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.

  • Vianna Sinnan
    Executive Producer
    Executive Pastry Chef
  • JT Schindler
    Director
    Casanoir
  • JT Schindler
    Writer
    향수병 (Homesick)
  • Izzy Ingram
    Writer
  • JT Schindler
    Producer
    Casanoir, Meatlovers, 향수병 (Homesick)
  • Izzy Ingram
    Producer
    Casanoir
  • Dean Parham
    Producer
    Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
  • Izzy Ingram
    Key Cast
    "Edith aka Edie"
  • Paulina Knaak
    Key Cast
    "Paulina aka Paul"
  • Anisa Benitez
    Supporting Cast
    Wu-Tang: An American Saga
  • JC Santiago
    Supporting Cast
    The 1 Closest 2 U
  • Manoj Chandra
    Supporting Cast
    Men in Blue
  • Anna Mader
    1st Assistant Director
    Arden
  • Kayla Windsor
    Director of Photography
    Glitch
  • Sean Li
    Gaffer
    Revolver Lighting and Grip
  • Ambrose Carroll
    Key Grip
    The Unheard
  • Collin Walsh
    A Camera Operator
    Parental Support
  • Garrett Schulte
    A Camera Operator
    Sometimes I Dream of Wandering
  • Dominick Gilles
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Anastasia Goldberg
    On-Set Sound Recordist
    The Tannery
  • Gia Gutierrez
    Hair & Make Up
  • Negin Keyhanfar
    Production Designer
    Tissaraka
  • Stephen Koepfer
    Fight Coordinator
    The Crowded Room
  • Demichael Stewart
    Production Assistant
  • Miguel Strollier
    Production Assistant
  • Justin Rogers
    BTS Photographer
  • Misael Chum
    Editor
    Fresh Cut
  • Mïrändä
    Composer
  • Michael De Maglie
    Post Sound Designer
  • Ryan Rusconi
    Post Sound Designer
  • Dennis Lian
    Motion Graphics & Graphic Design
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    39 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 21, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - JT Schindler

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.

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Director Statement

"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.