Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Film Feature
Drama, Romance
Have you ever thought, “what if I had lived the life my parents expected me to?” Take that and toss in both the American and Asian American experience, a nuanced examination of privilege and a big bag of “what ifs.” Then set it in one of the best places in the world. That’s our film, Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Film Feature
Drama, Romance

1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $51,535 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
211 supporters | followers
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Have you ever thought, “what if I had lived the life my parents expected me to?” Take that and toss in both the American and Asian American experience, a nuanced examination of privilege and a big bag of “what ifs.” Then set it in one of the best places in the world. That’s our film, Ann Arbor.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Ann Arbor is fiscally sponsored by The Film Collaborative, a 501(c)3 organization. ALL donations to this campaign are tax deductible.
Ann Arbor explores the concept of “what if” through themes of yearning, nostalgia, and familial expectations. I tell the story of Kendrick and Jane, discovering the lives they’re living aren’t the ones they’d hoped for. It’s about the quiet decisions we make in our lives that shape our identity, and how those same small decisions can land us in a place we never intended to be.
Tonally, the film conveys a melancholic hopefulness. The awkward silences between these estranged best friends reflect a sadness over what could have been. But as the familiarity between them develops, the silence begins to take on a new meaning, comfort. This comfort, punctuated with moments of authentic connection elicits hope in both the characters - a hope that it’s never too late to live your true life.
The idea for Ann Arbor, my debut feature film, came about during the pandemic when my mom asked me to reconsider medicine. This led me down visualizing a “what if” had I done everything my parents wanted me to do? This story is a chance to live an alternate version of ourselves and ask if we would truly be happy. So many of us shoulder the heavy expectation of others throughout our lives. Ann Arbor tells us that it's never too late to choose your path and live the life you want to lead.
WHY I'M TELLING THIS STORY
Ann Arbor tells the story of an immigrant 35 years into his immigration, my story. It explores the meaning of home from both the immigrant and American perspectives while considering the intersections of privilege, expectations and cultural generational trauma.
As an Asian American man growing up in a predominantly white town, my family and I have experienced unfairness in terms of wealth, opportunity and privileges. I also had friends that were very poor and grew up in single parent homes. I share these inequities through the two protagonists. Kendrick, an Asian American man with privileges such as gender, class mobility and being raised by two parents. Jane, a white woman with a close bond with her mother and a seeming freedom to choose her own destiny.
Through intimate conversations between the two characters, I address topics like the explicit racism I experienced growing up, the daily microaggressions people of color deal with and the lack of representation in media for Asian Americans, especially for Asian American men. I also explore food insecurity, poverty, disability, familial expectations and the concept of a nuclear family all within the backdrop of the American dream.
ARTISTIC INTENTION
Ann Arbor’s pacing is intentionally slow to reflect the gradual journey both characters have taken in their lives and mimic the seemingly nonchalant choices that have shaped a version of themselves they no longer recognize. The film will find the minutiae of being human - the characters fidgeting with discomfort, moments of touch and avoidance, the slight brush of a hand, and fill the screen with it.
Change is symbolized through the season of fall, the multi-colored autumn leaf and the patinated penny Jane keeps from the last time she saw Kendrick decades ago. Themes around transformation are seen through the passage through doors, bridges and train tracks. Magic and a sense of wonder are sprinkled throughout the scenes with green flashes of fireflies and fairy doors. They reveal that there’s magic all around us, we just have to know where to look.
This film takes place at night, so we’ll use creative lighting during the exteriors, relighting the storefronts and using existing lighting as motivation. During emotional moments, the camera will switch to handheld to convey conflict and their distressed internal world.
I reveal story through dialogue rather than plot, akin to films like Before Sunset and Past Lives. I tell rather than show because words for these characters are the only defense they have from one another and from the truth. By the conclusion of the film, our reward will be discovering that words can not only hinder, but can also help us find the truth.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Ann Arbor is a story about us, the changes we experience in our lives and how our past are inextricable from our present.
I along with so many others around the globe have had to rediscover our identity and purpose in life during the pandemic. For some of us, this change has involuntarily put us into caregiving roles and to make sacrifices to our loved ones to make sure they're okay.
