It’s 10 a.m. in California and Jordan Bayne sits in her Topanga Canyon home anticipating a vacation away. In less than a week, Bayne will arrive to Sedona to present her film, ARGO, to the Sedona International Film Festival and Workshop.

Bayne started her career in the film industry in the mid-90s. She appeared in various spots in film and television, to include the ever-popular Law & Order.

A few years ago, Bayne decided to jump to the other side of the camera. With the assistance of writer and director Michael Knowles, Bayne penned her first script and shot her first scene. “Michael is such a generous spirit. I learned so much from him,” Bayne says. She adds Knowles helped bring about a vision and theme that constantly recurs in her thoughts. It’s a discovery of hope, she describes.

Bayne is asked whether or not her film is related to Greek mythology’s “Jason and the Argonauts.” “Yes, there are definite relations,” Bayne says. Without giving away the plot of the 22-minute narrative short, Bayne says the film’s desert scenes are a journey not unlike the one mythology eludes to on the Greek ship, ARGO. There’s a progression from disillusionment as the two characters, played by Jordana Spiro and Marcus Chait, find inspiration from insanity. Bayne describes the journey as “seeking the ‘Golden Fleece,’” She says she feels everybody is looking for a meaning to life, a purpose and answer. As in Greek mythology, the development of the human condition is the ‘Golden Fleece.’

Bayne admits the film wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for actors Spiro and Chait. Over 500 actors auditioned for the role, even when there was no budget. Unfortunately, the talent wasn’t there, she says. Through friends, Bayne was connected to Spiro and Chait, who both play significant roles in Hollywood television and film. Spiro has starred on television’s “Cold Case” and “CSI: NY” as well as the
Film “Must Love Dogs.” She’s most recognized as the lead on TBS’ “My Boys” where she plays a Chicago sports columnist and “one-of-the-guys” type gal character. The series is considered to be the “Friends” of the 21st century. Chait’s resume includes star-ring roles on television series “Numb3rs”, “Without A Trace” and “ER.” He also held roles in Academy award-nominated films, “North Country” and “Million Dollar Baby.”

Bayne’s film will show Thursday and Friday, Mar. 1 and 2, at Sedona’s Harkins Theatres. She says although she’s excited to see the response, she has no idea what to expect. “Everyone takes something different from the film,” she says. Following one viewing, a 17-year old girl approached her and told her how “connected” she was with the film. Afterwards, a 65-year old man said the same thing. “When things like that happen, well, that tells me I’ve done my job,” Bayne says. Bayne laughs lightly. One film reviewer compared her work to writer and director Jim Jarmusch, she says. Another said ARGO was a love story.

ARGO already attended the Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival, Tacoma Film Festival, Independent Film Festival of North Texas, and New Filmmakers Soho House.

After the Sedona Film Festival, ARGO will visit The Pumelo International Film Festival in Mumbai, India, then return to the U.S. to be screened at the Miami Underground Film Festival.

On its list of accolades, ARGO received “Best Actress” with Jordana Spiro, “Best Cinematography” by Michael Knowles, “Best Director” with Jordan Bayne and Michael Knowles and “Best Long-Short”, all from the 2006 Independent Film Festival of North Texas. ARGO also received “Best Shorts in Town” at the 2006 Tacoma Film Festival.

In late January, Sedona Film Festival and Workshop Executive Director Pat Schweiss invited Bayne to present ARGO to the 13th annual film festival. According to Bayne’s MySpace blog, Schweiss’ exhilaration was expressed in fragmented bursts. “Blown away -- We felt like we had been hit by a bus -- Inspiring-- Beautiful-- Powerful,” Schweiss exclaimed.

In the meantime, before Bayne packs her bags for Sedona, she continues working on future projects. Though she says she can write romance, comedy and drama, her genre centers around scripts themed similarly to the plays of Tennessee Williams and Sam Shepard. “My voice is becoming evident. I’m very character driven,” she says. Bayne is currently writing a new script she calls a “crisis of faith piece.” Bayne laughs again. She says she realizes focusing on a melancholy topic before coming to one of the most spiritual places in America is complete irony.

To reach Nate Hansen, call 282-7795, Ext. 132 or e-mail
nhansen@larsonnewspapers.com.