Private Project

Crash and Burn

After David survives the car crash that kills his grandfather, he and his religious family try to reconcile with his adopted sister Sera. David now must choose to support his sister or align with his parents, while giving his eulogy at the old man's funeral.

  • Daniel Auston
    Director
  • Daniel Auston
    Writer
  • Rudy Romero
    Producer
  • Jimmy Guan
    Director of Photography
  • Daniel Auston
    Editor
  • Caleb Syndegeya
    Editor
  • Cale Kaz
    Key Cast
    "David"
  • Ashley Njoki Harris
    Key Cast
    "Sera"
  • Greta Fadness
    Key Cast
    "Teresa"
  • Chris Scarborough
    Key Cast
    "Brett"
  • Bruce O'brien
    Key Cast
    "Joe"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 13 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 21, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    3,106 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Blackmagic Raw
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - The Sidney Poitier New American Film School
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Daniel Auston

Danny Auston is a director and composer from Boise, Idaho, who recently graduated from the Sidney Poitier New American Film School. Coming from a background in acting, he's found a passion for writing and directing that focuses on naturalistic performances. He's been telling stories and playing piano since he was 6, and hopes to keep doing it for the rest of his life. When he's not making films, he loves studying languages and other cultures.

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Director Statement

Based on the real relationship with my late grandfather, Crash and Burn is a realistic view into the lives of religious guilt and generational trauma amongst young people today. I hope that by telling this story we will inspire positive change in those who have gone through similar grief or loss.

My focus and research on naturalism as a director, blended with intimate hand-held cinematography, creates a claustrophobic picture of family guilt, inspired by family dramas such as "Rachel Getting Married," "Marriage Story," "You Can Count on Me," and "Pariah."

We also want to use our platform to lift other methods of support and organizations that align with the message of our film. As a team, we are supporters of both the COPE Foundation and SAMHSA, and their messages of safely moving past grief as a community, through support systems from those you love.