Experiencing Interruptions?

The Attempt

When a conversation with her mom is met with resistance, Danielle finds herself thrown into a variety of absurd attempts at salvation.

  • Madeline Stephenson
    Director
  • Kaleen Mayhew
    Director
  • Kaleen Mayhew
    Writer
  • Madeline Stephenson
    Collaborating Writer
  • Kay Mayhew
    Producer
  • Kaleen Mayhew
    Key Cast
    "Danielle"
  • Lisa-Marie Newton
    Key Cast
    "Karen / Mom"
  • Sheer Aviram
    Key Cast
    "Katherine"
  • Julianne Kusmiercyzk
    Supporting Cast
  • Caitlin McCarthy
    Supporting Cast
  • Eric Rippin
    Supporting Cast
  • Rebecca Gomberg
    Supporting Cast
  • Sean Alexander James
    Supporting Cast
  • Alita LaShae
    Supporting Cast
  • Jesse Gabbard
    Supporting Cast
  • Sebastian Segura
    Supporting Cast
  • Grace Beierman
    Supporting Cast
  • Christopher Yang
    Director of Photography
  • Amelia Underwood
    Editor
  • Carolyn Panknin
    Assistant Director
  • Frank Moschetto
    Sound Design & Mixing
  • Rafaell Teixeira
    Location Sound Mixer
  • Kaleen Mayhew
    Production Designer
  • Kay Mayhew
    Production Designer
  • Andrew Yi
    Key Grip/Best Boy
  • Alyssa Victoria
    Key Grip/Best Boy
  • Arjay Ancheta
    Gaffer
  • Leila Garrison
    Production Assistant
  • Vance Smith
    Consultant
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 22, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    16,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Madeline Stephenson, Kaleen Mayhew

Madeline Stephenson is our experienced director. Madeline studied film production at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and comes to this project with a deep understanding of both acting and filmmaking.

Kaleen Mayhew is the writer, co-director, and actress in the “The Attempt.” They are excited for this opportunity to share a bit of their story and add more LGBTQ+ representation to the world. We desperately need more of our stories told, and it's a huge reason they became an actress and filmmaker.

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Director Statement

Kaleen Mayhew's Writer/Director Statement:

So many of the coming out stories in film and television are rooted in the pain of not being accepted.

While the pain of not being accepted is a very real truth—one I have personally experienced—I want to encourage a shift. Instead of asking for acceptance, let's invite others to be a part of our journey. If family and friends find themselves unable to accept your identity, then that is their loss and will miss out on the wonderful life you're creating for yourself.

Let's embrace true and real love that rises above the pressures and views that others may put on you.