To Err

I have always been a huge sci-fi fan. Films like THX 1138, Soylent Green, and Fahrenheit 451 are able to address poignant social issues encapsulated in a futuristic narrative crafting the message as palatable for audiences that may consider the topic taboo. When I see modern filmmakers exploring the genre for this purpose I feel a sense of nostalgia for similar sci-fi classics. In a recent interview with Director/Writer/Producer Derek Romrell, the filmmaker delves into the origins, challenges, and triumphs of bringing the same nostalgic sci-fi drama “To Err,” to life.

Romrell reveals that the inspiration for “To Err” emerged from the depths of a forgotten college script. The story evolved from the concept of robots falling in love to an android’s yearning for a nostalgia it could never experience. The narrative centers around a post-apocalyptic robot, Adam, who falls in love with the idea of visiting the ocean based on a painting in his bunker.

“The more I re-read that old script, I wanted to steer away from the concept of falling in love with a person to falling in love with a concept. Stranger Things was in its prime, and I noticed how the world fell in love with the 80s, even though my generation down didn’t grow up in it. It was a vicarious nostalgia for a place we could never visit, in part, because that idealized version of the 80s didn’t exist,” said Romrell. 

The casting process involved a nationwide search. The selection of David Martinez (An Arrangement of Skin) as Adam and Cayla Berejikian as Lily was crucial. 

“What really won me over with Dave was his ability to shove his emotion under the surface, then slowly drain it out as though he was feeling it all for the first time. He’s someone who carries a performance really well without speaking, which was critical for the story.”

In Cayla’s audition tape, she gave off this muted, child-like satisfaction with the world – which was Lily’s perfect antithesis to Adam’s discontent. She provided a lovely emotional contrast while maintaining a base, robotic neutrality that crumbles as the film goes on.”

Romrell also highlights the stunning locations that played a vital role in the film’s visual narrative. While some locations were chosen for their vintage vibe in Salt Lake County, the ocean and cave scenes were a more elaborate affair. Romrell’s determination to capture the power of the Pacific led him to Tunnel Beach in Netarts, OR, adding a layer of authenticity to the film.

“I was ready to die on the hill of filming at the ocean. Some people suggested using the Great Salt Lake as a local budget option, but a desert lake doesn’t capture the sheer power that the Pacific does. I was also inspired by Eternal Sunshine’s snowy beach scenes, and loved the idea of making a depressingly murky, rocky coastline feel beautiful.”

When asked about his favorite part of making “To Err,” Romrell unequivocally points to the people involved. The collaborative spirit and dedication of the team, especially the associate producer team that raised funds on Kickstarter and Seed&Spark, made the filmmaking process enjoyable and rewarding.

However, Romrell doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges. The scale of “To Err” relative to other shorts posed logistical challenges with VFX, locations, and managing a large team. The filmmaker acknowledges that the project served as a personal film degree for many involved.

“The size of To Err relative to the other shorts I worked on was huge. We raised about $50K for it, which opened up some awesome opportunities for gear and talent, but introduced plenty of moving parts with VFX, location, and managing a large team. Scope creep was real on this project.”

Romrell emphasizes the impact of “To Err” on his filmmaking approach today. He has become more attentive to time and resource management, respecting the contributions of his team. The experience propelled him into the realm of feature films, with recent projects including the horror feature “Oubliette” starring Jon Heder and Mallory Everton, and the upcoming film “Memory Lane,” which he co-wrote.

“To Err taught me that there is no special sauce for great filmmaking. It’s a craft like any other that requires consistent effort and improvement over time.”

For those interested in Romrell’s future projects and insights, he invites audiences to connect with him on Instagram (@derek_vr_romrell), Facebook (Derek Romrell), and TikTok (@Derekromrell), where he provides free filmmaking instruction.

‘To Err’ stars David Martinez as Adam, Cayla Berejikian as Lily, Alexix Zollicoffer as Alter, Matisse Diaz as the Little Girl, and Brooke Burton as the Computer Voice. The short film is written, directed and produced by Derek Romrell working with fellow producers Karl Danielson, Courtney Falk, and Sam Sargeant.  The music is by Jordan Roper, cinematography by Joseph Kitchens, editing by Tyson Hunsaker, production design by Angela Watters and sound mixer J.R. Andrus. Hannah Williamswas the costumer working along side makeup artists Kelly Porterand Mandy Smith. For a full list of crew members please check out their IMDB

‘To Err’ is a beautiful painted tapestry of visuals, performance, sound and heart. As I wrap up this interview I am grateful to filmmakers like Romrell for working so hard to tell such a heartfelt story and I am excited to follow his doubtless successful filmmaking career. As for me, it’s time to hit the road yet again to find the next great story happening behind the screen. See you on set.