Creator, Writer | Shayla the Artist
Shayla the Artist is a singer, songwriter, and creative director. Born and raised in San Jose, CA, Shayla found creative inspiration through her journal writings and attentively listening to 90's R&B. She spent hours in local music studios, watching and listening to local musicians, until she mustered up the courage to get into the vocal booth. After moving to Los Angeles, Shayla began to pursue a career in entertainment, while completing her Bachelors in Marketing. She landed modeling jobs before diving deeper into the music world.
Shayla released her first EP, titled Sensitivity to Light, which is now the name of her production company. Shayla released her second album, titled Night Ride Home, with the intention of creating a visual that reveals feelings of nostalgia, tenderness, and love. More than just a visual, Night Ride Home the film, is charming, relatable, and musically well-tuned.
Director | Sylvanus Leone
Sylvanus Leone is a director, photographer, and oil painter. He was born in Sierra Leone, West Africa and moved to Los Angeles at nine years old. As a child, Sylvanus developed a love for capturing moments which translated into learning the fundamentals of photography.
Sylvanus' skills, unique eye, passion, and infectious personality has contributed to his success in creating compelling visuals . Night Ride Home is Sylvanus debut short filmHe has captured notable events for Culture of Democracy, Netflix, and The Grio.
Director's Statement
My experience in working on this film will be a time that I will cherish forever. From the very moment that I was presented the idea of "Night Ride Home," I was immediately drawn to the story and characters. It was important for me to direct in a way that the audience can fully immerse themselves into the film and music.
It has been truly an honor to work alongside amazingly talented Black women who are at the foundation of this film.
Starring Loriah Ufondu
Loriah is a multi-hyphenate artist and entrepreneur born and bred in the Inland Empire of California.
Loriah began studying acting and performing arts in high school and by her Senior year, she was cast in her first lead role as Ursula in the Senior play, Sweet Charity.
Loriah went on to study Business Marketing in college as she understood the importance of developing a business and marketing acumen. After nearly a decade of studying both film production and business marketing Loriah's passion for entertainment has since collided. She now runs an agency where both worlds of business and entertainment meet to develop and hone the images of other artists and entertainers.
Loriah desires to continue to create meaningful work and raise a standard in media and entertainment.
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