The Mix
Audio engineer Becca desperately tries to convince unhinged podcast host Sean Palermo to cancel his provocative live episode featuring a controversial guest, which sparks disturbing online rhetoric and escalating violence outside their studio.
The Mix tears through "all-in" podcast culture with a satirical thriller about the dark side of social media's influence on our beliefs, communication and relationships.
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Christian La MorteWriter / Director / ProducerBoy Code, Bless Me
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Maxwell SeilerAssistant Director / VFX Artist / Producer
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Anthony AltamuraCinematographer / Producer
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Alex SeefriedGaffer / Producer
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Kareem AtallahAssistant Camera
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Brianna MestreWardrobe / Set Design
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Maximilian AriasSound Recordist
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Lauren MolinaMakeup Artist
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Mia GodwinOn-Set Photographer
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Benjamin DohertyMusic
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Ariana CastilloPA
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Francis X FaheyPA
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Greg JobloveVFX Artist #2
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Sophia Lucia ParolaKey Cast"Becca"Last Known Location, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
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Thomas Philip O'NeillKey Cast"Sean Palermo"Mindhunter, FBI & The School Duel
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Brandice PeltierKey Cast"Dr. Janet Weddley"
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Grant NealeKey Cast"Professor Clive Mason Jr."Bless Me
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David ClarkKey Cast"X-Tractor #1"COLOMBIANA, FLORIDE, STOP OR I’LL CONTINUE
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Ryan VergaraKey Cast"X-Tractor #2"
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Susan KirbyKey Cast"X-Tractor #3"Bless Me
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Ziad AlezabiKey Cast"Tech Bro #1"
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Kurt SlaterKey Cast"Security Guard"
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Thriller, comedy, drama
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Runtime:17 minutes 7 seconds
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Completion Date:January 20, 2025
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Production Budget:10,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States, United States
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Country of Filming:United States, United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera
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Aspect Ratio:1:90:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Hey, I'm Christian - filmmaker, storyteller and musician in Los Angeles.
My films tackle challenging subjects with genre-blending narratives and contemporary characters. Because I often crowdfund, write, direct and edit, each of my films is a personal artistic expression.
Originally from New Jersey, I moved to New York City to attend School of Visual Arts where my film Boy Code was chosen by the late Manfred Kirchheimer to premiere at Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis in Germany, Cannes Court Métrage and Soho Film Festival. Boy Code garnered praise for it's unique perspective on misguided young men in America.
I've also had rich and eclectic careers in both media and creative marketing; stand-out moments include filming an interview with Barack and Michelle Obama as a producer for Time Inc and winning multiple Clio awards as a movie trailer editor.
Since moving from NYC to LA with my fiancée and dog, I've been busy developing two feature film scripts, discovering rock climbing and playing more guitar. I'm constantly seeking new ways of pushing creative boundaries and collaborating with bold, passionate individuals.
It's fair to say that the cons of social networking have greatly contributed to the divisive, short-circuited culture we're living in today. The Mix was born out of a frustration and anger with people close to me parroting headlines and trending topics without ever truly taking the time to investigate them - and even worse changing their personalities to fit those narratives.
The paradox is stark— mindlessly diving into online rabbit holes distorts your mind and your relationships, but total disengagement may even be more damaging to the collective.
Through its biting style and dramatic narrative my hope is that The Mix both entertains and challenges viewers to ask themselves: "What is my individual role in our collective issues?"