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Not So Happy Birthday

Not So Happy Birthday (Director's Cut) is the story of a little girl, Ruby, on her 7th birthday. The day starts out perfectly, but quickly begins to go downhill with a series of unfortunate events. Finally, Ruby has had enough! It takes kind words from Ruby’s sister and some quick thinking parents to put Ruby and her party back on the right track.

  • Sloan B Gregory
    Director
    Orchard Songs, Eldrich-USA
  • Sloan B Gregory
    Writer
    Orchard Songs, Eldrich- USA
  • Allison Gregory
    Producer
  • David Watson
    Director of Photography
    Eldritch, USA, Happy Halloween, Vincent's Vow
  • Sloan B Gregory
    Key Cast
    "Libby"
    Orchard Songs, Eldrich-USA
  • Celine Chalifoux
    Key Cast
    "Ruby"
  • Westan McNew
    Key Cast
    "Dad"
    Eldrich, USA
  • Sophia French
    Key Cast
    "Finley"
  • Jace Ganson
    Key Cast
    "Sam"
  • Jennifer Downer
    Key Cast
    "Eldrich, USA"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    comedy, family
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 54 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 17, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Pershing Elementary
  • Public Screening
    Springfield, MO
    United States
    December 1, 2023
Director Biography - Sloan B Gregory

Sloan Gregory is a 9 year old from Springfield, Missouri. She is making her directorial debut with the short film Not So Happy Birthday. Sloan, a SAG- Eligible actor, also wrote the film's screenplay. She loves acting and that is her passion, however, she also realizes that a better understanding of the entire filmmaking process will make her a better actor. She has truly enjoyed learning so many production skills during this project. When Sloan is not doing "acting stuff" she can be found playing soccer or snuggling with her two Boston Terriers.

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Director Statement

I was inspired to make Not So Happy Birthday by my own experience when my friends made me mad at my own birthday party. I had to hold it together in front of everyone and my brother took me aside and calmed me down. Sometimes when we have big events going on we get wrapped up in all of the things and we forget what is really most important in our lives; spending time with our family and friends.

There was one big challenge with making this film, finding someone that would work with a 9 year old director. Someone who would help me make this film in the way that I saw it and someone who was willing to teach me along the way. I found an amazing team in David Watson and Brittany Greer. They listened to me and talked with me to help take what I saw in my head and make working professional documents like storyboards and shot lists. It took extra steps to get there, but we made it!

Deciding on how the film would look was super easy. Birthdays are bright and cheerful, so I used that to set the tone. For the colors, I have always wanted a Hawaiian themed party, because they are cute and fun! So we threw a great Aloha pool party and carried the same colors throughout the film.

After seeing Not So Happy Birthday, I hope the audience can take with them that not everything in this world has to be perfect. You can solve any problem if you just calm down and, as a famous ice queen once said, you just “let it go”.