HOLD STILL · 2026
An independent feature film  ·  2026

Hold Still

A lawyer who’s forgotten what she wants.A photographer who sees beyond the surface.A New York love story about paying attention.

GenreRomantic Drama
RuntimeFeature · ~100 min
LocationNew York City
Writer / DirectorBill Wadman
Portrait — Hold Still
Photograph · Bill Wadman
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Scene 14 · The Diner ● PROOF OF CONCEPT
01 — Synopsis

A love story about being seen.

A character-driven romantic drama set against the noise and possibility of New York City.

“Hold Still” follows Ophelia Brennan, a lawyer caught in an unsatisfying personal and professional existence, whose life is upended when she falls for photographer James Acton.

Diner scene still
Still · The Diner

Their paths cross repeatedly as James’s unique ability to see beyond the surface sparks an unexpected connection. Ophelia confronts the recent death of her father, an unfulfilling engagement, and a career path that lacks passion.

Ultimately, they find solace in one another — prompting Ophelia to embrace her true self, and James to acknowledge the importance of people in his life alongside his art.

02 — Characters

Four people, one collision.

A small ensemble — drawn close enough to feel every shift in pressure between them.

Ophelia
Lead · Female · 30s

Ophelia

A highly intelligent and accomplished lawyer trapped by the expectations of her overbearing father and her engagement to a similarly ambitious colleague. Behind the success, an emptiness - driven, vulnerable, independent, and a secret romantic.

James
Lead · Male · 30s

James

A talented and idealistic photographer, passionate about his art but scraping by on corporate headshots. He craves recognition without compromise — perceptive, empathetic, principled, romantic, direct.

Edward
Supporting · Male · 30s

Edward

Ophelia’s fiancé — a colleague at the firm who wants the engagement portrait, the validation of her father, and a traditional relationship. He wants appearances, and someone to make other people happy.

Elizabeth
Supporting · Female · 30s

Elizabeth

James’s studio mate, roommate, and oldest friend — a still-life food photographer who has shared a room with him for most of their adult lives. Loyal, blunt, wise, good-natured, and a quiet matchmaker.

Character portraits and casting shown for illustration only — not the final cast.

03 — Production

Mile four, gaining speed.

Film productions are a marathon. The script is locked, the schedule is built, and the core crew is on board.

01Complete
110PAGES
Final shooting script.
02Complete
18DAYS
Schedule built, locked, and budgeted.
03Confirmed
7LOCATIONS
Practical locations across NYC.
04Attached
6CREW
Core HOD positions filled.
05In Progress
8ROLES
Casting opening shortly.
06Partial
FUNDING
Partially funded — seeking investors to complete the raise.
04 — Team

The people making it.

A small, experienced crew — built around the people whose work the camera will live or die by.

Bill Wadman
Writer · Director

Bill Wadman

American portrait photographer based in Brooklyn whose images have appeared on the covers and pages of major publications, books, and galleries worldwide. He has directed commercials and industrial videos for major corporations. “Hold Still” is his third script.

Scarlett Lee Clark
Production

Scarlett Lee Clark

Award-winning filmmaker living in Brooklyn. Specializes as a Production Manager and Coordinator with a passion for planning and organizing — splits her time between indie shorts and features, animals, and her own documentaries.

Kenneth Martell
Director of Photography

Kenneth Martell

East-coast based DP with experience across films, television, music videos, and commercial work. Strives for a unique look — images that are visceral, imaginative, and emotionally charged. Owns a complete professional camera, grip and lighting package.

05 — Audience

Who shows up for this film.

A character-driven story with a blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth — written for an audience that’s hungry for it.

Indie audiences who came back to theaters for Past Lives and The Worst Person in the World.

A.

Viewers of independent, character-driven dramas — stories about personal growth and self-discovery.

B.

Fans of romantic comedies with a fresh, unconventional twist — and the kind of witty, grown-up dialog the genre rarely gets.

C.

Audiences drawn to films about the creative life — the cost of making art, and what it asks of the people who love you.

People crave romance.
Let's give it to them.

The plan: produce Hold Still with a manageable, disciplined budget — and begin filming this Fall in New York. The goal is to license the rights to the film for a profit.

We’re looking for investors to complete production. If you’re excited by the idea of being involved in a movie — and willing to take a chance on art with a real financial upside — let’s talk.

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