Cargo Van
A queer friendship between two production assistants is tested by an unexpected robbery attempt while on the job. They must now protect an expensive bottle of wine from being stolen and drive away with their lives.
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Vianna SinnanExecutive ProducerExecutive Pastry Chef
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JT SchindlerDirectorCasanoir
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JT SchindlerWriter향수병 (Homesick)
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Izzy IngramWriter
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JT SchindlerProducerCasanoir, Meatlovers, 향수병 (Homesick)
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Izzy IngramProducerCasanoir
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Dean ParhamProducerComedians in Cars Getting Coffee
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Izzy IngramKey Cast"Edith aka Edie"
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Paulina KnaakKey Cast"Paulina aka Paul"
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Anisa BenitezSupporting CastWu-Tang: An American Saga
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JC SantiagoSupporting CastThe 1 Closest 2 U
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Manoj ChandraSupporting CastMen in Blue
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Anna Mader1st Assistant DirectorArden
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Kayla WindsorDirector of PhotographyGlitch
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Sean LiGafferRevolver Lighting and Grip
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Ambrose CarrollKey GripThe Unheard
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Collin WalshA Camera OperatorParental Support
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Garrett SchulteA Camera OperatorSometimes I Dream of Wandering
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Dominick Gilles1st Assistant Camera
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Anastasia GoldbergOn-Set Sound RecordistThe Tannery
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Gia GutierrezHair & Make Up
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Negin KeyhanfarProduction DesignerTissaraka
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Stephen KoepferFight CoordinatorThe Crowded Room
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Demichael StewartProduction Assistant
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Miguel StrollierProduction Assistant
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Justin RogersBTS Photographer
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Misael ChumEditorFresh Cut
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MïrändäComposer
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Michael De MagliePost Sound Designer
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Ryan RusconiPost Sound Designer
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Dennis LianMotion Graphics & Graphic Design
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Project Type:Short
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Runtime:39 minutes
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Completion Date:August 21, 2023
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Production Budget:50,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Hailing from Queens, NY, I am a filmmaker deeply invested in illuminating gender equality and the often-overlooked historical narratives. As a husband, father, and martial artist, the tapestry of my life experiences deeply enriches every project I undertake, offering viewers a distinctive, thoughtful, and engaging lens.
The foundation of my narrative craft was laid during high school, where I was chosen to write and produce a feature-length play. It garnered critical praise and enjoyed multiple weekend runs on campus. This passion continued into my collegiate years, when I was honored with the Ohio University Research Grant. This prestigious award facilitated my exploration into the seldom-told tales of Sri Lankan Queens, leading to my induction into the esteemed National Leadership Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa.
My martial discipline, cultivated under the mentorship of my Sensei, Debbie Pittak, has significantly influenced my worldview. Through her guidance, seminal works such as Miyamoto Musashi's "The Book of Five Rings" emphasized decisive leadership and resolute decision-making. Similarly, Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching" underscored the profound impact of enabling others to lead and take pride in their creations. These teachings have become cornerstones in my leadership ethos.
Drawing perpetual inspiration from my Grandmaster, Sensei Tatsuo Shimabuku, I wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy of Kaizen - the Japanese practice of continuous improvement. It's with this relentless pursuit of mastery that I approach the art of filmmaking. Committed to the evocative power of storytelling, I forever seek to inform, enhance, and inspire.
"Cargo Van" isn't just a film; it's an experience. An homage to the unsung heroes of film sets – the Production Assistants – this project was a passion piece from its inception. Starting my own journey as a PA, I was often met with the sentiment that there were no true cinematic tributes to PAs. This sentiment became my challenge and, eventually, my inspiration.
The choice of a one-shot, one-take model was intentional. This wasn’t just for the thrill; it was to immerse our audience, to have them sit shotgun in the van, and to make them feel every heartbeat, every fleeting glance, and every moment of terror and tenderness. It was an endeavor that demanded two years of writing, half a year of rehearsals, intensive fight training, and a filming process that tested the limits of our commitment.
On a deeply personal note, the essence of this film is imbued with the spirit of my grandmother, Edie. A beacon of authenticity, she was my partner in exploring realms beyond the seen, our moments practicing crafts together forging an indelible bond. Her spirit, her audacity to be her true self, is the heartbeat of this film. I miss her every day, and with "Cargo Van", I hope to share a fragment of her indomitable spirit with the world.