My name is Ed Marshall. Ever since I was a kid I was fascinated with movies and the creation of how something can make it to the big screen. When I was in my final year at Medina High School I decided that it was the path I wanted to take for my career. And I have learned so much since then, not just about the art of filmmaking, but the people that love to create as well.

I currently live in Cleveland, but I am originally from Medina. A city about 40 minutes south of Cleveland, and for as large as it is you cannot help but feel how small it can be.  There is a noticeably small amount of sidewalks and it really is a place where you need a car to drive around. My family has always supported me with my goals and even pushed me to take the next steps that I might be too overwhelmed to see through.

Writing is my main aspiration for the film industry, because just like when I was younger it was creating stories that fascinated me the most. My brother and I always riff with each other about creating new stories and characters. I now use this to write scripts that hopefully will be made onto the big screen. The Commission will help me see that it happens, and while I’m at it I can help others too.

Hi, my name is Sarai Murdock. I am a multidisciplinary artist who just graduated from Cleveland School of the Arts (CSA) as a Integrated Arts major and as Valedictorian with 41 College Credits. Since I was a little girl, I’ve had many interests. 

My writing journey is what led me to explore filmmaking. I published my first book Bully Free Zone: how to stand up for yourself when I was 13 years old, and then transitioned into poetry writing. I started out as a playwright in elementary school, and started to explore screenwriting in middle school after a story I wrote was chosen to be turned into a film. When Covid hit, I took on multiple roles in my practice including: acting, directing, editing, cinematography, producing music, etc. One of my biggest lessons this year was learning how beneficial and fun it is to collaborate with others.

At CSA, seniors create a final project specific to their major. As an Integrated Arts major, I decided to make a film that incorporated multiple art forms including: dance, poetry, guitar, acting, and more. I performed all of these art forms myself. I wanted to give an opportunity to other creatives to express themselves as well, so I found local models and actors to take part in my film. Eric Floyd, CSA’s alumni and school videographer, worked as my cameraman. With the help of my peers, I was able to produce a school film that got me a perfect score, and helped me share an important message to everyone. Don’t be afraid to be different, and don’t neglect the present you. Live in the moment sometimes, because the future is constantly around us. My film “Evolve” can be found on my youtube channel: Sirizworld where I also make other youtube content such as vlogs and more. As a content creator, I like to keep people updated with events and projects I’m a part of/ behind on my instagram page: @siriz_world_. 

I chose to intern at Greater Cleveland Film Commission because I trust that they will support me, and contribute to the growth that I have as an artist. I was honored to take GCFC’s FilmSkills High School Lecture Series as a Junior at CSA, and have been to several of their events. By doing so I was able to meet some amazing people and learn a lot about the industry. Through this internship I hope to learn more about myself as a filmmaker, and develop and improve my skills even more to achieve my goals.

Hello, my name is Keith Castillo, and thank you for taking the time to read a little about me and why I have chosen the entertainment film industry as my career. I would also like to thank the Cleveland Film Commission for this opportunity to expose me to the film industry in NorthEast Ohio and Cleveland in particular. I have always had a passion for showmanship, writing, acting, and music. My love of the industry came from my early movies experience of the 70’s by watching the first showing of Jaws, Star Wars, to musical influences that ranged from the Sex Pistols to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, which have all helped create a passion for the entertainment industry.

As a veteran of the United States Army, I have always been passionate about using my skills to make a positive impact. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in video editing, graphic design, and Adobe Photoshop, as well as gained experience as a drone pilot and operations manager. I have also been heavily involved in community work, including serving as the head tutor counselor for Upward Bound and as a community organizer for a local non-profit.

In my personal life, I am an avid reader, particularly of Marvel comics, psychology, and philosophy. I am also a fan of movies and television shows, with Severance and Westworld being among my favorites.

Looking to expand my skills and knowledge, I am excited to intern at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. I believe that this opportunity will allow me to learn valuable strategies and techniques that will help me to create better art. Moreover, I am eager to build relationships with industry professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the film industry.

