Behind the Scenes of 'June': Filmmaker Ben Holland & Producer Taylor Burke on Their Beverly Hills Film Festival Premiere
By Stella Violet
Credit: June (2024) IMDB
In the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a story of grief, nostalgia, and friendship unfolds in the short film June. I recently had the opportunity to speak with director Ben Holland and producer Taylor Burke about their creative process, the challenges they faced, and the emotional journey behind bringing this touching story to life.
A Personal Journey Turned Cinematic Experience
June was born from Holland's personal experience of transition after college. Having moved to Los Angeles from Bishop, California (where the film was shot), he found himself missing home and community.
"Part of growing up is, it's sort of hard to let go of a childhood, of a time in your life, and these relationships that are built within that," Holland explained.
The film also explores themes of grief, drawing from his experiences of losing people in his own life.
Authentic Performances and Chemistry
The chemistry between the film's leads, Hannah Sulak and Kelton White, who play June and Paul, feels remarkably genuine—and for good reason. Holland and Burke implemented several strategies to foster a natural connection between their actors, including having them keep character journals and even arranging for them to drive together on the five-hour journey to the filming location.
"We had them drive up in the same car together... and it was pretty hilarious when they arrived at midnight, and they're all giggling and laughing in the car," Holland recalled. "I think that connection just kind of instantly felt natural."
Credit: June (2024) IMDB
The Power of Improvisation: The Dance Scene
One of the most captivating moments in the film is an unscripted dance sequence. Rather than choreographing the scene, the filmmakers simply played music and let the actors move naturally.
"That dance is just so beautiful... that was so improvised. They're dancing. It was really just them in the room dancing, us playing music and filming it," Burke shared. This approach resulted in one of the most authentic moments in the film.
A Soundtrack That Evokes Emotion
Music plays a crucial role in June, with original compositions by Casey Malanuk, whom Taylor remarkably found on the dating app Hinge. The film also features tracks from UK band Spang Sisters, who enthusiastically supported the project after viewing it.
The music enhances emotional moments throughout the film, particularly in the letter scene and the final sequence where lyrics poignantly mirror the visuals.
Credit: June (2024) IMDB
Overcoming Production Challenges
Filming five hours away from Los Angeles presented significant logistical challenges. The entire crew stayed together in the cabin that served as a filming location.
Weather complications forced last-minute location changes, with some planned shooting spots inaccessible due to winter flooding and road closures.
"We had to scout some places, like, a week before we were shooting," Holland explained. "We had all these things lined up and all these people ready to go, but the location wasn't figured out."
The Personal Impact on the Filmmakers
Creating June became a therapeutic process for both filmmakers. For Holland, it helped him process questions about growing up and "letting go, but also holding on to the memories in such a way of light and love."
Burke noted the unique experience of working on the project while being roommates with Holland: "It's going to be one of the most unique experiences that the both of us will have throughout our careers in this industry... we were living together, working on this project, it was both on our minds 24/7."
Credit: Instagram @june.filmofficial
An Anticipated Premiere at the Beverly Hills Film Festival
June is set to make its world premiere at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, where nearly the entire cast and crew will reunite to celebrate their achievement. Both filmmakers expressed excitement about sharing this moment together and using the opportunity to network and build momentum for future projects.
As our conversation concluded, it became clear that June, more than a film, is a deeply personal exploration of universal human experiences.
Holland hopes audiences "leave with the feeling of... just having felt anything at all," while Burke emphasized the film's focus on "the simple parts of life... the relationship with other people, the love you share with other people and figuring out what that means to you."
Credit: June (2024) IMDB
With its heartfelt narrative, evocative visuals, and stunning Sierra Nevada backdrop, June promises to be a moving experience for festival audiences and beyond.
For those interested in following the film’s journey, updates and behind-the-scenes content can be found on Instagram at @June.filmofficial. Additionally, audiences can connect with the film’s producer and director on Instagram via @TayylorBurke and @BenHolland829.
As the film makes its debut, the team hopes it will resonate with viewers, sparking reflections on relationships, nature, and the enduring power of memory. With its deeply personal storytelling and emotional resonance, June is poised to leave a lasting impression.
Tickets for their screening at the Beverly Hills Film Festival can be purchased here: https://beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com/box-office-2025/
