Passion Project
Austin, Texas | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
A student director’s "Passion Project" turns into a sh*t show when it’s revealed that nobody on set has a single clue what they’re doing. PASSION PROJECT pokes fun at the "psycho directors" you'll inevitably come across on set, as well as their biggest coping mechanism: "Fix it in post."
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$12,215
Goal: $30,000 for production
A student director’s "Passion Project" turns into a sh*t show when it’s revealed that nobody on set has a single clue what they’re doing. PASSION PROJECT pokes fun at the "psycho directors" you'll inevitably come across on set, as well as their biggest coping mechanism: "Fix it in post."
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
We all know how a "Passion Project" goes…
This film satirizes the stereotypical "Passion Project gone wrong," but with your help, production will be a breeze, and WE WILL FINISH THIS MOVIE! #PleaseDonate <3
Should I trust you to make a good film?
Aren't you just an influencer?
Oh, boy…
If you're reading this, chances are, you probably know me from social media. But I don't just make skits online. If you didn't know, I’ve been acting my entire life, and up until recently, that’s pretty much all I wanted to do. Be an actor in other people's projects.
.png)
My goals shifted last year when I had my directorial debut — a new play called Absolute None! for the Cohen New Works festival at The University of Texas at Austin. I had directed short plays, short film projects, and obviously my own social media skits before, but nothing of this rigor.
The play received immense praise from fellow students, professors, and most importantly, my mom. My mom is the reason I have such a critical eye myself — I get it from her. When she saw me after the show, she looked at me and said, “That totally exceeded my expectations. It was just like a professional show.” I cried.
Exactly two years ago, I started posting on social media. My videos have made me realize that I am not just an actor, but also a writer and director. I want to put out more content that I’m proud of — content that shows the world what I’m truly capable of.
.png)
Oftentimes, I am upset that people view me as a "content creator trying to be an actor," rather than the other way around. It hurts me to see my 16 years of hard work in this industry disregarded. This film is not only a genuine passion project for me, but it's an opportunity to redefine how my work is seen.
Let’s just hope the logline doesn’t manifest itself into reality.
Cool, I guess… so what is this about?
.png)
Passion Project is a dark comedy-drama that follows students as they attempt to bring their film to life. If you like The Studio, you’ll love this!
A student director tries to shoot her passion project (which is also her undergraduate thesis)… in ONE day. She’s convinced that this is the project that’ll put her on the map, but to her dismay, nothing goes as planned. The crew is severely underqualified, the sound mixer is an eavesdropping creep, and the lead actors decide to hook up on set “for the 'given circumstances.'” Curse you, Stanislavsky. The Director desperately tries, and fails, to keep everything under control. As everything continues to go to sh*t, her insane methods of coping are revealed.
But who's gonna be on the screen?
Passion Project features an incredible ensemble cast! We've attached diverse talent from across the entertainment industry. Our talent consists of experienced actors, comedians, and content creators (sometimes ALL of the above). This unique combination of talent amplifies comedic chemistry.
See the cast below AND learn more about each cast member individually on our Team page!
.png)
Wow… impressive.
Who's behind the project?
See our fantastic team below AND learn more about each production member individually on our Team page!
But, what's the vibe of this project?
.png)
A film inside a film — that's been done before.
What's unique about this?
It's in the title — this film is, literally, a Passion Project.
I came up with the concept for Passion Project over the summer while working on the feature film Frogman Returns. While the story of that film is completely different from this one, I was inspired by the actor chemistry we were able to achieve by filming scenes as continuous “oners.” From that moment, I knew I wanted to experiment with the same approach in my own project. Ironically, we actually have the same DP that was on Frogman Returns on this project!
.png)
This film is where internet comedy meets indie filmmaking. With a stacked cast and a fast-paced, character-driven story, it captures the chaotic energy of a student film set and turns it into a sharp satire about creative ambition. The film speaks directly to anyone who’s ever chased a dream, especially in the arts. You know how it gets sometimes.
