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Joel Ellis (@joelellisland) and Lizzie Parmenter (@pussijussi) share a moment in the vampire horror comedy “Thirst Trap.” Watch the full film on our YouTube Today! Link in the bio to watch! @thirst_trap.mov

Meet & Follow the @thirst_trap.mov Filmmaking Team

Directed By: Samuel Aguirre-Kelly - @samutao

Written By: Lizzie Parmenter - @pussijussi

Starring: Lizzie Parmenter
Matthew Martinez - @_matthew_paul_martinez_
Samille Ganges - @plantainfutures
Joel Ellis - @joelellisland

Director of Photography: Brett Felty - @brettfelty

Produced By & Casting Director: Ruby Green - @rubygreenofficial@rudebellycasting

Poster Design : Marcus Chapa - @ma.mapache

#shortfilm #dating #vampires #horror #teamchip

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

@thirst_trap.mov is available on @watchcrafty starting today! Since this movie is finally out in the world, I thought I’d share some personal reflections.

We shot the movie in Mar 23’, and finished post in Jan 24’. Once we were done, I was really just beside myself that it had all come to a close and that we actually had a movie in our hands.

But to be candid, both of those milestone moments had this sort of plagued timing in my life. Days after the shoot wrapped, I went to be with my dad for his chemo treatment. Months later, I was wrapping up post while actively helping with his palliative care and ultimately saying goodbye. The highs were being chased by the lows in such a way that I think scrambled my memories of those times. I don’t think I fully processed or reflected on these moments I’d been so eagerly awaiting. I do remember caring deeply about finishing the film well, and simultaneously, needing to be done with the process so I could be present with my dad. With lots of help and grace from loved ones and collaborators, I was able to both finish up and be around for my dad. I am proud of both of those things and also incredibly indebted to those that made it possible.

I wanted to share these thoughts just as a reclaiming of the accomplishment, of the joy that wasn’t available to me at the time, and as an acknowledgement that there is no pausing life for a better day, certainly no rewinding. There is only forward, and 2 years later, I feel more proud of this movie than I maybe ever have. Seeing all the photos again has been flooding me with memories of just how fun and challenging the whole thing was.

If you have read this far, and feel compelled, there is a link in my bio. Watch it in the dark. If you rly wanna be my hero, leave a like or comment to help our algorithm on youtube. I’m just really happy to have made it to this point.

Thank you

A quirky (and single) haunted tour guide turned newborn vampire must navigate the horrors of the modern dating apps while controlling her thirst for blood- and connection.

The horror comedy “Thirst Trap” from director Samuel Aguirre-Kelly (@samutao) is an absurdly hilarious film that may hit a little too close to home on the struggles of online dating (But Also Vampires 🧛‍♀️)

Lizzie Parmenter (@pussijussi) does it all in this film as the lead and writer! Tune in to our YouTube today to watch! Link in the bio! @thirst_trap.mov

Meet & Follow the @thirst_trap.mov Filmmaking Team

Directed By: Samuel Aguirre-Kelly - @samutao

Written By: Lizzie Parmenter - @pussijussi

Starring: Lizzie Parmenter
Matthew Martinez - @_matthew_paul_martinez_
Samille Ganges - @plantainfutures

Director of Photography: Brett Felty - @brettfelty

Produced By & Casting Director: Ruby Green - @rubygreenofficial@rudebellycasting

Poster Design : Marcus Chapa - @ma.mapache

#shortfilm #dating #vampires #horror #horrorcomedy

A quirky (and single) haunted tour guide turned newborn vampire must navigate the horrors of the modern dating apps while controlling her thirst for blood- and connection.

The horror comedy “Thirst Trap” from director Samuel Aguirre-Kelly (@samutao) is an absurdly hilarious film that may hit a little too close to home on the struggles of online dating (But Also Vampires 🧛‍♀️)

Lizzie Parmenter (@pussijussi) does it all in this film as the lead and writer! Tune in to our YouTube today to watch! Link in the bio! @thirst_trap.mov

Meet & Follow the @thirst_trap.mov Filmmaking Team

Directed By: Samuel Aguirre-Kelly - @samutao

Written By: Lizzie Parmenter - @pussijussi

Starring: Lizzie Parmenter
Matthew Martinez - @_matthew_paul_martinez_
Samille Ganges - @plantainfutures

Director of Photography: Brett Felty - @brettfelty

Produced By & Casting Director: Ruby Green - @rubygreenofficial@rudebellycasting

Poster Design : Marcus Chapa - @ma.mapache

#shortfilm #dating #vampires #horror #horrorcomedy

A quirky (and single) haunted tour guide turned newborn vampire must navigate the horrors of the modern dating apps while controlling her thirst for blood- and connection.

The horror comedy “Thirst Trap” from director Samuel Aguirre-Kelly (@samutao) is an absurdly hilarious film that may hit a little too close to home on the struggles of online dating (But Also Vampires 🧛‍♀️)

Lizzie Parmenter (@pussijussi) does it all in this film as the lead and writer! Tune in to our YouTube today to watch! Link in the bio! @thirst_trap.mov

Meet & Follow the @thirst_trap.mov Filmmaking Team

Directed By: Samuel Aguirre-Kelly - @samutao

Written By: Lizzie Parmenter - @pussijussi

Starring: Lizzie Parmenter
Matthew Martinez - @_matthew_paul_martinez_
Samille Ganges - @plantainfutures

Director of Photography: Brett Felty - @brettfelty

Produced By & Casting Director: Ruby Green - @rubygreenofficial@rudebellycasting

Poster Design : Marcus Chapa - @ma.mapache

#shortfilm #dating #vampires #horror #horrorcomedy

MEET THE FILMMAKERS: Lizzie Parmenter (she/her) @pussijussi is a filmmaker, comedian, and retired ghost tour guide. Her work blends comedy and genre to explore themes of alienation and absurdity. Thirst Trap, which won an Audience Award at the 2024 New Orleans Film Festival, is her debut film.

Sam Aguirre-Kelly (he/him) @samutao is a Director/DP based in New Orleans, Louisiana.Through his production company, Fast Friends, he produces a range of video content for artists, small businesses, and non-profits, with a specialization in documentary, music videos, and branded content. Sam has had the pleasure of filming for companies such as Coach, Food & Wine, Thrillist, Arsenal, and Amazon. His narrative debut, “Thirst Trap,” took the audience award at the New Orleans Film Festival for Best Louisiana Short. As a YouTube university filmmaker, he is thrilled to have a home for “Thirst Trap“ on Crafty. @thirst_trap.mov

Tune in to our YouTube tomorrow when their vampire horror comedy “Thirst Trap” comes to Crafty!

#shortfilm #filmmakers #indiefilm #watchcrafty #neworleans

MEET THE FILMMAKERS: Lizzie Parmenter (she/her) @pussijussi is a filmmaker, comedian, and retired ghost tour guide. Her work blends comedy and genre to explore themes of alienation and absurdity. Thirst Trap, which won an Audience Award at the 2024 New Orleans Film Festival, is her debut film.

Sam Aguirre-Kelly (he/him) @samutao is a Director/DP based in New Orleans, Louisiana.Through his production company, Fast Friends, he produces a range of video content for artists, small businesses, and non-profits, with a specialization in documentary, music videos, and branded content. Sam has had the pleasure of filming for companies such as Coach, Food & Wine, Thrillist, Arsenal, and Amazon. His narrative debut, “Thirst Trap,” took the audience award at the New Orleans Film Festival for Best Louisiana Short. As a YouTube university filmmaker, he is thrilled to have a home for “Thirst Trap“ on Crafty. @thirst_trap.mov

Tune in to our YouTube tomorrow when their vampire horror comedy “Thirst Trap” comes to Crafty!

#shortfilm #filmmakers #indiefilm #watchcrafty #neworleans

Vampires, Dating Apps and an unquenchable lust. “Thirst Trap (@thirst_trap.mov) from the filmmaking trio of Samuel Aguirre-Kelly, Lizzie Parmenter and Ruby Green is unique and hysterical horror comedy film highlighting the perils of online dating.Tune in to our YouTube on Tuesday to watch the horror comedy when it comes to Crafty!

Meet & Follow the @thirst_trap.mov Filmmaking Team

Directed By: Samuel Aguirre-Kelly - @samutao

Written By: Lizzie Parmenter - @pussijussi

Starring: Lizzie Parmenter
Matthew Martinez - @_matthew_paul_martinez_
Samille Ganges - @plantainfutures

Director of Photography: Brett Felty - @brettfelty

Produced By & Casting Director: Ruby Green - @rubygreenofficial@rudebellycasting

Poster Design : Marcus Chapa - @ma.mapache

#shortfilm #dating #vampires #horror #horrorcomedy

A few more from the second line @_sudansocialandpleasureclub

A few more from the second line @_sudansocialandpleasureclub

A few more from the second line @_sudansocialandpleasureclub

A few more from the second line @_sudansocialandpleasureclub

Stills from the Sudan second line, captured for the big boss himself @jamesandrewstrumpet and his incredible band!

Stills from the Sudan second line, captured for the big boss himself @jamesandrewstrumpet and his incredible band!

Stills from the Sudan second line, captured for the big boss himself @jamesandrewstrumpet and his incredible band!

Stills from the Sudan second line, captured for the big boss himself @jamesandrewstrumpet and his incredible band!

Stills from the Sudan second line, captured for the big boss himself @jamesandrewstrumpet and his incredible band!

Stills from the Sudan second line, captured for the big boss himself @jamesandrewstrumpet and his incredible band!

Stills from the Sudan second line, captured for the big boss himself @jamesandrewstrumpet and his incredible band!

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

“Termites: A Love Story”, the visual album by @thankgodformercyland premieres tonight @barfreda801 ! I won’t be there but I wanted to share some stills and reflections as a celebration from afar — more words below for those who care to read
——

I was the DP and colorist for “Termites”, a project that I would describe as incredibly intimate, instructive and fulfilling. Over nearly a year, the production became a sort of laboratory that let us try things, learn, and fine-tune in the way you only can with a longer shoot in a fixed location. It was also just a sweet friend hang, albeit unconventional and scheduled. And on an artistic level, it fulfilled a desire that I don’t always get to fully realize in music video world.

I’m always trying to inject more of a narrative arc into the music videos I work on, probably because that’s how I relate to the songs that move me most- I see characters that become very real, and the lyrical glimpses of their story often leave me wanting to follow the trail. But realizing a story isn’t always a shared goal in music videos. Some artists just want a vibe, or seem to be just checking off the music video box for promo purposes. Music videos enjoy a certain license for looseness that can make achieving a solid story more of a bonus than a necessity. And I get it, not everyone wants the rigor of making a movie. Fortunately for me, @virg________ and @thankgodformercyland were explicitly down for the rigor, and invited me into a physical story world they had been building, a strange, fuzzy, and digital world, that was, LJ’s world.

So we embarked in one bedroom, with two sets, catty-cornered and literally woven into the walls. With a vertical frame, almost no space, and small LED panels light enough to clamp to doors and fan blades, we strove to push these parameters for all their worth, and I’m quite proud/amazed at what we achieved on the visual front.

You may have seen pieces of the project on social, but as this rolls out, I do encourage you to watch in its entirety. I think you’ll be surprised and quite moved once you’ve stayed in this world long enough for it to be shattered. If nothing else, it’s still a hell of a vibe.

Brett

Brett has been one of my go to people on set. His talents are numerous and I’ve learned a lot from him and with him for the past several years. I always look forward to swapping ideas, miseries, and dreams with him. Thanks for being a steady partner in this wobbly game.

@brettfelty

Morning rush

Morning rush

Morning rush

Page

Page filled in a very last min opening for an AC on @thirst_trap.mov and I will say, amidst a really challenging project as a first time director, I felt like having Page on our team was a total gift from the forces that be. Grateful for you @cine.zet

Liana

If you know her, you love her. If you don’t, I’m so sorry.

—the first of the follow up on portraits from the garage, will share more in the coming days