[ ABOUT ]
We met in 8th grade, and have worked side-by-side for over a decade. We've made two feature films, a dozen shorts, plus lots of promotional content. We write, shoot, edit, craft motion graphics, VFX, and interactive experiences.
Adam DeSantes is a Brooklyn-based producer and editor. He has been creating films since he was eleven years old and collaborating with best friend and creative partner Jo Shaffer on projects since he was fifteen. While studying film and psychology at Wesleyan University, DeSantes produced his first feature film, Calliope, a micro-budget sci-fi thriller that premiered at Chicago’s Juggernaut Film Festival. He began developing Hell Is Empty with Shaffer during his senior year and shot the film immediately after graduating. In addition to his work in film, DeSantes designs interactive experiences for computers and VR.
Jo Shaffer studied film at New York University’s Tisch School for the Performing Arts. Their music videos have appeared in the New York Times, Stereogum, Paste, and other online publications. Their feature film Calliope was selected for the Juggernaut Film Festival, Chicago’s science fiction and fantasy film festival. Shaffer’s short film “The Searcher” won the top prize in the Wisconsin Film Festival’s adult category, making them the youngest such prize winner in the festival’s history. Their short films have also screened at the L.A. Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, and Sarasota Film Festival. Shaffer is a member of the band The Ophelias, which has been praised by the New York Times and appeared on the soundtrack of the Netflix series Never Have I Ever.