Short Film Director & Production in Los Angeles
ILLM is a Los Angeles–based short film director and production company specializing in cinematic, festival-level storytelling. What often begins as a demo reel collaboration evolves into fully realized short films, developed, directed, and produced by our in-house crew from script through final delivery.
From Demo Reel Collaborations to Short Films
Many short films featured here began through creative partnerships formed during demo reel production. Actors we worked with on reel scenes discovered shared artistic vision with our filmmakers, leading to original short film projects created for festival, industry showcase, and storytelling platforms.
Festival Screenings & Recognized Work
Our short films have been showcased at film festivals and industry events, highlighting the creative potential that emerges from collaborative filmmaking. These screenings reflect our commitment to cinematic quality and storytelling excellence.
Why Short Films Matter for Actors
Short films provide actors with extended narrative context, deeper character work, and shareable content beyond traditional demo reel clips. Casting directors, agents, and industry professionals often respond to strong narrative performance showcased through short film work.
Short Films Directed, Produced & Edited by ILLM
Like an Investment
A web-series comedy. An intern psychotherapist with imposter syndrome, who struggles with professionalism, feeling like an intellectual phony, and finding ways of coping with it.
Director: Jason Gullifer (ILLM), JJ Onyx
Writer: Janice Constance, Sarah Graceson
Stars: Janice Constance, Matthew Kenneth
LAShorts Festival (2024)
The Decipio
After years of working undercover, Agent Victor O'Connor becomes unhinged as he discovers things aren't exactly as they seem.
Director: Jason Gullifer (ILLM)
Writer: Deon Williams
Stars: Alexander Klebanoff, Deon Williams, Sandy Molling
Marina Del Rey Film Festival (2021), WorldFest Houstin, L.A. Indies Awards, IndieFEST Film Awards, Festigious International Film Festival, London Independent Film Awards, Berlin Flash Film Festival, Vegas Movie Awards
Cappello
Follow the journey of a righteous hat after it's stolen from its owner. But, 'crisis is opportunity' and the hat brings joy to everyone it comes in contact with. However, at the end of the day, there's no place like home.
Director: Jason Gullifer (ILLM)
Writer: Jeremy Gerke, Lewis Menga, Mike Pfaff
Stars: Bobby Reed, Mike Pfaff, Valerie Hinkle
48 Hour Film Festival (2012)
The Electro-Rocker
Because of a rare freak electrical accident, an outcast teenager finds a strange new friend -- an '80s-style heavy metal rocker made of electricity who follows him around singing inspiring songs.
Director: Chris Edgar
Writer: Chris Edgar
Editorial Services: Jason Gullifer (ILLM)
Stars: Emily Augello, Sasha Capps, Kit DeZolt
HollyShorts (2024), Dances With Wolves, DWF NY Film Festival, NoHo CineFest (2023)
Power Day
In a post-nuclear apocalypse world in which the government confines people to their homes and rations electrical power, a teenage girl must choose whether to defy the authorities to save her ailing mother.
Director: Chris Edgar
Writer: Chris Edgar
Editorial Services: Jason Gullifer (ILLM)
Stars: Daniela Azuaje, Katie Barberi, Luka Bayani
The Other Venice Film Festival (2023), International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival
Film Festival Premieres, Red Carpets & Behind-the-Scenes Production
From red carpet premieres to on-set production stills, these images highlight the range of short films directed and produced by ILLM in Los Angeles. Our work spans narrative storytelling, actor-driven collaborations, and festival-recognized projects developed from concept through final cut. Each production reflects our commitment to cinematic quality, professional crews, and performances built to stand up on the festival circuit.
Official Film Festival Selections & Award Recognition
Our short films have been officially selected for multiple film festivals and have earned award nominations for performance and storytelling. These festival laurels represent industry recognition of the cinematic direction, production quality, and collaborative performances developed through ILLM’s filmmaking process in Los Angeles. Each project reflects our commitment to crafting narrative work that resonates with audiences and stands out on the festival circuit.
Want to Collaborate on a Short Film?
If you’re an actor interested in moving beyond demo reel scenes and developing original short film work, let’s talk. We’d love to explore creative concepts and bring your story to life.
Los Angeles, California
Serving actors throughout LA and surrounding areas
818-452-3270
