Rachel's latest disastrous date becomes the catalyst for her unexpected plunge into the covert world of "The Agency," a clandestine group led by women rescuing women from bad dates. As Rachel is confronted with evidence of her dating missteps, she considers a journey of self-discovery and relationship and life reassessment.

Semi-inspired by real-life experiences (truly, who has not been on a weird date), this story holds perpetual relevance. We're currently in soft pre-production with a weekend shoot planned for Summer 2024, casting is underway and we are locking in the perfect bar and the most amazing crew members. We are beyond excited to bring this story to life and to screens across the world (✨manifesting✨).

This short relies on community support to materialize, THAT’S YOU! The small budget is stretched to its limits thanks to the team's connections within the New Mexico film industry. The logistical challenge of shooting in a single day (and a single shot) adds a layer of complexity, but the teams approach, involving online rehearsals and a full day of pre-filming rehearsals, promises a unique and uniquely uncomfortable cinematic experience.

The goal: a festival run, followed by a Vimeo release, making the story accessible to all.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT by Ariel

As the creative mind behind 'The Agency,' I found inspiration in a terrible screenplay short that I wrote in college (inspired by the terrible tv series ‘Cheaters’). This version is more Are We Dating the Same Guy? Eventually the story shifted from less to catching someone cheating into the occasional desire to simply escape dates that were not going well (that Olive Garden window was too high and I should not have gone on that date, truly a lesson learned). As I navigated (navigate?) the maze of modern dating, the script became a bit of a canvas for my own adventures and… misadventures too. Those around me made me aware of how amusing and entertaining the stories were. There may or may not be at least three real-life incidents that found their way into the script. In this story, both Rachel and the agents are infused with the reality of me and my friends during that part of our lives, offering a heartfelt exploration of dating absurdities. It is not my story to tell, but I will never not laugh the lore of “Door Guy”. When we are fully funded, I promise I'll tell the story of "Door Guy". My hope is that ‘The Agency' doesn't dwell on bad dates; it peels back the layers of discomfort women often endure, contrasting these experiences in a world where, for too long, our role was to make others comfortable at our own expense (that bad date didn't make the cut, but I still cringe). Beyond the comedic misadventures, the heart of the story lies in celebrating the transformative power of female friendships and having each others' backs. I will never not be absolutely amazed and stunned beyond words that I have the ability to take a random idea in my head, write it down, somehow bring it to life, then share it with the world. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life, from the first moment I stepped behind the monitor on 'Solstice' I knew I had found my purpose in life.

CAST

Natalie Benally - As a fluent Navajo speaker, Natalie has been largely attributed to film and television productions involving Navajo characters. For television, Natalie is currently recurring on AMC’s ‘Dark Winds’ as Natalie Bluehouse, a sassy and reliable dispatch officer who works closely with the series’ titular ensemble of Navajo cops. Previously, she played the lead role of Shandiin, a determined Navajo protestor on FOX’s anthology series, ‘Accused’. For film, Natalie’s most notable credit is voicing the role of Dory in the Navajo dubbed version of Disney/Pixar’s ‘Finding Nemo’. She also played a supporting role in Netflix’s soon to be released film ‘Rez Ball’, as Lily Jackson, the loud and supportive mother of the basketball team’s star player. Her other credits include executive producing and starring in a full-length food documentary, ‘Indigenize the Plate’, which aired nationally on PBS. Starting off as a self taught dancer, Natalie has worked and been featured by LA based choreographer Galen Hooks. She was also featured and was the choreographer on a commercial highlight spot for Native American Heritage Month on MTV. She also directs, writes, choreographs, and produces original films within her production company, Tse'Nato'. Her dance film series AZHISH! highlights Native dancers from all backgrounds of dance and tribal communities.

Tyler Matthew Burk is a recording artist, producer, and fitness coach born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles. He has been lucky enough to open for world-class entertainers like Rufus Wainwright, Cheyenne Jackson, and GROUPLOVE. Tyler just finished a six-month residency in Las Vegas starring in the Tony Award winning show Jersey Boys. His latest single “I’m Here Waiting” can be found on all streaming platforms. He holds a BA from Pepperdine University in Music and Theatre.

Alexandra Renzo is a theater and filmmaker. Most often known as ‘Renzo’. First performing professionally at the age of 15, Renzo has willfully and stubbornly been immersed in the world of story for all of her life. Half Italian, half Ukrainian hailing from the midwest, now part city, part desert dweller. As an actress, recent film credits include the feature ‘Queen of Knives’ opposite Mel Harris (Amazon, AppleTV), and a short film by Alec Brown, ‘LIZ’ (Hollyshorts 2023). Stage appearances most recently include Claire in The Baby Monitor opposite Laura Gomez (OITNB). She has been seen on stage in NYC at Atlantic, BAM, Cherry Lane, amongst others. She worked as a Creative Director at Meow Wolf for over eight years, championing and designing weird theatrical adventures. Feature film producing credits include: ‘Meow Wolf: Origin Story’ (SXSW), ‘Selah and the Spades’ (Sundance), and ‘Soulmate(s)’. She has produced a slew of short films believing strongly in de-centralized storytelling- that have been seen at an array of festivals such as DeadCenter, LAShorts, Bend, OakCliff, SFIFF amongst others. She graduated from the New School: Eugene Lang College where she studied performance used as a form of resistance.

