When the Journey Found Me: How The Mail Lady Pulled Me Into Filmmaking
In 2023 fresh off a long run on tour, tired, fulfilled, and searching I found myself standing at a crossroads.
I didn’t want to jump back into music videos.
Photography didn’t feel like home anymore.
Corporate production? My spirit wasn’t in it.
For the first time, my heart was pointing in a different direction.
I wanted film.
Not just to work on films I wanted to become a filmmaker.
How It Started: A Conversation That Changed Everything
A couple months before it all unfolded, I kept reaching out to a local DP named Carl, who would eventually become the DP of The Mail Lady. I had no real lighting setup, no resume, and barely any understanding of how film sets truly operated but I had desire. I kept asking him to let me come out, shadow, or touch a single light stand if it meant learning something.
He finally gave me a shot on a makeup day for a project called Trigger.
At the time, my “kit” was laughable compared to where Black Arc Studios stands now a Godox 200w, a 150w, and a couple of tube lights. Enough to make a little magic, not enough to pretend I knew what I was doing.
But that day lit a spark.
The Day Everything Shifted: Walking Onto The Mail Lady Set
When Carl brought me onto The Mail Lady, something in me flipped.
I showed up like I’d been doing this for years confident, hungry, ready.
But little did I know…
I knew absolutely nothing.
I didn’t understand set terminology.
Didn’t understand lighting ratios.
Didn’t understand how to collaborate on a feature film.
What I did understand was that this felt right.
This felt like purpose.
And because I was documenting my journey heavy at the time, I filmed almost everything the setups, the mistakes, the learning curve, the energy, the laughter, the exhaustion. I didn’t realize I was capturing the exact moment my life was about to pivot.
Behind the Scenes: The Vlog That Shows It All
So here it is a full behind-the-scenes vlog from my very first feature film experience. It captures:
Lighting setups with my bare-bones kit
The chaos and excitement of being the new guy on set
The moments where everything finally clicked
A team of people who unknowingly pushed me toward my destiny
It’s nostalgic now… because The Mail Lady became the film that started everything for me.
You can stream The Mail Lady today on Tubi, YouTube, and Amazon Prime but what it meant to me can’t fit into a streaming description.
The Moment I Knew Filmmaking Chose Me
By the time we wrapped, I knew something deep:
Filmmaking wasn’t just something I wanted to try.
It was something that was going to take over my life.
And it has.
Every project since then from short films to full productions traces back to that one moment when I stepped onto set thinking I had experience… and left knowing I had a lifetime of learning ahead of me.
This wasn’t the beginning of a hobby.
It was the beginning of Black Arc Studios.
The beginning of a world I didn’t know I belonged to yet.
The beginning of a journey I’m still documenting, still learning, still chasing.
And honestly… I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Day 1: Just Go After It
There’s a moment when you stop overthinking and just move.
No perfect timing, no perfect plan, no perfect version of you just motion.
That’s where I’m at today.
I’m restarting my 40-day content journey, not because I fell off, but because I realized something:
Consistency isn’t about never slipping… it’s about never stopping.
Some days I’m shooting, some days I’m editing until my eyes burn, some days I’m doubting everything I built. But every time I push that doubt aside and pick up a camera, open a project, write a script, or hit “post,” I get better. I get sharper. The Arc gets stronger.
This is my reminder to myself and to anyone watching this journey don’t wait to feel ready. You become ready in the work.
Restarting isn’t failure.
Restarting is proof you still want it. Over the next 40 days, I’m showing everything:
The grind behind Black Arc Studios
The new gear I’m learning
The films I’m building
The mistakes
The growth
The wins
The process
Because momentum is built, not gifted. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to start something… let this be your sign.
Not later. Not tomorrow.
Start. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s small. Just go after it.
Welcome to Day 1.
Let’s work.
The Arc Ascension
40 Days. One Vision. Infinite Motion.
When I launched Black Arc Studios, I wanted it to represent more than filmmaking I wanted it to represent growth through discipline. Every scene, every light, every frame tells a story, but the real story happens behind the camera in the process of showing up, building, and evolving.
