Desiree Staples wears multiple hats as the executive producer, co-founder, and leading actress of “It’s What She Would Have Wanted.” She delves into her personal connection with the project in what follows.
Many people equate the departure from their childhood residences to the sensation of loss, a sentiment that remains poignant regardless of age.
In the year 2019, my mother felt it was the right moment to part with our family home located in Laguna Hills, California. Coincidentally, we were scouting locations to shoot “It’s What She Would Have Wanted,” a foundational short for a planned series where I played the lead and also served as a producer. The plot revolves around a group of women upholding a childhood oath. What could be more fitting than shooting in a genuine residence steeped in the memories of a ’90s teenager?
A Closer Look at ‘It’s What She Would Have Wanted’
The movie delves deep into adult emotions – the pains of loss, the journey of maturation, and the inevitable stages of grief. Yet, its heart is anchored in the comforting embrace of nostalgia – days of constructing blanket castles, indulging in pillow skirmishes, and forming clandestine alliances.
The narrative is set in motion by a somber vow made by the unseen character Deb. This pledge drives her friends to reconvene and honor their age-old pact when faced with Deb’s unexpected demise.
Our shooting schedule spanned two and a half days, confined to one venue. The close-knit environment of the shoot, with most of the team residing in the home, took me on a trip down memory lane, reminiscent of grand sleepovers of yesteryears. A fun tidbit – my mom and I have a flair for hosting memorable birthday parties!
Choosing to shoot in my actual childhood home allowed us to incorporate real keepsakes and photographs, enhancing the film’s visual storytelling. All the showcased images of a young Deb are genuinely snapshots of my past.
Reliving the ’90s in ‘It’s What She Would Have Wanted’
Crafting Deb’s room to capture the essence of childhood sanctuaries was an intricate process, demanding considerable preparation. The room underwent a transformation with an olive-green hue. Maren H. Jensen, our gifted production designer, introduced a sea of pink artifacts to infuse a sense of innocence.
The end result was striking, even if it did ruffle my mother’s feathers due to our interior reshuffling!
Barring Deb’s room, the other locations within the house retained their original charm. The swimming pool area particularly stood out. One intense scene demanded burning Deb’s diary, while director Nate Trinrud multitasked – orchestrating the sequence, donned in a wetsuit inside the pool, and igniting props for shots – exemplifying the spirit of indie filmmaking.
Embracing the essence of indie cinema means optimizing available resources. Given a heftier budget, we might have overlooked my former home as a set. However, its inclusion injected irreplaceable authenticity. The residence was a treasure trove of ’90s teenage relics – cherished beanie babies, equine sculptures, and time-worn diaries. Such intricate details enriched the storytelling, breathing life into the character of Deb and the house itself.
Revisiting the film is a heartwarming experience for my mother and me, offering a snapshot of our beloved old dwelling.
—Apoorva Gundeti played a pivotal role in shaping this narrative.
Marie Semla penned “It’s What She Would Have Wanted,” with Nate Trinrud handling directorial duties and Desiree Staples acting as the executive producer and co-founder. The film was showcased at the 2021 Tribeca Creator’s Market and is now available on the OMELETO platform, boasting a three-million-strong subscriber base.