About Me

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Hi, I’m Ava, a filmmaker and photographer who likes exploring really good stories and interesting ideas and seeing where they lead. I’ve developed my skills through hands-on film programs and classes at Occidental College, Paideia, and institutions like Emory, Oglethorpe, and UCLA, while gaining real-world experience through internships and on-set work.
 

I’ve worked on projects ranging from music and film festivals to live performances, sports, suspense, comedy, and documentary-style storytelling. I’m especially drawn to stories that don’t always get told, the slightly weird, overlooked, unexpected, or quietly powerful ones, and I like being involved in the full process from early concepts through shooting and editing.
 

I’m comfortable working independently, writing, shooting, directing, lighting, and editing. That said, collaboration is a big part of what I enjoy about filmmaking. I like working with people who bring different perspectives, and I try to keep sets relaxed, creative, and fun.

Outside of film, I stay busy. I play ultimate frisbee, snowboard, wakeboard, and spend more time than I should watching and betting on football. I love animals, music festivals, cooking (especially Asian food), traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Japan is at the very top of my travel bucket list, for the food, the culture, and the intrigue.
 

At the end of the day, I love experimenting with style, but story always wins. I’m drawn to work that feels honest, curious, and a little unpredictable. Concepts that are worth sitting with. The kind of projects that are fun to make and hard to forget.

Shooting Stars

Social Media Assistant Intern | 2025–Present

Produce and edit short-form video content for social platforms, including Reels and TikToks, for multiple brands. Manage weekly deliverables, research trends, pitch creative ideas, and schedule content. Edit using Adobe Premiere Pro and CapCut.
 

Catapult Acting Studios

Production Intern | Summer 2025

Filmed acting scenes and assisted with lighting, audio, and on-set organization. Produced and edited episodes of The Unscene Work podcast, supporting both production and post-production workflows.
 

Slamdance Film Festival

Production Intern | 2025

Supported the festival production team with filming, screenings, production assistant work, and talent logistics. Assisted camera crews, set up venues, handled badges and ticketing, and managed gear throughout the festival.
 

MotherShip Weekend Music Festival

Media Crew | 2023 

Shot live performances, festival B-roll, artist footage, and crowd coverage for a major music festival featuring artists including Brandi Carlile and Hozier.
 

All Minds Math

Filmmaker | 2023 

Shot interviews using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K, edited promotional videos in Adobe Premiere Pro, and delivered polished social media content. Also photographed professional headshots for marketing materials.
 

In Addition

Beyond formal roles and internships, I’ve worked across a wide range of creative projects.

• Developed and produced short narrative films as independent creative work 
• Recorded live musical theatre performances and concerts
• Created highlight reels and coverage for sporting events
• Filmed private events and milestone moments
• Ran a personal YouTube gaming channel, building skills in editing, pacing, and audience engagement