Guilty Conscience
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Film-Noir, Mystery
When a homicide detective in the 1940s is given a deadline for what should be an open-and-shut case, he must overcome months of denial and built-up personal grief in order to see the truth.
Guilty Conscience
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Film-Noir, Mystery
1 Campaigns |
6 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$244
Goal: $3,500 for pre-production
When a homicide detective in the 1940s is given a deadline for what should be an open-and-shut case, he must overcome months of denial and built-up personal grief in order to see the truth.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Detective Doyle Nelson is certain that Hergé Bernard, a suspect accused of murdering his wife Agatha, is innocent, while Maya is trying to prove his guilt. Doyle is certain he’s right, but with the deadline closing in, he is forced to consider Maya’s perspective. As they go over the evidence one last time, Doyle begins to question his own guilt, blurring the lines between the case and his own circumstances. Can Doyle prove Hergé’s case? Or will it all come crashing down?
With our main character, we wanted to challenge the norm with a story about a hardened detective in the 1940s who is forced to face his emotions rather than bottle them up. It was a very interesting juxtaposition because films of that era often presented male characters in a way that they felt stone-faced and emotionally withdrawn. By placing a character that exists within that era and putting him into a situation where he can’t run from his emotions and has to face them head-on, we are able to further explore and display male characters who are more than just hardened “cool guys.” The heart of Doyle’s story is his journey through the stages of grief, following him from a point of denial and forcing him to challenge that feeling.
Our goal is to follow Doyle’s journey through the stages of grief, having distinct points where he sits in the five stages and has to navigate his way through the emotions that come with the journey. We introduce Doyle as a troubled character, bringing him from someone who doesn’t want to acknowledge his guilt to someone who accepts it and wants to overcome it. By allowing Doyle to face his emotions, we want to create a relatable experience where a seemingly stoic person resists the need to let himself fall apart. That turmoil gives Doyle very complex layers rather than being one-note and hopefully gives the audience something to see themselves in or something to learn from in a valuable way, going against what a lot of media tends to present about mental health.
While it has changed in recent years, there is still a societal pressure for men to hide their emotions. What better way to challenge that than going all the way back to the 1940s and forcing a hardened detective to go through a journey of facing his emotions? In that time period, we never would have seen a male character go through that journey; it creates a perfect canvas for an interesting story that we haven’t seen before – especially in the noir genre.
Pre-Production (May 2026 – September 2026)
This is where the journey begins! We are currently in pre-production, planning every detail of Guilty Conscience by scouting locations, casting our actors, building our crew, and securing funding to bring our vision to life.
We are currently crowdfunding to help us reach our total production budget of $5,500.00. We have already secured a grant from the Golden Globe Foundation of $2,000. While we are still waiting for those funds to be disbursed, we are currently trying to raise $3,500. Every additional contribution will help us secure filming locations, get era-accurate production design, provide costumes, hair and makeup, props, and ensure our hardworking cast and crew are well fed throughout production.
We'll also host exciting fundraising events throughout pre-production, including a Murder Mystery Game Night and other community events that celebrate film noir and bring together filmmakers, mystery lovers, and supporters of independent cinema. Keep an eye out, as you may find an event happening near you!
Production (October 2026)
This is where our vision comes to life! Our official shooting dates are October 2–4, 2026. Over three exciting days, our cast and crew will work together to transform months of planning into the world of Guilty Conscience. Your support makes this possible, and every contribution helps us tell this story with the care and authenticity it deserves.
Post-Production (October 2026 – April 2027)
Once filming wraps, the editing process begins. Our editor will carefully shape the footage into the final film while we complete color grading, sound design, music, and all the finishing touches that bring Guilty Conscience to life.
During this time, we'll also begin submitting the film to festivals that align with both our story and our goals as emerging filmmakers.
Some of the festivals we're excited to pursue include:
- SleuthFest Film Festival – A mystery-focused festival in Hollywood that celebrates crime, mystery, and suspense storytelling. Its audience makes it an ideal home for Guilty Conscience and its classic film noir influences.
- HollyShorts Film Festival – An Academy Award®-qualifying festival that champions emerging filmmakers and emotionally compelling storytelling. We believe Guilty Conscience's exploration of grief, denial, and moral conflict makes it a strong fit while also providing valuable networking opportunities for our team.
- Chicago South Asian Film Festival – A festival celebrating South Asian stories and filmmakers from around the world. This festival is especially meaningful to us because our director is from India and draws inspiration from the Telugu film industry, while one of our producers proudly calls Chicago home.
