Screen Writer- EP
Royce Buckingham
Royce Buckingham is the author of 15 fantasy and comedy novels with Big 5 publishers, including Random House, Penguin and St. Martin’s Press. His work includes two middle grade best sellers. His middle grade fantasy novel, Demonkeeper, has been translated into 11 languages. He is a WGA screenwriter who has optioned work and made a major Hollywood script sale. Royce is the father of two boys and writes unique stories that balance heart, humor, and cinematic energy.
Producer - DP
Derek Johnson
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Producer
Debra Pralle
Debra has been a professional actor for a looong time and a director/writer/producer/educator for over a decade. Her film directing debut Period, premiered at HollyShorts in LA, won Best Comedy at the 2021 Hip Hop Festival and has had over 7 million views on YouTube. She's directed several short films and the comedy pilot A Broad Abroad on location in Italy. She is the CEO of her production company, Open Window Entertainment
Director
Eryn Rea
Eryn Rea works as a multi-hyphenate in Atlanta, Georgia and Los Angeles, California. Her recent production slate includes 4 different episodic series. She has directed, written or co-written six produced short films, and wrapped her directorial debut for a feature film in 2024 which will premiere this year. Her background in acting, directing, casting, and production informs her collaborative process of storytelling.
Abbot
Nathaniel Buechler
1: What role did you play? I played Abbott, the sign spinning slacker turned well-meaning helicopter parent.
2: How did you hear about Balloon Boy? My agent Tim Crist sent me the project. I thought there was a great balance of absurdity and heart to it.
3: What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? I really enjoyed the final scene at the college. The silliness of working with someone whose face is covered in dots because they’re going to have to float away in post-production was easily overshadowed by what felt like a universal human struggle from the point of view of both parent and child.
4: What’s something cool you’ve done since production? You know, given the nature of this film, one of the coolest things I’ve done since filming was to dress up in full pirate garb with my son and make a habit of sailing into adventures on a makeshift pirate ship in our living room. I’m also doing some pretty awesome woodwork.
Cassie
Lily Davis
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1. What role did you play or what crew position did you fill? I play Cassie, Abbott’s close friend since childhood. She’s a power suit-wearing, confident, and successful young woman who has a big soft spot for Abbott.
2. How did you hear about Balloon Boy? I received an audition in my email inbox! Fun fact: I had to get up at 4 am to create the audition tape I sent in for this film…I slept through my alarm and almost completely missed the deadline. Thank goodness I didn’t!
3. What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? One day, when we were filming, I walked into the living room of the house we were shooting in to find our first AD playing a wooden flute. My first thought was “okay they’ve written in a new scene, interesting.” But no, it was just Carlos playing a flute. I now think all AD’s should play flutes on set.
4. What’s something cool you’ve done since production? I played Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Union Arts Center downtown Seattle. An incredible experience!
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1st Assistant Director
Carlos Salazarr
Q: How'd you hear about Balloon Boy?
A: I was asked by both Eryn Rae, talented Director, and Derek Johnson, amazing Director of Photography. The three of us have worked on several projects over the years and it was a resounding yes to be on set with my long-time film family and my dear friends. Eryn sent me the script and after reading it I was stoked to accept this journey with them.
Q: Favorite line during the shoot?
A: There were so many hilarious lines that I can't choose. I will, however, say that one of my favorite moments was being the off-camera eye line for the cast during the first scene of the shoot where I played the car crash that took the life of our beloved Balloon Mother. I loved playing flute for the crew every once in a while, too.
Q: What have you been working on lately?
A: I was only supposed to stay in Washington, having come from Los Angeles, for this and a few other commercial gigs lasting a few weeks and I am STILL in Seattle so I kind of moved here...? I love it up here, so I think that's kind of cool, but also, REALLY COLD!
Wishing the cast and crew all the best and thanks to everyone for their support!!
Constumes
Ron Leamon
Q: How did you hear about Balloon Boy?
A: Debra Pralle - I immediately said yes because of a back story and a floating balloon dog!
Q: what was a favorite line or memory from the shoot?
