Meet the LUMIN8 Team
We have a very exclusive group of creative team players. Our primary goal is to offer everything required to help bring your stories to life. We can help develop your project from concept to script. Everyone has experience in multiple fields, making the creative process even more unique with each new project we take on. Nearly everyone in our camera dept. were selected due to their knowledge and ability to operatore in any position, several of us also have strong Directing backgrounds as well, making it simple to tailor the crew required for each project we take on. Since this team works together on so many film projects, we are very in sync with communication, which helps our sets move quickly and efficiently. We have Directors, DP’s, Assistants for all depts., PA’s, Producers, Writers, Gafers, and all positions of the Sound Dept. Feel free to take a look below and meet our team.
Joseph Davis Castleberry
Director – DP – Writer – Audio Engineer – Composer – Editor
Joseph Davis Castleberry is a Director, Photographer, DP, and Audio Engineer. He owns and operates Lumin8Productions, a Production House in the Wicker Park area of Chicago. He is creatively technical, and aggressively observant. He spends a majority of his time studying psychology, running camera and screen tests, or thinking up interesting story plots and twists. One of his favorite things to observe is people, he is obsessed with human thought, feelings, and reactions. Writing stories, musical scores, and creative treatments are some of his deepest passions. His biggest motivation stems from his personal history, a much deeper rabbit hole that lends to his mind constantly shifting into overdrive. His ability to produce a product with little resources, and using a unique approach to Directing, he pushes his own boundaries constantly – this is the deep thinking mechanism that he uses to create entertainment, and audience engagement.
Joseph’s current creative focus leans towards Psychological Thrillers, Action Thrillers, Drama, and Horror Thrillers. Joseph pulls inspiration from Directors like Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Guy Ritchie, Luc Besson, Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, F. Gary Gray, and Oliver Stone to name a few. Some of Joseph’s favorite films include, Great Expectations, Snatch, Amelie, The Prestige, The Bourne Series, Ocean’s 11, The Professional, Drunken Master, and The Lost Boys. Some of his favorite shows include Banshee, Peaky Blinders, Homeland, Westworld, PEN15, and Ray Donovan.
Peter Nyiri
1st AC – Camera Operator – 2nd AC – D.I.T
Originally from Hungary, Peter started his career as a Camera trainee while studying Cinematography in New York. Possessing detailed knowledge of various camera formats with experience in Dramas, Features, and Commercials. Peter is currently focused on solidifying his skills as a 1st AC/Focus Puller, reinforcing his dedication to excelling in the camera department.
Some films that have really inspired Peter are The Killer, Gran Turismo, and No one will save you. Other inspirations include Nikolaus Summerer, cinematographer for the amazing shows 1899, and Dark.
Atticus Kjarr
Director – DP – 1st AC – Producer
With a career rooted in collaboration and a passion for pushing artistic boundaries, Atticus Parker Kjarr is a multifaceted filmmaker whose career began in New York with Comedy Central and has since integrated him into the vibrant Chicago Film scene.
With a diverse skill set encompassing roles such as Director, 1st Assistant Camera, and Writer, Kjarr demonstrates a deep commitment to the craft of filmmaking both behind and in front of the lens.
Drawing inspiration from a wide range of filmmakers including Steven Spielberg, Sam Raimi, Buster Keaton, and Sidney Lumet and films such as Synecdoche, New York, The Kindergarten Teacher, Magical Girl, and All That Jazz, Kjarr’s cinematic influences span genres, styles, and many creative fields reflecting his eclectic taste.
Whether he’s capturing the energy of a live performance, or crafting immersive worlds for narrative fiction, from music videos, and television series to shorts, Kjarr’s portfolio showcases his versatility and dedication to the medium.
The only tv show I like is Vernon Chatman’s The Shivering Truth.
David Camargo
Camera Operator – DP – 1st AC – 2nd AC
David is a chicago based cinematographer whom started working as a broadcaster in WKYU PBS, where his everyday consisted of live sporting events, documentary and live on tape shows; he was part of the team that created emmy winning show Lost River Sessions, where often he worked as a camera operator and part of the lighting team.
