Help
Writer/Director: Sydney Marshall Gilliam
Producer: Sam Tudor-Hidy
Director of Photography: Quinn Pfitzer
Format: Narrative Short
Genre: Drama
Status: Pre-Production
Synopsis: On his first day of high school, Ezra, a late bloomer physically and emotionally, is preyed on by Crystal, a Senior. They begin a whirlwind relationship and when the time is right, Crystal asks Ezra to do the unthinkable: prove he loves her by killing someone for her.
And he does.
Director’s Statement: I started writing this script back in September of 2019 after being inspired by the music of Alec Benjamin. I took his imagery and the experiences from a past emotionally abusive relationship and channeled it into "HELP." While it's been through 17 drafts since one thing that hasn't changed is the message that emotionally abusive relationships are detrimental and cause lasting harm.
About our Production: “HELP” was originally part of the Directing III program at Columbia College Chicago but after they implemented their COVID-19 protocols, we decided that it was best to go independent to keep the integrity of the project. Unfortunately, this means we have to make up for the benefits we lost while not shooting with the school; professional guidance assigned crew and free camera equipment rentals.
Writer/Director: Sydney Marshall Gilliam calls Martin, Tennessee her home. After graduating in 2014, she attended The University of Tennessee at Knoxville and received a Bachelor’s in Communication. While there, she discovered her love for film and decided to continue her education at Columbia College Chicago. She is pursuing a BA in Filmmaking and studies Screenwriting and Directing. While attending Columbia, she has worked on sets as a Production Assistant, Script Supervisor, First Assistant Director and Director and was a finalist at Columbia’s Take 1 Film Festival. “HELP” marks her first official short film and is excited to bring a personal story to the screen.
Producer: Sam is a recent Columbia College graduate mainly focusing on Cinematography and Producing. What he loves most about producing is finding ways to make the lives of his fellow crew-mates easier on set. Sam loves the collaborative environment that films have and looks forward to bringing the script and creative vision to life.
Director of Photography: Quinn Pfizer is a Senior at Columbia, with a focus in Cinematography. They have had a passion for film and photography since highschool, and they are looking forward to collaborating and working to bring everyone's vision to life.
Production Designer: Ana Moreno began as a fine artist focusing primarily on sculpture, jewelry, painting, and digital art. After she received her Associates at College Of Lake County, she transferred to Columbia College Chicago. Here she is a BFA student with a concentration in Production Design. She has worked on a variety of films at Columbia. She has been a Production Designer, Prop Master, Set Decorator, and Food Stylist. She is very excited to design a film with such a nostalgic time period, and collaborate with such an amazing team!
Casting Director: Originally from Springfield, IL, Alyssa Sammons has had a love for filmmaking from a very young age. After studying theatrical directing for 10 years, She graduated from Lincoln Land Community College with an associate’s degree in Digital Media Design. Now, she is continuing towards her dream at Columbia College Chicago where she is currently a senior studying directing. While she has worked on a few sets as a production assistant and director, Help serves as her first time stepping into the role of a casting director. It’s a new experience, but she’s very excited to be a part of this project!
Editor: From growing up in the town of the Purdue Boilermakers, Maura Kent made the move to Chicago. Maura is currently seeking a degree in Filmmaking with a concentration in Post Production at Columbia College Chicago. Maura has edited a few projects ranging from short narratives, music videos, short documentaries, and promotional pieces. Maura is seeking opportunities to work in a collaborative setting with aspirations of telling diverse and unique stories. She is excited to work with Sydney again and collaborate with a great team.
Poster Designer: Originally from Cary, NC, Jonathan Bentley has found a passion for graphic design that has stemmed from a discovered love for telling stories. He is excited for any and all opportunities to make something he has never made before. He is thankful to be a part of this project, and working with one of his long-time and incredibly talented friends again.