Meet the Amazing Crew Bringing
the Tooth Fairy To life
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Vika is a film major at Brooklyn College, currently working on this project as her thesis film and first large-scale project as a director. She has been drawn to filmmaking from a young age, inspired by the immersive power of movies and their ability to offer an escape from reality. Her earliest experience began in childhood, when she and her sister created YouTube videos together.
Originally a film photographer and visual artist, she explored multiple creative mediums before finding her way into narrative film. She studied fine arts at LaGuardia High School and has directed a handful of short projects, developing a strong interest in psychological dramas and independent cinema. On set, she often works as a gaffer or assistant camera, enjoying the collaborative process of shaping a film’s visual language.
This project is especially meaningful to her, as it explores themes of childhood trauma and growing up—subjects she believes resonate on a deeply human level.
Vika is the person who dreamed up Stella’s chaotic, magical world and is making sure it actually reaches the screen. By day, she crafts witty dialogue, absurdly bureaucratic fairy logic, and emotional beats that hit just right; by night, she’s wrangling cameras, blocking shots, and occasionally negotiating with stubborn props. Vika thrives on turning imaginative chaos into cinematic gold, keeping the story grounded while still letting the magic soar. Her tireless dedication ensures that every frame, line, and gag serves the story — proving that storytelling and leadership can be just as magical as wings and wands.
Henry Merritt is a filmmaker who has been creating since childhood. He has directed and worked on numerous independent short films, gaining experience across many roles including director of photography, assistant camera, and grip. This hands-on background gives him a strong understanding of both the creative and logistical sides of production.
As the assistant director on this project, Henry brings focus, organization, and a calm on-set presence. He is especially inspired by the work of Terrence Malick, and is drawn to visual storytelling that feels natural, expressive, and emotionally grounded.
Henry is the person making sure that this Tooth Fairy business actually looks like a movie and not a particularly chaotic puppet show. With a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other, he spends his days chasing light, angles, and occasionally his own sanity. He has an uncanny ability to convince people they can do things they didn’t know they could do - sometimes with chocolate. Henry thrives on crafting moments that feel real, magical, and just a little absurd, which is why he’s perfect for shepherding Stella’s final mission onto the screen. He believes this story deserves wings, even if the fairy delivering them occasionally complains.
Joao Cueto is an award-winning filmmaker and first-generation Peruvian American, born and raised in New York. He is known for creating imaginative and emotionally driven stories that blend genre filmmaking with deeply personal themes.
During his child and teenage years Joao would create stories and draw characters inspired by the video games and anime he grew up watching.
At the age of 14 he wrote, acted, directed, shot, and edited one his very first films. He adapted a story from one of his own comic books that he created.
He didn't think anything of it until he entered community college and discovered that people can take film classes in college. After the first day of film class, Joao fell in love with filmmaking and instantly decided to pursue it.
Because of his childhood inspirations, Joao has a wildly unique approach and distinct style when it comes to writing, directing, or being behind the camera.
His goal is to create art and tell stories that both excite and capture audiences to give them the same thrill he experienced while growing up with video games and anime. He also wants to create representation for people of color in the sci-fi and fantasy genre in the film industry.
Joao captures the world as it actually is… and then makes it slightly better. With a keen eye for shadows, reflections, and the occasional fairy dust glow, he turns every frame into a tiny miracle. When he’s not adjusting lights or framing a perfect shot, he’s probably debating coffee quality, insisting on multiple takes, or explaining to Henry why the camera angle matters. His artistry ensures the magical bureaucracy of Stella’s world feels vivid, real, and occasionally surreal — exactly the way it should.
Darius is a New York City–based photographer and filmmaker raised in Brooklyn. He began his creative journey studying photography at Lincoln High School before transitioning into video and technology at BMCC, and later documentary production at Brooklyn College. Through this path, he developed a strong technical foundation in filmmaking, working primarily within camera and lighting departments.
With experience ranging from freelancing and personal projects to several years in film rental houses, Darius has built a deep understanding of both equipment and workflow. While always interested in emerging technology, he values adaptability and knows how to make the most of what’s available on set.
Driven by a passion for storytelling and human connection, Darius brings a collaborative spirit to every project—always ready to contribute, support, and help bring stories to life behind the scenes.
Darius is the person who keeps all the chaos from turning into total disaster — and does it with a smile, a spreadsheet, and occasionally a very pointed glare. They juggle schedules, budgets, and the occasional diva tantrum while somehow making it all feel seamless. On set, Darius is part strategist, part diplomat, and part fairy wrangler, ensuring that Stella’s magical world comes together without anyone losing their mind (too much). Their tireless work behind the scenes makes sure the story gets told, the crew stays fed, and the film actually makes it to the screen — all while looking effortless.
Kasey is a graphic designer and illustrator born and raised in Queens, NY. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Design in 2023 and has been working across freelance, studio, and in-house roles ever since. Her experience spans building brands, adapting creative across platforms, and supporting a wide range of projects for both emerging and established names.
Kasey is interested in how design connects people and creates conversation, and is always exploring the most effective visual way to reach an audience. She values versatility, curiosity, and continuous learning, whether that’s experimenting with new tools, mediums, or creative challenges. She is also an avid painter!
She’s inspired by pop culture, music, gaming, and art, and is always open to new collaborations, ideas, and opportunities.
Kasey is the person who makes sure the world of The Tooth Fairy looks like it actually belongs to a magical bureaucracy rather than a messy craft closet. With a sharp eye for color, texture, and absurd little details, Kasey turns hallways, rooms, and portals into believable, whimsical spaces. On set, they’re part designer, part problem solver, and part fairy whisperer — constantly reminding the team that even the smallest prop can make or break a scene. Their obsession with visual storytelling ensures that every frame feels intentional, magical, and just a little ridiculous, exactly the way Stella likes it.
What Sets Us Apart
Small Team, Big Heart.
We’re a passionate, mostly volunteer crew, and our dedication and creativity make a huge difference. Every frame, costume, and sound is crafted with care to bring this story to life in ways only a team like ours could. Every prop, costume, and frame is crafted with love — and yes, maybe a little glitter.