2 minute read
Film & Television
Marial Moreno Gómez
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“Awakening”, an exploration of the symbolism of dreams through film
“Awakening” is an experimental short film about the symbolism in dreams and the frustration that can manifest in them after a breakup. This was inspired by the very vivid dreams that I have every night. The project was divided into 3 parts: pre-production, production, and post-production. During the pre-production process, I researched the psychology of dreams and wrote a script that represented their symbolism, taking into consideration the use of color, wardrobe, lighting, etc. This process also included securing locations, recruiting the crew, casting actors, scheduling the dates, and preparing for the production. The production consisted of two days of shooting with the crew (fellow Drexel students) and cast, where I had the opportunity to work collaboratively as we learned from each other. For post-production, I organized and assembled the footage which I then edited. I also developed the sound design for the film. I have always been interested in dreams and researching this project allowed me to better understand their impact and symbolism. I incorporate my new knowledge into a script and was able to hone my filmmaking skills by producing, directing, and editing a short film.
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Ellie Wellington
Faculty Mentor: Professor Neal Dhand Film & Television, Screenwriting & Playwriting
“The Ghosts Who Guide Me Home”: On Money, Family, and Spirituality
The Ghosts Who Guide Me Home is the pilot episode of a larger series surrounding the Connors, a family in emotional and financial ruin who devise an elaborate money-making scheme involving the creation of a cult. The pilot introduces us to three siblings, Will, Scott, and June. Will hears from June that their mother has passed, bringing him and his family back to the hometown he moved away from years ago. He reconnects with his brother, an addict, who reveals he is running out of money and has come up with a business called Elysian Fields, a wellness company powered by experimental therapy. Scott wants to work with Will. Though Will is disgusted by the idea at first, his crumbling financial situation pushes him to hear Scott out. Through a series of events, the brothers involve June in the business, who is behind on rent and desperate for money. As the siblings work through their issues, the rest of the family fights their own battles, dealing with divorce, drug use, and mental health crises. The broader explorations of this project are the relationships between estranged family members, the consequences of the New Age spirituality movement, mental illness and addiction, and business ethics.
