Filmmaker Statement

Inspired by her own experience, writer and lead actor Madison Lanesey wanted to create a story "about rape and abuse... without it being about rape and abuse." YES, DADDY is the first project I directed that I didn't also write, so I wanted to make sure we were honoring Madison's vision while pushing the boundaries of where a simple scene like this could go. We developed the script of YES, DADDY along with producer Emily Hope Vasquez. Meeting at coffee shops before our day jobs, we three chipped away at a scene that used biting humor, Madison's subtle comedic timing, and the highly choreographed "un-said" moments to capture what it's like to dissociate and let trauma drive a gal to spiral. As Madison explains, "I want there to be more stories about lovely bright funny women who can’t find their way back to themselves after losing all trust in the human race, but still very much have to go through the motions of their lives.” Plus, we all love a good cringe laugh.