Behind the Scenes: Pre-Production of Sunset Stood Still

Los Angeles, CA — Madomica is taking audiences behind the scenes of one of our most compelling projects, Sunset Stood Still, a psychological thriller series that explores identity, obsession, and the dangerous limits of method acting. As the team enters pre-production, we're giving a sneak peek into the process of bringing this dark and thought-provoking story to life.

A Vision Takes Shape

Sunset Stood Still revolves around Terrance Taylor, a talented actor who becomes consumed by his latest role, pushing himself so far into character that he begins to lose his grip on reality. His descent into obsession leads to the creation of a violent alter ego, “The Trench,” and sets the stage for a chilling exploration of identity and madness in the high-pressure world of Hollywood.

This series has been months in the making, and the idea behind it has always been to examine the dangers of artistic obsession and mental fragility. “We’re not just telling a story about an actor. This is a deeper dive into the psyche of someone whose identity becomes warped by their craft,” says Jake Sontag, CEO and Founder of Madomica. “It’s a story about the blurred lines between reality and delusion, and what happens when you lose yourself in a role.”

Crafting the World of Sunset Stood Still

Building the world of Sunset Stood Still has been one of the most critical steps in the preproduction process. The narrative takes place in Los Angeles, a city filled with illusions, dreams, and the pursuit of fame. Madomica’s team has spent extensive time developing a setting that mirrors both the glamor and the darkness lurking beneath the surface of this world.

“Our goal is to make the city feel like another character in the show, one that reflects the internal struggles of Terrance,” explains the production designer, Samantha Oren. “We’re designing locations that emphasize the contrast between LA’s dazzling, public face and the more sinister, isolated spaces where the protagonist spirals deeper into his mind.”

In addition to researching locations, the team has been collaborating with psychologists and experts in dissociative identity disorder (DID) to ensure a sensitive and accurate portrayal of the psychological breakdown central to the story.

The Search for the Right Lead

While the project is moving full-speed ahead in every other aspect of pre-production, one key element remains in progress: casting the lead role of Terrance Taylor. The character demands an actor capable of portraying both the intensity of a method actor and the unraveling of a person’s mental state.

Madomica’s casting team is working hard to find the right fit, focusing on actors who can embody the complexities of Terrance’s descent into madness. “This is a role that requires depth and nuance,” says the show’s lead director. “Terrance’s journey isn’t just about losing himself in a character. It’s about the unraveling of his very identity. We’re looking for an actor who can portray the psychological nuances of this journey while keeping the audience captivated.”

Though the search is ongoing, Madomica is committed to finding someone who not only meets the demands of the role but can bring a unique vision to the character. “We want someone who will not only portray the actor’s psychological collapse, but also carry the weight of his obsession and inner turmoil,” said the casting director, Lesli Grocer.

Immersing in Method Acting

The series will dive into the world of method acting, a practice known for its immersive and often extreme approach to character work. For Terrance, this means diving headfirst into his role, to the point of merging with his character’s psyche and creating an alter ego that leads him down a dangerous path.

Madomica is consulting with acting coaches, experts, and method actors to ensure the portrayal of this intense process is authentic. “The process of becoming ‘The Trench’ will be a focal point of the story,” said the lead writer, Ian Childs. “We’re not just showing the audience the result of Terrance’s obsession; we want them to experience the psychological toll of this method. We plan to show how an actor’s journey into their role can warp and distort their reality.”

Visuals and Sound: Enhancing the Story

The visual and sound design for Sunset Stood Still is being carefully developed to reflect the psychological themes at the core of the story. The series will play with fragmented, surreal imagery that mirrors Terrance’s deteriorating mental state, combining haunting visuals with moments of eerie beauty.

The sound design will also be integral to the experience, with a focus on creating a disorienting atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge. The music, a blend of haunting soundscapes and unsettling scores, will echo the growing tension as Terrance’s grip on reality becomes ever more tenuous.

Collaborative Vision

Sunset Stood Still is not just a Madomica production but a true collaboration between experts in various fields. From psychologists to actors to set designers, every department is working together to ensure the series is as compelling and accurate as possible. The team's unified vision is to create a show that not only entertains but also engages viewers on a deeper, psychological level.

“This project is a reflection of what we aim to do at Madomica—create narratives that challenge, provoke, and make audiences think. Sunset Stood Still is just the beginning of a broader vision to explore complex human stories in bold, immersive ways,” says Jake Sontag.

As pre-production for Sunset Stood Still continues to progress, the Madomica team remains focused on delivering a series that pushes boundaries and keeps viewers captivated from start to finish.