Morristown a 'Logical' Choice for Young Filmmaker

Morristown is already known as a dining destination. For its bar scene. Some may even think of Morristown when thinking of cultural centers such as , and the .

But, what about as the next East Coast Hollywood? That may be a long way off, but if Ben Donnellon has anything to say about it, his work will be known as what got Morristown headed in that direction.

Donnellon, 27, recently began filming Know Your Logic, a $9,000 movie funded through the KickStarter online fundraising website, right here in his hometown. Besides the money raised on KickStarter, Donnellon is getting help from friends and film associates, including fellow Morristown native Dave Burdette–his cinematographer–as well as co-organizer Mark Ehrenkranz, who is serving as Know Your Logic's producer.

"I'm a big fan of Ben's," said Ehrenkranz who, along with father Ira, have produced the New York Film Critics Series in Morristown and Paramus for almost 20 years. "He can make things happen; he has a really good eye for what is necessary. I love his work."

Donnellon said with such a small budget for this, his first major film project, "you have to think frugally, so start with what you have around you."

That includes a number of recognizable locations in Morristown, including , , , and along the Green.

"Ben is going to capture Morristown like it has never been captured before," Ehrenkranz said.

Know Your Logic is a dark comedy about a contagious mental disorder suffered by Lia Reiss, a math teacher, who thinks she always is on camera. Donnellon considered it an examination of modern society's obsession and dependence on technology like Smartphones and the Internet.

The filmmaker, who graduated from Ithaca College in 2006, said the idea first came about a few years ago but did not really fall into place until he joined a growing majority of Smartphone users. "I felt like my whole psyche had changed," Donnellon said. "There are pros and cons to being connected."

Ehrenkranz–who first met Donnellon seven years ago and has worked with the young filmmaker on several projects since–called it "the big brother element."

Donnellon, a of 2002 graduate, said he first picked up a camera when he was eight years old. The impact was immediate. "Since then, I knew this is what I want to do," he said.

In making Know Your Logic, the filmmakers have been able to see parts of Morristown they say many lifelong residents never get the chance to witness, including from a number of basements, to the top of Headquarters Plaza, and from a helicopter up on high. "There's so much forest out there," Donnellon said.

Shooting for the movie began on Oct. 8. Donnellon said he expected to be finished by the end of the year, with hopes of submitting the film to various festivals next year.

Overall, everyone is excited that both their work–and Morristown–are getting on the movie map. "It's very cool to see everything come together," Donnellon said.