Private Project

Before

A young, married gay couple has a fight on the night before they sign the contract with their gestational carrier. They grapple with their future and the ramifications of leaving their "before."

  • Lynnsey Ooten
    Director
    Scribbles, web series
  • Neil Redfield
    Writer
  • Alex Kopnick
    Producer
  • Neil Redfield
    Producer
  • Brandon Grimes
    Producer
  • Neil Redfield
    Key Cast
    "ERIC"
    The Gilded Age S2, Disorienting Dick
  • Brandon Grimes
    Key Cast
    "CHRIS"
    The Compatriots (upcoming), Abominable, Strapped for Danger
  • Mike Magilnik
    DP
    She Came from the Woods, The Dinner Parting, Perception
  • Brianna O'Grady
    Editor
  • Mary Marxen
    Production Designer
  • Rebecca Losito
    1st AD
  • Nicole Maupin
    Sound Design/Sound Mix
  • Liam Nielsenshultz
    Colorist
  • Alexandra Funes
    Original Music Composed by
  • David Sikora
    1st AC
  • Akiyaa Wilson
    Hair/Makeup Consultant
  • Ruby Rechler
    Production Assisstant
  • Mayron Ayenew
    Production Assisstant
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, LGBTQ, Romantic
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    June 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Chelsea Film Festival
    New York
    United States
    October 19, 2024
    New York Premiere
    Official Selection
  • SAFILM
    San Antonio, TX
    United States
    August 3, 2024
    SW Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Orlando International Film Festival
    Orlando, FL
    United States
    May 17, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Maryland International Film Festival
    Hagerstown, MD
    United States
    March 23, 2024
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • MirabBan Art Design and Music Fest
    Online
    Best Production Design
Director Biography - Lynnsey Ooten

A ginger hailing from the heart of Texas, Lynnsey Ooten (she/her) is a director, actor, and producer currently weaving her magic in New York City.

Lynnsey’s creative approach is marked by a fearless curiosity and a penchant for play. A risk-taker at heart, she thrives on exploration, embracing failure as a stepping stone to unlocking the heart of every story. Her narrative palette is defined by unearthing the dangers and delights of our humanity through a whimsical lens.

The allure of the stage beckoned Lynnsey early, leading her to tread the boards of theatrical productions and lay the foundation for the first decade of her acting career. Graduating with a degree in performance from the University of Northern Colorado, Lynnsey’s pursuit of storytelling brought her to the prestigious National Theatre Institute where she found her heart captured by the art of directing. Her ability to craft narratives from their inception to final execution was honed, and once she set foot in the bustling streets of New York City, her directorial star began to ascend with an unstoppable trajectory.

One of her standout projects, the web series “SCRiBBLES,” journeyed through the festival circuit, earning laurels at esteemed events such as the Big Apple Film Festival, Catalyst Content Festival (formerly ITVFest), and Austin Film Festival. The series earned accolades for Best Directing, Best Web Series, a Telly Awards Silver Winner and streamed on The Roku Channel.

Ultimately, Lynnsey aspires to create films that champion the journey of misfits, inviting audiences to embrace the darker parts of who they are. That they can find strength in what makes them different and do hard things to overcome suffering.

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Director Statement

“BEFORE” is a short film about a young gay couple on the brink of surrogacy and the complex emotions surrounding the nature of love, change, and speaking our truth. After reflecting on a decade of shared decisions with my husband, "BEFORE" emerged as a canvas for exploring the intricacies of committed relationships and the monumental choices that shape us.

At its core, this story examines the profound decision to leave behind the familiar and embark on a new chapter of parenthood, while also acknowledging the cherished moments of their “before.” As a director, my aspiration was to capture the essence of this momentous juncture in an intimate and tender style while evoking the comfort of a lullaby.

Collaboration has been paramount on this project. Working closely with an exceptional team, including our talented cinematographer Mike Magilnick, production designer Mary Marxen, and dedicated cast members Neil Redfield and Brandon Grimes, we meticulously crafted a visual and emotional tapestry that invites viewers to step into the characters’ lives.

As a director, my goal was to create an emotional resonance that lingers long after the film ends. I wanted to invite introspection and ignite conversations about the choices we make, the challenges of embracing new perspectives, and the role communication plays in bringing us closer together. “BEFORE” is an invitation to reflect on the paths we choose, the people we become, and the profound impact of those decisions.

I am immensely grateful for the dedication of the cast, crew, and everyone who supported us in bringing “BEFORE” to life. Together, we have endeavored to create a short film that serves as a celebration of love, family, and the work it takes to build a copasetic partnership in an ever-changing world.