Mar 11 2025 117 mins
In today's episode I am joined with writer director extraordinaire Cassidy Tee and the producer powerhouse that is Kristina A Mercado. We discuss Cassidy Tee's upcoming short, First Chair, and an array of other film related topics.
Cassidy Tee is a filmmaker and screenwriter born and raised in the Metro Detroit area. She graduated from film school in 2019, then relocated to Chicago to further expand her creative horizons and continue honing her craft.
Her work has garnered significant recognition, including being an official selection winner at the HORROR Underground Film & Screenplay Festival for her short film Wit's End. In addition to this achievement, she has been nominated twice at other festivals for her writing and directorial work.
As a director, Cassidy's focus is on crafting compelling narratives, with an interest in the thriller genre film space. Her approach blends a love for character-driven storytelling with an appreciation for suspense and atmosphere. Cassidy continues to explore new creative avenues while building her career in film.
Kristina A. Mercado, a Chicago-born filmmaker and educator, is making waves in the independent film industry. Raised on the South Side, she's found inspiration for her creative pursuits. A graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, Kristina has a knack for storytelling and a passion for empowering women in film.
She founded Tied on Topic in 2022, a platform for diverse creative expression. When not behind the camera, Kristina is sharing her love of writing and theater as a teaching artist and playing soccer on a women's league. Her collaboration with director Cassidy Tee has ignited a powerful partnership, fueling their shared vision for innovative filmmaking.
Please support First Chair by following this link: https://crowdfundr.com/firstchair