The Jeweled Bird
San Francisco, California | Film Short
Drama, History
In 1911 San Francisco's Chinatown, a brothel madam saves her young daughter from a life of prostitution by stealing her away to a mission house. This mother-daughter story sheds light on modern-day slavery and raises awareness. Supporting this project can help solve the problem.
The Jeweled Bird
San Francisco, California | Film Short
Drama, History
1 Campaigns | California, United States
10 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$6,975
Goal: $38,500 for pre-production
In 1911 San Francisco's Chinatown, a brothel madam saves her young daughter from a life of prostitution by stealing her away to a mission house. This mother-daughter story sheds light on modern-day slavery and raises awareness. Supporting this project can help solve the problem.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Jeweled Bird is a historical drama inspired by true events. We are raising funds for a 10-minute proof-of-concept short that shows what the full-length feature can be. I have worked on this project for fourteen years. The script has gone through numerous iterations. My producing partner, Suzy Sachs, worked tirelessly on the project to get it through the development phase, but unfortunately, passed away last year.
In 2022, a sizzle reel, or promotional trailer, was created to show to potential investors and talent. We caught the attention of one investor and several actors but could not attach a large enough star to satisfy the investor. The sizzle was entered into five film festivals with trailer categories, was shown at three, and won Best Costume Design at one and Best Trailer and Audience Choice Award at another. It placed as Official Nominee or Finalist at the others. It also won a Silver Telly Award for Non-Commercial Social Impact.
I have re-assembled the team that brought the award-winning sizzle reel to life to make the proof-of-concept short being proposed today. I am confident that we can recreate and expand upon the tone and quality of the sizzle for the proof-of-concept.
This mother-daughter story is about a brothel madam who saves her young daughter from a life of prostitution by stealing her away to a mission house, then secretly joins its leader to rescue girls and bring down the most powerful slaver in San Francisco--her owner.
This unique, inspirational story shows the strong bond between mother and daughter and gives hope that modern-day slavery can be overcome as it was back then.
- Target Audience: Women and Girls 12 and up
- General Audience: Historical Drama Buffs, Mainstream
- Asian American and Diaspora Audience: Eager to see movies with casts that represent them
- Universal Themes resonate with anyone who's ever been abused, taken advantage of, or made to feel worthless.
- Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron: Head of the Presbyterian Mission Home
- Tien Fu Wu: Mission's Interpreter
- Together, liberated thousands of Chinese women and girls
- Mission credited with ending human trafficking in San Francisco during their lifetime.
- Tien Fu Wu recently had a street named after her in Chinatown
The tone of the movie starts out moody, with shadows, rain, saturated color--
Then awakens, with light, blooming new life after the rain--it's not a downer.
Anna Woo: Lead, Chinese Female, 25
- Inspired by two real people: Tien Fu Wu the Interpreter and a madam who sought refuge at the mission
- Immigrant
- Sold by father to pay his gambling debt
- Left behind 2-year-old daughter
- Becomes brothel madam for antagonist
GOAL: Rescue daughter from slavery
LIFE GOAL: Dignity and freedom for all brothel girls
Anna has a young daughter named Quan Yee who arrives at the brothel in an unceremonious manner and has difficulty adjusting to her new environment. She is supposed to become a musician but is assaulted twice by johns. Anna attacks the last pervert and rushes out with her daughter. A chase ensues through the alleys of Chinatown. Reverend Matthew Chin, and Dolly Cameron receive them into the mission. Quan Yee is persuaded to stay at the mission, but Anna must return to the brothel before anyone notices she is missing.
Stunning period costumes, colors, patterns, and textures create dimension and depth that draws us into the story. The Jeweled Bird costumes include both Asian American as well as period American costumes.
Above photo on the right shows Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron and original girls at the Occidental Home for Women and Girls
This photo shows Anna's Chinese Day Wear, Day Wear, Upscale Party and Day of Reckoning Dresses
Camera, blocking, framing, moody lighting using source lights as well as what we truck in adds depth and helps to speak into The Jeweled Bird story. Modern camera equipment, techniques and lighting equipment pull us into The Jeweled Bird world in a cinematic way.
