Jason Sedlar
Jason Sedlar is a Slovenian/Canadian producer, director, writer, and actor. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sedlar developed a deep fascination with the performing arts from a young age. This passion has driven him to excel in various disciplines and establish himself as a
versatile and talented artist. Sedlar's journey in the arts began with music. He honed his skills by studying at the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music and the Arts Canterbury Arts Program. This foundation in music eventually led him to explore the realms of Musical Theatre and film, where he has been able to showcase his talent and versatility.
One of Sedlar's notable on-screen appearances was on the Discovery Channel's "See no evil," where he portrayed the determined Detective Foraker. He also brought the renowned journalist John Stossel to life in the captivating Crave series "The Dark Side of the Ring." Sedlar's ability to
embody different characters and captivate audiences with his energy and charm has made him a sought-after actor.
In addition to his acting career, Sedlar has ventured into producing and directing. He has successfully produced and directed two large stage musical productions, including a recent ten-show, 900-seat production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." These experiences have allowed Sedlar to further explore his passion for storytelling and create unforgettable experiences for audiences.
Sedlar's love for the arts extends beyond his own work. As a well-traveled individual, he immerses himself in the arts worldwide, seeking inspiration from different cultures and artistic expressions. This exposure has enriched his creative perspective and continues to fuel his passion for the performing arts.
versatile and talented artist. Sedlar's journey in the arts began with music. He honed his skills by studying at the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music and the Arts Canterbury Arts Program. This foundation in music eventually led him to explore the realms of Musical Theatre and film, where he has been able to showcase his talent and versatility.
One of Sedlar's notable on-screen appearances was on the Discovery Channel's "See no evil," where he portrayed the determined Detective Foraker. He also brought the renowned journalist John Stossel to life in the captivating Crave series "The Dark Side of the Ring." Sedlar's ability to
embody different characters and captivate audiences with his energy and charm has made him a sought-after actor.
In addition to his acting career, Sedlar has ventured into producing and directing. He has successfully produced and directed two large stage musical productions, including a recent ten-show, 900-seat production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." These experiences have allowed Sedlar to further explore his passion for storytelling and create unforgettable experiences for audiences.
Sedlar's love for the arts extends beyond his own work. As a well-traveled individual, he immerses himself in the arts worldwide, seeking inspiration from different cultures and artistic expressions. This exposure has enriched his creative perspective and continues to fuel his passion for the performing arts.
What is your project about?
“Lost But Not Forgotten” follows an rural elderly couple navigating the challenges of cognitive disability and the inevitable end of life. As they grapple with loss and illness, their journey explores the profound impact of memory, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. It offers a compelling
and thought-provoking story that resonates with audiences. With its strong performances, visually stunning cinematography, abundance of easter eggs, and expert storytelling, “Lost but Not Forgotten” is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences and garner critical acclaim.
“Lost But Not Forgotten” follows an rural elderly couple navigating the challenges of cognitive disability and the inevitable end of life. As they grapple with loss and illness, their journey explores the profound impact of memory, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. It offers a compelling
and thought-provoking story that resonates with audiences. With its strong performances, visually stunning cinematography, abundance of easter eggs, and expert storytelling, “Lost but Not Forgotten” is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences and garner critical acclaim.
What are your ambitions with your project?
While the story itself can stand alone, "Lost but Not Forgotten" is the heartfelt pilot episode for the genre-bending anthology series “Absent Minded”. In this series, no two episodes are alike. From dramatic love stories to psychological thrillers and gripping sci-fi adventures, "Absent Minded" offers a diverse range of narratives that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Each meticulously crafted episode, immersed in a visually stunning world, presents a self-contained story, filled with unexpected twists and turns that will leave viewers always questioning what’s to come. Audiences will traverse through haunting corridors of a forgotten memory to surreal landscapes of a fractured mind.
Drawing inspiration from the classic anthology series "The Twilight Zone" and "Black Mirror," "Absent Minded" pushes the boundaries of storytelling. This series explores themes such as memory, identity, perception, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality. This is an easy plug and play for distributors and potential producers as all of the leg work has already been done, leaving interested parties with little to zero risk.
I will be looking to pitch to production companies to partner with to get the rest of the series filmed. Two of the next episodes have been plotted with the rest of my film crew standing by. “Absent Minded” provides an opportunity for distributors to get content in a relatively short turnaround and with the festival success of the pilot episode “Lost But Not Forgotten”, It is already battle tested. For an extremely low budget and with the collaboration with many industry professionals we were able to create this high quality pilot episode which was always our standard.
Tell us something about your shooting? What pleasantly surprised you?
I was very surprised about the commitment and camaraderie of the whole crew and cast. Everyone got along very well throughout the entire process and were a delight to work with. The bonds that were created are forever. The professionalism and mutual respect for each other is truly remarkable. The cast and crew worked extremely hard together, supporting one another, which resulted in an emotionally charged, real and raw film.
