STRANGE EMBRACE

ROLE

Director/Writer

Writer

Director

Producer

Editor

PROJECT

Short Film

Writer

Director

Producer

Editor

CREW SIZE

30

DURATION

17 min

TIMELINE

Oct 2023 - Sept 2024

Aug 2023

Present 

Strange Embrace (2024) exists because of my devotion to the story’s off-kilter nature. While the project opportunity was originally intended for more established filmmakers, I successfully pitched my script and direction to my professor, the film department, and eventually the University Chancellor. The film amassed over fifty artists and organizations who helped lift the story into reality.

↓

FILM

LOGLINE

The future of Jane’s relationship with her partner sits on a precipice. To decide their fate sits her partner’s family; a bulldog of a father, an eagle-eyed mother, and an impartial master of ceremonies. To the family, Jane is an outsider: a threat to the family's historical ideals and integrity. To gain their acceptance she must excel at a series of bizarre rituals; personal interrogations, reenactments of parenting, and a staged argument that draws blood. This one night is the conclusive test to decide whether Jane is worthy of their son.

MY PROCESS

Original Film Score: "With My Hands"

Listen As You Scoll

0:00/1:34

GOALS

Before filming Strange Embrace, my producer and I shared many concerns about this ambitious project. The general concern was how to make this story feel real given our budget and circumstantial parameters.


STORY ASPECTS

  • Create an intimidating but convincing family dynamic to explore. 

  • Create an atmosphere in the house that blends comedy with horrific absurdity.  


PRODUCTION ASPECTS

  • Create a positive environment for a crew consisting of over 30+ people during production. 

  • Film night scenes during the day. (Shooting schedule offered limited filming at night for the required amount in the script). 

  • Find a filming location that exemplifies the correct tone for film. 

  • Film complex one takes and sequences that require 10+ actors in each shot. 

Before filming Strange Embrace, my producer and I shared many concerns about this ambitious project. The general concern was how to make this story feel real given our budget and circumstantial parameters.


STORY ASPECTS

  • Create an intimidating but convincing family dynamic to explore. 

  • Create an atmosphere in the house that blends comedy with horrific absurdity.  


PRODUCTION ASPECTS

  • Create a positive environment for a crew consisting of over 30+ people during production. 

  • Film night scenes during the day. (Shooting schedule offered limited filming at night for the required amount in the script). 

  • Find a filming location that exemplifies the correct tone for film. 

  • Film complex one takes and sequences that require 10+ actors in each shot. 

PRE-PRODUCTION

With these challenges highlighted, I set out to tackle each problem before filming to reduce possible issues and make my vision clear to each crew member. 


My first plan of action was to create a distinct mood board and storyboard for each shot of the film. As a director, I like to be more prepared and definite than unsure when showing up on set. This outlook usually takes on every aspect of filming from production design to cinematography. If a department head can understand my vision and make decisions without me based on a plan, we become a more efficient team. 

With these challenges highlighted, I set out to tackle each problem before filming to reduce possible issues and make my vision clear to each crew member. 


My first plan of action was to create a distinct mood board and storyboard for each shot of the film. As a director, I like to be more prepared and definite than unsure when showing up on set. This outlook usually takes on every aspect of filming from production design to cinematography. If a department head can understand my vision and make decisions without me based on a plan, we become a more efficient team. 

STORYBOARDS

Storyboarding the whole film shot for shot is extremely important. This specification allows me to then break free when I’m on set. Oftentimes, I see a shot that is done in one take rather than three to create a more interesting image. By having these plans, I usually can step off the trail in several places and still make it back on safely. This style is inspired by directors like Bong-Joon Ho and Robert Eggers who carry a specific visual vision from the start.

LOOKBOOK

I am always trying to implement myself into the different departments to make sure my vision is consistent. I want there to be touches of details in everything from the production design to the wardrobe, lighting, and sound design.

LOCATION SCOUTING

The location we settled upon inhabited an eerie atmosphere before it had even been touched. Previously used for event hosting, the house had an unnatural way of presenting itself. Perfect for our vision. 

PRODUCTION

My goal behind casting was to blend both actors and non-actors. The result was an organic approach to filming, since each actor had a different approach and required different forms of directing. Some preferred copious notes and background for their characters while others preferred to find answers on their own. These differences created new challenges for me as a director as I filtered between different styles of direction. 

ON-SET
Filming lasted over 8 days, which meant we were on a tight schedule. Luckily, our crew was highly adaptable and efficient. My goal behind every production is
to make the experience feel communal and intimate for all crew-members.

OUTCOMES

We were successful in many aspects of filming. Making an effort to give actors room to explore and try things. Having the composer on set to begin creating the soundscape. Creating convincing day-for-night sequences. Create a convincing unique atmosphere. Conjure the correct emotions for specific scenes.

TEAM’S SUCCESS:

  • Remained constantly on schedule while prioritizing crew and actors. 

  • Problem-solving when unavoidable circumstances occur on set. 


DESIGN IMPACT:

  • Developed a unique tone through constant communication and inclusion of all departments. 

  • Completed the finished film under the projected timeline for film festivals. 


LEARNING MOMENTS:

  • Plans are made for future unexpected problems on set. Revert to basic steps when things feel chaotic. 

  • Each collaboration is a different conversation. Not every crew member or actor will want the same process to reach our shared vision.

TEAM’S SUCCESS:

  • Remained constantly on schedule while prioritizing crew and actors. 

  • Problem-solving when unavoidable circumstances occur on set. 


DESIGN IMPACT:

  • Developed a unique tone through constant communication and inclusion of all departments. 

  • Completed the finished film under the projected timeline for film festivals. 


LEARNING MOMENTS:

  • Plans are made for future unexpected problems on set. Revert to basic steps when things feel chaotic. 

  • Each collaboration is a different conversation. Not every crew member or actor will want the same process to reach our shared vision.

An Unsentimental Future

Run With Your Heart