Awards

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Robinson Film Awards, February 2024

The narrative unfolds as a lone man embarks on a quest with an air of mystery, clutching an old wooden case as he navigates the edge of a dense forest. The scene is set with the sudden appearance of a majestic white owl, which transforms into a spectral female figure—the titular “Girl.” From this moment, an ethereal dance between reality and illusion begins.

What ensues is a series of enchanting sequences where the man and the Girl engage in a delicate dance of pursuit and evasion, set to the crackling tunes of an old vinyl record. As the man chases after her through the corridors of an exotic estate, the Girl remains just out of reach, her presence a tantalizing mirage that slips away with each step closer.

The cinematography in “The Girl Who Faded Away” is undeniably its crowning jewel, weaving together lush landscapes with dreamlike imagery to create a visually arresting experience. Each frame is meticulously crafted, evoking a sense of wonder and melancholy that mirrors the theme of unattainable love.

One of the music video’s greatest strengths lies in its originality, offering a refreshing departure from conventional narratives. The pacing is well-executed, allowing moments of quiet introspection to coexist harmoniously with bursts of kinetic energy.

In conclusion, “The Girl Who Faded Away” is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love’s transient nature, brought to life through stunning visuals and a captivating narrative.

Wolf Media Festival Interview, August 2024

Morgana Film Festival, March 2025

by Federica Alice Carlino

Some music videos transcend the typical confines of visuals and music. They become a living, breathing narrative, a full experience that captivates the heart and mind. The Girl Who Faded Away is one such work of art. More than a music video, it’s a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the musical legacy of Tom Guernsey, the genius behind the iconic band The Hangmen. This video reawakens a hidden gem of Guernsey’s career and delivers an emotional, cinematic exploration of love, memory, and the passage of time.

A Song Visually Brought to Life

While The Hangmen are often celebrated for their 1966 hit What a Girl Can’t Do, The Girl Who Faded Away takes a different approach, focusing on a lesser-known but equally profound B-side of their discography. This song, which had been tucked away in obscurity for decades, now emerges from the shadows in full, visual glory. The music video serves as a heartfelt ode to the song’s emotional depth and poetic charm.

This film would not have been possible without the dedication of George Daly, a former member of The Hangmen and a prominent figure in the music business. With an illustrious career that spans collaborations with music legends such as Janis Joplin, The Cars, and Santana, Daly is the driving force behind the revival of Guernsey’s music. His commitment to preserving Tom’s legacy and ensuring his story lives on is a key factor in bringing The Girl Who Faded Away to the screen. As executive producer, Daly’s stewardship ensures that the film carries the weight of authenticity, reverence, and emotional connection to the source material.

A Director’s Vision Rooted in Nostalgia

The visionary behind this project is a filmmaker whose passion for storytelling started at a young age. Armed with a Minolta Super 8mm camera and a Kodak Presstape splicer, the director’s filmmaking journey was always rooted in an intense desire to create moving images that evoke raw emotion. With each project, the goal has been clear: to elevate audiences through thoughtful, meaningful storytelling. The director’s previous collaborations with Tom Guernsey were personal, and this music video feels like a natural extension of that connection. It’s a way to honor Guernsey’s artistry and ensure his voice is heard by new generations.

The video is set against the stunning backdrop of a historic mansion in Portland, Oregon. Once the Lebanese consulate, the mansion is a relic of the past, a remnant of the Roaring Twenties. Its vintage aesthetic, complete with ornate details and timeless architecture, perfectly complements the film’s themes of nostalgia, love, and loss. It’s an atmospheric, dreamlike setting, a place where time feels suspended. The mansion serves not just as a location, but as a symbol of memory itself: a place that holds the echoes of a bygone era, much like the fading song at the heart of the narrative.

