About
A pandemic has abolished most of the world’s population and all that Woman has loved is lost. Fighting a haunted psyche in the midst of isolation and extremity, the lesson of Woman’s pilgrimage is clear: we must hold dear to what matters most – at any cost – til the very end.
Mission Statement
At first, GARDENIA was a small thriller born from a long-intended collaboration. But the pandemic experience informed a new depth of story, theme and filmmaking opportunities that we quickly embraced. Underneath the entertainment, our team seeks to uplift hope and strength amidst impossible odds.
the story
In the aftermath of a global pandemic that has wiped out 95% of the world’s population, Woman arrives to Los Angeles on the last leg of an arduous pilgrimage. Alone with her traumatized psyche, she must find the only destination left of importance: Happy’s Place. But the journey comes at a price – and when traversing the city streets, she can feel a dark creditor coming for its due….
She knows her time is running out, but the life she once had drives her to finish this journey with no compromises.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Our short film Gardenia was simply meant to be. Every element to this production fell into place naturally and it all started one afternoon after our world was suddenly flipped upside down and we were trapped in the midst of a quarantine. In need of some fresh air, I took a walk around Los Angeles and found myself looking at the vast, desolate streets. Always thinking like an indie filmmaker, I saw a golden opportunity. Production value like this would never happen again. Our lead actor, writer and co-producer Eva Swan and I had been discussing a collaboration for some time. Inspired, I went to her with a basic concept and the writing began. Our cinematographer, James Smith, was another person with whom I was eager to work with once more – so off into the cinema sunrise we went.
Once the script was ready, we dove into an accelerated pre-production phase for when filmmaking could resume again. Our approach had to be simple while also motivated. Relying mostly on available light, it took rigorous location scouting to ensure our shooting time would be of most efficient use. And in that same vein – we mainly chose a handheld camera style approach that would simultaneously create the uneasiness, paranoia and anxiety driving our main character on her journey. Of course, sticks were used when in need of stillness and control. Once principal photography began, we were successful in getting everything in the can before the city streets fully resumed their life again.
One of the things I love most about filmmaking is using the limitations of a production to harness new and creative choices. Our story blossomed into something far more special and nuanced than was originally intended – and that is a beautiful feeling.
I’m honored and proud of what our small, talented team has accomplished and excited to share our story with the world. My hope is that GARDENIA will prove to be an exhilarating and entertaining experience for audiences while still conveying a powerful message: that love can drive us even in our weakest and most vulnerable moments.
