The Story of Her - USC/NYU Film Application 2017 - ACCEPTED

Created for USC/NYU Film School application and STN Film Excellence national competition.
UPDATE: Excited to say it helped me to be accepted into the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the NYU Tisch School for Film. I will be attending USC.
Awards:
Best Directing - STN Film Excellence Awards
Best Short Film - STN Film Excellence Awards
Best Editing - Screen Test Student Fest
Best High School Short Film - Forester High School Film Festival
Best High School Short Film - Reel 2 Reel Student Film Festival
Produced, Written, Directed, Shot, and Edited by Connor Williams & Skyler Brigmann
Starring: Skyler Brigmann, Riley Flynn, Savannah Burrows, and Connor Williams
Production Audio: Johanna Jenneman
Production Assistants: Ryan Knudsen and Josh Orris

[@jillianruvalcaba8279]

I remember watching this last year and being absolutely blown away. I watch it now and I still get the same feeling. Can't wait to start school with you this fall! Fight on!

[@ConnorWilliams]

Jillian Ruvalcaba Thank you so much. I just watched your submission video and absolutely loved it! Excited to start school with you too!

[@jillianruvalcaba4252]

@@ConnorWilliams remember when we weren't sure if could talk to each other freshman year because of this comment

[@ConnorWilliams]

Jillian Ruvalcaba oh my god i remember trying for the whole first week to figure out who “jillian” was and then i saw you and didnt know what to do and then you said hi ❤️

[@SYTization]

@@jillianruvalcaba4252 did you say "stay still", lifting your camera to capture the moment when he finally said hi? hehehe. This is an amazing story told amazingly and what is more amazing is seeing the bond that the aspiring and current students at your school share! many prayers for both you amazing storytellers.

[@solocazer]

Great job man! You really communicated this story well! The acting was impressive, and cinematography was very effective (Including a particular scene that really stood out to me and was creatively shot) . I enjoyed the color grade. Also, the writing was on point, and you and Skyler are very good at writing dialogue which can be a difficult art to master. Sound design was great and the music tied in very well and helped progress the story. USC/NYU couldn't ask for a better application short. Nice job!

[@ConnorWilliams]

Soli Studios Thanks so much! We both put a lot of effort into all of our work so I'm glad it shows!

[@Angelicarodriguez-gq5wx]

I am in love with this! I´m also interested in the cinematography world, and if you would be so kind, I would love to know what equipment you used (camera´s, lens, lighting, etc) Thank You!

[@kianmirnezam9589]

As a current USC film student, I have to say this is impressive. Great work, hope to see you at SCA next year.

[@isabelladavila9531]

Woah. I've recently been watching a bunch of these film school applications- i'm not sure why, because I don't particularly plan on being a film student. But dude. This blew me away. I've watched so many of these applications (and I mean A LOT) and yours is- by far- the best one I've watched. I literally have goosebumps. Congratulations, I hope you're having a good time in college- I know you'll do amazing things.

[@sisterspill]

this is INCREDIBLE

[@stephengage2788]

That was killer man! Extremely capturing storyline that touched my emotions. You my friend deserve your acceptance to the best film school in the world.

[@stephengage2788]

Did your friend Skyler get into USC SCA as well? @Connor Williams

[@mschell350]

this is soo good like professional level. I loved all the shots, and the acting was actually really good. You're really talented!!

[@tiffanyjenifer7482]

NO WAY😭 THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL I CANT DESCRIBE IT WITH WORDS-- i had goosebumps, the cinematography is amazing. I dont even know what to say,, the storyline, the plot ahh just amazing💓

[@roberts.3055]

As a piece of your audience, There have relativly only been a few movies over my 54 years that brought me to tears, you can now include this one. AWESOME JOB!!! Congratulations on being accepted to USC... Thanks.. :)

[@sarahcrowley3861]

Okay, this was insanely good. I’ve been watching a lot of film applications lately (I’m a photographer but I love to watch short films and might eventually experiment with filming as well). The plot for the film and the script was really well thought out. I love the actual cinematography soooooo much. The quality of this is amazing considering it’s an application and I actually got chills.

[@andreazhu5928]

OMG!! It was touching, unique to the bones!!! Genius plot and definitely a masterpiece!!!

[@moniqueejenuko8870]

shiversssssssssssssss. amazing.I reallllly hope they accept you. superior work.

[@gunitsahani4263]

Been scouring the internet for short films that'll inspire me to make mine, and nothing even comes close to the artistic excellence that this film is. Thank you and wish you good luck for your future endeavours.

[@sydneyrosejackson2203]

Not gonna lie I was confused in the first half, but that didn't matter because the cinematography, music and acting was enough to keep me interested and WOAH. I am so glad I continued watching. 3:17 gave me chills. It was such an unexpected plot twist and the buildup was so powerful. Amazing job, you deserved to get into the school.

[@arelei1214]

This will get accepted 100% good job man.

[@mileskenney3520]

first application acceptance video I've seen that isn't total garbage. This one's actually really impressive, congrats man

[@roxyroxyme]

I'm in awe. This was beautifully heartbreaking and the composition of this is absolutely amazing. And I loved the tone changes, like the warm and happy to the sudden blue and frustrated. This is beyond amazing.

