The Story

Logline: In the shadowy city of Stonelake, a young street performer known as "The Magician" uncovers a dark legacy at an ancient manor, forcing him to confront a past he can’t remember and powers he barely understands.

In the enigmatic city of Stonelake, where whispers of old curses blend with the hum of modern life, a young street performer known only as "the Magician" struggles to make a name for himself. With little more than his wits, a few sleight-of-hand tricks, and a mysterious power he barely understands, the Magician ekes out a living on the city’s streets, haunted by a past he can’t remember and a future that seems out of reach.

But Stonelake is a city steeped in secrets, and the Magician's life takes an unexpected turn when he tries to rescue a spirited young girl named Penny from the clutches of the city’s ruthless Crimelord. This act of courage sets off a chain of events that plunges the Magician into a world of danger and discovery, as he unravels the dark legacy of Parks Manor, a grand old castle on the edge of town shrouded in mystery and fear.

As the Magician delves deeper into the city’s hidden history, he crosses paths with Walter Parks, the wealthy and enigmatic owner of Parks Manor, and June Summers, a bold and inquisitive woman who challenges him to embrace his extraordinary abilities. With their help, the Magician begins to unlock the secrets of his past and the true extent of his magical powers, all while evading the sinister forces that seem intent on destroying him.

But the more the Magician uncovers, the deeper the mystery becomes. What is the connection between the ancient curse that haunts Parks Manor, the dark figure known as The Caretaker, and the strange symbol that has followed the Magician his entire life? And why does it all seem to point back to the nightmarish events that took place in the manor two decades ago?

As he is drawn further into the heart of the manor’s dark past, the Magician must confront his deepest fears and tap into powers he never knew he possessed. Along the way, he forges unexpected alliances, discovers the true meaning of family, and realizes that his destiny is far greater than he ever imagined.

The Telling Room is a thrilling adventure that blends mystery, magic, and a touch of the supernatural into an unforgettable tale. It’s a story about facing the darkness within, embracing the magic that makes us who we are, and the power of friendship and courage in the face of insurmountable odds. With its rich characters, twisty plot, and atmospheric setting, The Telling Room invites audiences to step into a world where the past and present collide, and where even the most unlikely hero can change the course of history.

PRODUCTION INTERVIEW

What inspired the character of The Magician?

Duncan: I needed someone who really stood out, so I took one trait—unyieldingness—and dialed it up. His arrogance stems from that, but deeper down, he's driven by a need to understand who he is and where he fits in. I wanted him to be a stark contrast to the other characters, which helped reveal both his strengths and weaknesses. As I developed him, his determination became the core of who he is.

How does the final film differ from your original script?

Duncan: It evolved quite a bit. We cut some scenes, added new ones after the final cut to clarify certain points, and some scenes ended up with different pacing. There’s a saying that you make a film three times: once in the script, once in production, and once in post. That’s definitely true here—it changed at each stage.

What was a typical day on set like?

Kristi-Lee: We started at dawn, usually hitting up three locations in one day. The day would kick off with Dean brewing coffee for the groggy crew while we set up. After rehearsals, we’d start shooting, with me running around making sure everyone was fed and on schedule. Duncan would push to get through each scene without losing his vision, despite the inevitable delays like lost props or power cuts. We had a lot of cast on set every day, creating a real sense of camaraderie. We’d wrap up late, often around 2 a.m., only to be up again by 5 or 6. It was exhausting, but I loved every minute.

What were the biggest challenges in bringing the story to life?

Duncan: The script required a pretty ambitious production. We had multiple locations, a large cast, a runtime of over two hours, and a mix of visible and invisible VFX, including a CGI creature. Every aspect was challenging, but I learned a ton from the process.

What would you do differently if you could shoot the film again?

Kristi-Lee: Looking back, we could have made things easier by tweaking the script. If we’d known how much work a 70s-set fantasy would be, we might have written something more convenient. But then we wouldn’t have had this epic, adventure-filled story. No regrets, but maybe I’d have hired a catering company instead of doing it ourselves!

Can you share any cool or memorable moments from the shoot?

Kristi-Lee: One of the coolest days was when we had 150 extras at Nesbitt Castle. They were all decked out in period costumes, some even arrived in vintage cars. It was amazing to see so many people excited to be part of the film.

How closely did you stick to the script during filming?

Duncan: We mostly stayed true to the script, but there were challenges. Sometimes a location didn’t match the vision, so we had to switch things up. Other times, the dialogue wasn’t working, and we had to improvise to make it feel right for the actors.

What were some of the production hurdles you faced?

Kristi-Lee: The period setting made finding locations a nightmare, especially for street and city scenes. We ended up using greenscreens, dressing up private property to look like public spaces, and employing every trick in the book to get the shots we needed. Making it all look cohesive despite the different locations and CGI was tough, but I’m happy with how it turned out.

Who was the most challenging character to cast?

Kristi-Lee: June was tough. We cast her twice before finding Kelly. Both previous actresses dropped out last minute due to personal reasons, and we were a week away from shooting with everything scheduled. It was stressful, but finding Kelly was a game-changer. She nailed it.

When did the idea for "The Telling Room" first hit you?

Duncan: It all started when I visited Nesbitt Castle for a wedding. The gothic interior and griffin statues were so inspiring. I thought, “This place would make an amazing setting for a story.” That idea grew into writing the screenplay and making the film.

What’s your favorite part of the filmmaking process?

Duncan: I love every part, but shooting is the most exhilarating. That’s where the key decisions are made under pressure, and it’s the most collaborative phase. It’s where everything comes together, and I find that incredibly energizing.