During the quarantine lockdown, I decided to take advantage of my time at home by writing scripts to create short films that I would act in with my brothers. That idea sparked the even better idea of making my own production company that values storytelling on a smaller, more indie scale called A City Productions, which produces short films and short-form documentaries. Since 2020, I have written, directed, edited, and acted in 10 original short films under my production company with genres ranging from Western, Crime, Thriller, Silent, to Courtroom Drama, all with a comedic backdrop. Also, I have edited 3 mini-documentaries exploring filmmaking and stand-up comedy, as well as an award winning 30-minute documentary on The Second City. Below are some examples of my work. In addition, you will find different edits I have made for my YouTube Channel. The photo seen above shows A City Productions’s humble beginnings while shooting our first-ever short film.
I created and edited a 30-minute documentary exploring The Second City in Chicago. My aim with this documentary is to share the magic of The Second City and the art of improvisation with actor and writer Bob Odenkirk and The Second City Vice President Kelly Leonard. We discuss their Second City experiences, how improv shaped their careers, the Chicago comedy scene, the stars they have worked with, and advice for the younger generation.
I edited a mini-documentary that explores filmmaking philosophy and advice from some of the best filmmakers in the world including Paul Thomas Anderson, Martin Scorsese, Barry Jenkins, Quentin Tarantino, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jordan Peele, & Steven Spielberg.
I edited a mini-documentary highlighting comedians reflecting on their mental health struggles and how they shape their humor and comedy. There is a unique relationship between mental illness and comedy, and I hope this video gives the viewer a glimpse into the lens of mental health. The comedians included in this video are George Carlin, Robin Williams, Sarah Silverman, Gary Gulman, Pete Davidson, Robert Kelly, & Dave Chappelle.
The Assassination of Dr. Woodcock is the fourth short film I wrote and directed. It tells the story of a blackjack game gone horribly wrong, which leads to a high-stakes chase through the Arizona mountain range.
My 4th short film explores an ass-scratching French chef who cooks for infamous prick food critic Louis Malnato.
I made my 10th short film in 2023. It tells the story of a blind lawyer who defends his client from an armed robbery charge.
Below are TV Show Tribute videos from The Bear, Better Call Saul, The Sopranos, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia compilation videos. I edited these videos by compiling clips and dialogue from the shows, with their best shots overlayed with music that seamlessly fits the mood and theme of the project. The compilation videos are among YouTube's most popular Always Sunny videos, generating over 2 Million views worldwide each.
"Tell me what to do to change."
"Gabagool"
Watch Youtube's most popular Frank Reynolds compilation
Watch Youtube's most popular Always Sunny compilation
Ranking Chicago's Greatest Movies
Bob Odenkirk Talks The Second City, Chris Farley, & SNL
Kelly Leonard Talks The Second City, Improv, & The Chicago Comedy Scene
In 2017, I began editing and posting short-form documentary-style pieces on creators I admire. It all started with the philosophy of Larry David and has grown from comedians like Bill Burr and Norm Macdonald to artists like Kendrick Lamar and Tyler the Creator, to filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino. By watching these videos, I hope you gain a new perspective on these brilliant creators.
Tyler, the Creator Philosophy on rap music, language, and life
Conan O'Brien Philosophy on comedy and life
Below are 3 mini edits I have made for my YouTube channel. These short-form videos explore themes or motifs in cinema, whether it is memorable movie quotes, cities in film, or the representation of dreams within cinema. All of these videos show my appreciation for film as an art form.
My favorite cities in film
Dreams in film
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