Creative Team
Kiel Thorlton
Director & Screenwriter
Kiel has gravitated towards film from a very young age. Growing up in poverty in Kentucky he has worked hard to travel across the country and create film. He has earned a Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing from Regent University he has been able to create content and work with amazing people from every walk of life. His short films “12:12”, “Emblem”, and “More Than” have all become award winning short films worldwide, and his latest short film “El Viaje” is currently in its festival run.
A Place Called Home is his feature directorial debut, his heart and passion is in long form narrative and telling a character focused story. Currently he is an Assistant Professor of Film and Television at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Coordinating Producer for ESPN.
Aaron Von Buseck
Director of Photography
Aaron is a cinematic story-teller living in Virginia. His main focus is using every frame to convey story and illicit an emotional reaction from the audience.
Pairing his experience as the Cinema-Television Equipment Office Manager at Regent University and his work as Director-of-Photography on several Award-Winning short films, Aaron has developed a Cinematography style that is naturalistic, cinematic, and efficient. Currently Aaron is a member of IATSE 487 working as a grip and electric from New York to Atlanta and everywhere in-between.
Shelli Witt
Production Designer
Shelli has been a production designer on many productions including gothic revival-themed dramas, sports commercials, and experimental films. As well as produced projects alongside other film makers all over the country.
With work experience as an ESL teacher, office manager, and lighting electrician, Shelli draws from a wide skillset and broad pool of inspiration. She is elated to hone her craft and help create a film that is truly moving. She is currently creating amazing content in Phoenix, Arizona.
Shannah Phillips
Editor
Shannah’s professional career began at New Dominion Pictures, where she operated as the Post Production Supervisor. By her second year, she was named an executive with the company, and helped to double the production output.
Since 2018, she has continued to strengthen her post production muscles as a Senior Editor and Colorist for the international ABC Affiliate, CBN. Currently, she works as a Post Production Supervisor at Tyler Perry Studios, overseeing nearly 100 episodes of television. Her experience speaks to her ability to not only rise to each creative challenge, but also to be an invaluable asset to every team she is on.
A PLACE CALLED HOME 