Second Unit (2011)
A nine-minute comedy short about a feuding film crew, a woman, and the unglamorous grind of Hollywood's second unit work.
Second Unit - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2011
- Directed by: Ian Johnston, Michael MacDonald
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 9m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 31, 2011 (United States)
- Production Companies: Road House Films Inc.
Second Unit - Plot
The second unit crew of a low budget action film bicker over a woman while shooting benign establishing shots in Hollywood.
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Second Unit - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ian Johnston
- Michael MacDonald
Main Cast
- Forrest J. Ackerman
- Ian Johnston
- Michael MacDonald
- Mark A. Owen
Writers
- Ian Johnston
- Michael MacDonald
Producers
- Ian Johnston
- Michael MacDonald
Second Unit - FAQs
What is Second Unit about?
Second Unit follows the bickering crew of a low-budget action film's second unit as they shoot mundane establishing shots around Hollywood. The tension isn't about the movie they're making — it's about the woman caught in the middle of their on-set rivalry, played out with comedic flair.
Who directed the short film Second Unit?
Second Unit was co-directed by Ian Johnston and Michael MacDonald, who also wrote the script, produced the film, and appear on screen as cast members. It's very much a passion project where the two filmmakers wore nearly every hat on set.
Who are the main actors in Second Unit?
The cast includes Forrest J. Ackerman as the Scary Old Man, Ian Johnston as Ian, Michael MacDonald as Michael, and Mark A. Owen as Mark. Notably, Forrest J. Ackerman was a legendary figure in science fiction fandom and a beloved icon of genre culture.
When was Second Unit released?
Second Unit was released on January 31, 2011, in the United States. It's a short film running just 9 minutes, produced by Road House Films Inc. and co-created by the directing duo of Ian Johnston and Michael MacDonald.
How long is the short film Second Unit?
Second Unit runs for just 9 minutes, making it a compact short film. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in a full comedic premise — a love triangle playing out on a Hollywood film set while the crew tries to get their shots done.
Is Second Unit based on a true story?
Second Unit is not based on a specific true story, though it draws humorously on the very real world of low-budget filmmaking. The on-set dynamics, petty rivalries, and unglamorous work of a second unit crew feel grounded in authentic filmmaking experience.
What are some movies similar to Second Unit?
If you enjoyed Second Unit, you might like other comedies such as Mirreyes vs Godínez, All the Freckles in the World, Contra, or stand-up specials like Ricky Gervais: Armageddon and Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis — all offering sharp, lighthearted humor with distinct comedic voices.
Who wrote and edited Second Unit?
The screenplay was co-written by Ian Johnston and Michael MacDonald, the same duo who directed and produced the film. Michael MacDonald also handled the editing, giving the project a tight, cohesive feel that reflects a clear shared creative vision between the two collaborators.
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