A Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based film production company that launched in just 2023 has already garnered more than 50 film festival awards for its debut feature and is now working to fund its next ambitious project.
Lucid Films, Ltd. Co. burst onto the independent film scene with “Happy Birthday,” a pandemic-era political dramatic thriller that has resonated with audiences and critics alike. The film, which explores post-apocalyptic themes through a political lens, is currently available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
The production company, founded by award-winning actor, writer, director and producer Ezekiel N. Drews, is now channeling its early success into developing “The Deep State,” a prequel/sequel that aims to expand the universe established in their first feature. The company is currently producing a proof of concept to attract investors for the full-length version.
“Happy Birthday” has struck a chord with viewers who have praised its thoughtful approach to contemporary themes. One Amazon reviewer described the film as “thought-provoking and beautifully written,” noting that “The acting was great and the drone shots stunning. Less of a horror/thriller and more of a drama, in a post-apocalyptic pandemic setting. Really hits home and found it to be really moving.”
The emerging production company distinguishes itself through its use of commercial drone photography and videography, which adds a distinctive visual element to its filmmaking. This technical capability has become a signature aspect of the studio’s production style, contributing to the cinematic quality that helped “Happy Birthday” stand out at numerous film festivals.
Beyond “The Deep State,” Lucid Films has several short films in preproduction, signaling an aggressive expansion of its creative portfolio. The rapid growth from a startup in 2023 to an award-winning studio demonstrates the company’s ability to produce compelling content that resonates in the competitive independent film market.
The success of “Happy Birthday” across the film festival circuit has generated significant attention for the young studio, with multiple festival websites featuring reviews of the debut feature. This recognition has positioned Lucid Films as an emerging voice in independent cinema, particularly in the realm of politically-charged dramatic thrillers.
As the company moves forward with fundraising efforts for “The Deep State,” it represents a growing trend of independent filmmakers leveraging initial success to build sustainable production companies. The studio’s combination of artistic vision, technical innovation through drone cinematography, and proven ability to create award-winning content positions it as a company to watch in the independent film sector.