THE ACTOR Short Film, 2025

written/directed/produced/edited

proof-of-concept short film. coming soon.

genre: Comedy

starring: Katherine Schaber, Ashley Taylor Greaves, Adia, Jason Amerling, Simon Gibson, and Nova the Dog

Color / Run Time: 15 minutes / Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Synopsis: In a frantic race against time, struggling actress Anne must navigate Manhattan’s chaos with Macy, a high-maintenance dog that she dog-sits, in tow, facing a series of mishaps that threaten her chance at a career-changing audition for a classic movie’s modern remake.

written, directed, produced, and edited by Alexander Hagani / produced by Caleb Barron / director of photography Stefan Nachmann / production designer & associate producer Dave Drusky / costume designer Lexx Onigbanjo / hair and makeup Lise D’Angelo / first assistant camera Forrest Shearer / gaffers Christoph Russi & Emmett Goebel / grip Vincent Filippini / sound recordist Christian Guinanzaca / production assistant Leah Sloan / featuring “Differences” by Disco in Sochi

Director’s Statement

In April 2024, I owed money to the United States government for my taxes. An almost, kind of, what you would call, struggling independent filmmaker in New York City owed even more money. Great. So, what did I do? I wrote about it... and then spent even more (after paying the IRS, of course) to make a movie about the absurdity of hustling for work in the creative world.

Throughout the making of this short, I kept telling the crew: 'The Actor' is dedicated to us- the hustlers, freelancers, actors, writers, and job-to-job creatives. While I hope 'The Actor' makes you laugh, know that its comedy, situations, and characters come from a very real place.

This is my first film exploring what it’s like to navigate your mid-20's- a shift from my previous work, which has focused on my childhood and dealing with divorce. The experience was deeply cathartic for me, and I hope it resonates with you, whether you’ve just watched it or are about to. Enjoy the performances, the craftsmanship, and the absolute rush of this 15-minute short.

And of course, every view helps me get one step closer to not owing the government again as a freelance filmmaker. Maybe. So, thank you.

an actress, a dog, and the worst birthday ever.