Our festival strategy focuses on three priorities:
- Finding the right audience for our film through genre festivals like SleuthFest.
- Creating meaningful experiences and connections as emerging filmmakers through festivals like the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
- Launching our careers through prestigious festivals like HollyShorts, whose Academy Award®-qualifying status offers incredible networking and industry exposure.
Our Message to You
Your contribution directly supports every stage of bringing Guilty Conscience to life, from locations, equipment, production design, costumes, hair and makeup, and meals for our cast and crew, to post-production and festival submission fees. Every dollar helps us create a film that authentically explores grief, identity, and the expectations placed on men in the 1940s through the lens of classic film noir. Even if you're unable to contribute financially, you can still make a tremendous difference by following our campaign, sharing it with friends, and spreading the word. Every share helps us reach new supporters who believe in independent filmmaking.
By supporting Guilty Conscience, you're not just funding a short film; you're becoming part of our filmmaking journey. As a team of emerging filmmakers, your belief in us and in this story means more than words can express. Thank you for helping us tell a story that honors the past while asking timeless questions about grief, morality, and gender expectations.
Join us as we step back into the 1940s and uncover what happens next.
Follow us here on Seed&Spark and on Instagram @guiltyconsciencethefilm for behind-the-scenes updates, production news, and announcements about our upcoming fundraising events.
Thank you for believing in Guilty Conscience. We can't wait to share this journey with you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Costumes
Costs $100
Era-accurate 1940s attire will help bring the film to life, requiring carefully sourced vintage pieces. Physical donations are appreciated!
Production Design & Props
Costs $600
Era-accurate props and furniture will create an authentic 1940s office and bring the film to life. Physical donations are appreciated!
Location
Costs $1,000
Securing the right location will help create an authentic and believable 1940s police office, bringing the vision to life.
Catering and Craft Services
Costs $1,000
This will keep our cast and crew of 30 fed and energized throughout three full days of filming. Food donations are welcome and appreciated.
Transportation
Costs $600
This will cover a U-Haul rental and gas, as well as location parking fees to move and accommodate our production equipment safely.
Film Festival Submissions
Costs $200
This will help us share our film with wider audiences and gain industry exposure!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
DHARAHASA ZAKKULA
(DIRECTOR)
About: Dharahasa Zakkula is an upcoming senior undergraduate film student at California State University, Long Beach. He is pursuing a B.A. in Cinematic Arts, specializing in Directing, with a minor in Marketing. Coming from southern India, Dharahasa grew up with cinema as an integral part of his culture. His deep analytic understanding of cinema and obsession with experimenting led him to make films that keep pushing boundaries. Dharahasa's experience in cinematography and expertise in direction ultimately encouraged him to create this project. Guilty Conscience combines his fascination with Western aesthetics and emotions from the East.
Personal Statement: For me, Guilty Conscience is a journey of a character who is not willing to break. Avoiding the truth or trying to prove one's guilt is an experience that everyone has to go through at least once in their lives. Understanding the psyche of a hard-boiled person and their emotional journey during such an experience was the part I was most excited for. The Film Noir aesthetic is known for its poker-faced protagonists hiding their emotions, which makes it a perfect canvas for me to dig deep into someone like Doyle. It's this fascination with styles and expressions that make me the right voice for narrating Guilty Conscience.
ALEX JOAQUIN
(WRITER)
About: Originally from Fresno, California, Alex Joaquin developed a passion for filmmaking despite growing up far from the heart of the film industry. He is currently pursuing a B.A. in Screenwriting at California State University, Long Beach, while also earning a minor in Finance, reflecting his interest in both the creative and business aspects of filmmaking. He has written a feature-length screenplay set during the pirate era, as well as several short films, many of which are period pieces inspired by the American West. Through these projects, he has discovered a passion for crafting immersive historical worlds and is committed to continuing to tell stories that bring the past to life.
Personal Statement: Guilty Conscience explores themes of grief and guilt that I believe are universally relatable. I was really drawn to the protagonist and how he learns to deal with his grief and his guilt throughout the story. I enjoy writing period pieces and have written some previously, so the 1940s setting piqued my interest, especially with the unconventional themes for a character in that time period.
JAZELLE HENDERSON
(PRODUCER)
About: Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Jazelle Henderson is a rising senior at California State University, Long Beach, pursuing a B.A. in Cinematic Arts with a concentration in Producing. She aspires to build a career as a Casting Director and Producer, with a passion for character-driven stories rooted in emotion. Her experience in casting, development, and production has strengthened her commitment to discovering compelling stories and bringing meaningful films to life.
