Meet the team
Josie Axelson (Jenna)
Josie Axelson, age 16, is proud to be a locally-grown, well-rounded performer at this young age. Living here she has enjoyed many amazing opportunities. At a very young age she found herself in front of a camera or two and then onto local community stages. At age 9 she was cast at her first professional theater and was bitten by the performing bug! She quickly became a triple threat as her love for dancing, acting and singing started to develop. Her journey to the screen started like most, getting cast as an extra for a feature film. To date, she has had the privilege of being part of 13 short and feature films including Cloud Cult’s The Seeker which was definitely a highlight thus far. She is very driven, always looking for new opportunities that will her help her develop as a film and stage performer while juggling the typical high school demands. She is a straight A student, member of her high school dance and track teams, major dog lover and a good friend to many.
Al Norby (David)
Al Norby is an experienced Twin Cities talent delivering down-to-earth professionalism. Trained by some of the best local instructors and casting agents, Al brings his professional background in public speaking, teaching and leadership and is a natural on set.
“Working on set is no different than working anywhere else. If the boss wants it done a certain way, then you give the boss what the boss wants. I’m proud of my work and love seeing the clients and shareholders happy with a project.”
When Al is not on set he’s Executive Director of a non-profit called The Legacy Project. For the man who wants to build a life that makes a difference, the organization provides a restful and inspiring place to refuel and return motivated to better serve his family, his co-workers and this world. He’s a Minnesota boy who enjoys the outdoors and playing cribbage with his boys.
Bruce Purcell (Pops)
Bruce Purcell has been an actor/performer since the age of 10 years old. Working in just about every live venue, from community theater, regional theater, improv groups, children’s theater, lounge bands to opening acts for national touring recording artists. Not to mention independent movies, student films and commercials. His knowledge of behind the scenes, has been well instructed as producer, Emmy nominated director, director of photography, editor, props person and theatrical stage manager.
J.D. O'Brien (Director)
Growing up, JD always had a guitar in his hand. After years of playing music, he discovered that film is an even more fulfilling outlet for his creativity than music. Since then, he's never looked back. He's directed films on 3 continents and was nominated for both "best documentary" and "indie vision breakthrough film" at the Twin Cities Film Festival for his feature length debut "Out in the Cold".
JD is continuously fascinated by the world around us, and finds great joy in converting that fascination into stories to share it with others. When he's not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Stephanie and dog Chaco. His happy place is summer nights and baseball games.
Brett Schnacky (Producer)
Brett Schnacky is a Minneapolis based director, editor & designer focused on filmmaking. Throughout his life, Brett has been driven by curiosity. As a filmmaker, he seeks to capture stories and images that create positive change, bring understanding and leave lasting impact.
Professionally he serves as Creative Director of Film for Minneapolis based agency, Shinebox, and over his career has partnered with world-class brands like 3M, Coca-Cola and Nike and Nintendo. His work has earned him multiple awards including two Emmys and a Cannes Lions for his involvement with the 2008 Obama Campaign.
In his off-time, Brett enjoys spending time with his family, home-brewing beer, and finding those hidden corners of the great outdoors.