CommercialDocumentaryNarrativeInfo

Chasing Shadows



Determined to prove himself, Miles Miller slips between reality and a noir dreamscape, 
chasing a mystery that reveals a truth he’s not ready to face.





Writer / Director / DP / Editor




     

     


   This film was inspired by a pestering thought I have too frequently: once I have _______, then life will be perfect. But _______ comes and goes, and my life never seems to change. Why? As often as I may think it, happiness doesn’t stem from material goods or external validation. I wanted to create a film that explored this never-ending chase for greener grass.

    To expand on this topic, I chose to represent the chase through Western work culture, bringing in themes of achievement, addiction, and obedience. Additionally, I wanted to explore the 1950s film noir aesthetic to vocalize the hardboiled, toxic attitude that comes with our work culture. It's easy to think that hard work is the only thing stopping you from being happy, but is it really that simple? I hope my thesis film, Chasing Shadows, encourages viewers to reflect on their sources of happiness and motivations for working.
 
    The film is currently screening at festivals and is not available for public release.




Senior Thesis Capstone Project
The Ohio State University
Narrative Noir Drama (10:33)

Starring:  
Jonah Clark

Produced by:  
Jack Knellinger
Margo Smith
Scarlett Pommering

Original Music by:  
Pete Mills

Shot with Sony FX3
Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro
Colored with DaVinci Resolve Studio

Film completed April, 2025




    


Chasing Shadows: Behind the Scenes



Behind the scenes video and photography by Jack Knellinger.
Additional photography by Lindy Tran.












WRITTEN, DIRECTED,
SHOT, & EDITED BY

PRODUCED BY


CREATVELY PRODUCED BY

STARRING

ORIGINAL MUSIC BY

CREW
First Assistant Director
Second Assistant Director

Miles Miller
Office Boss
Miles Double 1
Miles Double 2

1st Assistant Camera
2nd Assistant Camera

Still Photographers



Gaffer/Grips








Production Assistants



Music Recordist & Sound Mixer

Equipment Provided by


This film was made possible by a financial contribution from

SPECIAL THANKS
Story Development & Creative Guidance












Filming Location & Access







Grounds Maintenance Crew



Equipment Assistance & Rentals



Prop & Set Contributions


Clay Kessler

Margo Smith 
Jack Knellinger

Scarlett Pommering

Jonah Clark

Pete Mills


Margo Smith
Jack Knellinger

Jonah Clark
Scarlett Pommering
Jack Knellinger
Wyatt Downey

Ahmed Ali
Javier Cruz-Ginez

Jack Knellinger
Logan St. Hilaire
Lindy Tran

Ahmed Ali
Enrique Cabotage
Wyatt Downey
Jack Knellinger
Mason Sochor
Dominic Spradlin
Trey Worthen 
Tobias Zuniga-Shaw

Lindy Tran
Logan St. Hilaire
Nick Marrone

Adam Rich

OHD Studios
The Ohio State University 

The Ohio State University’s Arts Undergraduate Research Scholarship


David Burkman
Devin Chen
Max Groh
Claire Jesionowski
Michael Kaplan
Janet Parrott
Dillon Pommering
Sam Proper
Vince Restivo
Scott Spears
Vera Brunner-Sung
2025 MIP Senior Thesis Class

Heather & Sean Downey
Max Groh
Sargent Christopher Hogan
Adam Knight
OHD Studios
The City of Columbus
The Ohio State University

Nate Harper 
Lauren Pierce
Scarlett Pommering

Rich Davis
Alex Nowak
Nate Harper

Bryce Kessler
Kate McNerney
Laura Pierce
Ralph Pommering
Elle Terrell
                                                                           
COPYRIGHT © 2025 Clay Kessler Films LLC
The characters and events depicted in this motion picture are fictitous.  Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.