Personal Statement: What drew me to Guilty Conscience is its refusal to simplify grief. Instead, it embraces the guilt, regret, and unanswered questions that linger long after loss, creating a story that feels deeply human and emotionally authentic. I was drawn to director Dharahasa Zakkula's vision of telling this story in black and white, creating a colorless world that mirrors Doyle's profound loneliness and the emotional emptiness left behind by grief. My passion for character-driven storytelling, combined with my experience in casting and production, allows me to build the right creative team from the ground up, champion authentic performances through thoughtful casting, and protect the emotional core of the story.
CLAIRE LARSON
(PRODUCER)
About: Claire Larson is a California State University, Long Beach student majoring in Cinematic Arts with a specialization in Producing and minoring in Marketing. Throughout her college career, she has produced various student short films, ranging in genre and complexity. She has a keen interest in films that blend genres and that aren’t afraid to be unconventional.
Personal Statement: Guilty Conscience defies typical noir conventions, forcing the male protagonist to confront and express his emotions rather than suppress them. This dynamic creates a compelling contrast against the film's 1940s backdrop. I am especially excited by the challenge of bringing the 1940s to life and collaborating with every department to create a world audiences can fully immerse themselves in. As a producer, I find the most rewarding part of my role to be bridging the creative and logistical aspects of filmmaking. I believe my ability to balance both sides of the production process will allow me to support every department while upholding the film's creative vision throughout every stage of production.
GIOVANNI PELICO
(CINEMATOGRAPHER)
About: Giovanni Pelico is a third-year Cinematic Arts student at California State University, Long Beach, with a concentration in Cinematography. Originally from Los Angeles, he primarily works as a Cinematographer, First Assistant Camera, and Gaffer. With experience across a variety of productions, he enjoys collaborating with others, continuing to learn and grow on every set, and bringing a positive attitude to every project.
Personal Statement: What drew me to Guilty Conscience was how it explores vulnerability through emotions like guilt, grief, and anxiety. These are feelings that everyone goes through, yet they aren't talked about enough. I’m very excited to help tell this story through a black-and-white visual style and the classic 1.33:1 aspect ratio because we believe it best represents the core emotions of the story. Having worked on black-and-white projects as a gaffer, alongside my experience as a cinematographer, I feel confident bringing Dhara’s vision to life. Since we’ve worked together before, I know how passionate he is about his ideas, so I’m excited to create something special together.
CADEN POSSE
(1st AD)
About: Caden Posse is an SF Bay Area native currently living in Orange County while completing his Bachelor's Degree in Cinematic Arts at Cal State Long Beach. He earned his A.S. in Film & Television Production from De Anza College after developing a passion for filmmaking throughout his childhood. Film has been a driving passion for Caden since he was about eight years old, and each step he takes in pursuing a career in the industry brings him closer to his ultimate goal of directing a feature film.
Personal Statement: The psychologically twisted story of Guilty Conscience is like cold water on a hot day, and it excites me to think about working on this film with the beyond-talented and ambitious team. What makes me the right 1st AD for this project, beyond my past experience as an assistant director on other films, is my privilege to anticipate the director's and producers' workflow based on past projects and proactively bridge communication between creative and logistical departments. This ensures creative decisions are executed seamlessly without sacrificing organization or efficiency. A vision as strong and unique as this deserves a 1st AD who is both deeply invested and thoroughly prepared to bring it to life.
NADIA GHANEM
(PRODUCTION DESIGNER)
About: Nadia Ghanem is originally from Egypt and was raised in Los Angeles. She is in her fifth and final year at California State University, Long Beach, studying Design with a minor in Theatre. With experience in scenic, lighting, production, and interior design, she has contributed to student films as both an Art Production Assistant and Production Assistant, served as the scenic designer for Theatre Threshold's Maywood, and worked on the lighting and sound crew for Cal Rep's Red Bike. She is currently a design intern at a lighting design and manufacturing company, where she continues to expand her technical skills and grow as a designer in the entertainment industry.
