Private Project

w-something

A young forensic psychiatrist battles with her ethics and growing desire for a charismatic inmate patient.

  • Maddie McCormick
    Director
  • Maddie McCormick
    Writer
  • Robert Vardaros
    Producer
    Dementophobia
  • Maddie McCormick
    Producer
  • Chiara Russo
    Producer
  • Julie Beattie liams
    Producer
  • Jennifer Le Guin
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Cassie Wells"
    Dopesick, Will Trent, Walker
  • Maddie McCormick
    Key Cast
    "Lisa McManus"
    Shameless, Little Fires Everywhere, The Secret Life of Amy Bensen
  • Jeff Huth
    Key Cast
    "Deputy Miller"
    Young Rock, Dynasty
  • Cassandra Vardaros
    Key Cast
    "Sarah"
    Dementophobia
  • Andy Cohen
    Key Cast
    "Matt"
    Grey's Anatomy, Ray Donovan, Leverage: Redemption
  • Georgia Simmons
    Key Cast
    "Nurse Cecilia"
    Popular Theory, The Secret Life of Amy Bensen
  • Robert Vardaros
    Cinematographer
    The Secret Life of Amy Bensen, Dementophobia, The Paramedic Who Stalked
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    LGBTQ+, Drama, First-time Filmmaker
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 13, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Red Dragon x 6k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:39
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Maddie McCormick

Maddie McCormick is a Chicago-born filmmaker and actor, making her directorial debut with the short film "w-something." With a rich background in acting, Maddie has built an extensive resume across film, television, and stage. She graduated magna cum laude from UCLA with a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Film.

Her recent acting credits include a recurring role on "Shameless," a role in Hulu’s "Little Fires Everywhere," the titular role in the adapted NY Times Best-Selling Book Series "The Secret Life of Amy Bensen," and a starring role opposite John Larroquette in Camera Store on Netflix.

While filming two seasons of "The Secret Life of Amy Bensen" in Atlanta, Maddie formed a bond with her crew, including cinematographer Robert Vardaros. The two decided to team up and produce "w-something," shot on location in Atlanta with much of the same cast and crew.

Maddie’s transition into directing marks the next chapter in her artistic journey, where she seeks to tell bold, inclusive stories that challenge societal norms.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Making this short film terrified me. Having spent my career in front of the camera, stepping behind it brought intense imposter syndrome. My guiding mantra was, “Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid,” and “w-something” is a tribute to that belief. Every time I doubted myself, I returned to that mantra, and the support I received in return exceeded all my expectations as a first-time filmmaker.

We shot on location in Atlanta with an entirely local cast and crew. I self-funded the project and collaborated with a team that donated time, resources, and locations, elevating the production far beyond its modest means. Despite an industry strike, this community rallied to create union-approved, micro-budget art because they believed in the story as much as I did.

“W-something” explores the complex relationship between a young forensic psychiatrist and her charismatic inmate patient, delving into the manipulations and ethical dilemmas within psychiatric care and drug management in a jail setting. The narrative is loosely based on my best friend and consulting producer Chiara Russo’s real-life experiences as a forensic psychiatrist in the Orleans Justice Center, as seen in Netflix’s “Jailbirds: NOLA.” Her sessions conducted in a jail supply closet shaped the film, adding depth and authenticity to the intimacies of the psychiatrist-inmate relationship. To protect her current patients, Chiara is contributing under a pseudonym.

As a straight director, I was dedicated to portraying the protagonist’s emerging queer storyline with honesty and respect, collaborating closely with LGBTQ+ filmmakers and crew. I deeply resonate with festivals that champion under-represented voices, including women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and local filmmakers. In Los Angeles, I’m involved with Not Your Daddy’s Films, a community that exclusively features and celebrates female and nonbinary directors.

I hope “w-something” finds a festival home aligned with my mission to empower female voices and tell diverse stories.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Cheers,
Maddie McCormick