KEY CHANGE
Director’s Digital Look Book
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TEASER TRAILER (PROOF OF CONCEPT)
THE PREMISE
KEY CHANGE is an independent coming-of-age story that follows DHARINI, a talented but struggling music producer in L.A. preparing for the biggest showcase of his career. But on the most important week of his life, Dharini gets news that his estranged father has died suddenly and named him as the next-of-kin caretaker for his 12-year-old half-sister ISABELLA. There’s just one problem: Dharini never even knew she existed.
Thrust unexpectedly into the role of guardian, Dharini struggles to balance the mounting pressures of organizing a flawless career-defining showcase with learning to embrace his responsibilities caring for a grieving new sister he's just met. Dharini and Isabella forge an unlikely bond through their shared love of music, which helps them heal old wounds and navigate their rapidly changing lives. Set in LA's eclectic music scene, KEY CHANGE is a funny and poignant coming-of-age story about the power of forgiveness, family, and finding harmony in life's unpredictability.
SCREENPLAY ACCOLADES
We aimed to ensure our screenplay resonated well within the industry. To achieve this, we turned to The Black List, the premier platform renowned for spotlighting the most promising screenplays in the film industry.
KEY CHANGE has proudly been ranked in the top 4% out of over 10,000 submissions on The Black List, confirming its standout quality and appeal.
THE LOOK
Every frame of "Key Change" will be a carefully crafted blend of colors and cultures, with the visual design mirroring the characters' South Asian and Latino backgrounds.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Key Change’s set design will immerse the audience in Dharini and Isabella's world by incorporating red and yellow hues that reflect their cultural roots. Carefully selected artwork and decor will adorn the walls of their spaces, adding depth and authenticity to the story. These intentional design choices will create a rich, layered environment that mirrors the characters' emotional journeys.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Our cinematography will employ a mix of warm amber and cool sapphire lighting to create an intimate and engaging visual experience. This interplay of light and shadow will guide the audience through the story, whether it's the energy of a dance sequence or a quiet moment of introspection. Each shot will be thoughtfully composed to capture the essence of the scene and the emotions of the characters.
CATCHY & RELATABLE SONGS
The original songs in "Key Change" will reveal Dharini and Isabella's inner worlds. Blending South Asian and Latino influences, each track will highlight key moments in their journeys, connecting audiences to their experiences. These songs will express the characters' emotions beyond dialogue, becoming an essential part of their story.
Below is a demo produced by our collaborator, RIAA Gold Certified and Emmy-nominated songwriter Will Jay. Though just a demo with piano and voice, this track shows the emotional depth and melodic potential of the film's music, offering a glimpse into the soundtrack's ability to enhance the narrative.
MY PERSONAL CONNECTION
The story behind 'KEY CHANGE' is intimately tied to my life. Raised in a mixed single-mother household and being of both Latine and Asian heritage, I experienced a cultural blend similar to that of Dharini and Isabella. This unique upbringing provided a backdrop rich in diversity, directly influencing the narrative of our film.
Furthermore, Dharini’s story – dealing with an estranged father and discovering a half-sister later in life – is not just a narrative creation but a near-direct reflection of my own life, complete with its joys and complexities.
These plot points in KEY CHANGE are more than just fictional constructs; they're chapters from my life, embodying themes of forgiveness, music, and connection that mirror my personal journey — which is why KEY CHANGE is a film that I believe only I can direct.
Since 2007, my journey in filmmaking began with musical theater. I've been involved in both performing and directing stage musicals since 2010, sharpening my storytelling skills. This experience taught me to bring scripts to life and craft impactful narratives.
Later, at UCLA's School of Film & Television, I refined my screenwriting abilities. My screenplays have achieved notable success, placing highly in prestigious competitions like The Academy’s Nicholl Fellowship and The Austin Film Festival. I also secured a Musical Film Fellowship with The Black List.
My expansion into full-time photography and film directing in 2013 further broadened my storytelling abilities. Photography refined my visual acuity, enabling me to capture compelling stories in a single frame. Film directing translated these visual narratives into dynamic, moving stories.
Now, as I embark on directing KEY CHANGE, I bring a fusion of all my artistic experiences – a blend of musical theater direction, photography, and film-making. This rich tapestry of skills makes me not just prepared, but uniquely suited to direct this feature musical. This project is more than a professional milestone; it's a personal quest. I'm making 'KEY CHANGE' for my real-life Isabella, my half-sister, who is the heartbeat of this story.
Visuals I’ve made over the years
While KEY CHANGE marks my feature film debut, I've been directing and crafting visual narratives for over 15 years. Below is just a small sample of creative visuals I’ve made over the years.