Mesmerizing Performances and Haunting Aesthetics

The performances in The Girl Who Faded Away are nothing short of mesmerizing. Theresa Hanson, a renowned dancer with deep ties to Portland’s burlesque scene, brings an ethereal quality to her portrayal of the mysterious Girl who fades away. Her movements are delicate, almost ghostlike, embodying the ephemeral nature of love and the fleeting nature of moments we long to hold onto. Hanson’s performance feels otherworldly, as though she is both part of the world and yet detached from it, existing between the realms of memory and reality.

Alongside Hanson, composer and musician Eric Schopmeyer, also known as DJ Powerless contributes to the video’s magnetic energy. Schopmeyer’s character, operating a hand-cranked phonograph, adds an element of whimsical charm, and his unique presence ties the film to an older era, further reinforcing the sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The chemistry between Hanson and Schopmeyer, though subtle, speaks volumes about the delicate balance between presence and absence in the story. Their connection feels transient and fragile, mirroring the themes of love’s impermanence that the song embodies.

Stunning Visual Effects by the director Brent Heise

One of the standout features of The Girl Who Faded Away is its visual effects, created by the talented Brent himself. These effects are not just a tool for storytelling but an integral part of the emotional landscape of the film. The dreamlike transitions and subtle distortions of reality transport the viewer into a world where time bends and memories take on a life of their own. Brent’s visual effects heighten the narrative’s emotional resonance, making every moment feel like a fleeting memory slipping through one’s fingers. Whether it’s the ethereal overlays or the surreal moments where time seems to stand still, these effects add a layer of depth and beauty to the already haunting visuals. The seamless blend of special effects and practical elements creates an atmosphere that feels both otherworldly and grounded in reality. These effects amplify the poignant story of love lost and the longing for something unattainable. Every frame is a work of art, composed with such care that the audience is left in awe of the breathtaking visuals long after the film ends.

A Timeless Legacy

At its core, The Girl Who Faded Away is a story of love, loss, and memory. It’s a love letter not just to Tom Guernsey’s music but to the art of storytelling itself. The video revitalizes Guernsey’s musical legacy, ensuring that his work continues to live on in the hearts of those who hear it. It’s a beautiful reminder that even the most forgotten songs hold profound meaning and can still inspire.

The film also offers a look at the larger legacy of the Portland music scene and the cultural history that defines the city. Through this video, the director has created a piece that is not just an homage to a musician but to a community and an era that shaped the music industry in ways that are often overlooked. The video also celebrates the history of the mansion in Portland, a place that holds a rich, storied past, and by filming there, the director gives this forgotten landmark a moment in the spotlight.

Ultimately, The Girl Who Faded Away is more than just a music video. It is a cinematic experience that weaves together love, memory, and nostalgia into something greater than the sum of its parts. With stunning visuals, captivating performances, and a deeply emotional story, it captures the essence of Tom Guernsey’s song in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. The video is a love story, yes, but it is also an exploration of the stories that shape us and the ways in which we carry them with us long after they fade away…

Crown Point International Film Festival, March 2024

by Kirk S. Fernwood

First, the Recap:

Might it be the pursuance or the involuntary yet somehow present evasion of loving companionship that often drives us into a place of personal upheaval and discontent? Our desire to be near someone else, to share in a mutually experienced depth of love and acceptance, is a driving force we possess as human beings, though even after possibly having finally gained it, why does it seem that it can be SO hard to truly HOLD onto it, much less FIND it again? A solitary man (Eric Schopmeyer) wanders into the woods, an old record-player case in hand, clear intent initially unknown. But, even as his plan is revealed, the warnings about what he seeks and the outcome it might bring rear up in front of him. Undeterred, his journey involving a spectral woman (Theresa Hanson) ensues–but to what conclusion?

