Private Project

SURPRISE!

Frustrated lovers duel to outwit each other but face life-or-death consequences triggered by suppressed fantasies and unexpressed desires.

  • Elizabeth Yoder
    Director
    Ansiedad, Sanvean, Art Imitates
  • Elizabeth Yoder
    Writer
    Sanvean, The Long Wait, Art Imitates, Ansiedad, Emerging
  • Nick Denicola
    Writer
    Schmuck Brothers, The Showdown, Art Imitates
  • Left Coast Entertainment
    Producer
  • @YoderCine
    Producer
    The Long Wait, Sanvean, Art Imitates
  • Denise Hargrove
    Producer
    Sanvean, Art Imitates
  • Hazel Calderon
    Key Cast
    "Jen, Wife-Monster"
    General Hospital, Blood Bank, Back in the No
  • Garrison Oliver Gross
    Key Cast
    "Jack, Husband-Monster"
    How to Hack Birth Control, Torn from the Headlines: New York Post Reports, People Magazine Investigates
  • Enrique Oseguera
    Key Cast
    "Worker"
    The Scheme of Things, Yucca Fest, Bonbonniere, '71
  • Joel Slabo
    Key Cast
    "Monster in the Garden"
    Potatoes, Joys of Pregnancy, What Brings You in
  • Fabrice Uzan
    Key Cast
    "Window Washer"
  • Hank Moen Fisher
    Key Cast
    "Hardware Store Employee 1"
  • Donald Bowen
    Key Cast
    "Hardware Store Employee 2"
  • Jim Neib
    Key Cast
    "Narrator "
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2022
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Elizabeth Yoder

Recipient of 25 awards including Excellence in Directing, Storytelling Achievement and Critics Choice, my career spans 30+ years in independent film making, television commercials, and new media. I’m a collaborative Director and team builder with a decisive, creative problem-solving approach to inclusive leadership. While leading local and international teams, I've created with high-level executives and celebrities alike and maintained impeccable professionalism and confidentiality. Growing up in the industry, my previous roles now inform my choices as a Director. They include producer, editor, writer, actor, hair, makeup artistic team member, and platform educator. As a former farm girl, I learned the value of rolling up my sleeves and pitching in until the job is complete.

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Director Statement

This short horror, dark comedy film pushes boundaries and challenges conventional norms through its thought-provoking storytelling and unique artistic approach.

"Surprise!" is a female-led film, with the director, writer, producer, editor spearheading the creative vision. We take pride in our exceptional Los Angeles-based diverse cast and crew, who bring their expertise and dedication to this project.

Within "Surprise!", we embarked on a journey, seeking to challenge established gender dynamics and explore unconventional narratives. Our director wanted to reverse the typical portrayal of sexuality, showcasing the male lead being sexually exploited on screen and the female lead embracing empowerment. By subverting expectations and asking thought provoking questions, we aim to spark discussion and challenge societal expectations as well as internal dynamics.

Furthermore, we incorporated experimental elements through music to enhance its impact. For instance, we explored the use of soft romantic music during an argument scene, highlighting the unique nature of their connection. Additionally, we employed a "nine-inch nails" like song to create a captivating dueling contest of wits between the characters in the lumberjack lemonade fantasy scene. We also juxtaposed an innocent music box-type soundtrack with dark visuals in the dominatrix fantasy scene, creating a powerful contrast.

We sincerely appreciate your consideration of "Surprise!". Thank you for providing a platform that celebrates boundary-pushing films and supports the vibrant community of independent filmmakers. We eagerly look forward to the opportunity of sharing our vision with audiences around the world.