HURT

The story

HURT is our award-winning narrative short film. It explores trauma, identity, and what it means to be truly seen. It's an original story, and a chance for our team to push the craft of cinematic storytelling that shapes all of our client work.

We filmed HURT across Charlotte, North Carolina and Rock Hill, South Carolina. We chose locations that felt lived-in and real, because the story depends on the audience believing these characters exist. The film follows people carrying wounds that aren't always visible. Our challenge was to make those inner struggles visible without spelling them out.

That meant approaching every part of production with intent. We worked closely with our cast to find honest performances, favouring restraint over big emotional moments. The camera stays close and patient. Lighting is warm but moody, with strong directional shadows that let faces fall in and out of darkness as the characters' walls rise and fall. Sound and silence carry as much of the story as the dialogue.

Behind the scenes, HURT was a true independent production, full of long days, a committed crew, and plenty of problem-solving. The stills on this page offer a glimpse of what it took to bring it to life. We're grateful to everyone who gave their time and talent to the project, and to the festivals that have recognized it. HURT has been recognized on the festival circuit, including:

• New York Film Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Indie Film, and Best Young Actor
• Los Angeles Film Awards: Best Narrative Short and Best Editing
• Filmmakers Connect Awards: Best Indie Film and Best Young Actor
• Top Shorts: Best Director
• fliXfest Film Festival: Award winner

Narrative work sharpens everything else we do. The same instincts that shape a short film, like knowing where the heart of a scene is and when to hold a shot, are what we bring to every brand film, commercial, and documentary. You can watch the full short film and trailer above.

On set for HURT.