Private Project

The Space Between

LOGLINE: Loyalty versus self-preservation becomes vital when ex-lovers find themselves in a chance encounter. Will they revisit the past or unburden themselves of the remnants of their destructive relationship?

SYNOPSIS: The Space Between is the triggering journey of two past lovers who, by happenstance, run into each other during their individual hotel stays. Ja’Von, ego-serving, seeks to affirm that Jenny is still the loyal lover she’s always been. After reluctance, Ja'von convinces Jenny to give him a moment of her time. After agreeing to 10 minutes to talk, Jenny struggles with her attempts to break free from the love she has for Ja’Von. The space between their last encounter and the present moment proves more complicated than either could imagine providing a critical choice: oneself and liberation or entering a repeated, failed cycle of trauma bonding disguised as love.

*The Space Between is at 100% completion*

  • Nicole Collins
    Director
  • Nicole Collins
    Writer
  • The Dark Brothers
    Producer
  • Jasmine B. Johnson
    Producer
  • Nicole Collins
    Producer
  • Jasmine B. Johnson
    Key Cast
    "Jenny Beoh"
  • Reg Rob
    Key Cast
    "Ja'Von Mitchell"
  • Sam Malone
    Key Cast
    "Kamron"
  • Calvin Blue, Jr.
    Director of Photogrpahy
  • Davida Smith-Baker
    Executive Producers
  • Bruce McDaniel
    Executive Producers
  • Jennifer Collins
    Executive Producers
  • Flanagan Holdings
    Executive Producers
  • Twan B
    Score
  • Julian Gosin
    Original Music
  • LaKesha Logan
    Assistant Director
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance, Suspense
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 24, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 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:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Nicole Collins

Nicole Collins is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, and host from Louisiana. Although she was born and raised in Alexandria, her 14 years in New Orleans are where she cultivated her passion for entertainment and filmmaking. Her acting credits include HBO's 'Treme', 'Twelve Years a Slave', and 'Carry On'. Nicole's hosting talents have landed her gigs with the NBA, Essence Festival, and We-TV. Nicole has written, directed, and/or produced over 20 film projects. Nicole continues to create content that supports black women's liberation. Nicole has received several grants for both her film and philanthropy work. In January 2020, Nicole directed and produced Maternally Yours, a web series executive produced by comedian/actor Lil Rel Howery, currently streaming on KweliTV. Nicole is the mother of 11-year-old actress Aadyn Encalarde. Nicole is the community liaison for Black Bayou which serves Bayou Road, New Orleans' largest cultural commercial district. She continues her work in the film industry as the marketing and engagement coordinator for the nonprofit Women Make Movies and on the boards of the Dreamseeker Foundation and the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC) where she serves as board president.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I initially created The Space Between as a healing project. During the early brainstorming of this film, I was cast in a movie and my character was a juror. We filmed for 2 weeks and while on set I found myself fighting a continuous mental playback of every harmful moment over the course of a past relationship. It was then I knew that I needed to gain back my power of mind and I began reshaping those thoughts. The time on set blended with my love of mafia films led me to this story.

The themes for The Space Between are self-preservation, the expiration of loyalty, and love versus freedom. Both main characters have to make decisions based on their interests, although they have different goals. The ultimate test of exhaustion happens when the time comes to choose between protecting the lover or protecting oneself. In situations I’ve witnessed, the latter is usually the option least taken.

This short is an emotional rollercoaster of anger, resentment, exhaustion, repressed love, lust, ego, and manipulation. I created this tug-of-war of intimacy to give space for a black woman’s self-empowerment and to create mysterious black characters.

While this film uses elements of suspense as entertainment, I hope it can help others heal as I’m healing. Thank you for experiencing these dynamic characters.

Nicole