Allie invites her ex-boyfriend over to help her make a video for her first-ever profile for a dating app. Emotions boil over as they attempt to define her personality in just a few seconds.

Interview with Writer/Director Lindsay Nell Stidham

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made this film for the Walla Walla filmmakers challenge, with the fantastic prompt of "rule of three's." I also made this film because I'm in the midst of my own online dating journey which constantly stirs a mix of emotions in my soul. Making a dating profile is terrifying. Some have video options to upload very short clips of videos, and because this is so vulnerable I find people rarely use the option. I asked myself what if your ex helped you with your profile, and hence Authentic Personalities was born.

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

If you've ever been in love, or afraid of a relationship's end, or if you're super single and searching, I made this short film for you... to pass along some hope for your journey.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think falling in and out of love is perhaps the most universal experience out there. Authentic Personalities deals with both.

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

I did this challenge in about a month. I wrote it, we shot it one weekend, and I got an edit done in about three weeks, in time to show it at the filmmaker's challenge. It was so amazing to get such quick audience feedback as then I was able to go back in with editor and re-cut based on laugh lines and lags after the screening.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I love that audiences are not sure when to laugh in this film. It gets a lot of laughter, but it also gets a few uncomfortable laughs (which tickles me every time). I love uncomfortable humor, awkward pauses, and unexpected endings.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Ultimately the feedback has helped shape a few more cuts of this film, and that's been invaluable.

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

I wanted a wonderful platform to give it an online premiere as we wait to hear from a few more local LA and Southern California film festivals. I also think it just deserves more eyeballs, particularly because of the incredibly strong performances of Ashley Rae Spillers and Chase Joliet. I want the whole world to know who they both are because they are both so good.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

If you run a film festival and you might like to have us, we'd try our darndest to be there. We are a scrappy tiny little short made for the passion of making movies, so anything to get a few more viewers would be wonderful.

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

I just wish for this movie to give the lovelorn and heartbroken a little hope and a little laughter.

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

Is it a good idea to let your ex-boyfriend help you with your new dating app profile?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thank you so much for watching.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm working on all kinds of feature scripts but I also just shot a new short film I'm unbelievably excited about called Bits and Pieces -- it's about two women who accidentally discover a dismembered penis in a cooler, but ultimately it's about their bond and friendship.

Interview: February 2020

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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

Authentic Personalities

Allie invites her ex-boyfriend over to help her make a video for her first-ever profile for a dating app. Emotions boil over as they attempt to define her personality in just a few seconds.

Length: 7:49

Director: Lindsay Stidham

Producer: Warren Etheredge

Writer: Lindsay Stidham

About the writer, director and producer:

LINDSAY STIDHAM holds an MFA in screenwriting from the American Film Institute as well as a BA in journalism and Spanish from the University of Florida. She has overseen two scripts from script to screen as a writer/ producer. Spooner starring Matthew Lillard (Slamdance) and Douchebag (Sundance) both released theatrically. Most recently Lindsay sold Play Nice starring Mary Lynn Rajskub. The series was distributed on Hulu. Recent directing endeavors include the Walla Walla premiering (and best screenplay nominated) Til Death Do Us Part, the Walla Walla Filmmakers Challenge short Authentic Personalities, and the upcoming short inspired by both Lorena Bobbit, and Thelma and Louise: Bits and Pieces. Lindsay is now prepping a pitch for the first-ever interactive romcom. She's also got several features in the works, but above all else, she loves to collaborate. Reach out for inquiries: linzstid@gmail.com, or to Lindsay's manager, Jonathan Hersch with House Fire Management: info@housefiremanagement.com

Key cast: Ashley Rae Spillers, Chase Joliet

Facebook: Lindsay Stidham

Twitter: @lindsaystidham

Instagram: @lindsaynellstidham

Hashtags used: #authenticpersonalities #shortfilm #indiefilm #nobudge #romcom #romance #valentinesday #dating #internetdating #love

Website: lindsaystidham.onfabrik.com

Other: Vimeo

Made in association with:

Funders: Self-funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Currently under consideration at several festivals.