The Crew
Ava Farrar / Writer & Director
Ava Farrar is writer and filmmaker born and based in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated in 2024 from Washington University with a Bachelor's in Film & Media Studies with a production concentration. She also studied abroad in 2022 at The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) in Prague where she wrote and directed a film shot on 16mm film. In 2024, Ava had 3 films featured in the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, with her film Thicker Than Blood winning “Best Student Film” and going on to be featured in the 2024 St. Louis International Film Festival. She joined Mercury Films as a Junior Editor and Production Coordinator, giving her opportunities to hone her filmmaking talents in all stages of production. Ava is thrilled to have the chance to create Sweet Young Thing alongside a team of talented filmmakers and can’t wait to bring the heartfelt story to life.
Hélène Lawing / Producer
Hélène Lawing is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BFA in Film in 2022. She has spent the past several years honing her craft in both documentary and narrative filmmaking. She has produced two compelling documentaries, showcasing her ability to capture real-life stories with depth and authenticity. Hélène was also a producer on the Mercury Films’ feature-length indie film Greg’s Going to Rehab . For the past three years, she has kept Mercury Films' productions running smoothly with her sharp organization and dedication to quality storytelling.
Chris Lawing / Director of Photography
Chris is an award-winning filmmaker with over 25 years of directing and editing experience in film, video and broadcast content. Prior to starting his production company, Mercury Films, Chris worked as a feature film editor and assistant editor including Pixar's Monsters Inc. and Showtime's The Settlement. Chris has directed and produced hundreds of commercials, television episodes, documentaries, short films and two feature length films he wrote himself—Penitentia and Greg’s Going to Rehab. He has earned numerous recognitions for his work as well as screenings, distributions and awards at dozens of film festivals.