Balkan Treat Box: A Labor of Love

For Balkan Treat Box, one of St. Louis' most celebrated restaurants, I had the privilege of creating a short film that captures the essence of their story and the passion behind their food.

Through intimate visuals and a heartfelt voiceover by the owners, the film highlights their journey—starting from a longing for home to creating a space that brings people together over food. It showcases the beauty of handmade dishes, the art of working with fire, and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere they’ve cultivated.

This project was not just about filming food; it was about telling a story. A story of culture, diversity, and the magic that happens when you follow your passion. The final film resonates with their mission to introduce Balkan cuisine in a way that’s approachable, fun, and deeply personal.

Skills: Cinematography | Editing | Storytelling
Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro

The Alpha Gamma Rho Cowboys

For this project, I shot and edited a nostalgic short film capturing the camaraderie of a group of friends who reconnect by living like cowboys for a few days. The film immerses viewers in their journey, blending storytelling with beautiful cinematography to evoke a sense of adventure and tradition. The visuals feature vibrant natural landscapes, rustic settings, and close-up shots that emphasize the raw, emotional essence of their experience.

The voice-over, narrated by the participants, adds depth and authenticity, recounting tales of childhood memories, shared experiences, and the passage of time. From the playful reenactments of Old West-style horseback riding through town to heartfelt reflections on family and friendship, the project encapsulates a slice of Americana with a cinematic, intimate feel.

This film showcases my ability to craft visually compelling narratives while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic and emotional resonance. The project’s warm tones, dynamic compositions, and thoughtful editing emphasize my attention to detail and dedication to creating high-quality visual storytelling.

Skills: Cinematography | Editing | Storytelling
Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro

Michael Drummond: From Garden to Runway

As part of the Factory Fashion Show series, I had the privilege of shooting and editing this intimate portrait of Michael Drummond, a celebrated St. Louis-based designer and former contestant on a major fashion TV show. Known for his innovative approach to storytelling through fashion, Drummond reflects on his creative journey—drawing inspiration from his childhood memories of flowers in his mother’s garden to his fascination with the evocative clothing of the 1950s.

Through my editing, I emphasized his artistic process with carefully crafted transitions and pacing that mirror the layers of symbolism and emotion in his work. These choices bring visual rhythm and depth to the storytelling, enhancing the connection between his narrative and the audience.

Showcased during the Factory Fashion Show, the film celebrated the artistry and resilience of local designers, spotlighting the unique voices shaping the St. Louis fashion scene.

Skills: Cinematography | Editing | Storytelling
Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro

Fighting for a Cure: Tyron Woodley's Cancer Curing Bike

For Pedal the Cause's "Cancer Curing Bike" campaign, I produced an impactful and motivational video spotlighting Tyron Woodley, an MMA champion and proud St. Louis native. This project involved conducting an on-camera interview with Woodley, where he shared his personal reflections on fighting—both in the octagon and against cancer—and highlighted the transformative impact of the campaign.

The video’s narrative draws parallels between the mental and physical resilience required in a fight and the fight against cancer, weaving Woodley’s words with striking visuals and dynamic editing. Through impactful storytelling, the piece inspires viewers to join the cause, turning their rides into vehicles for hope and progress in cancer research.

Skills: Cinematography | Editing | Storytelling
Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro

SLUVILLE: A Cinematic Journey Through St. Louis' Music Vibes

For SLUVILLE, a high-energy music event in St. Louis, MO, I set out to encapsulate the vibrant spirit of the night in a dynamic recap video. The event brought together an eclectic mix of local talent, with artists delivering electrifying performances that left the crowd energized and fully immersed.

My approach to this project was rooted in storytelling through visuals and sound. By combining cinematic shots with fast-paced, creative transitions, I mirrored the vibrant energy I experienced firsthand. Each frame was thoughtfully composed to elevate the performances while immersing the audience in the unique atmosphere of the event.

One of the highlights of this project was blending the original music from various artists into a cohesive soundtrack for the video. This process required meticulous editing to ensure the transitions between songs felt seamless, amplifying the emotional and rhythmic flow of the recap.

The final video is a celebration of SLUVILLE's incredible talent, capturing both the performers' passion on stage and the audience's ecstatic reactions. Through a blend of cinematic visuals, bold transitions, and a carefully curated audio track, I crafted a video that tells the story of an unforgettable night in St. Louis' music scene.

Skills: Cinematography | Editing | Storytelling
Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro | Adobe Audition

Resilience in Action: The JJK Gala Video

During the challenging times of the pandemic, I had the honor of capturing the unwavering spirit of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation. This project involved shooting and editing a heartfelt video for their annual gala, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and impact of the JJK Center as it adapted to support families during unprecedented times.

Through engaging visuals and an intimate voiceover by Jackie Joyner-Kersee and her team, the film showcases how the foundation continued to serve its community—providing educational support, distributing meals, and offering a safe space for youth. It also shed light on the importance of partnerships, the struggle of fundraising in a pandemic, and the essential role the JJK Center plays as a hub for empowerment and connection.

This piece not only commemorates the foundation's efforts but also inspires viewers to recognize the power of community in overcoming adversity.

Skills: Cinematography | Editing | Storytelling
Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro