The Ballad of Sandeep is an award winning comedic short film starring the illustrious and magnanimous Deep Roy (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Eastbound and Down).

It's written by and co-starring The Minor Prophets and directed by Derek Frey. The Ballad of Sandeep is the tragicomic story of computer programmer Sandeep Majumdar: slave, clown, hero. The Ballad of Sandeep was filmed in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*A feature film version of THE BALLAD OF SANDEEP is currently in development.*
theballadofsandeep.com/

BEST FEATURETTE - 2011 Vegas Cinefest.
BEST DIRECTOR OF A SHORT FILM - Derek Frey - Independent FIlm Quarterly and New Media Festival
BEST COMEDY SHORT - 2011 Mockfest
BEST SHORT FILM - 2012 Freestyle Film Exhibition
BEST WRITING - The Minor Prophets - 2011 Mockfest
BEST ACTOR - Deep Roy - The Sunset International Film Festival - Los Angeles
BEST ACTOR - Deep Roy - The 2011 Colorado Film Festival
BEST COMEDY SHORT - 2011 Jersey Shore FIlm Festival
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - 2012 Best Shorts Competition
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - 2012 RINCON International Film Festival - Puerto Rico
AWARD OF MERIT - Lead Actor Deep Roy - 2012 Best Shorts Competition
AWARD OF MERIT - Accolade Film Festival
HONORABLE MENTION - 10th annual DIY Film Festival
FINALIST - International Film Festival for Peace, Inspiration & Equality
SEMI-FINALIST - NEXT TV Film Festival
VOTED 1 OF THE TOP 3 SHORT FILMS - SIlicon Valley Film Festival
FINALIST - Moondance International Film Festival

Official Selections: Albuquerque Film Festival, The Other Venice Film Festival, Twin Cities Film Festival, Atlanta Short Fest, Rumschpringe Film Festival, New York Hell's Kitchen Film Festival, Lucerne International Film Festival, The OffShoot Film Festival and the Independent Film Quarterly Film & New Media Festival in NYC, Mockfest Film Fest, Irvine International Film Festival, Big Easy International Film & Music Festival, India International Film Festival - Tampa Bay, Winter Film Awards - NYC, New Hope Film Festival, Big Island Film Festival - Hawaii, Workers Unite Film Festival, International Freethought Film Festival.

Starring DEEP ROY, GIL DAMON, DAVID AMADIO, STEVE KUZMICK, BRIAN GILLIN, BUD DAMON

Written/ Screenplay by THE MINOR PROPHETS ( DAVID AMADIO, GIL DAMON, STEVE KUZMICK, BRIAN GILLIN)

Directed and Produced by DEREK FREY

Music by MIKE HIGHAM and ANDY RICHARDS

The Ballad of Sandeep Theme Song by MATT AMADIO & DAVID AMADIO

Edited by DEREK FREY

Synopsis:
When his IT job is outsourced to Bangalore, Indian-born Sandeep Majumdar finds himself unemployed for the first time in eighteen years. In an attempt to get his old job back, he sets up a remote access in his apartment, tricking his former company into believing that he is really working from India. His performance is so impressive that the boss of the company-the same man who fired him two months prior-requests an interview with Sandeep to discuss a big promotion.

Director's Comments:
The Ballad of Sandeep is the result of many talented people I've known through my life. It marks the third film I've collaborated with The Minor Prophets, Philadelphia's premiere Comedy Troupe. Two of the prophets were childhood friends from my hometown in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. We lost touch after high school but were reunited in 2005, which led to the creation of 4th and 99, a short film that was accepted into the 2007 Festival de Cannes. Deep Roy and I have been friends since working together on Planet of the Apes in 2001. We later worked together on Big Fish, Corpse Bride and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Over the years Deep and I spoke numerous times of creating a film with him specifically in mind. When I read the script for The Ballad of Sandeep I knew it was time to make it happen The Minor Prophets took upon themselves the task of writing a script which would revolve around Deep as a man rather than as a character hidden behind a mask.. The story touches upon many truths about Deep. His career is filled with so many memorable characters, however from behind the makeup and costumes we never get to see him as a true person. The story also touches upon the aftermath of difficult economic times in the United States. Many Americans have recently faced the harsh reality of having their jobs outsourced to countries such as India. The Prophets, having encountered this reality in their own jobs, turned this idea on its head. Behind the humor of The Ballad of Sandeep is a poignant tale.

Filming on a shoestring budget, with minimal crew at multiple locations took place in and around Philadelphia, PA in August of 2010. The opportunity to return to my hometown to direct Deep Roy in this film was quite an amazing and surreal experience. Once production and editing was complete, maestros Mike Higham and Andy Richard delivered a truly diverse and original score for the film. The odd mix of Henry Mancini, Ravi Shankar and Aaron Copland served as their inspiration. I have previously worked with Mike and Andy on Sweeney Todd, Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. For all of us this project was deeply personal. For the Minor Prophets, the film served as a chance to step away from day jobs to show their true talent as writers and comedians. For Deep, a chance to show what he can do as a person rather than as someone defined by his height. For Mike and Andy, a chance to demonstrate their amazing skills as the true musicians and composers they are. And for me, a chance to come full circle, collaborating with creative and gifted friends to create something truly unique. The Ballad of Sandeep has surpassed my wildest expectations, and I'm so happy to have the opportunity to show it to audiences.

Production Notes Production Timeline - The Ballad of Sandeep The Minor Prophets conceived of the story in late 2009. Director/Producer Derek Frey pitched the story to Deep Roy in Los Angeles in February of 2010. The final script was completed in April of 2010. Preproduction began in May of 2010. Filming took place in and around Philadelphia, PA in August of 2010. Editing in London ran up until late 2010 with scoring taking place in the UK at Air Lyndhurst Studios in February of 2011. A special advanced work print screening was arranged for Deep Roy in Malibu, California in March of 2011. The Ballad of Sandeep premiered at the historic Trocadero Theater in Philadelphia, PA on April 15th 2011.