George A. Tramountanas and Kendra McDermott as Frank & Laura Tsigas
Synopsis: Frank Tsigas is a middle-aged family man and struggling novelist who can only see his life's shortcomings. On their 21st anniversary, his soft-spoken wife Laura surprises him with an offer: if he can lose 50 pounds in three months, she will give him a "unique" sexual adventure. As he struggles to lose the weight, Frank learns that the paths chosen in life's journey are more important than its final destination.
About the Filmmaker: George A. Tramountanas is a writer, director, and producer with a passion for inappropriate comedies, heroic adventures, and horror films that make you laugh. “Win a Trip to Browntown!” is George’s first foray into the world of independent filmmaking – and he dove in head-first! He wrote, directed, produced, and acted in this micro-budgeted feature, which forced him to lose 50 pounds (and his job). He sincerely hopes audiences will find it worth his sacrifice.
Born and raised in Seattle, George eventually made his way to Los Angeles via USC, where he received his Masters Degree in Film & TV Production. It was there he wrote and directed the award-winning short "Screwed: A Hollywood Bedtime Story," starring Enrico Colantoni ("Galaxy Quest"). He spent many years in the industry working as a music licensor for Disney TV, an assistant to filmmakers such as Oliver Stone ("Platoon") and Michael Phillips ("Taxi Driver"), and a freelance screenwriter.
After several years in L.A., George moved back to Seattle to raise a family, but still kept one foot in moviemaking. He worked as both a film publicist and film acquisition specialist in the Pacific NW, and taught various classes at the Seattle Film Institute for more than a decade. Now, he's crossing his fingers that "Win a Trip to Browntown!" is just the first of many new projects to come!
A Note from George: Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our website and learn more about my first feature, “Win a Trip to Browntown!” The completion of “Win a Trip to Browntown!” - my first feature - marks the end of a long journey for me, which is revealed in the film’s story – but not in the way you might think! In addition, I was forced to lose 50 pounds in 3 months (and my job). Ain’t filmmaking grand?
Like the story's main character, I married young (right out of college) and had huge dreams. My wife and I travelled from Seattle down to Los Angeles so I could pursue my goal of becoming a filmmaker. I did grunt work for several producers, spent some time behind a studio desk, and eventually found myself in USC’s graduate filmmaking program.
I made a short film while at the school which received a decent amount of attention. From this, I got a manager and ran myself ragged writing and attempting to pitch (to no avail). My singular focus on filmmaking at the time strained my marriage, and I had to make a choice about which dream I wanted most – love or career.
I wisely chose love and moved back to Seattle with my wife. I kept writing and always tried to keep one toe in the filmmaking world, but my main focus for the past two decades was family. Then, a few years ago, I conceived my film’s funny little premise regarding a weight loss bet. However, I wanted the story to have some true emotional resonance, so I rolled the life lessons I’ve learned into my tale.
My wife and kids thankfully loved my script and were an essential part of this micro-budgeted production. During the summer of 2019, we turned our house into a makeshift studio. My kids were actors and PAs, while my wife was a co-producer and cooked all the meals for our cast and crew. It was a bonding experience unlike any other and convinced me more than ever that I made the right choice all those years ago (not that I had any doubts).
My family loves the film we’ve made, and I hope you will too. As for what comes next, well, I guess it depends on how our movie is received. But whatever happens, I know my family and I will embrace it together.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Browntown!