SPLIT
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Romance, Sci-Fi
This is a story about the power of love, grief, the turmoil of isolation, and reconciliation. And how through compassion, understanding, love, and a wee bit of time-travel, we can all heal and open-up our hearts once more.
SPLIT
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Romance, Sci-Fi
2 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,690 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
35 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
This is a story about the power of love, grief, the turmoil of isolation, and reconciliation. And how through compassion, understanding, love, and a wee bit of time-travel, we can all heal and open-up our hearts once more.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Have you ever been in love? When was the last time you locked eyes with someone and the world around you simply stopped spinning - it was only you and them, lost in the moment, time, and space? BUT, is there anything in the world you’d throw that love away for?
This is exactly what we’ll be exploring in SPLIT, the story of a hopeless romantic teenager who discovers that the jukebox in his family’s bowling alley sends him back to its glory days in the 1980s. With the bowling alley closing down and with limited chances to go back in time, he must choose between a shot at love in the past or healing the relationship with his father in the present.
Director’s Statement
This is my dad, Sadredine. My dad, a Tunisian immigrant who raised me in Paris, has been through a lot. Like many parent-to-child relationships, ours is complicated. After my mom divorced him when I was a teen, my dad was never able to really connect with me. This disconnect influenced a lot of my isolation growing up. I always wanted to bond with my father but without an example in our lives, we stumbled on how to develop a deep sense of connection with each other. This is a picture of me and him now, together. Even 5000 miles apart we are a lot closer than when we lived together. How did that happen?! The answer: is Time and Love. And TIME and LOVE are essential tools to discovery for Robert (the son) and Michael (the dad) in our story.
The script spoke to me because of how I could relate to the relationship between Robert and Michael. That isolation between them is something I saw a lot of in my own relationship with my dad. Being the son of a North African immigrant, there was a disconnect between sharing one's feelings and masculinility that only furthered our isolation from each other. Yet in the end, as our protagonists connect, on a journey towards healing, my dad and I managed to blaze ourselves onto that path and our bond is now stronger than ever. The pain and regret that once was is gone.
In directing this project I want to bring my sensibilities as a multicultural individual, and want to heal from the trauma and isolation I found myself stuck in throughout my childhood. However, this story is not just for me. It is for those who have issues connecting with others, those who come from broken families and seek to find some form of peace, those who feel isolated because of their cultural backgrounds, and those who unwaveringly seek healing despite the trauma and grief they have faced.
Why me?
Because I love stories about love. The beauty of love is that it comes in and from so many places. I go to see films to feel and experience emotions to the fullest and I know that love is the strongest of them all. Split is a story about healing and reconnecting with a father, something which I’ve been through. It is a story about opening your heart - and while it took some time for me, I eventually learned to. Once I did, and welcomed others, my life has been full and has been a blessing in so many ways.
Why this?
Because it is a uniquely touching piece focused on a father and son, hope, young love, sacrifice and healing.
Why now?
As cheesy as it sounds, love is timeless, and familial struggles are universal themes. Whether it be in the 80s or now, the struggles faced by the protagonists echo through time. Anyone could find themselves in their shoes. Plus in a time where the future is scary, it is nice to be able to look back, to find that love and closeness are the answer. Past, present, or future.
Synopsis
Michael, a nostalgic yet well-meaning widow, and his son Robert, a closed off romantic soul who longs for human connection, prepare to close the rundown bowling alley that has been their family's for decades.
Unable to have a conversation with his son while clearing things out, Michael has one request: that Robert play a song from the jukebox, milking the beautiful relic for all it’s worth before it is taken from them. Robert obliges and selects a LOVE song he’s never heard before. The timeless classic fills the space but what happens next is unexpected: Robert is transported back to the 1980s, where he finds himself in the same bowling alley only this time it is different: it’s filled with life, love, and warmth. It is in this magical place that he locks eyes with Jaime. As he approaches her the song stops, and Robert is taken back to the present.
Back in the bleakness of his reality, and filled with purpose, Robert goes on researching 1980s lingo at home in preparation for his next visit to the past. Later that night, Robert returns to the bowling alley. This time he manages to talk with Jaime. Their connection is instant. Robert recklessly spends tokens to keep the song going, not knowing that once used, they belong to the past. Just as they agree to go on a dance together, Robert is brought back to reality with only two tokens to spare. Only then does he realize that tokens are finite, and that his chances at love are limited.
