Set in a primordial Gothic cemetery, this new Hallmark spec features a lone Victorian woman ghost who searches for the grave of her long-departed friend. "Black Tear" was conceived and directed by filmmaker Daniel Azarian, who set out to create a spot that had a dark and satiric edge complemented by an ethereal and beautiful look.

The inspiration for the spot is one of Azarian's favorite illustrators, author Edward Gorey, well-known for his sinister yet oddly humorous pen and ink illustrations. "I did an original sketch of the character of the woman, and that is what I based the concept on," Azarian points out. "Her costume was designed and created from scratch in the style from the late Victorian era, but the hair, make-up and jewelry were stylized with a modern edge." Care was placed not to make the aesthetic too Gothic, as Azarian didn't want to overshadow the product or the story. 

Tech Talk: The spot was shot on Super16mm and transferred to digital data via the Spirit CineData. In color correct, the highlights were blurred to give the spot a mystical quality. This worked out well, especially where the sun peeks out through the leaves, producing a mist-like effect.

Tear Talk: The "Black Tear" was very real. The make-up artist mixed glycerin with black eyeshadow to make a black liquid which was placed in an eyedropper. The actress held her head horizontal so the liquid could be placed close to her eye. One cue, she then tilted her head upright, in front of the pre-postioned camera, and the liquid naturally dropped. For safety reasons, the liquid was actually placed a small distance away from the actress' eye, and the empty part was filled in digitally in post.

Agency: Underdog Entertainment, New York
Producer/Director: Daniel Azarian
Cinematographer: Milton Kam
Editorial: Namakula
Colorist: John Dowdel
VFX: Pure, New York
Score: Michael Damon