Director’s Statement

I explore the beauty and darkness found in dreams and imagination through the shaping of light, sound and story. Being writer, director, and soundtrack composer allows me to develop both the visual and auditory experience simultaneously, and create immersive journeys for my audience.

I approach all phases of a project with musical structure, phrasing, and tension in mind. Dialogue, performance, camera movement and editing must become one with the soundtrack to heighten the drama and the audience experience.

Project Timeline

apr-may 2019 : first draft of script written in preparation for a director's intensive workshop at the northwest film center, where scenes from the story were rehearsed, filmed and edited. filmmaker scott ballard led the workshop and actress erin mcgarry performed in the role of “leah”.

jun-aug 2019 : revisions made to script with exterior scenes to fill out the story.

sep-oct 2019 : cinematographer devin tolman joins the project as director of photography. ashley song from desert island studios and charlie latourette join as producers. caitlin callahan joins as co-producer and gaffer. joseph bowden joins as production designer.

nov 2019 : script readings and auditions for lead roles. sonya davis is cast as “leah”, chris harder as “jason”.

dec 2019 - jan 2020 : pre-production in full swing. location scouting, production design planning, sag-aftra project registration. casting and auditions held with vivian hunter earning the role of chloe. hiring of crew for principal photography. rewrite of several scenes based on the actual locations secured - the original story occurs in an apartment, with jason approaching through a long hallway. the revised script has jason driving to and entering a large house.

feb 2020 : production begins. interior shooting completed in portland, oregon. approximately 75% of all photography done.

mar-jun 2020 : covid-19 pandemic delays remaining production. editing of existing scenes into a rough assembly.

jul 2020 : new scene developed and written, jason at a payphone calling leah.

aug 2020 : production for new payphone scene planned and completed.

sep-oct 2020 : production for exterior ocean and cliff scenes planned and completed.

nov 2020 : new picture edit developed with all scenes included.

dec 2020 : studio production for water droplet macro shot planned and completed. all photography is now complete.

jan-mar 2021 : picture edit further revised.

apr 2021 : voiceover production completed. sound and music development begun.

may-sep 2021 : music written and recorded, including sessions with cellist diane chaplin. foley, dialogue mixing and sound design completed. picture edit further revised as music and sound are applied to picture.

oct 2021 : rough sound and music mix completed. picture edit further revised and locked.

nov-dec 2021 : colorist darren hartman at alkemic color completes color correction and grading work. final sound and music mix completed.

mar 27, 2022 : cast and crew screening at the hollywood theatre in portland.