Private Project

Opening Doors

LOGLINE: When an elevator ride comes to an unexpected halt, an awkward calculus student is trapped inside with his introverted crush.
SYNOPSIS: Ash, an impulsive student and aspiring class clown, watches his crush Elaina from the back of calculus class. Suddenly, the professor calls on him to answer a question, and Ash is awoken from his trance. He quickly covers for himself by making a joke right as class ends, but his professor asks to speak with him afterwards. Ash makes his way to the front of the room, only to find that Elaina has left her calculator behind. As he reaches for it, the professor again startles him, asking if he needs a tutor. Ash, however, has already come up with a plan of his own - to hand-deliver the calculator back to Elaina with the hope of sparking conversation with her! Lucky for him, the opportunity comes to him quicker than expected when he sees her enter an elevator back at their apartment complex. He makes his move, handing her the calculator, and all seems to be going well! Until the elevator breaks down…

  • James Hartranft
    Director
    The Red Carpet
  • James Hartranft
    Writer
    The Red Carpet
  • James Hartranft
    Producer
    The Red Carpet
  • Chuck Gloman
    Executive Producer
  • Silas Diehl
    Key Cast
    "Ash"
  • Alicia Brogan
    Key Cast
    "Elaina"
  • William Borusiewicz
    Key Cast
    "Professor Ignatius"
  • Moses Johnson
    Key Cast
    "Mechanic"
  • Andrew Kempski
    Director of Photography
  • Danielle Herbert
    Sound Designer
  • Ally Agnello
    Extras
  • Deanna Hoch
    Extras
  • Shirley Hooper
    Extras
  • Jollibee Johanson
    Extras
  • Natalie Mahoney
    Extras
  • Jason McCluskey
    Extras
  • Graeson McNamara
    Extras
  • Stephanie Radatti
    Extras
  • Conor Scanlon
    Extras
  • Javier Valentin
    Extras
  • Connor Brost
    First Assistant Director
  • Natalie Mahoney
    Second Assistant Director
  • Andrew Kempski
    Camera Operator
  • Michael Faber
    Camera 1st Assistant
  • Kaitlyn Ardite
    Camera 2nd Assistant
  • Moses Johnson
    Still Photographer
  • Danielle Herbert
    Field Sound Mixer
  • Daniel de Bruyn
    Boom Operator
  • Peter Godshalk
    Script Supervisor
  • Daniel de Bruyn
    Gaffer
  • Connor Brost
    Dolly
  • Danielle Herbert
    Foley Recording Mixer
  • James Hartranft
    Editor
    The Red Carpet
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance, Young Adult
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 13, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    21:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - DeSales University
  • AMC Screening
    Center Valley, PA
    United States
    December 5, 2023
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • The North Film Festival - New York City
    New York City, New York
    United States
    February 27, 2025
    Nominated
Director Biography - James Hartranft

James Hartranft is a photographer, screenwriter, and script analyst. He majored in Cinematography and Film Production at DeSales University and minored in Digital Art 3D Design and Mathematics. Some of his recent films include "Carved", "Opening Doors", "Ghost of the Game", "Now Streaming", and "The Red Carpet - A Found-Footage Film".

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