Director | Director of Photography

Chris Lawing is an award-winning filmmaker with over 25 years of experience in directing and editing for film, television, and broadcast content. Before founding his production company, Mercury Films, Chris honed his craft as a feature film editor and assistant editor, working on projects such as Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. and Showtime’s The Settlement.

As a director and producer, Chris has created hundreds of commercials, television episodes, documentaries, and short films. He has also written and directed two feature films—Penitentia and Greg’s Going to Rehab—both of which showcase his bold storytelling and cinematic vision.

His work has been recognized with numerous awards and has been screened and distributed at film festivals all over the country, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with both artistic integrity and commercial appeal.

Producer

Hélène Lawing is a dedicated filmmaker and producer with a BFA in Film from the University of Central Florida, graduating in 2022. With a strong background in both documentary and narrative filmmaking, she has spent the past several years refining her skills in creative development, production management, and storytelling.

As a producer, Hélène has an ability to bring projects from concept to completion, balancing the artistic and logistical demands of filmmaking. She has produced two compelling documentaries, demonstrating her talent for capturing real-life stories with authenticity and emotional depth. She also played a crucial role as a producer on Mercury Films’ feature-length indie film Greg’s Going to Rehab, overseeing everything from pre-production planning to on-set coordination and post-production workflows.

For the past three years, Hélène has been an essential force behind Mercury Films, ensuring productions run efficiently while maintaining a high standard of quality. Her expertise in budgeting, scheduling, and coordination has been instrumental in bringing ambitious projects to life.

Junior Editor and Production Coordinator

Ava Farrar graduated in 2024 from Washington University with a Bachelor’s in Film & Media Studies, specializing in production. In 2022, she further honed her craft while studying at The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) in Prague, where she wrote and directed a short film shot on 16mm film, deepening her appreciation for visual storytelling and cinematic technique.

Ava’s work has already garnered critical recognition. In 2024, she had three films showcased at the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, with her film Thicker Than Blood winning Best Student Film and earning a spot in the St. Louis International Film Festival. Her storytelling blends emotional depth with striking visuals, making her a rising voice in independent cinema.

Now a part of Mercury Films, Ava continues to explore bold and heartfelt narratives. She is thrilled to be bringing her short film Sweet Young Thing to life with Mercury alongside a team of passionate filmmakers.