Mignon Von- Executive Producer, Writer, Director, Actress of 42 Seconds

I am one of the few lucky people that can say they’ve always known their passion and purpose. It began with acting and as I got older I realized more stories needed telling. The characters that looked like me, I didn’t recognize them. I wanted to see a middle class, suburban, awkward, smart, loved, black girl that went on fools’ errands and found herself in ridiculous quagmires or experienced drama that didn’t surround teenage pregnancy, jail, drugs, or “da hood”. Not that these narratives aren’t valid; the problem is the lack of spectrum and limited representation of experience among the African diaspora.  Longing to see these stories told properly, I graduated from Pepperdine University in 2012 with a B.A. in Film Studies and a few student projects that were, well, student projects. Shooting from the hip here, I cannot wait to lock that garbage up in a dark vault and set it ablaze, freeze the ashes, and store them in a box that can only be opened with elven magic. Though in fairness, glimmers of my potential hide between the frames and at the very least, I stepped into the arena and got them done. That much I am proud of.

Since bursting forth from my college bubble I production assisted on several short films and an independent feature. I worked for meals and IMDB credit, also known as, for free; I fully recognize that my experience is not singular. So many of us are fighting for opportunity, even the opportunity to be a slave. In all sincerity, each project was very meaningful for me and I am earnestly grateful for all that I learned and experienced. I took a detour producing in reality television for some time, (girl’s gotta eat); all the while, I joined grass roots film cohorts and regularly binged on cinema, old and new. Prior to breaking into entertainment, I worked for next to nothing in nonprofit education. Though the work was honorable and a passion, my purpose was still calling. It was during this period  42 Seconds, was born. 42 Seconds has undergone iteration after iteration. We are finally at the picture ready version and I am so stinking excited to bring it to you.

L. Alexandria Williams (Alex)- Unit Production Manager

Alex is a Georgia native forging her way in the flourishing film industry in Atlanta. She is new to the Unit Production Manager role but has been active in the Arts since 2007. Alex is an up and coming producer. Her first short film produced “After You Leave” will be premiering in the Way Down Film Festival next month. She is a brilliant young talent with so much to offer. She came up to me at a monthly film event and expressed her interest in helping me bring 42 Seconds to fruition. I know this production is in good hands with her as our UPM.

Sherouk Omara- Assistant Director

Sherouk is a transplant to Atlanta from the Midwest. She currently runs support at a tech startup and moonlights as an assistant director. Currently, she's writing a web series with plans to direct it. She loves old British sitcoms, grew up on black and white Egyptian films, and enjoys international travel. Outside of work, you can find her scouring Spotify for obscure music, watching weird (and not-so-weird) shows on Netflix, and exploring coffee shops. She's looking forward to helping make '42 seconds' a hit and is super pumped to be on the team! We bonded at a french cafe over our love of foriegn film and realizing we are both Anglophiles. Humble and capable, I'm proud to have her as my general for 42 Seconds.

Jason Cermak- Director of Photography

Jason graduated from Georgia State University in December 2013 with a BA in Film and Visual Media.