What motivates you when things get tough? Feel free to be detailed and explain why.
Honestly, that creativity on a set is unmatched. I’m a director and, don’t ask why, but when I direct, I wear this big, goofy green flight suit — so when I’m running around like a lunatic in that flight suit, nothing beats that, man. When things feel down or I’m stuck in a kind of rut, just fighting every day to be back on that set — that’s what keeps me going
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your business.
Three easy things? Talking to people, collaborating with people, and all of that — that’s the best part of being in film. All these different walks of life coming together to make one piece of art. Even if the end product isn’t the best, the fact that it exists is a miracle in itself. I can’t sit here and pretend that everything I’ve done is brilliant, but the times I had with those people on set I wouldn’t change for the world. No way would I ever want to go back and re-shoot things or anything like that — no regrets.
The people are easy. Second would be the ideas. Once I have an idea for a story, it’s like an avalanche — nothing is slowing it down. And if it’s an idea I feel really strongly about, I can’t even sleep. Those are honestly the best kind — so excited that I genuinely can’t think about anything else. When my creative partner and co-founder of Quaywood Productions, Nick Warner, and I came up with the idea for Quaywood, I didn’t sleep for weeks.
Finding support would be third. Everyone wants to support each other. There’s this weird stereotype that you have to step on each other and network only for yourself, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are so many people in this industry who just want to give support and see you grow, and vice versa. I think we all know how hard it is to break into film, so if we can help each other out, we’ll do it in a heartbeat.
The difficult things aren’t even that surprising: money, equipment, and scheduling. All the boring logistical stuff — the most tedious thing to ever exist. Whoever came up with the idea of film permits needs to be taken out back, if you know what I mean.
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
Like I said earlier, collaborating with people on a story is the greatest feeling on earth. It’s why I couldn’t rightfully do any other job. Sure, there’s collaboration in other fields, but to come together creatively on how to best serve characters, stories, a whole world, etc., is mind blowing. I also love seeing a whole project come together from start to finish. I’m a man — it’s the closest I’ll ever get to giving birth, you know what I mean? My short films feel like my kids… though I do have favorites, don’t tell them. I definitely have least favorites, I’ll tell you that.
I also like being able to show people something so personal. Don’t get me wrong, it can be absolutely terrifying, but I love making something that means so much to me and then getting to share it with the world. Even if only 5 people watch it, it’s a privilege. I always say I can die happy the day I make something that someone truly takes to heart. Even if it’s just one person — I don’t need millions to watch my stuff. If just one person is moved by something I created, you can take me right then and there.
What do you think are your 3 biggest weaknesses and how are you overcoming them?
I definitely have imposter syndrome. It’s hard not to in film, if I’m being honest — being surrounded by so many other creative people, you can feel suffocated really quickly. Especially if someone on my crew has also directed before, screw that. I try not to compare myself to others and just focus on the directing style that I like and filming what’s in my head, but easier said than done, you know what I mean?
I can also be pretty impatient, especially with the boring, boring, boring logistical stuff. If we don’t have equipment locked down within a week, I’ll just quit. Can’t stand it. I don’t know if this counts as cheating because it’s just a combination of the first two, but I can definitely get in my own way. Whether it’s feeling like I don’t belong or just not being able to bring myself to remake the production schedule again, I know that sometimes everything would run smoother if I just put my head down and powered through. I live with my head in the clouds — what can I say?
Tell us about a time you were dead wrong about something.
I think a better question would be, ‘Tell us about a time you were right about something.’ I think half the time Nick and I get into a disagreement, he’s usually right — god bless him. For some reason, I don’t even remember why, I thought it was a good idea for Nick not to be on set for the first day of our short film, A Triptych About Water. I don’t remember if he was going to show up late or something like that, but whatever it was — horrible idea. He’s my creative partner; I rely on him for everything, so to not have him there and just hope and pray that I was doing the right thing was a disaster. Still fun, but the next couple of days with him went way smoother. Huge mistake. I love that boy.
Have you considered buying a business? Tell us about that experience.
Well, I haven’t bought a business, but I started one — or co-started one. I’m the better-looking co-founder of Quaywood Productions, where I direct, write, and produce short films and mini-series, as well as co-host a couple of podcasts — “I Can’t Believe This Got Greenlit!” and “Director in Development.” Quaywood itself is an independent storytelling production company that transforms creative vision into compelling narratives across film, television, and podcasting. Our dedicated team of passionate creators is committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional media, crafting stories that challenge, surprise, and deeply connect with audiences. At Quaywood, we believe in finding the key to unlocking stories that resonate, inspire, and transform.
We launched Quaywood halfway through 2025, which was huge, but 2026 is going to be significantly bigger. We have 3 short films coming out, double the amount of podcast episodes, and are currently working on a new audio drama — though I’m not supposed to tell anyone that yet. So, moral of the story… keep your eyes peeled!
What do you value most and why?
Optimism. It’s so easy, especially nowadays, to be cynical. My whole family is cynical — I’m surrounded. That sheer, childlike joy for being alive and being a part of this world has never gone away. It’s come close, but I’ll never let it die. It’s a part of me at this point. If you ever feel down or cynical, just go look at a big, tall tree or a cloud in the sky and you’ll be just fine. Live in the clouds, man — it’s the best way to live.
What achievement are you the proudest of and why?
I won’t lie, the big ol’ heavy film trophies are nice. Having my name engraved is pretty cool, especially when I have a woman over — you’ve got to play it cool though, act like it’s not a big deal, you know what I mean? But honestly, I’m most proud of the shorts themselves. The fact that I had a little kernel of an idea and, with so many beautiful, creative people along the way, brought it to life — and people can watch it right now — is pretty wild. Even if no one watches them or people hate them, I’m proud that I can send a link and say, ‘Here it is.
Who is your favorite motivational speaker and why?
Liam Gallagher. He’s basically a motivational speaker at this point — I don’t care what anyone says. It should say that on his Wikipedia: singer, godlike genius, and motivational speaker. The sheer confidence of that man should be studied, I swear to god. Whenever I feel down, I’ll just put on Liam Gallagher interviews or listen to Oasis and I’m cured. Last time I went on a date, it was about a 2-hour drive, and the whole two hours I was just screaming Oasis in my car — and you know what, best date of my life. I walked in like I was that girl’s future husband. Sure, my voice was shot, but worth it. Though I will say my rasp is getting better. Director, co-founder, and future front man — who knows?
If you could go back 2 years and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Start Quaywood Productions. I’ve known Nick for 2 years — what was I doing? We started Quaywood in 2025, almost 5 years into our partnership. What took so long? Think of how much more we could have grown by then! Such idiots. I said no regrets earlier — I’m taking that back. Biggest regret of all time.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If yes, what is the best way to reach you?
Yeah, absolutely! Nick and I are always looking for people. In fact, we have what we call the Quaywood Collective. It’s more than just a production team — it’s a creative family united by passion, innovation, and an unbreakable collaborative spirit. When you see a Quaywood production, you’re witnessing the collective magic of a dedicated group of artists who share a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Our team doesn’t just work together; we inspire, challenge, and elevate each other’s craft, ensuring that every piece we create is infused with originality, technical excellence, and genuine passion.
If anyone reading this is interested, feel free to email me or reach out to any of the Quaywood Productions social media accounts. We just got a social media manager, so we’ll actually respond in a timely manner now!
Just for fun, what is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Excluding Ben & Jerry’s, because that’s cheating — mint. Mint all the way. If you don’t like mint, do you really like ice cream at all? Though my own father doesn’t like mint, so who am I to judge?