news — September 7, 2026

The Story of Sound

By Deja Turner

With the explosive wrap of Film Lab V6, we are bringing you more dates for photographers, filmmakers, and artists to connect, collaborate, and grow! This amazing city lineup includes St. Louis, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, and San Francisco. Before we deep dive into new collaborations, let’s take a look back at New York’s cohort, which premiered earlier this month. The motley crew of creators who came from all over to participate in this lab were well versed in their craft, communication, and execution. THE CREATIVE CHALLENGE The Story of Sound. Let’s dive in. 01 ACTION-COMEDY HEIST Bubble Gum Pop First up we have a short film called "Bubble Gum Pop," featuring an incredible cast of directors, producers, and actors. This action-comedy heist involves four women who decide to rob their boss using an unsuspecting tool. Starring Maci O’Brien, Mackenzie Moore, Nancy Moeller, Olivia Zeglen, Scout Kelly, and Chris Rivera, this movie packs a punch when it comes to fast-paced action and some great comedic timing. Directors Greg The Alchemist and Greg Mensah accomplished setting the tone of the lab’s sound theme. Shoutout to the writers, Greg Mensah and Jonathan Cohen, for writing this witty film; Mike O’Dea for cinematography; Jonathan Cohen for sound; and Mackenzie Moore and Olivia Zeglen for production. View film & credits → 02 SURREALIST FILM Heed Her Call Next up we have "Heed Her Call," a surrealist film about a haunting sound plaguing an apartment building in the city. This eerie yet entertaining film features great talent from Wing O’Casey, Shayne Spencer, and others in the cohort. Anthony McVicker, August Alicea, Edward Guillen, Eliza Fitch, Katherine Chuliver, MaKensey Alford, Mingtai N, Mirei Dominguez, and Vincent Wong did an outstanding job executing this short film. From acting to sound to production, this film told a story of how sound moves people to action and what it means to be going crazy not knowing where a sound is coming from. View film & credits → 03 COMEDY OF ERRORS Shit Happens Following "Heed Her Call," we have "Shit Happens," a hilarious comedy of errors set in an apartment building full of loud tenants, wondering where a particular sound is coming from. Starring Deja Turner, Reagan Lopez, Martin Kyne, Taylor Lynott, and Gina Favazzo, this film makes a big impression on comedic timing and pacing. Directors Michael Byrne and Gina Favazzo delivered a wild ride to viewers on the night of the premiere. Special thanks to Leendert van’t Riet, Kelly Dulac, Marvin Juarez, and Taylor Lynott for handling the behind-the-scenes mechanics of making this film as great as it was. View film & credits → 04 NEO-NOIR La Perla Last but not least we have "La Perla," about a group of performers who want to become famous but also need to figure out what the head of the cabaret club is doing behind the scenes. This neo-noir-style film focuses on steadfast movement and pacing as they build up to the big reveal at the end. We would