cinematography - and a clever twist that slowly and hauntingly dawns on you.

[@markhstrauss]

Thank you so much for your kind words!❤️🙏

[@AngelBlu7]

I understand her brother died & then Jules died, but they are both so young. Is there a reason why they both died or did they die together like in a car accident? It just seems strange that they’re both deceased & then her husband dies because he can’t live without her. So many things going on, it’s mesmerizing & the best video I’ve seen. I keep rewatching it to get a better understanding. I hope you make more videos & movies. It’s great writing & a superb script that keeps you engaged thru the entire video 👏🏼

[@markhstrauss]

Wow! I so appreciate your kind words about our film. Ashley (our director) and I talked about how Charlie died and we believe it was sudden, like a motorcycle accident, possibly years earlier (which is why he’s still wearing a flannel and jeans). The clue to how Julie died is when the women mentions that David was right there with her for the last 6 months, hinting that is was a prolonged illness. Hope that makes sense!

[@AngelBlu7]

Thank u so much for the explanation the other thing I did notice but forgot to mention how no one acknowledged Charlie or Jules. Jules was taking pictures & no one seemed to notice her. Also, at the beginning at the funeral home Charlie was at the entrance & smiled briefly at a man entering the room but the man didn’t respond. It wasn’t until Charlie yelled Jules loudly & no one looked over at him I knew he was a spirit. I just love this video of mystery, without violence or gore. 💜

[@sophiapriest]

I wish all omeleto films had captions, otherwise I'd watch them more because it's already hard for me to focus on the films without them

[@lucyladyandhusband]

Same here.

[@markhstrauss]

@@lucyladyandhusband Captions were just added! 😊👍🏻

[@kleopardo]

@@markhstrauss Is it possible to contribute with translations and if it is, what is the procedure? Thanks a lot!

[@markhstrauss]

@@kleopardo Hi... if you mean with captions, they were added a few hours ago. Hope that helps!

[@eugenetswong]

@@markhstrauss He means non-English translations/captions.

[@jacobdayhuff4952]

She's a great actress, love this short.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks, Jacob! :)

[@andrewhancock2451]

What happens if she doesn't manage to photograph everyone? And why is Charlie being so mysterious an pushy without *explaining* the purpose of photographing everyone? And what was the envelope that one of the older gentlemen pass to another older gentlman? So many questions......

[@markeidt6404]

I was mesmerized through the whole video. Fantastic plot with great acting. Kudos to all involved.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words... means a lot to us! 😃👍

[@GonogoBonobo]

I watched it 3 times and still didn't get it all. Its only the 3rd time that I hear David saying "How I will do without Jules" and understood it was an intimate name only David used for her and why she was schocked when Charlie call her by that name. The enveloppe given to her is a symbol for "give to the next", as I see it. The end is disapointing when we see David coming in as the next photographer. Because he didn't aged and Julie says is early, my thought was that he died soon after her leaving the daugther without neither father and mother.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks taking the time to really dig and for your comments! You’re certainly on the right track. The clues to who the young girl is comes from her mother when she says, “Go say hi to uncle David.” Which also helps tell us who the attendant is when Julie is with the guy vacuuming and she says “He looks like my brother, Charlie, but Charlie’s dead.“ The end is certainly meant to be sad, even though Julie and David are together again. The clues to how he died so soon after her are also woven into the narrative. The film is intentionally subtle, like a photograph, so I super appreciate your patience, and giving it extra watches! 😊🙏

[@MW-us3sv]

@@markhstrauss Ohhhhhh !!! I have just replied to you elsewhere to say I 'got' all of it apart from who's next, now you tell us this bit about how David passed away. Hmmmm, nice and subtle then, awesome.

[@markhstrauss]

@@MW-us3sv Ha! I just replied to your other comment. 😃 Yeah, the clues are there. In fact, I'm putting together some consolidated interpretations/spoilers/easter egg info to include at the bottom of my original post for those viewers who enjoy digging in deep to films. Thanks for your enthusiasm!

