Writer | Director
BRETT ALAN
CALKINS

ABOUT
I lost my father and became a father just a few weeks apart.
One night, I was comforting my newborn son, and I felt a connection to my father, and all my ancestors before me who must have comforted a crying child in the night in the same way.
I make films about stepping through the threshold of parenthood, with all the fear and awe that goes along with it.
I am a recent graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory Directing Master’s Program where I wrote and directed five narrative short films including his thesis film, Black Whole. Before attending AFI, I received my BA in from Brigham Young University where my thesis film, Penrose, was nominated for Best Short at the Utah Film Awards 2016, and an Official Selection of the LDS Film Festival 2016.
My commercial directing work has been featured on the NFL Network, CBS Sports, and Bleacher Report.
One night, I was comforting my newborn son, and I felt a connection to my father, and all my ancestors before me who must have comforted a crying child in the night in the same way.
I make films about stepping through the threshold of parenthood, with all the fear and awe that goes along with it.
I am a recent graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory Directing Master’s Program where I wrote and directed five narrative short films including his thesis film, Black Whole. Before attending AFI, I received my BA in from Brigham Young University where my thesis film, Penrose, was nominated for Best Short at the Utah Film Awards 2016, and an Official Selection of the LDS Film Festival 2016.
My commercial directing work has been featured on the NFL Network, CBS Sports, and Bleacher Report.
Black Whole - Short Film - Writer/Director
When a haunting black hole appears in their front yard, a young pregnant couple must face their fears of miscarriage, in order to eliminate the phenomenon before they are consumed by it.
Available upon request.
Available upon request.


Bad Apples - Short Film - Writer/Director
Pushed to desperation, two friends set out to rob a bank, at the risk of losing their self respect. Shot on 16mm film.
Available upon request.
Available upon request.
Honeymoon - Short Film - Director
On their wedding day, a bride and groom must escape the pressures of the big day for the good of their relationship. Shot on 35mm film.
Available upon request.
Available upon request.


Moon Brothers - Short Film - Writer/Director
After their father's funeral, two estranged brothers must resolve their relationship before a long standing argument about the validity of the moon landing, drives them apart for good.
Fighting - Short Film - Writer/Director
Paralyzed by her fear of repeating her father's failures, a champion boxer must recover from losing her title, or stop fighting.


Projections - Short Film - Writer/Director
After inheriting his father's collection of slides, a young parent must overcome his pride to connect with his father through an transportive experience created by the slide projector.
REEL
