Director’s Statement

This Side Up is a film that has long been a part of my life, and as my role as a writer evolved to director, so too did my connection to this story. I was given the opportunity to pull real-life experiences and mix them into our character’s journey. We get to be a part of Jake’s life at this particular time and encounter the truth about both sides of a breakup. For me, the movie struck a very personal chord, as I am a hopeless romantic, and I was able to see some of my own life experiences come back to life (No, I didn’t live in a storage unit). My sincere hope for this film, and the reason I am so drawn to this kind of human story of self-growth, is that each person will relate to it differently. Whatever your background or experience in life, there’s a moment that we’ve all been through.

This Side Up can be at once universal in its themes and uniquely personal in its heart and sense of humor. We explore relationships, whether they be romantic, family, or friends. One of the most significant challenges was to capture the heart of past romantic comedies while bringing a modernized twist to this genre with a dramatic edge.

Filming during the unprecedented COIVD-19 pandemic and the California wildfires presented countless obstacles. The cast and crew were pushed to their limits in creating the film you see today. On top of the pandemic, we were faced with the challenge of filming at over forty locations throughout the Bay Area in just two weeks. Being a Bay Area native, I was given the unique opportunity to film my first feature film where I grew up. This Side Up is my love letter to the Bay, and I’m so thrilled to share this story with you.

- David Lanning 

Synopsis

A struggling screenwriter is dumped by his high school sweetheart. Having no sense of direction in his life, he moves into a storage unit, where he figures out life in a funny way.

About This Side Up

This Side Up was filmed in California’s Bay Area, at over 40 locations, highlighting some of the most iconic landmarks. The film was written as Director/Writer David Lanning’s love letter to the Bay. This Side Up is a modernized romantic comedy, pushing the boundaries of what you typically see in this type of genre.