It is the day before the bowling alley is set to close. A tense Robert clashes with Michael, venting out all his pent up frusrations. Later on, Robert apologises and a beaten down Michael drives him to the bowling alley for his date.
The big dance is here. In the past, a snazzy Robert spots Jaime. As he approaches her, he hears the voice of his dad, a younger version of him. He then sees his mom. As he watches them dance together, something changes in him. Robert lets the song finish and runs outside the bowling alley to get his dad. He drags him inside and gives Michael the last token. Michael plays the song and to his wonder, is transported back to the past, overcome by the memories as Robert waits in the present. When Michael comes back to it, he has finally let go. They embrace, finally able to connect, on a path towards love and reconciliation.
Characters
What is wonderful about Split is that before it being a story about race, ethnicity, class, or color, SPLIT is a story about LOVE. Anybody can step into these shoes, and they will color the world.
THE WORLD(S)
We are seeing the world through Robert’s perspective!
There are two worlds:
1. Alley of Hope:
- Enough to entice Robert and audiences in.
- Place of love and life.
2. Alley of Despair:
- Robert’s view on reality.
- Doesn't offer much hope for better days.
- Highlight the disconnect between father and son.
ALLEY OF HOPE (1980s)
ALLEY OF DESPAIR (Present)
But here is a little secret - They Alley of Despair was always the Alley of Hope.
- With every trip colors and life will be brought back to it as Robert eventually sees the beauty in it.
THEY’RE NOT SO SPLIT AFTER ALL!
STYLISTIC INFLUENCES
Original Song
A very exciting endavor we will take on is writing an original song for Split. Having played instruments all my life, I believe you get to experience love through music. We will write and record a 1980's Love Song.
BUDGET AND PLAN
Our total budget is $26250.
Although we are granted a small stipend from the school, our locations alone have taken up the entirety of this. Your support will help us bring this incredible world to life by allowing each department to fully embrace the challenge of creating two distinct eras within the same space. It will also support the producing team take care of the cast and crew as they work long hours in production and post-production while taking all the safety precautions required as a result of the pandemic. Finally your donations will help us take this film to festivals all around the world.
The Team
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Please Follow & Share!
Sharing our campaign on your social media is as helpful as a donation. And doing BOTH goes a long way to helping bring 'SPLIT' to life!
http://www.instagram.com/split_thefilm
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROJECT!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Bowling Alley
Costs $9,000
The bowling alley is the backdrop of Split. It is what drives apart and unites Michael and Robert.
Juxebox
Costs $1,500
Our time-travel portal!
Crew Nutrition
Costs $2,000
To feed our wonderful cast and crew.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Vincent Essid | Director
Vincent Essid is a French, Tunisian, and American filmmaker. He obtained his undergraduate degree from UCSB in film in media studies and is currently in his final year student at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Vincent grew up in Paris, France, before moving to California when he was 18. Telling the stories of multicultural individuals is something he values as well as their struggles to fit in, among other things. A comedy lover, he strives to infuse his stories with comedic undertones, even when dealing with serious topics. He enjoys animation and most recently working on stop motion projects on his own time.
Camila Papadopoulo | Producer
Camila Papadopoulo is a recent graduate of Bowdoin College enrolled in film production at SCA. A native of Bermuda, she is deeply interested in all aspects of filmmaking, and has also studied acting at the NYU, Stella Adler, and Yale Summer Programs.
David Willner | Producer
Born and raised in a multicultural household in Southern California, David earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology at CSUN, as well as making short videos with his brother and friends during that time and after graduation, one of which was an official selection to the 2020 Screamfest and Monsterfest Film Festivals. He is currently honing his craft as a filmmaker at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and is looking forward to immersing the audience in the world “SPLIT” with an extremely talented and diverse group of filmmakers. Outside the world of film, he enjoys traveling, food, cooking, languages, reading, writing and being around good company.
Kate Hanson | 1st AD
Kate Hanson is a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, CA with a passion for bringing untold stories to light. Her background in biochemistry and psychology sparked an interest in exploring characters more deeply to understand what makes us who we are. She strives to inspire connection and conversation through her works which often focus on mental health, identity, and our relationships with others and ourselves. She is involved with organizations like Teens4TeensHelp that create accessible resources to support local students and break the stigma around mental health. Kate is currently pursuing her MFA in Film & Television Production at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where her most-recent short film Shattered debuted.
