DEADLOCK

DEADLOCK (2024)

Production Assistant

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33483591/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

Working on the set of Deadlock was an experience I will never forget. This film, directed by Dustin Fairbanks, and starring Kevin Spacey and DJ Qualls, was a turning point in my journey. One day, I was driving to my friend’s house and received a text that I’d be working as a PA on set. In that moment, my dream started to become a reality, and this remains as one of my fondest memories.

The set was chaotic, but in the best way possible, as every day brought new challenges and opportunities. Although I made mistakes, I embraced them as chances to grow. I soaked up knowledge like a sponge, learning from cinematographer Tiago Mesquita about framing a shot, receiving advice from producer Spero Stamboulis, pitching film ideas to Dustin Fairbanks, and forming friendships with crew members who shared their diverse perspectives and experiences.

As my first feature film set, Deadlock set a high bar. The energy, collaboration, and dedication of the team left an indelible mark on me. I’m grateful for everything I learned and wish the best for everyone involved… this team will be hard to beat.

OFFICIAL TRAILER:

BURLED ARCH

OFFICIAL TRAILER:

Burled Arch (2024)

DIRECTOR-CINEMATOGRAPHER-EDITOR

Found on School Website: https://vimeo.com/957271384

I grew up in Northern Virginia and for 14 years, I attended Flint Hill School. Serving as Student Body President , I had a deep connection to not only the school, but also my peers. This film became my way of leaving a legacy, much like why I want to pursue filmmaking, to create something lasting and meaningful. The documentary explores the senior project requirement at Flint Hill, following various students as they share what they did, what they learned, and how the experience shaped them. My hope of this film is to inspire future seniors, by having the school show them this film before embarking on their own projects, sparking excitement and motivation. The title, The Burled Arch, reflects this journey. Flint Hill School's mascot is a Husky, and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a key part of the school’s identity. In the race, the Burled Arch is the final marker you pass under upon completing the journey, a metaphor I used to represent my time at Flint Hill and the completion of this project.
Throughout the editing process of this film, I learned invaluable lessons. I discovered the importance of capturing every moment, because you never know what footage you’ll need. Another lesson was the necessity of adaptability, as I often had to pivot when plans fell through. I worked under strict deadlines and collaborated with my project supervisor, the school’s editor. At first, I resisted her advice to cut and trim scenes, however, throughout the process I realized her feedback was instrumental in crafting a polished final product. Her lessons about pacing and precision have stuck with me, and I now approach every project with her perspective in mind, ensuring no clip lingers unnecessarily. The Burled Arch was more than a documentary; it was a culmination of my journey at Flint Hill School and a testament to the value of persistence, adaptability, and collaboration. This is a project I will always cherish for the lessons it taught me and the legacy it represents.

OFFICIAL TRAILER:

YOUR TURN

OFFICIAL TRAILER:

Your Turn (2023)

DIRECTOR-CINEMATOGRAPHER-WRITER-ACTOR-EDITOR

 IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34996654/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_yourturn

Your Turn originated from a high school assignment in my senior year of high school film class. We were tasked with creating a 30-second horror short, however, I decided to aim higher. I pitched my teacher a longer and more ambitious film, including my friends in the process. After receiving approval for the film, my friends and I only had four days to pull it off. I wrote the concept that night, and shortly after, we began the film production in my basement. On day two, we shot scenes in the woods, discovering an abandoned horse shed that inspired new ideas. With no time for second takes, spontaneity became part of the charm. Day three, (which was a school night and coincidentally happened to be Halloween), we wrapped our scenes in the woods. While filming, two flashlights and two phones died, leaving us to navigate our way home in total darkness throughout the woods and across a long and deep creek.

From this experience, I learned the importance of balancing fun with focus when working with friends. Despite the laughter and unpredictable moments, we knew when to regain focus and get the work done. As I watched the finished film with my class, I felt a mix of pride and humility. I’ll admit, this is not my best work, as it was filmed in just a few days with no clear roadmap, but it holds a special place in my heart because of the dedication and memories tied to it. Every time I rewatch the 20-minute short, I’m both nostalgic and critical. In one scene, the killer is shown chasing the hero, which feels unintentionally cartoonish. If I could remake the film, I’d create tension by having the killer vanish after being discovered, leaving the audience on edge about his next move. Your Turn taught me the value of adaptability, collaboration, and perseverance. It’s a testament to what can be achieved with limited time and a group of creative friends who refuse to settle for less.

THE WAWFUL IDEa

OFFICIAL TRAILER:

THE wAWFUL IDEA (2023)

DIRECTOR-CINEMATOGRAPHER-WRITER-ACTOR-EDITOR

 IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34985690/?ref_=nm_flmg_knf_t_2

The wAwful Idea holds a special place in my heart, as it is the first real narrative film I ever made. This short-film, created for an assignment in my film class, was my first step into telling a story with intention and structure.

This project challenged me to craft a storyline that has character, plot, and a vision, thinking beyond simple visuals. While it may not be perfect, it represents the beginning of my journey as a filmmaker and the moment I truly fell in love with narrative storytelling.

Looking back, this film reminds me of the excitement and determination I felt while piecing everything together for the first time. The wAwful Idea is a reminder of how far I’ve come, how much more there is to learn, and it will always mark where it all began.