From the mind behind the movie to the folks behind the camera, every member of the Then There Was You crew has helped craft our film into the incredible movie it is today. Here, you'll find brief biographies for each crew member.
Adewale Bajere
Director/Writer/Producer CEO of Isolated Productions, LLC.
Adewale Bajere was born in Baton Rouge, LA, to Nigerian parents. From an early age, he developed a strong interest in entertainment and soon discovered his gift for bringing his written stories to life. He further honed that gift at the top ranking Florida State University's College of Motion Picture Arts where he earned his MFA in Film Production, specializing in directing.
Then There Was You, Adewale's directorial feature film debut, premiered as "Opening Day Film" at the 2017 San Diego Black Film Festival. Since its premier, the film has earned Adewale five awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Score.
Shanti Nelson
Writer/Producer
Being an introverted child, Shanti Nelson found her voice through performing which began at the tender age of 6. While she received numerous awards for dancing, singing, and reciting poetry, it was her ability to create extremely vivid imageries through her writing that left many in awe.
Shanti Nelson is a FAMU alumna born in Miami, FL. She officially began her writing career as a journalist, but journalism only made her long to create stories for the silver screen. She realized that dream with Then There Was You — her very first film project.
Nancy Beauplan
Producer
Nancy Beauplan is a filmmaker in addition to being a designer, performer, and entrepreneur. She is the founder and creative force behind The Rosy Mickey Jewelry Collection.
Nancy Beauplan also founded "Do the Damn Thang Takeover" — an online community designed to inspire women to kick fear in the face and be their best selves inside and out. Her skills and passion led to her joining the team as producer and unit production manager of the feature film, Then There Was You.
Akil DuPont
Producer/Production Designer
Throughout the course of his career as a storyteller in theatre and film, Akil DuPont has earned 25 awards in 36 film festivals including 2 Student Emmys. His films have played in over 60 countries and his short film, Underground — a slave story told through song, was invited by the US Department of the Interior for a special screening at US President Abraham Lincoln's Home Museum.
Akil was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Florida A&M University and an MFA in Film Production from Florida State University's College of Motion Picture Arts. He is currently the Interim Director of the Film & Digital Media Center at Clayton State University, and teaches film production for the Georgia Film Academy.
Stephen Griffin
Cinematographer/Gaffer
With an MFA in Film Production from Florida State University, Stephen Griffin honed his craft for using innovative techniques to create stylized photography. Then There Was You is Stephen Griffin's cinematography debut. Stephen Griffin is also a producer, director, and editor.
Harmony Rutland English
Production Designer/Costume Designer
Born and raised in Orlando, FL, Harmony Rutland-English represents the product of a musically inclined father and an artistic and fashionable mother. The merger of these two creative forces now defines this new designer's aesthetic philosophy, which is to compose beautiful garments.
She received a Bachelor's Degree in Clothing, Textiles and Merchandising. She created the label, A Beautiful Piece by Harmony" Women's Apparel Line Inspired by the Beauty of Africa, designed and sewn by Harmony. A design from her Summer collection was featured in 'Today's Black Woman Magazine' worn by actress Demetria McKinney of Tyler Perry's House of Payne.
Steven Gray
Camera Operator/Assistant Camera/Gaffer
A Pensacola, FL, native, Steven Gray attended the University of West Florida for his undergraduate degree in Film and Telecommunications, graduating Cum Laude in 2012. Building from a background as a freelance photographer, his professional credits as camera operator, cinematographer and director range from music videos and commercials to short films and international documentaries.
