PRETENDING LESSONS
12 MIN / USA / ENGLISH + AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE / DRAMA / 2025
PRETENDING LESSONS is a deceptive film about miscommunication and loneliness in an increasingly tech driven world. It was directed and produced by Frost Martin, starring Alison O’Leary and Daniel Morris.
A driving instructor crosses paths with a tiktokified pop singer visiting her hometown to get her drivers license.
LOGLINE
Eager to take back her independence, a rising pop star returns home to get her driver's license. The driving instructor has other plans—detouring to his mother's house for a surprise visit. Reluctantly playing along, Camilla helps light birthday candles as Brian attempts to convince his mother they are a couple.
PRETENDING LESSONS is a film about miscommunication and connection in an increasingly tech driven world.
It is Frost Martins first short narrative film.
SYNOPSIS
CREDITS
Alison O’Leary as Camilla Daniel Morris as Brain Kathleen Koster as Judy
Kylie Boughter as Nina TJ Trueh as Frank David Hood as Sleeping Man Kathryn Robyn as Bubble Gum Nancy Durgin as Candy Crusher Jennafer MacKeil as DMV Clerk Picture Edit by Marissa Rubio Picture Finsihing by Brandon Barr Post Sound by Reilly Bair Color by Sam Fischer VFX by Nuwan Gunarathne Graphics by Ava Mills Score by Griffin James Original Score by Fulano Librizi
Directed+Written+Produced by Frost Martin Cinematography by Sam Lasiter Assistant Directed by Iara Scherer Keen Assistant Camera by Ruben Frischeisen Lighting by Thomas Kassem BBE by Jack Morrell Grip by Alec Maskell Production Design by Benzion Balmain HMUA Tatiana Mendez Deaf Interpreter Autumn Talbot Deaf Interpreter Emily Timm Lodging+Catering Services Brooke Joslyn Rockland Recreation Center Donald Prescott SUV Tow Cody Clark Production Assistant Ben Pike Thank you to Dianne Bellino, Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
SPECS
GENRE: DRAMEDY RUN TIME: 12MIN 45SEC COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA COUNTRY OF FILMING: USA LANGUAGE: ENGLISH + AMERICAN SIGHN LANGUAGE SUBTITLES: ENGLISH ASPECT RATIO: 16:9 SOUND: 5.1 FILM COLOR: COLOR LOCATIONS: MAINE YEAR: 2025