Subsurface

In the eerie silence of a waking nightmare, Jared finds himself bound and alone, desperately seeking an escape from the depths of his own mind. “Subsurface,” a film born out of the intimate mental health journaling of writer Kyle Patrick, unfolds as a poignant exploration of mental health, described by Patrick as “a love letter to his mental health.”

The story of “Subsurface” didn’t emerge in isolation; it was meticulously crafted through collaboration with mental health professionals. Patrick and the creative team aimed to create a story that would resonate broadly while staying true to the authenticity and vulnerability of personal experiences. As Patrick puts it, “a balance between specificity and universality” became the guiding principle throughout the development process.

One of the highlights of the production, according to Kyle Patrick, was witnessing the set come to life. With over 1,169 gallons of water filling the space, combined with expert lighting, the team achieved the elusive effect of an endless expanse in real-time. Production designer William Boles played a crucial role in bringing the sketches to life, making the creation of the set a truly enthralling aspect of the filmmaking process.

“It really created that  endless expanse effect we were trying to emulate, even in real-time” said Patrick.

However, navigating the emotionally charged terrain of mental health posed significant challenges. “Subsurface” delicately addresses a universally familiar yet deeply personal topic. The team, aware of the potential impact on mental health awareness, consulted with mental health professionals to ensure the film contributed positively without perpetuating stigmatization.

Reflecting on the journey, Kyle Patrick admitted the difficulty of finding a balance but emphasized that this constant attention was what allowed the film to bloom. The experience, while not without its challenges, provided a unique perspective and knowledge that wouldn’t have been gained otherwise.

“In the end, the constant  attention to the balance between the personal and the universal is precisely what  allowed the film to bloom….oh and also the tornado that touched down a couple miles away, that gave us a  good scare!”

The project, driven primarily by love for the mental health community and a desire to explore artistic creation, unfolded as it needed to. In Patrick’s words, “it granted us new knowledge we never would have had, even in the mistakes, and that’s really the most we could have asked for from it.”

For aspiring filmmakers, Kyle Patrick offered valuable advice: “The hardest part of the process is starting.” Emphasizing the importance of commitment, he encouraged those interested in entering the production space to take that first step, acknowledging that everything else will follow more smoothly.