Madison Martin Debuts Stories for the Sleep Deprived Published December 9, 2024

Madison Martin, a native Oklahoman, has spent most of her life in Midwest City, where she graduated from Midwest City High School as a proud Bomber. From an early age, Madison developed a deep love for movies, watching everything from lighthearted animated children’s films to dark and chilling horror flicks. Each movie, regardless of genre, resonated with her, offering unique emotions and perspectives that inspired her creative imagination. The relatability and impact of a mere hour-and-a-half movie sparked her dream of creating something just as meaningful and memorable.

As a naturally artistic individual, Madison has always gravitated toward creative outlets. Whether it was drawing, painting, or acting in theater, she immersed herself in the arts. Her passion for storytelling eventually led her to explore filmmaking—a way to bring the stories in her head to life. However, she initially lacked the resources and knowledge to take the leap into the world of film. By chance, Madison discovered Rose State College’s Film Studies program, meeting the visionary, Prof. Mallard, who had plans to establish the program before it officially existed. This serendipitous encounter set her on a path that would shape her aspirations and talents.

Since joining the program, Madison has produced numerous short films, gaining experiences and opportunities she never anticipated. The program provided her with tools and skills ranging from screenwriting to advanced editing techniques, allowing her to grow as a filmmaker. Now, as she approaches the culmination of her studies, she is preparing to unveil her capstone project, Stories for the Sleep Deprived. This ambitious anthology film is the ultimate showcase of everything she has learned during her two years in the program.

Stories for the Sleep Deprived is an anthology consisting of three interconnected stories that all exist within the same universe. The inspiration for this format came from Madison’s love of anthology films such as Creepshow, The House, and V/H/S. The themes of the film lean heavily into the thriller and psychological genres, creating an experience that is both chilling and thought-provoking. Two of the stories were born from Madison’s vivid dreams, blending elements of the surreal with deeply personal and emotional narratives.

The first story, How to Kill a Rabbit, follows Olivia, a girl who escapes her abusive household by venturing into a dreamlike world. This story explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the blurred line between reality and fantasy. The second tale, Missing Amy, focuses on Matthew, a man haunted by an annoyingly persistent female ghost. With humor and darkness intertwined, this story delves into Matthew’s psyche as he navigates the complex relationship with a spirit who refuses to leave him alone. The third story, written by Brad Reed, shifts focus to a man battling the terrifying effects of sleep paralysis as he copes with the profound grief of losing his family. Each story in the anthology offers a unique perspective on the human condition, weaving together elements of suspense, horror, and emotional depth.

Madison’s passion for filmmaking extends beyond storytelling. She wanted to create a project that was not only enjoyable for the audience but also fulfilling and challenging for her as a filmmaker. Stories for the Sleep Deprived represents the culmination of her creativity, technical skills, and dedication. From writing the scripts to applying her camera technique, the film is a testament to her growth and determination over the past two years.

The world premiere of Stories for the Sleep Deprived will take place at Rodeo Cinema in Oklahoma City, providing an exciting opportunity for audiences to experience the film on the big screen. Following its theatrical debut, the film will be made available on YouTube, ensuring that a wider audience can enjoy Madison’s work.