Take another trip to the archives with Proximity founder and writer/producer Sev Ohanian’s conversation with screenwriting duo Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier! Juel and Tony are the writers behind CREED II, SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY, and THEY CLONED TYRONE, which was also Juel’s directorial debut. Their next project is the upcoming HOT WHEELS movie, directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Bad Robot. On this episode of IN PROXIMITY, Juel and Tony talk to Sev about the origins of their writing partnership, how they landed their first screenwriting projects, and the unconventional – and successful – pitching tips.

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODE
Breaking into Screenwriting with Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, and Sev Ohanian

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(01:00) From the archives… Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, and Sev Ohanian!
(02:00) Get Reel
(08:21) Gym buddies to PAs to writing partners
(13:38) How Juel and Tony broke into the industry after grad school
(17:30) Their first professional screenwriting projects
(25:22) THEY CLONED TYRONE’s pitch: DIY crafts & Spotify playlists
(35:05) Coding websites and writing short stories for film execs
(43:22) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Producer: Caitlin Plummer
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Polina Cherezova
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza

We’re back in the archives with a re-release of one of our first episodes ever featuring writer, producer, and Proximity Media founder Sev Ohanian and writer/director Aneesh Chaganty. Together, Sev and Aneesh wrote, directed, and produced the hit thrillers SEARCHING (2018), RUN (2020), and MISSING (2023). Their next project together is the upcoming DOPPELGÄNGER, produced with their producing partner Natalie Qasabian at Search Party and Proximity Media. This episode is a deep dive into Sev and Aneesh’s intricate and informative screenwriting process. It’s a masterclass with top tier writing pros well as a peek into what makes a solid creative partnership.

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODE
Screenwriting Masterclass with SEARCHING’s Aneesh Chaganty and Sev Ohanian

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(00:50) From the archives… Sev Ohanian and Aneesh Chaganty!
(02:37) Aneesh started his writing partnership with Sev… on a lie!?
(08:15) The “Blue Skies” phase of screenwriting
(11:44) Outlining: SAVE THE CAT, Google Docs, and phone call arguments
(14:53) Share your work with friends! (and ask a thousand questions)
(18:33) Research should inform your story, not BECOME the story
(21:41) Need a recap? Click HERE
(25:19) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Producer: Caitlin Plummer
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Polina Cherezova
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza

We’re going back into the IN PROXIMITY archives for the next several weeks, rereleasing masterclasses on filmmaking and screenwriting. On this episode, we’re rebroadcasting a conversation between Ryan Coogler and Cord Jefferson, writer/director/producer of the award-winning feature film AMERICAN FICTION. A few weeks after winning the 2024 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Cord hopped on a call with Ryan to discuss their first films, his unconventional path to filmmaking, and his experience as a first-time director. They also talk about their upcoming projects, and Ryan teases a little bit about SINNERS. He recorded this conversation from New Orleans as he was just about to go into production on the film.

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODE
Cord Jefferson and Ryan Coogler on Writing, Directing, and What They’re Doing Next

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(01:45) From the archives… Ryan Coogler and Cord Jefferson!
(02:30) Get Reel
(10:46) Cord’s first writing job took GUTS 
(19:28) How Cord learned to collaborate with Jeffrey Wright on AMERICAN FICTION
(27:58) Ryan and Cord’s next projects (hint: SINNERS) 
(35:48) “You shouldn’t be doing this if the end goal is to win an Oscar.”
(39:49) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan 
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Producer: Caitlin Plummer
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Polina Cherezova
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza

We’re celebrating docs and nonfiction series with Proximity’s Nonfiction department! IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo sits down with Kelli Dunson Buchanan (VP, Head of Nonfiction) and Gaby Arvizu (Creative Executive, Nonfiction), whose projects include the award-winning series HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME, STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED, ANTHEM, and HOMEROOM. They share their career stories and what their day-to-day is like developing and producing nonfiction projects at Proximity Media. They also answer listener questions about selecting stories and subjects, editing hours of footage, advice for first-time filmmakers, and how to ethically document stories and engage with communities around traumatic events. Kelli and Gaby drop a lot of gems here… watch, listen, and take notes!

CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS Q&A EPISODE
Inside Proximity: Working in Film & TV

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(00:00) These questions are FIRE!
(02:18) Meet Proximity’s Nonfiction department
(05:18) The day-to-day of development and production
(10:55) Career stories
(17:10) Question #1: How to choose your doc’s subject
(19:52) Shoutout director Pete Nicks!
(20:46) Making HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME with Traci Curry
(22:45) Question #2: How to ethically document stories and engage with communities around traumatic events
(27:57) Question #3: Tips for first-time filmmakers
(30:07) What makes first-time doc filmmakers stand out
(32:16) How Kelli and Gaby find and cultivate new talent 
(33:11) Question #4: Editing hours of footage into a film|
(37:40) What is cinéma vérité?
(39:21) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, A.J. Calomay, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza

For this special episode of IN PROXIMITY, we’re celebrating the artisans who brought SINNERS to life. Relive the insightful conversations with Academy Award winners Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and Ludwig Göransson, and more.

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODES
AUTUMN DURALD ARKAPAW AND RYAN COOGLER
DOLLY LI
STEVE GEHRKE
LUDWIG GÖRANSSON AND RYAN COOGLER
MICHAEL B. JORDAN AND RYAN COOGLER

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(00:00) Celebrating SINNERS!
(01:41) IMAX filmmaking with Autumn Durald Arkapaw and Ryan Coogler
(07:23) Delta Chinese history with Dolly Li
(11:04) Script supervisor conversation with Steve Gherke
(14:38) Blues music with Ludwig Göransson and Ryan Coogler
(18:53) Acting with Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, A.J. Calomay, Brittani Brown, Andrea Walter, Bianca Catbagan
Video Producer: Bianca Catbagan
Director of Photography: Andrea Walter
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Camera Operator: Josh Ortiz
Production Sound Recordists: Mark Patino, Marcelo de Oliveira
Gaffer: Chris Boulos
Key Grip: Kevin “Chui” Chiu
Production Assistants: Devin Saddler, Isabella Miller
Production Interns: Ben Caloza, Jun Sawada, Faith Wang
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Barista: George Stevenson

Luke Matheny is a writer, director, and showrunner who won the Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film in 2010 for GOD OF LOVE. Luke sat down with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo to talk about what makes an Oscar-winning short film, how he prepared for his speech, and how he built a career in comedy and children’s programming writing, directing, and running shows like MARON, GORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET, and, most recently, the animated series CHARLOTTE’S WEB on HBO Max starring Amy Adams, Elijah Wood, Jean Smart, and Randall Park.

CHECK OUT THE FILMS
GOD OF LOVE
AWESOME ASIAN BAD GUYS

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(00:00) Guest intro
(02:21) About GOD OF LOVE
(04:59) The Oscar trophy — live in the studio!
(06:42) Winning an Oscar
(10:05) Making GOD OF LOVE at NYU film school
(12:10) Using a short film to showcase your talents
(16:20) Working with the crew to execute your vision
(18:51) What makes a great short film? Imply a sense of structure!
(23:54) Remember: time is finite!
(28:11) Launching a career after the Oscars, working with Marc Maron
(32:13) Showrunning the animated series CHARLOTTE’S WEB 
(33:10) The cast: Amy Adams, Jean Smart, Elijah Wood, Cynthia Erivo, Randall Park
(37:28) Children’s programming
(39:05) Make something, keep going!
(41:49) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza

Before his debut animated feature GOAT claimed the #1 spot at the box office, director Tyree Dilihay joined IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo for an in-depth conversation about the animated sports film. Tyree breaks down his directing process including building the film’s “Brooklyn meets Brazil” world, designing roarball plays with basketball stars Andre Iguodala and Stephen Curry, and working with an all-star cast that includes Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, and Curry (who makes his voice acting debut in the film and produces through Unanimous Media). Tyree also reflects on growing up in Inglewood, California where he was inspired by filmmakers like Spike Lee and John Singleton, and how his supportive mother helped him pursue a career in animation.

