Beneath Still Water
An independent narrative feature about loss, memory, and the landscapes we carry with us.
Watch NowPre-Production
Beneath Still Water grew from a short story the director wrote during a residency in rural West Virginia. The landscape itself became a character, and the script was shaped around real locations discovered during months of immersive research in the region.
Casting focused on finding performers with genuine ties to Appalachian culture. The lead was cast through an open call in Charleston, WV, and several supporting roles were filled by non-professional actors from the communities where filming took place.
The production design leaned into authenticity over artifice. Wardrobe was sourced from local thrift stores, and set decoration used items borrowed from residents who opened their homes to the crew. Every visual choice was rooted in the lived reality of the place.
Stills
Behind the Scenes
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amount | % |
|---|---|---|
| Cast & Crew (28-day shoot) | $138,000 | 32.9% |
| Camera & Grip Rental | $42,000 | 10.0% |
| Locations & Art Department | $36,000 | 8.6% |
| Catering & Craft Services | $18,000 | 4.3% |
| Travel & Lodging | $32,000 | 7.6% |
| Post-Production & Color Grade | $68,000 | 16.2% |
| Sound Design & Score | $45,000 | 10.7% |
| Festival Submissions & Marketing | $24,000 | 5.7% |
| Insurance & Contingency | $17,000 | 4.0% |
| Total | $420,000 | 100% |