DIRECTOR OF
Grief and loss are universal themes that can be challenging to portray on screen. Can you discuss how you approached depicting these emotions authentically while still maintaining a comedic tone? Humor often stems from truth and vulnerability.
"Casting was a huge part of the process. It was important to cast strong actors who felt authentic in these roles, grounding it rather than pushing for any comedy. It was also important to keep it specific and character driven -- each family member was fully developed as a three dimensional person who emotionally needed something from the others and covered their flaws to appear "happy" or at least "in control". The idea for the short also came from a personal experience that I (Jeff Lorch) had after a bad breakup years ago, when a therapist literally told me, '...It'd actually be easier if she died, because then you wouldn't feel rejected.' Personal experience seems to always be helpful in maintaining that level of authenticity!"
Humor often stems from truth and vulnerability. Dark comedy is a unique genre choice. How did you balance the darker elements of grief and loss with comedic moments in the film?