While Passion Project pokes fun at the niche world of student filmmaking, the comedy and chaos make it accessible and entertaining for any audience (don't worry, y'all, I got you). Built with festival audiences in mind, this passion project blends viral comedy sensibilities with the heart and unpredictability of independent film.
And last, but definitely not least, I get to make this movie with my best friends.
.png)
Ok, I'll donate...
But where's my money going?
#Promise
Consider donating — no amount is too small and certainly no amount is too large! We also have some "incentives" to incentivize you… :)
Where do I come into the picture?
How my audience has inspired me:
I always knew I was a performer, but I never had the confidence to create my own work until I started posting on social media. My audience has been an enormous part of my creative journey. Through my comedy sketches, millions of people have supported my work, shared my ideas, and encouraged me to keep creating. The community that I have fostered has given me the confidence to take bigger creative risks and push my storytelling further.
.png)
How this film is a step into directing:
While I’ve spent years performing in front of the camera, Passion Project is an exciting step for me to learn what it's like to be behind it as well. Directing this film allows me to bring together everything I love about storytelling: comedy, character-driven chaos, and bold, crazy choices that make you say, "What the f**k?" I am absolutely squealing with excitement, gratitude, and anticipation to collaborate wit an incredible cast and crew to bng this vision to life.
.png)
How YOU become a part of the film:
By supporting this campaign, you’re not just helping fund a film — you’re becoming part of the process. Independent films like this only exist because of the people who believe in them early on. From behind-the-scenes updates to special perks and credits, our supporters will be along for the entire journey as Passion Project comes to life.
With love, <3
Natalie
If you’re unable to support financially, there are other ways to help out!
Share our Seed&Spark.
Follow our Seed&Spark campaign page.
Follow us on Instagram.
Sign up for our newsletter.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Transportation and Housing
Costs $8,000
We'll need to transport and house our cast and crew members. This'll guarantee everyone is accessible and safe/comfortable.
Camera Equipment
Costs $4,000
We'll need reliable and high-quality equipment. This'll ensure our production is efficient and safe.
Art Department
Costs $4,000
We're in a unique situation — our production design IS production equipment. This'll ground our film in reality and heighten immersion.
Miscellaneous
Costs $3,000
We'll need to account for all requirements: contingency, insurance, production equipment (e.g., tables, chairs), losses and damages.
Meals and Craft Services
Costs $4,000
We'll need to feed our cast and crew members; we'd love everyone to be well-fed and healthy. It's expensive to feed 30+ people per day!
Location
Costs $1,000
We'll need a location that serves the story and accommodates our production. This'll be crucial to the success of the film.
G&E Equipment
Costs $4,000
We'll need reliable and high-quality equipment. This'll ensure our production is efficient and safe.
Speciality Crew
Costs $2,000
We'll need specialized crew members on set to ensure our cast and crew members are safe and comfortable.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
THE DIRECTOR • Natalie Tran
Natalie Tran is an actor, director, and producer from Minneapolis, Minnesota, now based in Austin, Texas. She has been acting since age five, performing with Tony Award-winning theaters and appearing in feature films, voiceover projects, and more than 100 commercials. With a multi-million following across social media, her viral comedy skits have captivated audiences and sparked widespread engagement. Natalie is also a singer, dancer, model, and visual artist.
THE PRODUCER • Aiden Figueroa
Aiden Figueroa is an actor and comedian known for his work across television and film. He can be seen in season two of the FX/Hulu comedy English Teacher, as well as an upcoming Apple TV+ series. His film work includes lead roles in Winter Breaks, The Legend of El Chupacabra, and Camp Studios' short Natural 20, along with a supporting role in the indie feature Traction Park Massacre, which premiered at New York Comic Con in October 2025. In addition to his acting conservatory training, Aiden’s lifelong love of sketch and improv remains central to his work, supported by training at renowned comedy institutions The Groundlings, UCB, and Second City.
THE AD • Michael Paloma
Michael Paloma is a young UK-based actor, YouTuber, and licensed opinion haver making a name for himself in online entertainment.
