'Don't Fall From Grace,' filmed at The Whalehouse last year, is done. Here's what we know

Seth Chitwood, The Standard-Times
·4 min read

NEW BEDFORD -- After filming at The Whalehouse in October 2023, local filmmaker Carley Byers is set to enter her newest short film "Don't Fall From Grace" into the film festival circuit.

The suspenseful drama set in 1954, is about a young woman possessed by a mysterious entity, trapped in a sinister trance as her mother is desperate to release her.

"The screenplay came from a few places of inspiration. The first being my mom. She suffers from insomnia and takes medication to help her sleep. However, the side effects of the drugs make her sleepwalk," Byers said, a Freetown native.

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"When I started writing, I thought it would be more unnerving if the “monster” is someone you know and love. That idea brought me to the concept of possession."

Carol Cadby, left, as mother and Ariana Pérez, right, as Grace in 'Don't Fall From Grace.'
Carol Cadby, left, as mother and Ariana Pérez, right, as Grace in 'Don't Fall From Grace.'

Creating a film in New Bedford

The film explores a mother-daughter relationship with themes of possession and bodily autonomy. Byers said unlike more traditional possession films, she wanted the main character to show resistance and ultimately have to save herself through force of will.

"I had been reflecting on the recent events regarding women’s healthcare in the United States. I felt like I didn’t have control of the decision making around my body," Byers added.

Growing up, Byers said she always loved movies but I didn’t start thinking of them as a career until high school.

"I was a huge theater nerd. I loved collaborating with a community of people to create something as a team. Little did I know, that’s a film set," she said. "Around junior year, I started making music videos with my friends on a humble Flip Video."

That love blossomed into her applying to MassArt as a film/video major, where her passion for film production grew even more in school and by the time she graduated in 2021.

"There was no doubt in my mind I wanted to take the plunge and pursue film as my career," she said.

The making of 'Don't Fall From Grace'

Written, directed, and produced by Byers, "Don't Fall From Grace" will be her newest film since her award-winning disco dance musical short "After Closing," had success at film festivals both locally and internationally.

Ariana Pérez, left, who plays the role of Grace with Carley Byers, right, on the set of 'Don't Fall From Grace.'
Ariana Pérez, left, who plays the role of Grace with Carley Byers, right, on the set of 'Don't Fall From Grace.'

Filmed at The Whalehouse, a Victorian-style turned airbnb mansion in the historic district, the house itself becomes a character in the film. Once belonging to Herman Melville’s sister, Catherine Melville Hoadley, Byers said it was the perfect backdrop for this kind of film.

"We received immense support from the community," she said. "New Bedford has everything for film production: unique shooting locations, great hotels to lodge cast and crew, delicious restaurants for on-set catering, talented local actors, and so on."

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Byers and her cinematographer, Hunter Anderson, wanted The Whalehouse's grand and imposing vibe to have a menacing presence on screen. Byers said the blocking and camera movements were specifically designed to match the anatomy of the building, creating a sense of unease for the audience.

"Hunter Anderson and Camera Operator Nikki Skelly were intentional when establishing the camera’s choreography. Hunter often said she wanted the camera to feel rigid as if it were also attached to a puppet string," Byers said, adding that they used as Dana Dolly to accomplish stiff trucks and dramatic push in's.

Script supervisor/editor Peti Deer, left, with Carley Byers, right, on the set of 'Don't Fall From Grace.'
Script supervisor/editor Peti Deer, left, with Carley Byers, right, on the set of 'Don't Fall From Grace.'

"It took a few rehearsals with Ariana and Nikki to nail the timing. We wanted Grace [character] and the camera to feel in-sync, almost as if they were dancing together," Byers added.

Casting the film with two dynamic women

The film's lead actress Ariana Pérez, was cast even before the script was written. Byers said she had worked with her on a previous project and was inspired by her ability to portray emotional intensity.

"I saw she was a master at portraying roles with emotional intensity," she said. "The early casting process gave us ample time to define Grace’s voice through movement rather than dialogue."

The casting process for Grace's mother, played by Carol Cadby, also had a unique element. Due to the pandemic, auditions were conducted virtually, and Cadby's ability to convey empathy shined even through a laptop camera. Byers said she then brought her in for an in-person chemistry read with Pérez, and their instant connection added depth to their characters' mother-daughter relationship.

Carol Cadby as Mother in 'Don't Fall From Grace.'
Carol Cadby as Mother in 'Don't Fall From Grace.'

After a year-long production process, "Don't Fall From Grace" is completed and ready to begin the film festival circuit and share their creation with the world.

The film's themes and powerful performances by Pérez and Cadby are sure to resonate with audiences and leave them on the edge of their seats.

"We had a lengthy seven month post-production process," Byers added. "We’re eager to finally begin thefilm festival circuit and share "Don’t Fall From Grace" with everyone."

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: 'Don't Fall From Grace' short film shot in New Bedford ready to screen