About OPE.

On what appears to be the unluckiest day of his life, a well-meaning Midwesterner’s refusal to cause a scene unleashes catastrophic chaos—testing whether politeness is a virtue or a liability.

About Me:

Longing to work in Hollywood, but rooted in the Midwest. I’ve always felt torn between two loves: filmmaking and my family. I’ve dreamed of the white-picket fence, kids wrapped in my arms, a loving husband, a home we stay in for decades, one my children and grandchildren return to. I find real comfort and satisfaction in the familiar.

At the same time, I’ve always felt a pull to create and entertain. As a kid, I staged full productions in my basement, blanket curtains clothespinned to the support beam, a script in one hand and a camcorder in the other. I was rarely without a notepad, constantly sketching, writing, or planning the next thing. Art became the way I extended my inner world outward, moving from drawing, painting, and sculpting into filmmaking and performance.

Why film and video? Television has always been a huge part of my life, not because I was a kid glued to the couch, but because the medium itself spoke to me. The blend of visual imagery, music, sound, writing, and human experience checked every box. There was something deeply comforting and familiar about it.

I loved the routine of programs airing at a certain time, recurring characters that felt like friends, and the sense of togetherness that came from watching with my family. There was also a connection to the larger world knowing other people were watching, feeling the same things, at the same time. I knew early on that I wanted to create that feeling for others.

I wanted to get people fired up with a sick sports hype video. I wanted to spread awareness through short-form documentaries. I wanted to see advertising not as a cash grab, but as a form of human expression and an outlet for creativity. Time is such a precious commodity, and the fact that someone would stop and spend theirs watching something I made feels like a gift.

While I loved the spotlight early on, I’ve grown into my role behind the lens, conducting the orchestra of a film production. I’ll admit, I like being in charge. I’m the oldest of three, with two younger brothers, and that older-sister energy runs deep. I’ve naturally taken on a maternal role, shaped by my mom, who is my hero. Watching her lead our family with strength and care made me want to do the same.

I’ve been fortunate to see my work play on a videoboard in front of over 100,000 people, and also on national television while sitting in the living room with my parents. Both moments carry the same weight. Each one fills me with an immense sense of pride and reminds me why I do this.

That admiration is at the root of my two driving passions: family and directing. And while I enjoy leading, the greatest reward comes from building something alongside others. When a team finds its rhythm, the work thrives on set, in post-production, in collaboration with clients, and in my life with my husband and partner. For me, success is always collective.

So while a move to the West Coast isn’t in my future, I’m focused on bringing Hollywood to me. I don’t believe my dreams need to be capped by geography. Why can’t I make a movie and still come home to my family at night? Why can’t I collaborate with some of the most talented people in the film industry right here in my own backyard?

With today’s technology, and access to top-tier gear and talent, there’s no real reason it can’t happen. Maybe I’m simplifying reality, but for now, I’m choosing to dream big, baby. If that dream starts with making a fun short film, I’m ready to build momentum and grow it into something bigger. I want to do ambitious work and bring it all back home.