I wrote and directed a film!

That sentence alone was a dream for me for many years. Many, many years. I'm still in awe that I can profess those words. I'm incredibly proud of it. As with any creative endeavour, hindsight and retrospect begs to challenge that pride. But still, I can't help but feel it.

It wouldn't have been possible without Justin Cheung, my creative pal in the endeavour and the director of photography on the film. If you think the shots are quite pretty, that's all his fault! He's too good at making things look good. I'm hoping one day he'll make me look good. Beyond that, he's the reason this film even exists! He's been there since the start of this whole thing and I cannot explain how thankful I am for that. He's one of those "glue" people who make everything stick together. The filmmaking term I'm looking for is "Producer", but if there's anything you take away from this film it's that Justin is a SPECTACULAR cinematographer. He also helped me edit the thing and colour graded it. Yes, colour grading too. That’s not even his specialty! (His specialty is cinematography in case I didn’t already mention that.)

This film also wouldn't have been possible without Rhema Blanchard, the actor playing Hunter. From the first day we met, I knew I wanted to work with him. Call it a hunch, I just knew he was perfect for a script I had. I was right. Rhema's performance in the film always brings me chills. Watching it live was INSANE. Watching it 100 times in the edit didn't water it down one bit. I've been fortunate enough to catch him live in a theatre performance. He's just so good.

This film also wouldn't have been possible without Jane Udeh, the actor playing Helena. Although she's largely a voice and photograph, Jane's performance in this film is the throughline carrying the soul forward. My biggest regret is not having more for her in this film. I've also seen Jane perform in theatre and let me just say, she was stellar and has an undeniable presence. I remember when we were recording voice over, I had a huge grin on my face.

This film also wouldn't have been possible without Ryan Miles, the actor playing Plug. When I pitched Ryan the character of Plug, he instantly knew how he was going to tackle it. Seeing him perform it with such precision was so cool. I purposefully chose for his character to appear in certain shots in certain ways and boy am I glad. His mischievous smile is so mischievous! Funnily, Ryan is one of the nicest people ever. Good man, good villain!

This film also wouldn't have been possible without Robert Sheppard and Meet Shambharkar, the guys responsible for the sound. The sound of the film was something I was most worried about. When I got in contact with Robert and Meet, all of that melted beneath the sand. The pair carry the sound side of things! I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

This film also wouldn't have been possible without Robert Sheppard again for composing! Robert's original composition was SO good. He's a very skilled musician in his own right so when he did some composition for this project I was so excited! Hearing it for the first time blew me away. He had a vision for the sound that snuggled its way perfectly into frame.

This film also wouldn’t have been possible without Mila Verney, who recorded a performance of Erik Satie’s Gnossienne No.1. I’m so grateful for her wonderful rendition. She plays so well! I was blown away!

This film also wouldn't have been possible without Joe Fuller, the assistant director. I haven’t told him yet, but Joe is one of the most important I’ve ever met. Without his words just a mere a week before the shoot, things would’ve gone very differently. He taught me a valuable lesson that would’ve been learnt the hard way. Doing too much is sometimes too much. Joe kept me on time for the shoot and without that, well there’d be no film.

This film also wouldn't have been possible without Zachary La Flamme, Karl Leung, and Samuel Robson, who were assistant camera, lighting technician, and gaffer respectively. These guys were so awesome to work with. Best vibes behind the camera I’ve ever had. If skill and coolness were composed into three beings, it’d be them. Effortless awesomeness. Also HUGE shout out to Karl for a very important bit of editing that will go unnoticed but MAN HOW DID YOU DO THAT???

This film also wouldn't have been possible without my brothers, roles various. Much love you guys. You were both vital figures in this whole process. From the start to middle to end. You’ve all played an important role in not only this but pretty much my whole life (obviously). I do appreciate it.

I’m sure you noticed by now...

None of this would’ve been possible without so many people. Sure, I wrote and directed a film, but I was just one piece of an understated, complex house of cards that could’ve fallen at any moment. We’re finally at the end of this one now.

The whole cast and crew's names and roles are available on IMDb. I implore you to go check them out. They are all incredibly talented.

I’ve learnt a lot throughout the process of making this film. I hope to apply these teachings to future projects, so please be tapped in and on the look out.

Redshift watch link.