Darkly comic local Web series Dog Bytes gets a theatrical screening at Film Kitchen

A local series, produced for the Web, hits the big screen at a strong installment of Film Kitchen. The monthly showcase for local and independent artists features the first five episodes of Dog Bytes, a darkly comic serial directed by Melissa Martin.

In episode one (made as an acclaimed standalone 2012 short film), Tammy Tsai and Adrienne Wehr play women somehow under the power of blustering, abusive Randy (John Gresh). Wehr’s bruised Jane is in a dog collar; Tsai’s Alice is fixing Randy’s breakfast. Both are plotting his imminent demise.

That riveting first episode, featuring Randy’s bizarrely lyrical monologue, was scripted by local playwright Amy Hartman. Four more episodes, scripted by Martin, followed, adding characters, twists and backstory. A Kickstarter campaign to fund additional episodes is planned.

Film Kitchen, curated by Matthew Day, also features two potent shorts by Bob Buncher. “Cut You Right Here” (2014) is a brooding, 33-minute character study about a troubled young poet (Tom Kolos), also featuring Wehr. And “Pennsylvania NW” is an incisive two-hander about one government official (played by Robert Haley) confronted by another (John Shepherd) who feels he betrayed him.

This article appears in May 6-12, 2015.