Don't Tell Me You Love Me

Don't Tell Me You Love Me is a one shot LGBTQ+ film about the cycle of relationships we all face and how each of us grow from heartbreak. It documents the birth and death of a relationship lasting three years, entirely shot in camera across two sets in one continuous take.

  • Joseph Tiernan
    Director
  • Joseph Tiernan
    Writer
  • Ruby Davis
    Writer
  • Jack Hammonds
    Producer
  • Joseph Tiernan
    Producer
  • Siobhán O'Shea
    Key Cast
  • Mara Jean Quinn
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 12, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital - Canon C500 Mark II
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Joseph Tiernan

Joseph Tiernan is an Australian filmmaker who has been working in the film and television industry as a Production Designer since 2016. He has just completed his short film directorial debut "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" which was shot at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, Australia.

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Director Statement

This ambitious project is an orchestrated dance of all departments, in essence it is where film meets theatre.

The story spans 3 years and is told in one continuous shot across 17 scenes, completing 8 rotations of the two sets, each having an INT and EXT. The sets were built back to back in studio with a lighting rig that was constantly changing for day and night in the various scenes.

Full costume and hair and make-up changes as well as set dressing adjustments were sometimes done in seconds and in total silence in order to get the shot.

Half theatre, half film, making the movie in one continuous shot means that we borrowed from the world of the stage with set movement, quick costume changes and the stamina of a theatrical performance.