Delaware production studio releases first short-film project online

Nantico, an independent production studio founded in Delaware, recently released its first short-film project, “The Secret in the Old Clock.”

Shot in late 2020 and during early 2021, “The Secret in the Old Clock” features several talented cast and crew members from the First State.

“‘The Secret in the Old Clock’ is an experimental short film about an 11-year-old girl who enlists the help of the town baker after she’s been assigned to present the pie at an upcoming ceremony,” said Seaford native Jordyn Gum, the writer and director. “It’s a story of transformation, about acknowledging, wrestling with and conquering inner demons. For our protagonist, Judy Mae, she’s fearful of breaking the rules, of stepping out of line and being estranged from her home, but everything she knows is challenged in the days leading up to the most important moment of her life, and she has to make a difficult decision.”

One of the key members who helped take Judy’s story from paper to screen, Gum said, is producer Sarah Layton of Bridgeville.

“I had an amazing experience being able to collaborate with Jordyn on such an intimate story that is so near and dear to her heart,” said Layton. “I loved the process of getting locations locked, finalizing story ideas and selecting our cast. For Nantico’s first project, we’re off to a great start, and I can’t wait to see what more we do. Based on the experience I had collaborating on this project with the entire cast and crew, I expect great things from us in the future.”

Additional Delawareans involved are production assistants Mary Fontenot of Lewes, Anna Reynolds of Wilmington and Esha Shah of Newark; boom operator Jeffrey Melvin of Delmar; and cast member Tim Davis of Bear.

Gum is also excited about what’s in store for Nantico.

“Filming during COVID-19 brought its own unique set of challenges and certainly made production difficult,” said Gum. “But we were fortunate to work with such an incredible and talented team who made it all possible. I couldn’t be more excited to finally release our short film, and I hope this is the first of many projects for Nantico.”

For more information and to watch the film, go to thesecretintheoldclock.com.