Nobu Emura | Director of Photography
Nobutaka Emura (Nobu) is a cinematographer from Japan. He is based in Los Angeles and pursuing the MFA, Film Production Program at the University of Southern California. He used to work as a camera operator for a TVNews station in Tokyo. He also worked as a camera assistant for broadcasting of numerous sports games and live concerts across Japan, and also China and South Korea. He continues to develop his skills through his current positions as a cinematographer, he recently completed shooting one of USC's thesis "I am Who I am". He is like a Lego block - he helps bring structure, color, and strength to any team by cooperating with other Legos.
Evie Barry | Sound
Sarah “Evie” Barry is a writer/director/editor from Cranford, NJ specializing in short-form entertainment pieces. She has seven years of professional work experience in print and digital media. Most recently, she was a video journalist at Group Nine Media, recognized by Nielsen as the number one video publisher on mobile in the U.S. A graduate of Clemson University’s College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, she has a B.A. in English and Philosophy, having studied the social and cultural relevance of film in a traditional humanities program. Following undergrad, she earned professional certificates in film production and writing from New York University, Manhattan Edit Workshop, and Downtown Community Television Center. Much of her work has featured real people in real time across the country, and she is pursuing dramatic narrative projects in the MFA Film & TV Production program.
Shubhi Sahni | Sound
Shubhi is a filmmaker from Toronto. Her films have screened internationally at festivals such as Short Shorts Film Festival and Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. She is currently an Annenberg Fellow and MFA Production student at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Shubhi is really excited to bring the sonic world of 'Split' to life.
Isaac Calvin | Editor
Isaac Calvin is a filmmaker, actor, and singer based in Los Angeles. His films have been official selections in the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, and Dumbo Film Festival. As an actor, he has appeared off-Broadway in New York, and most recently in SUPERTERRANEAN, an experimental theatre piece devised with Pig Iron Theatre Company and Mimi Lien (Tony Award Winner, MacArthur Genius Grant Recipient). He is currently pursuing his MFA in Film at USC.
Mariam Abd-Allah | Editor
Mariam Abd-Allah is a second year MFA student in Film & Television Production at the University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts. She is a culturally conscious filmmaker of Egyptian descent who strives to tell stories that highlight the complexities of the human experience, in the hopes of providing a means to connect people and bridge cultures. She plans to concentrate on both dramatic and light-hearted films that educate audiences on important issues that are perhaps overlooked or unfamiliar, inspire social change for the better, and provoke joy and wonder.
Yilin Xu | Production Design
My name is Yilin Xu, I have multi-culture background and experiences in filmmaking, commercial advertisement, and business. Before starting MFA in Film Production at USC (2021-2024), I earned a bachelor degree in Columbia College Chicago film directing major. My advertisement background offers me great visual expression and communication abilities. My college film study experience provides me various tools of storytelling. I enjoy the collaboration among different people and across different forms of art.
Maritza Cruz | Production Design
Maritza Cruz is a Mexican American writer, director, and production designer based in Los Angeles, CA. Storytelling has always been deeply embedded in her Chicana roots. She is passionate about world-building through writing and production design and hopes to bring more diversity to the sci-fi and fantasy genre. Recently, her first short film, Acid Trip, was selected as part of the foreign shorts category in the 24 Risas Por Segundo Comedy Film Festival where it premiered in Mexico City. Maritza is currently a second-year MFA Film Film & TV Production candidate at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts and a recipient of the George Lucas Foundation scholarship.
J. Zachary Thurman | Writer
J. Zachary Thurman is best known for the horror-comedy Finley (2019) and Furry Nights (2016; Distributed by Terror Films). Thurman was born in Atlanta, Georgia where he later attended Georgia State University’s production program. With 60+ awards including Best Horror Short as the Crimson Screen Horror Festival, he graduated with a degree in Film and Television. Thurman then went on to found and head Unplugged Films LLC, an Atlanta-based production company, in an attempt to help new filmmakers create low budget indie films. Recent clients include: How Stuff Works, Delta, The Home Depot, 22squared, Atlanta Hawks, and Turner Broadcasting. He is currently enrolled in the Graduate Film Program at the University of Southern California -- where he has created award-winning shorts like Dream Jar (2020) and Run (2021) which won him the Best Director award from Hollywood Horror Fest.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Have you ever been in love? When was the last time you locked eyes with someone and the world around you simply stopped spinning - it was only you and them, lost in the moment, time, and space? BUT, is there anything in the world you’d throw that love away for?
