BEASTS FROM BEFORE

A UNIQUE COLLABORATION

Beasts From Before was a transformative project in collaboration with Jacob Wiant, the creative mind behind Wiant Works. As both a co-producer and assistant director, I had the privilege of helping translate Wiant's unique vision into the medium of film. This project was a true labor of love, blending numerous artistic disciplines into a high-concept and intensely creative production.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was working with a director new to the world of filmmaking. This presented an exciting challenge: crafting an on-set environment that balanced the comfort and efficiency of our experienced filmmaking crew with a space where Wiant could feel confident and supported in bringing his vision to life. This duality required thoughtful communication, adaptive problem-solving, and an empathetic leadership style that empowered everyone on set.

Through this collaboration, I established a new standard for my work as an assistant director. It reaffirmed the importance of building strong relationships with directors, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and respected—regardless of their level of experience. My goal is not to impose on a director's vision but to help refine it, offering tools and options that make their creative ideas achievable and effective. This experience shaped my perspective on what it means to foster both creativity and professionalism on a film set.

DIRECTOR & WRITER JACOB WIANT

“Taylor is a unique talent whose commitment and versatility alleviate all of the difficulties of filmmaking. If you’re tired of talking about executing a project and just need it finished, you should’ve hired her to begin with .”

Cast

Fruitseller: Madison Charlene

Distorted Despot: Davis Hattaway

Magpie Twin (Old): Austin Bookman

Magpie Twin (Young): Simone Clareau

Mare: Valentina Garcia

Jackal: Sha’Kobe Tidwell

Lagomorph: Andrew Powers

Greylag: Lily VanMiddlesworth

Landlord: Clay Thomasson

Camera Department

Director of Photography: Steven Zhou

1st AC: Alex Marwaha

2nd AC: Nate Glerum

BTS Photographer: Raven Pitts

Grip and Electric

Gaffer (Dining Room Unit): Charles Hoy

Gaffer (Forest Unit) / Key Grip: Brian Nguyen

Grip Swing: Phelix Choi

G&E Pre-Rig: Samantha Soldo

Grips:

  • Molly McCormick

  • Esteban Larach

  • Weichung Chen

  • Austin Whiting

BBG / BBE Swing: Nghi Pham

Dolly Grip: Nghi Pham

THE CREDITS

A Wiant Works Production
Adapted from “The Blind Fruitseller” from the Beasts from Before book

Director and Writer: Jacob Wiant

Producers: Jacob Wiant and Taylor Braun

Executive Producer: Carlos Sales

Art Department

Art Director: Casserley Grace

Prop Designer: Allison Welker

Set Decorator: Katelyn DiPippa

Lead Concept Artist: Lea Bagi

Concept Artists:

Carolyn Murphy

Payton Kustka

Sol Rodriguez

Georgia Page

Hair and Makeup

Makeup Artist: Arianne Young Sang

Assistant Makeup Artist: Nadya Lopez

Wardrobe Department

Costume Designer: Jacob Wiant

Wardrobe Supervisor: Lillian Brownlee

Costume Technician: Jana Wiant

Costume Advisors:

Olivia Dakin

Sierra Stoliar

Production Team

First Assistant Director: Taylor Braun

Storyboard Artist: Bennie Stenger

Continuity: Susana Garcia De Paredes

Production Assistant: Miles Greenly

Construction Crew

Set Construction:

Taylor Braun

Lillian Brownlee

Ron Cantrell

Payton Kustka

Cameron Davis

Jacob Nichols

Post-Production

Editor: Maria Pelletier

Assistant Editor: Alex Ruiz

Colorist: Steven Zhou

Sound Designer and Composer: Amaya Ayuso

Promotional Department

Promotional Director: Jacob Wiant

Promotional Manager / Social Strategist / Lead Graphic Designer: Gavin Bacher

Graphic Designer: Aurora Hull

Title Design

Designers: Azure Kwok and Jacob Wiant

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