Cast & Crew

Kurt Snell

Kurt Snell is a Los Angeles-based technology project-manager and hyper-creative with an extensive background in large scale art fabrication and music production. ‘Echoes in the Forest’ was an opportunity for him to dive fully into the filmmaking space and merge his passions with a team of talented creators. Chasing the ethos of an uncompromising vision while also attempting to establish a tightknit group of DIY enthusiasts doing what they do best. This project uniquely began with his synthesizers woven closely into the writing process from the very beginning. Kurt had a ‘working backwards’ approach to some of these scenes, focusing on the details of the mood, soundtrack and set design before the dialogue, allowing these elements to primarily guide the narrative.

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Director/Writer/Producer

A diverse group of filmmakers and actors gathered together, smiling and engaged in conversation.
A diverse group of filmmakers and actors gathered together, smiling and engaged in conversation.

Gregory James Houston is a creative lighting designer and producer specializing in live- music, theatre and film. He is known for blending technical expertise with a strong artistic vision to craft immersive, narrative-driven visual experiences. His work elevates storytelling by creating unforgettable atmospheres that connect deeply with audiences. Gregs production ingenuity was essential to making ‘Echoes in the Forest’ become a reality.

Producer/Writer

Gregory James Houston

Kseniya Yorsh

Line Producer

Jack Nitz

Jack Nitz is a cinematographer based in Los Angeles, working primarily in the commercial and television spaces. His commercial work includes clients such as BMW, Spotify and Red Bull, including ongoing music series Red Bull Spiral. His television work includes The Canvas: LA, Sex Sells, and Like A Girl which was nominated for a critics choice award. His narrative work includes the feature film Sinkholes and our short film Echoes in the Forest. From the opening shot of the picturesque Santa Ana Mountains, our short film showcases breathtaking cinematography filled with vibrant color, depth and texture. Jacks creative eye and equipment selection was a vital role in elevating the visuals of the film and creating a gorgeous color palette filled with deep intentional moods.

Actor

Dave Kowalski

Actor

Natalie's brother in the film is portrayed by Fullerton CA architectural-metal-fabricator and sculptural artist, Sean Koperweiss. He is originally from the Bay Area, CA and began metal-fabricating at an early age. The metal shop in the first scene of the film is Seans actual shop. We wanted to capture as much authenticity and visually interesting elements as possible, so the choice was easy to show him in-action and his work present in the film. Seans character brings a heavy dose of skepticism, filled with visually stoic moments that provide a balance to Natalies bright colors. Seans style is inspired by abstract and rectilinear minimalist art, retro synthwave, metal and 70s progressive music.

Director of Photography

Kseniya Yorsh is a Los Angeles based film producer with expertise in production and distribution. Her career includes producing over 30 documentary, short, and feature films distributed across North America and Europe, judging for the Daytime Emmys, and guest lecturing on film production at universities worldwide. Kseniya excels at identifying compelling stories and leveraging her business skills to ensure successful film production. Her passion lies in uniting people with diverse talents to create impactful and engaging content. She became involved with our project during post-production and has been essential in moving Echoes towards festivals and a release date.

Natalie Pattillo

Our lead character Natalie is portrayed by Orange County CA native, Natalie Pittillo. She is a hairdresser, luthier, musician and an excited new mother to her beautiful daughter. Natalies love of radical style is inspired by Japanese culture, rock’n’roll, country and electronic music. Her whimsical approach to creativity and hardworking DIY ethos made her perfect for ‘Echoes in the Forest’ and allowed us to have a ‘be yourself’ mentality for her wardrobe, makeup and set design (yes Sparklehorse is her actual daily ride). A visual powerhouse, Natalie brings a vibrant color palette and her own unique aesthetic that was a joy to work with and even more exciting to see come to life in post-production.

Actress

Sean Koperweiss

Frankilyn Bear

Frank Bear is an audio engineer who has over two decades of experience in audio engineering ranging from film to live stages and studio sessions. He thrives on crafting soundscapes that elevate stories, which was exactly what he did with ‘Echoes in the Forest’. Mixed in Dolby Atmos, he applied the highest standard of three dimensional audio technology which goes beyond traditional surround sound. The audio elements of Echoes is truly a sonic wonderland.

Sound Engineer

Natalie's brother in the film is portrayed by Fullerton CA architectural-metal-fabricator and sculptural artist, Sean Koperweiss. He is originally from the Bay Area, CA and began metal-fabricating at an early age. The metal shop in the first scene of the film is Sean's actual shop. We wanted to capture as much authenticity and visually interesting elements as possible, so the choice was easy to show him in-action and his work present in the film. Sean's character brings a heavy dose of skepticism, filled with visually stoic moments that provide a balance to Natalie's bright colors. Sean's style is inspired by abstract and rectilinear minimalist art, retro synthwave, metal and 70s progressive music.

A close-up portrait of a film director in a thoughtful pose.
A close-up portrait of a film director in a thoughtful pose.
A candid shot of actors rehearsing a scene on set.
A candid shot of actors rehearsing a scene on set.
A group photo of the film crew smiling together.
A group photo of the film crew smiling together.
An actor in costume, showcasing their character's look.
An actor in costume, showcasing their character's look.
A behind-the-scenes image of a director giving instructions.
A behind-the-scenes image of a director giving instructions.
A vibrant shot of the film's premiere event with attendees.
A vibrant shot of the film's premiere event with attendees.