Tom Trainer

Tom Trainer is an Artist and a filmmaker who's primary medium thus far has been photography. His career began in Los Angeles in 1986, when he started his photography business. He relocated this successful business from California to Ohio in 1992. Prompted by massive technological changes in the photography industry, Tom found a renewed my passion for his work in the field of video. The only 'critiques' he has ever received about his work, Tom says, is that it was "too real, harsh, and controversial". He chose to take these critiques as compliments, because he intends for his work to make thought provoking statements. Although he had the excitement and enthusiasm of an Artist with a fresh canvas, he lacked a subject. Instead of going out to find a subject, though, the subject of his first film found him. The result of this unique collaboration is "Plain Jane: THE SHOCKUMENTARY!"

Plain Jane: The SHOCKUMENTARY!

The film is a "shockumentary" in that common notions about disabled people are turned upside down and backwards. Part interview, part music video, part animation, and part reenactment, this film explores new territory in the realm of human experience; a triumph of the will as Jane overcomes obstacles and destroys popular myths.

Jane was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a condition which is manifested by extremely brittle bones. At birth, Jane had twenty-six broken bones and was not expected to live 3 hours. By the time she was in high school, she had broken 200.

With a large dose of dark humor, this independent film by Tom Trainer documents the eccentric life of a woman with a disability, Jane Hash. When Jane first contacted Tom and proposed this film idea, he was more than a little apprehensive. His main concern was that people would think that he was exploiting her in some way because she lives such an outrageous lifestyle. For an exceptionally small woman, Jane can be very persuasive. In Tom's words, "I am very proud to present to the world, this film that is entertaining yet very real, a bit harsh, and totally controversial."

Due to adult themes, children will not be permitted. For more information go to www.plainjanetheshockumentary.com