Now begins The Arc Ascension a 40-day creative campaign dedicated to consistency, storytelling, and brand growth. For the next 40 days, I’ll be releasing daily content across Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and The Arc Blog, pulling back the curtain on what it takes to build a film studio from the ground up.
The inspiration started with A24 a company that redefined modern storytelling. Their ability to blend emotion with visual power caught my attention early in my journey. When I began shaping Black Arc Studios, I studied them closely their tone, pacing, and courage to stay authentic.
During The Arc Ascension, I’ll be recreating and reimagining scenes inspired by some of my favorite A24 films but with a Detroit twist. Each short will explore how emotion, lighting, and texture can turn simple moments into cinematic art. These projects are more than tributes their lessons. Every recreation sharpens my craft, tests my limits, and moves the studio forward.
You’ll see behind-the-scenes breakdowns, lighting setups, creative reflections, and studio updates as we expand our network here in Michigan. My goal is simple: to prove that growth doesn’t come from waiting it comes from motion.
The Arc Ascension is about elevation.
About taking the foundation we’ve built and pushing it higher.
Because momentum is everything.
And for the next 40 days, that momentum won’t stop.
Welcome to The Arc Ascension
40 Days. One Vision. Infinite Motion.
Follow the Journey
Instagram: @BlackArcStudios
YouTube: Black Arc Studios
Facebook: Black Arc Studios Page
Blog: www.BlackArc.Studio/blog
Email: Contact@BlackArc.Studio
The Time Is Now
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the process. About how to get these stories out faster, how to build our momentum, and how to let people into the world I’m creating without waiting half a year for the full film. The answer came simple: build a web series first. Tales Of A Broken City
Instead of holding everything back until the final project is done, I’m going to start releasing scenes, character introductions, and clips that can live on our socials. It’s our way to open the door early to give you a taste of the city, the tension, and the people who move inside it.
I’ll be honest, it hasn’t been easy. Shooting in the middle of bookings threw off my rhythm more than once. But the show must go on. That’s the lesson I keep circling back to. Coming this September, I’ll finally have lighter weeks and a chance to block off full filming days. Until then, the grind doesn’t stop I’ll be dropping character focused clips on Instagram so you can meet each person one by one, piece by piece.
When the first episode finally lands, it’ll premiere on our YouTube channel, where all these threads start to connect. That’s when it really begins.
Follow our journey, spread the word, and stay locked in because the time is now.
🎥 Watch here: Black Arc Studios YouTube Channel
📲 Follow here: @BlackArcStudios on Instagram
Black Arc Studios
The Shadows Is Our Brush. The Light, Is Our Ink.
The Night Before – Filming Soapy Secrets & Wash Me Down
Thoughts the night of June 7, 2025
Tonight is different.
I’ve filmed projects before, they were client bookings or just B cam but this time? These are my thoughts from my iPad Notes to Reality. Soapy Secrets and Wash Me Down are the first shorts from Black Arc Studio I’m directing entirely on my own, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. But honestly? I’m more excited than anything.
This kind of project is new territory for me. No full crew. No official backing. Just a vision, a few dedicated people, and a whole lot of passion. It’s the kind of pressure that makes you double-check every battery and rehearse every shot in your head before you even hit set.
Gear-wise, I’m locked in. Both cameras are prepped. My Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro is already rigged up on the gimbal. It’s going to help me knock out a lot of the establishing shots and float through those close-ups when the dialogue heats up. Fluid. Fast. Efficient.
What I’m really hyped about is finally using my Blackmagic Pyxis 6K. This thing feels like an extension of my eye. I’ve got three DZOFilm primes ready. Thanks to my boy TP, I’ve got a 25-85mm T3.2 zoom cine lens in my bag. That lens? Game changer.
The vision I’m chasing with these shorts is bigger than just these two films. I’m trying to lock in a shooting style. Something signature. Something cinematic but grounded, raw but intentional. These two shoots are my sandbox. My kitchen test. While I know it won’t be perfect. It’s my first time doing it all this on my own and it feels like the right first step.