The film is also for the Asian Americans and immigrants living in the US, over 1 in 10 of which were born outside of the States, just like Kendrick. They will intimately understand his immigrant experience of straddling two cultures and trying to balance a sense of belonging versus keeping their cultural heritage alive.
Finally, Ann Arbor is a hopeful film for those of us looking for love and happiness in life. It tells us the magic we’re looking for was there all along. And for me and many others, that magic is in Ann Arbor. Whether they were born and raised here, a transplant, or if they know it through the University of Michigan, anyone that’s spent a little time in Ann Arbor, knows the magical beauty of the city.
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
1. FOLLOW US ON ALL OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Be sure to follow us here on Seed & Spark, but also on Facebook, Instagram and join our mailing list. And encourage your friends to follow us too!
2. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #AnnArborMovie
Please tell your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about our movie. Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates! We're pushing to shoot in October!
3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
Regular visits to our Seed & Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being a featured project on the Seed&Spark homepage!
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
We're fiscally sponsored through The Film Collaborative so ALL donations are tax deductible! Minus the retail value of the incentives you receive. In-kind donations are eligible for tax deductions too! At the end of the campaign we will send you a tax receipt for your contribution. Please provide your full name when checking out or company name, no nicknames. Also, mailing addresses for all donors of $500 and more are required. This is due to IRS requirements and makes sure that we receive the money you're donating. Thank you!
ALL donations to this campaign are tax deductible. In accordance with IRS regulations The Film Collaborative (TFC) issues tax receipts. Crowdfunder admin fees and credit card processing fees are deducted before TFC receives the funds. TFC issues tax receipts on the amount they receive minus the fair market value of the incentive you select.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Casting
Costs $7,500
We'll need to hire a casting director to find our two lead actors, day players and extras that will make Ann Arbor shine!
Day Player Roles
Costs $8,000
We'll be hiring 8 local actors for a few scenes. This will play them for their time and talent.
Facility Employees
Costs $3,000
We need to hire employees of the facilities we're looking to use, like building managers and even a Zamboni driver!
Locations
Costs $7,500
We don't have a ton of locations, but we want to make sure they're the right ones! RIP ABC - we have to find a replacement!
Camera Package
Costs $21,500
We want Ann Arbor to look good! Our camera package includes the best cameras and lenses to share Ann Arbor in all it's beauty!
Craft Service Table
Costs $2,500
This will keep our cast and crew caffeinated and sustained between meals so they have the energy to do their best work!
About This Team
Trevor Zhou (Writer/Director)
Made in China and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Trevor Zhou is an LA-based filmmaker, artist and advocate whose lived experiences inspire the emotional stories he tells, centering around identity, family and unearthing our personal truths. He fell into acting when he was cast as a "real person" in a national commercial saying the word "trains." Reviews of his performance were favorable. After 12 years of acting and writing/directing his own projects, he's making his debut feature film Ann Arbor, a bittersweet love letter to his hometown, going into production in October. Trevor’s horror/comedy about the commodification of diversity in media won honorable mention at the Stowe Story Labs Fellowship and was accepted into the final round at the Sundance Development Labs. He’s currently pitching his TV pilot, Cabin Pressure, a half hour comedy about the ups and downs of the lives of flight attendants.
Heather Turman (Producer)
As a nationally touring comedian Heather Turman has performed in 20 US states and 75 cities. She has appeared on the FOX series "Laughs" and the SeedandSpark original "Everything Is Fine!" stand-up comedy special. She has also appeared at major festivals including RIOT LA!, SLO-fest and the Westside Showdown in LA where she was a top-finalist twice. Heather is also an award-winning writer, producer and actor. She sold her first feature-length screenplay "The Catch" to Principle Entertainment and then wrote and produced the feature film "Stuck" starring Joel McHale, Heather Matarazzo and SNL's Chris Redd. "Stuck" took home a plethora of awards on the festival circuit before securing global distribution. Prior to making her feature debut with "Stuck," she produced a handful of short films, including "Subdivision" with Larry Laboe (NBC's Ctrl and Fact Checkers Unit), and on the new media front Turman made a splash when she wrote, produced, directed and starred in the original series "Conversations with Future Stars"which was subsequently licensed by RevryTV. Additionally, Turman was a sketch writer for the 2015 CBS Diversity Showcase and her latest screenplay "Snapped" was a top-five finalist at the 2020 Portland Comedy Festival, an Official Selection at Script Summit, and a Semi-Finalist in Coverfly's Unique Voices Screenwriting Competition.
