Our film follows a group of five young storytellers, Connor, Rylee, Alyssa, Chance, and Mara, whose sci-fi feature film, DRIFT, has finally been accepted into one – just one – obscure film festival in Erie, Pennsylvania. It's their first real shot at recognition, and maybe their last.

During the trip to the festival, CONNOR, the writer/director of DRIFT – the film-within-the-film – struggles to address and communicate his feelings for RYLEE, the lead actress who's already falling apart as it is. Connor's best friend and ever-reliable producer, MARA, hopes to meet her long-distance Hinge crush at the festival. Cinematographer ALYSSA and her sound guy boyfriend, CHANCE, are hiding a secret that could change everything.

Stakes rise when the group learns that Sundance darling and indie film icon, ELIZABETH BROOKS, will be attending the festival.

Initially seeking success and validation, our scrappy crew of filmmakers instead stumbles clumsily into self-discovery.

Many of our favorite films are naturalistic, awkward, and a bit in love with the small things that make our confusing little lives feel beautiful and important. Little Big Picture plays like a memory of the moments you didn't know would change everything.

The whole film will be nostalgia-tinted.

Little Big Picture is inspired by character-driven indies like Little Miss Sunshine, Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, and American Movie.

As filmmakers, the idea of performance and narrative bleeding into real life is heightened – but with the prominence of social media, that feeling has become universal. We are constantly on display for others. Looked at, but very rarely truly seen. We have learned to turn ourselves into a brand, putting forward what we think might be the most appealing or interesting version of ourselves.

We want to make a film about characters who hide behind facades, but are naturally imperfect, lovable, hypocritical, boring, exciting, confused, funny, and real. It's about growing up as artists – and people – in a world where we are always performing for someone else.

How can we connect when we don't know where our self begins and ends, and who are we when no one is watching?

Cole Daniel Hills - "Connor"

Born in Erie, PA, and splitting his time between Erie and LA, Cole has been acting since he was a kid and has experience starring in his own films. On top of writing and directing the film, Cole will also star as Connor, who (funnily enough) is the writer/director of the film-within-the-film.

Keaton McLachlan - "Rylee"

Raised in San Clemente, CA, Keaton has acted in multiple feature productions and short films that have gained her recognition for "Best Actress" at The Brightside Film Festival '22 and most recently "Standout Performance" and "Best Independent Film" at the New York Independent Cinema Awards. She has also received critical acclaim for her previous collaboration with Cole and Brittany as the lead in The Dreadful Place.

Karis Peterson - "Alyssa"

From Denver, CO, Karis is an actress and model known for her striking red hair, freckles, dramatic abilities, and unique comedic delivery. She has appeared in several commercials and independent films and can soon be seen in Killer Witches from Outerspace. She continually hones her craft through training and workshops, bringing authenticity and creativity to every role.

Laurie Lee - "Mara"

Laurie is a talented actress from Boston, MA. She loves to perform and has starred in several indie films and theater productions. Nothing inspires her more than exploring how people connect with each other and approach living life. "I'm grateful to be part of an industry that creates work that moves people—it always reminds how much compassion exists in the world, and how projects like this can bring it forward."

Dylan Marusich - "Chance"

Dylan is a Los Angeles-based actor who has been annoying about how much he loves movies since seeing A Trip to the Moon in 6th grade. He brings a charm and sense of humor to Chance and is excited to bring him to life as the loudest best sound guy you know!

Brittany Hills - "Elizabeth Brooks"

Brittany was also born and raised in Erie, PA. She often wears many hats, but acting was her first love. She has starred in many productions, including projects she has directed herself. If Cole writing/directing and playing the writer/director wasn't meta enough, Brittany will also be pulling double duty as both actual director of Little Big Picture AND playing a director within the world of the film.