My Films

---

Beneath the tranquil surface of Lake Oconee lies a disquieting secret. "Great Waters" delves into the harrowing true account of the double murder of Russell and Shirley Dermond, unassuming grandparents with no discernible adversaries, leading modest lives. This heart-wrenching crime, regrettably, remains a riddle without resolution. Even now, the essential questions of where, why, when, and who continue to elude investigators.

Experience the thrill of the wild as Kris ventures deep into the untamed world of the NSLC Film Intensive program at UCLA. With unrelenting curiosity, Kris is on a mission to unmask the summer team leaders and reveal their true colors. 

‘Wild Tales' is a mockumentary that's as uproarious as it is revealing, navigating the highs and lows of film school, uncovering secrets, creating chaos, and capturing the unfiltered essence of young filmmakers. 

Prepare for an adventure like no other, where the jungle of film education is explored, and the wildest stories are brought to light.  

In this short I directed, a mysterious note sets off a heart-pounding chase. As tension escalates and perceptions shift, we follow a gripping pursuit that leaves you questioning motives. But when the truth is unveiled, it's not what you expect. 

This project, featuring the work of sports photographer Mady Mertens, highlights my video editing skills. Through this captivating compilation, I aim to spotlight Mady's incredible talent, dedication, and passion for capturing the heart-pounding moments of sports.

In this production, I take on the roles of two characters in a gripping re-enactment from Casino Royale. From filming to editing and stepping into the shoes of both characters, I explore storytelling, creativity and filming dialogue versus action.

This nostalgic commercial, written, shot, directed, and produced with passion, celebrates Chick-fil-A's legacy of exceptional service and delicious food that brings people together on every journey.

In this short film, I focused on creative exploration of film angles and techniques along with building suspense. The plot has a mouthwatering sandwich at the center of an unexpected chase. Prepare for a visual feast of slow-motion excitement and cinematic surprises.

In 'The Break In,' I take you on a suspenseful journey from start to finish. As a teenage girl enjoys her lunch, a mysterious crash in the garage shatters the calm. With heart-pounding anticipation, I delve into the unknown, only to uncover chilling secrets that lead to a spine-tingling climax.

Step into the zany world of 'Quaranteened,' a reality TV show that captures the hilarious and delusional antics of a family navigating lockdown with an unexpected and overbearing friend. Join the chaos as this quirky household, like many others during shelter-in-place, learns to adapt to the new normal with a side of laughter and a pinch of absurdity.

In a world where only 1 in 10 child abuse victims speak up, the need for a powerful voice to pierce the silence is huge. Introducing the #WeStandTogether Lip Sync Challenge - a movement birthed from the creative partnership of young me (Ava Zagoria) and my friend and actor, Owen Vaccaro. Our viral rendition of Rachel Platten’s “Stand By You” became the anthem for millions of kids, as they took to the virtual stages of musical.ly (now Tik Tok) to stand united against child abuse. 

With an overwhelming outpouring of support, over 1 million videos were created and watched by a staggering 3.5 million eyes. But beyond the numbers were the stories, heart-wrenching testimonials and pledges of support, showcased in nearly 400,000 comments. Fueled by endorsements from giants like Google, AOL, and the unprecedented press coverage, this campaign didn't just make noise; it roared, winning "The Best Social Campaign of 2016". 

Watch the case study video I created for the project. I hope it shows just how incredible this movement was and how many kids were reminded that they are not alone.