The Astrid Experience looks at a chance encounter that leads into an unforgettable night.

From the writer of Adolescence, The Astrid Experience is a film about an artist in recovery who meets a free-spirited actress when he helps her out of a difficult situation at a casting studio. To thank him, she invites him to a party. It kicks off to a magical, all-night adventure through Los Angeles that shows him that he has something more to live for.

Cal Barnes wrote, directed, and starred in The Astrid Experience. He wrote the screenplay to Ashley Avis-directed film Adolescence that starred India Eisley and Mickey River.

The rest of the cast of The Astrid Experience includes Lucia Dimitra Xypteras (Adventures of Aladdin), Rob Conroy, Mena Santos (#WhenTodayEnds, Filthy Animals), and John That as himself.

“Most of the inspiration for the story came directly from experiences I’ve had in my life and experiences I’ve had working in the entertainment industry. I’ve had several incredible all-night adventures during my time in LA, and they are always magical whenever they come along,” wrote Cal Barnes to LRM Online exclusively. “Any artist who’s lived in LA long enough will likely know I’m talking about. Those nights where everything lines up perfectly in your favor, and you’re just there experiencing the ride. After one such experience, I wrote an outline version of the script in 2012 that served as the backbone for The Astrid Experience.”

John That, Moss Dub, Without, and Academy provided the soundtrack music.

“Now that we’re in post-production, it’s great to see how well the story and music complement each other,” Barnes addressed about the artist collaborations. “They fit together so naturally. Excellent music is such an integral part of a good independent film, and I’ve said from the beginning that I believe our soundtrack is one of the strongest aspects that The Astrid Experience has going for it. I think I was right.”

The Astrid Experience will be released later this year. For more information, visit the official web site here.

Check out the official first trailer below.

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Source: Cal Barnes