This is exactly what we’ll be exploring in SPLIT, the story of a hopeless romantic teenager who discovers that the jukebox in his family’s bowling alley sends him back to its glory days in the 1980s. With the bowling alley closing down and with limited chances to go back in time, he must choose between a shot at love in the past or healing the relationship with his father in the present.
Director’s Statement
This is my dad, Sadredine. My dad, a Tunisian immigrant who raised me in Paris, has been through a lot. Like many parent-to-child relationships, ours is complicated. After my mom divorced him when I was a teen, my dad was never able to really connect with me. This disconnect influenced a lot of my isolation growing up. I always wanted to bond with my father but without an example in our lives, we stumbled on how to develop a deep sense of connection with each other. This is a picture of me and him now, together. Even 5000 miles apart we are a lot closer than when we lived together. How did that happen?! The answer: is Time and Love. And TIME and LOVE are essential tools to discovery for Robert (the son) and Michael (the dad) in our story.
The script spoke to me because of how I could relate to the relationship between Robert and Michael. That isolation between them is something I saw a lot of in my own relationship with my dad. Being the son of a North African immigrant, there was a disconnect between sharing one's feelings and masculinility that only furthered our isolation from each other. Yet in the end, as our protagonists connect, on a journey towards healing, my dad and I managed to blaze ourselves onto that path and our bond is now stronger than ever. The pain and regret that once was is gone.
In directing this project I want to bring my sensibilities as a multicultural individual, and want to heal from the trauma and isolation I found myself stuck in throughout my childhood. However, this story is not just for me. It is for those who have issues connecting with others, those who come from broken families and seek to find some form of peace, those who feel isolated because of their cultural backgrounds, and those who unwaveringly seek healing despite the trauma and grief they have faced.
Why me?
Because I love stories about love. The beauty of love is that it comes in and from so many places. I go to see films to feel and experience emotions to the fullest and I know that love is the strongest of them all. Split is a story about healing and reconnecting with a father, something which I’ve been through. It is a story about opening your heart - and while it took some time for me, I eventually learned to. Once I did, and welcomed others, my life has been full and has been a blessing in so many ways.
Why this?
Because it is a uniquely touching piece focused on a father and son, hope, young love, sacrifice and healing.
Why now?
As cheesy as it sounds, love is timeless, and familial struggles are universal themes. Whether it be in the 80s or now, the struggles faced by the protagonists echo through time. Anyone could find themselves in their shoes. Plus in a time where the future is scary, it is nice to be able to look back, to find that love and closeness are the answer. Past, present, or future.
Synopsis
Michael, a nostalgic yet well-meaning widow, and his son Robert, a closed off romantic soul who longs for human connection, prepare to close the rundown bowling alley that has been their family's for decades.
Unable to have a conversation with his son while clearing things out, Michael has one request: that Robert play a song from the jukebox, milking the beautiful relic for all it’s worth before it is taken from them. Robert obliges and selects a LOVE song he’s never heard before. The timeless classic fills the space but what happens next is unexpected: Robert is transported back to the 1980s, where he finds himself in the same bowling alley only this time it is different: it’s filled with life, love, and warmth. It is in this magical place that he locks eyes with Jaime. As he approaches her the song stops, and Robert is taken back to the present.
Back in the bleakness of his reality, and filled with purpose, Robert goes on researching 1980s lingo at home in preparation for his next visit to the past. Later that night, Robert returns to the bowling alley. This time he manages to talk with Jaime. Their connection is instant. Robert recklessly spends tokens to keep the song going, not knowing that once used, they belong to the past. Just as they agree to go on a dance together, Robert is brought back to reality with only two tokens to spare. Only then does he realize that tokens are finite, and that his chances at love are limited.
It is the day before the bowling alley is set to close. A tense Robert clashes with Michael, venting out all his pent up frusrations. Later on, Robert apologises and a beaten down Michael drives him to the bowling alley for his date.
