STUCK, 13min., USA
Directed by Emma Grace Lukens
A couple's ambiguous relationship becomes slightly more clear as they lie on their living room floor, discussing their dating lives.

https://www.instagram.com/stuck.short.film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It started with the desire to direct Mary Frances Noser and Maximilien Blanc. Writing for the dynamic between such talented actors was a pleasure. As soon as I had a draft of the script I sent it to our cinematographer and editor, Raina Virginia. I am so lucky to have made this film with dear friends, including all those who would come on board to elevate our project.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Mary France Noser proposed this project to me in July of 2023 at an acting class taught by Brad Fleischer. Within a few days I had written the script and within a few weeks we were in pre-production. We filmed on November 4th, 2023. The edit was completed in May of 2024.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Comfortable tension.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Hi! Raina here, cinematographer of Stuck! Due to our lovely script and incredible cast & crew of folks, we didn’t have much to worry about. However, with mostly donated or personal equipment, getting a stable bird's-eye was going to require some creativity. Our vision for the shot had to be thrown out the window day-of! From our rented motor not fitting the grooves of our lens to the plastic jib stand cracking halfway through set-up, we had to improvise. We agreed on a stable overhead shot with no practical push-in, trusting that our quality resolution would do the trick in post.

Any seasoned filmmaker would say “fix it in post” is a cursed phrase, for us it was just the trick. So other than being wildly off schedule and hoping our one-take shot didn’t lean gimmicky, we leaped over that obstacle with some intense bravery. I have to give props to my Camera Assistant Paul Critzman for his expertise and teamwork amongst our many pivots!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was so proud to hear the audience's feedback. What an honor to hear encouragement from those who have spent time with my art. To see and be seen by an audience for my work is so thrilling. Thank you for this entire experience. It means a great deal.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I’ve dreamed about many aspects of film making since I was a kid. I started by focusing on stage acting. Until, while earning my BFA in Theater and Performance from Emerson College (along with Mary Frances Noser), I wanted control over the stories I was telling. So while earning my degree, I made two independent short films. I wrote the leading roles in both for myself. While I learned a lot and enjoyed making the film, I prefer directing my own work. Especially sinceso much of the excitement while acting was in the discovery of the text for me. When directing my writing, I am even more effectively able to capture a feeling through collaboration. All I ever want to do is connect.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

In my childhood, I rewatched The Sandlot more times than I could possibly count. I adore a coming of age movie because I am excited about exploring identity and self empowerment.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I’d love to talk more with audiences and industry professionals about which elements of the relationship they are most interested in. I am developing a TV show, Survived By, based on backstory work done in rehearsals. I’d love to incorporate what people enjoyed most about the short film, Stuck, in the next draft of the pilot.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Excellent! It is easy to use and helpful to have so many great festivals in one place.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A grilled cheese and tomato soup.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

As an anti-disciplinary artist, along with the TV show, Survived By, there are many creative endeavors that I am excited about pursuing. To see my author/illustrator portfolio for Children’s Literature please visit: emmagracelukens.com