Chris Staehler - Director
Chris wrote, directed, and supervised visual effects on The Beacon. Drawn to the power of storytelling through film, Chris took up experimenting with visual effects to help tell his tales. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics from Purdue University before making his way to Los Angeles’s film industry, where he’s worked as compositor, matte painter, previsualization supervisor, and visual effects supervisor. Outside of his short film work, Chris is currently a Previsualization Supervisor at Digital Domain.
Chris Purdy - Director of Photography
Whether it’s commercial, narrative, or experimental, Chris always strives to discover the soul of a story, and to develop a unique language of cinematic images that articulate the Director's vision.
Though he is at home shooting on 35mm and 16mm film or any digital format, the tools are not as exciting as the story being told. Although knowing the latest technology is an important and enjoyable part of the craft, Chris aims for simplicity whenever possible.
Raised in the Midwest, Chris began shooting at a young age. After getting a BA in Film Studies from Purdue University, he went on to complete his MFA in Cinematography at Chapman University. He is based in Los Angeles, but travels often for work and adventure.
The Cast
Damien Kelly - Mark Verne
Damien Kelly plays Mark Verne, husband of Kara Verne. Mark is a local system shipping pilot running supplies in the solar system. He has a limp from an old injury that sometimes gives him trouble, but he powers through it to make ends meet.
Kylie Contreary - Kara Verne
Kylie Contreary plays Kara Verne, wife of Mark Verne. Kara is a shipping pilot like Mark, running mostly local runs. She has always wanted to make longer, interstellar runs, especially to the core worlds, but has yet to get a break. Her and Mark's busy schedule keep them apart for long lengths of time just to make ends meet.
Claire Montgomery - Judy
Claire Montgomery plays the jaded port authority agent on Rylar Station known as Judy. No one is sure of when she came to the station or from where, but her indifference and coldness have made her an ideal agent for the ruthless shipping companies to protect their interests. However she is not above making a little extra cash by selling information for money.
Eric Snow - Kal Langford
Eric Snow plays the hardened roughneck, Kal Langford. A dockworker and shiphand, Kal has been on Rylar Station his whole life. He keeps to himself and is wary of anyone asking for him as he regularly engages in illegal activity to make some extra cash.
The CREW
Writer/Director
Screenplay
Producer
Co-Producer/ Location manager
Executive Producer
1st Assitant Director
2nd Assistant Director
Director of Photography
1st AC
2nd AC
Digital Imaging Technician
Hair & Make-up Artist
Rigging Gaffer
Gaffer
Best Boy Electric
Electrician
Key Grip
Best Boy Grip
Rigging Key Grip
Dolly Grip
Grip
VFX Supervisor
VFX Producer
3D Modelers
Compositors
Matte Painters
Conform /Colorist
Chris Staehler
Chris Staehler
David Quandt
John Marsaglia
Chris Purdy
Anthony Cabrera
Thomas Haley-Hermiz
Chris Staehler
Will Kioultzopoulos
Phil Aleman
Chris Purdy
Trevor Roach
Jiyoon Kim
J. Cooper Arbios
Hansjeet Duggal
Kelly Andrews
Nick Ramsey
Stephen Ho
Dustin Lawyer
Andrew Pearson
Kevin Ramirez
Monty Sloan
Cheng Song
Justin Moore
Same Hecker
Harris Smith
Joey Luu
Chris Staehler
Chris Purdy
Dan Scruggs
Andrew Bangel
Omar Hesham
Chris Staehler
Chris Purdy
Will Kioultzopoulos
Chris Staehler
Brian LeFrance
Jason Pethtel
Chris Purdy