Cindy Lu (Consulting Producer)
Cindy Lu is the founder and executive producer of 3rd Astronaut, a production company focused on cross-cultural films, empowering and championing directors, writers, and producers of underrepresented backgrounds. Notable works include HOME + AWAY, a high school sports documentary that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, 'DEALING WITH DAD', a family dramedy feature film starring Ally Maki (Wrecked, Toy Story 4) and Hayden Szeto (The Edge of Seventeen, The Good Place), and 'TWO TRIALS', an investigative documentary on the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
Anna Wong (Executive Producer)
Anna Wong grew up mere miles from Hollywood where her Aunt, iconic Asian American film star Anna May Wong, left an indelible mark on cinematic history. While Anna never had any desire to pursue a career in front of the camera, she has always been drawn to the cultural impact and inclusiveness that her namesake strove to achieve. Whether she’s advocating for artists, planning events, producing and developing film and TV projects or engaging in philanthropic endeavors Anna’s mission is to increase awareness of Asian American issues and further the effort for equality.
Alecia Anderson (Executive Producer)
She's been a champion for the film and has an unwavering love for Ann Arbor. Embracing it’s vibrant culture and captivating spirit, she finds herself drawn to the opportunity of being part of an independent film that encapsulates the essence of this remarkable city. With a heart filled with admiration for its unique charm, she is eager to contribute her talents and is dedicated to showcasing Ann Arbor's beauty and creating a cinematic experience that resonates with its residents and beyond.
Jim Burnstein (Executive Producer)
Jim Burnstein, Professor and Director of the University of Michigan’s nationally acclaimed Screenwriting Program since 1995, managed to beat the odds and make it as a successful Hollywood screenwriter without moving from his home in Plymouth, Michigan. Burnstein’s screen credits include Renaissance Man, the 1994 comedy directed by Penny Marshall and starring Danny DeVito; D3: The Mighty Ducks; and Love and Honor, starring Liam Hemsworth and Teresa Palmer, co-written with Garrett K. Schiff of Los Angeles. Other Burnstein and Schiff credits include Ruffian starring Sam Shepard (ABC/ESPN); Naughty or Nice starring George Lopez (ABC); and Ham-let, a graphic novel published by Dark Horse Comics in 2022. Burnstein also served as the executive producer of the award-winning independent 2008 film, Ocean of Pearls, directed by Dr. Sarab Neelam and written by V. Prasad.
Michael Molina Minard (Co-Producer)
Michael Molina Minard is a second-generation Latino filmmaker with over twenty years of experience. He’s worked for IBM, ESPN, HBO and Levinson/Fontana in addition to working with numerous commercial and political clients.. He produced and edited over a dozen short films and series since 2010 under his Narrative Creep shingle.
Monique Alofs (Co-Producer)
Monique Alofs cut her teeth in New York City's independent film world. Her unique approach to creative development and production inspires everyone to push together, achieve the impossible, and see everything as a tool for getting sh!t done.
Shana Fu Brewer (Associate Producer)
Shana Brewer brings nearly 20 years of expertise in marketing, event planning, and operations to her new role in the film production industry. Shana was the former owner of East West Event Productions, an event planning firm she successfully ran from 2008 to 2018, and has continued to hone her skills in managing marketing campaigns and budgets for leading technology companies throughout her distinguished career. Originally from the Midwest, and a proud alumna of the University of Michigan with a degree in Economics and Asian Studies, she has called Los Angeles her adopted home for the past two decades. Shana is excited to leverage her extensive experience to contribute to the dynamic world of film production, with "Ann Arbor" being her second feature film.
