FILMMAKERS
AMDA’s filmmaking students are immersed in a collaborative, conservatory environment mentored by working professionals. Students experience training that is rooted in storytelling, professionalism, craft, and a study of both the history of the screen arts and up-to-the-minute innovations. Our goal is to unleash imaginations, bring creative ideas to fruition, and graduate skilled filmmakers ready to work in the industry and tell their stories.
Our seniors' capstone films will premiere at Laemmle NOHO 7 on Thursday, June 4th at 7:00pm. Please email LManashil@amda.edu to request tickets.
Aaron Alvarado
Camarillo, California
Blue Neptune
17:24 - Sci-Fi, Thriller
After a brand new drug has sparked a devastating epidemic among young people across the world, a daring young man sets out for a device that has the potential to save his friend from addiction.
“My goal is to continue telling stories that can provide solace for others and engage the endlessly curious section of our mind.”
Aaron Alvarado is a Mexican American filmmaker born and raised in Southern California. While occasionally working in post production sound, Aaron has loved writing, directing and editing ever since he made his first feature film. Nowadays, his work tends to focus on navigating life and the world while grappling with the internal battles many of us face. One battle he has faced recently was constructing this bio.
Cydney Jenks
Prosper, Texas
Rogue
10:13 - Fantasy, Drama, Comedy, Romance
After stealing a royal ledger, a rogue archer is forced into an uneasy alliance with a charming con man to outwit the crown’s guards and expose the king’s lies.
“My goal is to bring other people’s visions to life; the more whimsical and fantastical the better. Transforming imagination into a vivid reality.”
Cydney Jenks is a Los Angeles-based Producer and Assistant Director. She grew up in a small town outside of Dallas, Texas, where she first fell in love with filmmaking. She is especially drawn to fantasy and character-driven stories, exploring rich worlds through deep human perspectives. With a collaborative, detail-driven approach, Cydney brings both creative vision and strong on-set leadership to every production.
Ashley Villa
Santa Clarita, California
Curtain Call
13:52 - Dark Fantasy
A young aspiring actress’ stress over her final high school theater performance and her practical mother’s expectations turn surreal as she falls deeper and deeper into a fantasy realm.
“While society may see art as a hobby, for artists it is a life’s purpose. My goal is to encourage us to follow our dreams, regardless of societal expectations. ”
Once described as a walking energy drink, this born and raised Cali girl is a powerhouse on set. Ashley Villa has always been surrounded by art and driven by a strong urge to create and help others materialize their dreams. Although she may be small in stature, she has big ambitions and an even bigger work ethic. Driven by making the fantastical practical and bringing fairytales to life, she now focuses her artistic eye working as a Production Designer and Set dresser in the film industry.