Elmont native McGregory Frederique eyes Oscar nomination

McGegory Frederique, a 38-year-old Elmont native, has garnered nine awards for his short film “The Deal” so far — but he has his eyes set on the film world’s most prestigious award, the Oscar.

The 22-minute-long short film is a thriller drama that follows main character Sarah, who is dating a con artist. When she walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her, she goes to the police to cut a deal, and that’s where the story heats up.

Frederique was inspired by the mind games played in the movie “Saw” when he wrote “The Deal.”

“It’s a film that’s going to have you think on your feet about how smart you are,” he said. “You’re going to have to watch it at least five times to understand the movie, but once you do, it’s going to be, like, wow.” The ending, Frederique believes, will leave viewers “breathless.”

One scene in “The Deal” that Frederique believes will make it stand out to audiences — and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is its car chase. These scenes usually take roughly a week to shoot, but Frederique filmed his in just four hours.

“That’s probably the leverage I have before all of the other filmmakers out there,” he said of his peers in the short live action film category. He is excited to bring something different to the table at the Oscars. “The Oscars is all about being different — what have you created to say, ‘wow’? This is amazing and different.’”

The experience has been “astonishing” for Frederique. He envisioned the film going far in the world of cinema, and it has been a great project for him. 

“Seeing so much good feedback has been amazing,” he said. 

The project was made possible by Frederique’s colleagues, Executive Producer Tishawn Farrar, Co-producer Tash Jordan and Cinematographer Akim Kerimov. 

“Without the dedication and contributions of these gentlemen, the film would not be where it is today,” Frederique said.

He feels that he has “elevated” since his first short film that he wrote and produced, “R.E.G.R.E.T.,” a drama about a married couple facing multiple challenges in their relationship. 

Frederique has come a long way since he first stepping on the set of “The Week Of” as an extra in December 2017. The experience was “eye-opening” for him, and he climbed the ladder from there to become a writer, director and producer.

“I never went to acting school for acting or anything for film,” Frederique said. “I used the set as school. Every time I was on set, I always asked questions. I’m always learning.”

To any neighbors looking to get involved in the world of cinema, Frederique advises that they know it is something they truly want before they jump in. 

“People I started with seven years ago went back to their day jobs or looked for other careers,” he said. “For this business, this dream that you chase — you’re going to have to make sacrifices.”

“The Deal” will be screened at the Cinelounge Sunset, in Los Angeles, until Sept. 20. It will be made available to the public sometime next year following the Oscars.