Personal Statement: What drew me most to the story of Guilty Conscience was its emotional depth and the way the detective's office reflects Doyle's guilt and state of mind. Using one space to communicate the character’s emotional state is what stood out to me. I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to its storytelling through the visual design of the space. My experiences in interior and theatre design have taught me how to create environments that support a narrative or concept, while working as an Art Production Assistant on film sets has given me experience collaborating with the art department and other departments, as well as understanding how a set comes together. I feel these experiences have prepared me well for the Production Designer role, and I’m excited to bring the film's story to life.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Detective Doyle Nelson is certain that Hergé Bernard, a suspect accused of murdering his wife Agatha, is innocent, while Maya is trying to prove his guilt. Doyle is certain he’s right, but with the deadline closing in, he is forced to consider Maya’s perspective. As they go over the evidence one last time, Doyle begins to question his own guilt, blurring the lines between the case and his own circumstances. Can Doyle prove Hergé’s case? Or will it all come crashing down?
With our main character, we wanted to challenge the norm with a story about a hardened detective in the 1940s who is forced to face his emotions rather than bottle them up. It was a very interesting juxtaposition because films of that era often presented male characters in a way that they felt stone-faced and emotionally withdrawn. By placing a character that exists within that era and putting him into a situation where he can’t run from his emotions and has to face them head-on, we are able to further explore and display male characters who are more than just hardened “cool guys.” The heart of Doyle’s story is his journey through the stages of grief, following him from a point of denial and forcing him to challenge that feeling.
Our goal is to follow Doyle’s journey through the stages of grief, having distinct points where he sits in the five stages and has to navigate his way through the emotions that come with the journey. We introduce Doyle as a troubled character, bringing him from someone who doesn’t want to acknowledge his guilt to someone who accepts it and wants to overcome it. By allowing Doyle to face his emotions, we want to create a relatable experience where a seemingly stoic person resists the need to let himself fall apart. That turmoil gives Doyle very complex layers rather than being one-note and hopefully gives the audience something to see themselves in or something to learn from in a valuable way, going against what a lot of media tends to present about mental health.
While it has changed in recent years, there is still a societal pressure for men to hide their emotions. What better way to challenge that than going all the way back to the 1940s and forcing a hardened detective to go through a journey of facing his emotions? In that time period, we never would have seen a male character go through that journey; it creates a perfect canvas for an interesting story that we haven’t seen before – especially in the noir genre.
Pre-Production (May 2026 – September 2026)
This is where the journey begins! We are currently in pre-production, planning every detail of Guilty Conscience by scouting locations, casting our actors, building our crew, and securing funding to bring our vision to life.
We are currently crowdfunding to help us reach our total production budget of $5,500.00. We have already secured a grant from the Golden Globe Foundation of $2,000. While we are still waiting for those funds to be disbursed, we are currently trying to raise $3,500. Every additional contribution will help us secure filming locations, get era-accurate production design, provide costumes, hair and makeup, props, and ensure our hardworking cast and crew are well fed throughout production.
We'll also host exciting fundraising events throughout pre-production, including a Murder Mystery Game Night and other community events that celebrate film noir and bring together filmmakers, mystery lovers, and supporters of independent cinema. Keep an eye out, as you may find an event happening near you!
Production (October 2026)
This is where our vision comes to life! Our official shooting dates are October 2–4, 2026. Over three exciting days, our cast and crew will work together to transform months of planning into the world of Guilty Conscience. Your support makes this possible, and every contribution helps us tell this story with the care and authenticity it deserves.
Post-Production (October 2026 – April 2027)
Once filming wraps, the editing process begins. Our editor will carefully shape the footage into the final film while we complete color grading, sound design, music, and all the finishing touches that bring Guilty Conscience to life.
During this time, we'll also begin submitting the film to festivals that align with both our story and our goals as emerging filmmakers.
Some of the festivals we're excited to pursue include:
- SleuthFest Film Festival – A mystery-focused festival in Hollywood that celebrates crime, mystery, and suspense storytelling. Its audience makes it an ideal home for Guilty Conscience and its classic film noir influences.
- HollyShorts Film Festival – An Academy Award®-qualifying festival that champions emerging filmmakers and emotionally compelling storytelling. We believe Guilty Conscience's exploration of grief, denial, and moral conflict makes it a strong fit while also providing valuable networking opportunities for our team.
- Chicago South Asian Film Festival – A festival celebrating South Asian stories and filmmakers from around the world. This festival is especially meaningful to us because our director is from India and draws inspiration from the Telugu film industry, while one of our producers proudly calls Chicago home.
Our festival strategy focuses on three priorities:
- Finding the right audience for our film through genre festivals like SleuthFest.