Next, my Mind:

I have to begin by stating that, at least for this critic, there’s still remains a definitive separation between what one would consider an actual music video vs. a short film that happens to FEATURE music as its primary narrative focal element paired with accompanying imagery. So when it comes to this 6-minute indie effort from director Brent Heise and executive producer George W. Daly, I am fully classifying it as the latter of those two arenas, even in spite of seeing several instances where the project IS being received, awarded, and construed AS the former. What stands out for me  though, regardless of which way other viewers might choose to interpret it, is that the medium of short film continues to embody the unique stylings, artistic paths, and grander creative flow that independent filmmakers endeavor to bring about in order to rise above typical mainstream fare and offer a showcasing of the raw passion and bold drive to take what has been done before and make it fresh. I’ve said this a lot over the years, but honestly, it simply remains a true declaration of artists not being hesitant in just AIMING to be more original in SOME fashion at least.

With this film we’re given a narrative centered on a lone man venturing into the woods and the subsequent journey he takes with a ghostly woman he appears to be pursuing but always just missing all while immersed in the strains of a 1960’s song that carries the film’s namesake which very purposefully heralds back to those older days while the film likewise carries that same tone and feel, at times even to the extent of scattered black & white, mildly shadow-filled, noir-esque leanings and atmosphere. An aura of sheer nostalgia (or perhaps just purely fantastical, imaginative, in-one’s-own-mind conjecture) is experienced due to this format, a time jump that transports you to that yesteryear arena, as we’re briskly whisked away by a tale of longing, loneliness, love’s hopes and hurts, the elusiveness of what we strive for, and the dangers of opening one’s heart to it all when no absolutes or guarantees we will GAIN that which we yearn and seek after exist.

Additionally, and again with a distinct combo of portraits from past and present, the film delves into thematic explorations like the risks we take and/or the lengths we will go to to experience connection, to embrace what we desire or want for, the fleeting nature of beauty, how we can becomes caged and held captive by our emotions, asking whether we CAN actually find contentment when alone, holding to a positive outlook towards the future as such, and tirelessly chasing what remains seemingly forever just out of reach or unobtainable, and the acceptance of this which can be either cathartic or heartbreaking for all involved. It’s really a narrative that maintains an air of desperation and sadness, yet not to the measure of being some exercise in hopelessness or depression, but rather just a picture of the reality that solitude and absence of having a counterpart in life can elicit, much less what is left behind when that pursuit of it ceases. There is a tangible power in the utilization of only visuals and music here, driving events shown home with intentionality and emotive force, and I love when a film can successfully accomplish this sans dialogue.

In writing about similar executions as is demonstrated here narrative and visual-wise, I’ve always been impressed when actors can winningly depict all the necessary levels of emotional engagement with their character and the given story via body language and facial expression primarily (or here, exclusively) and do so with enough effectiveness to keep our attention to what’s unfolding in front of our eyes. I first feel that Schopmeyer displays this exact technique to the apropos extent that IS needed for his character portrayed, known simply as “Man”, a somewhat lost soul who is taking time to discover the depths of his current personal isolation via a trip into the forest to sort out what he’s feeling. As he does, there are initial signs that appear through the form of an owl (which then morphs into the main female apparition) that could spell a warning not to venture farther into his quest. But, as he chooses to continue, it then turns into the point of no return in facing what he so deeply wants, but cannot actually possess, having to come to terms with where in life he is and acknowledge it to hopefully encounter inward peace.

It’s a study in subtlety, understated but still filled with enough palpable resonance to allow us as the viewer to understand the Man’s plight, and Schopmeyer does a very adept job at manifesting these highs and lows of the Man’s adventures throughout. Then we have a truly ethereal presence that serves as both cautionary omen and catalyst for individual revelation and awareness for the Man, which is made real by the gorgeous Hanson as the Apparition, a phantom of alluring yet haunting manner who becomes the target of the Man’s ongoing attempts to capture the love and companionship he’s eager to acquire but yet consistently remains one step ahead of him at all times, an evasive entity that is both playful but somehow deceptive as well, as if knowing what the Man wishes to achieve for his life, sympathizing with him, yet also showing that sometimes, as another classic old song advises, you can’t always get what you want. I very much adored just how impactful Hanson makes the Apparition, an otherworldly siren who might just ultimately have its own sense of loss when the tale comes to a close.