Growing up in a creative family — with parents in dance, a brother in acting, and a sister in production — Michael developed a natural comfort performing both on stage and in front of the camera.
Despite his background in the arts, Michael turned to the booming creator economy, where he now shares his takes on today’s chaotic internet culture with tens of thousands of what may be the most good-looking audience on the internet.
THE SOUND GUY • Matt Lopes
Matt Lopes is a 27-year-old actor, stand up comedian, and content creator working in NYC. Matt graduated with a BFA in Theatre from Southern Connecticut State University. He's was an Irene Ryan Region 1 Acting finalist both years he was nominated.
Over the last two years Matt has traveled across the country doing stand up and has performed in numerous festivals such as New York Comedy Fest, Big Diamond Fest and even Just For Laughs Toronto!
When he's not acting and doing stand up, Matt utilizes his stand up and performance skills to create sketch content for his social media. He's amassed almost 2 million followers across platforms with a variety of sketches demonstrating his lovable, idiotic yet clever nature.
THE ACTRESS • MacKenzie Wynn
MacKenzie Wynn was born and raised in Southern California, though she unexpectedly found her footing in the Pacific Northwest film scene. After appearing in several short films, she was cast as the lead in her first feature film, Berenice, an experience that deepened her love for storytelling both on and off screen.
After several years in the Pacific Northwest, she returned to Los Angeles where she continued acting while also working in production. She was eventually brought on to the crew of a traveling international reality television series, giving her a firsthand look at the organized chaos that keeps productions moving.
THE ACTOR • Matthew James Hermann
Matthew James Herman is a Brooklyn-based actor with numerous credits in short films and feature-length projects. Comedy is his favorite genre, and he can’t wait to start shooting!
THE EXTRA • Hallie Walker
Hallie Walker is an actress known for her whimsical and theatrical comedy sketches online and has built a following of over 1 million across platforms. Her roots are in musical theatre and has performed in many productions across the US since graduating from Kent State’s BFA program. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Andy and orange cat Clancy.
THE EXTRA EXTRA • Merrick Hanna
Merrick Hanna is an actor, dancer, and social media content creator known for his unique robotic dancing and his chaotic visual-effects filled videos. He got his start acting in Shakespeare productions at the age of eight before exploding in popularity by dancing on shows like So You Think You Can Dance, Lip Sync Battle Shorties, America’s Got Talent, and The Ellen Show all before the age of 13.
Since then he has been relegated to being a social media content creator who coughs too much and hopes to revive his flagging career through Natalie’s sure-to-be hit short film before turning to OnlyFans.
THE PA • Nayla Hamdan
Nayla Hamdan is a 21-year-old actor and producer studying Radio-Television-Film and Business Management at the University of Texas at Austin. Raised between Dallas and Beirut, Nayla draws inspiration from global storytelling and the complexity of human perspective. It is where her passion for film, TV, and acting has always stemmed from.
She has appeared in multiple narrative shorts and commercial advertisements and will be featured in an upcoming comedy-horror film, shooting this March. She will also be in Los Angeles this summer, continuing her work in development and production!
THE DP • Caleb J. Felix
Caleb J. Felix, aka “Baby Spice,” 21, was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. He began creating comedy skits on social media in 2020, quickly building an audience of nearly 10 million followers across platforms with his engaging and relatable content. Now expanding his creative pursuits, Caleb has recently begun exploring acting, with this project marking his first on-screen role.
Outside of content creation, Caleb is active in his community. He volunteers as a track and field coach in his free time and serves as a Sunday school preschool assistant at his church, reflecting his commitment to mentoring and supporting younger generations.
.png)
THE KEY GRIP • Noah Jay Wood
Noah Jay Wood is an actor, streamer, and content creator with over 13 million followers across social media platforms. Known for his acting videos, POVs, and high-energy personality, Noah has built a global audience through engaging storytelling and entertainment content.
