The Story
Originally, the piece was intended for stage. But once COVID-19 struck, Sam turned her sights to a Limited Series for "Dear Annie, I Hate You", not knowing when theatre would reopen. It has since garnered attention and picked up some lovely accolades to support it in the journey to being made.
Reviews
"Fleabag, with health issues."
- Stage 32
"Anyone who has experienced a monumental life-altering event knows this story."
- Screencraft Fellowship
"We've had a few pieces of media tackle similar themes...but this show manages to make it feel fresh and personal, engaging empathy in very visceral ways."
"I feel it's a safe bet that more than a few of us have found ourselves in this situation: sitting on the concrete, trying to gather the threads of our day after everything's been blown apart."
- Big Break Contest, Semi-Finalist
- Shore Script, TV Contest
The Story [Continued]
With a request to film a proof of concept for the show with a seven day turnaround to submit, Sam and a trusted friend eagerly took the challenge upon themselves and each wrote their own 7-minute shorts in friendly competition. Below is the results: 7 days, 2 shorts, 1 day to film, and absolutely no sleep.
*Both shorts are currently being streamed at festivals and therefore unable to be viewed at this time. Still shots and trailer below.
Conversations With Annie
Written & Directed by Sam Ipema
Starring Vaughn Broderick, Sam Ipema
Produced by Wild Geese
Selected Festival Awards:
Independent Shorts Award - Winner, Best Dark Comedy
NewFilmmakers NY - Finalist, Best Dark Comedy
LAFA - Finalist, Best Dark Comedy
LA Independent Women Film Fest - Nominated, Best Experimental
New Creators Film Fest - Nominated, Best Experimental
NYSFF - Nominated, Best Short Film
What's Next?
Wild Geese is now in the process of rewriting and developing the TV pilot while they develop the staged play for Edinburgh 2024. Perhaps they'll reshoot the shorts too, without the 7-day turn around and $5 dollar budget.