It’s again an exhibition of muted intensity and purpose in how Hanson imbues the Apparition with relatable qualities as well as ones that would say “go no further”. Plus, the actress’ ability to embody an image of flirtatious infatuation as well as untouchable passion is admirably accomplished here through her performance. And so, in total, “The Girl Who Faded Away” is a lesson in seclusion, detachment, and unanswered need for love coupled with the drive, determination, and dogged endeavors to see it become part of our life again if at all possible. Even when this may NOT end up as a goal achieved, we can also be taught that this ISN’T the end of ourselves or our happiness, as it still might be coming to us in a form different than what we would anticipate, taking a little more time to be clearly seen, but worth it when it does arrive.

As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!

Elegant International Film Festival Press Release, August 2024

The visuals are extraordinary with every sequence that looks like a dream. The aesthetics of every scene are great. The cinematography by Bill Ward is one of the highlights of the video. He wonderfully balances the lush greenery with the dreamlike sequences. The editing of the film is also great with some cuts done amazingly. The actors have also done a delicious job of portraying their characters. Theresa Hanson nails in the character of the beautiful and mystical woman. 

The main protagonist of the video is the music performed by Joe Triplett, Tom Guernsey, Mike Griffin and Bob Berberich. The song is very ear soothing and goes perfect with the dreamscape visuals. 

Milano Indie Movie Awards, March 2024

“Imaginative! It’s like a little Industrial Symphony n°X.”

Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival, March 2024

“The Girl Who Faded Away,” a music video helmed by Brent Heise, presents a spellbinding narrative steeped in mysticism and longing. Against the backdrop of dense woodlands and an enigmatic estate, the tale unfolds with haunting elegance as a man embarks on a quest for love, guided by the spectral presence of a captivating apparition.

The storyline progresses with lyrical finesse as the protagonist engages in a delicate dance with the elusive Girl, only to witness her ethereal form slip away, leaving him to traverse a desolate path into the unknown. The director’s meticulous attention to detail and mastery of ambiance imbue the visuals with a dreamlike quality that ensnares viewers from the outset.

Complementing the visual feast is the evocative musical score composed by Eric Schopmeyer, which serves as a poignant accompaniment to the unfolding narrative, amplifying the emotional resonance of each scene. The judicious use of light, meticulously chosen locations, and a rich palette of colors further elevate the viewing experience, enveloping the audience in a world of enchantment and intrigue.

While the video exhibits remarkable craftsmanship across various fronts, occasional technical hiccups such as digital zoom and stabilization quirks may momentarily detract from the immersion. Nevertheless, these minor blemishes pale in comparison to the overall ingenuity and artistry demonstrated by the director and his team.

In summation, “The Girl Who Faded Away” stands as a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of its creators, who have woven a tapestry of visual poetry that resonates deeply with audiences. It’s a music video that transcends mere entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who behold its mesmerizing beauty.

Filmmaker Mixer Review for Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation and Technology

The Girl Who Faded Away was one of the Official Selections from the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology’s 2024 festival that accepted the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast offer to review their work. It is a live action short film that adapts the lyrics to a song of the same name into film. It perfectly conveys the emotions that the lyrics intended to evoke through its visual language. The choice of location was amazing; the forest and the mansion and the green bathroom are all just stunning. I really liked the costume choices for the girl, such as how she wore all white to look pure and out of this world, and how special effects were used at times to make it appear as though she was glowing. The white shawl she wore around her body that flowed in the air as she ran was a particularly effective choice in my opinion, as it furthers that feeling of her constantly fading away and coming back again by bringing her a flighty quality.

-Madelyn, Filmmaker Mixer Correspondent

San Diego Short Film Festival Review

I had never heard the song “The Girl Who Faded Away,” but Brent Heise’s music video – after a brief interlude in a mysterious wood, with a mysterious woman (Theresa Hanson) and a man (Eric Schopmeyer) with a mysterious box – instantly transported me to the 60s in some completely unexpected ways.