Originally from Madison, Mississippi, Noah began pursuing theater and film acting while attending the University of Mississippi. During his time there, he appeared in a few stage productions. When COVID-19 disrupted the program in 2020, Noah made the decision to move to Atlanta, Georgia to fully pursue opportunities in the film and television industry.
Over the past several years, Noah has appeared in multiple productions filmed in Atlanta, including projects for major platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. Most recently, he co-starred on Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt and had a supporting role in Tubi’s original film A Mother’s Confessions. As both a performer and digital creator, Noah continues to bridge the gap between traditional entertainment and new media, bringing his passion for storytelling to audiences both on screen and online.
CUCK CHAIR ROBERT • Robert Capron
Robert Capron is a writer, actor and story-obsessive who would be frankly terrified to learn how many movies he’s watched. Known for his starring role in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film trilogy (based on the best-selling children’s books by Jeff Kinney), Robert also appeared in Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie and the Netflix feature film The Polka King before leaping over into the writing world as a writers’ assistant for Disney’s The Muppets Mayhem. Robert’s penchant for dark and absurdist comedy, as well as blending fiction with reality, seeks to find the humanity, heart and humor in whatever situation is at hand.
Writer / Director • Natalie Tran
"Ditto." I already put my bio — scroll up!
Lead Producer • Lailah Licón
Lailah Licón is a fourth-year Journalism major and Media and Entertainment minor based in Austin, Texas. She works as an independent filmmaker, producer, and marketing manager. Her work includes producing advertisements and managing content creation partnerships for brands and high-profile clients.
Line Producer • Samuel Mawson
Samuel Mawson is a third-year filmmaker studying Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin. He’s produced multiple ambitious independent narrative shorts. In addition to working as a producer, he’s crewed in multiple departments, enabling him to work efficiently as a member of the production team.
Co-Producer • Jet Sullivan
Jet Sullivan is a third-year Honors Radio-Television-Film major based in Austin, Texas. He works as an independent filmmaker and videographer. His work includes producing advertisements and short films, with experience as an editor, VFX artist, and actor across multiple forms of media.
Co-Producer • Steve Reyes Gonzalez
Steve Reyes Gonzalez is a third-year Radio-Television-Film major at The University of Texas at Austin. He works as an independent filmmaker and screenwriter. He primarily works as a writer/director, with experience as an AC, AD, editor, and sound mixer on a variety of projects.
Co-Producer • Karen Dominguez
Karen Dominguez is an Austin-based filmmaker and emerging producer currently pursuing a B.S. in Radio-Television-Film with a minor in Business at The University of Texas at Austin. With hands-on experience across multiple areas of production, Karen has worked as a producer, director of photography, sound mixer, and in post-production, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the filmmaking process from development through final edit.
Director of Photography • Kyle Moe
Kyle Moe is an award-winning narrative and commercial Director of Photography, with his work premiering internationally in theaters, streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, and online on Vimeo with Staff Picks and Short of the Week, as well as numerous film festivals. Kyle was born and raised in Minnesota, spending the latter half of his childhood in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Surrounded by natural beauty, he took to photography and painting. This portfolio gained him acceptance to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. There, he studied Film and Photography, earning his BFA.
Composer • Grant Steller
Grant Steller is a composer, producer, and songwriter hailing from an offbeat island in the far northwest corner of America. In the past year alone, Grant’s music has gilded symphonies, stadiums, and screens alike; spanning monolithic AAA games, independent feature films, international pop artists, and viral online sensations. With over 10 million streams, 30 million views, 80,000 followers, and music in two of the world’s largest video games (PUBG and Honor of Kings): Grant brings a uniquely creative vision to every project he touches.
Supervising Sound Editor, Re-Recording Mixer • Korey Pereira, MPSE
Korey Pereira is an active member of the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in 2021, he was elected to the Motion Picture Sound Editors' Board of Directors. In 2022, Korey was awarded a Primetime Emmy for his sound editing work on Stranger Things Season 4. In 2023, Korey was nominated for a Golden Reel for his work on Stranger Things and won for his work on Prey, and was also nominated again for his work on Stranger Things. Other credits include films from both Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez, as well as television series such as Shipping Wars, Law & Order, My 600-lb Life, and Fixer Upper: Welcome Home. A full list of credits can be found on IMDb. When not working, Korey enjoys traveling the world with his wife and recording new sounds along the way.