[@kristacielo5734]

As a Spiritualist, I think this was beautiful, wonderfully done and makes perfect sense to me.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for watching and for this comment, Krista! I so appreciate it when I hear how our film connects with someone on a deeper level. 🙂🙏

[@craigjohnson4302]

It's our last "shot" to "develop" our last memories.

[@markhstrauss]

I see what you did there, Craig. 😃Thanks so much for taking the time watch our film!

[@anonymouslearner2454]

underrated 😢😢

[@craigjohnson4302]

​@@markhstraussit's a short just waiting to be made pun of... Oops, I did it again.

[@markhstrauss]

@@craigjohnson4302 I mean... who doesn't like a good pun? Frankly, I'm suspicious of those who don't. 😆

[@charlesraiff4341]

A great story and overall a great short film. Very well produced and entertaining. Keep up the good work.

[@Yoss2204]

This was great! Well done!

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words! 😊👍🏻

[@sandiamartin585]

Super cool, and unique, I LOVED it.

[@markhstrauss]

Super appreciate these kind words! 😊👍

[@2pie2mash]

For many reasons people struggle in life and many leave their physical being way too early, those left behind are left feeling lost and confused......overwhelmed. I see this as the baton (camera in this case), that early leavers are handed to 'show' themselves and others what they have left behind. While it is possible to be at peace within yourself and accept death, crossing over at a younger age doesn't have the peace or clarity for all involved. You might be looking for reasons, but there are no reasons. “...and then, I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?” ~ Vincent Willem van Gogh Thank you Omeleto and the film makers of this excellent short 🌷🎶🙏🫶☯🕊☮🧡

[@markhstrauss]

What an absolutely lovely comment! You have tapped directly into the heart of why I wrote, and ultimately wanted to make this film. ❤️🙏

[@DisappointedSon0813]

Is late to a funeral, first thing out of her mouth is "I'm gonna get paid... right?" LMAO.

[@LivingInTheShade]

My heart, my heart, this was very touching and sad. The ending 😭😭😭😭😭

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words about how touching the film is. My intent in writing it and our goal in creating the film was for it to be reflection of one’s own experience with loss and grief. ❤️🙏

[@LivingInTheShade]

@@markhstrauss It was fantastic 👏

[@markhstrauss]

@@LivingInTheShade❤

[@mkinzel39]

Very nice! Great job!

[@BennettScharf]

@markhstrauss, I loved everything about this film, but I especially wanted acknowledge to the wonderful music! I appreciated how it helped set the mood of the scenes and propel the story forward. I loved the choice of Dido's Lament and the way the theme was woven into the film. Like others, I watched the film multiple times, each time coming away with a bit more. Thank you for such a wonderful, thought-provoking film!

[@Kinship1]

This was astounding. Im heartbroken.

[@SharonNolfi]

It's very hard to hear the conversation near the end as Jules looks at the photos. What did they say to each other before the rewind to the beginning scene? Closed captions would be helpful as the music is very loud at that point.

[@HamChex]

I think she said something along the lines of- "poopyhead fart poopyhead fart".

[@markhstrauss]

Captions were just added.

[@caspiansfriend]

I didn't feel that the music was too loud, honestly. On the other hand, the actors' articulation was the challenging part to my 60+ years old ears. But their dialog was not challenging at all to younger ears. That said, with my not at all cheap over the ear headset, I could understand Charlie and Jules. I feel that their quiet, barely articulate voices were very appropriate, given the situation. The following is my transcript of their conversation--where they give out numerous critical details.............................................. Charlie: You really missed your calling, Jules. Those look great. (Clearly Jules was not a photographer before she died. They hug. Then she picks the photos back up. Looks at a couple, stops at a woman her age and says) "Pam. I'm so sorry!" This moment is super important. For, obviously she and Pam have some kind of connection. But... during the funeral the little girl called Pam "mommy" earlier and asks "when can I see Daddy?" Pam doesn't know what to say.... as Charlie looks at them with his version of affection--a very subdued but warm smile. I believe that "Jules" and "Charlie" were not married but brother and sister. Back to the conversation over the music.... Jules: "I know that you were just trying to make sure I got everyone for her." Charlie: "It's OK. At least you didn't call me 'dooshbag' like you used to do." (Ah. Important tid bit. And actually, she did, but Charlie didn't hear her. More evidence that they are brother and sister) Jules (looking at the mother/daughter photo): she's beautiful. You should keep this one Charlie: Thanks. That's not how this works. (more evidence that it's a photo of his wife and daughter) Jules comes upon the photo of "uncle David," pulls it aside and looks at only it. She's trying very hard to keep it together now. Jules: "Does it ever get any easier? ....... Charlie?" Now Charlie, with a great deal of struggling inside, hands the "money" to Jules. By now she knows what it means. Jules: "Already?" She takes a couple of deep breathes trying to calm herself and asks "Who is it?" Charlie looks at her with that mixture of dread, pain and resolve. And then we go fade to Black. Next scene, Jules has taken over the role that Charlie had with her as we see David enter the room, a little bewildered and he clearly does not recognize Jules. She, being just as stoic as Charlie was with her, starts the process with David. And so the cycle continues.

