PORTLAND, ME – August 20, 2025 — Pilotgroove Pictures had a proud showing in Portland Maine, with 4 trips to the podium including Runner-up for Best Film. “Resigning” also took top honors for Best use of Character, Best Cinematography and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Jay Chanoine).

The Portland, ME 48 Hour Film Project Best of & Awards Show marks the 4th Best Film nomination in the past 5 years for Pilotgroove Pictures. Previously nominated for You Make me Wanna Rock (2023), and Get your Hands Dirty (2022), they were Best Film winners in 2021 for Life with the Dead.

Credit for Best Use of Character , goes to Tim Peirce, who gave a tour-de-force performance as the film’s required character—Lobsterman, [Captain] Bill Lamtrack. Amidst a sea of Lobsterman in the Lobster capital of the worlds, Tim’s take was the freshest—leaving the competition clawing in his wake! (Sorry… if you didn’t want lobster puns, you came to the wrong website.)

The award for Best Cinematography is a first for Pilotgroove Pictures. The honor is shared by the 3-heded, one-eyed monster of David Distilli, Chris Shannis, and Jay Syrene, who combined powers to make this our best-looking film to date.

Jay Chanoine earned his 2nd award for Best Actor in a Leading Role—”again for basically playing myself,” admits the cranky, socially awkward stand-up comic, who plays Justin in the film.

The filmmakers would like to extend out tanks to the cast and crew, to the judges and producers of the Portland 48 Hour Film Project, and to everyone who’s watched the film, live or online. You’re all the friends we’ll ever need!