My credits are only half the story.

To know me as a producer is to know what drives me. My guiding light is my desire for transparency and true collaboration in this industry.

The best way I can introduce this side of myself is by sharing an essay I wrote earlier in 2021.

If what I’m describing excites you too, get in touch.

I consider myself to be a generous filmmaker and that’s because others were generous with me. There was always someone willing to share insider knowledge or who gave me an opportunity when they didn’t have to and I believe it’s my duty to offer the same to others—especially to those underrepresented in the industry. When I’ve had interns or PAs, I’ve made it clear that I’ll answer any questions: How I paid for shorts, how I convinced a major Atlantic City casino to let us shoot for free, what I learned at a Lab—it’s all theirs.

This sense of transparency goes hand-in-hand with my desire for a more collaborative partnership with my crews. While we all have our roles, I believe in a shared effort that brings our projects to life. There is no better example than my latest short, Gussy, which was developed over three years with director Chris Osborn and DP Ava Shorr and finally shot in October 2020 with a small, COVID-safe crew. At the top of the shoot, I made it clear that everyone had room to speak up whether they had an issue with how something was being done or they had an idea to improve a scene. We all had to be on the same page and thus all decisions were made together, until the vision became one. After wrap, we all left feeling rejuvenated and reconnected during a year where so many of us were otherwise alone. And most importantly, we knew we could all be proud of the work we had done together as one creative team.

I wholeheartedly believe that every project is only as good as the environment in which it’s made. This antiquated idea of “by any means necessary” filmmaking is often used to legitimize harmful choices. Whether due to tight schedules, budgetary constraints, or pure ego, it can be easy to get tunnel vision when you’re finally getting your film made. But it’s my responsibility to not only avoid that by hiring the right people, but also to actively work to dismantle that mentality during production. This industry often treats people as disposable and I refuse to let that be the case on any of my projects. It’s not enough to say “Well, they’re getting paid.” Getting paid won’t make up for being harassed on set. Getting paid won’t undo the exhaustion. Getting paid won’t save someone from a breakdown. I demand more. Crews and talent deserve an environment where they’ll be heard every single time.

Producers have the responsibility to create all of these conditions on every set. By opening the door to more voices, encouraging a truly collaborative environment, and supporting them through tough times, we can create a healthier independent film industry. With that comes better, more vulnerable films that would have never been given space to grow. That future is the responsibility of producers.