Shooting will take place over four days at three locations: Cameron House in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, which was named after Donaldina Cameron and also known as the Occidental Women's Home. It is the same building that she and Tien Fu Wu worked in the early 1900s.
Shinn House, built in 1856, will double for the brothel where Anna and Quan Yee lived. One bedroom boasts Chinese motif wallpaper. The clawfoot bathtub is similar to what Anna would have bathed her daughter in. Other scenes take place on a stairway, in a kitchen, in a parlor and in another bedroom.
Depending on how we wish to shoot the alley scenes, one Chinatown alley could double for two or
separate streets can be utilized.
We have eight team members so far:
- Carol Lee Hall--Executive Producer/Director/Writer
- Jon Brekke--Producer and Production Manager
- VanNessa Manlunas--Director of Photography
- Caterina Piccardo--Production Designer
- Camille Jumelle--Costume Designer
- Elizabeth Kjartanson--Hair and Makeup Designer
- Ciel Shi--Actress (Anna Woo)
- Kristin Hall--Administrative Assistant
We are crowdfunding in two phases. Phase I is for pre-production, hiring the cast and crew and renting shooting locations. We are raising $38,500 for that part. Phase II is for production, post-production and distribution. We are also applying for grants to raise funds. Phase II totals $54,450. Total for the 10-minute proof-of-concept is $92,950.
If more funds are raised in Phase I than expected, we can hire more crew assistants such as a 1st Assistant Director, Still Photographer, Electric Grip Assistant, Second Hair and Makeup Artist, and Set Decorator.
If all funding is raised in 2026. we can shoot in 2027. The 10-minute film should be completed by 2028. We will enter it into film festivals to gain traction and interest from investors and stars. Since it can stand alone, it will also be offered for rental or purchase to schools, anti-human trafficking groups, community groups, Asian organizations, churches, and libraries.
The Jeweled Bird...
- Like in science fiction, raises today's issues in a non-threatening way
- Speaks to both Asian and women's rights in a dynamic way
- Addresses atrocities as relevant today as they were in the early 1900s
- Raises awareness so women today can be released from sex slavery
- Speaks up again unspoken crime not highly protested
- Encourages victims to courageously fight for freedom
- Helps anyone who has ever been abused, taken advantage of, or made to feel worthless, to know that they are precious and priceless
We would love to receive a pledge from you in any amount, but even more importantly, can you help spread the word to your friends through email or social media? Here is something you can copy and paste:
The Jeweled Bird film project is raising funding! This proof-of concept historical drama portrays an unspoken slice of American history. Slavery did not end with the Civil War. Click on the link to learn more.
Together, we are stronger!
Contact: Carol Lee Hall, Executive Producer, 510-565-0619, [email protected]
Websites: www.JeweledBird.com, www.BlueCarpProductions.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Script Clearance
Costs $500
This covers script clearance (no legal issues). If you are an entertainment lawyer, you can offer to donate your service by clicking on Loan
Cast
Costs $12,750
11 cast members plus crew & items needed to help some cast perform well. Most actors must pass auditions. Funds will facilitate attachments.
Cantonese Translation
Costs $100
Some lines need translation into Cantonese. If you know Cantonese and can write Chinese, you can donate your service by clicking on "Loan".
Storyboard Artist
Costs $750
A real storyboard artist creates the boards. If you have experience with this, you can offer to donate your services by clicking on "Loan."
Production Office Supplies
Costs $300
Printing scripts, binders, etc. If you have a high-volume printer, paper, and other supplies, you can donate these by clicking on "Loan."
Key Crew
Costs $12,900
This is for the director, producer/production manager, director of photography, set designer, costume designer, and makeup artist.
Boom Operator
Costs $1,200
The Boom Operator's in charge of the microphone. If you have experience with this you can offer to donate your services by clicking on Loan.
Cameron House Rental
Costs $800
The Cameron House exterior entrance and foyer are vital locations for two scenes.
Shinn Historical House Rental
Costs $1,800
The Shinn House will represent the brothel interior where several key scenes take place.
Chinatown Cobblestone Alley Permit
Costs $750
The protagonist and her daughter run down a cobblestone alley to escape the brothel.
