This past Sunday we shot our newest film, "Shadows,” a super short horror film that explores living with trauma.
Logline: a young man finds himself being tormented by a supernatural entity while alone in his house.
The idea for the short was born out of a conversation that I had with Christina and Kelsey, where the discussion somehow segued into me opening up about a certain incident in my life. I later found myself mulling over this traumatic experience again, but from a different perspective. I thought it’d be not only artistically gratifying, but genuinely therapeutic to unpack and explore this experience through genre. That’s when I decided that I was going to write a supernatural horror about this subject matter. Before that conversation had taken place, I hadn’t opened up about this matter to anyone. I brought it up to my mother on the day it happened, but brushed it under the rug and repressed the memory. It was fascinating to revisit this experience, and, when talking to Christina, realized that you don’t see these kinds of stories told often in narrative film from the lens of boys and young men. It felt important to tell my story, even if it wasn’t in an overt fashion where the social issue is obvious. I also liked the idea of telling a story that, if one chose to look into it, would understand the themes being presented… but that someone could also enjoy as a straight up horror.
When we decided to shoot it, Christina came up with the fantastic and ambitious idea to shoot two of our shorts over one weekend. Check out her BTS post on “Game Brunch!” It was such a great two days for me, working first as a Scripty on Christina’s film, which was packed with dialogue and hilarious performances, to directing my dramatic horror that had very minimal dialogue. Thanks to an amazing cast and crew, we made both of our days and saved a heck of a lot of money in the process!
See behind the scenes:
Check out a couple stills from our footage:
Thank you to:
Peter Westervelt, for having the creative fortitude and just literally the physical stamina to take on being a cinematographer for two very different projects over the span of just one weekend. His genuine care and input was everything.
Christina, for being the best damn producer and friend there is. I would not have made the film without her continuous support, direction and friendship.
Erin Clayton, for literally taking on the position of AD last minute when we had complications with scheduling. She was super attentive and also slated every shot!
Vivian Pullan, for being a fantastic gaffer, not only lighting our scenes but also helping us pull off our practical effects!
Matt Gershowitz, for helping us troubleshoot our effects and being a part of this story as he will also be editing the piece!
Kelsey, for partaking in an impromptu photo shoot with my actor when I realized I wanted photos to be part of the decor.
Marlene, Christina’s mom, who has been an asset to literally every single project we’ve made. She provides the food, helps transport equipment and even picked up two of the props I needed for my film.
My mom, for always supporting me, and this film in particular, as she knows it is a portrayal of the hard times we have been through and still wanted me to make it.
Christina Remley, for pulling focus like a champ during all the more complicated shots in tight spaces (we were literally under a desk together at one point) and having such a great attitude and work ethic!
Irina Chernikina for recording sound, and with whom I can’t wait to sit in with and look through hundreds of sounds for the film!
And, of course, my wonderful actor, Daniel Strausman. He was such a light on set. It was a pleasure to work with someone so thoughtful and curious. We talked a lot about both of our lives and he really connected to what the story was about at its core.
I couldn’t have done it without their collaboration. Now it’s off to post! Stay tuned for details.
-Ryan