Basementia is pleased to announce that — in addition to the hundred or so videos we have posted to YouTube over the years (including a couple of old music videos, as well as Jesse’s series of motivational videos, and more) — we have now ventured into the realm of full-fledged filmmaking.

Our first formal foray into film was created in collaboration with many of our friends and colleagues, and we are so grateful to everyone who made this possible.

Curb Thy Vanity

A Basementia Films Production

Curb Thy Vanity is a new (2025) comic short (33 minutes) film directed by Anna Gillock, with Jack Shay as the Director of Photography, and a screenplay by our very own Jesse S. Smith, inspired by William Shakespeare’s King Henry IV Parts 1 & 2.  Starring Kristine Demien as the Chief Justice, Melissa Weiser as Hotspur the secret agent, Michael E. Swanson as Bardolf; and Jesse S. Smith performing as both earnest but bungling Harry, and his friend the smack-talking lovable rogue, Falstaff.  Featuring Grace N. Petersen and Sophie Reed, with Anna Gillock as The Hostess, and production assistance and a smiling cameo from Joel Matthews.

Watch the Official Trailer: