5 Creatives Behind the Coffee
Actors, filmmakers, and directors are walking among us
Words by Gabby Frasier
They serve you breakfast tacos, they pull your espresso shots, and they plate your pastries every morning. But do you know about their other job?
Austin is full of filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters, and many up-and-comers find that the consistency of a service industry job can help fuel their film ventures. Though there are many, five were chosen to be highlighted as extraordinary community members that you likely interact with often. Next time you’re in Tacodeli, Buzz Mill, or Caffé Medici, feel free to chat them up about more than just your coffee order.
Parker Smith — Documentarian
Tacodeli {Gracy Farms}
Parker has always had an interest in documentary film, and, after a personal tragedy shook his world, he was compelled to create one. Parker’s first feature-length documentary, Ramblin’ Freak, debuted at SXSW 2017 and is about grief, bodybuilders, and his own cat. A brief academic stint in film helped solidify Parker’s film and editing chops, but for the most part, Parker is self-taught and “making things up as [he] goes.” In addition to also creating music videos for local artists, Parker has worked at Tacodeli for nearly five years. He finds that the stability that comes from slinging tacos on a regular basis gives him space to continue exploring future film concepts.
Brad Silman — Director, Producer
Hannah Shaper — Asst. Director, Producer
Caffé Medici {West Lynn}
Before Brad and Hannah joined forces as a film direction and production duo, they became friends in an acting class. Since then, they have created their own production company, Water Meets Sky Films, and have submitted Am I Out There? for consideration in SXSW’s 2019 Film Festival. Their 16-minute-long short film combines Brad’s lifelong love for science fiction with heavy themes that question and reinforce the human condition.
Brad and Hannah are both baristas in Caffé Medici’s Clarksville location and take great joy from working together, both on the film set and behind the coffee bar.
Justin Arnold — Actor
Buzz Mill
While Justin Arnold is a relatively new transplant to the city of Austin, he’s been working in Austin’s film industry for years. Justin has been involved in a number of local projects and recently has lended his talents to Sister Aimee, a film premiering at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. When Justin is passionate about a role, he devotes himself to the project: a trait likely learned from his time spent as a Marine in the Marine Corps and also a huge reason why he enjoys working as a barista for Buzz Mill. The coffee shop and bar’s flexible scheduling and supportive staff help Justin focus on finding acting roles that are challenging and engaging.
Jordan Hunt — Actor
Tacodeli {Crestview}
During the day, Jordan serves up breakfast tacos, and in the afternoons and evenings, he’s a creative tour de force who writes for, acts in, and helps produce videos for Playtime Comedy, a Youtube comedy channel. Playtime Comedy’s short online videos consist of playfully irreverent humor, smart writing, and not-so-subtle surrealist horror and drama. Jordan creates Playtime Comedy’s videos with the help of his two partners in crime, Sean Robb and Erik Gatling. The trio has roots in live comedy, but ditched the stand-up life for the increased autonomy and higher production values that come with creating short online videos. Jordan loves his job at Tacodeli and is especially grateful for their early opening hours that leave him the remainder of the day to create.
Contact:
Parker Smith: parker.smith108@gmail.com | Parker Smith – IMDb
Brad Silman: sadleybrilman@gmail.com | Am I Out There? on Facebook
Hannah Shaper: hannah.shaper@gmail.com | Am I Out There? on Facebook
Justin Arnold: filmjustinarnold@gmail.com | Justin Arnold – IMDb
Jordan Hunt: jordanofthehunts@gmail.com | Playtime Comedy on YouTube
