TMI
Writer, Director, Editor, & More!
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TMI is a comedy pilot of a preteen / family limited series.
Inspired by my personal experience in a rigorous sexuality education program through my church, TMI connects multigenerational audiences through humor and universality.
TMI is informed by my passion for and research focus on the powers of intergenerational co-viewing as a tool that can support young people in developing crucial media literacy skills.
This script developed over the course of a year, and the project was filmed over 4 days. My cast was made up of 15 energetic actors from tweens through retirees. To make something for everyone, you need to collaborate with everyone;) My crew was made up of 16 hard working and warm hearted filmmakers.
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Skills
Location Scouting
Screenwriting
Casting
Roles
Field Researcher
Observational research at Cambridge Health Alliance sex education classes at the John F. Kennedy School in Somerville, MA
Screenwriter
Producer
Casting Director
Director
Production Designer
Editor
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Set environment matters.
I filled my team with warm, playful collaborators. I instructed them to prioritize the experience of my majority-youth cast.
This paid off as my gaffer, DP, PAs, and I joined the kids for dance breaks, and as I watched my lead’s face light up as my cam op took the time to show her how the ND filters work like sunglasses.
This set was lively and silly and educational. Emotional safety was prioritized so that my actors felt comfortable giggling about our content - sex!
During Zoom rehearsals I met with my cast and requested and implemented script feedback from my child actors. I waned this project to be theirs, too. It is for them after all. They got to choose their character’s costumes and tell me what they waned on set. Lots of Sour Patch Watermelons was the main answer.
Before our shoot I met with each child’s caregiver to learn how best to make their kid feel supported on set. I learned who likes positive reinforcement, who does best with concise feedback.
Trusting my intuition and following my passion pays off.
Given the limited resources available to create a senior thesis film, I was warned against working with a large cast, let alone with 5 child actors. This had never been done in the department. I took risks and they paid off. I know now how to successfully navigate child labor laws, time restraints, and having parents on set (some even ended up in our cast - what a gift!).
I was told my 22 page script was too long to shoot in a weekend, especially with our other variables (cast size/age, multi-cam shoot, snappy dialogue, no in-person rehersals). But again, we did it! With enough attention to detail and hours spent with my DP and 1st camera operator, we made the absolute most of our hours on set, finishing our shoot days on time, even with candy, dancing, and snowball breaks.
Rolling dolly shot for our opening scene
Chatting with child actors between takes.
Check-in on timing with my assistant director, Amba Raghavan
Reviewing blocking
My partner sitting while my 1st Camera Operator, Eran Avni-Singer, was framing the shot.
Approving the frame for my Cinematographer, Ilai Sternoff.
My queen of a producer, Naomi Arnold
Check-in with my script supervisor, Jaden Gardolia
Frame check
My production designer Sarah Sobieraj and PA Jim Sobieraj, checking out the frame.
My parents, delighted to be on set!
"Here, everybody grab a condom and smile!"
My primary cast. What a team!
Who knows.
Izzy is also a gymnast.
Chloe Zhao style dance breaks, of course.
Izzy, CJ, and Maisie showing me some silly photos they want to recreate together.
Dancing for dopamine, not that there was a shortage.
Time to pin the bean on the vulva!
Knotty Knitters getting in on the fun.
Then they pranked me and sent me in the opposite direction from the giant vulva I had hand made for them, tsk tsk.
Production designer to the rescue!
My dramatic fall to the ground after Maisie said I'm a better director than dancer. She's absolutely correct of course.
Felt vulva. Fulva if you will.
Eran and I getting some insert shots.
My advisor, Denise Cummings, was my biggest supporter from script to screen.
Accolades
Awarded Highest Honors
“If I could describe your process as a filmmaker in 3 words they would be intentionality, determination, and execution. “ - Denise Cummings, Teaching Professor of Film & Media Studies
My cast went from strangers to cast members to friends. They face time often and have a group chat called “Clit-erally So Cool,“ and thats the biggest win in my book.