KELSEY LARKIN

Oyster- A Short Film

I made this film not only for me, but for my son, Jack.


My job as a director is to dream, whether on a grand scale or at times refrained.


However, being pregnant and having an infant in this business is challenging. There’s a sense of struggle and guilt to constantly create, and to also feel like you’re being a great mother. You feel a loss of control, a loss of self, and at times a loss of creativity.


Yet, I watch you grow every month, and as the world slowly comes into focus for you- I witness you looking at things for the first time that we all take for granted.


To be mesmerized by the feeling of a leaf, or the way in which you can now control your hands, to laughing in stitches by the garden hose- I’m privy to an entirely new world of creativity and imagination, and ultimately, in a way- has inspired me to keep imagining in new ways.


I never want you to stop dreaming, whether it’s to become an astronaut or even a delivery driver- I just want to be happy, the world is your oyster my love, never stop dreaming.


I’m proud of this piece and honoured by the love that the crew put into it for which I am eternally grateful. The initial skeleton of this film has been on my mind for several years, and I couldn’t think of a better way to finally celebrate this dream than with my son. 


From late nights to early mornings during prep- this film came together with a lot of creative meetings, simple and gritty technical approaches, a lot of coffee (and a few bottles) and one hell of a post production team. 


Thank you to Shots for the write up


Writer & Director: Kelsey Larkin

Director of Photography: Martin Wojtunik

1st AC: Dre Dela Pena

Gaffer: Logan Giles

Safety Supervisors: Randy Butcher & Andrew Butcher

Rigging Gear: Area 1 FX 

Wardrobe Stylist: Kate Day

Actors: Kyle Girardo & Jack Moon Girardo-Larkin

Editorial: Outsider Editorial

Editor: Michael Barker

Assistant Editor: Denisse Pressacco

Executive Producer: Kristina Anzlinger

Executive Producer: Kayan Choi

Producer: Kelsey Dale-McGrath

Colour and Online/ VFX: Studio Feather

Color: Tricia Hagoriles

Assist: Dima Zui Chu

Finishing/VFX: Andrew Rolfe

Assist: Riley Lindsay

VFX Artists: Sergej Liamin, Diego Dutra, Mike Morley

Head of VFX: Colin Cunningham

Senior Producer: Sonia Ruffolo

Executive Producer: Jaclyn Morga

Composer & Sound Designer: Ethan Myers