Production Sound Mixer
Costs $2,000
This person mixes & balances the audio on set. If you have experience doing this you can offer to donate your services by clicking on "Loan"
Props Director
Costs $1,500
The Props Director ensures all props are ready & on set. If you have experience with this, you can donate your services by clicking on Loan.
Key Grip
Costs $1,400
The Key Grip is in charge of all non-electrical rigging, camera support and light-shaping tools. If you have experience w/this click on Loan
Gaffer
Costs $1,600
The Gaffer is the chief lighting technician. If you have experience doing this, you can offer to donate your services by clicking on "Loan."
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Carol Lee Hall: Director, Producer and Screenwriter
Carol Lee Hall is a seasoned writer, producer, and emerging director whose 17-year career in screenwriting and a decade of stage production experience uniquely position her to lead The Jeweled Bird. A San Francisco Bay Area native, she founded Blue Carp Productions LLC in 2020 to bring her stories to life, with a focus on portraying meaningful and positive representations of women and Asian communities. Her award-winning screenplay for Donaldina—the foundation for The Jeweled Bird—earned the Write Room Grand Prize and a top placement at the Cinequest Film Festival, among numerous other honors across a dozen competitions.
Demonstrating her ability to shepherd a project from concept through execution, Carol helped produced a sizzle reel for The Jeweled Bird that screened at multiple festivals and garnered awards including Best Costume Design, Best Trailer, and Audience Choice as well as a Silver Telly Award in the Non-Commercial Social Impact category. In addition to her original work, she has written multiple commissioned scripts, built a reputation as an organized and reliable producer, and shared her expertise as a speaker and educator—making her exceptionally qualified to write, produce, and direct this film.
Jon Brekke, Producer and Production Manager
Jon Brekke is an experienced producer and production manager whose career spans film, television, and digital media, with a strong emphasis on overseeing and executing complex productions. He has produced numerous projects, including feature films such as As Words Breathe and Tis the Season, the latter earning top honors at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival, and has contributed to a range of scripted, documentary, and live programming. In addition to his producing credits, Brekke has held significant production leadership roles, notably serving as Director and Head of Production for a Time Warner Cable division, where he built advanced studio and post-production facilities and managed hundreds of hours of entertainment and sports content. His work reflects a hands-on approach to production management, combining creative development with operational expertise across independent and broadcast projects.
VanNessa Manlunas, Director of Photography
VanNessa Manlunas sees the world through light, shadow, and the language of the lens—a sensibility she's sharpened across more than 65 credits in film and television. With 18 cinematographer credits and over 40 more in the camera and electrical department, she's brought her eye to major studio productions like M. Night Shyamalan's Old (2021) and Ivan Reitman's Draft Day (2014), while earning award recognition for her own work behind the camera, including the acclaimed Inamorata (2004) and the short King of Norway (2013). Whether on a sweeping feature set or an intimate independent shoot, VanNessa pairs technical mastery with a painterly instinct for mood and movement—and on The Jeweled Bird, she's crafting the visual world that will draw audiences straight into the heart of the story.
Catarina Piccardo, Production Designer
Caterina Piccardo is a production designer who’s been steadily building a name for herself with a hands-on, art-driven approach to filmmaking. After relocating to Los Angeles and completing her MFA at the New York Film Academy, she’s been working across short films and features, shaping distinct visual worlds that feel both grounded and expressive. Her background in theater and fine art really shows up in her recent work—she brings a painter’s eye to color and composition, and she’s just as comfortable getting physically involved in builds and installations as she is developing the overall look of a film. Whether she’s designing from scratch or transforming real spaces, Caterina has a knack for turning creative concepts into tangible environments that elevate the story in a natural, visually striking way
Camille Jumelle, Costume Designer
I'm Camille Jumelle, and costume design has been my craft for more than 85 credits and counting. Over the years, I've had the privilege of dressing an extraordinary range of films and casts—from the all-star ensemble of Mothers and Daughters (2016), featuring Susan Sarandon, Sharon Stone, and Christina Ricci, to the action-driven The Prince (2014) with Bruce Willis and John Cusack, the cult favorite Psycho Beach Party (2000), and The Poison Rose (2019), starring Morgan Freeman and John Travolta. Most recently, I've worked on Propeller: One-Way Night Coach directed and written by john Travolta, For me, every costume is a chance to tell a character's story before they ever say a word, and I'm bringing that same precision and passion to The Jeweled Bird—shaping a wardrobe that deepens this world and the characters I can't wait for you to fall in love with.
