The Empyrean
Synopsis: Over time, pollution has built up and completely covered the sky. Decades pass and people seem to have forgotten what lies above the smog…
From her grandfather’s stories, Enid learns about stars.
Much has changed from her childhood and Enid is now orphaned and more determined than ever to see the stars and prove (mostly to herself) that there’s more to this life than what she knows. She seeks help from Ethan, a young Mechanic, who is inspired by her drive and passion. Together, they build jetpacks that will fly them past the top of The Empyrean and above the smog of their polluted city so they can finally glimpse the stars her grandfather promised her.
Of course, the world is against our heroes and their plan ends with them tumbling back down to earth.
Enid does see the stars… Or a semblance of them…
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Starring
Lakota Johnson (Ethan)
Directed by
Produced by
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Director's Statement
THE EMPYREAN is a short that doubles as a Proof-of-Concept for a Feature Film or Series.
I grew up in a rural town and was shocked at the lack of stars when I moved to the city. I’ve expanded on this concept by amplifying the idea to the point that, in Enid’s world, no stars are visible and over time they had even been forgotten. After learning that they may still exist Enid starts her own journey to see them.
The main challenge with this film came from having to create a unique world with a limited budget. We could not build this world physically, so the decision to shoot 100% of this film via green screen and draw our backgrounds was the next creative option that excited us most. This had its own challenges but was ultimately the key ingredient in selling our fantasy/sci-fi/comic book tone.
It was wonderful to direct a mixed medium as bold as this, enabling all cast and crew (in every department!!) to flex their imaginations and talents.
Director's Bio
Hannah Smith is a Writer/Director working in the Film and Television industry.
Hannah’s current film experience comes from shadowing Director Jeffrey Walker on Jim Henson Company’s ‘The Portable Door’ and has been directing 2nd Unit on projects like NBC’s ‘Young Rock’, and Disney’s ‘The Clearing’.
Evident in ‘Empyrean’ and her own writing work, Hannah strives to tell bold and meaningful stories with a fresh and original take.
