Characters & Story

In Delta County, the gripping narrative unfolds against the contrasting backdrops of Arkansas and Los Angeles, weaving a tale that is both fictional and deeply personal. The film serves as a heartfelt tribute to a lost friend, a vibrant actor whose absence during the pandemic left a profound void. The friendship began on the set of the writer's first film in L.A. Over time, their families embraced each other, celebrating births and holidays together. The isolation brought on by the pandemic heightened the challenges of grieving, a theme that resonates powerfully through the main character, Evie Harlowe. As the story explores the cycle of grief and the struggle to return to life, it captures the raw emotions that come with saying goodbye to those we love.

The film opens in Los Angeles, where the weight of mourning, regret, and distrust permeates the atmosphere, underscored by stark interiors and desolate desert landscapes. As the story unfolds, we journey to Arkansas, symbolizing a return home not just for the protagonist but also for the creator. In this lush setting, vibrant green grass, shimmering blue waters, and frolicking deer embody a return to life.

Independent films on tight budgets bring constraints and creativity. We embraced a minimalist shooting style, utilizing iPhone 14 Pros, an anamorphic lens, and a GoPro to capture our vision. Our DP flew his drone to capture stunning aerial footage. Family and friends contributed their homes, boats, woodlands, and cars. In a heartwarming gesture, The Downtown Playhouse in Pocahontas, Arkansas allowed us to film a scene during their rehearsals, adding a touch of local authenticity and vibrancy that became a favorite moment in the film.

Despite facing an array of challenges that seemed almost comical in hindsight — thunderstorms, an earthquake, a COVID outbreak, writer and actor strikes, and even a rare desert flood — the weeklong thunderstorms on the Arkansas River proved to be our greatest obstacle. We had initially set aside two days for a crucial scene, but the weather forced us to condense our shooting into just three frantic hours. As ominous clouds loomed and lightning threatened, we captured as much footage as we could before making a hasty retreat to the dock. Just when we thought all hope was lost, a fleeting break in the storm allowed us to turn off the motor and glide in quietly. We seized the opportunity to grab one final, essential close-up. Miraculously, it worked.

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