Matthew Welch

Well, about a month ago now Ben called and said @canonusa has these new lenses and wants him to make something with them. So, Ben, Shawn, Pokey, and myself, all got on calls for a couple days, talking ideas and figuring out what we wanted to make.

After lots of back and forth, and encouragement from Alex, we ended up wanting to go for it and make Ben’s first narrative short film. Shawn went and wrote 4 scripts over the span of 4 days, the stories changed and shifted, until he came out the other side with Lost Woods. Pokey pulled together a hell of a production on tiny notice, and in a diffferent state, not to mention pulled us through when we didn’t even know if we could. And then we set off to Iowa less than a week after Ben originally called, to make what became this short film. It was a labor of long flights, very late nights, so many friends old and new, favors and planning, and above all Love(even when the three of us wanted to kill each other).
We couldn’t have done it without every single person in front of, and behind, the lens.

Kyla flew out on basically two days notice and brought not only a vulnerable and inspiring performance, but also had so many collaborative and compelling ideas that helped make the film what it is.

Jacob, who had never acted before, took the leap with us and delivered an honest and heartfelt performance. Couple that with Michael and Andy, absolutely crushing each frame of the film they’re in which is so astounding as non-actors. Not to mention not one, but TWO sets, at Lost Woods both in Salt Fox, as well as with Everyday Astronaut. They’re truly inspiring.

This thing is filled to the brim with work that I’m going to forever be proud of, some of which being the best frames I’ve ever photographed, with Blayre bringing out every bit of beauty in the grade. Ben directed the hell out of his first short, I’m so very proud of him. And proud of all of us, and can’t wait to make more together. So many people helped make this film sing, full credits and shoutouts in the comments below. Be sure to check out the full film on the @canonusa Youtube page. Thank you all 🖤