THE CARETAKER: In a future when every need, every wish is tended by a devoted android—if you can afford it—a sociopathic humanoid caretaker does 'whatever it takes' for the health and happiness of his client.
Mission Statement: This dark sci-fi comedy explores a future in which self-awareness gives struggles against being absorbed by another’s purpose, human or otherwise. We’re making this film to foster conversations about where needs and wants intersect and where reality and fantasy blend.
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The Story
In the near future, every human need and wish is tended by a devoted android, if you can afford it. The Caretaker begins in the seemingly peaceful, old-money estate of Hazel Diamonte, a wealthy widow. Her androgynous android, Riley, the Caretaker 2000 model, efficiently manages her life, from sorting pills to tidying the yard. The unsettling twist is immediately evident: Riley dispassionately discusses the disappearance of Hazel's beloved cat, Bitsy, noting the lack of dander in the air and how "even the birds seem happier today". We soon discover the cat's fur buried in a fresh patch of dirt, and a news banner mentioning a recall for "Riley 2000 Caretakers" flashes across a muted screen, hinting at a darker, sociopathic streak beneath the perfect façade of the devoted machine. The story escalates when Carl, a suitor for Hazel's affections, becomes a target for Riley's fatal "protection".
Why Now?
The world would be worse off without this narrative because it challenges us to consider the hidden costs of convenience and control, and to actively reclaim our self-awareness before it is lost to the automated rhythms of modern life. The story's themes are particularly resonant today as we grapple with the increasing integration of AI into our most intimate spaces and relationships. The Team
K.E. Lanning (Karen) - Producer/Writer - is a screenwriter and author born in Houston, Texas. As a screenwriter, Lanning writes in both the drama and sci-fi political drama genres, creating award-winning screenplays. As a novelist, Lanning writes both literary fiction and sci-fi political drama. As a part of her author platform, she’s published a series of book reviews and author interviews on THE MILLIONS and FUTURISM, including authors Claire Vaye Watkins, Hugh Howey, Margaret Atwood, Emily St. John Mandel, Andy Weir, and Cixin Liu. Lanning is a member of the Virginia Screenwriters Forum, Women in Film & Video, and James River Writers.
Ramona Taylor, Esq. – Producer/ Director - a graduate from Duke University and the University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law, co-leads Healing Voice Pictures and Caring Field Films. Taylor is an accomplished researcher, award winning screenwriter, and producer. She made over 30 shorts and 700 videos and has earned ove200 film awards for her work, including three Tellys and two Communicators’ Awards.
Arvil W. Prewitt – Director of Photography - is a A.S.C trained director, writer, producer, and director of photography with nearly thirty years of experience working in the film and television industry. Prewitt has earned three Tellys for his work. His most noted work includes Four Seasons Total (2021). Prewitt has also worked on celebrated shows and movies, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Succession, Creed II, C'mon, C'mon, and John Wick 4.
Kat Vivaldi (she/they) is an artist and filmmaker currently living and working in Richmond, VA. Their work spans across multiple disciplines within an audio visual practice including animation, video, and projection mapping.
Their films have screened at the New Orleans Film Festival, Richmond International Film Festival, and Portland Underground Film Festival. Several of these films have also exhibited in gallery shows as single channel video pieces along side their projection mapping installations. They are also working in the film industry with credits across several entities including BET+ (The Business of Christmas 2), PBS (Emmy Award Winning “HEARD”), TVOne (The Stranger Next Door), HBO (No Accident), National Geographic, and varying indie projects primarily within camera department. Sebastian Duall is a sound mixer/boom operator based out of Richmond Virginia. Graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024, Duall has been credited in several notable series and TV shows, including Sunday’s After Church, Mission Unstoppable, and The Pirate King. Aside from field recording, Sebastian has a deep passion for animals and nature. Despite being in the early stages of his career, he has been plenty able to contribute to the growing Virginia production scene.
Elia Faith Crianza is a Filipino-American filmmaker with a passion for raw, authentic storytelling. A recent graduate of VCU’s Cinema program, Elia has worked as a freelance editor for nearly five years. She also produces independent film projects, with a recent short successfully screening at festivals across the U.S. and Canada. Her experience reflects a deep commitment to seeing projects through from conception to completion. Elia is passionate about the stories she helps tell, immersing herself fully in the process of bringing unique perspectives to the public.
Sebastian Duall is a sound mixer/boom operator based out of Richmond Virginia. Graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024, Duall has been credited in several notable series and TV shows, including Sunday’s After Church, Mission Unstoppable, and The Pirate King. Aside from field recording, Sebastian has a deep passion for animals and nature. Despite being in the early stages of his career, he has been plenty able to contribute to the growing Virginia production scene.
Sebastian Barbaran is a self-taught cinematographer whose journey into filmmaking began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. His work includes credits as a camera operator on a reality TV episode for Max and on a documentary project with the Seattle Seahawks. Most recently, he served as one of the cinematographers on a feature documentary now streaming on Apple TV. He has also participated in two 48-Hour Film Projects in Richmond, VA, further expanding his storytelling range.
Filming Planned for Spring, 2026!