WORK, UNCERTAINTY, AND THE LIVES BEHIND THE SCREEN.
LOS ANGELES · 2024–ONGOING
Between Calls
Between Calls explores working lives in film, television, and animation in Los Angeles. Portraits and conversations examine production crunch, gaps between contracts, and the decisions that come with an uncertain livelihood.
My own work in animation informs the questions I bring: how people sustain a craft, support a household, and decide what comes next when the calls stop. The project began as Stories of Resilience; all six original interviews remain here.
Color Supervisor / Fine Art Artist
After 17 years as a color supervisor in animated television and years of advocacy for pay equity, Teri Hendrich Cusumano lost her industry work and union role within months. In her Glendale garage studio, she reflects on that transition and a new working life as a painter.
Actor
From a wrongful accusation to Hollywood, Dario's journey reveals how systemic injustice shaped his understanding of resilience in an industry facing its own reckoning.
A three-generation family perspective on Hollywood’s transformation, seen through personal history and changing industry realities.
Artist
Emmy-winning CG artist Paula Goldstein reflects on changes in animation and the search for new creative directions as the industry shifts.
CG Artist
Meridian Culpepper reflects on disillusionment and reconsidering a creative path in a conversation conducted over Zoom.
Animator / Storyboard Artist
Writer / Story Artist
Doran Hickey reflects on his path from Atlanta to Los Angeles, finding a place in the industry, and maintaining an independent creative voice.
Why It Matters
Production schedules and employment figures describe only part of life in the screen industries. These conversations look at what those changes mean for the people doing the work: the craft they have built, the uncertainty they face, and the choices that follow.
The six interviews gathered here form the starting point for Between Calls. Published on Fonzieland, they preserve individual experiences across animation, story, production, and performance. Future reporting will return to participants and follow their working lives over time.
Share Your Story
Share
Fill out the form with some background about yourself and what you’re navigating.
Talk
We’ll talk about your working life, recent changes, and the experiences you want to share.
Portrait
In the same session, we’ll make portraits, either in a studio or a location meaningful to you.
Profile
Your words and images become a profile published on this site, with your review and approval before anything goes public.
If your situation requires anonymity, we’ll discuss how to tell your story while protecting your identity.
FAQ
Who can participate in this project?
The next chapter focuses on people working in film, television, and animation in the Los Angeles area, including those facing demanding production schedules, layoffs, or gaps between contracts. Earlier interviews remain part of the project. If your experience connects with these questions, I would welcome hearing from you.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. This is a self-funded documentary project. There is no cost to participate.
How will my story and photos be used?
Your profile, including your story and portraits, will be published on this website and my Substack newsletter. You'll review and approve everything before publication. If your situation requires anonymity, we'll discuss how to protect your identity while still telling your story.
Where will the photo sessions take place?
Sessions can take place at a studio, your home, or a location meaningful to you. We'll discuss what makes sense for your story and circumstances.
How long will the session take?
About two hours, allowing time for both conversation and portraits.
What if I’m not comfortable sharing certain parts of my story?
You share only what you're comfortable with. The goal is to represent your experience honestly and respectfully.
What happens if I decide to withdraw my story?
You have full control over your participation. If you decide not to move forward at any stage, your story will be withdrawn, no questions asked.
Do I Receive The Images?
Yes. You'll have access to a secure online gallery to download the same high-resolution images published with your profile. For personal use only.