Laid Bare (Short Film)
I already knew Morgen before this shoot and admired his confidence as a writer/director. I knew I wanted to be part of whatever he did next, which turned out to be Laid Bare—a beautifully raw film about an artist taking an unconventional path to success, with some grotesque elements. By then, I was comfortable as a recordist, and under the supervision of my friend Michael Cole (also a producer on the film), I took on one of my biggest sound projects yet.
With an incredible crew supporting Morgen’s fearless vision, I gained even more experience in sound recording—capturing screams, ambient sounds, and other unique elements on set. I also absorbed a wealth of knowledge just by watching Morgen communicate with his actors and team.
Role: Sound Recordist
Vamp Mode (Short Film)
Role: Lead Actor/Camera Operator
Alex has been one of my closest friends since we met in the summer of 2018, and I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into a fantastic director with incredible precision over his characters and cuts. When I first read the script for Vamp Mode in early 2024, Alex had already envisioned a role for me—Jeremy, a snobby, egotistical YouTube music critic. The result is a gory, dynamic and complex exploration of artist vs. critic. Filming in an unconventional found-footage style, I learned new ways to embody a character over an intense, extended shoot. I also love working with Alex, as his stories and worlds are equal parts hilarious and thoughtful.
State Road 39 (Short Film)
I got onto this project through a friend of a friend, which led me to working with the incredibly talented Jack Lengerich. Alongside an equally skilled crew, we crafted an intense and serious short about a murder that weighs heavily on its perpetrators—a group of high school seniors. I worked closely with cinematographer Zach Martinez to shape the film’s tone and look, learning a lot about matching light sources for motivation and collaborating with a skilled DP. I also briefly took over as sound recordist for a crucial dialogue scene while juggling gaffing duties. It was great working with a crew I had grown familiar with over time—even through long, freezing night shoots in the dead of February.
Role: Gaffer/Sound Recordist
Straw Man (Short Film)
Role: Sound Recordist/Boom Operator
I was fortunate to know Simon before this shoot as a talented writer and actor. When I was just starting out, he brought me onto the project as a sound recordist. Under his direction, the film is sharp, witty, and fast-paced. Since it was my first time recording and operating, I hit the gym to build endurance for holding the boom pole and got hands-on with the MixPre 3 Audio Recorder. Working with Simon also taught me new ways to direct actors and different techniques to bring out strong performances.
Monster in the Mirror (Short Film)
Role: Cinematographer/Actor/Producer
One of my favorite parts of life has been meeting Robert in 8th grade and creating YouTube videos together. I’ve always cherished our bond as both close friends and collaborators. After my first film, A Man Prepared, became a hit among our friends and community, Robert wrote Monster in the Mirror—a dark, gripping thriller about a serial killer whose philosophy on murder begins to unfold in unexpected ways.
He brought me on as cinematographer, and the result is a beautifully shot film in the style of classic interrogative thrillers, with some unique subtleties woven in. I learned a lot about lighting and composition—how specific shots can reveal character dynamics without a single word of dialogue. I also got to witness Robert’s serious passion and dedication as a writer, director, and actor.