Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘Ninja Unicorn’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?
I studied film and theatre at the Lee Strasberg Film Institute in Hollywood, where I immersed myself in various aspects of filmmaking. During that time, I worked on multiple student films, gaining hands-on experience both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. I also honed my writing skills through the UCLA Writers’ Program. My first major writing project was a novel called “Take Me to the Start: Sophina’s Diary”, which received amazing critical feedback and was a success on Amazon. I then transitioned into filmmaking, writing and producing a short film titled “One”, which earned a Best Original Screenplay nomination.
Tell us about ‘Ninja Unicorn’. How do you describe it?
“Ninja Unicorn” was born from a personal experience with the frustrating and often dehumanizing world of online dating. After facing constant “ghosting” on dating apps, I realized how impersonal texting has become. Texts, reliant on subjective interpretation, can make it difficult to understand tone or intent, especially when you don’t know the person behind the message. The film explores this phenomenon, aiming to humanize the individuals behind the screen and remind us that there are real people with emotions on the other side of those texts. In a world where online dating can feel isolating, I wanted to capture its human aspect and convey that we should always consider the feelings of others, even if we’ve never met them in person.
Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.
My favorite filmmakers are Sean Baker, who brings a unique realism to his storytelling, Tarantino, whose raw and often violent narratives have a way of gripping audiences, and The Daniels, known for their inventive and mind-bending approach to filmmaking. I also admire Greta Gerwig for her beautiful and distinctive films that blend humor, heart, and originality.
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
If I had a substantial budget, my ideal project would be an epic story with a sci-fi twist, in the vein of “Everything Everywhere All at Once”. I’m drawn to films that blend unique, outrageous storytelling with deep emotional resonance—movies that challenge your perception and leave you in awe while still maintaining a strong, relatable human core.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
I firmly believe in having a strong line producer and a dedicated First AD who can keep everything on track. Clear communication and solid planning are key, but ensuring the crew stays focused and motivated is essential. I’d make sure the team is aligned with the schedule and the vision so we can keep things moving efficiently.
What was the hardest part of making ‘Ninja Unicorn’?
The toughest part of making “Ninja Unicorn” was the challenge of fitting everything into a single 13-hour overnight shoot. With a tight budget and limited time at our location, we also had to coordinate around the schedules of actors who were juggling other projects. Despite the constraints, the team remained incredibly focused and determined. Everyone—from the crew to the actors—was united by a shared goal, and that sense of collaboration made it possible to pull it all together. We made it happen, and I’m proud of what we achieved under those circumstances.
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?
My next project is a feature film is an period piece based on a true story. It follows a 10-year-old girl with a big dream who comes from a very difficult background. I’m incredibly excited about this film, which is currently in development. It’s a deeply personal and important story, and I can’t wait to share it with the world once it’s ready.
Comments