Stephanie Stevens

The morning after a bungled suicide attempt, a Chicago stand-up comic is brought face-to-face with his many failures when a pregnant ex pays him a visit. This lo-fi, post-mumblecore dark comedy takes an uncomfortable stroll through what it means to become a parent, and the excuses we make to avoid growing up.

  • Kelsey Ann Wacker
    Director
  • Nate Simpson
    Writer
  • Kelsey Ann Wacker
    Writer
  • Melaina Koulos
    Producer
  • William Premo
    Producer
  • Nate Simpson
    Key Cast
  • Kelsey Ann Wacker
    Key Cast
  • Sofia Tew
    Key Cast
  • Gilbert Tanner
    Key Cast
  • Jacob Waldrop
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 26 minutes 39 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kelsey Ann Wacker

Kelsey Ann’s thriller feature, Thrust, is in development and was selected as a part of MOVIE MAKER Magazine's 2023/2024 Production Services Program. Thrust is based on her award-winning short film The Den, starring Geoff Stults. (Official Selection: Austin Film Festival, Mammoth, Tallgrass, AFMX, Sarasota Film Festival, NY Shorts, KCFilmFest, etc.)

Kelsey Ann was hired to write a screenplay adaptation of the memoir “God, The Mafia, My Dad, and Me” by famed FBI Informant Lou Peter's daughter, Lori Lee Peters. Amazon Studios is developing a limited series in tandem, starring Ewan McGregor.

Kelsey Ann has received numerous accolades for her screen and stage writing. Some recent highlights: The coveted Coverfly "Endorsed Writer" distinction. Semifinalist The Script Lab - TSL Screenplay Contest 2023. Finalist (Top Five) Launch Pad Prose Competition 2024. Quarterfinalist The PAGE Awards 2023 and 2024. Second Rounder (top 20%) at Austin Film Festival screenplay competition 2023. Semifinalist Screencraft Cinematic Short Story Competition 2023. Quarterfinalist in The ScreenCraft Stage Play Competition 2024. Her novelette 115 Mohegan is on Coverfly’s The Red List, ranks as Coverfly’s #2 Thriller Short Story (all time) and Top 1% in Genre/Format (all time).

Kelsey Ann was selected via Launch Pad for mentorship under co-EP Sarah Alderson, whom she shadows on the CBS series S.W.A.T. She co-hosts the ongoing comedy podcast, Florida Woman, with her husband. Kelsey Ann holds a BFA in Acting from DePaul University.

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Director Statement

Stephanie Stevens is a lo-fi, dark comedy in the independent mumblecore tradition. My husband and I wrote and starred in this film together. We shot it in 6 days. With 6 people. For $6K. I firmly believe that with a tight script, vision, resourcefulness, and a good crew - you can make interesting, quality films irrespective of budget. Let's put filmmaking back in the hands of filmmakers!