For Burgess "Buzz" Zwink (Bradford Jackson), wasting life is a way of life. At thirty-two years old, and still living with his parents, Buzz's adult life seems to be nothing more than a continuous haze of debauchery. That is until his carefree recklessness lands his lifelong friend in trouble.
It is in a colorless room used for court-ordered alcohol intervention classes, that we first meet 32-year old Burgess Ulysses Zwink, aka Buzz. An assignment, given to Buzz by the class instructor, Freddie, is the beginning of the darkly comical journey Buzz takes to (dare we hope?) find a way to live without alcohol ruling his life.
The assignment? Find and apologize to everyone he has wronged while intoxicated and capture the progress on video. A lot happens in five days. From a bar in Wasilla, Alaska, to a 'dry' village in 'the bush' of Alaska. From a bar stool to a blanket toss, Buzz's self-awareness journey doesn't necessarily end... but it could lead to a new beginning.
The story of Proper Binge was inspired by true events. It all began with a short film that directors Dean Q. Mitchell and Michael Burns (The Quake Brothers) created, which eventually evolved into this feature-length dark comedy.
Shot on location in Wasilla, Alaska, the film captures the unique landscape and culture of the region, providing an authentic backdrop for Buzz's journey. The production team worked closely with local communities to ensure an accurate portrayal of life in Alaska.
Bradford Jackson's portrayal of Buzz was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, earning him the Best Actor award at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. The film's exploration of alcoholism and redemption resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading to its selection at multiple film festivals including the prestigious Beverly Hills Film Festival where it was screened at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
With Proper Binge, we wanted to create a film that tackles the serious issue of alcoholism while maintaining a sense of humor and humanity. Buzz's journey is not a straight line to redemption - it's messy, complicated, and sometimes darkly funny, just like real life.
We chose to set the film in Alaska not only because of our connection to the region but also because the extreme environment serves as a perfect metaphor for Buzz's internal struggles. The contrast between the isolation of Alaska's wilderness and the tight-knit communities creates a unique backdrop for a story about connection and disconnection.
Our hope is that audiences will connect with Buzz's flawed but genuine character and perhaps see reflections of their own struggles with addiction or self-destructive behaviors. While we don't offer easy answers, we believe in the power of self-awareness as the first step toward change.
- Dean Q. Mitchell & Michael Burns (The Quake Brothers)
Proper Binge has received multiple awards and nominations at film festivals around the country.
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