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.
The Caretaker has wrapped!!
Now in post-production thanks to our supporters, cast and crew, and the beautiful Battersea Estate for making this happen!
The Caretaker Behind-the-Scenes Images:
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.
MAIN CREW:
Adam Lapallo - Assistant Director - Adam Lapallo is an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter from Richmond, VA. After graduating from VCUarts Cinema in 2017, Lapallo formed his production group, Wolfpack Films, now in its tenth short film production and starting its first feature in 2017. His last film, Untouchable, crowdfunded nearly $20,000 for its production budget and has screened around in the world in Sicily, Barcelona, Istanbul, Kolkata, Slovenia, Como, and Los Angeles. Lapallo is the Assistant Director of the Virginia Screenwriters Forum, a 35-year organization dedicated to elevating Virginia-based writers. When he's not making movies, he teaches competitive Saber fencing at Blue Ridge Fencing Center.
Randall R. Taylor, Jr. – Director of Photography - A graduate of William and Mary and American University, is a visual storyteller based in Richmond, VA, with a deep love for stories rooted in community, memory, and meaning. His work spans documentary film, narrative film, branded content, and educational media — often blending vérité footage, archival materials, and real, lived experience. With over 15 years in the field as a cinematographer, editor, director, and producer, Randall has contributed to Emmy-winning films and collaborated with PBS, VPM, Voice of America, Edutopia, Scholastic, National Geographic, and a wide circle of artists, educators, universities, and mission-driven teams. His work has taken him across the U.S. and abroad — including Kenya, France, Pakistan, and the U.K. — but his creative roots remain grounded in Richmond.
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.
MAIN CAST:
Jackie Goldberg-Jones as Hazel Diamonte
A seasoned wealthy, widowed, and hopelessly romantic woman living in an old-money Victorian mansion in 2075 . Easily distracted and very trusting of her caretaker android, Riley.
Hays Welford as Riley
An androgynous android of the Caretaker 2000 model who serves as Hazel's companion and financial manager. He is protective of Hazel and does whatever it takes to keep her happy.
Steve Hurwitz as Carl Mosby
Hazel’s new suitor, who loves Hazel for her personality and her money. He is jealous and dismissive of Riley.
Briian Dargon as Count Nikolai Arapov
A new Model 223 android obtained by and introduced by Riley to Hazel. He is her perfect man, elegant, graceful and indestructible.
David Geraci as David Diamonte
Hazel's “always too busy” son, who is suspicious of his mother’s caretaker.
Genise Wright as Mrs. Tate
Hazel’s irascible neighbor, who is the new president of the HOA and wants to press Hazel to get her property in compliance.
THE CARETAKER Seed & Spark Fundraising Video: