Welcome to the FAQ section for “Sequoia.” Below, we’ve gathered some of the most commonly asked questions about the film, answered by Michelle Künzler, the writer and director. Dive in to learn more about the creative journey behind “Sequoia.”
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As a fan of “Black Mirror”, I have always been intrigued by the growing presence of AI in our lives and the moral dilemmas it presents: How will AI shape our future? Will it serve humanity or ultimately replace it? While writing "Sequoia" in May 2023, AI tools like ChatGPT were gaining widespread popularity, and the Hollywood strikes were unfolding, further motivating me to address the ethical implications of AI in my film.
The idea of “Sequoia“ was also heavily influenced by one of my all-time favorite shows, “Desperate Housewives,” which I was re-watching at the time. The character of Bree Van de Kamp directly inspired Mrs. Terrance in my film. Additionally, the set of Wisteria Lane—a seemingly idyllic but mysterious suburb filled with hidden secrets—captivated me. This led me to explore the idea of blending futuristic and suburban elements in my own story.
As a feminist filmmaker, I was keen to delve into the interplay between technology and gender roles, examining how these dynamics evolve in a world shaped by AI. As i was researching the topic, I became increasingly aware of the sexism embedded in advanced technology. Historically, women have been relegated to servant roles—housekeeper, maid, cook, secretary, and more. It’s troubling to see that today’s technology continues to reflect this history. Think about the virtual assistants we use—Alexa, Siri, Cortana, and Ameca. Why are these household robots all female in both name and voice? This is why I chose my AI character to be a female maid to address and critique the reinforcement of outdated and harmful gender roles through humanoid AI designs. My goal was to inspire reflection on how technology can promote detrimental gender biases, even in modern times.
I want viewers to reflect on the potential consequences of creating AI that mirrors human emotions and behaviors as well as our growing reliance on AI and the ways it could reshape societal norms, especially regarding gender roles and human connection. Ultimately, “Sequoia“ is a cautionary tale about the potential costs of technological advancement when used unethically. I hope the audience understands that while AI can promise convenience and efficiancy, we should always be aware of its risk and avoid becoming overly dependent on it. AI is meant to assist us, not replace us. It should make our lives easier, not enable us to neglect our responsibilities.
Furthermore, I aimed to shed light on the often overlooked and underappreciated unpaid labor of housewives, drawing a parallel between the roles AI might play in the future and the historical expectations placed on women in domestic spaces. I hope “Sequoia“ makes viewers recognize the necessity for a more equitable division of labor in heterosexual relationships. AI cannot solve our relationship problems; it’s up to us to nurture healthy human connections and establish fair structures at home and in society.
It took five months to write and refine the screenplay. Fundraising lasted nearly three months, while pre-production took about four months. The shoot itself required five days, including an unplanned pick-up shoot. Post-production, which included editing, color grading, sound design, and scoring, extended over approximately six months. Altogether, the project took eleven months from screenplay development to first film festival submission.
For the casting process, I used a combination of approaches. I searched for the right actors through various casting websites like Casting Networks, Backstage, and Actors Access. After reviewing numerous self-tapes, I then held in-person auditions for the roles of Sequoia, Mrs. Terrance, and Cameron, and online auditions for Opal.
Additionally, I used direct casting by reaching out to actors on Social Media who fit the physicality and essence of the characters I had in mind. This is how I cast Sequoia, for example. Interestingly, despite being the lead role, Sequoia received the least number of self-tape submissions. Luckily, I discovered Elsha on Instagram, and she fit the part perfectly.
However, the first actor I cast was Amber, who plays Mrs. Terrance—she was also the easiest to cast. I found her on Actors Access, and I was immediately impressed by her self-tape and even more so by her audition. Both my casting assistant and I were captivated by her chilling performance. I knew right away she was perfect for the role—it felt like she was born to play Mrs. Terrance.
Opal was another easy choice. Although Erica had only a few lines, her expressions and mannerisms were exactly how I envisioned Opal’s character.
The most challenging role to cast was Cameron. Funny enough, he received the most submissions, but I struggled to find the right actor until I reached out to Kolten on Backstage. I invited him, along with two other actors, to a chemistry read with Elsha. Since his chemistry with Elsha was strong, I decided to cast him as Cameron.
What makes “Sequoia“ unique is the combination of its setting and costumes. Although the film is a sci-fi thriller, it doesn’t initially look like one. I deliberately avoided the stereotypical sci-fi aesthetic, opting instead for a suburban setting that appears idyllic and safe. This choice was inspired by “Desperate Housewives” and films like “Blue Velvet”—particularly its opening scene—and “The Stepford Wives.”
Moreover, unlike other AI-themed films such as “Ex Machina” and “The Matrix”, the AI in “Sequoia” is dressed in a traditional look reminiscent of the women in “The Stepford Wives” and the character of The Other Mother in “Coraline.” While the AI maid in my film is a product of advanced technology, her purpose and appearance are deeply rooted in the ideals of the 1950s and 1960s. She was designed to serve the household, much like the housewives of that era, easing the burden on the modern housewife in the film’s futuristic timeline. For this reason, I found a 1950s-inspired maid uniform was more fitting for representing Sequoia’s servant role than modern clothing.
As the production designer, I had a clear vision for “Sequoia“ from the start, even while writing the script. I wanted to blend modern and traditional elements to create a setting that conveyed both a sense of futurism and the false comfort of suburban life. It was crucial for the design to reflect this duality. Additionally, I always envisioned red as the leitmotif color of the film, symbolizing the underlying tension and threat that drive the narrative. To contrast with the red, I chose white as a secondary color, highlighting the tension between safety and danger. The overall color palette was grounded in earthy tones to emphasize the suburban environment, while futuristic elements were introduced through technology, such as Roxanna, the smart speaker, and Sequoia’s charging bed. I also intentionally avoided blue to steer clear of a stereotypical sci-fi aesthetic.
My favorite part was seeing my vision come to life. Watching the story and characters I had spent so much time creating finally take shape on set was incredibly satisfying. I especially loved seeing Sequoia in her 1950s-inspired maid uniform, as I’ve always appreciated vintage wardrobes. Filming in our location was another highlight—the house provided a beautiful backdrop that enhanced the film's aesthetic, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.
I encountered numerous challenges during the production of “Sequoia”, both in pre-production and on set. For one, I had to wear multiple hats—such as writer, director, producer, costume designer, and production designer—which was a real juggling act, particularly with the time and budget constraints. The biggest challenge on set was staying on schedule. Filming exterior scenes caused significant delay due to noise disruptions from passing cars, screaming children, and barking dogs, which ruined many takes. Additionally, we were shooting narratively complex scenes involving stunts that took longer to execute than anticipated. These issues forced us to rearrange our shooting schedule and ultimately required an unexpected pick-up shoot. This added logistical complications, such as finding replacements for key crew members who were unavailable, which made it difficult to maintain continuity.
Making “Sequoia” taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability in filmmaking. Despite careful planning, unexpected challenges can arise, and being able to think fast is crucial. Having a backup plan in place is even better in case things go wrong, including prioritizing must-have shots over nice-to-have ones to make quick decisions when required.
Moreover, I learned the value of assembling a strong, dependable crew. A good team will not only help ease the workload, but can also elevate your film to new levels. Conversely, having the wrong team can impact the overall quality of the project negatively.
I’m currently working on a dark comedy drama short that unfolds at a funeral, with the protagonist being the deceased body in the casket. The story delves into the strained relationship between the protagonist and her sister, who is delivering the eulogy. Told from a comedic ghostly vantage point, the film explores themes of dysfunctional family dynamics, grief, guilt, and forgiveness. This is my first venture into comedy, and I’m excited to challenge myself with a new genre, and exploring humor in the context of a funeral offers a unique perspective.
