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Grace in Training

A loquacious server meets a mysterious customer. They strike up an intriguing conversation that leads to a fulfilling outcome.

  • Andy Heck
    Director
  • Adrian Parrish
    Writer
  • Andy Heck
    Producer
  • Adrian Parrish
    Producer
  • Julia Benfield
    Key Cast
    "Grace"
  • Steve Nazarian
    Key Cast
    "Craig"
  • Cassondra Thurmond
    Key Cast
    "Vanessa"
  • Bobby Jones
    Director of Photography
  • Cristina “Trinity” Vélez-Justo
    Composer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 37 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 2, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Joedance Film Festival
    Charlotte
    United States
    August 2, 2019
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Andy Heck

Andy Heck is a filmmaker from East Troy, WI. He earned his degree in Multimedia from UW-Whitewater where he pursued his passion for film.

After a history of making videos for action sports, events, and businesses, he found his career as a videographer for a corporation that moved him to Charlotte, NC.

After moving to Charlotte and competing in local competitions and working crew on several films, Andy has found himself filling the Director role on current projects.

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Director Statement

Grace in Training is a film written by Adrian Parrish. Adrian writes for many different formats including: comedy, storytelling, poetry, and radio shows. It was by chance that Adrian and I met at a mixer for the 48 Hour Film Project.

Adrian was interested in the project and I had participated 6 times. After a successful partnership and showing for this competition, we went on to work on other projects. Adrian shared a few scripts and one had really stood out to me. The story was simple, yet it had a deeper connection that I felt was relatable.

In spring of 2018, we came together to start planning the shoot for Grace in Training. A date was locked in and things just started falling into place. The main cast was selected based on friendships and acquaintances that had made an impression. A crew was selected with some people we’d worked with before and some newbies.

Our location had the biggest influence on the film. A diner in a rural town outside of Charlotte, NC is where the entire film takes place. It is a true 50’s style diner that had been established decades ago. The authentic look, along with the wardrobe selections and props combined for a beautiful base to set the tone for production.

Although the audience will not necessarily share the same experiences as the characters in the film, the actors played their roles in such a way that the viewer will be sucked in and along for the ride. Several people on set got chills and tears during the production and it is our hopes that the audience will connect in the same way.