Troubadour Films
Troubadour Films is a local Cleveland production company put together by Writer and Actor Lou DeNardo, and Director and Editor Nick Muhlbach.
Meet the Filmmakers
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Lou DeNardo
Executive Producer
Actor
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Lou DeNardo is a producer, writer, and actor. With a background in theater, Lou's writing has been inspired by the poetry of the stage. But his earliest work can be traced back to high-school when he wrote a superhero film, and a pair of plays. When he and Nick Muhlbach rekindled creatively after he was out of school, Lou started writing "A Shattered Diamond" which he starred in as well. During the production of "A Shattered Diamond" Lou and Nick decided to officially become Troubadour Films. After "A Shattered Diamond" wrapped with production Lou went on to write three feature films; one of which being "Calendar." As the duo finished up on their first feature, they started to enter into multiple competitions and created some of Lou's favorite projects: "Kiss Me When He's Gone," "With Me?" and "The 1:38 Train." In those shorts, Lou loved testing out his skills with writing for an era instead of a specific genre.
Suddenly, Lou found himself with Nick in their favorite restaurant making the final pre-production choices for "Calendar." During production, Lou would be on set watching and helping his cast and crew to make his words come to life. Then one day, Lou decided to audition for a show. He had missed the theater so much that he thought that just writing plays wasn't enough. Then a few months later he was performing in "Rent" at Cassidy Theater.
With all these experiences under his belt, Lou can't thank his friends and family enough. They are always there to support him in any endeavor and constantly show him the greatest love a man could ask for. Lou is always excited for the next step with Troubadour Films and beyond.
Nick Muhlbach
Executive Producer
Director
Video Editor
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Nick is honored to be a part of such a wonderful and incredible team. After finishing up feature film "A Shattered Diamond", Nick and Lou DeNardo began Troubadour Films, and haven't looked back since. Nick made his feature film debut along with Matthew Thomas on Star Wars Fan Film "Star Wars: The Rise of Ren". Also working with MDI Film, Nick is honored to be able to tell stories and work with the amazing people he gets to, and cannot wait for everyone to see the incredible hard work of the cast and crew.
Khutso Ledwaba
Producer
Assistant Director
Sound
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Khutso Ledwaba is a writer-director from South Africa and is currently living in Cleveland. Khutso has directed three short films and worked on a feature film as an Assistant director and as a sound recordist and PA on multiple other short films.
Andrew Chapman
Producer
Cinematographer
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deadeyeproductions22@gmail.com
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My name is Andrew Chapman I first fell in love being behind a camera in high school when asked to film High School Basketball games. After failing to find a job or career in Broadcasting. I struggled with what I wanted to do in life until a cousin who made short asked me to help out with a film since I knew almost every zombie film and television show that existed at the time. After that film I stayed in touch with 2 very important people who now I cant see life without. Those 2 introduced me to a fried who made his own films just for fun and the sake of doing cool and unique stuff.
I eventually pitched an Idea of a short film to all 3 of them in which they were in full support of but we couldn’t nail down an appropriate story for a short film so I said lets make it a feature. That feature “Scavengers” has gone on to win 48 awards and counting all over the world. Currently filming the sequel film and excited to see where things go in the future with the connections and friends that I made.
Karly Smith
Producer
Script Supervisor
Set Designer
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Karly Smith is an independent filmmaker with a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University. She has worked on short films, features, advertisements, and documentaries. On set she is happy to fill many roles including producer, script supervisor, set designer, grip, PA, and more.
Nate Muhlbach
Actor
Composer
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Nate Muhlbach is an Educator, Musician, and Actor in the Cleveland Area studying Special Education at Cleveland State University! He has acted and scored a variety of different short films, but Calendar is his first feature film role, and he is truly so excited for everyone to see the movie! He hopes to continue making movies and gaining experience in film as he teaches Special Education.
Talent Showcase
Talent who has worked with Troubadour Films on three or more projects.
Lucy Turner
Actress
Writer
Producer
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Originally from Nashville, TN Lucy Turner grew up a part of the theatre and film scene. In Cleveland, some of her previous shows include Ordinary People (Jeannine), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia),Neighborhood 3 (Daughter Type). This past year, Lucy was a part of the feature film ‘Chains of Redemption’ from White Midnight Productions. She also has her own film production company Burn to Shine Productions, and is in post-production for their next film, horror comedy 'Swipe Right’. You can also see Lucy this summer as Juliet in Chagrin Arts' production of Romeo & Juliet in August! www.LucyDTurner.com
Jessica Lynn Thomas
Makeup Artist
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Jessica Thomas is a professional freelance makeup artist based in the Cleveland Ohio area. Jessica’s interest in makeup artistry began while working at Mac Cosmetics as a freelance makeup artist. After getting her feet wet into the makeup industry, it became quite clear to Jessica that making everyone feel beautiful, empowered and inspired was her passion. In addition to makeup artistry, Jessica works with beauty brands as an educator in complexion matching and product creation for all skin tones and skin types.
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Jessica's work can be viewed in Vogue Australia Magazine, Instyle Magazine, on Lisa Leslie during NBA All-Stars 2022, Loretta Devine, Carol King, K Michelle, and Dennis Haysbert