Private Project

Ties

This film was the second created by the “Beyond Us” Film team. Through a dream-like nightmare, go on this journey investigating self-identity, vulnerability, and mental health. Through the completion of this piece, Amelia Stevens is now exploring a larger narrative piece based on discoveries made in this creative process.

  • Madeleine Jones
    Director
  • Amelia Stevens
    Writer
  • Amelia Stevens
    Key Cast
    "Emma"
  • Jasper Walters
    Key Cast
    "Body Double"
  • Desiree Hutchinson
    Key Cast
    "Body Double"
  • Miles Majercsik
    Director of Photography
  • Lee 'Zap' Zapach
    Gaffer
  • Desiree Hutchinson
    Runner
  • Jasper Walters
    Runner
  • Adrian Williams
    Production Support
  • Grace Smith
    Graphic Design
  • Abigail Crane
    Featured Musician
  • Miles Majercsik
    Camera Operator
  • Lee 'Zap' Zapach
    First Assistant Camera
  • Lee 'Zap' Zapach
    Drone Operator
  • Ethan Buzard
    Editor
  • Madeleine Jones
    Editor
  • Ethan Buzard
    On-Site Sound
  • Desiree Hutchinson
    On-Site Sound
  • Jasper Walters
    On-Site Sound
  • Madeleine Jones
    'Production Captain'
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    sci-fi, dream, music video, experimental
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 8, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • The Indiana Theater and The Artists Hand Art Film Exhibit
    Indiana, Pennsylvania
    United States
    May 9, 2025
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Madeleine Jones

Madeleine Jones, based in Los Angeles, is a theater-maker and filmmaker who was raised in a university theater. With a strongly rooted passion, he has interest in representing women-based stories as well as exploring the divinity of storytelling through stage and screen. Weaving narratives with interdisciplinary skills, she holds a BA in Theater with a Musical Theater Focus, Dance Minor and certificate in Intermediate - Low German from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MA in Directing Film from MET Film School Berlin. With a good deal of teaching artist experience behind this, her works are playful yet profound; nurturing what can be when we believe in ourselves. As Patrick McCreary, the technical director of Madeleine's childhood, said, "You matter more than any set piece."

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Director Statement

“Ties,” came about while on set for my graduate film, “Beyond Us.” As a team, we were excited for all the storytelling possibilities within our grasps. Amelia Stevens, the Assistant Director at the time, found her old script from years before. Passing it around, it grew to be a story we all wanted to tell, although abstract and dreamlike in nature; unlike the narrative film that was active in production. I was honored for her to want the team to come together again for this piece. Please take your time and enjoy this piece. It brings up many questions; perhaps the following feature film in the works will answer the mystery. Until then, it’s for you to interpret and decide.