Private Project

ONE

Natalie, a 36 year-old entrepreneur, is struggling. After her business fails, she finds herself working as a Lyft driver, desperate to put a good face on a bad situation. Even as she tries to fortify herself with affirmations and positive reminders, happiness and progress both seem beyond her reach. After receiving a call from her sister with surprising news, on the 4th of July, her first passenger of the evening is an old frenemy named Al, an unwanted presence on an already difficult night. Following a string of events, with independence day celebrations in the background, Natalie's late-night ride leads her to make a decision that will ultimately bridge the gap between who she is and who she pictured she would be.

  • Jill Penfold
    Director
  • J. R. Kavit
    Writer
  • J. R. Kavit
    Producer
  • Nofar Mantin
    Producer
  • Isabel Burr
    Producer
    The House of Flowers
  • Jenny Kavit
    Key Cast
    "Natalie"
  • Charlie Clapham
    Key Cast
    "Al"
    Hollyoaks
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 2, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jill Penfold

Jill is a British Actress, writer and director. She studied acting and theatre at Birmingham Theatre School, graduating in 2005. Since then she has been engaged in the American film and television industry. In 2009 Jill studied method acting, directing and editing at The Lee Strasberg Film Institute before working as a Stunt woman in independents films.
Now, Jill focuses her time on Tv and Film Acting, writing and directing and is passionate about her role as a female film maker.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

At first glance, you’d think I was just reading a script and giving a good friend some feedback.
Then ‘ONE’ lands on my doorstep.
I made coffee and sat down to read this and prepared to send Jenny (The Writer) some notes and that would be that.
I read it and immediately re-read the script. Then made notes and re-read it. I called Jenny and told her. This is amazing.
‘ONE’ is a current look into the micro-life of a single female, fighting her way through the rigmarole of life. Weighed down by the burden of a mothers love and expectation that hangs like an anvil on most of us.
Finding the right shots had to match a pace that we both agreed on. Once I knew the tone that Jenny had in mind, I met with our brilliant Director of Photography, Van Nessa, and we pulled out the list and vision that we knew could deliver this story to an audience in a simple, effective and emotional way. Without Vanessa, this wouldn’t be what it is today. Her vision is the future of filmmaking. She delivered a sense of emotion that pulls you into the scene and fought her ground during the shoot nights to get the very best of what this film needed.

The story resonates with me, with a lot of women. We make friends with our loneliness. They are a real thing. That make us do stupid things. Make us question ourselves. Makes us angry, sad, desperate.
But there are moments in life, sometimes the most difficult that help you switch on the light. That light may be dim....but it’s on.
I hope this film brings our audience comfort knowing that they are not alone in their emotions, if they relate to Natalie. I hope women find the strength to be braver than they’ve ever been before and to know we are born to shine.
I want to thank the entire team from start to finish who worked, helped, listened and elevated to get this to where it is.
I have no idea how to really show Jenny how proud I am of her work and how honored I am, as a female filmmaker, in this crucial time for us....to have trusted me to help tell this story.

Enjoy!