The Prospect

My most rewarding creative endeavor to date is my Ithaca College senior thesis film “The Prospect.” I worked on this film for two years, undergoing rigorous drafting, casting, prepping, shooting, editing, and distributing. This film is my magnum opus and is the culmination of everything I had ever experienced up to that point.

The short follows Daniel, a troubled young boxer neglecting his obvious mental health issues, turning instead to self-medication. This leads him down a dark path, which manifests itself through his interactions with his girlfriend, Julia, and esteemed trainer, Jamie. Daniel alienates those close to him, leaving nobody in his corner for his biggest fight.

I was able to raise over $1,700 through IndieGoGo, and I assembled an all-star cast and crew. I worked closely with every department and served as the film’s writer, producer, director, and picture editor. This process taught me a great deal about all stages of production and marked my return to narrative cinema following years of creating music videos and documentaries. I blended my passions into one all-encompassing project, the product of all my knowledge to date.

The film was shot on location at the Black Irish Boxing Gym in the heart of Ithaca, NY. Filming lasted three days and was accomplished using the Sony FX6 cinema camera, paired with Rokinon cinema glass. I oversaw all aspects of production, and could not be more proud of the finished product, especially given the historical circumstances surrounding my college years. “The Prospect” showed me I can do anything I put my mind to, and I cannot thank my cast and crew enough for their hard work and unwavering dedication.

Enjoy the film below. Set photos provided by Niko Stycos.