Musically, obviously, although that wasn’t obvious immediately as I’d never heard the song, by The Hangmen, from 1965 before. Audibly, with vinyl-evoking hisses, pops and clipping that I hadn’t experienced since my first Compact Disc player in the late 1980s. And haberdasher-ly, with Schopmeyer’s prominent trilby and smart suit.

Well, I had a dream last night, the song begins. And you seemed ever so near.
Hanson embodies the dream, with impossible movement and ghostly demeanor. Schopmeyer chases her through a mansion but she remains out of reach.
You’ll never come back to me, I guess. But my dreams keep telling me lies.
Searching from room to room, he catches glimpses but never gets closer.
My love for you is so real. But you’ll never know the way that I feel.
When they finally touch, he’s jolted back into the “real” world of the woods. He wills himself back to the mansion. He finds her and they dance – but it can’t last.
Well, the night is day and you’re the girl who faded away.

Everything about this production is impeccable – the special effects range from subtle to jarring but always fit the tone and mood. The sound, as I mentioned, is hauntingly evocative. (Although, given the digital age we live in, I initially thought there was something wrong with my speakers when I heard the
pseudo-analog music.) The editing is in lock step with the music, as one would hope for a music video, letting The Hangmen drive the narrative. And it is gorgeously lit, both in real sun and digital God-rays, with Heise and DOP Bill Ward unafraid to let shadows grab the attention from time to time.
As happy as I was to be entertained by the visuals, I have to legitimately thank Heise for introducing me to this song.

Executive Producer, Director, Cast and Crew Interview with Morgana Film Festival

The Girl Who Faded Away, a music video with a heartfelt Tribute

Federica Alice Carlino

Mar 1812 min read

Updated: Mar 21

The music video won Best Music Video, Best Original Score and Best VFX in our 2025 Winter Season.

We have the cast and crew of the music video, let’s start with Brent Heise the director.

Q: Brent, The Girl Who Faded Away is such a visually and emotionally rich piece. Can you tell us what inspired this story?

TGWFA is inspired by the song of the same name. It is the culmination of a promise made to a friend, and newfound collaboration with his former bandmate. Tom Guernsey, with whom I worked until his untimely passing in 2012, was a highly talented songwriter and guitarist. Back in 1965, his band’s single titled “What a Girl Can’t Do,” topped the radio charts in the Washington D.C. market. The lesser known but highly enigmatic B-side, “The Girl Who Faded Away” inspired me to fulfill my commitment to honor his legacy. That is when Executive Producer George Daly stepped in to help. Knowing the hardships that Tom’s widow Adrienne faces and being an ally of Tom’s family, George co-wrote the story and worked alongside me to make a film worthy of its musical counterpart.

Q: Brent, what was the most challenging scene to direct, and why? How did you overcome those challenges?

The scene involving Theresa and Eric narrowly missing each other in a failed embrace on the staircase proved challenging. And we all had a learning experience. The actors appeared

together at first, with Theresa seductively descending and Eric waiting for her at the base of the stairs. Both of them then performed the full scenario by themselves. In order to compress the timing, several takes are blended in a series of dissolves and camera angles to heighten his anticipation and disappointment in losing her. I believe that we made a scene that resonates as their near miss happens during the song’s lyric “I dreamt that I was holding you tight.”

Q: The visual transformation of the owl into the Girl is quite striking. What was the significance behind this change? And what was the approach with special effects?

I wanted to give the “Girl” Apparition a parallel incarnation in the woods. The owl reflects her captivity in the “birdcage” of the Man’s imagination. Even as she cautions him not to go “back” to her, he travels to a space where he can interact with her. At first she follows him curiously in her mythological owl form. She then becomes The Girl, and subsequently vanishes. As the owl’s caterwauls transition to a human voice, we understand that she is a flight of fancy in either incarnation. The special effects involve rotoscoping and a simulated rack focus. I masked out the owl, Theresa as the “Girl” and a blackberry branch. As one element segues to the next in quick light bursts, the camera defocuses on her smoky aftermath and focuses on the foreground branch. There is foreshadowing as the branch becomes the new focal point. The branch’s white petals against the green foliage backdrop correlate to her seated in an white gown in a green tiled powder room later on.

