Pulled Taut

Lucia, chronic overthinker, is encouraged to sign up for an archery class. A nightmare tests her resolve that night, which proves the most daunting challenge.

  • Ellie Roberts
    Director
  • Mac Muggeo
    Producer
  • Ellie Roberts
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Genres:
    horror, comedy, women
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 11 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Florida State University
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • WashU Film Festival
    St. Louis, MO
    September 12, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Pensacon Short Film Festival
    Pensacola, FL
    February 20, 2026
    Official Selection
  • Fort Myers Film Festival
    Fort Myers, FL
    May 21, 2026
    Official Selection
  • Reedy Reels Film Festival
    Greenville, SC
    March 29, 2026
    Award: Best Southeast Regional Film
Director Biography - Ellie Roberts

Ellie Roberts relishes in the art of asking “What if?” and taking a closer look at the inner workings of the mind. She loves mixing the supernatural with reality to explore the nature of individuals. When she isn’t playing collaborative storytelling games or crafting meticulous spreadsheets, she studies animation at the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“Pulled Taut” is a love letter to overthinkers. I wrote this film to explore the inner workings of a mind constantly wondering about what exactly could go wrong and it often stopping her from hanging out with someone she holds close. As someone who faces the struggle of overthinking, it was an exciting challenge to express that through the main character and her world.

Archery felt like the proper medium to really emphasize these unfortunate possible scenarios and their stakes. I hoped in making this a comedic horror film, I could unabashedly explore this and even have some fun with it.

I envisioned this story through the lens of the protagonist Lucia, and how she stands out in her painterly world with her contrasting cooler color and flatter textures. She worries about the world around her, and in doing so, she sees her world as really isolating.

This film is my first experience as an animation director, and it was an amazing experience throughout its three weeks of production. The team of three on “Pulled Taut” really blended each of their strengths so beautifully. I cherish the time I got to work with each of them and look forward to additional opportunities to be part of these collaborative environments.

I truly hope audiences can relate to Lucia’s struggles and see their own opportunities to live their life how they want to.