Private Project

WHAT'S NEXT?

With graduation on the horizon, three college students feel overwhelmed by their uncertainties about the future. As they study for finals late at night, strange things unfold and encounter what seems to be an “UFO” abduction. They are left to confront this force of the unknown.

Logline: A sci-fi thriler involving three college students who experience an unexplainable event amidst their late night study session.

  • Aaron Madrigal
    Director
  • Aaron Madrigal
    Writer
  • Aaron Madrigal
    Producer
  • Jordan Xu
    Producer
  • Angie Lee
    Key Cast
    "Bea"
  • Ian Lim
    Key Cast
    "Frank"
  • David Ybarra
    Key Cast
    "Tyler"
  • Beau Berman
    Supporting Cast
    News Reporter #1
  • Emily Quinton
    Supporting Cast
    News Reporter #2
  • Remi Ong
    Supporting Cast
    UFO Believer
  • Paul Barron
    Executive Producers
  • Bernardo Solano
    Executive Producers
  • Jordan Xu
    Boom Operator
  • Aaron Madrigal
    Sound Design
  • Aaron Madrigal
    Editor
  • Aaron Madrigal
    Director of Photography
  • Charles Ou
    Lighting Assistants
  • Jordan Xu
    Lighting Assistants
  • Philip Alfonso
    Lighting Assistants
  • Aaron Madrigal
    Camera
  • Trevor Henderson
    Studio Supervisors
  • Lindsey Bistline Zavala
    Studio Supervisors
  • Philip Alfonso
    Line Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror, Suspense, Short Film
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 19, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony Cinema Line FX30, 4K,
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Cal Poly Pomona
  • Cal Poly Pomona Student Short Film Showcase
    Pomona, California
    United States
    May 17, 2023
    North American Premiere
    Best Cinematography
Director Biography - Aaron Madrigal

Film Director | Engineer | Video Editor | Producer

Hi! My name is Aaron, I'm 22 years old, and I'm Filipino-American filmmaker from Menifee California. It all started when I was 12 years old and created my own YouTube gaming channel. I taught myself how to edit videos, create content, and how to use a camera. That eventually sparked my love for filmmaking at age 15, especially video editing and directing.

I've had the incredible opportunity to gain skills in video production. I worked in my university's production company for 3 years and I currently enjoy making creative and narrative-driven short films on YouTube.

I also have a degree in computer engineering to combine my interest into the future technology and film. I currently work as a engineer in the tech/entertainment industry and a personal filmmaker/video editor.

I truly believe in the power of storytelling and I hope to inspire other people and creatives.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"WHAT'S NEXT?" marks my directorial debut, inspired by the stress and anxieties that consumed me during my last few year of college. I wanted to make a film that can relate to students of having the fear of uncertainty and life after graduation. It could be a very daunting feeling to not know what's in store for the future. I wanted to approach a creative way to do a horror film that can make the audience think. The fear of the future or the unknown is common in all of our lives and so I hope the ending of this film interprets different meanings to different people.

Creating this film with my friends was an amazing experience. I've learned so much and I'm thankful for all the support along the way!