Private Project

Sound Bath

After experiencing a calming ambient music performance, Elaine and Jake attempt to prolong their sense of relaxation. The biggest barrier aside from Los Angeles may be themselves.

  • Joseph Agredano
    Director
  • Joseph Agredano
    Writer
  • Joseph Agredano
    Producer
  • Lestonja Diaz
    Key Cast
    "Elaine"
  • Jake Squire
    Key Cast
    "Jake"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Horror, Drama
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 14, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,400 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16x9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Joseph Agredano

Joseph Agredano is a Chicano filmmaker and sound mixer based in Los Angeles. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley where he studied Film, Philosophy and Comic Art. His work utilizes his experience in sound and experimental music, creating unique sonic textures to tell a story.

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Director Statement

For Sound Bath, I wanted to explore how our contradictory desires come against internal and external forces. Characters Elaine and Jake both arrive at an image of calm that they hope to chase following an ambient music performance. Faced with a premonition she is unable to shake, Elaine hesitates to fully let Jake in on her internal world. All the while, the two have to navigate the realities of a Sunday in Los Angeles.

With my background in sound and experimental music, I also wanted to create a scenario that could explore the creative potential of the medium. I knew I wanted to build something around an outdoor ambient music performance. While directing, I also did production sound recording. Ambiences and sound effects were mostly collected in the field. I was excited to use the locations for the multiplicity of sonic textures.

Sound Bath is a music heavy short. I worked with Taylor Cohan to create a soundscape with modular synthesizers. This became the opening song, which was recorded live to picture. Composer Nicholas Turner concurrently created a lush original score through a very fruitful collaborative process. The post mix was done by myself.

The film was shot in Los Angeles, utilizing two locations: the Los Angeles River and Elysian Park. I chose these locations for how natural and human elements converge in these spaces (at times more or less harmoniously). It was an attempt at an authentic depiction of a city that is often used as a location, without consideration of the culture contained within. I believe that film has the power to make us recognize the barriers to real connection – with each other and with the world around us. I am passionate about exploring the full range of its creative potential.