Lizzie Kjartanson, Hair and Makeup Designer
Lizzie Kjartanson is a Hair and Makeup Artist with experience across film, television, and digital productions. Her credits include The Charlie Puth Show, Danger One, Jackals, and The Outsiders. Known for her creativity, adaptability, and collaborative approach, she has worked in both hair and makeup roles while also serving as a Department Head and Key Makeup Artist on a variety of productions.
Lizzie is passionate about creating authentic, camera-ready looks that support character development and storytelling. With a strong understanding of the demands of production, she brings professionalism, attention to detail, and a calm, reliable presence to every set.
Kristin Hall, Office Assistant
Kristin Hall serves as the Office Assistant and Social Media Manager for Blue Carp Productions, supporting daily administrative operations while managing the company's digital presence. She oversees email correspondence, assists with organizational tasks, and creates and schedules engaging content across Instagram, Meta, (Facebook), and X (Twitter). Through social media, she keeps audiences informed with the latest Asian American film and television news, company updates, and upcoming projects.
Ciel Shi, Main Actress (Anna Woo)
Ciel Shi is an actress, producer, and entertainment professional known for her work across film and television. She served as co-executive producer on the crime thriller Crescent City (2024) and has appeared in productions including Amazon Prime's Fallout, where she portrays Wenjie, as well as St. Peter Street and The Girl in the Pool. In addition to acting and producing, Shi has experience in casting and commercial work, bringing a diverse background to the screen. Bilingual in Mandarin and English, she combines creative and business expertise, building a career that spans performance, production, and storytelling in both independent and studio-backed projects.
Liz Canning, Crowdfunding Video Editor
Liz Canning is an Emmy, Telly and Sundance Award-winning filmmaker with over 20 years’ experience. Since graduating from Brown University with a degree in film, she has directed, shot, edited and/or animated a wide range of genres and formats, specializing in educational and documentary films. Recent clients include MasterClass, Meta, Adobe, Nvidia, KCET/PBS and the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Matt Ridings, Crowdfunding Videographer
Matt Ridings is the Communications Pastor of Fremont Community Church. He is responsible for hosting the livestreamed versions of Sunday services and creating videos posted mid-week on the church's social media platforms.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Jeweled Bird is a historical drama inspired by true events. We are raising funds for a 10-minute proof-of-concept short that shows what the full-length feature can be. I have worked on this project for fourteen years. The script has gone through numerous iterations. My producing partner, Suzy Sachs, worked tirelessly on the project to get it through the development phase, but unfortunately, passed away last year.
In 2022, a sizzle reel, or promotional trailer, was created to show to potential investors and talent. We caught the attention of one investor and several actors but could not attach a large enough star to satisfy the investor. The sizzle was entered into five film festivals with trailer categories, was shown at three, and won Best Costume Design at one and Best Trailer and Audience Choice Award at another. It placed as Official Nominee or Finalist at the others. It also won a Silver Telly Award for Non-Commercial Social Impact.
I have re-assembled the team that brought the award-winning sizzle reel to life to make the proof-of-concept short being proposed today. I am confident that we can recreate and expand upon the tone and quality of the sizzle for the proof-of-concept.
This mother-daughter story is about a brothel madam who saves her young daughter from a life of prostitution by stealing her away to a mission house, then secretly joins its leader to rescue girls and bring down the most powerful slaver in San Francisco--her owner.
This unique, inspirational story shows the strong bond between mother and daughter and gives hope that modern-day slavery can be overcome as it was back then.
- Target Audience: Women and Girls 12 and up
- General Audience: Historical Drama Buffs, Mainstream
- Asian American and Diaspora Audience: Eager to see movies with casts that represent them
- Universal Themes resonate with anyone who's ever been abused, taken advantage of, or made to feel worthless.
- Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron: Head of the Presbyterian Mission Home
- Tien Fu Wu: Mission's Interpreter
- Together, liberated thousands of Chinese women and girls
- Mission credited with ending human trafficking in San Francisco during their lifetime.
