Director & Producer: Andrew Freer

Andrew loves working on documentaries, a good thing since he has been working on one for the past 3 years. When not seeking truth/meaning through documentary filmmaking he is often seen operating a camera, finessing a jib arm, or eating at a craft service table on set. Before Andrew worked on films he lived in Indonesia for a number of years where he developed an uncanny taste for sambal and soto ayam. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife Sara, whose competence intimidates Andrew. He does not like the cold.

Director: Samuel Díaz-Littauer

Samuel lives to find a good story. He has moved across his beloved Americas more than 18 times to date, and relishes the innumerable lot of narratives that he has encountered along the way. Samuel acquired his BA in philosophy and spent much of his university career nitpicking continental philosophy, aesthetics, and neuropsychology. For him, documentary film is a way of being rooted — a being-there when one cannot be — if only for a little time. He calls Bogotá, Colombia home, but finds happiness wherever he finds people who dance, eat well, sip café slowly, and free-associate together. He lives in Princeton, NJ, with wife and theological heavyweight Carrie.

Associate Producer: Claire Harrier

Claire enjoys the challenge of crafting together an engaging story that amuses and hopefully enlightens the viewer. Because she grew up in various cities and towns throughout the US (military brat), she developed a curiosity about how environment shapes people. Claire received her BA in Communication specializing in theater and film studies. She continues to work on documentaries and studying acting in Chicago, IL. At the end of the day, she comes home to her bipolar cat Toby.

Associate Producer: Lars Hayne

Lars developed an interest in filmmaking from an early age, goofing around with friends on camera and generally making a fool of himself. Portland-bred and Minneapolis-raised, Lars proudly embodies the independent and quirky natures of his home cities. He spends most of his time noodling around on his keyboard, reading vapid internet punditry, and exploring the universe within and without.

Music: Jason Cress

A classically trained composer with a masters degree from Kansas University, Jason has had his music played by performers and orchestras worldwide. While working on New Spirits, Jason often resembled an expert ping-pong player as he spent many rounds bouncing ideas back and forth with the filmmakers. This, he hopes, has produced a masterful piece of music. He often feels like a hobbit as he lives and composes his music in a garden apartment. www.jasoncress.com

Graphic Design: Kyle Fletcher

Kyle Fletcher is a creative thriving in the lovely midwest. He seeks conceptual and aesthetic adventure in digital, print, art, film, and tennis. Kyle feels a creative connection to technology, robots, automated processes, art, hunting, and good meals with at least 20% cheese-based content priced under $20. He currently works as lead designer at The Material Group. www.kylefletcher.com

A special thanks to Lawrence Lew, OP of the BlackFriars
for use of his Stained Glass Photo