[@wakingtheworld]

@@caspiansfriend Well compiled. This would have taken you time as well, stop/starting the video. Thank you.

[@markhstrauss]

@@caspiansfriend ​​⁠Wow! Thanks so much for taking your time to dig in so deep and making this post.😊👍🏻 You have a really good insight into what’s actually happening in the film! I’m glad that we now have the captions enabled to make it easier for subsequent viewings to get the subtleties of what’s being said.

[@quokka_11]

It takes them a minute to get the picture.

[@natureboytom]

I worked in the funeral industry for many yrs, mostly the embalming. This film was well done and what a great twist, I’ve been a fan of Omeleto For many yrs. 👍🚀🚀🚀Thank you!

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words, Tom! 🙂👍 It's always fun to hear from someone who has worked in the funeral business. I've also been a huge fan of Omeleto for a long time. Some of the best short films I've ever seen I found right here. In fact, during postproduction of The Funeral Photographer, I would often think about how the welcoming, film-loving Omeleto community would dig in to the subtleties of our film. It's a real honor to be included on this channel! 🙏

[@luminous3826]

The story of this film is well done! I'm not a big fan of short films, but I actually like this one

[@pedrojuliancereceda8301]

Oh, my gosh! did not see that coming!!! Awesome!

[@susieturk1]

Such an interesting concept. I had to go back again. To figure out who the first guy was. A beautiful and then tragic short. I will not forget this one for a long time.

[@markhstrauss]

I really appreciate these kind words, Susie!❤️🙏

[@kellykaram5622]

Well done! This is an engaging short that makes one wonder what the hereafter is all about.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for watching, Kelly and for taking the time to share your kind words! ❤️🙏

[@MrDalebenberger]

Thanks Mark for provoking us in a positive way.

[@scottjohnson6455]

A concept i would never have thought of. Reviewing photos she took of her own funeral. Rod Serling is applauding from the grave.

[@markhstrauss]

Wow, Scott… your comment made my day. To even be mentioned in the same sentence as Rod Serling is quite an honor! 😊👍🏻

[@WanderlustFilmsLLC]

Great short film! Well crafted, fascinating!

[@markhstrauss]

I really appreciate your thoughts and kind words! 😊🙏

[@vivianokwuagwu]

This was excellent. Bravo!

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks so much for watching, Vivian and I really appreciate your kind words! 🤎🙏

[@foolishideas]

A really interesting concept... and a beautiful execution.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks so much! 😊👍

[@Maria-tm8jg]

So the guy who i guess was the husband died right after her funeral?The redhead said that he came early, so I'm guessing he un-alived himself?

[@cellinacodaglio3600]

I think you are right.

[@markhstrauss]

You are correct, Maria. Kudos for picking up on that subtle clue!

[@Maria-tm8jg]

​@@markhstraussamazing work by the way! :)

[@arysboo6350]

@@markhstraussamazing work! Came back to show some friends and they loved it. Thanks for confirming!

[@markhstrauss]

@@arysboo6350 Thanks so much! I also really appreciate you sharing our film with your friends and am so glad to hear they loved it. 🙂👍

[@MartinisnOlives]

I still don’t understand the two older gentlemen who were whispering to one another and passing a note. They kept asking “where is this guy?” - any elaboration on that?

