Navigating Young Adulthood in 'Transparent Moment': A Short Film on Friendship, Vulnerability, and Growth
Transparent Moment Short Film
By: Eboné Chatman
The short film Transparent Moment dives into the complexities of young adulthood, exploring themes of friendship, relationships, and the challenges that come with navigating life's unexpected turns. Set against the backdrop of a young friend group in Los Angeles maneuvering through the messiness of life, the film brings a raw, honest look at moments of vulnerability.
The first episode leaves us with a major cliffhanger as the episode ends in the middle of a proposal and a potential affair that has yet to be revealed to the rest of the friend group, let alone to the potential newly engaged couple. What???? Why would they leave us on the edge of our seats like that? I can hardly wait to see the next episode!
Bringing Together a Community for Cast and Crew
Transparent Moment marks Kristen Lynem-Wilson's powerful directorial debut, created in collaboration with her friends Parker Caston Jr. and Kelcey J. Henderson, who also served as writers and producers on the project. The film's editing was skillfully crafted by Parker Caston Jr., while Pascale R. Williams captured the visual storytelling as cinematographer, and Kelcey J. Henderson brought it all together as executive producer.
The production of Transparent Moment was a true community effort, with the cast and crew drawn from Kristen’s own network of friends and colleagues.
“We started by reaching out to our friends,” said Henderson. “All of the cast members are either friends of Parker or Kristen. It was a similar situation with the crew—we contacted friends and colleagues we had worked with before. For example, when we needed a sound team, we attended the CSUN Senior Film Showcase, where Parker’s former professor connected us with our sound crew.”
Transparent Moment Short Film
The collaborative spirit extended beyond casting. The team reached out to individuals within their networks to fill various roles, relying on relationships built over years of working in production. “Every cast and crew member was either from our immediate community or connected to us through someone in it,” noted Henderson. “The camaraderie was palpable, and the fun we shared was undeniable," said Caston Jr.
Overcoming the Challenges of Independent Filmmaking
Independent filmmaking often involves navigating a ton of logistical and financial challenges, and Transparent Moment was no exception. The filmmakers shared the struggle of balancing the project with their everyday lives: “It wasn’t easy—outside of this film, we all have jobs and lives that come with bills to pay—but we made it work!” said Henderson. With an initial loan covering upfront costs, the three creators contributed their own funds to keep the project afloat. They’re now looking ahead to other funding avenues, including grants and sponsorships, to bring the rest of the first season to life.
Crafting the Visual Language and Style
The film’s visual approach was heavily inspired by Insecure and The Best Man Holiday, with the filmmakers keen to capture the essence of these references while bringing their own unique twist. The director and Director of Photography (DP), Pascale Williams, collaborated closely to develop a visual deck that laid the foundation for the film's cinematography. “I love unique imagery, and I think it can be an interesting way to tell a story,” said Lynem-Wilson. “When our two minds came together, I believe we executed that well and created something beautiful.”
A Tale of Transparency and Vulnerability
The title Transparent Moment reflects the film's core theme of openness and vulnerability. It’s a phrase that signals when someone is about to be honest and share their truth, with no judgments attached. “The film follows characters who are all led to moments where they have to be transparent and vulnerable,” explained Henderson. “Life’s actions come with consequences—good and bad—and the story tracks how those consequences shape the journeys of our characters.”
This authenticity extended to the filming process, where unforeseen events sometimes led to creative breakthroughs. For example, a scheduled outdoor scene had to be moved indoors due to a storm, resulting in an unexpectedly breathtaking backdrop that enriched the film's visual storytelling.
Evolving Collaborations and Powerful Performances
The collaboration between the director and actors was pivotal to the film's success. With some of the actors being long-time friends, including one friendship that started in third grade, there was an existing familiarity that fostered a productive and open environment. This familiarity, combined with table reads and rehearsals before filming, helped actors deliver authentic performances. “It gave them a comfortability with the script which helped with the execution of the scenes,” said Lynem-Wilson, reflecting on the rehearsals as a significant factor in shaping the final product.
What’s Next for *Transparent Moment*?
The story left audiences on a cliffhanger, and the creators are eager to continue unraveling the narrative in future episodes. “Our objective is to finish what’s left of the first season,” said Caston Jr. Beyond finishing the series, the team is exploring monetization strategies and considering pitches to studios that may be interested in picking up the project.
The journey of making Transparent Moment was documented behind the scenes, capturing the joy and camaraderie of the crew. “The energy on set was electric,” they recounted. “Despite some of us being new faces, by the final take, it was as if we had known each other for years.” This documentary adds another layer to the project, showcasing the passion and perseverance that went into bringing this heartfelt story to life.
As Transparent Moment continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the power of community, the beauty of vulnerability, and the endless possibilities that emerge when a group of dedicated individuals come together to tell a story. The team is currently developing the full season, follow them on Instagram @transparentmomentshortfim for updates and ways to help support this project!
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Meet Eboné Chatman, Producer & Media Correspondent for 247 Live Culture!