Willing

A young man prepares to sell himself for the first time in this modern film noir exploring consent and the journey one goes through when there seems to be no other choice, a reality many LGBTQPIA youth live through today.

  • Aaron Guest
    Key Cast
  • Christian Cones
    Key Cast
  • Max Ozer
    Key Cast
  • Aaron Guest
    Director
  • Kara Mann
    Director
  • Aaron Guest
    Writer
  • Robert Tapia
    Director Of Photography
  • Kylie Milusnic
    Production Designer
  • Noel Palacios
    Production Sound
  • Aaron Tepperman
    Sound Designer/Composer
  • Fairlie Arrow
    Colorist
  • Jonathan Frey
    Assistant Camera
  • Aaron Guest
    Producer
  • Robert Tapia
    Producer
  • Kara Mann
    Producer
  • Amber Myers
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 20, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Aaron Guest, Kara Mann

AARON GUEST
Before relocating to Los Angeles, Guest studied in the theatre district of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he worked heavily in dozens of plays and musicals. He was eventually awarded a scholarship for his impact on the community, in 2011. While WILLING is his directorial debut, Guest is heavily involved in writing and collaborating on other projects, all focused on aspects of the LGBTQ+ community within society today, with several short films, a web series, and feature in development. Currently, he's most notable for his work as an actor, in shows such as CBS' Criminal Minds and Hulu's Love Victor.

KARA MANN
Kara Mann, born Caroline-Kerstine Ellen Mann, is an American actress, director, singer-songwriter, and multifaceted athlete. She was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is of Louisiana creole decent stemming from the French, German, and Spanish line on her mothers side, drawing Scottish and Nordic heritage on her fathers side. She is known for Blind Date, Something Stolen, and Jurassic World.

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Director Statement

WILLING is a visceral journey into a harrowing experience that many people - particularly LGBTQPIA youth (seen in the film) - live today.

To stay off the streets, stay fed, or even battle the rising costs of college, many find themselves forced into situations just like the young man in our short. Disconnected from family, with little or no resources at their disposal, they do what they feel they must, believing there is no choice but to sell their bodies, often resulting in lasting trauma. It shouldn't have to be this way.

At its core, WILLING is a call to action to empathize with this pain and be the family the more vulnerable people in our community need now.