That's it — click here to go back to the main page!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
We all know how a "Passion Project" goes…
This film satirizes the stereotypical "Passion Project gone wrong," but with your help, production will be a breeze, and WE WILL FINISH THIS MOVIE! #PleaseDonate <3
Should I trust you to make a good film?
Aren't you just an influencer?
Oh, boy…
If you're reading this, chances are, you probably know me from social media. But I don't just make skits online. If you didn't know, I’ve been acting my entire life, and up until recently, that’s pretty much all I wanted to do. Be an actor in other people's projects.
My goals shifted last year when I had my directorial debut — a new play called Absolute None! for the Cohen New Works festival at The University of Texas at Austin. I had directed short plays, short film projects, and obviously my own social media skits before, but nothing of this rigor.
The play received immense praise from fellow students, professors, and most importantly, my mom. My mom is the reason I have such a critical eye myself — I get it from her. When she saw me after the show, she looked at me and said, “That totally exceeded my expectations. It was just like a professional show.” I cried.
Exactly two years ago, I started posting on social media. My videos have made me realize that I am not just an actor, but also a writer and director. I want to put out more content that I’m proud of — content that shows the world what I’m truly capable of.
Oftentimes, I am upset that people view me as a "content creator trying to be an actor," rather than the other way around. It hurts me to see my 16 years of hard work in this industry disregarded. This film is not only a genuine passion project for me, but it's an opportunity to redefine how my work is seen.
Let’s just hope the logline doesn’t manifest itself into reality.
Cool, I guess… so what is this about?
Passion Project is a dark comedy-drama that follows students as they attempt to bring their film to life. If you like The Studio, you’ll love this!
A student director tries to shoot her passion project (which is also her undergraduate thesis)… in ONE day. She’s convinced that this is the project that’ll put her on the map, but to her dismay, nothing goes as planned. The crew is severely underqualified, the sound mixer is an eavesdropping creep, and the lead actors decide to hook up on set “for the 'given circumstances.'” Curse you, Stanislavsky. The Director desperately tries, and fails, to keep everything under control. As everything continues to go to sh*t, her insane methods of coping are revealed.
But who's gonna be on the screen?
Passion Project features an incredible ensemble cast! We've attached diverse talent from across the entertainment industry. Our talent consists of experienced actors, comedians, and content creators (sometimes ALL of the above). This unique combination of talent amplifies comedic chemistry.
See the cast below AND learn more about each cast member individually on our Team page!
Wow… impressive.
Who's behind the project?
See our fantastic team below AND learn more about each production member individually on our Team page!
But, what's the vibe of this project?
A film inside a film — that's been done before.
What's unique about this?
It's in the title — this film is, literally, a Passion Project.
I came up with the concept for Passion Project over the summer while working on the feature film Frogman Returns. While the story of that film is completely different from this one, I was inspired by the actor chemistry we were able to achieve by filming scenes as continuous “oners.” From that moment, I knew I wanted to experiment with the same approach in my own project. Ironically, we actually have the same DP that was on Frogman Returns on this project!
This film is where internet comedy meets indie filmmaking. With a stacked cast and a fast-paced, character-driven story, it captures the chaotic energy of a student film set and turns it into a sharp satire about creative ambition. The film speaks directly to anyone who’s ever chased a dream, especially in the arts. You know how it gets sometimes.
While Passion Project pokes fun at the niche world of student filmmaking, the comedy and chaos make it accessible and entertaining for any audience (don't worry, y'all, I got you). Built with festival audiences in mind, this passion project blends viral comedy sensibilities with the heart and unpredictability of independent film.
And last, but definitely not least, I get to make this movie with my best friends.
