#REAL TALK
(2019)
Released October 10, 2019
Credit: Composer, Director, Writer
Produced by: Film2Future, Hulu
PROJECT
This was Andrew’s last year as a student in the Film2Future program. This year was a collaboration between Film2Future, Hulu, and The Jed Foundation to create advertisement spots for World Mental Health Day. Andrew was surprised when his idea about people hiding their true feelings behind a mask was chosen to be one of the five PSAs created. This was his first time writing, directing, and composing a project based on his own concept.
He was grateful to have the support and trust of his crew as he navigated leading a production for the first time. Iyeh Malekpour (Producer, Set Designer), Brian Gutierrez (Director of Photography), and Haley Flores (Sound Mixer, Editor) were invaluable to bringing the concept to life.
The goal behind the string-only score was to focus on how opening up and having the support of others can help with navigating tough situations.
BACKGROUND
Film2Future is the emerging filmmaker’s nonprofit founded by Rachel Miller of Haven Entertainment, with a mission to diversify Hollywood and provide a direct pipeline for under-served LA students to obtain careers in the film industry. Andrew joined the first year of the program in 2016. He has completed 3 summer intensives as a student and returned as a coordinator and sound supervisor from 2021-2023.
AIRING ON HULU, SCREENING AND AWARDS
“#RealTalk” premiered alongside 4 other student PSAs on Hulu during World Mental Health Day, becoming part of “the youngest producers to have work streamed on the platform” and have collectively reached over 22 million impressions.
It was later screened alongside the other student PSAs at Hulu and was awarded “Best Concept” by Film2Future on November 7, 2019.