[@lucylogan]

wow I saw this at STN and to now see it got you into USC it makes you really think like this is what tv production in high schools can do for people. Congrats and I'm excited to see what else you produce!

[@copyweirdo]

The camera work. The story. The acting. The emotion poured out. In medias res. This would be a cheesy idea that couldn't be executed as well as you have done it.

[@ShaneyHwang]

this was amazing 😭😭 i can immediately see why USC and NYU accepted you!! can't wait to see more of your stuff in the future

[@ray7suns]

Damn I almost cried. This deserved its acceptance. It’s the best one I’ve seen so far. The concept is dashing and uhh I’m just obsessed

[@mckennamerriman9853]

MY JAW FREAKIN DROPPED SO FAST WHEN IT WAS HER AGAIN HOLY SHIT THIS IS SO GOOD

[@sparkyboomboomboi7051]

This is outstanding. I’m a Highschool freshman right now and Its my dream to get into NYU TISCH for film! If you didn’t get some type of scholarship after this amazing application then that’s criminal

[@sparkyboomboomboi7051]

update here I am again: newly senior who will be working on her film for application this summer lol. (Also my top college is now USC and NYU

[@upless7600]

@@sparkyboomboomboi7051 God bless :)

[@dudemarina]

@@sparkyboomboomboi7051how’s it going?

[@poeatree]

@@sparkyboomboomboi7051did you get in??

[@Theevisualn_]

A South African film student, I Just am here in your comment section to say that I am truly honoured and moved by story. I just have to re-watch the film!

[@MrMaverickcowboy]

Beautiful story. Great storytelling ,directing, acting and editing. Simple yet layered for a short film.

[@valentinacardella2297]

I’ve just stumbled upon this video. After seeing it, I found myself in tears, which I didn’t expect it as the storyline was progressing. Congrats man, you did a hell of an amazing job! Cheers from Italy

[@salvatorenatale]

So I watched like two USC/NYU Submission Films a while ago and this is all KZbin will suggest now. I loved this one. I believe it is a strong store and really well shot especially compared to a lot of films I have seen from seniors in college. It only make me think of the things I use to make at the end of high school when I was your age.

[@tchit8792]

Dude don't make me cryyy. This was incredible. Better than most actual directors/ film makers could make.

[@AdventuresAnywhere]

This is amazing. This short film is like something I never seen before. You did such a great job showing your uniqueness and skill. The way you unfolded the story was such a great and different idea.

[@andrewarends]

BY FAR THE BEST SHORT IVE SEEN YET 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@GoodRice]

wow! thank you for making this short movie! this truly did move my little high school student heart to work harder and pursue my dream as a director! thank you again!

[@lucyliii]

5 mins enough to make a grown man cry... for real I cried. This is so amazing

[@aarmov]

Bro this was so crazy wtf not at ALL wtm hat I expected. The writing and storytelling is incredible.

[@81720M]

My goal is to go to USC when I graduate high school, I am planning on applying for their summer program this year in preparation. I just want to say thank you, this was a beautiful and gripping piece of art that has inspired me and I thoroughly hope you succeed as a filmmaker.

[@YoonminBiased]

this is amazing and i am absolutely speechless. i hope i can do something this wonderful when i apply to nyu

[@josephinelardeau4974]

I gotta say. Didn't click on the video with big expectations. I've seen quite a few short films (not even applications, from students!) that I didn't like. But this one? It hooked me up. I love how you simply built up the tension more and more. I ACTUALLY felt really thriller, especially after the girl disappeared. You also kept in plain and simple, which I think is one of the greatest quality when it comes to writing! Some improvements possible, but all together a great job. Video's already a bit older - so how did things turn out? Think you got huge potential. Keep on going!

[@hammy5173]

this is the best short film i've ever seen... and not just student films.

[@beel1952]

The acting, the cinematography AND the story ???? All so well done !!!

[@Morgan-Gullett]

Just found this... fantastic job!

[@jesseridenour]

I was not expecting that twist! Tear jerker for sure. Loved it

[@08vairohi]

You deserve to be in that school learning what you love and are really good at

[@mailejadeancheta]

i saw this at the stn film excellence awards and i absolutely loved it !! congrats on everything, this is so good omggggg

[@lebby72]

Fantastic short Weston! This is something so special you and your Grandpa share!

[@jennabroussard]

i have no words for how beautiful this is

[@jasminejones6067]

This is incredible. I'm so glad I stumbled across this short film.

[@catalinahouseknecht5978]

This was absolutely INCREDIBLE. Made me cry. You're going to make it BIG.

[@farihakabir8369]

this is so beautiful it actually brought me to tears

[@katherinepollock]

This is FANTASTIC! Excellent story/storytelling, great actors, everything was perfect!

[@btsdancestudio5691]

Good acting from the cast. You might have a chance at a smaller film-festival.

[@mayagaray1029]

omg wow this is amazing.really inspires me and and reminds me that you dont need millions of dollars worth of equipment, movie length of 2 hours, or years of experience to make something great and inspiring. i love seeing younger people direct these because it reminds me that i can do it too.