Ok, I'll donate...
But where's my money going?
#Promise
Consider donating — no amount is too small and certainly no amount is too large! We also have some "incentives" to incentivize you… :)
Where do I come into the picture?
How my audience has inspired me:
I always knew I was a performer, but I never had the confidence to create my own work until I started posting on social media. My audience has been an enormous part of my creative journey. Through my comedy sketches, millions of people have supported my work, shared my ideas, and encouraged me to keep creating. The community that I have fostered has given me the confidence to take bigger creative risks and push my storytelling further.
How this film is a step into directing:
While I’ve spent years performing in front of the camera, Passion Project is an exciting step for me to learn what it's like to be behind it as well. Directing this film allows me to bring together everything I love about storytelling: comedy, character-driven chaos, and bold, crazy choices that make you say, "What the f**k?" I am absolutely squealing with excitement, gratitude, and anticipation to collaborate wit an incredible cast and crew to bng this vision to life.
How YOU become a part of the film:
By supporting this campaign, you’re not just helping fund a film — you’re becoming part of the process. Independent films like this only exist because of the people who believe in them early on. From behind-the-scenes updates to special perks and credits, our supporters will be along for the entire journey as Passion Project comes to life.
With love, <3
Natalie
If you’re unable to support financially, there are other ways to help out!
Share our Seed&Spark.
Follow our Seed&Spark campaign page.
Follow us on Instagram.
Sign up for our newsletter.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Transportation and Housing
Costs $8,000
We'll need to transport and house our cast and crew members. This'll guarantee everyone is accessible and safe/comfortable.
Camera Equipment
Costs $4,000
We'll need reliable and high-quality equipment. This'll ensure our production is efficient and safe.
Art Department
Costs $4,000
We're in a unique situation — our production design IS production equipment. This'll ground our film in reality and heighten immersion.
Miscellaneous
Costs $3,000
We'll need to account for all requirements: contingency, insurance, production equipment (e.g., tables, chairs), losses and damages.
Meals and Craft Services
Costs $4,000
We'll need to feed our cast and crew members; we'd love everyone to be well-fed and healthy. It's expensive to feed 30+ people per day!
Location
Costs $1,000
We'll need a location that serves the story and accommodates our production. This'll be crucial to the success of the film.
G&E Equipment
Costs $4,000
We'll need reliable and high-quality equipment. This'll ensure our production is efficient and safe.
Speciality Crew
Costs $2,000
We'll need specialized crew members on set to ensure our cast and crew members are safe and comfortable.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
THE DIRECTOR • Natalie Tran
Natalie Tran is an actor, director, and producer from Minneapolis, Minnesota, now based in Austin, Texas. She has been acting since age five, performing with Tony Award-winning theaters and appearing in feature films, voiceover projects, and more than 100 commercials. With a multi-million following across social media, her viral comedy skits have captivated audiences and sparked widespread engagement. Natalie is also a singer, dancer, model, and visual artist.
THE PRODUCER • Aiden Figueroa
Aiden Figueroa is an actor and comedian known for his work across television and film. He can be seen in season two of the FX/Hulu comedy English Teacher, as well as an upcoming Apple TV+ series. His film work includes lead roles in Winter Breaks, The Legend of El Chupacabra, and Camp Studios' short Natural 20, along with a supporting role in the indie feature Traction Park Massacre, which premiered at New York Comic Con in October 2025. In addition to his acting conservatory training, Aiden’s lifelong love of sketch and improv remains central to his work, supported by training at renowned comedy institutions The Groundlings, UCB, and Second City.
THE AD • Michael Paloma
Michael Paloma is a young UK-based actor, YouTuber, and licensed opinion haver making a name for himself in online entertainment.
Growing up in a creative family — with parents in dance, a brother in acting, and a sister in production — Michael developed a natural comfort performing both on stage and in front of the camera.
Despite his background in the arts, Michael turned to the booming creator economy, where he now shares his takes on today’s chaotic internet culture with tens of thousands of what may be the most good-looking audience on the internet.
