Synopsis
On a warm summer weekend in 1987, Orson and Geneva Murphy head to the Uinta mountains with their three children to help oldest son McKay earn merit badges en route to becoming a World Explorer Scout, just like his father. Trouble is, McKay would rather be at home playing video games than doing anything in nature.
Middle child Arlo is up for the challenge and is eager to prove to his father that he can be a World Explorer Scout, too. Youngest child Clara, with her doll Susan B. Anthony in tow, is just trying to figure out how she is related to these people.
As the weekend unfolds, so do everyone’s true intentions, as well as challenges. Geneva wants to pursue a new passion. McKay doesn’t want to be anything like this father. Arlo wants to be seen for who he really is. Clara (and Susan B.) want the family to read a book every now and then. And Orson just wishes things didn’t have to change. As Orson leans into the lessons of nature, he grows to see not only who his family is, but who they also want to become. Having been the voice for his family for so long, Orson will finally embrace the unique voices of those he loves most.
Our short film works to expose the limiting beliefs that the world can place upon us, shake free the stagnant thoughts of tradition and what was acceptable in the past, and move toward a future where we embrace difference, let people’s lights shine, and help them become the fullest, truest, best version of themselves. This family is going to learn that their son is unique, his star should be allowed to shine, and by extension the mother will stop forfeiting her dreams for a way of life that diminishes her place.
Plus, we throw a Mormon family in the woods for a few days on a scouting trip where they must talk to each other while earning badges. Have you ever spoken to a family member? It’s the worst.
Cast and Crew
Skye Emerson
Skye Emerson
Skye Emerson
Writer/ Co-Director
Skye is an award-winning screenwriter who was most recently named to ISA's Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch list. Skye was selected to participate in the Sundance Screenwriters Intensive, and she received the Alfred P. Sloan Screenwriting Fellowship at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. Skye is the grand prize winner of ISA’s Emerging Screenwriters Competition and the recipient of the UCLA Carl David Memorial Screenwriting Fellowship for positive portrayals of the LGBTQ community. She received her MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television.
Amy Redford
Skye Emerson
Skye Emerson
Actor/ Co-Director
Amy's career in the creative arts spans over three decades as a director, producer, and actor in film, television, music videos and theatre. Her most recent directorial feature film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022.
Her on-camera credits include Runners, Hate Crime, Sunshine Cleaning, First Person Singular, and The Understudy, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Dellaventura, and Wonderland, among others.
Tyler Glenn
Skye Emerson
Tyler Glenn
Actor
Tyler is a multifaceted musician known for his captivating vocals, dynamic stage presence, and thought-provoking lyrics. Tyler, made his Broadway debut in the role of Charlie Price in the acclaimed Broadway musical "Kinky Boots."
Beyond his achievements on stage, Tyler is a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to amplify marginalized voices and promote acceptance and equality. With his magnetic presence and unwavering authenticity, Tyler continues to inspire audiences both with his musical and acting performances.
Annie Quan
Lauren Eimers
Tyler Glenn
Producer
As a strategic advisor, Annie has produced hundreds of commercial and branded events ranging from television productions to food and wine festivals.
Most recently, she has overseen the design and development of the screenwriting software, Scriip, which provides a user-friendly UI and innovative technology for the screenwriting community. Her products and solutions are created to streamline operations and increase stability and growth for her partners and clients.
Lauren Eimers
Lauren Eimers
Lauren Eimers
Producer
Lauren Eimers, MEd, MS - Lauren is a licensed clinical mental health therapist and licensed clinical genetic counselor that found her way to film through a love of changing hearts and minds through shared stories. Lauren has received her Line Producing Master Certification through Stage 32 and is involved with set decoration, wardrobe, casting, and script review. Lauren has been involved with drafting treatments for television and film.
Amanda Madden
Lauren Eimers
Lauren Eimers
Editor
Amanda (they/them) is a queer filmmaker, artist, educator and community organizer whose work explores evolutions of intimacy, identity, body, and connection. Everything they create seeks to queer both the process and the content and to initiate spells, space, and connection for queer community. They have worked as an editor, director, and creator of documentary, narrative, and experimental projects for the past 15 years and their work has been exhibited internationally and won multiple awards and nominations. They are currently the Education Director at the youth media organization, Spy Hop Productions. They are also the founder and host of IowaHouseSLC, a queer and trans community building project in Salt Lake City. Find them at amandacmadden.com
Jack Hessler
Jack Hessler
Jack Hessler
Associate Producer
Jack walks the line between rough edge skater boy and gentle, thoughtful filmmaker. He is an editor and producer, most excited holding the director’s hand as they walk through the minefield of their vision. His work has won awards at Mountainfilm, Vimeo Staff Picks, Independent Short Awards and more, and he’s worked on projects for brands and networks like White Claw, Red Bull, Snapchat, Youtube Originals, and Peacock.
Jack Hessler
Jack Hessler
Tahlee Scarpitti
Cinematographer
Marcie Gibboney
Production Manager
Miriam Footer
Assistant Director
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