A: CASSIE -- This isn’t a real job. You’re just floating.
Q: What’s something cool you’ve done since production?
A: Co-designed with my life partner a feature starring Margaret Cho and Arden Cho. "Cheap AF".
2nd Assistant Director
Chloes Ciara
Q: How did you hear about Balloon Boy?
A: I was asked to join Balloon Boy by the Director of Photography, Derek Johnson - always doing fun and interesting projects.
Q: What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot?
A: 'Boolinfying' our wonderful actors who played Balloon Boy!
Q: BRAG TIME: What’s something cool you’ve done since production or have coming up in 2026?
A: This year, I play a role in two incredible features. A holiday romcom and a supernatural horror!
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Leon EMS
Gerald Price
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Balloon Boy High Schooler
Paul Maskill
Q: How did you hear about the role?
A: In high school, I was in several plays with our producer Deb Pralle’s son. When I heard about Balloon Boy, I jumped at the chance to audition!
Q: What is your favorite memory from the shoot?
A: Filming the scene where we watched a horror movie on the couch - It was so fun exploring the relationship between a father and his son, while also getting to eat a lot of popcorn.
Q: What’s something cool you’ve been doing since production?
A: In 2026, I will be entering my fourth semester at the University of Southern California, studying hard as an acting student, and continuing to pursue my love of film!
Balloon Boy Tween
Otto McReady
Q: How did you hear about Balloon Boy?
A: Ott’s been having fun acting and modeling since age 4 and heard about the project from his agent at TCM.
Q: What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot?
A: Otto’s favorite memory was hanging out with the younger and older versions of Robby, and he can’t wait to see himself as Balloon Boy!
Q: BRAG TIME: What’s something cool you’ve done since production or have coming up in 2026?
A: Ott’s currently filming a horror movie.
Abbots Mom
Michelle Stahl
Q: How did you hear about Balloon Boy?
A: From my agent, Melissa at BigFish Northwest
Q: What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot?
A: This story is amazing-it's whimsical and unusual and still made me cry! Plus, everyone on this team is awesome-kind, funny, talented AND professional!
Q: BRAG TIME: What’s something cool you’ve done since production or have coming up in 2026?
A: I recently wrapped on a short called "Eminence," and have a small role in the Tacoma based pilot for "Slice."
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Sunshine daycare teacher
Stacy Ejim
Q: How did you hear about Balloon Boy?
A: My agent, Sheena Jewell from TCM Models and Talent, recommended that I audition for this project. Before Ballon Boy, I mainly acted in commercials and modeled, so I was excited (though a bit nervous) to be part of a film and to tell a story.
Q: What’s your favorite memory about the shoot?
A: I don't want to reveal too much about my character, but my favorite memory while filming would have to be when I got to rock the long acrylic nails and face piercings. When I first started acting, I was always told that my facial piercings would be a hindrance or stop me from booking roles, so it was cool to rock my piercings and a full set. 💅 I also loved working with the cast and crew. Everyone was so kind and welcoming!
Q: BRAG TIME! What cool thing have you’ve been doing since production?
A: Since wrapping up filming, I have been auditioning for more projects and landed a role in the feature film "Hinter," directed by Britt Falardeau. It was an honor to be a part of two projects led by women!
Location Audio Mixer
Seth Thompson
1. What role did you play or what crew position did you fill? I was the production sound mixer.
2. How did you hear about Balloon Boy? I was brought on to the project by the Producer/DP, Derek Johnson.
3. What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? Probably the scene we shot outside when the blow-up doll gets hit by a car. That was hilarious to shoot.
4. What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? Along with my part-time job running the live stream for St. Mark’s Cathedral, I’ve been a part of an archival project focused on the life of William S. Burroughs. Mostly digitizing records and tapes containing interviews and conversations with Burroughs, and/or other people associated with him, such as Paul Bowles and Brion Gysin.
Preteen Balloon Boy
Orion LaBrasseur
1. What role did you play or what crew position did you fill? I was the production sound mixer.
2. How did you hear about Balloon Boy? I was brought on to the project by the Producer/DP, Derek Johnson.
3. What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? Probably the scene we shot outside when the blow-up doll gets hit by a car. That was hilarious to shoot.