- Tien Fu Wu recently had a street named after her in Chinatown
The tone of the movie starts out moody, with shadows, rain, saturated color--
Then awakens, with light, blooming new life after the rain--it's not a downer.
Anna Woo: Lead, Chinese Female, 25
- Inspired by two real people: Tien Fu Wu the Interpreter and a madam who sought refuge at the mission
- Immigrant
- Sold by father to pay his gambling debt
- Left behind 2-year-old daughter
- Becomes brothel madam for antagonist
GOAL: Rescue daughter from slavery
LIFE GOAL: Dignity and freedom for all brothel girls
Anna has a young daughter named Quan Yee who arrives at the brothel in an unceremonious manner and has difficulty adjusting to her new environment. She is supposed to become a musician but is assaulted twice by johns. Anna attacks the last pervert and rushes out with her daughter. A chase ensues through the alleys of Chinatown. Reverend Matthew Chin, and Dolly Cameron receive them into the mission. Quan Yee is persuaded to stay at the mission, but Anna must return to the brothel before anyone notices she is missing.
Stunning period costumes, colors, patterns, and textures create dimension and depth that draws us into the story. The Jeweled Bird costumes include both Asian American as well as period American costumes.
Above photo on the right shows Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron and original girls at the Occidental Home for Women and Girls
This photo shows Anna's Chinese Day Wear, Day Wear, Upscale Party and Day of Reckoning Dresses
Camera, blocking, framing, moody lighting using source lights as well as what we truck in adds depth and helps to speak into The Jeweled Bird story. Modern camera equipment, techniques and lighting equipment pull us into The Jeweled Bird world in a cinematic way.
Shooting will take place over four days at three locations: Cameron House in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, which was named after Donaldina Cameron and also known as the Occidental Women's Home. It is the same building that she and Tien Fu Wu worked in the early 1900s.
Shinn House, built in 1856, will double for the brothel where Anna and Quan Yee lived. One bedroom boasts Chinese motif wallpaper. The clawfoot bathtub is similar to what Anna would have bathed her daughter in. Other scenes take place on a stairway, in a kitchen, in a parlor and in another bedroom.
Depending on how we wish to shoot the alley scenes, one Chinatown alley could double for two or
separate streets can be utilized.
We have eight team members so far:
- Carol Lee Hall--Executive Producer/Director/Writer
- Jon Brekke--Producer and Production Manager
- VanNessa Manlunas--Director of Photography
- Caterina Piccardo--Production Designer
- Camille Jumelle--Costume Designer
- Elizabeth Kjartanson--Hair and Makeup Designer
- Ciel Shi--Actress (Anna Woo)
- Kristin Hall--Administrative Assistant
We are crowdfunding in two phases. Phase I is for pre-production, hiring the cast and crew and renting shooting locations. We are raising $38,500 for that part. Phase II is for production, post-production and distribution. We are also applying for grants to raise funds. Phase II totals $54,450. Total for the 10-minute proof-of-concept is $92,950.
If more funds are raised in Phase I than expected, we can hire more crew assistants such as a 1st Assistant Director, Still Photographer, Electric Grip Assistant, Second Hair and Makeup Artist, and Set Decorator.
If all funding is raised in 2026. we can shoot in 2027. The 10-minute film should be completed by 2028. We will enter it into film festivals to gain traction and interest from investors and stars. Since it can stand alone, it will also be offered for rental or purchase to schools, anti-human trafficking groups, community groups, Asian organizations, churches, and libraries.
The Jeweled Bird...
- Like in science fiction, raises today's issues in a non-threatening way
- Speaks to both Asian and women's rights in a dynamic way
- Addresses atrocities as relevant today as they were in the early 1900s
- Raises awareness so women today can be released from sex slavery
- Speaks up again unspoken crime not highly protested
- Encourages victims to courageously fight for freedom
- Helps anyone who has ever been abused, taken advantage of, or made to feel worthless, to know that they are precious and priceless
We would love to receive a pledge from you in any amount, but even more importantly, can you help spread the word to your friends through email or social media? Here is something you can copy and paste:
The Jeweled Bird film project is raising funding! This proof-of concept historical drama portrays an unspoken slice of American history. Slavery did not end with the Civil War. Click on the link to learn more.
