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Logline

Over the course of one wildly unpredictable day, two married bears attempt to rekindle their intimacy—but between traffic, screenings, queer social chaos, and a stranger handing them A used pizza, life keeps acting like the pushy “third” in their relationship.

Synopsis

Only Bears follows Jeff and Adam, a married gay couple in their 40s, as they attempt to have one simple day of re-connection in Los Angeles. What begins as a planned “day of intimacy” quickly unravels into a series of comedic interruptions, emotional misfires, and unexpected detours—forcing them to confront the deeper communication gaps in their relationship. Blending grounded realism with playful fantasy elements, the film explores queer midlife love with humor, tenderness, and authenticity. Ultimately, Only Bears is a celebration of imperfect partnership and the everyday effort it takes to stay close in a world full of distractions.

Meet the Filmmakers

ADAM KERN — Producer / Writer
MFA Acting – The American Repertory Theatre / Moscow Art Theatre at Harvard. TS Eliot Fellowship – Old Vic, in London.

Producing credits include work for The 5th Avenue Theatre Gala and Cleveland Play House, and The Water Dream, starring Anthony Rapp and J. Robert Spencer, and Liz Femi’s 2014 NAACP Theatre Award nominated Take Me To The Poorhouse. He has produced and staged over twenty readings, half a dozen workshops, four benefits and five full productions.

Adam has performed internationally at the Moscow Art Theatre, and at the Old Vic through the TS Eliot Fellowship. On Camera work includes I SEE YOU, working opposite Helen Hunt, CBS series ONE DOLLAR, and the feature film INHERITANCE. www.adam-kern.com

JEFF WILLEY — Co-Creator
BFA Theatre – Cornish College of the Arts.

A Denver native, Jeff moved to Seattle in 2000 to study Theatre, and stayed there for twenty four years! While he studied acting, he has worked as a bartender for the past twenty years. Having recently relocated to LA with Adam, Jeff is reigniting his passion for acting and film making, and is excited for the opportunity to build the Only Bears world.

Recent acting credits include work for XBox, The 5th Avenue Theatre, and the short film GAY JESUS. Jeff is repped by BAM Management and the Osbrink Agency.

DAVID HAVERTY — Director / Cinematographer / Editor
David Haverty is a filmmaker working as an editor, cinematographer, and director, shaped by a lifetime of performance. He began acting at age ten, later majoring in musical theatre and dance, and trained with Broadway legends like Ann Reinking, Gwen Verdon, Ben Vereen and studied voice with Adrian Angel (Bernadette Peters’ coach) in elite programs that emphasized discipline, timing, and storytelling through movement.

As an editor, David has edited 2 TV series, and 7 feature films ranging from sci-fi art films to Hallmark Christmas movies. Once editing a feature for a major movie studio that specializes in Lifetime movies for the last 22 years, where the executive producer stated, “This is the best movie we have ever produced, give my regards to the editor.” He crafts each story uniquely on what the style and intent the stories require.

As a cinematographer and director, David has shot 2 feature films and multi short films over the years and builds visuals using a slight twist on industry standard techniques but without the oversized crew and production. Less is more, favoring intentional frames and natural movements to convey the intended tone of the scene but filling the frame to stand alone next to Hollywood budgets and production. You can find his portfolio at OddDogPictures.com

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.