Geoff George (Director of Photography)
Geoff George, a Detroit-born cinematographer and University of Michigan alumnus, has built a remarkable portfolio in commercials, music videos, documentaries, and feature films. His career began with roles as a camera assistant for distinguished DP's before embarking on his own projects with Nike, Timberland, Under Armour, and renowned musicians like Eminem. Geoff's accolades include the International Cinematographer's Guild Local 600 Emerging Cinematographer Award in 2019. Among his many short and feature credits, the film Raspberry premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Geoff is represented by Neer Agency in Los Angeles.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Ann Arbor is fiscally sponsored by The Film Collaborative, a 501(c)3 organization. ALL donations to this campaign are tax deductible.
Ann Arbor explores the concept of “what if” through themes of yearning, nostalgia, and familial expectations. I tell the story of Kendrick and Jane, discovering the lives they’re living aren’t the ones they’d hoped for. It’s about the quiet decisions we make in our lives that shape our identity, and how those same small decisions can land us in a place we never intended to be.
Tonally, the film conveys a melancholic hopefulness. The awkward silences between these estranged best friends reflect a sadness over what could have been. But as the familiarity between them develops, the silence begins to take on a new meaning, comfort. This comfort, punctuated with moments of authentic connection elicits hope in both the characters - a hope that it’s never too late to live your true life.
The idea for Ann Arbor, my debut feature film, came about during the pandemic when my mom asked me to reconsider medicine. This led me down visualizing a “what if” had I done everything my parents wanted me to do? This story is a chance to live an alternate version of ourselves and ask if we would truly be happy. So many of us shoulder the heavy expectation of others throughout our lives. Ann Arbor tells us that it's never too late to choose your path and live the life you want to lead.
WHY I'M TELLING THIS STORY
Ann Arbor tells the story of an immigrant 35 years into his immigration, my story. It explores the meaning of home from both the immigrant and American perspectives while considering the intersections of privilege, expectations and cultural generational trauma.
As an Asian American man growing up in a predominantly white town, my family and I have experienced unfairness in terms of wealth, opportunity and privileges. I also had friends that were very poor and grew up in single parent homes. I share these inequities through the two protagonists. Kendrick, an Asian American man with privileges such as gender, class mobility and being raised by two parents. Jane, a white woman with a close bond with her mother and a seeming freedom to choose her own destiny.
Through intimate conversations between the two characters, I address topics like the explicit racism I experienced growing up, the daily microaggressions people of color deal with and the lack of representation in media for Asian Americans, especially for Asian American men. I also explore food insecurity, poverty, disability, familial expectations and the concept of a nuclear family all within the backdrop of the American dream.
ARTISTIC INTENTION
Ann Arbor’s pacing is intentionally slow to reflect the gradual journey both characters have taken in their lives and mimic the seemingly nonchalant choices that have shaped a version of themselves they no longer recognize. The film will find the minutiae of being human - the characters fidgeting with discomfort, moments of touch and avoidance, the slight brush of a hand, and fill the screen with it.
Change is symbolized through the season of fall, the multi-colored autumn leaf and the patinated penny Jane keeps from the last time she saw Kendrick decades ago. Themes around transformation are seen through the passage through doors, bridges and train tracks. Magic and a sense of wonder are sprinkled throughout the scenes with green flashes of fireflies and fairy doors. They reveal that there’s magic all around us, we just have to know where to look.
This film takes place at night, so we’ll use creative lighting during the exteriors, relighting the storefronts and using existing lighting as motivation. During emotional moments, the camera will switch to handheld to convey conflict and their distressed internal world.
I reveal story through dialogue rather than plot, akin to films like Before Sunset and Past Lives. I tell rather than show because words for these characters are the only defense they have from one another and from the truth. By the conclusion of the film, our reward will be discovering that words can not only hinder, but can also help us find the truth.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Ann Arbor is a story about us, the changes we experience in our lives and how our past are inextricable from our present.
I along with so many others around the globe have had to rediscover our identity and purpose in life during the pandemic. For some of us, this change has involuntarily put us into caregiving roles and to make sacrifices to our loved ones to make sure they're okay.
The film is also for the Asian Americans and immigrants living in the US, over 1 in 10 of which were born outside of the States, just like Kendrick. They will intimately understand his immigrant experience of straddling two cultures and trying to balance a sense of belonging versus keeping their cultural heritage alive.
