The Red Room

“An aspiring actress inherits a mysterious estate, only to be ensnared by its haunting past and a room bathed in red.”

“The Red Room” is a short film inspired by H.G. Wells’ narrative techniques, blending elements from the classic “Sunset Boulevard” and reflecting nuances from the intriguing life of Gloria Swanson. Delve into a tale of legacy, obsessions, and the thin line between preserving the past and being consumed by it.

WATCH the full short film below:

Adaptation

The script was adapted from H.G. Wells’ story, integrating references from “Sunset Boulevard” and real-life accounts of Gloria Swanson. This synthesis aimed to provide a contemporary spin while respecting the original’s essence.

A series of detailed storyboards were produced, mapping out each scene visually, ensuring a clear understanding of shot compositions and sequences before actual production.

Pre Production

Casting:

I compiled a pitch deck for casting, organizational and reference purposes. A dedicated casting process was followed, resulting in the selection of specific actors who best fit the envisioned roles.

Location:

The primary location for the film was the historic Juhr House in Rogers, AR. I selected it for its architectural and atmospheric fit with the story’s theme.

Previsualization:

I created a 3D model of the central room using Blender. This served as a guide for setting up actual shots, minimizing potential issues during shooting.

Principal photography

Production

In directing “The Red Room,” I wore multiple hats to bring the story to life. Beyond guiding the actors and shaping the narrative’s flow, I took charge of sound recording, capturing clear dialogue and ambient tones. Additionally, while managing the directorial aspects, I operated one of the primary cameras, allowing for real-time adjustments and immediate feedback. Moreover, the film’s ambiance was crafted by my hands, setting up lights to define each scene’s mood, depth, and emotion.