Hi, we are Armadillo Studios and we want to tell you about our upcoming short film Speculum!
Speculum is an experimental short film. With zero dialogue, the story will put you in the place of Viktor who battles with the daily struggles that come with Derealization Syndrome, by using enhanced sound effects, grungy lighting and distressed art design.
From the mind of Milena Hübscher, dive into Viktor’s world who lives in a state of fear when he realizes he is beginning to feel detached from his body and constantly loses track of time.
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Derealization syndrome is described as a "disorder that involves a persistent or recurring feeling of being detached from one’s body or mental processes, like an outside observer of one's life (depersonalization), and/or a feeling of being detached from one's surroundings (derealization)" on merckmanuals.com, a medical information search engine. Researchers state that they believe that about 2% of the population experience derealization syndrome and it makes it difficult for them to function at home our at work.
Armadillo Studios is a group of collective film and music industry professionals who's missions are to bring equitable representation into art and media. That's why we have chosen this story to elevate and bring awareness to derealization syndrome in hopes of relating to someone who is struggling with this and allows them to be seen and heard.
Meet the crew:
Milena Hübscher - Creator & Director
Milena Adrianna Hübscher is the creator and director for "Speculum”. She used to act in polish productions, but is now focused on creating the ideas inside her head which were unshown. Her goal with “Speculum” is to put people who are unaware of what derealization is, and people who live with that daily, in one audience to see their reactions. She also wants to show people who live with this disorder that it’s time to reach out for help. Another goal for her is the "satisfaction of creating and sharing something that has been in my head for years".
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Maura Horlacher - Producer
Maura Horlacher is a Austin, TX based filmmaker. She specializes in producing and screenwriting but also has experience with other set positions such as Directing, 2nd AC and gaffing. Her main focus is in narrative form, primarily independent films but extends to commercials and music videos. Her upcoming short film “Silver Jubilee” is a testimony to her abilities to create a visual story as well as managing and producing a crew. Maura aspires to continue to showcase visual stories and invest in projects that bring emotional value to an audience.
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Armando Mascorro- Cinematographer
Armando is a local Austin Filmmaker and the Vice President of Armadillo Studios. He will be the Director of Photography for Speculum. He grew up acting in theatre and later made appearances in short films. He gained love for working behind the camera and has since shot several films including, Kali Sime's "The Nightmare Artist" and Drew Schwemer's "Leave No Trace". His next endeavor will be writing and shooting a feature length psychological thriller.
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Kali Sime - Producer & Gaffer
Kali is the Visual Manager and Board Secretary for Armadillo Studios. They will be the gaffer for Speculum, as well as a producer. Kali was born and raised in Austin, TX and in the spring of this year, they graduated from ACC with a workforce certification in TV/Film Technology. Their experience in film has been camera focused, but they are also passionate about G&E, FX makeup and producing. Kali currently works as a freelance filmmaker and photographer working on short films, features, commercials and various creative projects.
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James C. Briceño - Audio/ Sound Designer
James C. Briceño is an audio engineer, music producer and composer. He studied Music & Technology at Stevens Institute of Technology, where he was mentored by Carlos Alomar (co-writer of Fame by David Bowie) and engineered for musicians such as Ron Blake (SNL Band), Kelland Thomas and others. Since receiving his B.A., Briceño has recorded with and engineered for artists from across the US while working on local indie films as a sound designer and composer. His credits include Acid Girl by Phoneboy (Mastering), Visions by Kali Sime (Composer) and Forever Home by Silvertapes (Recording).
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Melanie Ortiz - Production Designer
Melanie is an award winning Filmmaker and Artist from San Antonio, Texas and has lived in Austin for over 10 years. She is a dependable, creative filmmaker and production worker with experience working on web series, short films and commercials. Melanie has exhibited history of working as a screenwriter, video editor, production designer, and various art department positions in the likes of Rooms-to-go, Thrillist and Travel Texas. Melanie currently works as freelancer offering her production design and art services to copious projects and also works part-time as a videographer/ video editor for AISD.tv, local channel 22.
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