Together, we are stronger!
Contact: Carol Lee Hall, Executive Producer, 510-565-0619, [email protected]
Websites: www.JeweledBird.com, www.BlueCarpProductions.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Script Clearance
Costs $500
This covers script clearance (no legal issues). If you are an entertainment lawyer, you can offer to donate your service by clicking on Loan
Cast
Costs $12,750
11 cast members plus crew & items needed to help some cast perform well. Most actors must pass auditions. Funds will facilitate attachments.
Cantonese Translation
Costs $100
Some lines need translation into Cantonese. If you know Cantonese and can write Chinese, you can donate your service by clicking on "Loan".
Storyboard Artist
Costs $750
A real storyboard artist creates the boards. If you have experience with this, you can offer to donate your services by clicking on "Loan."
Production Office Supplies
Costs $300
Printing scripts, binders, etc. If you have a high-volume printer, paper, and other supplies, you can donate these by clicking on "Loan."
Key Crew
Costs $12,900
This is for the director, producer/production manager, director of photography, set designer, costume designer, and makeup artist.
Boom Operator
Costs $1,200
The Boom Operator's in charge of the microphone. If you have experience with this you can offer to donate your services by clicking on Loan.
Cameron House Rental
Costs $800
The Cameron House exterior entrance and foyer are vital locations for two scenes.
Shinn Historical House Rental
Costs $1,800
The Shinn House will represent the brothel interior where several key scenes take place.
Chinatown Cobblestone Alley Permit
Costs $750
The protagonist and her daughter run down a cobblestone alley to escape the brothel.
Production Sound Mixer
Costs $2,000
This person mixes & balances the audio on set. If you have experience doing this you can offer to donate your services by clicking on "Loan"
Props Director
Costs $1,500
The Props Director ensures all props are ready & on set. If you have experience with this, you can donate your services by clicking on Loan.
Key Grip
Costs $1,400
The Key Grip is in charge of all non-electrical rigging, camera support and light-shaping tools. If you have experience w/this click on Loan
Gaffer
Costs $1,600
The Gaffer is the chief lighting technician. If you have experience doing this, you can offer to donate your services by clicking on "Loan."
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Carol Lee Hall: Director, Producer and Screenwriter
Carol Lee Hall is a seasoned writer, producer, and emerging director whose 17-year career in screenwriting and a decade of stage production experience uniquely position her to lead The Jeweled Bird. A San Francisco Bay Area native, she founded Blue Carp Productions LLC in 2020 to bring her stories to life, with a focus on portraying meaningful and positive representations of women and Asian communities. Her award-winning screenplay for Donaldina—the foundation for The Jeweled Bird—earned the Write Room Grand Prize and a top placement at the Cinequest Film Festival, among numerous other honors across a dozen competitions.
Demonstrating her ability to shepherd a project from concept through execution, Carol helped produced a sizzle reel for The Jeweled Bird that screened at multiple festivals and garnered awards including Best Costume Design, Best Trailer, and Audience Choice as well as a Silver Telly Award in the Non-Commercial Social Impact category. In addition to her original work, she has written multiple commissioned scripts, built a reputation as an organized and reliable producer, and shared her expertise as a speaker and educator—making her exceptionally qualified to write, produce, and direct this film.
Jon Brekke, Producer and Production Manager
Jon Brekke is an experienced producer and production manager whose career spans film, television, and digital media, with a strong emphasis on overseeing and executing complex productions. He has produced numerous projects, including feature films such as As Words Breathe and Tis the Season, the latter earning top honors at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival, and has contributed to a range of scripted, documentary, and live programming. In addition to his producing credits, Brekke has held significant production leadership roles, notably serving as Director and Head of Production for a Time Warner Cable division, where he built advanced studio and post-production facilities and managed hundreds of hours of entertainment and sports content. His work reflects a hands-on approach to production management, combining creative development with operational expertise across independent and broadcast projects.