[@catweasle5737]

Why does youtube feel the need to play the music louder than the people talking?

[@cellinacodaglio3600]

It's unbearable!!😑

[@---kx1xc]

it's nighttime so i cant keep turning the volume up to hear it.

[@ImaLayD]

I'm getting a different interpretation from many of the commenters. I think the photographers are dead, they don't recognize their family at first but they are capturing their funerals. Which is why each photographer is so confused at the start

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Fantastic! TFS! ♥️

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks so much for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

@@markhstrauss ♥️

[@shintosasaki2318]

I really connected to this short. For post mortem reasons

[@CatherineDover]

Fantastic thank you.X

[@markhstrauss]

Appreciate the kind words, Catherine! 😊🙏

[@lovelife2day]

That was amazing. Great job.

[@markhstrauss]

Wow, thank you so much for saying that!😊👍🏻

[@nadineperront-vu4sk]

Bravo !! 👍

[@Verzin1234]

Beautiful film!

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to make such a nice comment! 😊🙏

[@kimberlycrouch7228]

Think I need to rewatch that.... I have many questions

[@mktlateshow8704]

too many :0

[@manfredcaranci6234]

I did rewatch it, and still can't figure it out.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for watching and feel free to ask any questions! As the writer and producer, we crafted the film to be subtle like you're looking at a photograph.

[@anonymouslearner2454]

@@markhstrauss Still wondering : "you really missed your calling" What calling did she miss? Does it refer to when Charlie called out her name? Did they have to return at 11-30 when the service starts?

[@Prizzy999]

​@@anonymouslearner2454 No, her calling to be a photographer when she was alive. But the photos aren't real, they're just her memories of her beloved ones that she carried in the afterlife.

[@pietswart6048]

Very very well done.

[@markhstrauss]

I appreciate the kind words, Piet! 😊👍🏻

[@sylvias2062]

I maybe wrong but feel this is a play on the concept of reflection . It is as old as philosophy and often uses the metaphor of the mirror but is also based on physics. Without reflection we don't really exist. Sunlight would be darkness if it wouldn't be reflected , hence our shadow which is either before or behind us . Photography after all is based on light and its reflection on matter . In philosophy , ancient and current it is applied to our emotional state between life , death and grey. The fascination with Vampires plays on this triangle, the impossibility to control it and fear of mortality.

[@markhstrauss]

Hi Sylvio, thanks so much for your insightful and fascinating perspective. I love that you used the word "reflection" as I agree with you for a couple main reasons: 1) I write from the perspective of "theme is a mirror, not a lesson." 2) I wrote the script and we as a team created this film to be a reflection of each viewer's own experience with love, loss, and the price of grief. I also really like your comment of "without reflection we don't really exist." Since one of my inspirations to create this film was to take the idea that funerals are typically about the living remembering the dead, and making it about the dead remembering the living (through this curious Funeral Photographer process), your comment gives me another perspective on that idea. Thanks again for taking the time to watch and for your thoughts! Mark

[@sylvias2062]

@markhstrauss Thank you There is a small book called " Schlemihl or the man who sold his shadow " . It's only a small volume but plays on a number of subjects. It may give you some inspiration for a future project. Thanks to you all for keeping the spirit , passion and knowledge of filmmaking alive . Treat yourself to " Maniac " 2001 ( it's on KZbin)

[@jemjem9699]

Interesting movie but i could not understand very well what was being said . Captions would have helped very muchl

[@eugenetswong]

English captions have been added after your comment.

[@jemjem9699]

@@eugenetswong thank you very much

[@BaileyNance-y1i]

Perfect and beautiful performance

[@muhammadbilalmirajdin3764]

is this the plot? a girl is hired for a funeral photography ... she does her job ... gets called by her name by a seemingly unknown attendant, she is shocked to see the deceased one (seems like her dead-self) and she seems out of place .... she looks the 'memories of the past' and then she hands over the job to someone else. is that what it was? (i have taken out all the subtleties on purpose to cut short my comment plus i'm not a great writer )

[@markhstrauss]

Yes and nice way to put it as the framework of the story. 😊👍🏻

[@larryfreda5208]

I’ve never seen a paid photograph at a funeral.

