The Gift He Gave Me Crew

Meet The Crew!

Writer/Director/Production Designer/Associate Producer

Rachel Fogarty

Rachel Fogarty is 21 years old and originally from the Chicagoland area. She wrote TGHGM as a short story in early 2020 while attending high school. Five years later, now a college senior, Rachel has adapted her original story into a short thriller film.

The Gift He Gave Me is more than just a project for Rachel; it is an opportunity to merge her passion for crime and psychological thriller films while addressing important issues, such as safety in close professional and personal relationships, along with spreading Sexual Assault Awareness.

Rachel’s goal is to use film to cultivate an environment that empowers women and young people to talk about important issues such as SA, just as film has empowered her to confront the subject.

She is extremely excited to be collaborating with her friends, Sydney and Shelby, on another independent short film, and is extremely grateful for her amazing cast/crew!

Co-Producer/First Assistant Director

Shelby Brown

Shelby is 20 years old and originally from New Hampshire. She decided to follow her passion for creating and telling stories through film and television and took a big leap to move out to California at age 18. She is a current SDSU student graduating this Summer with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Television, Film, and New Media Production. She recently had the amazing opportunity to go abroad last semester studying film at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland. She’s learned so much and has been able to hone in on her craft from the time abroad and while being in San Diego. This Spring semester Shelby has taken on many projects and has either been producing or assistant directing on four short films. Shelby is thrilled to be a part of The Gift He Gave Me team and help this story come to life!

Co-Producer/Second Assistant Director

Sydney Simmons

Sydney is is 20 years old. Her passions in film are producing and writing. She also enjoy photography. one of the main things she enjoys most about film is how she is able to help people tell their stories and work in such a creative environment where people are able to express themselves. Last semester, she the opportunity to go study abroad in England at the University of Leicester. She had the opportunity to learn more about global cinema and creative writing. She’s very grateful to have this opportunity to work alongside her friends, both producing and assistant directing this production. She’s so excited to see this vision brought to life. We had such a fun time filming and can’t wait for everyone to see the final product.

Director of Photography

Clare Vincent

Clare is 21 years old from Orange County California and is thrilled to have the opportunity to help bring The Gift He Gave Me to Life to life. She enjoys being behind the camera whether as DP or assistant camera. She is currently pursuing a degree in Television, Film and Media Production at SDSU.

Editor

Melissa Herzberg

Melissa is a 22 year old student from Kansas City. She currently working as a video production assistant for the St. Louis Blues and had the privilege to fly to San Diego to help out with The Gift He Gave Me film. Her biggest passion is storytelling and making an impact and she is beyond excited to see that happen with this film.