[@aaronwang1107]

This is amazing man! It really triggers my curiosity to see more on this story! Nice job!

[@bobobobobobobo245]

I’ve rewatched this so many times Oml it’s absolutely amazing

[@GamerReviewable]

I'm speechless this was an amazing piece

[@grahamburdick]

Excellent job! I hope you update us on how film school goes!

[@cjladas8923]

This is amazing man! Makes me nervous to apply next year

[@lyannetrieu3061]

THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!! you did a really great job!! usc is lucky to have you :)

[@jamesdoanecompositions]

Absolutely amazing work!!

[@faithabern7979]

Oh, gosh, this is absolutely amazing!!! I'm in tears

[@SerenaJayne]

this gave me chills. congrats to everyone involved and can't wait to see more of your work!

[@mcca422]

i got goosebumps and started crying. this is amazing!

[@realname4155]

that's fantastic work!!!!

[@PlayfulPandaStudios]

my dude wyd, man's out here making goddamn oscar nominee type shit, what you need film school for

[@BriannaSeaberg]

This was amazing. I cannot wait to apply to USC this year for the 2018 school year!!:)

[@jacobsimmons3136]

3 years is a little late but this film is amazing

[@annekoolen5619]

Wow amazing work!! I hope I get into the MFA in film & TV production at USC for next semester. I should hear more about it in one week.

[@jelly4610]

This is perfect!

[@andreazhu5928]

I love the enchanting narration!!! Cheers!!

[@bywarlick6376]

i just wanna say i’ve watched this sooo many times and it’s soo good!

[@thatindecentgenretigprod]

chills

[@elasnore1523]

this was amazing, hope to see you making more for the big screen one day!!

[@molly7556]

my favorite video ever! Saw this at convention and cried.. my class probably watches it once week!!! I also stalked a kid i recognized from your recap video on how you guys produced it haha, what lens did you use and how did you get such smooth shots??

[@DesireeAlmaraz]

I’m freaking speechless man! This is incredible Oh my lord.

[@delilangela]

WOW! I’m speechless! this is beyond amazing ! wow great notion 👏

[@mahkyehayden1492]

Wow I hope I can come up with a application video half as good as that super creative.

[@gabrielacanto1771]

This is the most amazing short film I’ve ever seen. Woa.

[@maryhanover374]

Wow! I will look up your name now to see what you have poduced most recently.

[@99BAGGINZ]

Wow!! This just gave me goosebumps. Congrats man

[@starlightentmt]

Where the actors your friends? Great job btw

[@johnnyrotten8751]

Great short, well produced and very touching.

[@darinkaarones6054]

Beautiful...

[@zachwaters]

Well done, my friend.

[@filmlife1000]

Omg no wonder why this got accepted - this film is amazing!

[@RonaldCamasura]

USC vs NYC is like Justin Escalona VS Casey Niestat

[@Kalel93739]

Nope, Casey never went to NYU or any college. It's more like George Lucas vs. Adam Sandler*

[@ЮтубЮтубович-ц5п]

@@Kalel93739 why???

[@Kalel93739]

Илья Кривошеев because Adam Sandler went to NYU and Lucas went to USC

[@jeannine1991]

Great work! Fight On!!! ✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽

[@ravimody1549]

Amazing work!

[@mayakhodabakchian8388]

Wow!! Awesome content!!

[@liiv9243]

wow! this is really amazing! great job!

[@rprbeck]

Wow man! Loved that one...can't wait to see what's coming next :)

[@backgroundperson7374]

This was absolutely Amazing. AMAZING !

[@angepi1416]

Your short film was absolutely amazing. you connected the story really well with the viewers and it even gave me chills but I have to ask. how did you produce such great voice sound?

[@ConnorWilliams]

Angelo Pitsillis Thank you! Honestly that's a field that I don't think either of us were experts in, we just used out Rode NTG3 and did some very minor EQ adjustments and it turned out pretty good!

[@angepi1416]

Okay thanks. do you have social media cause I wasn't able to find you anywhere

[@poizzzgoballistick]

duuude great job on this! this is so good!

[@TallulahVogue]

Amazing! May I ask what equipment you used?

[@ConnorWilliams]

Tallulah Thanks! We used the canon 6D and the Ronin M gimbal

[@TallulahVogue]

Thanks! I desperately need new equipment lol. Also, I have been watching a few NYU/USC application videos, and yours definitely trumps all the ones I've seen so far, even accepted ones. A lot of people focus on cool shots and forced emotional scenes but you really developed a story. And you didn't force the emotions, they naturally developed. Good luck!

[@TimLupo]

This was amazing bro, great work.

[@storygao9935]

It is an excellent story, I just cannot predict what will happen next moment.

[@thejacobmosha]

So so good.

[@kimberlyguerrerolmedo]

THIS IS AMAZING!

[@cyandanjou5520]

im in tears

[@micominerva]

Crazy good man. Loved it!

[@chio3609]

lol, how, what did i just see. that was amazing.

[@inlovetechnologysaurabhrai]

you killed it man

[@gonosol]

Saurabh Rai he killed her