Experiencing Interruptions?

The Company You Keep

Natasha, an extremely introverted woman, is nervous about attending a housewarming party for Shawn, a relative she is very close to. Unsure about going, she turns to an old friend and confidante. Natasha trusts her friend’s wisdom and sage advice. However, her friend’s actual motive is to keep Natasha isolated so she can have her all to herself. Will Natasha discover her friend’s true intentions before it’s too late?

  • Laura Fielder
    Director
    Milan's First Day
  • Laura Fielder
    Writer
    Milan's First Day
  • Laura Fielder
    Producer
    Milan's First Day
  • Joanna White-Oldham
    Producer
  • Amee Apedo
    Producer
  • Huriyyah Muhammad
    Producer
  • Aixa Kendrick
    Key Cast
    "Natasha"
  • Memo Memo
    Key Cast
    "Shawn"
  • Carol London
    Key Cast
    "Evil Doll"
  • Okema Moore
    Key Cast
    "Good Doll #1"
  • Gloria Phillips
    Key Cast
    "Good Doll #2"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 17 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 21, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No

  • Canada
Director Biography - Laura Fielder

Laura Fielder is a Brooklyn native writer/director of psychological horror and science fiction. Laura has lent her producing talents on several film projects including End of Season (2013) and Keloid (2016). The Company You Keep is her second narrative short she’s written and directed. Laura is a Board Member of The Black TV & Film Collective and a graduate of the UCLA Professional Screenwriting Program.

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Director Statement

The genesis of The Company You Keep came to me after an acquaintance cancelled a scheduled get together, at the last minute, without explanation. I found myself asking: why did she cancel on me? What did I do? Did I offend her in any way? I decided at that moment to turn those uncomfortable questions into a script.

The Company You Keep poses the questions: what are your innermost thoughts about yourself? Do you like what you hear? How do these internal monologues influence your self-perception? With my protagonist Natasha, I decided to let these ideations take shape and form. I allowed them to run their course, which led to a
logical, but disturbing conclusion.

In the process of writing the script and creating the film, I found that many people were touched by Natasha’s story. People saw a bit of the Natasha character in themselves. The story allowed them to acknowledge their vulnerabilities and recognize some of the self-doubts and negative self-talk. This film also speaks to the condition of loneliness, a serious scourge in our society.

This production could not happen without the work and dedication of the cast and crew. At the helm, is my producer Joanna White-Oldham, who saw my vision and was steadfast in her pursuit of bringing it to life. I would also like to thank Amee Apedo, our second producer. A special thanks to executive producer Huriyyah
Muhammad, and The Black TV & Film Collective, Inc,. Their production support helped make this film possible. Kudos to Aixa Kendrick, whose fearless performance as Natasha was nothing short of phenomenal. I am sincerely and truly humbled by all of those who helped bring this project into fruition.