VanNessa Manlunas, Director of Photography
VanNessa Manlunas sees the world through light, shadow, and the language of the lens—a sensibility she's sharpened across more than 65 credits in film and television. With 18 cinematographer credits and over 40 more in the camera and electrical department, she's brought her eye to major studio productions like M. Night Shyamalan's Old (2021) and Ivan Reitman's Draft Day (2014), while earning award recognition for her own work behind the camera, including the acclaimed Inamorata (2004) and the short King of Norway (2013). Whether on a sweeping feature set or an intimate independent shoot, VanNessa pairs technical mastery with a painterly instinct for mood and movement—and on The Jeweled Bird, she's crafting the visual world that will draw audiences straight into the heart of the story.
Catarina Piccardo, Production Designer
Caterina Piccardo is a production designer who’s been steadily building a name for herself with a hands-on, art-driven approach to filmmaking. After relocating to Los Angeles and completing her MFA at the New York Film Academy, she’s been working across short films and features, shaping distinct visual worlds that feel both grounded and expressive. Her background in theater and fine art really shows up in her recent work—she brings a painter’s eye to color and composition, and she’s just as comfortable getting physically involved in builds and installations as she is developing the overall look of a film. Whether she’s designing from scratch or transforming real spaces, Caterina has a knack for turning creative concepts into tangible environments that elevate the story in a natural, visually striking way
Camille Jumelle, Costume Designer
I'm Camille Jumelle, and costume design has been my craft for more than 85 credits and counting. Over the years, I've had the privilege of dressing an extraordinary range of films and casts—from the all-star ensemble of Mothers and Daughters (2016), featuring Susan Sarandon, Sharon Stone, and Christina Ricci, to the action-driven The Prince (2014) with Bruce Willis and John Cusack, the cult favorite Psycho Beach Party (2000), and The Poison Rose (2019), starring Morgan Freeman and John Travolta. Most recently, I've worked on Propeller: One-Way Night Coach directed and written by john Travolta, For me, every costume is a chance to tell a character's story before they ever say a word, and I'm bringing that same precision and passion to The Jeweled Bird—shaping a wardrobe that deepens this world and the characters I can't wait for you to fall in love with.
Lizzie Kjartanson, Hair and Makeup Designer
Lizzie Kjartanson is a Hair and Makeup Artist with experience across film, television, and digital productions. Her credits include The Charlie Puth Show, Danger One, Jackals, and The Outsiders. Known for her creativity, adaptability, and collaborative approach, she has worked in both hair and makeup roles while also serving as a Department Head and Key Makeup Artist on a variety of productions.
Lizzie is passionate about creating authentic, camera-ready looks that support character development and storytelling. With a strong understanding of the demands of production, she brings professionalism, attention to detail, and a calm, reliable presence to every set.
Kristin Hall, Office Assistant
Kristin Hall serves as the Office Assistant and Social Media Manager for Blue Carp Productions, supporting daily administrative operations while managing the company's digital presence. She oversees email correspondence, assists with organizational tasks, and creates and schedules engaging content across Instagram, Meta, (Facebook), and X (Twitter). Through social media, she keeps audiences informed with the latest Asian American film and television news, company updates, and upcoming projects.
Ciel Shi, Main Actress (Anna Woo)
Ciel Shi is an actress, producer, and entertainment professional known for her work across film and television. She served as co-executive producer on the crime thriller Crescent City (2024) and has appeared in productions including Amazon Prime's Fallout, where she portrays Wenjie, as well as St. Peter Street and The Girl in the Pool. In addition to acting and producing, Shi has experience in casting and commercial work, bringing a diverse background to the screen. Bilingual in Mandarin and English, she combines creative and business expertise, building a career that spans performance, production, and storytelling in both independent and studio-backed projects.
Liz Canning, Crowdfunding Video Editor
Liz Canning is an Emmy, Telly and Sundance Award-winning filmmaker with over 20 years’ experience. Since graduating from Brown University with a degree in film, she has directed, shot, edited and/or animated a wide range of genres and formats, specializing in educational and documentary films. Recent clients include MasterClass, Meta, Adobe, Nvidia, KCET/PBS and the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Matt Ridings, Crowdfunding Videographer
Matt Ridings is the Communications Pastor of Fremont Community Church. He is responsible for hosting the livestreamed versions of Sunday services and creating videos posted mid-week on the church's social media platforms.