Finally, Ann Arbor is a hopeful film for those of us looking for love and happiness in life. It tells us the magic we’re looking for was there all along. And for me and many others, that magic is in Ann Arbor. Whether they were born and raised here, a transplant, or if they know it through the University of Michigan, anyone that’s spent a little time in Ann Arbor, knows the magical beauty of the city.
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
1. FOLLOW US ON ALL OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Be sure to follow us here on Seed & Spark, but also on Facebook, Instagram and join our mailing list. And encourage your friends to follow us too!
2. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #AnnArborMovie
Please tell your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about our movie. Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates! We're pushing to shoot in October!
3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
Regular visits to our Seed & Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being a featured project on the Seed&Spark homepage!
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
We're fiscally sponsored through The Film Collaborative so ALL donations are tax deductible! Minus the retail value of the incentives you receive. In-kind donations are eligible for tax deductions too! At the end of the campaign we will send you a tax receipt for your contribution. Please provide your full name when checking out or company name, no nicknames. Also, mailing addresses for all donors of $500 and more are required. This is due to IRS requirements and makes sure that we receive the money you're donating. Thank you!
ALL donations to this campaign are tax deductible. In accordance with IRS regulations The Film Collaborative (TFC) issues tax receipts. Crowdfunder admin fees and credit card processing fees are deducted before TFC receives the funds. TFC issues tax receipts on the amount they receive minus the fair market value of the incentive you select.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Casting
Costs $7,500
We'll need to hire a casting director to find our two lead actors, day players and extras that will make Ann Arbor shine!
Day Player Roles
Costs $8,000
We'll be hiring 8 local actors for a few scenes. This will play them for their time and talent.
Facility Employees
Costs $3,000
We need to hire employees of the facilities we're looking to use, like building managers and even a Zamboni driver!
Locations
Costs $7,500
We don't have a ton of locations, but we want to make sure they're the right ones! RIP ABC - we have to find a replacement!
Camera Package
Costs $21,500
We want Ann Arbor to look good! Our camera package includes the best cameras and lenses to share Ann Arbor in all it's beauty!
Craft Service Table
Costs $2,500
This will keep our cast and crew caffeinated and sustained between meals so they have the energy to do their best work!
About This Team
Trevor Zhou (Writer/Director)
Made in China and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Trevor Zhou is an LA-based filmmaker, artist and advocate whose lived experiences inspire the emotional stories he tells, centering around identity, family and unearthing our personal truths. He fell into acting when he was cast as a "real person" in a national commercial saying the word "trains." Reviews of his performance were favorable. After 12 years of acting and writing/directing his own projects, he's making his debut feature film Ann Arbor, a bittersweet love letter to his hometown, going into production in October. Trevor’s horror/comedy about the commodification of diversity in media won honorable mention at the Stowe Story Labs Fellowship and was accepted into the final round at the Sundance Development Labs. He’s currently pitching his TV pilot, Cabin Pressure, a half hour comedy about the ups and downs of the lives of flight attendants.
Heather Turman (Producer)
As a nationally touring comedian Heather Turman has performed in 20 US states and 75 cities. She has appeared on the FOX series "Laughs" and the SeedandSpark original "Everything Is Fine!" stand-up comedy special. She has also appeared at major festivals including RIOT LA!, SLO-fest and the Westside Showdown in LA where she was a top-finalist twice. Heather is also an award-winning writer, producer and actor. She sold her first feature-length screenplay "The Catch" to Principle Entertainment and then wrote and produced the feature film "Stuck" starring Joel McHale, Heather Matarazzo and SNL's Chris Redd. "Stuck" took home a plethora of awards on the festival circuit before securing global distribution. Prior to making her feature debut with "Stuck," she produced a handful of short films, including "Subdivision" with Larry Laboe (NBC's Ctrl and Fact Checkers Unit), and on the new media front Turman made a splash when she wrote, produced, directed and starred in the original series "Conversations with Future Stars"which was subsequently licensed by RevryTV. Additionally, Turman was a sketch writer for the 2015 CBS Diversity Showcase and her latest screenplay "Snapped" was a top-five finalist at the 2020 Portland Comedy Festival, an Official Selection at Script Summit, and a Semi-Finalist in Coverfly's Unique Voices Screenwriting Competition.
