Poster

when inspiration becomes a connection

We’re incredibly excited to share this project with the world! Crafting this film has been an intensely fulfilling creative process, and we were blessed at every turn to work with amazing collaborators.

Huge shout out to Sarah Stuebe (The Artist), who brings subtlety and amazing acting chops to the challenging task of taking the audience on an emotional journey without words. Amelia Nomura (The Dancer) is a gifted and commanding presence - if you’d like to see the full versions of dance videos in the film, check out the YouTube page we created! We also had some fabulous featured and background actors show up ready to contribute to the vision and work hard - thank you Dario (The Patron), Persephone, Michael, Karin and Noah! Some even stepped into PA roles when we needed extra hands on set (thanks Noah and Michael!!).

Director of Photography Cody Walters made the process of creating a shot list and working on set so fascinating and organic while managing to deliver some of the most beautiful footage (Ren kept saying it looks like a million fucking dollars and they stand by that). Editor Ray Kurtz worked tirelessly to shape the final film, was patient with all my ADHD-fueled input, and came up with some brilliant ways to bring the vibes even more forward. And Misha Lepire (composer/sound designer) created amazing music that keeps us moving and flowing through life with The Artist as they become more inspired by The Dancer.

Producers Scott Taylor and Jim Dicus went above and beyond to help realize this vision - Scott’s “other” job was Sound Engineer, and Jim was our AC. Ren took the lead with casting, finding locations/connecting with artists, and keeping people organized and fed. Assistant Director Briana Chicha not only kept all the details straight but delivered a ton of awesome BTS photos (along with professional photographer AkivaLin Tambunga)! Hala Al-Asadi put in long hours as our Grip, and Kaitlin Krhounek (MUA) and Giovanna Walters (Wardrobe/Set Decoration) made everyone and everything even more gorgeous.

We couldn’t have crafted such a rich art-filled story without our incredible contributing creatives! All of The Artist’s works were created and supplied by Rae Hood (The Forest Blues), who even let us take over their bedroom for a day for the apartment scenes! And we were super grateful to be able to source several music tracks from incredible local artists to use throughout the film - thank you Drea & the Marilyns, Zodic, Maceo Sky and Moon Palace! If you’d like to check out the songs, here’s a Spotify playlist!! Ren’s friends at Southgate Roller Rink (home to the best karaoke in Seattle) gave us a huge stack of beautiful posters for The Artist to hang up in Capitol Hill. And special thanks to Ren’s daughter Serah Caldwell, who supplied all the photography for the bespoke book that the Artist pours through in the bookstore (and thanks to Scott for designing/printing it)!

We partnered with some awesome businesses for our locations. We were only the second film to ever be granted permission to shoot at Elliott Bay Book Company, and it was amazing to have the space where Ren first sketched out the idea for Poster (and that’s been a big part of their life as long as they’ve lived in Seattle) allow that kind of access. Time Warp Bar was incredible, providing an inspiring space for the credits sequence and even letting us stash our gear during a windy and rainy shoot day in Capitol Hill. Our contributing artist Rae let us shoot at their tent at the Fremont Bridge Market, which lent tons of authenticity to our maker’s story, and let us borrow their bedroom to serve as The Artist’s “apartment!” And VAM Studios lent us studio space for the first dance sequence - Amelia and Ren’s family have a long history there!

These kinds of community connections and stories are what we need right now! We hope you enjoy the film, and that this information helps you connect further with the work of these amazing creatives and businesses. Let’s keep on telling cool stories together!! Stay tuned for screenings and opportunities to watch!