Q: George Daly, as the Executive Producer, what drew you to this project?

This independent project was something that literally came from a part of my own

history, my long-ago past as a musician and the link I had to a songwriter who was a

bandmate and friend back then. It would have been remarkable for me if I had stepped aside when Brent was introduced to me by my bandmate Tom’s widow. I could feel it immediately when meeting Brent; my arrival seemed to be the third leg of a stool,

necessary and equal to Brent’s great skills and dear friend Adrienne’s great past with Tom her lifelong husband and the songwriter of The Girl Who Faded Away.

Q: George, what challenges did you face during the production process, and how did you

overcome them?

I have directed, co-directed, written and produced films. Meeting Brent, my co-writer, I could see and feel his drive, a true director’s drive, to put the song on the screen in both a mythical yet dramatically evocative way. This was a framing I completely agreed with.We were always able to find a path forward that we both could believe in. I worked with him on the story, and I worked with him particularly on the choice of the Girl. Several were looked at. He brought Theresa and I was wowed. He brought Eric and I had zero

resistance. Brent knew, and I knew he knew. Vetting elements of a project like this

turned into a friendship; one with friendly exchanges that always ended up making art

for the better. So, challenges? More like inspirations. But, as any true producer knows,

it’s beyond the story and ensemble acting where producers work on uncharted territory.

In this case, I felt strongly that we would have months of historical research and

paperwork maneuvering to get Tom’s widow back in control of the title song. And, many

months and two consultants later, she had the tune. A great victory for Adrienne, and

what made the film possible. Pure producer’s back-office work overcame what might

have killed this production.

Q: As the Executive Producer, how did you collaborate with the director and the creative team to bring this vision to life?

Continual discussion and fine tuning are the thrust, the meaning of the story. As an

example without going into details, I felt strongly that at the end of the show, the movie,

the Girl needed to become, if only for a moment, no longer just an apparition, but a flesh

and blood woman who was actually suffering from the finality of her behavior with Eric,

the Man. Sure he was being rebuffed by her, but, I felt in doing so, she had changed

herself, and, how to show that? After long discussions, Brent and I resolved it with

Brent’s masterful cinematographic story-telling skills. So our collaboration ranged from

the highest level of “The Story” to the lowest level of pixels on a screen. And, once we

were happy we shared the same belief, he did all the work. Literally. He was wonderful to

work with, having that openness to inquiry and advice along with a massive creative

drive. And all this with a deep skill set to implement, which he always did, beautifully.

Q: Theresa, playing the Apparition must have been a unique experience. How did you approach this ethereal, otherworldly character?

I have had many dance roles in my career that have required much of the same qualities, so I relied pretty heavily on my dance experience. I especially like to really detail my hands as much as possible to create a sort of graceful floating effect. For this story in particular I think I really tried to understand what we were trying to achieve with each shot and understand the effect the director wanted to create and use that to inform my character choices and movements.

Q: Eric, your character, the Man, goes on quite a journey both physically and emotionally. What was it like to bring this role to life?

Well, although I have a tiny bit of acting experience, I wouldn’t call myself an actor by any means. So I felt really honored that Brent brought me onto the project. He had a really clear vision of what he wanted so my challenge was actually to try not to “act” so much as just to try to embody that vision by being myself and making my own personal connections to the emotional arc of the story. I’m a musician so it felt natural to tell this story through music and images alone. We didn’t have to speak. Everything had to be conveyed through gesture and expression. It was like being a silent film actor—or, if I had any grace, a dancer. This two-character romance really plays like a dance throughout the whole space of the mansion even before we get to the ballroom. Luckily Theresa’s natural grace and deep dance background

was more than enough to carry that whole element of the project. The song itself sets such a strong mood too. I really like it. Purely coincidentally, the band was

from Rockville, MD which is very near where I grew up. I actually worked at a record store in Rockville as a teenager. My parents grew up there too so I’m sure they heard the Hangmen on the radio when they were teens. That added a level of connection for me too. Brent did such a good job of bringing all the right elements in to set the mood of the piece. It really made my job easy. Spending a long day in the eerie environment of that old abandoned mansion listening to this haunting song and interacting with Theresa’s genuinely spectral presence, it was easy to get into a sort of dream-like state. So it was less like acting and more like reacting to all these elements.

