Meal Ticket

A tough loving father with hoop dreams for his daughter, is hit with the harsh reality of their environment.

  • Adrian B. Herrera
    Director
  • Adrian B. Herrera
    Writer
  • Natalie Cordray
    Producer
  • La'Ron Cooper
    Producer
  • Chris Durr
    Director of Photography
  • Rufus Burns
    Key Cast
    "The Father"
    U Shoot Videos?, Black Title Here, Bel-Air (Short Film)
  • Mariyah Noel
    Key Cast
    "Daughter"
  • Charles Whitmill
    1st Assistant Director
  • DeVonte Brown
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Michael Saldivar
    2nd Assistant Camera
  • Travis Wears
    Gaffer
  • Nathan Fung
    Key Grip
    The Mandalorian, Logan, Ahsoka, Captain Marvel, Green Book
  • Ryan Njenga
    Project Coordinator
  • Chris Burrow
    Colorist
  • Addison Sauvan
    Sound Mixer
  • Invent Audio & Design
    Sound Design
  • Haik Kavorikian
    Grip
  • Nick Littlejohn
    Grip
  • Romel Moore
    Production Assistants
  • Benjammin Burton
    Production Assistants
  • Jackson Brouillette
    Production Assistants
  • Diana Guadalupe Gonzalez
    Production Assistants
  • Derrick Stewart
    Script Supervisor
  • Alex Rhodes
    BTS Photography & Video
  • Vy Nguyen
    BTS Photography & Video
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Sports, Basketball
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Alexa 35, Super 35
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • San Diego
    United States
    July 27, 2024
    World Premiere
    Best Screenplay / Best Actor in Leading Role
Director Biography - Adrian B. Herrera

Adrian B. Herrera is an award-winning writer/director and TV/Commercial cinematographer based out of Kansas City, MO.

His cinematography work has appeared on TV networks & streaming platforms such as ESPN, Netflix, Peacock, NBC, CBS, A&E, NFL Network, Fox Sports, & continues to film cinematography work for shows like NFL Countdown, SC Featured (ESPN), E60, and the like.

As director, his documentary short film "The Heartbeat of Kansas City" won the "People's Choice Award" from a national MusicBed Short Film Competition and his latest film "Meal Ticket" was awarded "Best Screenplay" at the San Diego Short Film Festival, received "Honorable Mention" as a finalist at the LA Film Awards, and has been officially selected in multiple film festivals nationwide.

In addition to his work as a cinematographer & filmmaker, Adrian enjoys mentoring and sharing his experiences through an online cinematography community he founded called "the Cinematography Lounge" which aims to equip & encourage the next generation of cinematographers. Outside of the world of film, he serves on the board of a non-profit foundation based in his hometown of Topeka KS. called "Community Unite" whose mission is to serve the youth through sports & education, which aligns with his passions as an accomplished former athlete & collegiate basketball player.

As a multi-ethnic filmmaker, Adrian values the importance of diversity on and off of set, and champions the opportunity to create positive change for underrepresented communities in the film industry.

Most importantly, his faith and role as a husband & father are what truly defines his character and are his guiding motivation wherever he goes.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I wrote "Meal Ticket" from a very personal place and at it's core it's a father/daughter story. However it's also a calling to all young athletes, that you are much more than just a product of your own environment.
I can see "Meal Ticket" adopted into a series and there's a lot more to explore in this world with these characters.