Film Description:

A serene collection of colorful dream-like fashion films set to original instrumental R&B music and filmed in Optical Radiance analog color. Peaceful and meditative, the films are tied together with fill-in-the-blank positive messages which invite you join in on your own, or with friends, as an easygoing party game.

Produced by: Erin Schroeder

Director/Composer: Andy Schroeder

A flurry of confetti, the iridescent glow of bubbles floating past in the breeze, the deepest colors out of a dream that can be felt as much as seen; more than a photoshoot in motion, “Dreams of Zen” is a study in taking a moment for yourself. A moment without the worry of your to-do list, the days news, or the never ending plot lines and in-your-face characters of binge media. In 2025 ya’ll even need a break from your entertainment.

While its meant to be low-key, you won’t fall asleep because theres something new to see literally every minute. Inspired by mid-twentieth century fashion photography, Pink Panther cartoons and classic r&b/funk music “Dreams of Zen” has no dialogue and every one of its scenes lasts exactly one minute.

Every few scenes we tie things together with positive messages. Half of which are fill in the blank, so you can join in with us and say what you feel (or whatever might make your friends laugh if we’re on in the background while you’re hanging out.)

Each scene was selected from a series (started during the pandemic shutdown) which was intended to stop people from doom scrolling and take a breath. Some might get you nodding your head to the groove, some might make you chuckle. If your phone goes off and you just HAVE to look away, when you get back the film will still be there vibing, because thats what “Dreams of Zen” is: vibe.

“Dreams of Zen” was filmed in Optical Radiance. A patented analog color process invented by myself and my producer Erin Schroeder, which allows digital cameras to see in the same spectrum as three-strip Technicolor (a film color process retired in 1955, which can presently only be recreated authentically with our equipment.) There was no AI, no CGI and no green screens involved in this film. The sets were filmed at our studio and any effects were accomplished in-camera with miniatures. Post-production consisted solely of cutting the footage together and writing/recording the music.