Many of the scenes were shot outdoors, infusing a kinetic energy to the film. When Flaherty wasn’t available to shoot scenes around Melrose, Mike leaned on Serafini to help. “There’s a real generosity in this [Boston] network, to contribute talents and advice,” he says, that isn’t as available, based on his experience, in Los Angeles or New York. 

Managing the performances of the three actors, all of whom have full-time jobs, was another responsibility. Mike applauds Laniani’s performance, which called for a range of emotions. “Curtis nailed it every time,” he says. 

Laniani, 42, a general contractor by day  who lives in Wenham, has pursued acting gigs over the years as well. This month, he will appear in an HBTV backyard renovation show.  Laniani reached out via Facebook after “Heavy Seven” to congratulate Rob, adding, “Let me know if you’re ever looking for an actor.”  Within three weeks, Rob responded. “It was the lead role,” Laniani says. 

Films are made, says Rob, “on absolute shoestring budgets.” For “Muddy,” he spent $835  of his own money — “and $35 of that was on pizza.”  “Overdrawn” cost him $2,000. 

Winning at festivals doesn’t translate to a return on investment in kind.

“You win laurels,” says Jay Doherty,  SNOB’s executive director  and an architect in Concord,  who views every entry for all four categories: documentary, comedy, drama, and animation.  Voting, he explains, is left up to the audience, like the People’s Choice Awards.