Hey there; I've just started listening to The Bright Sessions, and I'm really enjoying it so far. Þank you for making someþing like þis.
I want to start my own audio drama company, and I wondered if you'd have any advice. On any part of it: scriptwriting; voice acting; production; anyþing. I'm going into college next year for acting so þat's kinda where my skill/resource level is at
Thank you so much!! We're so glad you're enjoying the show so far.
As it happens, @thelaurenshippen (creator of The Bright Sessions and also me, hi) wrote a bunch of FREE resources about exactly this! There's a scripting and development handbook, a production handbook, and a bunch of examples of scripts, budgets, etc.
But if you have specific questions, feel free to ask them!
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tender (Short film)
Available on Vimeo, Facebook and YouTube.
2020s short film.
Romance, drama.
Plot points:
Conversations following one-night stands.
Queer sexuality.
Black sapphic couple (main).
Black writer and director (Felicia Pride).
Black sapphic characters:
Kiana Farelle Walker
Lulu Trishauna Clarke
Connections:
Kiana x Lulu (black sapphic)
Sex & Nudity - Mild
Visual of butts as characters are twerking.
Violence & Gore - None
Profanity - None
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking - Mild
Visible use of marijuana.
Frightening & Intense Scenes - Very mild
Conversations about a hysterectomy: scar and short mention.
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Review of “Skinamarink”
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Warning: “Skinamarink” includes themes such as child abuse, family problems and self-harm, that I will talk about in the review. There are spoilers contained in 'my reflections' part, where I'll briefly talk about my view on the second meaning of this film. You can skip this part for a neutral conclusion.
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“I can do anything. Kaylee didn't do as she was told. She said she wanted her mom and dad, so I took her mouth away.”
~The Entity to Kevin
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Introduction
The most cursed film. A nightmare fuel. Disgusted people exiting the cinemas in the middle of production. At the same time, praises over the form. One experimental horror that moved the Internet, because of subtle hints at a deeper meaning. Let's talk about the unnerving story, that took its name from an innocent, children song – “Skinamarink”.
“Skinamarink” is a Canadian experimental horror film, that was directed by Edward Kyle Ball. This production, released in few cinemas around the globe at the beginning of 2022, got a lot of mixed reactions. A fair amount of people criticized the action for being slow-paced. Others couldn't watch the horrific fate of young protagonists. At the same time, some enjoyed the story, liking it for its distinctive style, as well as trying to find a metaphoric meaning for the cruelty. “Skinamarink” is about two children – 4 years old Kevin and 6 years old Kaylee – who are trapped inside their own house. As doors, windows, and their parents disappear, the siblings are left on their own against something. Personally, I liked this film, however I completely understand negative reactions.
The story and the presentation
Bringing up feelings familiar to everyone, in a way that only a portion of people will find enjoyable to watch. That's how I'd put “Skinamarink” into a one sentence.
The main scare, that doesn't require any deeper delve into the story, is a constant atmosphere of the film. The action is slow-paced, because of almost static frames and overall silence. What's more, characters are often whispering, or their words are hardly understandable (To the point that you have to read subtitles). Frames are primarily constructed around the viewpoint of a child. Thereby, they're enhancing the appearance of a house by presenting either an unending darkness, or conversely, displaying only a limited portion of a room, making us unable to see what is happening. The darkness itself is an important part of presentation, as it triggers a natural fear of the unknown. There, we have our main basis for visuals of “Skinamarink” which is c h i l d h o o d f e a r.
The reason for sleeping with a little light on.
Hugging into your teddy bear tightly, as a way to feel more safe.
The crying caused by a feeling of loneliness, once we don't see our parents nearby.
This is what film visually represents. Something that all of us experienced at one point of their life, which is now brought up once we're older, almost forgetting this basic fear.
What's more, the quality of whole production isn't a one expected in 2022. It was based on the popular genre of analogue horror. The choice is another way to enhance the unnerving feeling of “Skinamarink”, with a taste of nostalgia. This matches our memories much more, as production isn't as clear, as it could be. A similar effect was made by the choice of not showing us so much action, that I find to be a great way of playing with human tendency to fill up holes. It's hard to terrify with what's said, as much as you can with just leaving a few questions unanswered.
“Skinamarink” makes sure that we feel bad for the main characters. They're children, unable to do a lot of things, as we found out as the story progresses. Siblings also can't understand a lot. We see their innocence, in little parts of their words or acts. The only people – beside themselves – that they could trust, disappeared into thin air.
My reflections (Story Spoilers ahead)
An experimental way to scare people and hard to swallow themes, would probably be enough to make me watch “Skinamarink”. However, this wouldn't be enough to catch my attention – especially for a time longer than around a week.
As I mentioned before, I'm not fond of this production because of the literal story that “Skinamarink” gives us. I believe that the intriguing and thrilling part about this story lays in details. My mind wasn't filled with reflections about a physical torture or a childhood fear, but with theories. After a re-watch and the way that people on the Internet tried to break down the story, I got a forming picture of what the “Skinamarink” could tell us. For me, it is not a story about a paranormal entity, that got power over two kids. It's about an abusive household, broken family and a crippled young mind.
Pointing at only few clues, we know that children are having problems in their family. They don't want to talk about their mom. We aren't given any direct reason, but we know that she's somehow connected to the monster that torments them.
However, later, there's a moment almost opposite to their earlier words. I don't find it to be brought up by people in their theories, but Kaylee wanted her parents. She wanted to see them. Both dad and mom. These same people, that we know children, are reluctant to speak about.
I find it to be such a great way on how desperate they're in their situation. Maybe, they don't want to speak about mom, but when monster is trapping them, both of them just don't know any better. If we go by the metaphorical meaning for paranormal activities, it's safe to assume that it could be a sign, that mother wasn't always abusive. Perhaps Kaylee wishes for her mom to be like she was before?
The interpretation itself – of course – is optional and subjective. Personally, I like to believe in this, as it nicely connects to the theme, that was also present in other movie from Bale titled “Heck”. The difference mostly comes from the directness in “Heck”, where in “Skinamarink” it's a speculation.
Conclusion
“Skinamarink” was an interesting movie to watch. I admire the visuals and specific aura, that builds up into a worthy experience. Fear, wonder and compassion come together, for us to decipher its story. It isn't for everyone, but I highly recommend giving this piece of artwork a try.
If You're about to watch this movie, I wish You an enjoyable evening with this production. For those who already watched it, I'll gladly read Your thoughts on this movie and Your theories.
No matter, if you read it in the darkness of the night, or in the light of the day, I wish You a lovely time.
To the next evening, whether it may be another review, photograph, or a drawing.
~ A.K. Samael
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Mississippi Masala (1991)
Two of the Hottest People You’ve Ever Seen fall in love — despite the protestations of their families and the cultural differences that divide them —against the backdrop of the dreary Deep South in Mira Nari’s sexy, undeniable romantic dramedy.
Director: Mira Nair
Cinematographer: Edward Lachman
Production Designer: Mitch Epstein
Costume Designers: Ellen Lutter and Susan Lyall
Starring: Sarita Choudhury, Denzel Washington, Roshan Seth, Sharmila Tagore, Charles S. Dutton, Joe Seneca, Ranjit Chowdhry, Mohan Gokhale, Natalie Oliver-Atherton, Sahira Nair, and Konga Mbadu.
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