Cast

Meet Our Fearless Crew

Making a 2-hour film on a shoestring budget, 'Savants and Savages,' took lots of creative talent.

Jamal Hodge..

KahI Elliot..

Kyra Lee Zanatta..

Carl Welden..

Stephen Jeong..

Nate Green..

Billie D'Atri..

Pawel Zolynski..

Abby Burkholder..

Ruben D. Morales..

Michael Tosner..

Sophia Riccobono..

Evgeniya Radilova..

Clifton Dunn..

Mark Siwicki..

A talented director and writer, Jamal has worked with Michael on numerous projects. He joined the project early as the first producer added, and served as Assistant Director whenever available. Jamal was also responsible for casting three of the actors.

PRODUCER / AD

Kahi was Michael's right-hand man for most of the larger shoot days. A talented Director of Photography, he was invaluable in his role as first Assistant Camera and occasional operator.

Assistant Camera / Cinematographer

More than just the lead actor in the film, Kyra wore many hats in the project. She was Hair and Makeup, Practical VFX, co-Art Director, and co-Producer. Even flying the drone for one shot. Kyra dove headfirst into learning every aspect of filmmaking on this project. Her commitment and energy drove the project.

PRODUCER / HMU / Art Direction

A Hudson Valley Local, Carl's veteran presence on set put any concerns about poor sound quality to rest. Shooting in challenging conditions (near streams, waterfalls, and equipment) Carl's expertise delivered great field sound.

Sound Mixer

The second actor cast in the film, Clifton, also wore many hats in the project. A complete filmmaker in his own right, Clifton directs and produces his own films. When not on camera, Clifton was a constant presence on set, jumping in to help as Producer, Assistant Director, and any other job that needed doing.

PRODUCER / Assistant Director

A Hudson Valley Local, Nate served as sound mixer when Carl was not available, as Second Assistant Camera, and as a Gaffer for 3 scenes. Nate is a talented fabricator and builder when he's not working on films.

Sound Mixer / Gaffer / AC2

Stephen joined the crew for the "Chapter Two" scenes that included some of the more technically challenging shots. He was a welcome addition to the camera crew as Assistant Camera.

Assistant Camera / Cinematographer

Ellenville Local, Pawel is a gifted fine artist and creative director. He joined the project as an Art Assistant and as general Production support.

Art Assistant / Production Assistant

MIchael's Ride-Or-Die co-Producing homegirl Evgeniya is the consummate artist and creator. Casting three of the actors and managing most of the behind-the-scenes production tasks. A passionate actor, she also writes, directs, and produces.

Producer

A talented musician, Artist and Actor, Abby is also a D&D and Fantasy fan. She joined the project for the D&D scenes and provided in great insight and energy as a Production Assistant.

Production Assistant

A talented Actor, Sophia was a stand-in for some scenes when actors were not on set. She joined the project for the "chapter Two" scenes as a Production Assistant.

Production Assistant

An Ellenville local, Mark was invaluable in providing logistics and transportation support for the shoot as a Production Assistant and as Prop Master for key scenes.

Production Assistant / Prop Master

Creative performer and veteran stage manager & rigger, Billie functioned as grip and technical production assistant. She also assisted with art and props.

Art Assistant / Production Assistant / Grip

Jump to the "about" page for Michael complete journey in making the film.

Writer / Director / Lead Producer / DP / Art Director / Editor / Colorist / Sound Design

Laura Ramirez..

Michael's long-Time Partner and organizing force. Her management and organizational support made the film possible.

Executive Producer

Another veteran Sound Mixer, Rubin jumped in when available to help with some of the most challenging sound environments.

Sound Mixer