Synopsis
“Regrets” is a mini-drama about a distracted father whose minimal involvement with his son leads his son to be just like his father. Film will likely be 5-10 minutes in length. Shoot Dates are April 13-15, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Meet the Cast
"Father"
Corey Lee Pena
Corey Lee Peña’s love of acting came at a young age. His love for film started when he experimented with his dad’s Super 8mm camera. In the years after coming to faith in Jesus as a teenager, Corey incorporated his faith in writing and performing music, acting, and writing, producing, and directing plays. He was cast in his first short film, performed two roles in an audio book, and secured a lead role in his first full length film, “Do Not Grow Weary,” featuring Dean Cain. Corey’s greatest joy is spending time with his wife on weekends and vacations. He is also the proud father of two grown daughters whom he adores.
"Mother"
Lori Stanfield
Lori Stanfield recently booked the role of Hanna in the feature film The First 30 Days. After raising her 5 children, she returned to her passion for acting. She has been trained at Excelsior Studios in Huntsville, the Room 4 Acting Program and is currently taking classes with Tina Gallo, of the Nashville Studio of Method Acting. She is excited to be a part of Regrets, playing the role of the mother. She enjoys the collaborative effort that goes into film making and bringing the director’s story to life.
"Teenage Johnny"
Jordan Pope
He is a 22 year old actor that began acting around the age of 19. He originally wanted to become a worship pastor but followed the calling of acting. He started with local theatre productions with musicals such as "Mamma Mia", "A Christmas Carol", and many more. When the pandemic hit he found the world of film and has been able to be apart of 10+ projects, and excited and honored to have “Regrets” put up next to his other projects! He can’t wait to see what this project becomes and is excited to be called Johnny!
"Young Johnny"
David Harrell
Hi! I’m David. I’m 11 years old and I love to play baseball, soccer, and basketball. I also like to fish and play the guitar. I’m excited about being in a movie!
"Little Johnny"
Logan Ratliff
Logan is 5 years old and enjoys drawing, riding his scooter, and playing soccer. He loves spending time with his family and friends.
"Baby Johnny"
Crew Cupples was our youngest cast member! He loves to laugh and smile... and falls asleep in a heartbeat. Thanks to his brave parents who forged the unknown this film set.
Meet the Crew
Director and Producer
Brittany Smith
From a very young age, Brittany Smith had a passion for the artforms of film and music. Now, as the Lord opens doors for filmmaking opportunities, she fully relishes every moment involving the production of her next project. She has filmed several promotional ads for small businesses as well as a Campaign ad for County Commissioner, Brian Helms. Her latest completed narrative short film is “100 Steps to Becoming a Better Christian” in which she operated as writer, director and producer. She looks forward to the possibility of making feature films if the Lord so wills.
Production Designer and Set Decorator
Abby Barnett
Abigail Barnett grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, to a Christian, homeschooled family of seven. She felt called to follow Jesus Christ as her savior when she was seventeen. She prays for the Lord to use her gifts for others to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. She hiked the Appalachian Trail in its entirety in 2014 and has lived in multiple countries in the hopes to advance the Gospel of the love of Jesus Christ and His call to repentance. She loves to run, swim, work hard, spend time with people, and be creative.
Director of Photography
Matthew McCoskey
Matthew is a Cinematographer/Steadicam operator out of North Carolina. He’s worked on a wide variety of Short films, Feature films, and TV he is very passionate about the art of cinema and loves bringing stories to life through the camera
First Assistant Director
Owen Schnitzler
Owen has had a passion for storytelling and film since he was a child. Ever since watching the first Star Wars film, he knew that he wanted to help take people to another world. When he is not making movies, you can find him reading a book or cheering on his favorite baseball team.
Assistant Casting
Barbara McCoskey
Barbara McCoskey lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, Todd, of 22 years and her four children, Elisabeth, Matthew, David, and Christina. She has homeschooled all four children with two already graduated. Her involvement in filmmaking started with Elisabeth’s and Matthew’s interest in the industry which has led her to volunteer on multiple sets including WarRoom, Like Arrows, The Stolen Life, Cellphone, The 5 Day Adoption, 100 Steps to Becoming a Better Christian, and Regrets. Being a wife and mother is her greatest joy and calling.
Camera B Operator
Isaiah Gaynier
Isaiah is a hard-working, people-loving videographer with over 4 years of experience in video production. He has been privileged to work with a number of companies including Fox Sports, NASCAR, SeekNow, JAARS, and Venture Films, as well as runs his own company, Awakening Productions. He is passionate about impacting lives through film and bringing standards back into the industry.
Gaffer
Will Merchant
Will is an up and coming gaffer in the industry with a passion for making movies and videos. He’s been working on films and videos for 10 years now. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, and critiquing movies.
First Assistant Camera
Eli Nelson
Eli Nelson is a freelance videographer who specializes in business and Commercial videography. He has also worked on films such as "Cellphone" and "100 steps to become a better Christian."
Key Grip
Luke Nelson
Luke Nelson is known to be very outgoing and friendly. He loves keeping people in positive spirits and making them laugh. He’s a hard worker - completing the task he has been given as soon as possible and to the best of my ability. He also worked as a grip on “100 Steps to Becoming a Better Christian”, directed by Brittany Smith.
Boom Operator
Leah Rose Fisher
Leah Rose Fisher is a New York City based Filmmaker, Singer, Performing Artist, and Voice Teacher. Leah has been seen both in front of and behind the camera in multiple roles. Leah has held the roles of Executive Producer, Producer, Director, Director of Photography, Art Director, Composer, and Production Assistant in Production, in Art, and in Sound on various projects over the years. She is excited to be joining the "Regrets" Team as the Boom Operator on this project. Follow her on social media @LeahRoseFisher
Makeup Artist
Iya Durand
Having worked at and graduated from an acclaimed theater, Iya Durand continues to enjoy working in that field. Whether it's a film, commercial, play, or even just a personal cosplay project, she puts her all into whatever she's involved in. She has always loved stories, in any medium, and is grateful to have found ways to help bring them to life. She currently freelances as a wardrobe or hair and makeup supervisor.
Script Supervisor
Merri Beth Stanfield
Merri Beth Stanfield studied Film and Digital Media Production at the University of North Alabama. She has worn many media-related hats since graduating; notably graphic designer, social media manager, and screenwriter. God has given her a passion for people and storytelling, and filmmaking allows her to pursue both. When not on set, you can find Merri Beth playing board games and abusing her library card.
Craft Service
Christa Smith
Christa Smith is a Follower of Christ, married to Steve for 35 years, mother to Brittany, Luke and Casaundra, and Oma to 3 Grandchildren, Gwen, Coral and River. She is a professional Longarm Quilter and Quilt Pattern Designer at Cotton Berry Quilts. In her free time, she loves being with family and friends and enjoys quilting, gardening and Sourdough baking.
Second Assistant Camera
Noelani Gonzalez
Noelani Gonzalez is a freelance videographer located in South Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys music, reading, and watching movies. She also previously worked on “100 Steps to Becoming a Better Christian” - another short film directed by Brittany Smith.
Production Assistant
Jacob Bowen
I am a freelance videographer in North Carolina, I live on a small family farm and in my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family.