Cindy Lu (Consulting Producer)
Cindy Lu is the founder and executive producer of 3rd Astronaut, a production company focused on cross-cultural films, empowering and championing directors, writers, and producers of underrepresented backgrounds. Notable works include HOME + AWAY, a high school sports documentary that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, 'DEALING WITH DAD', a family dramedy feature film starring Ally Maki (Wrecked, Toy Story 4) and Hayden Szeto (The Edge of Seventeen, The Good Place), and 'TWO TRIALS', an investigative documentary on the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
Anna Wong (Executive Producer)
Anna Wong grew up mere miles from Hollywood where her Aunt, iconic Asian American film star Anna May Wong, left an indelible mark on cinematic history. While Anna never had any desire to pursue a career in front of the camera, she has always been drawn to the cultural impact and inclusiveness that her namesake strove to achieve. Whether she’s advocating for artists, planning events, producing and developing film and TV projects or engaging in philanthropic endeavors Anna’s mission is to increase awareness of Asian American issues and further the effort for equality.
Alecia Anderson (Executive Producer)
She's been a champion for the film and has an unwavering love for Ann Arbor. Embracing it’s vibrant culture and captivating spirit, she finds herself drawn to the opportunity of being part of an independent film that encapsulates the essence of this remarkable city. With a heart filled with admiration for its unique charm, she is eager to contribute her talents and is dedicated to showcasing Ann Arbor's beauty and creating a cinematic experience that resonates with its residents and beyond.
Jim Burnstein (Executive Producer)
Jim Burnstein, Professor and Director of the University of Michigan’s nationally acclaimed Screenwriting Program since 1995, managed to beat the odds and make it as a successful Hollywood screenwriter without moving from his home in Plymouth, Michigan. Burnstein’s screen credits include Renaissance Man, the 1994 comedy directed by Penny Marshall and starring Danny DeVito; D3: The Mighty Ducks; and Love and Honor, starring Liam Hemsworth and Teresa Palmer, co-written with Garrett K. Schiff of Los Angeles. Other Burnstein and Schiff credits include Ruffian starring Sam Shepard (ABC/ESPN); Naughty or Nice starring George Lopez (ABC); and Ham-let, a graphic novel published by Dark Horse Comics in 2022. Burnstein also served as the executive producer of the award-winning independent 2008 film, Ocean of Pearls, directed by Dr. Sarab Neelam and written by V. Prasad.
Michael Molina Minard (Co-Producer)
Michael Molina Minard is a second-generation Latino filmmaker with over twenty years of experience. He’s worked for IBM, ESPN, HBO and Levinson/Fontana in addition to working with numerous commercial and political clients.. He produced and edited over a dozen short films and series since 2010 under his Narrative Creep shingle.
Monique Alofs (Co-Producer)
Monique Alofs cut her teeth in New York City's independent film world. Her unique approach to creative development and production inspires everyone to push together, achieve the impossible, and see everything as a tool for getting sh!t done.
Shana Fu Brewer (Associate Producer)
Shana Brewer brings nearly 20 years of expertise in marketing, event planning, and operations to her new role in the film production industry. Shana was the former owner of East West Event Productions, an event planning firm she successfully ran from 2008 to 2018, and has continued to hone her skills in managing marketing campaigns and budgets for leading technology companies throughout her distinguished career. Originally from the Midwest, and a proud alumna of the University of Michigan with a degree in Economics and Asian Studies, she has called Los Angeles her adopted home for the past two decades. Shana is excited to leverage her extensive experience to contribute to the dynamic world of film production, with "Ann Arbor" being her second feature film.
Geoff George (Director of Photography)
Geoff George, a Detroit-born cinematographer and University of Michigan alumnus, has built a remarkable portfolio in commercials, music videos, documentaries, and feature films. His career began with roles as a camera assistant for distinguished DP's before embarking on his own projects with Nike, Timberland, Under Armour, and renowned musicians like Eminem. Geoff's accolades include the International Cinematographer's Guild Local 600 Emerging Cinematographer Award in 2019. Among his many short and feature credits, the film Raspberry premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Geoff is represented by Neer Agency in Los Angeles.