By Crystal Harrell
Since 2001, the non-profit organization Palm Springs Women in Film & Television (PSWIFT) has strived to promote its members—both men and women—in the Entertainment, New Media and Creative arts community. PSWIFT is continuing its efforts to educate and bring more production work to the Coachella Valley with the completed filming of its latest short film project, “Perfect”.
The film follows two friends, as one of them encounters their ideal “dream man” while out to lunch. The story unfolds with situational comedy and witty banter punctuating the twists and turns that come with the pursuit of true love.
PSWIFT hosted its 2nd annual Short Script Competition in collaboration with Stage 32, which is a leading online film networking community. Over 100 talented writers submitted entries, and the PSWIFT team carefully selected the winning script based on several key criteria, including budget feasibility, suitable filming locations, and the overall appeal of the story. After thorough consideration, Katy Dore’s comedy, “Perfect,” was chosen for production.
The film was shot in the span of two days using two Panasonic S511X cameras and two different camera lenses: Canon 24mm-70mm and Sigma 70mm-200mm. Producer and Director of Photography Alan Gitlin started collaborating with Co-Directors Laurilie Jackson and Gina Kartsonis in early December to discuss the look of the film, and choreograph the actors for the scenes and the overall texture of the piece. Gitlin’s career includes work in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager, as well as Star Trek V. He also worked on the first Hi-Definition filmed mini-series for NBC entitled World War II:When Lions Roared and teaches cinematography at College of the Desert.
“In my thirty years of working in camera, seeing my work on the screen and how it entertains, communicates a message, or motivates an audience to respond is very rewarding. I have worked with many great cinematographers and learned the craft watching them work on sets… When I teach cinematography, the one item I explain to the students is that creativity evolves in everyone differently. This is formulated over the years, by upbringing, environment, or experiences, and when doing a project, you are only limited by your creativity,” shared Gitlin.
“Equipment is always the biggest challenge, especially when you’re trying to compete with big studio budgets. We were very fortunate to have access to adequately powered lights and professional actors and professional producers to help knock this production out of the park… I also find it inspirational to be on the Board of Directors [for PSWIFT]. When I was in film school, I would’ve loved to have a group like this to help guide me as a student. The knowledge they have and what they’re willing to share with our local college students is a rare thing and it makes me proud to be a part of it,” added Chief Lighting Technician Kent Kay.
“Perfect” was media professor and award-winning broadcast journalist Laurilie Jackson’s second PSWIFT project, and with her role as Co-Director, she welcomed the challenge of ensuring that the story came to life as the screenwriter intended while also adding a special creative vision. She enjoyed the process of connecting with like-minded creatives to help inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
“My favorite part of the filming process is seeing the vision come to life through the collaboration of the cast and crew. There’s something magical about watching a script transform into a visual experience, especially when the performances bring an emotional depth to the story. I can’t wait to see the final product. This has been an amazing experience,” shared Jackson.
Jackson joined Gina Kartsonis as her co-directing partner just before the casting process and the two worked extremely well together. Kartsonis recalls how their visions were very aligned throughout the entire process and they complemented each other well, bringing their own individual strengths and abilities to the partnership.
“Last year was my first year living in the desert and my first year with PSWIFT… I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to co-direct this short. ‘Perfect’ is a really fun project and the cast and crew were such a treat to work with. The story is a very funny and endearing rom-com, so the vibe and message is really positive. I found that being on set for this film was a great way to kick off a new year,” revealed Kartsonis.
There is a preliminary timeline for post-production, and if all goes according to plan, post-production of “Perfect” aims to be completed before the end of March.
“Given the importance of meeting key deadlines, we’re working on a tight production timeline to ensure the film enters post-production and is completed in time for the prestigious HollyShorts Film Festival in August. Additionally, we plan to submit the project to HollyShorts’ dedicated Comedy Festival as well as numerous other festivals across the country. The film will also premiere in New Jersey at the Garden State Film Festival 2026 and will be broadcast on ZPTV, a Roku channel,” revealed PSWIFT Co-Founder and President of Wonderstar Productions, Kim Waltrip.
Kim Waltrip’s PSWIFT Filmmakers Lab is educating women and men who are seeking skills and hands-on experience in various departments in the film and television business. The Filmmaker’s Lab is giving members the opportunity to get the experience needed to apply for jobs in the entertainment industry like Production Design, Props, Craft Services, and Costume Design, that help to build real world resume skills. Kim Waltrip’s Filmmakers Lab has produced four short films, a six-episode digital series, and has a scripted series in development.
PSWIFT is the 38th Chapter of Women in Film & Television International, reaching over 43 Chapters worldwide and over 10,000 members. To learn more about PSWIFT, visit www.pswift.org.
