Producer, Performer & Art Director
On the eve of her 30th birthday, down-on-her-luck aspiring author Lizzie encounters three alternate versions of herself, forcing her to navigate the hilarious and chaotic pressures of turning 30 in a world full of expectations.
For Waking Up Thirty, I produced, performed as Lizzie's best friend, and art directed all the pop punk and social media assets for our VFX team. The core creative challenge was designing four visually distinct worlds, each representing a different modern archetype and path Lizzie could have taken by her 30th birthday.
Working closely with the director and production designer, we executed the visual identity for each world. Every element mattered: the set design established the physical environment of each reality, costume choices reflected each version's values and lifestyle, and strategic lighting and camera work reinforced the emotional tone of each journey. One world felt aspirational and polished, another chaotic and bohemian, another corporate and sterile, another neon and hyper-digital—each a mirror of a different choice, a different life.
My role extended beyond performing; I art directed the pop punk and social media assets that helped sell the visual language of each world to our VFX team. The opening credits, drawing inspiration from Juno, were crucial in establishing Lizzie's aesthetic. We also collaborated with female-led punk bands, using their music to set the tone of her real world while injecting energy and authenticity into the film. The production design became the storytelling engine. By giving each world its own distinct DNA, we allowed the audience to understand the stakes of Lizzie's choices without exposition.
WRITER Britt KyndeWorking closely with the director and production designer, we executed the visual identity for each world. Every element mattered: the set design established the physical environment of each reality, costume choices reflected each version's values and lifestyle, and strategic lighting and camera work reinforced the emotional tone of each journey. One world felt aspirational and polished, another chaotic and bohemian, another corporate and sterile, another neon and hyper-digital—each a mirror of a different choice, a different life.
My role extended beyond performing; I art directed the pop punk and social media assets that helped sell the visual language of each world to our VFX team. The opening credits, drawing inspiration from Juno, were crucial in establishing Lizzie's aesthetic. We also collaborated with female-led punk bands, using their music to set the tone of her real world while injecting energy and authenticity into the film. The production design became the storytelling engine. By giving each world its own distinct DNA, we allowed the audience to understand the stakes of Lizzie's choices without exposition.
PRODUCERS Kristina Moschella & Lana Spehar
DIRECTOR Kristina Moschella
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Raphael Segal
