Shooting"Resonance"
From Storyboard to Shot
Coordinating a cast and crew is always a challenge, but the complexity intensifies when working with an international team. Rather than feeling daunted, we embraced this as an exciting new opportunity.
Last week, amidst a 95+ degree heatwave in Tuscany, we thought, “Why not make a movie?”
Over the course of four days, we shot in both Florence and the surrounding countryside of Chianti, crafting an emotionally resonant film that sheds light on bisexuality.
The film follows Carmelo (Andrea Battaglia) as he faces an ultimatum from his “situationship” with Viola (Lavinia Zaccarella), who seeks to define their relationship more clearly. Viola’s ultimatum sends Carmelo into a state of confusion, leading him to seek solace with Valentino (Sean Gabriel), who brings him back to nature to clear his mind. Carmelo finds peace and excitement with Valentino, ultimately accepting his advances. Torn between Valentino and Viola, Carmelo spirals into indecision as the heat intensifies across Tuscany. His turbulent inner world mirrors the scorching environment, teaching him that to move forward harmoniously, he must let go of his past.
At its core, the film explores the attachments we form in relationships and the destructive effects of unrequited emotions, delving into the concept of “limerence.”
A key artistic direction in the film is its sense of timelessness—merging past and present through locations that evoke a bygone era, while blending modern and traditional communication methods, such as letter writing and voice messaging.
The film’s bilingual nature adds another layer to this exploration, with Carmelo speaking English with Viola and Italian with Valentino, highlighting how language influences relationships.
Our goal was to create a dreamlike vision of Tuscany where real businesses could showcase their products and locations artistically. In "Resonance," we feature Casa di Monte wines, the cuisine and interiors of Trattoria Roberto, and the visually stunning setting of Antico Spedale Bigallo.
"Resonance" was conceived by Andrew Niklas Curtis, Ali El-Zein, Samantha Cartwright, and Kiana Livingston, with visual direction and design by Mike Chesbro. The script and visual concept came together seamlessly, deepening the film’s overarching themes.
To support our post-production efforts, please reach out to us at anc@studiodreamfactory.com.