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
I purposely created this series to target people who enjoy many different genres of film. I also made a point to target a larger age range than normal. These episodes can be related to by people of all different ages and from various different backgrounds. It also was created with the purpose of it being two fold. Whether you just want to watch a straightforward tear jerker and watch it superficially, or you want to dig deep, follow the multi-layered intricacies and many Easter eggs hidden within, this series is still for you.
Why should distributors buy your film?
“Lost But Not Forgotten” offers a compelling and thought-provoking story that resonates with audiences. This film explores universal themes of love, loss, and redemption, creating an emotional connection that captivates viewers. With its strong performances, visually stunning cinematography, and expert storytelling, “Lost but Not Forgotten” is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences and garner critical acclaim. While the story itself can stand alone, there is a plan for growth for a genre-hopping anthology series entitled “Absent Minded”. This is an easy plug and play for distributors and potential producers, as all of the leg work has already been done leaving
interested parties with little to zero risk.
Why did you decide to become a filmmaker?
After having worked in all facets of many film/theatre sets I found I had many stories to tell and was now equipped with the knowledge to tell them. I have always been inspired by the Arts and influenced by different cultures across the world from my many travels and try to incorporate them in every tale. The Covid Lockdowns, while hectic, gave me a lot of time to reflect and to write, finally starting the process of bringing these stories to life. I believe that film has the power to connect people, inspire change, and create empathy. I wanted to use my skills and passion for storytelling to bring important stories to life on the screen. Additionally, I have always been fascinated by the technical aspects of filmmaking. From cinematography to editing, I love the process of bringing a vision to life through visual and auditory elements. Being a filmmaker allows me to combine my creative instincts with my technical skills. I have a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Working with a team of talented individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise, is incredibly rewarding. It's a collaborative art form that requires the input of many different people, and I thrive in that kind of environment.
Who is your role model?
Both sets of my grandparents have had a significant impact on my life. Although they were not directly involved in the arts, they each taught me valuable lessons and values that I still hold dear today. In a world where these qualities seem to be fading, I make a conscious effort to incorporate them into my daily life. These qualities include gritty, determined, resilient, hard working, kind, accepting, community building, and faithful. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time with them, as it felt like having three sets of loving and nurturing parents.
Which movies are your favorites? Why?
I have a wide range of favorite movies from various genres. What matters most to me is that the stories are well-crafted and adhere to their own established rules. I particularly enjoy complex narratives that contain hidden details and elements that engage the viewer's imagination. When I was younger, I used to love going to the local video rental store and randomly selecting horror movies. I was often pleasantly surprised by the creative storytelling, even if the special effects were not always top-notch. Perhaps the imperfect effects added to the charm of those films.
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
I find inspiration for my films from a variety of sources. I draw inspiration from personal experiences, books, art, music, and other films. I also find inspiration in everyday life, observing people and their stories. Nature and the world around me also serve as a constant source of inspiration. Ultimately, I believe that inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere, as long as we are open to it and are always looking for it.
Which topics interest you the most?
I enjoy writing about the human condition because it allows me to delve into the depths of our own mortality, unraveling the complexities of our emotions, relationships, and struggles, ultimately revealing the shared humanity that binds us all. It is through exploring the human condition that I find catharsis, understanding, and the opportunity to provoke thought and empathy in others.
What do you consider most important about filming?
The most important aspect of filming a movie to me is to capture and convey a compelling story. I want to move the audience, keep them off guard and feel things they weren’t ready to feel. I love oddities and anything out of the ordinary which my future episodes are going to truly highlight. Be ready for the unexpected I always like to say. Additionally, attention to detail, technical expertise, and collaboration with a talented team are crucial for creating a high-quality film. My main goal is to create an original, meaningful and impactful experience that the viewers have never seen before.
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
That would really depend on what you are shooting. But, once you have chosen the approach and techniques you will be using, stay true to it. Be purposeful with all your choices. Attention to detail is key and NEVER SETTLE for “good enough”. But to side step the question slightly, the best film technique is capturing genuine emotions and authentic moments. It's about connecting with the audience on a personal level and making them feel something. Whether it's through a powerful performance, a beautifully composed shot, or a well-crafted edit, the key is to create a film that resonates with people and leaves a lasting impact.
How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking?
In recent years, Ottawa has experienced a boom in creative filmmaking. The city has become a hub for talented filmmakers, with an increasing number of independent productions and collaborations taking place. This surge in creativity has been fueled by the availability of advanced technology, diverse shooting locations, and a supportive community. Ottawa's film industry is thriving, attracting both local and international attention, and contributing to the city's cultural essence.
What can disappoint you in a movie?
It is disheartening to watch films that lack authenticity and depth, as they often feel empty and devoid of meaning. I believe that the best films are those that are created with a genuine connection to the subject matter and a sincere desire to communicate a message or evoke emotions. A big part of this is taking risks. Take a leap of faith to spread your message. When filmmakers don't put their soul into their work, it is a missed opportunity to create something truly impactful and memorable.
Who supports you in your film career?
I am very fortunate to have many family members who are very supportive of my film and arts career. (Hi Mom.. Hi Dad..) I am very thankful to have such a wonderful support network and I love them all the more for it.