The big dance is here. In the past, a snazzy Robert spots Jaime. As he approaches her, he hears the voice of his dad, a younger version of him. He then sees his mom. As he watches them dance together, something changes in him. Robert lets the song finish and runs outside the bowling alley to get his dad. He drags him inside and gives Michael the last token. Michael plays the song and to his wonder, is transported back to the past, overcome by the memories as Robert waits in the present. When Michael comes back to it, he has finally let go. They embrace, finally able to connect, on a path towards love and reconciliation.
Characters
What is wonderful about Split is that before it being a story about race, ethnicity, class, or color, SPLIT is a story about LOVE. Anybody can step into these shoes, and they will color the world.
THE WORLD(S)
We are seeing the world through Robert’s perspective!
There are two worlds:
1. Alley of Hope:
- Enough to entice Robert and audiences in.
- Place of love and life.
2. Alley of Despair:
- Robert’s view on reality.
- Doesn't offer much hope for better days.
- Highlight the disconnect between father and son.
ALLEY OF HOPE (1980s)
ALLEY OF DESPAIR (Present)
But here is a little secret - They Alley of Despair was always the Alley of Hope.
- With every trip colors and life will be brought back to it as Robert eventually sees the beauty in it.
THEY’RE NOT SO SPLIT AFTER ALL!
STYLISTIC INFLUENCES
Original Song
A very exciting endavor we will take on is writing an original song for Split. Having played instruments all my life, I believe you get to experience love through music. We will write and record a 1980's Love Song.
BUDGET AND PLAN
Our total budget is $26250.
Although we are granted a small stipend from the school, our locations alone have taken up the entirety of this. Your support will help us bring this incredible world to life by allowing each department to fully embrace the challenge of creating two distinct eras within the same space. It will also support the producing team take care of the cast and crew as they work long hours in production and post-production while taking all the safety precautions required as a result of the pandemic. Finally your donations will help us take this film to festivals all around the world.
The Team
Please Follow & Share!
Sharing our campaign on your social media is as helpful as a donation. And doing BOTH goes a long way to helping bring 'SPLIT' to life!
http://www.instagram.com/split_thefilm
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROJECT!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Bowling Alley
Costs $9,000
The bowling alley is the backdrop of Split. It is what drives apart and unites Michael and Robert.
Juxebox
Costs $1,500
Our time-travel portal!
Crew Nutrition
Costs $2,000
To feed our wonderful cast and crew.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Vincent Essid | Director
Vincent Essid is a French, Tunisian, and American filmmaker. He obtained his undergraduate degree from UCSB in film in media studies and is currently in his final year student at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Vincent grew up in Paris, France, before moving to California when he was 18. Telling the stories of multicultural individuals is something he values as well as their struggles to fit in, among other things. A comedy lover, he strives to infuse his stories with comedic undertones, even when dealing with serious topics. He enjoys animation and most recently working on stop motion projects on his own time.
Camila Papadopoulo | Producer
Camila Papadopoulo is a recent graduate of Bowdoin College enrolled in film production at SCA. A native of Bermuda, she is deeply interested in all aspects of filmmaking, and has also studied acting at the NYU, Stella Adler, and Yale Summer Programs.
David Willner | Producer
Born and raised in a multicultural household in Southern California, David earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology at CSUN, as well as making short videos with his brother and friends during that time and after graduation, one of which was an official selection to the 2020 Screamfest and Monsterfest Film Festivals. He is currently honing his craft as a filmmaker at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and is looking forward to immersing the audience in the world “SPLIT” with an extremely talented and diverse group of filmmakers. Outside the world of film, he enjoys traveling, food, cooking, languages, reading, writing and being around good company.
Kate Hanson | 1st AD
Kate Hanson is a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, CA with a passion for bringing untold stories to light. Her background in biochemistry and psychology sparked an interest in exploring characters more deeply to understand what makes us who we are. She strives to inspire connection and conversation through her works which often focus on mental health, identity, and our relationships with others and ourselves. She is involved with organizations like Teens4TeensHelp that create accessible resources to support local students and break the stigma around mental health. Kate is currently pursuing her MFA in Film & Television Production at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where her most-recent short film Shattered debuted.