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(00:00) Running plays with Andre Igoudala
(02:49) Stephen Curry’s voice acting debut 
(04:22) How GOAT came together
(07:12) Worldbuilding “Brooklyn meets Brazil”
(10:31) Costume design
(12:04) From local Angeleno to seasoned animator
(14:22) Spike Lee’s SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT and John Singleton’s BOYZ N THE HOOD
(16:03) How Tyree started his animation journey
(19:20) Running plays with Andre Igoudala (full story)
(22:20) “Roots run deep!”
(25:05) The inspo: SPACE JAM I & II, HOOSIERS, MAJOR LEAGUE, MIGHTY DUCKS, ROCKY, RUDY…and more!
(28:48) The cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, Steph Curry
(30:54) Creating and directing diss tracks, “GOAT TEARS” 
(33:31) The seven-year journey to the “right version” 
(35:44) Collaborating with studio execs to make the best movie
(38:08) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza

Here comes the THE BRIDE writer/director/producer Maggie Gyllenhaal, who joins SINNERS writer/director/producer and Proximity founder Ryan Coogler, for an exclusive conversation with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo about her new film THE BRIDE, a wildly original and imaginative take on the Frankenstein story, inspired by the 1935 film THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and Mary Shelley’s original novel. Maggie and Ryan share their processes for writing and directing, working with actors, shooting on IMAX cameras, and working with family. And, yes, Ryan makes some coffee. Cheers!

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(00:00) Christian Bale wants to be yelled at too!
(00:32) Here comes the director of THE BRIDE!
(02:37) Ryan makes pour-over coffee
(05:40) Nighttime inside
(08:08) Cheers!
(08:57) Exploring the monsters within
(09:53) The original films: THE BRIDE OF FRANKESTEIN and FRANKENSTEIN
(12:47) Creating Jessie Buckley’s character, the Bride
(14:30) Screenwriting is like an hourglass
(15:47) Monstrosity vs. Cinematic fantasy
(17:14) Jake Gyllenhaal as Ronnie Reed
(17:52) How Maggie and Ryan work with actors
(22:45) Trippy directorial advice
(26:10) Octavia Spencer in FRUITVALE STATION
(28:15) Christian Bale wants to be yelled at too! (full story)
(31:44) Directing her brother Jake
(35:47) IMAX filmmaking
(38:18) Sony cameras
(40:56) "Wait, you were in THE DARK KNIGHT, though!"
(48:00) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza
Production Sound Mixer: Mark Patino
Camera Operator: Josh Ortiz
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Production Intern: Ben Caloza
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Barista: George Stevenson

We are sealing the Honmoon with KPOP DEMON HUNTERS directors and co-writers, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans! The veteran animation filmmakers break down how Maggie developed the story based on Korean culture and music, how she collaborated with Chris as a directing team, and how they pitched the idea to Netflix and K-pop music producers. They also share stories from behind the scenes of their seven-year production process including the creation of the film’s iconic “popcorn eyes” and how they worked with songwriter and producer EJAE to write the music… with a special surprise voice memo from the woman behind Rumi’s singing voice herself! 

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(00:00) K-pop meets demon hunters
(00:47) Let’s talk K-pop… and demon hunters!
(02:04) Fun fan reactions
(03:02) Honmoon in the club, the origin of honmoon
(06:12) How Maggie’s Korean upbringing in Toronto shaped her storytelling
(07:51) K-pop meets demon hunters (the full story)
(09:59) How they became a directing team, WISH DRAGON
(11:19) How they pitched KPOP DEMON HUNTERS
(12:45) The music was the hardest part, how EJAE’s demos made it seem possible
(13:20)EJAE, Teddy Park, THEBLACKLABEL, the demo for HOW IT’S DONE
(15:23) Comps: “old people” anime, Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon, K-dramas, and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
(17:10) Comedy, female empowerment, being your “stupidest self” with your friends
(18:04) Collaborating on directing and screenwriting
(19:53) Writing the script for KPOP DEMON HUNTERS
(20:39) Sony Pictures Animation, shout out to the crew
(25:00) The joke that became the iconic “popcorn eyes” scene
(27:12) Voice Memo from EJAE (Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Singing Voice of Rumi)
(29:45) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza
Sound Recordist: Isabella Miller
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza

This February, we’re celebrating the 8th anniversary of the release of BLACK PANTHER! We dug deep into the In Proximity archives to re-release this iconic conversation with BLACK PANTHER director Ryan Coogler and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Ta-Nehisi is a journalist and the bestselling author of books like BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME and THE MESSAGE. He has also written successful comic book runs for CAPTAIN AMERICA and BLACK PANTHER, and hosted the WAKANDA FOREVER podcast back in 2023. On this special re-release episode, we combine the two parts of Ryan and Ta-Nehisi’s original conversation, where they dive deep into their experiences telling T’Challa’s story for BLACK PANTHER, the impact of hip-hop music and art, Ta-Nehisi’s decades-long writing career, and their mutual friendship with the late Chadwick Boseman.

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODES
Ryan Coogler and Ta-Nehisi Coates Episode 1
Ryan Coogler and Ta-Nehisi Coates Episode 2
WAKANDA FOREVER: THE OFFICIAL BLACK PANTHER PODCAST

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(00:00) Celebrating the anniversary of BLACK PANTHER the film
(01:51) PART 1: Meet Ryan Coogler and Ta-Nehisi Coates 
(02:21) Ta-Nehisi’s production company, Maceo-Lyn
(06:40) Howard University, meeting Chadwick Boseman
(11:18) Hip-hop, poetry, and genres 
(15:04) Tupac Shakur
(18:27) How Ta-Nehisi’s hip-hop aspirations pushed him to writing poetry
(21:54) “Art that feels like it’s always been made”, A PROPHET, GET OUT, MOONLIGHT
(29:20) PART 2: The beginning of Ta-Nehisi’s writing career
(33:24) The 20-year-old journalist
(36:45) The Case for Reparations
(39:55) Writing the BLACK PANTHER comics
(41:58) Toni Morrisson, James Baldwin, BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME
(45:31) Takes on T’Challa’s character
(49:59) CREED
(53:33) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Production Assistant: Polina Cherezova
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza

What does it take to build a successful TV writing career in comedy, procedurals, and drama? Executive producer, showrunner, and author Kimberly Ann Harrison reveals how she landed an internship on FRIENDS, wrote 78 episodes of CRIMINAL MINDS over 12 years, and made the leap to showrunner (DEPUTY, THE CROSSOVER, WASHINGTON BLACK). On this episode of IN PROXIMITY, Kim talks to host Paola Mardo about her transition from comedy to drama, the importance of finding a character's “why”, tips on pitching episodes and applying for writing jobs, lessons on loneliness and leadership, writing her debut novel BEYOND THE PADDOCK, and why her advice for new writers is to keep blinders on and just write.

(00:00) Just write!
(01:50) Born and raised in LA by teachers - shout out Diamond Bar!
(03:30) College, Intro to Broadcasting, Tammy Trujillo, learning about TV
(05:28) Interning on FRIENDS
(07:15) How to get a job on the “FRIENDS of today”
(08:45) Writer tips for the best cover letter ever
(09:18) Lessons from the FRIENDS writers room
(10:43) CRIMINAL MINDS, transitioning from comedy to drama, mentorship
(14:30) Jumping from writers assistant to writer, pitching tips
(16:30) It’s all about the “why” of the killer
(17:20) Industry advice for writers today: “keep blinders on”, “it just takes one yes”
(18:15) Becoming a showrunner
(19:48) How lonely showrunning can be, how to lead and manage a team
(22:26) Writing a novel: BEYOND THE PADDOCK
(28:17) Prox Recs

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IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza
Sound Recordist: Isabella Miller
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Production Assistant: Isabella Miller
Post-Production Coordinator: Celine Mendiola
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza