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