About Us
The spark for the film ignited when writer/producer/actor Kathryn Ross floated the idea to producer/actor Kelly Hooper. Restless from watching films instead of making them, Ross wanted to dive into something bold and unpredictable and knew Hooper would be up for the creative challenge. Hooper meanwhile, imagined a scrappy shoot on her iPhone—until Jonny Diaz, director, arrived, Panavision camera package in hand. Diaz was brought on to help create the look and feel of the film.
The Mail Gaze was filmed in Hooper’s Los Angeles apartment in two days from a twelve page script. Filming that much material in such a short time is challenging, which is why Diaz brought on the incredible cinematographer Richard Tamayo. With a crew of 14 and a cast of 5 all in one location, it was a tight squeeze. Luckily everyone got along and brought their best attitude.
Post-production proved to be trickier with Diaz leaving for a six-month project in Australia immediately following filming. Luckily an amazing team, including editor Nick Lanata, was assembled and post-production unfolded smoothly using zoom and online communication.
This film was only made possible due to the creatives who poured their heart and soul into the project. We are beyond grateful for the people who were a part of it and made two girl’s dreams a reality.
The Story
When Gemma and Lainie, two best friends and roommates, can’t agree upon whose turn it is to do the dishes, they make a bet: whoever can get a date with their apartment’s delivery man wins, and the loser does the dishes.
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Our Director
Jonny Diaz
Jonny Diaz is a filmmaker based out of Los Angeles, Ca and originally from Miami, Florida. He graduated with a degree in film & video from Columbia College Chicago. Since then, he's made several award winning short films and music videos. He’s just completed his 2nd feature screenplay All We Got with co-writer Phil Costa. The new film is a mix between Uncut Gems and Dumb & Dumber.
Meet the Cast
Kathryn Ross - Gemma
Writer, Actor, Producer
Kathryn Ross, writer, Meisner-trained actress, and first-time producer, is a native Austinite now living in LA. She has been acting professionally since she secured her first talent agent at age 12, and recently updated her technical background through her Meisner training at The Ruskin School of Acting. She discovered her love for writing while honing her copywriting skills at UT Austin, where she earned her B.S. in Advertising via the Texas Creative program. Despite her background as an Ad Creative, The Mail Gaze is Kathryn’s first narrative work. Now, she’s addicted. She has several works-in-progress, and she hopes to continue to develop as a screenwriter as she keeps on writing.
Kelly Hooper - Lainie
Actor, Producer
Kelly Hooper is an actor and singer based out of Los Angeles and New York. Growing up in New York she attended Marymount Manhattan College where she received a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has performed in countless musicals and recently filmed the feature Bad News on the Doorstep with Verdi Productions (post-production) as well as a motion-capture film, The Massacre at Oak Hill. Next, she can be seen in a commercial for the Visa Southwest Airlines Credit Card airing this football season for Super Bowl 60.
Ryan Kearton - Derek (Hot UPS Guy)
Ryan Kearton is an actor, writer, and musician devoted to storytelling and comedy. His job is simple: serve the stories that need to be told right now, and spread as much laughter and joy as possible along the way.
Beatrice Hooper - Bea the Cat
Beatrice (Bea to her close family and friends) is thrilled to be starring in her first short film. Daughter of Kelly, she was destined to give show business a try. She was recently featured in a series of videos for pet company, Petlibro. Those who have worked with her have said she is a joy to have on set and has the most beautiful eyes they have ever seen. She is actively seeking representation and hopes to beat the nepo baby allegations.
Jaylen Eichler - Dale
Jaylen Eichler is a former professional baseball player with the Philadelphia Phillies and a tight end at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After an accomplished athletic career, he transitioned into the entertainment industry acting full-time, bringing the same discipline and passion that defined his sports journey.