Flicker – A Sci‑Fi Thriller Now Available to Stream on Amazon Prime

Sponsored Feature: CDD Productions

Flicker is a new sci-fi thriller film written and directed by Charlie CD Perez.

Trailer here:

After escaping Blackwell Institute, Ava is hunted by the people who turned gifted children into weapons. As her unstable powers return, she must uncover the truth, protect those still trapped, and decide what freedom is worth.

Flicker - Sci-fi drama by Charlie CD Perez, Darcy Fagundes, Danielle Cortez

A Q&A with Darcy Fagundes (Lead Actress), and Danielle Cortez (Executive Producer)

Welcome, Darcy and Danielle! Thanks for joining us to talk about your new sci-fi film Flicker. How did the concept first take shape?

Darcy: Thanks for having us! Charlie originally presented the whole idea as a short film! We were all on board and more than eager to execute it and it was going to be about 15 minutes. Short, sweet, fun, a couple weekends with friends…no big deal. I think we were pretty close to being done with filming the short then he came to us with the idea of adding another 45 minutes to make it a whole film for possible streaming. I was so on board and said “f**k it let’s do it.”

Dani: This came from Charlie, who has always been obsessed with sci-fi, futuristic thrillers from the 80s! He had an idea for a fun short that ended up just growing into a full-blown film.

Ava is a character carrying trauma, power, and survival instinct. Darcy, what emotional anchor did you use to portray someone who’s been weaponized and is now fighting to reclaim her humanity?

Darcy: Well, if I’m being honest, when I first read the script, I felt a very familiar connection with Ava, so this part came really natural for me. As in, I really just put myself as if it were real life. This was far more fun though, and had way better memories!

The film blends sci‑fi, horror, and drama. Dani, what drew you to producing a story that mixes genres while still staying character‑focused?

Dani: I’m such a fan of sci-fi, horror and drama that I was very excited to mix the three genres together! That truly made such a unique backdrop for this movie; we had a blast imagining and creating this world! And I truly believe you can make any kind of genre feel real as long as you have a good story to tell and you commit 100% to what it is. Really lean into it!

“I truly believe you can make any kind of genre feel real as long as you have a good story to tell and you commit 100% to what it is.”—Danielle Cortez

Ava’s powers return in unstable, dangerous ways. Darcy, how did you approach the physicality and intensity of those moments without losing the grounded emotional core?

Darcy: This was also very relatable for me. Because of my chaotic upbringing and then having children, I was presented a choice on how to be a mother and raise my children. That choice wasn’t the easy one and took a lot of work and discipline for a long time. It felt very familiar to Ava’s trials and tribulations. In both scenarios I had to preserve what I was dedicated to and protect what I believed in to my core and be soft and stern while doing it.

“In both scenarios, I had to preserve what I was dedicated to and protect what I believed in to my core and be soft and stern while doing it.”—Darcy Fagundes

Flicker tackles themes of exploitation and autonomy. Dani, what conversations did you and Charlie have about portraying institutions that turn children into weapons?

Dani: You know growing up and watching movies with Charlie, we were always rooting for the underdog. I think it was natural for Charlie to write a movie that centers around characters that may have the whole world getting thrown at them, they are really fighting against the odds and yet they continue to have hope and fight back or just having a voice and speaking up for themselves and for others. Freedom and what it means to be free has always been a discussion between us and It just felt like the best kind of film to make during this time in life when it feels like our freedom is being threatened.

The escape from Blackwell Institute sets the tone for the film. For both of you: what was the most challenging part of bringing that world to life?

Dani: Honestly, the most challenging part was working with a limited budget, but that is also what I’m the most proud of in this film. The creativity to build this world came from pure determination and that was just awesome to be apart of.

Darcy: Location and audio! I think we spent hours upon hours driving around looking for spots that visually fit the vibe we were going for and then trying to execute it in the midst of the real world. Having to reshoot a scene because of city busses, dogs barking, couples fighting and so many other random interruptions and sound pollution.

Darcy, what do you think Ava ultimately learns about the cost of freedom, and how did that shape your performance?

Darcy: Freedom is priceless. I think Ava showed up in a genuine performance. She just wanted to be free and happy, so having to think, choose and live authentically is ultimately what drove her passion.

Any fun BTS stories to share?

Dani: It’s hard to pick one! I just know I’ll cherish making this film with my brother and all of these incredible creative people forever.

Darcy: The scene with Maya (Kayla) and I by far took the longest. I think we were out there two seperate times for maybe at least 6 hours for one of those times. She is my bestie so trying to be serious and in character was so challenging. Literally I think we spent more time laughing and making crude jokes than filming. We had a random drunk guy approach us about making him a music video and pitched a whole concept to us and showed us his rap music. It was, let’s say…an interesting encounter.

What do you hope audiences take away from Flicker?

Dani: I really hope everyone just enjoys the film and feels inspired to go create something!

Darcy: I hope it inspires people to play more and be creative. I think the real world is always so serious and through any medium of art, you can play, have fun, and make memories. Being a part of this really opened my eyes to that and I am more than grateful. So I hope the audience can do the same.

Stream Flicker on Amazon Prime here.