Director Payton Burkhammer grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and moved to Akron, Ohio to pursue a media studies degree from the University of Akron. Upon graduation, Payton stayed in Akron to work in marketing and pursue filmmaking in her spare time. In 2022, she created the short drama "You'll Never Be My First Kiss". After working as a crew member on several local films, this film is her directorial debut. Payton's goal is to help inspire other young women to learn the technical side of filmmaking.