Q: Bill, as the Director of Photography, what challenges did you face in bringing this mystical, ethereal story to the screen?

There were a couple of major challenges. We had to create an unworldly, “now she’s there, now she isn’t” look across many different locations and set ups. However, the historic mansion location was being renovated, which meant there were all sorts of bogeys lurking in the background like scaffolding and tools and boxes. Even worse, on the main grand staircase the wooden railing was completely covered in bright blue protective padding!

I decided to go with a lot of “plates” where we took long lock off shots of an empty section, then let the actress move in and out of the space where she could be translucently blended into the plated image. This worked really well in the hallway peek-a-boo sequence, for instance. For the staircase, fairly similar: pick a variety of matching shots, lock them off, and then let Director Brent Heise work his movie magic as he effects edited the film in post. You’d never know how rough the staircase looked in the raw video. Pretty amazing skill! The gaffer and I tried hard to light the actress and her billowy white gown as softly as possible when she was in apparition mode, which made it easier to ghost her in and out of reality. Once she and the main character had their real time dance encounter, then it was a harder edged “spotlight” look to bring her more sharply to life and bump up the dramatic feel of attainment and then loss. One of my favorite shots was totally serendipitous. As we were under a porch overhang waiting out the afternoon rain to shoot the garden levitation sequence (hello…Oregon), a shaft of sunlight suddenly popped out and backlit the actress through the gently falling mist. I had her take two steps back into the light and gaze sorrowfully into the camera. The sunlight lasted less than 30seconds and then it was gone. That’s the kind of unplanned lagniappe that keeps you energized on a long shoot day.

Q: The music in The Girl Who Faded Away is incredibly integral to the story. How did the song come to be a part of the project?

The song’s lyrics and classy, British invasion aesthetics inspired the visuals and storyline. The Man is smartly dressed in his imagination, and pursues a femme fatale of his own making in several extravagant settings. Similarly, songwriters Tom Guernsey and Joe Triplett were inspired by The Zombies, donning fake British accents over the phone in trial runs for Joe’s vocals. Tom’s widow Adrienne along with Tom’s former bandmate George Daly both encouraged and supported the effort to bring the song to the widest audience possible.

Q: Brent, what do you hope audiences take away from The Girl Who Faded Away?

It’s a romance with a sense of chivalry and a twist at the end. Broadly speaking, one of the most compelling conflicts to unpack is a person grappling with their past, a character who falls prey to their weaknesses despite the cautionary signs. Beneath the beautiful surfaces of the film, I would like audiences to know of the song’s captivating power to wrench the heart and to stir the soul. The ending suddenly shifts from the male to the female perspective, and this flourish is courtesy of co-writer George Daly.

Q: Brent, what are you most proud of in bringing The Girl Who Faded Away to life?

I kept the vow that I made to Tom. I told him that I would continue to share his music and hisstory. He gave me a thumbs up as he was close to passing on from this life. There is a sense of fulfillment in giving Tom more of something that he wanted but could not fully accomplish in his lifetime.

Q: The film leaves us with a bittersweet feeling. Was there a message you were hoping to convey through that sense of longing and loss?

The film’s log line is a variation of a quote from a pastor friend. “The search for love happens in a place where angels fear to tread” connotes that even in our noblest effort to find a significant other, it is a perilous journey.

Q: What was the most rewarding part of directing The Girl Who Faded Away? What moment in the production are you most proud of?

