Filmmaker, writer, and director Alivia Levie chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about her new series “Tunnel Vision,” which stars Joel Erdmann.
How did “Tunnel Vision” come about?
I have always been a writer; but never allowed myself to embody that title. I have been writing out scenes and stories since I can remember, and would store them in journals or notebooks around the house. I even used to make storyboards when I was in kindergarten… So being a storyteller in this capacity has always been in my bones.
It wasn’t until I was called in for a general meeting with a major studio back in 2023 that I began the Tunnel Vision story. During that meeting, I informed the executive that I had so many scenes in my mind for this unnamed (at the time) project based in the Bay Area.
I had a feeling the concept was powerful, but once I left that meeting, I knew It was a story worth telling. That day I was encouraged to make the proof of concept for the show, to later shop at studios. One thing about me is I love pushing myself towards “the impossible” proving it possible all along.
That day, when I returned from the studio, I opened my laptop and began section one, Jett’s story. The process followed, and so on and so forth. I sourced an incredible crew of humans, and we grew month by month. Then I started casting, and discovering the stars that make up Tunnel Vision. About three fourths of the way through, I was looking for a co-writer to help me finish out the series. That is when I met Clara Dossetter, in line for the Women In Film panel at Sundance… It was a spiritual moment when we met, as she was standing right in front of me.
I knew I needed to source an additional writer who also grew up In Marin County to ensure the script remained authentic to the time, as I believe the best scripts are written by those closest to the story. Clara and I immediately clicked – and I brought her on to co-write with me. I thank my lucky stars and the universe daily for bringing her, and the entire cast/crew into this project and into this world.
What inspired you to write and direct this?
I knew I wanted this piece to be my serious debut as a director, because It set the tone for all of the future stories I want to tell. I am wildly inspired by coming of age stories, and I always have been. A few of the movies that formed me as a director are Palo Alto, The Virgin Suicides, The Bling Ring, and Perks of Being a Wallflower.
I love the aspect of relationship dynamics of all kinds represented in film, and dissecting them has always been psychologically interesting to me. The idea that we are all flawed as humans is beautiful and honest.. and is what drives many of the stories I am invested in/create, so the intention from the beginning with Tunnel Vision was to direct it.
I knew no one else would have the understanding that I did for these characters, as I built them from the ground up and because of that no one would be able to direct these moments the way that I did.
What did “Tunnel Vision” teach you about yourself?
This show ripped me open, in the best possible way. Not only did I learn so much as an Indie director, producer, writer, etc in the production/technical and business side of things; like how to make the best possible project with a very limited budget, but more so, creating this project taught me about who I am as a human and reminded me of what I am internally capable of. Going into shooting this story, I knew that the spiritual energy behind the project would drive it, and that was absolutely validated throughout. Every single person who touched this project, handled it with so much love, devotion and care.
This story became something that was just as much mine, as it was theirs; which was my intention from the beginning. I wanted everyone to see this story as if it was their own, because it always was. I have always been a highly collaborative creative, and in this business I’ve learned that isn’t common. However, I wish more people knew that when you create space for co-creation, the project will always be better. It’s all about letting go of your own ego, and getting out of your own way.
The process of shooting Tunnel Vision affirmed that for me. I love building things with my friends and likeminded creatives as a team, and this process taught me that it is a gift of mine. In my opinion, the learning is never done, and I consider that such a blessing. C’est la vie!
What was it like working with Joel Erdmann on this project, and the rest of the cast?
Truly, when I met Joel, I knew he had something special about him. Joel and I were cast to model together in a campaign a few years back, and I remember a beautiful and kind warmth that he so effortlessly shined that day. I knew we would be friends from that point on, but at the time, wasn’t aware he would end up playing such an important role in this series. Sometime later, when I was looking at talent for the role of Brody, he popped into my brain. I had no idea at the time he was an actor, so I straight up gave him a call and asked him if he’d be interested in auditioning for this role.
I had already felt called to cast him even before I saw his tape. I can be witchy and intuitive about things like this, and I had this inner knowing that he would understand Brody so deeply. He was immediately interested and sent in his tape. Booom, he was locked in.
Even though this was Joel’s debut on screen in an acting role, he was a natural. He remained grounded and calm while also allowing himself to play with the role. He was able to really go there within only a few takes; and I rarely had notes.
His understanding of the character was something he made so his own; a quality I love to see in an actor, because it shows how deeply they personally can connect. Which in turn, always delivers an honest and raw performance. Joel is made to do this, and I’ve always said that.
What do your plans for the future include?
I have always been a forward thinker and a dreamer, so I tend to have a long working list of “irons in the fire.” Currently, I am executive producing a few features – both with incredible teams and brilliant stories. I’ll be leading one of these films, and have also been the creator of the story.
Beyond this, I plan to create, direct, and produce many more films and even television shows in the near future. Tunnel Vision as the mini-series stands as a POC for a real show; in which the pilot is nearly finished and we are in conversation for distribution.
How does it feel to be a writer and director in the digital age?
I feel so lucky to be here, and to be doing what I am during this time. Many will say they are concerned for the industry, but truthfully I see the opposite. I know we are in a revolution in film/television and with the rise of independent film in 2026, I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it all. We have everything we need at our fingertips, and what a gift that truly is.
What is your advice for young and emerging filmmakers?
I have always said this, but you can turn your can’ts into cans and your dreams into plans. You are in control of your own destiny. If you have that sparkle inside of you; that urge to create and to make something important, please! I urge you to do so. What a privilege it is to be able to exercise our creativity and our gifts; our imagination.
Don’t be scared of what other people are going to think, because when you remain authentic to yourself, your people will always find you. Art heals; we always need more people, with different perspectives making it.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
I’ve gone back and forth as the years pass, wondering about this question myself, and my answer has absolutely adapted over time. At this current state, success to me means having an impact and making waves. Whenever someone tells me that they can see themselves in a part of Tunnel Vision, it makes me feel like the job is done. My mission has always been for the audience to feel seen by the characters I create, or to make sense of something in their life because of what they experienced on screen. If I can have an impact like that forever, with the world I’ll have won the lottery.
What would you like to say to our readers about “Tunnel Vision”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Everyone, and I mean everyone is going through something they probably aren’t speaking about. No matter what season in life you’re in, everyone is just doing what they can with the tools that they have at that time. The Tunnel Vision series represents that main theme while also shining light on multiple societal motifs ingrained throughout. The main purpose of this show is to feel and empathize with these characters while understanding they are all just figuring it out… because hey, aren’t we all?
To learn more about Alivia Levie, follow her on Instagram.
Read More: Rave review of “Tunnel Vision” series.