[@markhstrauss]

Interestingly, after I started writing this, I did some research and discovered that there actual funeral photographers. Thanks for watching!

[@elvisduck4014]

@@markhstrauss Funeral photographers are popular in Germany. As we get older, families meet up less often and more likely at a funeral.

[@markhstrauss]

@@elvisduck4014I did not know that… I wonder if that trend will spread to other countries. thanks for watching!

[@katherinkeegan8601]

​@@markhstraussWhen I started the video, I thought to myself that she was going to go to her own funeral. The brother being the funeral director threw me, because I couldn't figure out who he was. I realized the young girl going to find her uncle signified who would die next. I didn't realize that it was Jules' husband. I think part of my confusion at identifying the brother and husband was the low volume of the speakers. Yes I realize hush tones were appropriate, but it made it hard to follow the story. But that was what you were going for wasn't it? Also her not recognizing anyone also confused me and had me thinking I wasn't correct about it being her funeral. Jules was far more composed welcoming her husband than I would have been. This was a very well made video.

[@markhstrauss]

@@katherinkeegan8601 Hi Katherine, great comments and I so appreciate your thoughts. Yeah, it was a tough balance with the audio trying to keep it whispery enough to be true to the funeral setting and feeling mysterious, while making it loud enough to pick up on the dialogue. I sometimes recommend watching the film, then watching it with subtitles, then watching it a third time which often creates the emotional experience. The creative choice to make the film feel like a photograph can work for us and against us. :) Part of the reason I wrote the film the way I did is because of how intelligent viewers are now. With so much quality storytelling out there, we have to work harder as creators to honor the agreement between storyteller and viewer. To that point, I assumed some viewers might correctly expect that she's at her own funeral, so I wanted to create layered twists including the final twist of the husband being the next photographer. Good point about Jules being composed. Tara knocked it out of the park playing this role! At the end, she struck a beautiful balance here because Jules knows that if she doesn't keep her composure, she won't be able to guide David to gather his memories; she must be The Attendant. It's also a melancholy ending because she will now be together again with her husband, but under heartbreaking circumstances. I didn't expect to write such a long response, but you inspired me! :)

[@SB-ht2uy]

So this is my favourite short film ever

[@SB-ht2uy]

I had shivers

[@markhstrauss]

Wow… thanks so much for saying that! You made my day. 😊 ❤️🙏

[@alexcanyon843]

Did she have a "veil" over her mind (until the truth was later revealed) that kept her from recognizing her friends and loved ones at her funeral? Was the car, the camera, breath mints, etc. all other dimensional as well since no one seemed to see her but the attendant?

[@markhstrauss]

Great questions and “Yes!” to both. Whatever the mysterious Funeral Photographer process is, the person doesn’t recognize anybody at the funeral, and must get their photos (memories) before they realize they’re dead. Thanks so much for watching and asking your questions!

[@bobg1685]

Nicely done.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks, Bob! 😊👍🏻

[@markdanner4900]

Very very well played.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Very well done, folks😀

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks, Catherine!😊🙏

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@markhstrauss you are welcome

[@yl0000]

The use of film is a nice detail.

[@markhstrauss]

Yeah, it just didn't feel right with a digital camera. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Diya-ht2ue]

Amazing!

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks! :)

[@Diya-ht2ue]

​@@markhstrauss so you are the script writer of this beautiful short story? Well done! 😊 .. I think it gave me a little hope that may be I can meet my mother again.. may be everything happens this way.. may be! I don't know! I really loved it 😊

[@markhstrauss]

@@Diya-ht2ue I so appreciate your kind words about my writing and hope you'll be with your mother again. Thank you for this thoughtful comment.🤎🙏

[@Diya-ht2ue]

​@@markhstrauss 😊 🙏

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

😮that was deep. ❤❤

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks, Rosemary! 😊❤️🙏

[@jorgergonzalezvisualartist8925]