Nobu Emura | Director of Photography
Nobutaka Emura (Nobu) is a cinematographer from Japan. He is based in Los Angeles and pursuing the MFA, Film Production Program at the University of Southern California. He used to work as a camera operator for a TVNews station in Tokyo. He also worked as a camera assistant for broadcasting of numerous sports games and live concerts across Japan, and also China and South Korea. He continues to develop his skills through his current positions as a cinematographer, he recently completed shooting one of USC's thesis "I am Who I am". He is like a Lego block - he helps bring structure, color, and strength to any team by cooperating with other Legos.
Evie Barry | Sound
Sarah “Evie” Barry is a writer/director/editor from Cranford, NJ specializing in short-form entertainment pieces. She has seven years of professional work experience in print and digital media. Most recently, she was a video journalist at Group Nine Media, recognized by Nielsen as the number one video publisher on mobile in the U.S. A graduate of Clemson University’s College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, she has a B.A. in English and Philosophy, having studied the social and cultural relevance of film in a traditional humanities program. Following undergrad, she earned professional certificates in film production and writing from New York University, Manhattan Edit Workshop, and Downtown Community Television Center. Much of her work has featured real people in real time across the country, and she is pursuing dramatic narrative projects in the MFA Film & TV Production program.
Shubhi Sahni | Sound
Shubhi is a filmmaker from Toronto. Her films have screened internationally at festivals such as Short Shorts Film Festival and Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. She is currently an Annenberg Fellow and MFA Production student at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Shubhi is really excited to bring the sonic world of 'Split' to life.
Isaac Calvin | Editor
Isaac Calvin is a filmmaker, actor, and singer based in Los Angeles. His films have been official selections in the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, and Dumbo Film Festival. As an actor, he has appeared off-Broadway in New York, and most recently in SUPERTERRANEAN, an experimental theatre piece devised with Pig Iron Theatre Company and Mimi Lien (Tony Award Winner, MacArthur Genius Grant Recipient). He is currently pursuing his MFA in Film at USC.
Mariam Abd-Allah | Editor
Mariam Abd-Allah is a second year MFA student in Film & Television Production at the University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts. She is a culturally conscious filmmaker of Egyptian descent who strives to tell stories that highlight the complexities of the human experience, in the hopes of providing a means to connect people and bridge cultures. She plans to concentrate on both dramatic and light-hearted films that educate audiences on important issues that are perhaps overlooked or unfamiliar, inspire social change for the better, and provoke joy and wonder.
Yilin Xu | Production Design
My name is Yilin Xu, I have multi-culture background and experiences in filmmaking, commercial advertisement, and business. Before starting MFA in Film Production at USC (2021-2024), I earned a bachelor degree in Columbia College Chicago film directing major. My advertisement background offers me great visual expression and communication abilities. My college film study experience provides me various tools of storytelling. I enjoy the collaboration among different people and across different forms of art.
Maritza Cruz | Production Design
Maritza Cruz is a Mexican American writer, director, and production designer based in Los Angeles, CA. Storytelling has always been deeply embedded in her Chicana roots. She is passionate about world-building through writing and production design and hopes to bring more diversity to the sci-fi and fantasy genre. Recently, her first short film, Acid Trip, was selected as part of the foreign shorts category in the 24 Risas Por Segundo Comedy Film Festival where it premiered in Mexico City. Maritza is currently a second-year MFA Film Film & TV Production candidate at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts and a recipient of the George Lucas Foundation scholarship.
J. Zachary Thurman | Writer
J. Zachary Thurman is best known for the horror-comedy Finley (2019) and Furry Nights (2016; Distributed by Terror Films). Thurman was born in Atlanta, Georgia where he later attended Georgia State University’s production program. With 60+ awards including Best Horror Short as the Crimson Screen Horror Festival, he graduated with a degree in Film and Television. Thurman then went on to found and head Unplugged Films LLC, an Atlanta-based production company, in an attempt to help new filmmakers create low budget indie films. Recent clients include: How Stuff Works, Delta, The Home Depot, 22squared, Atlanta Hawks, and Turner Broadcasting. He is currently enrolled in the Graduate Film Program at the University of Southern California -- where he has created award-winning shorts like Dream Jar (2020) and Run (2021) which won him the Best Director award from Hollywood Horror Fest.