I don’t know exactly how tomorrow’s going to go. I’ve done the prep, but I don’t have a full crew. Still, I’ve got this gut feeling people are going to show up. People believe in the vision. And that’s what keeps me pushing through the nerves.
No turning back now.
See y’all on set.
Follow @BlackArcStudios for behind-the-scenes, updates, and exclusive footage from the shoot.
Exciting Short Films Coming Soon from Black Arc Studios
At Black Arc Studios, we’re thrilled to announce a slate of bold, innovative short films that are set to challenge, entertain, and captivate audiences. Each project reflects our commitment to dynamic storytelling and cinematic artistry, all while staying true to our indie roots.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming soon:
1. Soapy Secrets
Set in the heart of an urban car wash, this tense thriller follows a young hustler who stumbles upon a hidden stash of cash, sparking a dangerous chain of events. Expect gritty visuals, pulse-pounding action, and a story that asks: How far would you go for a quick score?
2. Filter High
A raw and introspective look at modern validation culture, Filter High centers around Jayda, a woman addicted to posting thirst traps online, and her friend Savannah’s desperate attempts to intervene. This short film explores the highs and lows of social media’s grip on self-worth.
3. 9:44 PM
A simple trip to the store turns into a tense, unexpected encounter in 9:44 PM. With a focus on suspense, this film delves into the unpredictable moments of everyday life that leave a lasting impact.
4. Restless Nights
Sometimes, a late-night drive is more than it seems. Restless Nights takes viewers on an eerie journey through quiet streets and shadowy alleys, where every corner hides a potential twist.
5. The Mood Series
This seven-part series explores a range of human emotions, each film dedicated to capturing a distinct feeling—love, loss, joy, rage, and more. The short films in The Mood Series are standalone stories, but together, they form a mosaic of the human experience.
Why Short Films?
Short films allow us to experiment with new styles, voices, and ideas, keeping our creativity sharp and our storytelling fresh. They’re also a way to connect with audiences in bite-sized but impactful ways, offering thought-provoking stories that linger long after the credits roll.
Stay tuned to Black Arc Studios for official release dates, trailers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Follow us on social media and join us as we bring these stories to life.
Get ready for a season of unforgettable short films.
Shaping Shadows and Chasing Stories
A new chapter begins.
When I founded Black Arc Studio, it wasn’t just about launching a new brand. It was about taking a leap into the world of visual storytelling with a fresh vision—one shaped by years of hands-on production experience, countless late-night shoots, and an unshakeable passion for the craft.
Now, we’re diving deeper.
Recently, I invested in the Blackmagic Pyxis 6K PL mount—a powerful tool that captures stunning images with cinematic depth and precision. This camera isn’t just an upgrade in specs; it’s a statement of intent. It’s about pushing the boundaries of indie filmmaking and bringing stories to life with a bold, polished look.
Pairing the Pyxis with the DZOFilm Vespid lenses (21mm, 50mm and 75mm) adds a distinct flavor to our visuals. These lenses offer crisp, cinematic images with a subtle warmth that perfectly matches the ethos of Black Arc Studio: Shaping shadows, chasing light, and capturing the human experience in its raw, imperfect beauty.
This new gear is more than just hardware; it’s a creative playground. It means:
• More dynamic, detailed imagery for our upcoming projects.
• Greater flexibility in framing and movement to push creative boundaries.
• The ability to tackle bigger stories with a visual quality that stands tall against larger productions.
But beyond the gear, Black Arc Studio is built on a foundation of passion and perseverance. We’re a new brand, but with the same heart—just sharper tools and a bigger canvas. We’re committed to crafting stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire, while championing indie filmmakers and creators.
As we shape the next chapter of our journey, you can expect:
• Short films and features that push narrative and visual boundaries.
• Workshops and collaborations that open doors for aspiring filmmakers.
• Behind-the-scenes looks at how we bring our projects to life with the Pyxis and DZOFilm glass.
It’s the start of something bold. New brand. Same passion. Shaping shadows. Telling stories. Welcome to Black Arc Studio.
Stay tuned for our upcoming projects—and if you’re a fellow creator looking to collaborate, let’s connect. The arc is just beginning.