Interesting film. At first I was a bit taken aback by the use of a film camera since the person that was hiring the photographer asked for “a fly on the wall” which with the crank of the film advance you definitely don’t get. But unfortunately that is because I’m a wedding photographer 😊. But after getting past that I noticed of course that the photographer apparently was photographing her own funeral, which took me deeper into thought and came to the conclusion that it was similar in concept to the film It’s a wonderful life with Jimmy Steward in which he is shown what the life of others would be like without him. Of course that is not what happens in the short but it got me thinking of by her photographing does in attendance, showed those that care about her all the way to the end. Yet it was almost like passing the baton, Charlie “who seems to be dead” gives her an envelope that she will give to the next photographer (dead person) and it continues. That is what I gathered…

[@markhstrauss]

Well said, and I so appreciate the perspective of a photographer. Thanks for taking the time to watch the film and share your thoughts! 😊👍🏻

[@jorgergonzalezvisualartist8925]

@@markhstrauss Thank you for creating such an original, thought provoking work!

[@Wind4142]

"Actually, you'r little early..." So deep and sad 😢

[@JollyOrfali]

So if you ever find yourself driving to a random funeral to be the photographer, you’re probably dead

[@markhstrauss]

Your comment made me smile and I was wondering... Words to "live " by or an "afterlife" hack? 😉😆 Thanks so much for watching!

[@johnstucko2740]

Why no CC: enabled? Some things were hard to hear/understand.

[@SharonNolfi]

I agree. Needs CC enabled because of loud music drowning out soft conversation.

[@lucyladyandhusband]

Ditto.

[@eugenetswong]

Captions were added after your comment.

[@BigBoaby-sg1yo]

@john ! I never understood a bloody thing .

[@Cartier_specialist]

I don't get it. I guess I'll watch it again but I think it's just beyond my grasp.

[@RawBogan]

Over my head too. It'd probably take a month for someone to explain it to me... Very well made short.

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for watching and I completely understand. We crafted the film to narratively feel like a photograph, so it's intentionally subtle. We've found that a second viewing often helps reveal some of the subtle story beats.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Rewatching can help many things be clearer

[@demetrius235]

FIgured out she was dead when she was surprised the man knew to call her "Jules". Did NOT see the husband going next. My first thought watching this was: "Really? Film? She'd get through the pictures faster with a digital camera". 🤣

[@markhstrauss]

Darn ghosts and their resistance to embracing new technology! 🤣👍🏻 All kidding aside, audiences are so smart and intuitive nowadays, when I wrote this I was thinking, “Even if someone figures out that she’s in the casket, they likely won’t see the ultimate twist.”

[@sylvias2062]

The song is Purcell " Dido's Lament " .

[@markhstrauss]

Exactly! When I asked my friend Paul Mow to be in the film, he chose this song. He said it’s the piece that inspired him to become an opera singer. He also told me that it’s typically performed by a woman and always wanted to sing it. ❤️🎶 Fun Fact: Our amazing composer, Matt Dahan, included a deconstruction of this melody in the sequence leading up to his entrance and Julie’s realization. There is also a more melancholy deconstruction of this melody when we see the husband at the end. Thanks again for watching, Sylvio!

[@Krystalisha]

Wow. Beautifully written and executed. And spoiler ... Ouch The husband must have killed himself right after she died

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for the kind words, Krystal. And, sadly, you are correct. 😔 The end is meant to be melancholy because while we can appreciate that they are together again, the circumstances are heartbreaking. 💔🙏

[@FrankLowe1949]

Nice ❤❤🎉🎉

[@TrainerMarjieAnnNTC]

Who were those two older men? Were they like the grim reapers making sure that the priest would be there to formally execute things and for them to ensure and usher the next one? And yes, did David die due to overdose?

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks for watching and good questions… The two older men were Julie’s favorite uncles. They essentially serve as a red herring as we (and Julie) think they are up to something nefarious when in fact they’re just waiting for the opera singer to show up. You are on the right track with how the husband dies. There are clues in the film as to how and why he died so quickly.

[@TomoyoTatar]

The end though ):

[@rilly1347]

Okay, for all those not getting it let's see if I can explain about what I think is going on. The photographers are spirits of the deceased and the (I do believe anyways) funeral directors are the spirits of loved ones that passed on before them. I can go into more details and answer questions to the best of my ability if you guys want me to.