Larkin Bell is an actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker. Originally from Utah, Larkin grew up in the mountains alongside the Sundance Film Festival which introduced her to independent films and inspired her love of storytelling. She writes social commentary dramas, focusing on women’s stories and histories, and recently completed a screenwriting fellowship with Stowe Story Labs. As an actor, Larkin's most recent work includes acting opposite Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) in the feature film ‘Winter Spring Summer or Fall’ directed by Tiffany Paulsen (About Fate) which premiered at Tribeca Festival 2024. Recent television includes Netflix's ‘Stranger Things’, Nickelodeon’s ‘The Really Loud House’, as well as various independent and short films, and many national and global commercial campaigns. She has also acted on stage in Los Angeles with IAMA Theatre and The Theatre at Boston Court.

Chelsea London Lloyd is an actor and comedian whose accolades include testing for a series regular as the Jewish bisexual BFF on Grown-ish (Freeform.) She has appeared in television shows such as Barry (HBO, Dir. Bill Hader) and Schooled (ABC) as well as dozens of national commercials, most recently for Comcast airing July 2024, and most notably her 3-spot Wayfair commercial campaign opposite Kelly Clarkson. Feature film credits include ‘Scrambled’ (Lionsgate) 2024, ‘We Have a Ghost’ w/ Jennifer Coolidge (Netflix) 2023. Coming out in 2024: ‘The Dresden Sun’, (Archetype) w/ Christina Ricci, ‘Mr. Santa 4’ (Dir. Noel Calloway) as Julia Thomas, and ‘Adventure Tom’ (Dir. Miguel Duran).

Ryan Rox (she/they) began her film acting career in 2018, mainly doing background work, then small roles in student/independent films. Rox signed with Presley Talent in June 2022 after booking her first major Co-Star role alongside 2-time Academy Award winner, Emma Stone, in the Emmy-nominated series, The Curse. Rox has received the majority of their film acting training from Story Quest Studios(formerly Sol Acting Studios) in Albuquerque, NM, where she studied the Discovery Method, under its founder Ron Weisberg.

Leticia Palma is a graduate of UNM's IFDM program, part time writer, full time film industry worker, Letty has been in and around the film/tv for several years. Though, her capacity for acting originated far long ago by being class clown, theater actor, and sketch comedy writer/director/performer.

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CHARACTERS

Rachel, a smart professional in her thirties, easily navigates her work but dating... not so much. Despite outward confidence, she battles a love obsession, transforming from seeking external validation to prioritizing self-love and herself. Her journey is mirrored in a stylish appearance, culminating in newfound self-awareness and elevated standards in love and life.

Ainsley Saint Adams, a charismatic fitness entrepreneur who possesses an enduring charm from his prior life as a former boy bander.

The women of 'The Agency' form a diverse and dynamic team dedicated to rescuing women from disastrous dates. United by their commitment to female camaraderie and empowerment, each agent brings a unique skill set to the operation. They help Rachel navigate the complexities of dating with humor and solidarity, while embodying the strength of friendship and resilience, creating a tight-knit sisterhood that propels the narrative forward.

"The Agency" is a story where the perils of online dating collide with the awkward dance of transitioning from digital interactions to in person. This slightly whimsical realm, à la Barbieland, challenges conventional storytelling by cultivating female camaraderie instead of rivalry. Against this backdrop, we heighten narrative tension through a single-shot approach, plunging the audience into an uninterrupted (and probably slightly uncomfortable) experience. Our incentives pay homage to Taylor Swift songs, a playful nod inspired by the amusing remark, "Oh, so you think you're Taylor Swift now?"—an honorary comparison, even as someone once labeled Ariel "basic" for expressing her admiration for Taylor Swift during a date. As you will see on this page visually and in Ariel's prior work, color is of the upmost importance in building the world our characters exist in and and the mood of this story is bold jewel tones, sparkles, velvet, and gold.

'The Agency' shares with the world a multitude of themes, mirroring the multifaceted nature of women. At its core, the short film explores the interconnected themes of self-discovery, genuine friendship, and the pursuit of authentic connections within the labyrinth of the digital age. The narrative navigates the intricate landscape of modern dating, exposing the emotional roller coaster individuals face in their quest for meaningful relationships. It questions societal expectations that often limit the depth of women's stories, emphasizing the importance of self-love as a foundation for genuine connections. The film explores the delicate nuances of human interaction, unraveling the challenges of dating while unearthing the vulnerabilities and intricacies inherent in the search for love and authenticity in a world dominated by 'the apps.'

VISUALS

Previous Work from Ariel & Onyx Heart Films

Solstice, 2021

High School students Olivia and Jacob are faced with a life-altering decision that no teenager is ready to face. Are they ready to trade one future for another? How does one know which future to choose?

view solstice

All the Love You Ever Get, 2024

A marriage is thrust into upheaval when Jessica reveals devastating information to Will, forever altering their course.