I am most satisfied to know that I collaborated with great people on this project in particular. I took certain creative risks which paid off, but I had the good faith and support of my wife Elzbieta no matter the outcome. And George Daly, adding to his story career as a music industry icon, collaborated wholeheartedly. Just working with him alone was a big win. DOP Bill Ward is a steadfast friend who provided incredible shots, creating a majestic undergirding. The cast and the crew made this a project that has resulted in over 108 festival awards so far.

Q: Final thoughts from each of you, what do you want audiences to remember most about The Girl Who Faded Away?

George Daly:

For myself, I know what I want the audience to remember, and it’s the beauty of the story on-screen, and the even more wonderful back story behind it. The truth behind this film is as fascinating as the seamless short film itself. And, what an authentic back story. Tom and I were in a band, a band we put together when we were young, when we worked, played, got famous back East, many decades ago. Yet here’s this song, his song, not being lost down the dark corridors of the long-ago past, but here, right now, being heard globally. And, why? After his surviving widow (who actually gave me the last physical copy of the song The Girl Who Faded Away only two years ago) asked me to meet Brent.

After all, of my own life’s successes in my years in music, where, in general it’s only the hits that matter, this film delivered more of a joyful outcome to me than any I could have imagined.. I want the audience to learn and remember that things only Fade Away if you let them. Friendship, music, youth, remembrance of it all, it’s precious stuff and it’s the stuff this film is made of. And I think that’s a miracle the world recognizes and will continue to recognize. So, my answer is, I want the audience to know the true story of The Girl Who Faded Away. And, that is nothing really fades away if it’s made out of joy and love, as this short film certainly was and is. And, yes, there’s more to the story. As a producer, I see a feature length. Only time will reveal to us the best way to share this tale further with the world in the same living and authentic way The Girl Who Faded Away shares it: as a beautiful next step towards never fading away.

Theresa Hanson:

I would like audiences to come away feeling rather than thinking – I hope they remember a deep sense of wistfulness and yearning with a touch of magic and beauty.

Bill Ward:

I’ll let Brent do the heavy lifting here. My main takeaway is that guys who wander the

woods with vintage turntables are probably prone to hallucinate a fair bit…and that’s perfectly OK.

Eric Schopmeyer: The music. Hopefully the film fulfills its intention and makes more people

connect with this relatively unknown song and fosters some renewed interest in the Hangmen as a band.

Brent Heise:

Thank you for giving our team a platform to celebrate and to continue to make this dreamy inspiration into a reality.

Q: What’s your take on AI, especially involved in the industry?

It is simultaneously a wonder and a threat to the livelihoods of traditional artists. I believe in bringing others along for the ride when the times change, and I appreciate others who would do likewise.

We want to thank you for your submission this year as you helped with the recovery from the Californian fires.

Brent Heise: Morgana Film Festival has shown incredible generosity in donating to the cause of restoring California’s wildfire damaged areas and, from all of us on The Girl Who Faded Away Production, thank you!

Your help is important for this cause that is very close to our heart.

Watch the trailer here:

Follow Brent o INSTAGRAM

THE GIRL WHO FADED AWAY INSTAGRAM

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The team behind The Girl Who Faded Away crafted exceptional graphics to announce their well-deserved victories on social media. With these graphics, it’s clear that their award for Best VFX was earned. The creativity and precision behind their visuals are evident, especially with the inclusion of our Morgana Film Festival logo. This recognition truly reflects the artistry and dedication that went into creating such stunning effects. Congratulations to the entire team on earning this well-deserved award!

The work done by the VFX team not only enhances the storytelling but also elevates the overall visual experience of the film. It’s a perfect example of how cutting-edge technology and artistic vision can come together to create something truly impactful. The success of The Girl Who Faded Away serves as an inspiration to all filmmakers, showing the importance of pushing boundaries and delivering excellence in every aspect of production.

Director Brent Heise Interview with Author Bruce Rosenstein

Director Brent Heise Interview with Wild Filmmaker

IMDb

The Girl Who Faded Away on IMDb

Short Movie Database

The Girl Who Faded Away on Short Movie Data Base