[@thekidunest7425]

Yes please

[@rilly1347]

@@thekidunest7425 What would you like to know or have explained?

[@thekidunest7425]

@@rilly1347 everything I’m lost

[@markhstrauss]

Yep! As the writer and producer of this short, you are spot on with the cyclical nature of this process of gathering memories of loved ones to carry to the afterlife. In fact, there's an easter egg clue to who the next funeral photographer will be. Thanks for watching and for your thoughts!

[@crystalvera9560]

@@markhstrausscan u tell us where to find the clue, I think it’s her husband but where is the clue. Also, she took a picture of her brother at the funeral & u can see the photo at the end. I thought ghosts or spirits can’t be photographed.

[@nataliewilliams9741]

I have to put my dog down today. I lost my entire family in 2020, not to C19, just old age. Lockdown was just another day while caring for two parents dying. For some reason, this hit hard.

[@markhstrauss]

That’s so heartbreaking, Natalie. 💔 I can’t imagine how overwhelmed you must be and hope our film, at least in some small way, helps you through your grief. ❤️🙏

[@GabrielaHernandez-mi5jm]

Awesome, I got so many questions

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks, Gabriella! As the writer of this short, feel free to ask any questions.

[@thefeatheredhag4279]

@@markhstrausswhy is there no CC? I have a very hard time hearing?

[@markhstrauss]

@@thefeatheredhag4279Hi! I did provide a captions file so hopefully that will get added soon.

[@lucyladyandhusband]

​@@markhstraussThank you Mr Strauss.

[@GabrielaHernandez-mi5jm]

@@markhstrauss So the way I understood this film, the funeral and all the photographer “job” is some sort of a transition to the after life with the guidance of someone who has already pass through it, so after Jules haves her experience, he guides someone else and so on, the photographs are a methaphor of memories itself and David at the end is “too early” as he committed suicide after his beloved girl passed away… This is the best shot film I’ve ever seen by the way…

[@stevenjones122]

These things get more and more vague

[@tobe-you-tube6612]

This is the exact opposite. All those faceS captured

[@thatdigoryguy]

A circle ⭕️ 🖤

[@richparsons4205]

It’s not a funeral, it’s a Wake. I’m over 60 and I’ve never seen a photographer at a Wake…or a funeral, for that matter.

[@bub777]

A ghost tasked with capturing memories of those that cared about her?

[@markhstrauss]

You're exactly right... thanks so much for watching!🙂👍

[@sarahk8397]

What's the significance of the white pad that Charlie is holding at the end?

[@markhstrauss]

Great question... so it's the envelope of "cash" from the beginning of the film (who knows what's really in it). In the end, it's what I like to call the "talisman" which has the current funeral photographer transition to be the next attendant. Hope that makes sense!

[@thomasfnmitchell1988]

I paused when I got Pet Semetary vibes.

[@markhstrauss]

Yikes! I might pause it too if I were getting Pet Cemetary vibes. 😬😳 Much different story though.

[@MadeInSeventyFour]

There was no Pet Semetary vibe. Not even close to it.

[@thomasfnmitchell1988]

​@@MadeInSeventyFouragree to disagree

[@thomasfnmitchell1988]

Read the book, obsessed over the movies as a toddler too, aaaaaaand I literally live down the road from him.

[@thomasfnmitchell1988]

Not knowing beforehand. I'm from MA and pleaded my mother to read me It.

[@mfawls9624]

Where did she get film?

[@markhstrauss]

That's a fair question... since she's a ghost, I imagine it comes from the ghost of an long-closed Fotomat store. 😆

[@12thDecember]

I guess we're supposed to draw our own conclusions ...?

[@manfredcaranci6234]

Unfortunately, not much to go on.

[@MrDalebenberger]

This movie short is beautifully made. The plot is very twisty and I was not satisfied with my take on it so I watched again There are subtle clues leading to the conclusion What if we could be our own photographer and take the memories with us to the next reality

[@markhstrauss]

@@MrDalebenbergerWell said, Dale! To your exact point… We crafted the film to feel like a photograph with the story beats hidden under a thin veil of mystery. Because of that, the first viewing can be a bit frustrating for some viewers, as everything is not super clear. There are lots of subtle clues (and a couple Easter eggs) throughout the film. Thanks for taking your time to watch and share your thoughtful reaction!

