Eddington in New Mexico with A24

Sometimes with The Film Zone, I get to be part of projects and events that have this weird synchronicity. This is the second time I’ve been able to work with A24. The first was 9 years ago, working at Prime Video, when we still were “Amazon Instant Video.” I had the chance to make a quick turnaround video to help promote The Witch on the service. I’m semi-proud of that one-my editing skills have grown exponentially in the last 9 years- because I got to work with A24.

This time around was a special event, I got to interview Writer/Director Ari Aster (who btw is doing amazing things for filmmakers with Indiewire).

It was the first time on a press carpet that talent had ever asked me if they could do the questions again. Ari was super kind and that speaks to the kind of person he is. It was also weird being back in NM. Kristen and I moved to ABQ for 2 years during the pandemic for her health, and while it was beautiful, I feel like I never really got to enjoy and experience it in the traditional way someone would when moving to a place.

In addition to there being a drone show, I did get to meet Kevin McCarthy, who is a local DC legend of sorts. We’ve been in similar circles for forever, but I never actually had the chance to meet him until this event. Such a nice guy, and glad I got to get a film photo of him and Ari together.

It was also probably the shortest event I've ever done physically: I got up at 3AM > Airport 4AM > Flight 6 AM > Layover 8 AM > Land NM 11 AM > 2 Hour bus ride with A24 to Truth or Consequences 1PM > Sleep 12AM > Wake up for 2 hour car service back to airport for DC at 5 AM > Fly out at 10 AM.

Last side note: My friend Matt Infante shoots a lot of unit stills and just did a Jesse Eisenberg movie for them. It’s funny that we can come across the same people, specifically the same people at A24. I hope one day I’ll be able to shoot stills for an A24 film, although the Virgo in me keeps replaying putting my foot in my mouth mentioning to the film creative director if they were looking for someone that I also shoot stills. I feel like it got a little weird (moreso quiet) after that.

I can say it’s the one studio I’ve come across where everyone on their team was really nice, attentive and kind. Not usually the case, so I’m glad I can witness firsthand what makes the studio so revered.

Tahanan

One of the things I’ve noticed is that there aren’t too many Filipino American stories, let alone on film crews. So I’ve been trying to find as many AAPI stories as I can be part of for BTS photos.

Tahanan is a filipino short film, and even though the entire crew was fresh out of college, it was probably the most organized, polite and energetic set I’ve been on to date. Vivien was an amazing first-time director, and I’d definitely jump at the chance to work with her again, can’t wait to see her success continue.

Below are some of the BTS snaps I got on film. Full set of official photos here.