WHO IS CARMILLA VIVE?
JEFF HARDER - PRODUCER / DIRECTOR
Jeff Harder is an award-winning director and cinematographer based in Chicago who received an MFA in film production from Ohio University. He has worked in film over 25 years as a director, cinematographer, and camera operator on documentaries, short narratives, and feature films. His most recent film Carmilla (2015), for which he was producer, director and cinematographer, has received over 20 awards. Most recently he was Director of Photography for the feature film Ginger. He also teaches film production and studies courses.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Eliza Marley: Writer – Script Supervisor
Serina Flores: Writer – Casting Director – First Assistant Camera
Bea Cabrera: Writer
Snezana Zabic: Writer
Stephanie Eberle: Associate Producer – Writer
Susie Lee: Unit Production Manager
Sarah Little: Unit Production Manager
Sydney Sullivan: Art Department Coordinator – Assistant Editor
Jon Mueller: Editor – Colorist - VFX | Website
Ryan Grundtrich: Second Camera
Vedran Residbegovic: Second Camera
Giotto Irons: Location Audio
Hayley Hawkins: Assistant Editor
Chris Lee: Post Production Audio
Colin Mulhern: Audio Mastering
Evan Stellmach: Drone Operator
CAST
Carmilla: Isaly Viana
Isaly, or Isa, is a Puerto Rican and Mexican-American artist from Chicago. She is passionate about the diverse representation of people of color, especially Latinas, in art it is important for her to play dynamic female characters, which makes Carmilla a dream come true. The chance to play a character beyond the “lawful good”, has her weirdo heart pounding with joy! Currently performing Thursday through Sundays at Halcyon Theatre in the Jeff recommended production of “De Troya” by award-winning playwright Caridad Svich.
Carmilla is ancient, a storyteller, and very powerful. She is a vampire but also much more. She is our dark hero, ready to fight for a new world.
Laura: Aiszah Rangel
Aiszah is thrilled to be a part of Carmilla Vive! Her most recent show credits include roles in Billy the Girl, To Kill a Mockingbird, Anna in the Tropics, Memphis, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Laura works in online marketing which puts her in the troll’s path. She loves bunnies and nature; she is soft-spoken but strong-willed and stands her ground against both Carmilla and the trolls.
Kara: Meghan Flood
Meghan is an actor, writer, and comedian based in Chicago. She received her BFA in Acting from The University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of the Conservatory at The Second City Training Center. Meghan appeared as Bree in the feature film, Ginger (Shot Time Productions and World on Fire Films). She is a recurring cast member in The Storefront Theatre’s The Storefront Gets Sketchy and performs alongside her comedy wife Raechel Karas, for their sketch duo Fat and Funny (@fandfchicago). Meghan is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent.
Brigid: Lex
Lex is so excited to be acting in Carmilla Vive as his film debut! Lex graduated in 2017 with a degree in Theater and Performance Studies from the University of Chicago and is currently studying improv at the iO Training Center. You can also see Lex performing with PS…Burlesque as his burlesque persona, Baby Carrot.
Chad: Johnny Kalita
Johnny is thrilled to portray the lead Troll in Carmilla Vive! Johnny is a Chicago Film and Theatre Actor. Some of his film credits include ‘Eyelash’, ‘Midnight in the Heart of Mancreet’, ‘American Cannibal’ and ‘Thumbs Up’. Visit johnnykalita.com to see his reel and film clips.
Tylor: Andrew Thorp
Andrew is a Chicago-based actor, producer, writer and 2018 Chicago Golden Gloves Champ currently teaching stand-up, improv, clowning and more at The Second City Training Center – Chicago. You might catch him doing stand-up or producing a sketch show or play via his company, Thorpedo Productions.
Christina Rossetti: Kalika Redman
Kalika is portraying the role of Christina Rossetti in Carmilla Vive. Kalika was born in Peru, Indiana, but currently resides in the Chicago area. Kalika is known for her roles in short films Everything in Silence, Arabella, and appearing on the YouTube series Reality Pranks.
Christina Rossetti is a 19th century poet known for “Goblin Market and Other Poems” which was published in 1862. In our film, she is one of Carmilla’s former companions.