[@MrDalebenberger]

Mark Strauss, am I correct that the photographer Julie bore a striking resemblance to the deceased? I think that it behooves us to get those photos while we can still enjoy those that we love. This film's plot is frustratingly complex , yet subtle. Like an abstract painting, the point here is not what is visible at first glance, but how it makes the viewer feel and the though journey that is provoked while trying to understand. Every cinematic masterpiece leaves more questions than it answers . How else could it leave you wanting more? Kudos, .Mark. This film is a winner.

[@markhstrauss]

@@MrDalebenberger​​⁠ I quite literally got choked up reading your comment. Yes, yes, and yes! We just got off a year+ film festival run and I could often see on people’s faces that they really didn’t get it. And that’s OK. That’s the creative choice we made to accomplish what you so wonderfully described above. There are even deeper layers still. For example, when we discover how Julie is actually connected to the other characters, her interactions with them make more sense. Like with Charlie (The Attendant). When she’s in the vacuum room and says, “He looks like my brother, Charlie, but Charlie‘s dead so…” When we then look back on her conversations with him, they are woven with sibling rivalry. Thanks again for your wonderful comments! 😊🙏

[@KatWoodland]

Powerful

[@markhstrauss]

Thanks, Kat! 🤎🙏

[@KatWoodland]

so so powerful. subtle deep profound poetic pow pow powerful. thank you for creating a film that has stirred me deeply and has inspired me to be more of myself, before I am the funeral photographer.

[@markhstrauss]

This just gave me the chills and I truly got choked up. It's the kind of connection I had hoped might happen when someone experiences our film. Thank you so much... you made my day. 🤎

[@KatWoodland]

@@markhstrauss💙

[@aroundandround]

Mark, were the two older men that seemed “weird” to Jules next in line?

[@markhstrauss]

Hi, thanks so much for watching and for your question! Before I share my thoughts below (including spoilers), since I have had others ask the same thing... what makes you think they might be next? . . . . . ⚠CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD! ⚠ The way it was written, these two men essentially serve as the film's red herring: we are put in Julie’s perspective where we believe they are shifty and waiting for someone/something nefarious. Up until the truth is revealed, some people wonder if it would be a bomb or a gun in the briefcase, when in fact, it was just the singer's sheet music. They're nervousness is simply that they are worried because the singer is late. Ultimately, they are two people that Julie loved dearly as evidenced by one of them saying, “She made me promise“ to be the one to give her eulogy, and the way she reacts when she sees their photo toward the end of the film. When I wrote it, I envisioned the one who would give the eulogy as her favorite uncle and the other his husband. However, to your point, another insightful Omeleto viewer - @Halmussa - compared them passing their envelope (could be notes for the eulogy or the check for the singer) to the passing of the envelope to signify the next attendant (in this case, Julie). Something I never even connected... and I wrote it! 😆 As you mention, even though I didn't intend it my writing, this film is meant to be experienced with the subtlety of looking at a photograph. And since I believe I write to find the story and not tell the story, and you used the phrase "next in line," here's a possibility... The husband is the next photographer, which is the final twist of the film. After him, we see just before that final moment that the woman on the left grabs her chest as she will be the next photographer after him. To your point, on a deeper level of the film, maybe one of those two uncles (as evidenced by the passing of the paper) will be after that. 🤔 I just have to say that this is why the Omeleto community is so top notch! Creatively insightful... even to the point where I get to look at my own film through fresh eyes! Thank you for that!🤎🙏

[@aroundandround]

Thanks for the detailed cliff notes. I was wondering if they were next in line because I’d seen a comment by you saying there was an Easter egg to that effect, and they seemed the closest to her family among the attendees and dear to her, but it wasn’t obvious to me from anything in the movie itself that they were poised to be the next photographers.

[@TurtleWhisperer8]

Someone help me with this one ❤

[@odd0odium]

i cried a bucket