Camera Rolling
EASTER
EASTER, the film, was born out of a challenge that was given to me the summer of 2020. Cities across the globe were in the beginning stages of the stay-at-home orders. The rules of the challenge were to make a film using Zoom. To that end, I developed an original script and storyboard that explored themes of identity, perception, and self-discovery and translated these ideas into a visually striking and emotionally resonant film. I cast and worked virtually with actors in the UK, New York City, and Los Angeles County.
Easter was directed in such a way as to deliver a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the protagonist, developing the character's physicality, mannerisms, and voice. While operating the camera, I explored manipulations of the available light to capture the action in a way that emphasized the character's psychological state, using composition, framing, and movement to create a dynamic and immersive viewing experience. Rounding out the creative process was the designing of the sound to shape the overall mood and tone of the film and to create a seamless and impactful integration of sound and image. An admittedly raw and at times rough around the edges film, this work captures what I, as a regular citizen living in a state of quarantine, was experiencing. This piece has echoes of experimental cinema from the late 1960s/70s.
EASTER is available for viewing on YouTube @HeavenNezCree
Sound Speeding
STOLEN
Stolen is an experimental short film that is artist HeavenNezCree's contribution to the discussions around the human trafficking that has taken place since the dawn of time. As an art piece, it is meant to be viewed as one would view an exhibition in a gallery or museum. This experimental film raises awareness and brings to life the stories of those affected by the devastating crime of human trafficking.
MICRO FILMS
BEYOND THE FOLD: Writer, Director, Cinematographer, | An exploration of compositions told through the story of a seamstress who finds more than she expected buried under folds of fabric.
The Process: Writer, Director, Cinematographer, Sound Design, Editor | A man finds a moment of peace after a long day
Jig: Writer, Director, Cinematographer, | In a small apartment, at the furthest corner of the city, Man takes on a puzzle.
STAGE PRODUCTIONS
Director, "Rock, Sword, Firecracker!" written by D.M. Larson,
WEHO Kid's Fair, West Hollywood, CA (April 2015)
Director, "Snow White and the Seven Kachus" written by D.M.Larson,
WEHO Kid's Fair, West Hollywood, CA (April 2014)
Choreographer, "Pandemonium
FHS at Greenway Court Theatre, Los Angeles (May 2013)
Director and Choreographer for "The Gingerbread Girl"
written by D.M. Larson,
WEHO Kid's Fair, West Hollywood, CA (April 2013)
Dancer "Sampa Mapangala and the Virunga Orchestra
Skirball Cultural Center Los Angeles, CA (July 2012)
Writer / Director / Choreographer - "Urban Moments"
Farmer's Market Plaza, Los Angeles, CA (June 2012)
Writer / Director of the Choreopoem - "Words Like Rivers"
Greenway Court Theater, Los Angeles, CA (June 2011)
THEATRE
The Oz Monologues | Hollywood Fringe Festival | “GLINDA”
Susan-Lori Parks 365 | Regent Theater, Los Angeles | “FURIE”
Cafe Gladys Place | Los Angeles Pavillion Hall | “ANGEL”
The Village | St. James Hall | CHOREOGRAPHER & DANCER
Uncensored Sketch Fest Angry Jellow Bubbles | Comedy Central Stage, Los Angeles | “BUBBLE”
You Ain’t No Betta than Me | Oberia Dempsey Theatre, NY | “MARGARITA”
Dreamgirls | Lonnie James Prod, NY | “DEENA”
Good Night, Good Morning, Pantheon Theater, NY | “HOST”
The Wiz | Faison Firehouse Theatre, NY | “AUNT EM / GLINDA”
The Truth about Heaven | Red Room Theatre, NY | SELF
No One's Promised Tomorrow | Oberia Dempsey, NY | “DEB”
New Testament | Triad Performance Space | “ANGEL”
The Misanthrope | Genesis Repertory Theatre, NY | DANCER,ENSEMBLE
Black is Not a Color | Paul Robeson Theatre, OH | “HOPE”
Women: A Conversation | Paul Robeson Theater, OH | WOMAN 3
ACHIEVEMENTS
AWARDS | HONORS
Merit Scholarship: Mount Saint Mary's University, Directing & Cinematography
BMA / AOA - Best Female Gospel Performer: Angel in Café Gladys Place directed by Minnie Foxx
Women in Theatre - Best Women's Ensemble, Angry Jellow Bubbles under the direction of Eva Minemar
COVER: Theria Entertainment Magazine
EDUCATION
MASTER OF FINE ARTS | MOUNT SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY Film & Television | Directing and Cinematography
MBA | HOWARD UNIVERSITY Ethics & Entrepreneurship
BACHELOR OF ARTS | CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY Radio/Television Broadcast | Theatre
MEMBERSHIPS
SAG-AFTRA
ASCAP
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
BETA GAMMA SIGMA INTL HONOR SOCIETY