FULL FILM
ON-SET PHOTOS
SCRIPT PDF
Zelly Franklin’s Got Spirit!!!
‘Zelly Franklin’s Got Spirit’ was the first film I came up with, wrote the script for, and directed in a professional environment. After being at the Young Actors’ Theatre film class for 3 years, I was finally ready to pitch an idea I had been playing with for a while. A guilty, morally ambiguous teenage girl literally haunted by the accidental murders in her past. Putting a comedic spin on a story that, upon initial reading, is honestly quite disturbing is definitely one of my favorite concepts in filmmaking. Inspired by the cringeworthy, girly Disney Channel era of storytelling I grew up with, I wanted ‘Zelly Franklin’s Got Spirit’ to have a deliciously fun and silly vibe for such a gruesome concept. This juxtaposition is what made ‘Zelly’ such a joyful movie not only to watch, but to make as well. Additionally, it allowed me to practice three-act narratives and character-development-oriented storylines. In the beginning, we see Zelly ignoring the ghosts–as well as their grievances against her–and refusing to acknowledge the part she played in their deaths. The ghosts’ existence in her life is an inconvenience to her. But as she grows and chooses to help them “move on,” Zelly can admit her mistakes and see the ghosts as the friends she’s always wanted rather than nuisances. Unfortunately, by then, it might be too late. With a high-spirited ending twist and a whole bunch of love and fun, ‘Zelly Franklin’s Got Spirit’ is so special to me, and I hope you enjoy.
FULL FILM
ON-SET PHOTOS
SCRIPT PDF
Grade Gap
Coming off the tails of the ‘Zelly Franklin’ success, my goal for the 2024 film class semester was to collaboratively write and direct a film with my talented classmate, Piper. I got the idea for ‘Grade Gap’ over the summer, running to my ‘idea notebook’ as quickly as possible to get the pitch written down. I was very into the concept of extreme intergenerational differences that could develop within only a few years of age difference. ‘Grade Gap’ took a few forms as I was coming up with the initial plot–sometimes it was a campy zombie movie where the “brainrot” was infectious and sometimes it was a coming-of-age story full of heartfelt moments. Eventually, I settled the fun, stagy comedy it became. I met up with Piper, who excellently used my plot outline to write the official script of the film. Having a creative meeting with a film collaborator was a great experience and practice for what I wish to do in the future. The result of our work is a short film I believe to be my best so far. With protagonists that are both unlikeable and lovable simultaneously– the best type, in my personal opinion– Grade Gap was a natural progression for our class and my storytelling. Have fun!
FULL FILM
SCRIPT PDF
[insert title here]
This clip-compilation film we lovingly called “[insert title here]” is one of my favorite projects. Our class collaboratively came up with the concept and each chose and pitched their genre sections. The result is an excellent showcase of our class’ range– not only in genre but dialogue, directing style, and story. It’s understandable to see why I chose a “sitcom” as my section of the film– I grew up on Disney Channel originals and 80s-90s young adult television. Clunky dialogue, overly formulaic plotlines, and forced family dynamics are elements I know all too well. I have a soft spot for parody and satire, so getting to combine them with a cheesy, sitcom short film was definitely a highlight of my film experience so far. On this project, I not only wrote and directed but got to act as well in my talented friend Morgan’s original section, “coming-of-age,” also briefly inspired by 2010s’ television. I hope you enjoy watching this compilation feature half as much as we enjoyed making it.
ON-SET PHOTOS
FULL ANIMATED SHORT
FULL LIVE ACTION SHORT
The Ominous Tale of the Haunted Trampoline
Sometime in 2020, a running joke developed among my family members about getting struck by lighting on the trampoline. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the origins of this joke for the life of me, but the concept gave me an idea one bored afternoon. Using the app Procreate and my brother’s iPad, I began to draw my idea out. Animation is not my strong suit, yet I still had a blast creating the short. Barely over a minute long, the animated short I ironically titled “The Greatest Masterpiece of Our Time” was my pride and joy despite its roughly drawn graphics. I was progressing in my directing and storytelling abilities (of course, I still am) and creating something on paper that was previously just in my head felt great.
My siblings loved the animation as well, and one summer we decided to create a live-action version of the short. Working with them was so fun, and I had great experience directing the “actors” (my elementary school siblings) and “crew” (my dad and dog). My dad and I collaboratively created an original score on piano to include in the film as well. The three-minute feature was fully edited by me and has been re-watched by our family whenever we need a laugh. I re-titled the live action version “The Ominous Tale of the Haunted Trampoline” to more accurately convey the story, but the ironic title still holds a special place in my heart. Enjoy watching and try not to get too scared!
FULL SKIT
News Club is So Whip!
As my high school news club’s Head skit writer and director, “News Club is So Whip!” was my first feature. Inspired by my friend Alejandro’s goofy attempts to create new slang and one iconic Mean Girls concept, the film was born. I wrote, directed/shot, and co-edited the skit within only a week, but with the team’s effort and energy the product turned out amazing. Hilariously well-acted and charming, it was a perfect skit for News Club’s debut episode of the 2025-2026 school year. This film is pretty whip– enjoy!