Organic Digital’s history started with a need to create new and original projects that would not only entertain but also instruct and teach. “I’ve always tried to lead my audience in through entertainment, whether it be in comedy or drama. I find that the message can be conveyed in a much easier manner if people are not out looking for it.”
“When I was touring on the road with MYTIME I heard so many people say, ‘Do you have a copy of this on tape? I’d love to see it again and again.’ So when I got to California I produced a short video with some help from people I was working with at Warner Brothers Studios. They allowed me to work on the Avid edit system after business hours to cut the film. That was my first time working on a digital project of my own in Hollywood.”
From that project came many more. Over the years Organic Digital has produced several films that has allowed Mr. Phillips a working pallet for his craft. “The Shakespeare Guy” was written as a series of monologues dealing with contemporary issues in Old Elizabethan language. While in an acting group in Los Angeles Jonathan began to talk about the script when suddenly he was surrounded by a group of interested filmmakers. After pitching and agreeing to the idea, the film version of these monologues was born. Shot at DreamWorks Animation campus in Glendale, California it was completely written, acted and edited by Jonathan.
“I was working on a performance of “Romeo and Juliet” when I began playing around with the dialogue in daily conversation. I wrote out some of the ideas and strung together the monologues to form this film. A lot of people asked me, “What Shakespearean play is this from? I have to tell them that he didn’t write it, I did.”
‘Tis only the most ardent and adventurous listener
That can decipher the silence between the ears.
© Jonathan Phillips
With the strong showing of that film Mr. Phillips began working on his next. He pulled together a very talented cast for his next interesting and unique film. “The Connextion” is the story of a 13 year-old girl who runs up a $734 cell phone bill for the month. When her father takes away her phone she spirals into a dark depression forcing her family to call a “Specialist.”
This very real drama has touched many families with its humor and handling of a very serious problem. Currently on the Festival circuit, this film features performances by Mala Powers, Hollywood Walk of fame actress, and Jonathan Phillips as the “Specialist.”
Along with writing, producing and acting Mr. Phillips has been able to assist various other productions as an editor and consultant. Several of these can be seen on DVD upon request;
• The Miracle of Monroe Street – Puppet Drama by Jennifer Levine
• Everest E.R. – Acme Arts documentary about a hospital clinic at Mt. Everest
• Josh Pais Actor Demo – Highlights of this powerful New York actor’s work
• Veronica’s Trip – Music video edited for PeachCraft Pictures
• Zara Live at Hard Rock Café – Performance by Zara and her Los Angeles band