4. What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? Along with my part-time job running the live stream for St. Mark’s Cathedral, I’ve been a part of an archival project focused on the life of William S. Burroughs. Mostly digitizing records and tapes containing interviews and conversations with Burroughs, and/or other people associated with him, such as Paul Bowles and Brion Gysin.
HMU
Meagan Naser LaBrasseur
1: what role did you play or what crew position did you fill? I was HMU and also stage mom to the littlest balloon.
2: how did you hear about Balloon Boy? Ummm great question. I actually don't remember if I saw the casting call for little balloon boy or if you contacted me to do HMU first. It was one of those things!
3: what was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? Favorite memory was a toss up. It was so fun to watch my little kiddo having so much fun on his first film shoot with a bunch of people I know and love. Watching him really latch on to Debra was especially cute and everyone was so sweet and supportive of him which filled my heart. But also, watching Kat march a blow up doll across the street of a college campus was pretty unbeatable.
4: what’s something cool you’ve done since production? Favorite memory was a toss up. It was so fun to watch my little kiddo having so much fun on his first film shoot with a bunch of people I know and love. Watching him really latch on to Debra was especially cute and everyone was so sweet and supportive of him which filled my heart. But also, watching (oh no, I can't think of her name! Ahhhh please fill it in here and don't tell anyone about this parenthetical) march a blow up doll across the street of a college campus was pretty unbeatable.
Production Assistant/ Crafty
Terri Davis
1: what role did you play or what crew position did you fill?
Production Assistant/ Crafty
2: how did you hear about Balloon Boy? From the esteemed Derek Johnson
3: what was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? Oh, so many!! “Can someone turn off the lizard?” “Do you know where the tournament is?” 😆 And the scene where I “ran dolly over with my Jeep”! But you might not want to share a spoiler- 🤣
4: what’s something cool you’ve done since production? I’ve been mostly working my corporate gigs (I’m a Technical Talent AcquisitionManager by day)- which isn’t nearly as fun as being on set, but always looking for great production projects to join when my schedule allows.
Production Designer
Oscar Lundgren
1: What role did you play or what crew position did you fill? Production Designer
2: How did you hear about Balloon Boy? I was asked to “step in” by a fellow production designer. I have worked with Derek Johnson on other projects, so it was an easy “yes!” , and the concept sealed the deal.
3: What was a favorite line or memory from the shoot? Favorite memory is being a part of the creative “moments” on a small crew to get the best out of each other. That, and Carlos playing the flute between takes.
4: What’s something cool you’ve done since production? I spent most of this past winter surfing in El Salvador and Hawaii. Not very creative but just as good for the soul.
Gaffer
Raymond Power
: what role did you play or what crew position did you fill?
I was the Gaffer, also known as the Chief Lighting Technician, responsible for designing and executing the lighting with our DP Derek Johnson. To support the visual tone of the film.
2: how did you hear about Balloon Boy?
My good friend and collaborator Derek Johnson brought my partner and me onto Balloon Boy. We’ve worked together before, and it’s always a great experience. Derek has been a big factor in my career by showing me the ropes and helping me make contacts in our industry.
3: what was a favorite line or memory from the shoot?
One of my favorite memories was racing to tent the windows to create a nighttime look. We were tight on time, but I told the team I could get it done quickly, safely, and efficiently and delivered. It felt great to come through under pressure. Beyond that, the entire shoot was incredible. Everyone collaborated well, and it truly felt like gaining another film family.
4: what’s something cool you’ve done since production?
Since then, I’ve been busy gaffing a range of projects, including finishing a couple of feature films. I also worked with Derek on a shoot out on Whidbey Island, which was beautiful. Alongside crew work, I’m continuing to act and recently wrapped a union feature that will be coming out soon. Life stays full I’m a father of five so balancing everything can be a challenge, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.
Contact
Please contact our production team for questions regarding Balloon Boy Short film or IP development.