Logline: The “it” boy of the school seems to have to have it all: the perfect life and the perfect girlfriend; but a dangerous moment has him dreading just how far her obsession will go.

Length: 5 min

Director: Alexia Salingaros

Producer: Will Underwood

Writer:Alexia Salingaros

About the writer, director and producer: Alexia Salingaros is a high school filmmaker who has developed her passion for creating films since the seventh grade. Her dedication and commitment to the filmmaking process allows each piece to inhabit its own unique world. With deep explorations of the human experience, Alexia channels her feelings through her work, exposing the audience to the same emotions she felt in those moments of creation.

Key cast: Jane Emma Barnett, Drew McElvany

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): yes!

Made in association with: FatBird Films, Saint Mary’s Hall Digital Cinema

Release date: February, 2016

Where can I watch it at the film festival or in the next month? DANCES WITH KIDZ! BLK 3 – SATURDAY, JUNE 11 @ 3PM.

*Jane Emma Barnett and Drew McElvany as Hannah and Caleb, the happy couple.*

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

This film was originally created as part of a local student film competition in San Antonio called “Can’t Beat Love”, which this year aimed to raise awareness on teen dating violence.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

"Time Out” presents a perspective that is rarely depicted on screen, that of a female verbally and physically abusing her boyfriend.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

As a high school filmmaker I’m sure that the world depicted in the film subconsciously comes from my own experiences, however the storyline itself stems from mistakes that are characteristic of all humans—even full-grown adults.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

The focus of the film as originally written was the victim of the abuse (the boy), although as the process evolved we began to add details to the girlfriend’s character (such as the cuts on her wrist) in an effort to better understand her motives.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Audience members have found the unique point of view of this film to be refreshing, and many have come to us with their own stories and statistics supporting the narrative as if it were true.

*Drew McElvany as Caleb the soccer star.*

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I was surprised at the willingness of audiences to take in such a rarely presented point of view, and it has empowered me to continue writing stories without the fear of assumed rejection.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

To join the likes of "Cannes" and "Dances with Films" short films gives our film and our young team of creators an incredible opportunity for exposure.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

The stereotype associated with teen dating violence is that of a female victim, and with our film we are hoping to bring to light the small percentage of male victims who are overlooked (oftentimes because verbal abuse is less visible than injuries).

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Can abuse ever be justified under the illusion of “love”?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

The writer/director Alexia Salingaros is finishing her last few films as a high school student before beginning her studies at NYU, Tisch School of the Arts in the fall.

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If you enjoyed reading 'Time Out' we recommend 'Frenemy', about teenage bullying.

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela