Making of ‘Desert Sky’ in the Heart of the Desert

In the midst of the global chaos caused by the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, filmmaker David Hartstone found solace and inspiration in the confines of a small room. As uncertainty loomed, a yearning for escapism and the rediscovery of the enchantment within family bonds and love emerged. This spark of creativity led to the birth of the fantastical world of “Desert Sky,” a short film caught in the crossfire between magic and technology.

Hartstone shared that the idea for “Desert Sky” blossomed from his personal reflections during the pandemic. Transitioning from a cramped 250 sq/ft apartment to the vastness of a 250 sq mile shooting location served as the perfect catalyst to breathe life into a realm of pure imagination. Fueled by ambition, genuine friendships, and a touch of madness, the narrative emerged, offering an escape from the grim realities of the time.

The heart of the desert, devoid of signs of civilization for miles, became the backdrop for the film’s production. Hartstone expressed awe at the level of teamwork, camaraderie, and impromptu decision-making required in such an environment. The dedication of the cast and crew, going above and beyond to contribute to something greater, left an indelible mark on the filmmaker. The experience showcased the grit, determination, creativity, and excellence demanded by the filmmaking process.

The most formidable challenge faced during the production of “Desert Sky” was the unpredictable and potentially deadly elements of the desert.

“No one took that responsibility lightly, nor could we afford to. I’ll never forget setting up for a scene at the base of a mountain on day one of filming, when a sudden torrential wind storm moved in with zero warning. The 50+ MPH gusts quite literally bent the metal of our 15 ft scrims right in half. That’s when we knew Mother Nature was going to be more than a supporting cast member on this film, and she was going to be a diva.”

Reflecting on the journey, Hartstone acknowledged the learning curve and challenges faced as a burgeoning artist. The ambitious project involved elements he had never tackled before, from working with a larger team to directing in a remote desert location.

“Even with only a 15 person cast and crew – I had never worked with a team that large. I had never even directed a movie that wasn’t shot at my own apartment, let alone taking a team all the way out to a remote desert location. And I certainly didn’t intend to make a short film that had more VFX shots than the entirety of the first Jurassic Park movie!”

To those aspiring to enter the world of film production, Hartstone offered a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Just do it! And don’t be afraid to start small. Go shoot a little scene with a few friends and minimal equipment. Feel it, try it, FINISH it…and then do it again. Push yourself a little further, add in another element, find out what interests you and WHY! The reward is well worth the effort…I promise.”

For those curious about future projects, updates, and news from David Hartstone and the team, they can follow @Seventhhousepro on Instagram. Personal accounts of key figures, @davehartstone and @lexagluck, also provide insights into their creative endeavors.

“Desert Sky” is an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival February 12-17 and will screen at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT.