Filmmaking
My desire to break into the world of film began at a distance. Long before I began creating my own “professional-style” short films, I was busy crafting more relaxed videos of various topics both in & out of high school. Coming to USC’s School of Cinematic Arts was the final push of confidence & encouragement I needed to finally start writing my own scripts & directing, shooting, & editing my own proper short films. While I may not currently have too much to hold to my name, I’m a firm believer that everyone starts somewhere, & as I learn & grow with each film, I can only continue to get better. The progress occurs with time & practice, not only just with discussion-based films but also recently with more experimental forms of media, such as music videos & short reels.
There are many films I’ve created for classes & other instances that aren’t shown here - Below are the pieces that I’m most proud of, & that I personally believe show my progression so far as a filmmaker in all different aspects.
In Our Dreams
PASSWORD: “alexandgabe”
In Our Dreams was my junior thesis film, put together over just four weeks during my most recent fall semester at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. This film was such a passion project for me, not only due to the time and care that went into it but also thanks to the incredible efforts of my trio mates, who were truly the backbone of this film. Although the process was overwhelming at times, it was ultimately so rewarding.
I truly couldn't be happier with the results and am so grateful for everyone who gave even a minute of their time to help this silly dream of mine come to life on screen. My most proud work yet, for sure!
Writer, Director, Sound Editor
Love Letters
Love Letters was a take on the many different types of love that exist throughout human nature, & was created specifically for USC Club Haute Magazine’s tenth issue. The project was constructed in quite a short amount of time following its initial pitch, & was then published on Haute Magazine’s official Instagram account soon afterward. This piece was really laid-back & heartwarming to write & create, especially as my team & I all had a lot of love for its overall message & thoroughly enjoyed its execution.
Writer, Director, Editor
Inertia
Inertia is technically not just a short film, but a music video that tells a personal story inspired by an old, quite destructive friend of mine.
It was prompted by a lesson on New Media, & therefore we were allowed to be quite experimental - hence why I went for a music video instead of a dialogued short film. Inertia was designed & put together by a very small group, & I really wanted to test my own limits & abilities to tell a story with as few words as possible. Personally, I’m very glad with what we accomplished in our single day of shooting, & would definitely consider working on or even creating more of my own music videos in the future!
(The song Inertia is originally written & performed by NYC-based band, AJR - one of my faves)
Writer, Director, Editor
You Promised
Writer, Director, DP, Editor
You Promised was an incredibly cathartic piece for me. It was independently crafted & created all within the limits of my very small dorm room. Based on a mixture of personal experiences, I focused on portraying the internal conflict between both characters & in turn, the stark contrast between them. I want to make it difficult for the audience to pick sides; There are two sides to every story.
You’re Still Sleeping
You’re Still Sleeping was an extensive crew project put together at the end of my first semester of Sophomore year during our primary production class. I was blessed with working with a writer, producer, & director of photography who were all good friends of mine, & directing the fast-paced conception & completion of this piece couldn’t have gone any smoother without their help. Although we were on an incredibly tight time crunch the day of our shoot, I was very proud of what we ultimately accomplished. I’m very grateful to have this to show as my first in-school crew directorial piece.
Director, Editor
Firebreak
Firebreak is my eldest & dearest film child. It was my first “professional grade” short film, so it was my first time using upscale equipment for a scripted, storyboarded more serious narrative project. It holds a very special place in my heart as it was also the film I sent in on my USC’s School of Cinematic Arts application. I’m so happy they were able to see my vision & support me starting with more intimidating, significant projects. Although it’s one of my older projects & if I could do it again I would certainly do it VERY differently, it will always be my treasure. Hopefully one day I’ll get to show people how different my work was when I started out. I knew I would only continue to grow from here.