- Creating meaningful experiences and connections as emerging filmmakers through festivals like the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
- Launching our careers through prestigious festivals like HollyShorts, whose Academy Award®-qualifying status offers incredible networking and industry exposure.
Our Message to You
Your contribution directly supports every stage of bringing Guilty Conscience to life, from locations, equipment, production design, costumes, hair and makeup, and meals for our cast and crew, to post-production and festival submission fees. Every dollar helps us create a film that authentically explores grief, identity, and the expectations placed on men in the 1940s through the lens of classic film noir. Even if you're unable to contribute financially, you can still make a tremendous difference by following our campaign, sharing it with friends, and spreading the word. Every share helps us reach new supporters who believe in independent filmmaking.
By supporting Guilty Conscience, you're not just funding a short film; you're becoming part of our filmmaking journey. As a team of emerging filmmakers, your belief in us and in this story means more than words can express. Thank you for helping us tell a story that honors the past while asking timeless questions about grief, morality, and gender expectations.
Join us as we step back into the 1940s and uncover what happens next.
Follow us here on Seed&Spark and on Instagram @guiltyconsciencethefilm for behind-the-scenes updates, production news, and announcements about our upcoming fundraising events.
Thank you for believing in Guilty Conscience. We can't wait to share this journey with you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Costumes
Costs $100
Era-accurate 1940s attire will help bring the film to life, requiring carefully sourced vintage pieces. Physical donations are appreciated!
Production Design & Props
Costs $600
Era-accurate props and furniture will create an authentic 1940s office and bring the film to life. Physical donations are appreciated!
Location
Costs $1,000
Securing the right location will help create an authentic and believable 1940s police office, bringing the vision to life.
Catering and Craft Services
Costs $1,000
This will keep our cast and crew of 30 fed and energized throughout three full days of filming. Food donations are welcome and appreciated.
Transportation
Costs $600
This will cover a U-Haul rental and gas, as well as location parking fees to move and accommodate our production equipment safely.
Film Festival Submissions
Costs $200
This will help us share our film with wider audiences and gain industry exposure!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
DHARAHASA ZAKKULA
(DIRECTOR)
About: Dharahasa Zakkula is an upcoming senior undergraduate film student at California State University, Long Beach. He is pursuing a B.A. in Cinematic Arts, specializing in Directing, with a minor in Marketing. Coming from southern India, Dharahasa grew up with cinema as an integral part of his culture. His deep analytic understanding of cinema and obsession with experimenting led him to make films that keep pushing boundaries. Dharahasa's experience in cinematography and expertise in direction ultimately encouraged him to create this project. Guilty Conscience combines his fascination with Western aesthetics and emotions from the East.
Personal Statement: For me, Guilty Conscience is a journey of a character who is not willing to break. Avoiding the truth or trying to prove one's guilt is an experience that everyone has to go through at least once in their lives. Understanding the psyche of a hard-boiled person and their emotional journey during such an experience was the part I was most excited for. The Film Noir aesthetic is known for its poker-faced protagonists hiding their emotions, which makes it a perfect canvas for me to dig deep into someone like Doyle. It's this fascination with styles and expressions that make me the right voice for narrating Guilty Conscience.
ALEX JOAQUIN
(WRITER)
About: Originally from Fresno, California, Alex Joaquin developed a passion for filmmaking despite growing up far from the heart of the film industry. He is currently pursuing a B.A. in Screenwriting at California State University, Long Beach, while also earning a minor in Finance, reflecting his interest in both the creative and business aspects of filmmaking. He has written a feature-length screenplay set during the pirate era, as well as several short films, many of which are period pieces inspired by the American West. Through these projects, he has discovered a passion for crafting immersive historical worlds and is committed to continuing to tell stories that bring the past to life.
Personal Statement: Guilty Conscience explores themes of grief and guilt that I believe are universally relatable. I was really drawn to the protagonist and how he learns to deal with his grief and his guilt throughout the story. I enjoy writing period pieces and have written some previously, so the 1940s setting piqued my interest, especially with the unconventional themes for a character in that time period.
JAZELLE HENDERSON
(PRODUCER)
About: Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Jazelle Henderson is a rising senior at California State University, Long Beach, pursuing a B.A. in Cinematic Arts with a concentration in Producing. She aspires to build a career as a Casting Director and Producer, with a passion for character-driven stories rooted in emotion. Her experience in casting, development, and production has strengthened her commitment to discovering compelling stories and bringing meaningful films to life.