Ultimately, my goal is to become a better creator and use my talents to make a positive impact on the world. I am excited to take this next step in my journey and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Hi, my name is Demarco Williams. I am currently a student at Saint Martin De Porres High School, I am in the 11th grade, and I live in the city of Garfield Heights with my Uncle, brother, and little sister. There are ten of us in total, the rest stay with my mom and one of my older sisters has her own place. More about me: I go to after school activities, and take part in one extracurricular right now – Drama Club. Outside of school I love to play sports like basketball, football, MMA, and boxing. Right now I’m working on a YouTube video for my channel.

I like to watch things that are more fantasy, sci-fi, horror, action-packed adventures and blockbuster movies. I’m currently watching Ginny and Georgia on Netflix – so far it is a great show full of everything I like. My favorite TV shows are The Flash, Into the Badlands, and Vampire Diaries. I chose these shows because they are the type that leave you on a cliffhanger, which makes the viewer angry but also excited to see what’s next.

I chose the Greater Cleveland Film Commission for my Corporate Work-study placement because I want to be an actor, or at least get my foot in the door at a young age, and gather knowledge of what to be ready for in my career. Getting the experience now will help me get roles or jobs in the future because I not only want to be on screen, but I want to know how to work behind the scenes. GCFC can help me get to the places I want to be. In this internship I am hoping to get lots of experience and build connections with other people who can also help me become an actor or be on TV as soon as possible. I really love acting and the thought of being on TV and having people watch me and what I can do (like bring smiles to people’s faces) – one of my goals is to be known as one of the greatest actors of all time.

My career inspirations include: Acting, Military, space engineering for NASA, Firefighter, Business Owner.

Hey there! My name is Grace Favarro and I’m a multidisciplinary artist focused mainly on directing, acting, and singing. Filmmaking became a huge part of my life during my time at Baldwin Wallace University. From class assignments, to passion projects, and even producing the first student/women-led film festival; my most crucial lesson was the importance of collaboration. After graduating with a BFA, I got involved with local film projects working with friends and falling deeper in love with being on set.

Currently I’m directing Burn to Shine Productions’ short film Swipe Right, a horror comedy that breaks the conventions of what it means to be a female villain. Check out our teaser trailer here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrQte62ldu8

I pursued an internship with the amazing people at the GCFC because I want to learn more about the film industry on a larger scale. My experience with the indie film scene over the past two years has been instrumental to my growth as a filmmaker, and now I feel a pull toward the next step in my career: working on high caliber productions like the ones the GCFC has brought to Cleveland. With the commission’s resources and connections to these films, there is so much to learn. I’m blessed to have this opportunity to be a sponge in their office for the upcoming months!

Hello! My name is Josh Mink and I am an incoming freshman at The Ohio State University. I am the oldest of six and love to stay busy with family, friends, and around my community.

After a lengthy college admissions process, with acceptances to film programs at the University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, and other nationally renowned universities, I have committed to The Ohio State University as a Stamps Eminence Scholar on a full-ride scholarship! I am so thankful to OSU for this opportunity, and I look forward to studying film production and more in these upcoming years.

In June of 2023, I will graduate from Shaker Heights High School. In high school, I was Senior Class President, Vice President of Youth Ending Hunger Club, and a member of the Student Group on Race Relations (SGORR). Through all of these activities, I helped support my peers, advocated for diversity and tolerance, and threw myself into a variety of projects.

Additionally, I was the President of my high school’s Film Club. As President, I created lessons and introduced our 35+ members to the basics of the filmmaking process. Also, I organized films to watch and lead discussions about them. Finally, I set up a scholarship foundation so that every student is able to attend film festivals throughout the Cleveland area.

One of my biggest passions is advocating for others and standing up for just causes. On May 24, 2022, nineteen children and two adults were murdered in the Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Like many of my peers, I knew I had to do something. So, in under 24 hours, I co-organized a school-wide walkout against gun violence. Over 700 students participated as we walked and voiced our thoughts with megaphones and handmade signs. This event caught the attention of Cleveland Magazine, WKYC, ABC’s Channel 5, and more. Soon, we were the headline around Cleveland. I have linked an article below so anyone interested can read more.

From all of my experiences in leadership both in film and social justice, I aspire to be a film director who focuses on telling stories that will help others. I want to create more stories that are entertaining while simultaneously bringing attention to issues that must be addressed.

That is why I am so excited to intern with the GCFC! The GCFC is focused on helping to create films that are both amazing in quality and empowering for the local and national community. Thank you, GCFC!

Cleveland Magazine news article: Click Here