Julia Maggiola and Keaton Morris-Stan, the filmmakers behind the short film “Method & Madness”, will have their work featured at the 4th Annual Below the Line Film Festival. The festival, which celebrates independent and student filmmaking, will be held on October 10-11, 2025, at the Episcopal Actors Guild Hall in New York City. Maggiola and Morris-Stan are co-founders of their production company, Squeaky Wheel Entertainment, which focuses on creating female-led stories.
From Actors to Filmmakers
Originally, both Maggiola and Morris-Stan began their careers as actors. They decided to transition into filmmaking to “empower ourselves within our creative careers and expand our storytelling reach by making our own work.” Through their company, Squeaky Wheel Entertainment, they aim to produce stories that put women at the forefront, creating the “grease” for their own creative wheels.
The Inspiration Behind Method & Madness
“Method & Madness” was born from the filmmakers’ desire to explore the theme of feminine rage. The initial idea came from an experience writer Keaton Morris-Stan had at a film festival where she saw someone looking out their hotel window while she was in the parking lot. The film is an “imaginative extension” of the struggles women face in a male-dominated industry, where they often feel overshadowed or have their work credited to their male counterparts. While not autobiographical, the film taps into the very real feelings of unfair representation and the daily struggles of being a woman in society.
The production of the film was also a community effort. The team was composed of 75% women and/or non-binary individuals and 100% local to the tri-state area.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Joy
The biggest obstacle the filmmakers faced was funding. They successfully crowdfunded for the project, crediting their contributors for making the film possible. Maggiola and Morris-Stan expressed gratitude for their cast and crew, who made the challenges a “joy” to overcome.
The set was a collaborative environment, and they particularly enjoyed working with their director, Anna, a long-time goal for them. The film was shot in Norwalk, CT, and the crew and cast were local to the area. One of the most enjoyable parts of the production was filming a convention scene with a large group of local extras, whose energy made it one of their favorite scenes to shoot.
What’s Next for the Film
“Method & Madness” is currently on the festival circuit. You can follow Squeaky Wheel Entertainment on their Instagram, @squeakywheelentertainment, for future screening announcements and festival news.
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