dir. Michael Perrone

Michael Perrone
Director

Michael Perrone is a recent graduate in New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Prior to Private Lessons, Perrone had directed two short films -- Wallowing Tom and Carbon. Perrone made Private Lessons because of the relationship he has with filmmaking, because as small or short as his films might feel, there’s always the opportunity to make an impact in someone’s life, inspring them to chase their dreams.

Perrone graduated from NYU in May 2023 with his B.A. in Film & Television and has since moved back home to Texas to begin production on his first feature-length film, Child of Woe.

Anastasia Mirabelle
Lead Producer

Anastasia Mirabelle is an American actress and producer originally from Miami, FL, currently residing in NYC while pursuing a BFA at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Anastasia has made appearances on NBC's Law and Order as well has starred in movies featured at notable film festivals across Europe and North America.

As a producer, Anastasia has successfully produced five student films, all of which are currently in post-production. She has shown a remarkable ability to produce sophisticated cinema on a student budget, including an NYU intermediate film involving green screens and set building.

In 2016, Anastasia served as the co-president of the Miami Dade County Chapter of the Pajama Program, a non-profit organization that provides new pajamas and books to children in need.

Anastasia is dedicated to telling stories that can transcend the silver screen. With a keen understanding of marketing and the film industry, combined with her passion for community service, Anastasia strives to use film as a medium to spark discussions and bring communities together.

Roger Garcia, Jr.
Oliver DeWitt

Roger hails from San Antonio, Texas where he first started playing at the age of 12, and by 16 he was already playing professionally throughout the city and the state. He attended the University of North Texas where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from, as well as play lead trumpet in the award winning Two O’clock Lab Band and Latin Jazz Lab Band. In fall of 2019, Roger moved to New York City to further pursue his career in music and started to freelance as soon as he arrived.

Private Lessons is Garcia’s acting debut, delivering the performance of a trumpet player struggling with his profession and losing passion for his art. 

Ethan Wen
Director of Photography

Ethan Wen is a Taiwanese-American Cinematographer currently based in New York City and finishing his Film & Television studies at NYU. He is flexible in working with stories of all genres but has the most experience shooting narrative shorts, commercials and music videos. He especially values films that depict complex family relationships and explores interpersonal connections.

Born in LA but raised in China, Ethan’s experiences have fostered a multi-cultured visual language and style that he is confident will enrich Michael’’s story and help take it to the big screen in Private Lessons.

Aidan Massie
Producer

Aidan Massie is a graphic designer that also has a passion for making and producing films. Aidan was introduced to producing when his college friend asked him to produce their intermediate-level short film, Wallowing Tom. After a successful run, Aidan went on to produce Private Lessons for his friend Michael.

Aidan graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Interactive Media Arts, and has since moved to Las Vegas to join the reigning Back-to-Back WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces as a Graphic Designer.