Although he pursued a career in marketing which includes and MBA at Fau, his passion has always been in storytelling a narrative work. That passion moved him from south Florida to Chicago.
Since his arrival to the windy city he has been working in various commercial sets, documentaries and narratives.
David uses filmmaking as a voice of expression, telling stories that will be remembered. He loves seeing how far we can explore our minds to create something new. David draws inspiration from such Directors as Guy Ritchie, Vince Gilligan, and Rian Johnson. Some of his favorite shows and films include, Knives Out, RockNRolla, Lord of the Rings, One Piece, and Breaking Bad.
Charles Borg
Writer – Producer
Charles Borg is an award-winning writer/producer with an MFA in Screenwriting from Chapman University. His produced works include the feature films, Three Worlds (AppleTV, Amazon), MAN (Tubi – winner of the CICFF’s “Golden Fox Award”), as well as Young Ali (Winner: Best Feature at Berlin Indie Film Fest and Art Film Spirit Awards, Toronto) and Caiman (post production). He runs “Smash To: Script Consulting” and has worked with creatives from likes of Pixar, Disney, Bad Robot, Nasdaq Studios, and Circle of Confusion. Charles crafts feature film treatments, Bibles, and pitch packages, as well as ghostwrites feature scripts and pilots. He’s written v.o. for the Emmy-winning, Never Settle Show and the boxing docuseries, Knockout (Hulu), which he co-produced two seasons for FUSE and NUVOtv. Charles has worked as a professional script analyst for Stage 32 and The Writer’s Store, and he currently works as a development consultant and producer for Creative Cypher’s XLerator program – a 501c3 dedicated to assisting young filmmakers with the development, production and distribution of their film and television projects. Charles is also an educator, serving as Adjunct Faculty at Columbia College Chicago. Additionally, he’s taught at a variety of Chicago institutions including DePaul University, Roosevelt University, and Chicago Filmmakers.
Clay Kerr
Director – Assistant Director – DP – Producer
Clay’s journey in film production took shape amidst the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, where he had the privilege of working on the sets of hit shows like “Modern Family” and “It’s Always Sunny.” What set Clay apart in the hustle and bustle of the industry was his exceptional adaptability.
Then, the world was hit by a pandemic, and uncertainty loomed large. It was during this tumultuous time that the concept of “Adaptability” struck a profound chord with Clay.
Driven by a deep appreciation for individuality, creativity, and the unique talents within each of us, Clay made a significant decision. He bid farewell to Hollywood and returned to his roots in Chicago.
Clay’s mission is clear: to work closely with others to create video content that does more than just showcase their gifts and stories. He loves to craft content that resonates with the world while adapting to the distinctive personality traits, goals, and visions of his clients.
Some of Clay’s inspirations include Directors like Quentin Tarantino, Stanley Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and David Lynch. Some of his favorite films include Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and 2001 A Space Odyssey.
Emmett Wickersham
Boom Operator – Sound Mixer – Violence Designer – Fight Director
Emmett is a transplant from Syracuse, New York who has set down roots in Chicago’s film and theater scene in a pursuit to create art based in the kinetic synergy between the two. After taking a two year hiatus from creative ventures during the pandemic he has reemerged with a new found passion understanding that tomorrow is a privilege we work towards today. He now seeks to create art that resonates with people looking to be nourished through all the senses at their disposal.
His journey started with the completion of a B.F.A in musical theater at SUNY Fredonia. There he found his love for Stage combat and Stunt coordination. He holds multiple certifications with the Society of American Fight Directors. Post pandemic he relocated to Chicago where he has nurtured his skills in sound mixing and capturing. Through the combining of these two disciplines he has also fostered a talent in foley artistry.
Creators that have inspired him are Martin McDonagh, Lucy Kirkwood, Eichiro Oda, and Chad Stahelski. The Stories that have affected his creative journey the most are One Piece, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, John Wick, and Rapture.
We also have a dedicated team of Artist and Actors
In addition to our crew, we have also maintained an amazing relationship with several talented artist and actors. These unique people have the ability to take projects to new a level. After you secure a working relationship with LUMIN8 Productions, we will be happy to introduce you to The Artist Team as well.