Episode 6 reveals Esme’s emotional reaction to the exuberant laughter and chatter reverberating down the hall. The jovial commotion – and source of Esme’s anguish – emanates from her roommate, Irma, and ex-boyfriend, Steve, who, having found a loophole in the strict Covid regulations, are enjoying a meal together.

During the creation of this episode, I sought to be expressive and deliberate with each of my choices. I storyboarded the scene with the intention to shoot on the shadow side of my actor’s face, aiming for a visually dynamic shot that would effectively convey her inner turmoil. Additionally, I maintained a wide angle for the majority of the scene, only opting to cut in closer in cases where the audience needed to grasp essential details, such as the time, or to clearly observe the character’s facial expressions. Ultimately, the experience of making this episode taught me the value of infusing purposeful intent into every choice.