Outside the Box [Office] and Pentameter Productions invite you and a guest to attend

A Special Theatrical Screening of

DIRECTORS' COMMENTARY

Written & Directed by Joel David Santner
Produced by Joel David Santner and David Flint

Followed by a Q&A with SCA Alumni Joel David Santner (Writer/ Director/Producer/Co-Editor/Actor),
Shelby Adair (Co-Producer/DP/Co-Editor) and Stephen Burchell (VFX), plus Actor Nicky Romaniello

7:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026

The Ray Stark Family Theater, SCA 108
George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex
900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

About Director's Commentary

When a heartbroken screenwriter seeks inspiration from his beloved DVD commentaries, he magically summons a trio of indie filmmakers into his life. Real or imagine, they direct him through a Hollywood fairy tale where he hopes to find everlasting love and success.

Provided courtesy of Pentameter Productions. Running time: 85 minutes.

Visit the Official Website: https://pentameterproductions.com/

About the Guests

JOEL DAVID SANTNER (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/Performer)

Joel is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker. He has written and directed numerous shorts and the feature film, Directors’ Commentary. Voodoo Macbeth (co-writer), is available on all streaming platforms. Joel’s scripts have been featured on The Black List and Red List and he’s a recipient of the Alfred P. Sloan Production Grant. He co-founded Pentameter Productions. Joel is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. www.pentameterproductions.com

SHELBY ADAIR (Director of Photography/Editor/Co-Producer)

Based in LA, Shelby is a USC Film and TV Production MFA graduate. She directed a short film that screened at the Cannes Film Festival (2018) and interned for Sony at the NAB show in Las Vegas (2018). She has shadowed the Fuller House cinematographer Gregg Heschong on the WB lot (2019). After her work as DP for Directors' Commentary (2022-23) she was DP for The Vindicator (2023). She is the recipient of the Sun Cinematography Award, an honor backed by the ASC to recognize rising female cinematographers. www.shelbyadair.com

NICKY ROMANIELLO (Actor)

Nicky is a New Yorker living in Los Angeles. Recent feature film/TV credits include: polyamorous romcom The Unicorn Diaries, horror comedy Fear Anonymous, and the Lauren and Seth Rogen produced She Sends Herself. Nicky is a classically trained actor who attended The "FAMEd" Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts. Nicky works extensively with LA immersive theatre company JFI Productions and NYC based Linked Dance Theatre. Those who have seen and praised his work include Rian Johnson, David S. Goyer, Ana Kendrick, Will Smith, Trent Reznor, Nicole Fosse, Billie Eilish, Janelle Monáe, and Alan Cumming.

About Outside the Box [Office]

Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. The series draws from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain.

To view the calendar of screenings, click here

To SUBSCRIBE to our MAILING LIST for upcoming free screenings and events, e-mail the word "Subscribe" to: aago@cinema.usc.edu

Check-In & Reservations

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/