WDR — samarussell

Writing Done Right

←

Co-Writer/ Director/ Producer | 2024

Logline: A short-form advertising campaign for the spell-checking software, Grammarly. The narrative explores the comically relatable mother-son relationship between the two main characters, Lucas and Patty.

Writing Done Right — Project Overview

As co-director, writer, and producer, I gained invaluable experience in close collaboration, learning how to work seamlessly as a creative duo. Together, we scouted locations, cast actors, and led a crew of over thirty people to produce three short-form advertisements, all in a single weekend. Between the two of us, we guided the cinematography and production design teams, projecting our shared vision onto every frame and detail of the shoot, ensuring cohesion and high-quality results under tight deadlines.

Crew

Writer & Director: Sam Russell & Stanley Crenshaw

Producer: Sam Russell & Stanley Crenshaw
On-set Producer: Nefeli Protopsalti
1st AD: Celi Mitidieri
2nd AD: Riley Moore, Jayde Dauley
Script Supervisor: Lachin Kerbabaeva

Cinematographer: Tony Gallucci
1st AC: Zachary Rodriguez
2nd AC: Xiang Li
DIT: Nicholas Horne

Gaffer: Beau Agrawal
Best Electric: Andrew Lamm
Key Grip: Roman Christaldi
Best Grip: Claire Simmons, Tan Kitapli
Grip: Kennedy Carruth, Jackson Lapsley

Production Designer: Delaney Mann
Art Director: Carly Jones
Set Decorator: Ky Creamer
Costume Designer: Alejandra Cintrón Rivera
Hair & Makeup: Alison Plante

Editor: Nicholas Horne
Colorist: Stanley Crenshaw
Motion Designer: Matthew Pearson
Sound Designer: Alex Johns

Sound Mixer: Alex Johns
Boom Operator: Alex Wilson

Production Assistants: Vincent Cardella, James Martin, Dillinger Higley
Still Photographer: Nick Muzzillo


Cast
Lucas: Jason Kaine
Patty: Barbara Eaker
Male: Aiden Marsicovetere

Process & Build Work

Overview of my process

Within our directing and producing duo, I focused on the creative and producing tasks that kept the project running smoothly. This included collaborating closely with the production designer to source props, test practical effects ahead of the shoot, and ensure everything was ready for the production day. I also helped assemble the production team and created custom crew shirts to build a sense of unity and professionalism on set, making sure every detail supported a seamless and productive shoot.

Behind the Scenes