THE SOUND GUY • Matt Lopes
Matt Lopes is a 27-year-old actor, stand up comedian, and content creator working in NYC. Matt graduated with a BFA in Theatre from Southern Connecticut State University. He's was an Irene Ryan Region 1 Acting finalist both years he was nominated.
Over the last two years Matt has traveled across the country doing stand up and has performed in numerous festivals such as New York Comedy Fest, Big Diamond Fest and even Just For Laughs Toronto!
When he's not acting and doing stand up, Matt utilizes his stand up and performance skills to create sketch content for his social media. He's amassed almost 2 million followers across platforms with a variety of sketches demonstrating his lovable, idiotic yet clever nature.
THE ACTRESS • MacKenzie Wynn
MacKenzie Wynn was born and raised in Southern California, though she unexpectedly found her footing in the Pacific Northwest film scene. After appearing in several short films, she was cast as the lead in her first feature film, Berenice, an experience that deepened her love for storytelling both on and off screen.
After several years in the Pacific Northwest, she returned to Los Angeles where she continued acting while also working in production. She was eventually brought on to the crew of a traveling international reality television series, giving her a firsthand look at the organized chaos that keeps productions moving.
THE ACTOR • Matthew James Hermann
Matthew James Herman is a Brooklyn-based actor with numerous credits in short films and feature-length projects. Comedy is his favorite genre, and he can’t wait to start shooting!
THE EXTRA • Hallie Walker
Hallie Walker is an actress known for her whimsical and theatrical comedy sketches online and has built a following of over 1 million across platforms. Her roots are in musical theatre and has performed in many productions across the US since graduating from Kent State’s BFA program. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Andy and orange cat Clancy.
THE EXTRA EXTRA • Merrick Hanna
Merrick Hanna is an actor, dancer, and social media content creator known for his unique robotic dancing and his chaotic visual-effects filled videos. He got his start acting in Shakespeare productions at the age of eight before exploding in popularity by dancing on shows like So You Think You Can Dance, Lip Sync Battle Shorties, America’s Got Talent, and The Ellen Show all before the age of 13.
Since then he has been relegated to being a social media content creator who coughs too much and hopes to revive his flagging career through Natalie’s sure-to-be hit short film before turning to OnlyFans.
THE PA • Nayla Hamdan
Nayla Hamdan is a 21-year-old actor and producer studying Radio-Television-Film and Business Management at the University of Texas at Austin. Raised between Dallas and Beirut, Nayla draws inspiration from global storytelling and the complexity of human perspective. It is where her passion for film, TV, and acting has always stemmed from.
She has appeared in multiple narrative shorts and commercial advertisements and will be featured in an upcoming comedy-horror film, shooting this March. She will also be in Los Angeles this summer, continuing her work in development and production!
THE DP • Caleb J. Felix
Caleb J. Felix, aka “Baby Spice,” 21, was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. He began creating comedy skits on social media in 2020, quickly building an audience of nearly 10 million followers across platforms with his engaging and relatable content. Now expanding his creative pursuits, Caleb has recently begun exploring acting, with this project marking his first on-screen role.
Outside of content creation, Caleb is active in his community. He volunteers as a track and field coach in his free time and serves as a Sunday school preschool assistant at his church, reflecting his commitment to mentoring and supporting younger generations.
THE KEY GRIP • Noah Jay Wood
Noah Jay Wood is an actor, streamer, and content creator with over 13 million followers across social media platforms. Known for his acting videos, POVs, and high-energy personality, Noah has built a global audience through engaging storytelling and entertainment content.
Originally from Madison, Mississippi, Noah began pursuing theater and film acting while attending the University of Mississippi. During his time there, he appeared in a few stage productions. When COVID-19 disrupted the program in 2020, Noah made the decision to move to Atlanta, Georgia to fully pursue opportunities in the film and television industry.
Over the past several years, Noah has appeared in multiple productions filmed in Atlanta, including projects for major platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. Most recently, he co-starred on Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt and had a supporting role in Tubi’s original film A Mother’s Confessions. As both a performer and digital creator, Noah continues to bridge the gap between traditional entertainment and new media, bringing his passion for storytelling to audiences both on screen and online.
CUCK CHAIR ROBERT • Robert Capron
Robert Capron is a writer, actor and story-obsessive who would be frankly terrified to learn how many movies he’s watched. Known for his starring role in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film trilogy (based on the best-selling children’s books by Jeff Kinney), Robert also appeared in Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie and the Netflix feature film The Polka King before leaping over into the writing world as a writers’ assistant for Disney’s The Muppets Mayhem. Robert’s penchant for dark and absurdist comedy, as well as blending fiction with reality, seeks to find the humanity, heart and humor in whatever situation is at hand.
Writer / Director • Natalie Tran
"Ditto." I already put my bio — scroll up!
Lead Producer • Lailah Licón
Lailah Licón is a fourth-year Journalism major and Media and Entertainment minor based in Austin, Texas. She works as an independent filmmaker, producer, and marketing manager. Her work includes producing advertisements and managing content creation partnerships for brands and high-profile clients.
Line Producer • Samuel Mawson
Samuel Mawson is a third-year filmmaker studying Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin. He’s produced multiple ambitious independent narrative shorts. In addition to working as a producer, he’s crewed in multiple departments, enabling him to work efficiently as a member of the production team.
Co-Producer • Jet Sullivan
Jet Sullivan is a third-year Honors Radio-Television-Film major based in Austin, Texas. He works as an independent filmmaker and videographer. His work includes producing advertisements and short films, with experience as an editor, VFX artist, and actor across multiple forms of media.
Co-Producer • Steve Reyes Gonzalez
Steve Reyes Gonzalez is a third-year Radio-Television-Film major at The University of Texas at Austin. He works as an independent filmmaker and screenwriter. He primarily works as a writer/director, with experience as an AC, AD, editor, and sound mixer on a variety of projects.
Co-Producer • Karen Dominguez
Karen Dominguez is an Austin-based filmmaker and emerging producer currently pursuing a B.S. in Radio-Television-Film with a minor in Business at The University of Texas at Austin. With hands-on experience across multiple areas of production, Karen has worked as a producer, director of photography, sound mixer, and in post-production, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the filmmaking process from development through final edit.
Director of Photography • Kyle Moe
Kyle Moe is an award-winning narrative and commercial Director of Photography, with his work premiering internationally in theaters, streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, and online on Vimeo with Staff Picks and Short of the Week, as well as numerous film festivals. Kyle was born and raised in Minnesota, spending the latter half of his childhood in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Surrounded by natural beauty, he took to photography and painting. This portfolio gained him acceptance to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. There, he studied Film and Photography, earning his BFA.
Composer • Grant Steller
Grant Steller is a composer, producer, and songwriter hailing from an offbeat island in the far northwest corner of America. In the past year alone, Grant’s music has gilded symphonies, stadiums, and screens alike; spanning monolithic AAA games, independent feature films, international pop artists, and viral online sensations. With over 10 million streams, 30 million views, 80,000 followers, and music in two of the world’s largest video games (PUBG and Honor of Kings): Grant brings a uniquely creative vision to every project he touches.
Supervising Sound Editor, Re-Recording Mixer • Korey Pereira, MPSE
Korey Pereira is an active member of the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in 2021, he was elected to the Motion Picture Sound Editors' Board of Directors. In 2022, Korey was awarded a Primetime Emmy for his sound editing work on Stranger Things Season 4. In 2023, Korey was nominated for a Golden Reel for his work on Stranger Things and won for his work on Prey, and was also nominated again for his work on Stranger Things. Other credits include films from both Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez, as well as television series such as Shipping Wars, Law & Order, My 600-lb Life, and Fixer Upper: Welcome Home. A full list of credits can be found on IMDb. When not working, Korey enjoys traveling the world with his wife and recording new sounds along the way.
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