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REAL: The Series

Lauren, struggling to find love as a deaf lesbian woman in a hearing world, sets out to find a true partner while riding the relationship roller coaster and battling society's constant reminders that she's 'different'.

Breaking the fourth wall to talk directly to us all, this REAL short is a concept we're aiming to develop into a full-fledged TV or streaming series.

  • Michelle Mary Schaefer
    Writer
  • Thomas Gidlow
    Producer
  • Michelle Mary Schaefer
    Producer
  • Michelle Mary Schaefer
    Key Cast
  • Tatiana Roberts
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short, Television, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Romance, Drama, LGTBQIA+, Comedy, Irreverent
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    American Sign Language, English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4k
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography

This project was originally filmed in 2020 and has since been acquired by Skyphire Entertainment. We re-edited the original footage into a 5-minute short as a concept for a TV or streaming series. Thomas Gidlow is the Lead Producer of Skyphire Entertainment and is heading this project, along with Michelle Mary Schaefer, who remains on board as Executive Consultant, Producer, and Actor.

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Director Statement

Our aims with REAL is to be a game-changer for representation. But the story of REAL is one that is universal - we all struggle to find love and acceptance. Seeing the world and all of its trials and tribulations through the eyes of a deaf lead character lends so much more weight to that struggle in our eyes.

Putting the story first is a big component of our approach. Through comedic and dramatic storytelling, we think REAL can be a force to show just how alike we all truly are. We all have our differences - but it's our similarities that will ultimately brings us together. REAL aims to be that centerpiece to bring people from every background and community together to share the ups and downs of our relatable story.