Writer/Director: Lauren Schwartzbard
Lauren Schwartzbard is a Philadelphia and New York based independent filmmaker. She is currently a senior studying Film & Media Arts with a Directing Concentration at Temple University. She identifies as a storyteller above all else and loves learning about the world through the films she watches and experiences.
Producer: LeNia D. Samuels
LeNia D. Samuels is an American Independent Filmmaker based in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Samuels is a student producer, at Temple University whilst earning her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Film and Media Arts with a concentration in Producing. She aspires to be a producer for feature films where she is able to be there from pre production to post production. Samuels is hoping to produce films that focuses on issues within the LGBTQ+ community and mental health issues. Through storytelling and featured films, Samuels wants to produce relatable content to share with everyone.
Director of Photography: John Targowski
Hey ya’ll my name’s John Targowski. I’m a senior at Temple and Director of Photography on A Train Ride Away. I have a background primarily in experimental film, documentaries, and video art that I like to focus on in my free time. I love the script for the film, and am super excited to bring the visual element to life!
Editor: Chris Webber
My name is Chris and I’m the editor for A Train Ride Away. I've been an editor for the past 5 years as well as pursuing a degree in filmmaking with a concentration in Post-Production from Temple University. I specialize in editing and color, and I’m looking forward to building a career as a narrative or documentary editor.
Assistant Director: Aisha Torres
Assistant Director Aisha Torres is a senior at Temple University. Majoring in Media Studies and Production, her background ranges from working in television production, documentary, and film. With her initial interest in photography and videography, she is set on building a career utilizing her skills and love for content creation.
Production Designer: Jessica McNamara
Production designer Jessica McNamara is currently a junior studying Film & Media Arts with a music and theater minor at Temple University. She has worked as a Production Designer on multiple senior thesis films in the past (Birdland, Bean) and now A Train Ride Away as well as another project Bad Maggie. She aspires to be a professional production designer/art director
for film and TV. At the end of the day, Jessica just wants to make audiences smile and laugh through her content!
Production Assistant: Victoria Wilcox
Victoria Wilcox is a freelance photographer from South Jersey and a first year student at Temple University studying Film & Media Arts. She loves showcasing moments in time through film and photography, and aspires to pursue a directing concentration in the future.
Sound Mixer/Boom Operator: Spenser Spratlin
Assistant Cameras: John Tuohy, Adam Harel
Grip/Gaffer: Greg Taylor