Personal Statement: What drew me to Guilty Conscience is its refusal to simplify grief. Instead, it embraces the guilt, regret, and unanswered questions that linger long after loss, creating a story that feels deeply human and emotionally authentic. I was drawn to director Dharahasa Zakkula's vision of telling this story in black and white, creating a colorless world that mirrors Doyle's profound loneliness and the emotional emptiness left behind by grief. My passion for character-driven storytelling, combined with my experience in casting and production, allows me to build the right creative team from the ground up, champion authentic performances through thoughtful casting, and protect the emotional core of the story.
CLAIRE LARSON
(PRODUCER)
About: Claire Larson is a California State University, Long Beach student majoring in Cinematic Arts with a specialization in Producing and minoring in Marketing. Throughout her college career, she has produced various student short films, ranging in genre and complexity. She has a keen interest in films that blend genres and that aren’t afraid to be unconventional.
Personal Statement: Guilty Conscience defies typical noir conventions, forcing the male protagonist to confront and express his emotions rather than suppress them. This dynamic creates a compelling contrast against the film's 1940s backdrop. I am especially excited by the challenge of bringing the 1940s to life and collaborating with every department to create a world audiences can fully immerse themselves in. As a producer, I find the most rewarding part of my role to be bridging the creative and logistical aspects of filmmaking. I believe my ability to balance both sides of the production process will allow me to support every department while upholding the film's creative vision throughout every stage of production.
GIOVANNI PELICO
(CINEMATOGRAPHER)
About: Giovanni Pelico is a third-year Cinematic Arts student at California State University, Long Beach, with a concentration in Cinematography. Originally from Los Angeles, he primarily works as a Cinematographer, First Assistant Camera, and Gaffer. With experience across a variety of productions, he enjoys collaborating with others, continuing to learn and grow on every set, and bringing a positive attitude to every project.
Personal Statement: What drew me to Guilty Conscience was how it explores vulnerability through emotions like guilt, grief, and anxiety. These are feelings that everyone goes through, yet they aren't talked about enough. I’m very excited to help tell this story through a black-and-white visual style and the classic 1.33:1 aspect ratio because we believe it best represents the core emotions of the story. Having worked on black-and-white projects as a gaffer, alongside my experience as a cinematographer, I feel confident bringing Dhara’s vision to life. Since we’ve worked together before, I know how passionate he is about his ideas, so I’m excited to create something special together.
CADEN POSSE
(1st AD)
About: Caden Posse is an SF Bay Area native currently living in Orange County while completing his Bachelor's Degree in Cinematic Arts at Cal State Long Beach. He earned his A.S. in Film & Television Production from De Anza College after developing a passion for filmmaking throughout his childhood. Film has been a driving passion for Caden since he was about eight years old, and each step he takes in pursuing a career in the industry brings him closer to his ultimate goal of directing a feature film.
Personal Statement: The psychologically twisted story of Guilty Conscience is like cold water on a hot day, and it excites me to think about working on this film with the beyond-talented and ambitious team. What makes me the right 1st AD for this project, beyond my past experience as an assistant director on other films, is my privilege to anticipate the director's and producers' workflow based on past projects and proactively bridge communication between creative and logistical departments. This ensures creative decisions are executed seamlessly without sacrificing organization or efficiency. A vision as strong and unique as this deserves a 1st AD who is both deeply invested and thoroughly prepared to bring it to life.
NADIA GHANEM
(PRODUCTION DESIGNER)
About: Nadia Ghanem is originally from Egypt and was raised in Los Angeles. She is in her fifth and final year at California State University, Long Beach, studying Design with a minor in Theatre. With experience in scenic, lighting, production, and interior design, she has contributed to student films as both an Art Production Assistant and Production Assistant, served as the scenic designer for Theatre Threshold's Maywood, and worked on the lighting and sound crew for Cal Rep's Red Bike. She is currently a design intern at a lighting design and manufacturing company, where she continues to expand her technical skills and grow as a designer in the entertainment industry.
Personal Statement: What drew me most to the story of Guilty Conscience was its emotional depth and the way the detective's office reflects Doyle's guilt and state of mind. Using one space to communicate the character’s emotional state is what stood out to me. I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to its storytelling through the visual design of the space. My experiences in interior and theatre design have taught me how to create environments that support a narrative or concept, while working as an Art Production Assistant on film sets has given me experience collaborating with the art department and other departments, as well as understanding how a set comes together. I feel these experiences have prepared me well for the Production Designer role, and I’m excited to bring the film's story to life.