Left Digital Media producing short film

What was once a class project has blossomed into a full-fledged production company.

Upon graduation from Full Sail University in 2009 with a master’s degree, Cody Foltz turned his class project into a reality by establishing Left Digital Media in a studio just east of Winter Park.

In two years, Foltz and his partner Rodney Aquino — a 2008 Full Sail graduate and former staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force — have developed LDM into an award-winning production company dedicated to delivering high-quality video.

After a number of successful productions, Foltz and Aquino are preparing to film their biggest project yet. “Against The Wall,” an original short film packed with action, suspense and love, was written by Aquino and will begin filming in late June.

Dreaming big budget

Foltz and Aquino, like many filmmakers, aspire to get to the level of high-budget films one day, but they understand that it will take hard work and commitment to reach their goals. They describe themselves as “humble” and “fighters.”

They have worked all across Florida on a number of productions, including music videos, photo shoots and even other company’s productions, sometimes not even being paid to do so.

“Sometimes you have to work for free to get your names out there,” Aquino said.

It’s a strategy that has paid off.

Through their work over the past two years, LDM has worked and built relationships with experienced people in the film industry, including veteran stunt coordinator Grady Bishop, who owns Winter Springs-based Extreme Stunt and Driving Team.

Foltz said that despite the economic slump, their entrance to the entertainment business has had good timing. “The entertainment business is building back up, especially in Florida,” he said.

Foltz credits this to the fact that studios in Hollywood are hesitant to spend money, forcing filmmakers to venture out.

Doors opening

After co-producing an episode of “Test Drive” for the SPEED Channel, which featured the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Series, LDM used its most recent production to add an expensive piece to their short film budget.

They used their newfound contact with Cadillac to secure the $80,000 2011 CTS-V Wagon for filming in “Against The Wall” — by accident. Cadillac confused LDM with another company who wanted to use the cars in a photo shoot and when the dust settled, they still got it.

“We got the car and we didn’t even try,” Aquino said. “Cody and I were in shock.”

Aquino says the CTS-V is perfect for what they are trying to show in the film. He wanted a car to be similar to “KITT” from the popular ‘80s show “Knight Rider” and he hopes the car will help them stand out.

The film “Against The Wall” is a revenge story about a rogue government agent hired to steal a secret formula that assists soldiers on the battlefield. After a change of heart, the agent finds himself seeking revenge for the murder of the one he loved.

With Bishop’s Extreme Stunt and Driving Team heading the action department and top-notch local actors, Aquino hopes to direct a project that will help LDM build to bigger and more expensive projects.

Show me the money

Before they can see their dream become a reality, they require what every other production needs: money. Foltz turned to Kickstarter, a website dedicated to helping people secure funds for their projects.

Those who donate will receive various rewards for their support, such as stickers, T-shirts and even an associate producer credit in the film.

Sixteen backers had pledged $8,500, as of May 17, tipping their $8,000 goal. Folks can donate through Monday, May 23.

“Basically we are begging for money online,” Aquino said.

Learn more

To donate to the Kickstarter fund, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/rodneylaquino/against-the-wall. For more information, contact Left Digital Media at 321-972-8663 or visit www.leftdigitalmedia.com