I don’t often make long posts about films I work on, but ohh this one -> Words can’t describe how much this project means to me and the healing it brought into my life. The Monkey Bars is a story about navigating grief, a journey I was just beginning when I saw the casting call—only two months after my dad passed away. My first thought was, ‘Absolutely not.’ But stepping onto this set, I found a place where I felt truly seen, heard, and listened to. Thank you, Zack, for earnestly listening to my story and helping me weave my lived experience into this beautiful project, with such care and accommodation. To my on-screen family, it was a privilege to be your big sister and daughter. And to the entire crew, thank you for creating such a safe, welcoming environment to work in. And to Freya, thank you for showing me that hiding grief doesn’t make it go away. Pretending we haven’t lost someone doesn’t make the pain disappear. When we bring things to light is when they start to heal. You also taught me to self-advocate and ask for what I need, and for that I am so grateful! This is why we create art. This is why we tell stories. The Monkey Bars 🎬 Director: @zackmercado22 🎥 Producer: @seamusmahoney14 🎞️ 1st AD: @andrewsmithko419 📽️ 2nd AD: i_am_the_wallace Actors: 🦸🏻Dave: @averygibsonofficial 🔥 The Flame: @theriddler911 🌹 Freya: @lavishly_lindsey 🌾 Ruth: @jill_g_grayson Camera Department: 📸 Director of Photography: @willrosen04 🎞️ 1st AC: @_tessa.grace 🎥 2nd AC: @bella.pupello 📷 Camera Operator: @alessamaiuri Lighting and Grip: 💡 Gaffer: @kermitfilms 🔧 BBE: @owalk21 🎬 Grips: Aiden Lomino, Arvind Suresh, Dillon Clark, Liam McMullena Sound: 🎤 Production Sound: @charliedelatorre00 🎙️ Boom Op: @jacobk_01 Art and Design: 🎨 Production Design: @sarahlynnhannigan 🦹🏼Costume Designer: @kevin_bell_art Post 💻 Editor: @lilbuddery 🎨 Colorist @brady_deutsch #scadfilm #scadacting #scadcastingoffice #actor #savannahactor #independantfilm #scadseniorthesis #griefjourney #healingthroughart #shortfilm